Cardinals’ Willson Contreras Ignites Bench Clearing Incident After HBP

A bench-clearing incident unfolded during Friday’s game between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres.

While much of the baseball world has been focused on the approaching trade deadline, there was still plenty of drama on the field. In the second inning, Padres starter Nick Pivetta hit Cardinals star Willson Contreras with a 94 mph fastball in the back, which set off an exchange of words. As Contreras made his way to first base, he shouted at Pivetta, who responded in kind. Padres catcher Elias Diaz stepped in to separate the two, especially as Pivetta had moved closer to the plate to get a new ball from the umpire.                                         

Both teams’ benches cleared, and the bullpens soon followed, though the confrontation was relatively mild with no physical altercation. After a brief discussion, the umpires issued warnings to both teams for the remainder of the game.

Contreras would later score in the inning, and the Cardinals went on to win the game 3-0.

The reason behind Contreras’ reaction remains unclear, though it’s likely a mix of frustration, given that he’s been hit by pitches more than anyone else in the league this season. In the end, the altercation had no lasting impact, as St. Louis secured the victory.