Cubs’ Happ hits Cardinals’ Contreras with follow-through, then gets hit by pitch

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ hit St. Louis catcher Willson Contreras within the head with an extended follow-through on a swing, then was quickly hit himself by a pitch from Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas.

Mikolas and Cardinals supervisor Oliver Marmol had been ejected within the first-inning dustup between the longtime rivals.

Contreras was reduce badly and tumbled down. After a coach utilized a towel to his head, Contreras walked off the sphere.

Andrew Knizner took over behind the plate, and Mikolas brushed again Happ with the primary pitch when play resumed to run the depend to 3-1. With the subsequent pitch, Mikolas hit Happ within the rear.

Mikolas acted surprised by the umpires’ determination. He stopped whereas strolling off and appeared to gesture and name over to the Cubs dugout, apparently signaling them to come back out on the sphere.

Marmol argued the ejection and in addition was despatched to the clubhouse.

Dakota Hudson got here in to pitch for St. Louis. He gave up a single, walked two, and was touched for a ground-rule double. Chicago led 3-0.