CINCINNATI – It took two games, one bruise, and one dramatic flex for friction to ignite between the Cardinals and Reds in a skirmish that recalled a rivalry from a decade ago.
In the fourth inning of a game the Reds won 9-6, the dugouts and bullpens both cleared for a fracas around home plate that led to one ejection and could mean more suspensions as Major League Baseball considers contact players made, shoves they administered and COVID-19 protocols they shattered.
The Cardinals narrowed the score in the top of the ninth inning when third baseman Nolan Arenado hit his first home run with his new team. Arenado’s two-run shot to the left-field seats came with two outs and helped to tidy a game that left welts.
