CINCINNATI – The Reds and Cardinals have fought a few times over the years and renewed that part of their rivalry with a long bank clearing fight in Saturday’s fourth round.
Cincinnati was leading, 6-2, when pitcher Jake Woodford punched Nick Castellanos with a quick ball in the shoulder. Castellanos showed his discontent to Woodford and the Cardinals receiver, Yadier Molina, taking the ball and offering it to the pitcher.
Later in the inning with Mike Moustakas hitting, Woodford launched a wild shot that marked Castellanos from third base with a header. Woodford was covering the plate when the two joined. Castellanos stood up and flexed over Woodford, which led Molina to defend his teammate.
This emptied the shelters and bullpens.
The calamity was easing with the two teams returning to their sides when the donnybrook rekindled on the outside field after Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks pushed the Reds’ shortstop Eugenio Suárez. Participants fell on the grass while Castellanos and Molina remained on the field talking.
Castellanos was the only player kicked out of the game. He was replaced by Aristides Aquino at the top of the fifth.
On Thursday, Castellanos trotted and waved his baton after hitting an opening day home run against Cards, with Cincinnati losing by six races.
The two teams fought infamously in 2010. Molina was in the middle of it when he and Brandon Phillips exchanged words on the home plate before a Reds’ second base hit.