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Benches Clear in Cubs' Win Over Cardinals After Heated Exchange

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Douglas Santo | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The Chicago Cubs secured a 3-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday afternoon to split a four-game series. However, the ending of the game involved a heated exchange with both teams' benches clearing.

After allowing a leadoff double while leading 3-0 in the bottom of the ninth inning, in a 1-2 count, Cubs pitcher Daniel Palencia hit Willson Contreras with a high fastball.

Contreras had words for Palencia as he walked to first base, which also brought the tying run to the plate with no outs. Palencia would go on to strike out the next three batters to secure the win for the Cubs.

As he walked off the mound celebrating, Palencia shouted something in the direction of Contreras, which led to a heated exchange and the benches for each team clearing.

Daniel Palencia and Willson Contreras exchange words after the final out, leading to the benches clearing. pic.twitter.com/vI6BIoNZwD
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) June 26, 2025

Despite the flair for the dramatic, both teams returned to their respective dugouts rather quickly. After the game, Palencia made it clear he had no intention of hitting Contreras.

“It was high intensity,” Palencia told reporters in St. Louis after the game. “I was very hyped. That’s part of the game. Nothing was intentional. I don’t want to hit that guy. I’ve been watching that guy since I was a kid. I feel proud for him, what he’s doing for the game. The moment was intense, close game. I think it was just that.”

Contreras also apologized for his actions after the game.

“My reaction was bad," Contreras told the media. "I apologize to the Chicago Cubs for the way I reacted … I don’t want to fight them.”

Willson Contreras says he reacted in the moment to being hit again and told pitcher to “throw strikes.”

“My reaction was bad. I apologize to the Chicago Cubs for the way I reacted. … I don’t want to fight them.” https://t.co/AC82EWT3KX
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) June 26, 2025

This wasn't the first time Contreras has been caught in the middle of an altercation this season. A couple of weeks ago, against the Milwaukee Brewers, Contreras was involved in a collision at first base that left a sour taste for Brewers' players.

Later in that game, Brewers' pitcher Jose Quintana hit Contreras with a pitch in response. However, Contreras got the last laugh in that game as he homered in his next at-bat in the Cardinals' 8-5 win.

Contreras has always had a flair for the dramatic, and after spending seven seasons with the Cubs before signing with the Cardinals, emotions were high on Thursday. However, the Cubs got the final say this time as Palencia walked off the mound with a victory for his squad.

The Cubs and Cardinals will meet again in eight days, this time at Wrigley Field on July 4.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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