The Indians, riding a 20-game winning streak, led 4-1 at Progressive Field when Tigers starting pitcher Buck Farmer walked Jay Bruce to load the bases in the bottom of the third inning.
The Tigers were already upset over a called third strike on Jeimer Candelario in the top of the inning. After the walk to Bruce, McCann turned and directly confronted Wolcott. Ausmus had come out to talk to Farmer when McCann got tossed; shortly after Ausmus engaged Wolcott, the umpire ejected him, too.
Utilityman John Hicks replaced McCann behind the plate. The next pitch from Farmer, a 91-mph fastball that sailed a bit inside, was not caught by Hicks and struck Wolcott, 31, in the shoulder.
Hicks did not turn to check on Wolcott, as is often custom with catchers and umps, and instead jogged immediately to confer with Farmer, as if to indicate they were confused about signs.
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