BRADENTON, Fla. — A quick pitch by Kevin Slowey sparked benches to empty in a rare testy spring training game.

Both teams rushed onto the field before the bottom of the fifth inning of the Pittsburgh’s 18-4 rout of Philadelphia on Monday when Phillies first base coach Juan Samuel and Pirates third base coach Rick Sofield began yelling at each other. Samuel and Sofield were ejected.

In a year when baseball is implementing new rules to speed the pace of games, the disagreement stemmed from when Slowey threw a quick pitch to Sean Rodriguez in the fourth inning. As players ran onto the field during the altercation, Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli wrestled Rodriguez away from the scrum.

“It surprises me to be that upset, and challenging somebody to a physical altercation hardly seems like the best way to resolve your frustrations,” Slowey said. “I was kind of taken by surprise at his animosity after his at-bat. I know the kind of guy that he purports to be. That surprised me that that would be his choice of words and reaction. I guess I understand the frustration of a singular failure. It’s a game of failures. But to react that way to me was very surprising.”

Rodriguez and Sofield declined to comment.

“It gets late in the spring and guys’ patience levels might be a little bit short,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “Everybody just needs to move past it.”

Slowey stayed in the game and gave up four runs in the fifth.

In the sixth inning, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle was ejected by plate umpire Chad Fairchild for arguing a called strike to Andrew Lambo.

Pedro Alvarez homered twice, including a grand slam. Josh Harrison, Starling Marte, Tony Sanchez and Pedro Florimon also connected for the Pirates, who hit six home runs. Alvarez went 2 for 4 with three runs and six RBIs.

Josh Harrison, Starling Marte, Tony Sanchez and Pedro Florimon also homered for the Pirates.

Pirates closer Mark Melancon pitched the first inning, as the Pirates concentrated on giving their relief pitchers some work. Melancon gave up a one-out single to Freddy Galvis, then struck out Cord Phelps and Ryan Howard on called third strikes.

Pirates outfielder Jaff Decker tested his strained left calf by taking some dry swings. He was injured Sunday while running out of the batter’s box. “I felt a twinge when it happened, but it feels pretty good today,” Decker said. Decker is vying with Andrew Lambo for the final bench job. ... GM Neal Huntington indicated C Chris Stewart will begin the season on the disabled list due to a sore hamstring.