Benches clear in Braves-Marlins game after Ronald Acuna hit by pitch

Atlanta Braves rookie Ronald Acuna Jr., who had homered in five straight games -- the last three against the Marlins -- was hit by the first pitch from Miami starter Jose Urena Wednesday night, leading to a benches-clearing scuffle.

Acuna was hit near his left elbow and remained on the ground a few minutes as players from both sides shouted at one another, pushing and shoving.

Order appeared to be restored until Acuna walked near the mound on his path to first base, took off a protective wrap and tossed it toward the mound. That led to players again spilling out of both dugouts and bullpens. No punches were thrown.

Acuna eventually was able to get up and walk down to first base to run the bases. But in the top of the second inning, Acuna, who had been flexing his left arm as he took his position in left field, signaled to the bench and came out of the game. There was no immediate word on his possible injury.

Eileser Hernandez replaced Urena.

Braves manager Brian Snitker was furious, as it initially appeared Urena was not going to be ejected. But umpires tossed the righthander -- who came into the night with a 3-12 record -- out of the game after further discussion. Snitker was also then ejected.

Acuna, 20, is the youngest player in major league history to homer in five straight games, and had hit leadoff home runs in three straight games, all against the Marlins.

Urena is the fourth starting pitcher in the live ball era to hit the only batter he faced in a game, according to ESPN Stats & Information. (Bob Shaw in 1965, Scott Elarton in 2001 and John Lackey in 2009 were the first three). All four were ejected from the game.

The Associated Press was used in this report.