Reds-Cubs game delayed after benches clear

CINCINNATI (AP) Both benches and bullpens emptied in the middle of the ninth inning of Chicago's game against Cincinnati on Thursday after Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo apparently took exception to the Reds' inside pitches.

Rizzo, who was hit by Homer Bailey's pitch in the first inning, seemed to have words with somebody in the Reds dugout and approached it while taking his position for the bottom of the ninth. Chicago's John Baker and Cincinnati's Zack Cozart also were hit by pitches, and Reds left-hander Aroldis Chapman threw back-to-back inside pitches to Nate Schierholtz that reached the backstop in the top of the ninth.

The two teams gathered in foul territory down the first-base line, but no punches appeared to be thrown and nobody was ejected.