Benches Clear in Padres vs Cardinals After Hit By Pitch, Shouting Match

Jul 8, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Pivetta (27) delivers during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Benches cleared in Friday’s St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Diego Padres game in the bottom of the second inning.

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Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras was hit on the arm by a 93.7 mph fastball from Padres starter Nick Pivetta. Contreras immediately began shouting at Pivetta, and was being held back by Padres catcher Elias Diaz as he walked down to first base.

Upon getting hit for the 15th time, #STLCards 1B Willson Contreras had words with #Padres RHP Nick Pavetta. Ultimately, both benches emptied onto the field.

Contreras was hit twice by #Padres pitches last season -- one of them on the left hand that knocked him out of play. pic.twitter.com/twLRBE3aFI

— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) July 25, 2025

Both benches cleared in addition to both bullpens emptying. The umpires issued warnings to each team, much to the dismay of Pivetta, who shouted at the umpires following the decision.

This was the 15th time that Contreras has been hit by a pitch this season, and as Cardinals insider John Denton reported, the first baseman was hit by Padres pitchers twice last season.

Willson Contreras just got hit by a pitch, exchanged some words with the San Diego pitcher Pvetta, then both dugouts cleared, so did the bullpens. When the dust settled, we are back to baseball at Busch. pic.twitter.com/j4u5XelCjd

— Rod Smith (@RodKRCG13) July 25, 2025

Another notable time that benches have cleared during a Padres game this season came last month against the Los Angeles Dodgers when a 93 mph fastball found its way to superstar Fernando Tatis Jr.'s wrist. The hit occurred after tensions had been brewing all throughout the seven games the divisional rivals played against each other in 11 days

During that stretch leading up to the benches unloading, Tatis was hit three times. Overall, six batters were hit eight total times by errant baseballs.

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The skirmish during the series finale led to one-game suspensions handed to manager Mike Shildt and Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts. Friars closer Robert Suarez was given a three-game suspension for hitting superstar Shohei Ohtani after the scuffle had cleared, but upon appeal, the suspension was lowered to just two games.

The initial scuffle on Friday won't lead to any suspensions, but it remains to be seen if things escalate as the game and series goes on.

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