Controversy in the Game: Contreras Stars in Incidents in the Cardinals’ Victory
In a drama-filled encounter, first baseman Willson Contreras was ejected and starred in several incidents during the St. Louis Cardinals’ 7-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Monday night’s game was marked by tension and questionable umpiring decisions. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol was also ejected after a heated argument with the umpires following a called strike in the seventh inning.Marmol backed his player, adding that they would analyze the situation to clarify what happened. Team manager Jordan Baker reported that Contreras and Marmol were ejected for allegedly using vulgar language towards the head referee, Derek Thomas. Contreras, after being struck out, began walking towards the dugout. Umpire Thomas ejected him and Marmol tried to restrain Contreras, who seemed to be heading towards the umpire. Baker indicated that there was contact. After the ejection, Contreras threw his bat towards first base umpire Stu Scheurwater, but accidentally hit Cardinals batting coach Brant Brown in the arm.“I didn’t understand why I was ejected. I didn’t argue any pitches. I just said: ‘Sing the pitches from both sides because they’re failing us.’ Then, I turned around. The next thing I hear is that I’m ejected. There’s no reason for that. Apparently, he heard something I said. I didn’t say that.”
Willson Contreras
Contreras, who went 1-4 with two RBIs, also threw chewing gum onto the field upon reaching the dugout. The Cardinals secured the victory thanks to a solo home run by Alec Burleson with two outs in the ninth inning.“I apologized to him. I wasn’t looking back. I just threw my bat.”
Willson Contreras
