Contreras hits 421-ft homer, then ejected, Red Sox win

In an emotional and controversial game at Fenway Park on Monday, Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras channeled his grief for his earthquake-ravaged homeland into a powerful home run, only to be ejected shortly afterward for a gesture umpires deemed disrespectful. The Red Sox defeated the Washington Nationals 6-3.

Contreras, a native of Venezuela, crushed a 421-foot, three-run homer in the first inning. After flipping his bat, he shouted "Venezuela" toward the Boston dugout while rounding the bases. Upon returning to the bench, the 34-year-old was overcome with emotion, breaking down in tears as teammates and coaches comforted him. The player has been actively raising funds for relief efforts after a pair of devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela last week, with a reported death toll surpassing 1,700.

"It's not easy to hide. It's not easy just to show up and play with everything that is going on in my country," Contreras said after the game. "I feel like I could be there helping people and I can't do that. The homer just represents the only thing that I can do for Venezuela right now, physically."

His night took a dramatic turn in the second inning. After first base...