Central STL News

ST. LOUIS -- A confrontation between Willson Contreras and Nick Pivetta led to the benches clearing during the Cardinals' 3-0 win over the Padres at Busch Stadium on Friday night. The incident occurred after Contreras was hit by a fastball from Pivetta.

The exchange resulted in warnings for both teams but no further action. In the bottom of the second inning, Pivetta's 93.7 mph fastball struck Contreras on his elbow guard, marking the 15th time this season he has been hit by a pitch. As Contreras expressed his frustration, he and Pivetta exchanged words, prompting involvement from other players.

Pivetta later commented on the situation: “I don’t hit very many guys,” he said. “For him to stare at me and, I feel like, from my side, try to intimidate me … I’m not going to back down.”

Padres manager Mike Shildt acknowledged the emotions involved: “If you get hit, you're not going to feel good about it,” he said. He emphasized that while there was no intent behind the pitch, reactions were understandable.

The managers had a brief discussion with umpires after the incident before warnings were issued. Pivetta voiced his disagreement with crew chief Alfonso Márquez regarding the necessity of these warnings.

Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn downplayed the altercation: “I was moreso laughing because I knew that nothing was going to come of it,” he told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Despite being warned, Pivetta continued pitching aggressively and completed 6 1/3 innings allowing three runs. Meanwhile, Contreras excelled offensively with two hits and an RBI groundout scored by Yohel Pozo.

Both teams are competing for a National League Wild Card spot as they continue their series this weekend in St. Louis and next weekend in San Diego.