What started as an innocuous third-strike call turned into full-on chaos. In the bottom of the seventh inning against the Pirates, Cardinals slugger Willson Contreras was rung up on an 0-2 pitch that landed squarely in the strike zone–its strike probability clocked at a solid 87.5%.
Next thing you know, umpire Derek Thomas is ejecting Contreras in a flash. Contreras fiercely denied arguing the call, insisting he simply asked for fairness across the board:
“All I said was, ‘Call those pitches on both sides’ Then … I turned around. The next thing I hear, he threw me out.”
Even Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol was shown the door shortly thereafter, accused of using vulgar language during the blow-up.
Ump Hate Goes Wild–Bat Toss Hits Own Coach, Gum Flies Everywhere
If you thought it stopped there, you’d be wrong. In the melee, Contreras tossed his bat; intended at an umpire but landing on his own hitting coach, Brant Brown. Suddenly, the dugout looked like a battlefield.
And then: bubble gum everywhere. Contreras, or at least someone in the dugout, launched a tub of Hi-Chew gum onto the field, leaving bat boys scrambling to clean up scattered candy.
What a scene.
MLB to Review, Cardinals Somehow Still Win
Crew chief Jordan Baker confirmed that Contreras did make contact with an umpire–a big no-no that will likely draw MLB’s punishment. Though Contreras claims innocence, it won’t stop the league from reviewing the video.
“I apologized to him [Brown],” Contreras said. “I wasn’t looking back. I just threw my bat back.”
Meanwhile, the Cardinals still pulled out the win. In the ninth inning, Alec Burleson delivered a walk-off solo blast with two outs; sealing a dramatic 7-6 victory. Contreras earlier contributed two RBIs before things went ballistic.
As for St. Louis’s playoff hopes? This emotional win gives them a little spark; even if it came wrapped in controversy.
This isn’t Contreras’s first rodeo when it comes to on-field theatrics. Back in his Cubs days, he was ejected and suspended for a similar incident; throwing a mask that hit an umpire in the shins.
Also, Contreras isn’t alone in the bat-throwing hall of fame. Mariners outfielder Victor Robles got a 10-game suspension not long ago for launching a bat at a pitcher–yet continued playing during his appeal.
Add it all up, and this is mission “Maximum Fire” from a player who clearly wears his emotions on his sleeve.
Fans, Media, and the Cardinals’ Camp Weigh In
Teammates and coaches scrambled to both contain the moment and shield Contreras from himself. Marmol, also ejected, defended his player. “He wasn’t arguing that pitch specifically … I believe him,” Marmol said after the game.
Cardinals broadcasters captured the vibe best: one exclaimed, “Willson was hot … then Mount Vesuvius erupted.”Another chimed in, “Frustration understood, but not this level of chaos.”
Media reaction has been quick and blunt. At RedbirdRants, one writer blasted, “Contreras’ unhinged charge at the umpire has no place in Cardinals baseball,” warning that the behavior may lead to suspension and tarnish his reputation as a locker-room leader.
Fans, too, were shocked. One viewer posted a clip with the caption: “Things just got very ugly at Busch Stadium … then Contreras threw a bucket of Hi‑Chew.” And on socials, reactions ranged from bewildered amusement to outright condemnation.
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