MLB: Chicago Cubs at Detroit Tigers MLB: Chicago Cubs at Detroit Tigers Jun 7, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Daniel Palencia (48) pitches in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs receive apology from Cardinals star for behavior during 9th inning

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 9:31 AM ET

The St. Louis Cardinals expressed some frustration on Thursday as the team blew a golden opportunity to eat into the Chicago Cubs‘ lead in the NL Central this week. The Cardinals won their first two games of a four-game series against the Cubs at Busch Stadium, but lost the final two games.

Down 3-0 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson hit a lead-off double. Cubs relief pitcher Daniel Palencia hit Willson Contreras in the next at-bat.

Willson Contreras confronted the Chicago Cubs

Conteras chose to run his month after being hit, telling Palencia to throw strikes, and the pitcher promptly listened to the request, striking out the next three batters to retire the side and give the Cubs a victory over the Cardinals in front of a crowd of 32,793 fans.

Following the third out, Contreras confronted Palencia, causing the benches on both sides to clear.

Per video from Marquee Sports Network:

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

An apology from the St. Louis Cardinals star

MLB: Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals Cubs relief pitcher Daniel Palencia (48) and St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras (40) exchange words after Contreras was hit by a pitch during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Postgame, Contreras told reporters he didn’t want to find Chicago and apologized for his behavior.

“My reaction was bad,” Contreras said via Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “I apologize to the Chicago Cubs for the way I reacted. … I don’t want to fight them.”

Palencia told reporters he didn’t mean to hit Contreras.

“I was pretty hype … I don’t want to hit that guy,” Palencia said. “I’ve been watching that guy since I was a kid.”

With the win, the Cubs improved to 48-33 before their three-game series on the road against the Houston Astros beginning on Friday. Chicago enjoys a three-game lead on the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL Central.

MLB: Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs MLB: Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs May 31, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Daniel Palencia (48) reacts after the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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