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Nolan Arenado Suspended 2 Games for Role in Mets-Cardinals Brawl

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVApril 28, 2022

ST LOUIS, MO - APRIL 27: Paul Goldschmidt #46 of the St. Louis Cardinals attempts to restrain Tomas Nido #3 of the New York Mets after the benches cleared in the eighth inning at Busch Stadium on April 27, 2022 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the New York Mets 10-5 Wednesday, but the victory came at a cost.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers reported third baseman Nolan Arenado was suspended two games and relief pitcher Genesis Cabrera was suspended one game for their roles in a benches-clearing brawl that overshadowed the game.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post noted those weren't the only punishments:

Joel Sherman @Joelsherman1

MLB gave a 2-game suspension to Nolan Arenado and a 1-game suspension to Genesis Cabrera for their involvement in the Cardinals-Mets hostilities. Yoan Lopez and Taijuan Walker of the Mets received fines, as did Jack Flaherty of the Cardinals.

The Associated Press added context to the brawl, noting the Cardinals hit three Mets batters during Tuesday's game. Cabrera hit J.D. Davis in the top of the eighth inning of Wednesday's contest, which marked a major league-leading 19 hit-by-pitches for New York batters.

Mets reliever Yoan Lopez then threw a pitch near Arenado's head in the bottom of the eighth, and the third baseman started yelling at the pitcher before the benches and bullpens cleared onto the field.

"When you come up top like that and jeopardize someone's career and life, yeah, I take exception to that," Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. "And I don't think anyone in the big leagues appreciates getting thrown up top."

Arenado and Cardinals first base coach Stubby Clapp, who appeared to tackle Pete Alonso of the Mets, were ejected.

"Genesis Cabrera grabbed me by the back of the collar and then he just ripped down and then the coach just kind of jumped on me and I thought that was kind of cheap going from behind," Alonso said. "I mean, if you want to hold me back, if you want to restrain me, go at me like a man."

As for the actual game, the Cardinals scored five of their 10 runs in a fourth-inning rally that included an RBI double from Tommy Edman and a two-RBI triple from Dylan Carlson.

Arenado went 3-for-3 with three RBI and one run while helping St. Louis snap a three-game losing streak.

It was the final matchup of a three-game set, and the two teams play four straight against each other from May 16-19.