Willson Contreras throws helmet at Cade Cavalli after 'sit down boy' comment starts Red Sox-Nationals fight

The Red Sox are surging after a brutal start to the season, but Willson Contreras has been hitting all season long.

The former Cubs and Cardinals slugger has been Boston's most consistent bat by a wide margin, allowing the Red Sox to hang around the postseason picture even if only at a distance.

On Tuesday night, he took a break from hitting with his bat and picked up his helmet instead.

Here's a look at the skirmish between Contreras and Nationals starter Cade Cavalli at Fenway Park.

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Willson Contreras-Cade Cavalli fight

Contreras got into it with Cavalli after striking out looking, sparking a benches-clearing incident between the Red Sox and Nationals.

Cavalli appeared to stare down Contreras after the strikeout and seemed to say a few words toward the Red Sox first baseman. While it isn't clear what was said, Contreras took exception and was held back by Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz before breaking free and attempting to chase down Cavalli.

Willson Contreras was not a fan of Cade Cavalli's words and the benches clear pic.twitter.com/lu8q65w00M

Contreras took off his batting helmet and threw it in the direction of Cavalli, which could prompt a suspension. Contreras was ejected along with Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy, Nationals starter Miles Mikolas and Red Sox OF Nate Eaton. Cavalli was not ejected.

Contreras has been at the center of a handful of dust-ups recently; he was ejected Monday for sarcastically tapping his helmet as though he were challenging an umpire's call. 

What did Cade Cavalli say to Willson Contreras?

Cavalli appeared to say, "Sit down, boy," to Contreras before the Red Sox first baseman became upset.

Cavalli was not ejected, so umpires either didn't hear anything ejectionable or didn't hear what the Nationals starter said at all in the moment.