On Tuesday night, Cade Cavalli struck out 13 Red Sox and ignited a benches clearing brawl in the 4th inning.

After striking out Wilson Contreras in the 4th inning to get the second out, Cavalli yells “Sit down boy” causing Contreras to say “What did you say to me” before charging the mound. Contreras threw his helmet at Cavalli but missed and hit Andres Chaparro on the shoulder. Both players were held back and Mikolas did throw a punch at Contreras before Nate Eaton of the Red Sox engaged in a wrestling match with him. At the end of the brawl, Red Sox manager Chad Tracy, Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton, and Nationals pitcher Miles Mikolas were ejected. After the inning the Nats went on an 8-0 run to win the game 8-1. The next day the Nats won 10-2. On Thursday, Cade Cavalli and Wilson Contreras were suspended 7 games, Miles Mikolas was suspended 5 games, and Nate Eaton 3 games.

Will this be a kick starter for a good run for the Nats with a 9 game home stand against the Pirates who are just being the Nats in the wildcard race, a struggling Astros team and a depleted Yankees team? While they may not make the playoffs the Nationals are showing a lot of fight this season.