A-Rod hit by Dempster pitch in first at-bat against Red Sox (VIDEO)

Alex Rodriguez was hit by a Ryan Dempster pitch in his first at-bat against Boston Sunday night, prompting both the Yankees and Red Sox players to clear the benches and bullpens in a tense scene at at Fenway Park.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi ran onto the field during the nationally-televised game, threw his cap to the ground and was ejected. He was tossed during a heated argument after plate umpire Brian O'Nora warned both teams against further trouble. Girardi loudly insisted to O'Nora that Dempster intentionally took aim at A-Rod two times before finally nailing him on a third attempt.

Dempster's fastball hit Rodriguez in the second inning with a 3-0 pitch. Dempster threw his first pitch of the inning behind the legs of Rodriguez, missed inside with the next two pitches and then threw a fastball that glanced off A-Rod's elbow pad and deflected into his back setting off an explosion of cheers by the Sox faithful.

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Rodriguez was recently suspended 211 games by Major League Baseball in a drug case. He is appealing and allowed to play until there is a decision.