Reds’ Nick Castellanos ejected amid bench-clearing brawl after passionate exchange at home plate

Castellanos was hit by a pitch earlier in the inning.

Nick Castellanos got his revenge on Jake Woodford, but it came with a price. In the fourth inning of the Cincinnati Reds Saturday afternoon matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals, benches cleared after right fielder Castellanos and pitcher Woodford had an altercation at home plate.

The incident occurred after St. Louis pitcher Woodford overthrew catcher Yadier Molina at the plate, letting Castellanos score on a wild pitch to widen the Reds lead to 7-2. Castellanos then got up in Woodford’s face, which caused Molina to jump to his pitcher’s aid as the benches cleared between the two teams.

Earlier in the fourth inning, Castellanos was hit by a pitch from Woodford, putting him on base for the eventual altercation at home plate.

It’s clear the hit by pitch moment was still on Castellanos’ mind as he crossed home plate on the wild pitch, which prompted the passionate reaction as he stood over Woodford.

After the dust settled, Castellanos was ejected from the game for unsportsmanlike conduct, likely due to the MLB’s health and safety protocols related to COVID-19.

It’s hard to fault Castellanos for his passionate reaction here, as Woodford clearly got his comeuppance for the wild pitch earlier in the inning by allowing the Reds outfielder to score on an overthrown ball. The incident likely won’t endear Castellanos to the St. Louis fanbase, however.

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