The incident occurred during the Cardinals’ 7-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Cabrera entered the contest in the eighth inning, getting two outs to end the frame. Marmol walked Cabrera in the game to end things in the ninth, and that’s when things started to go downhill. Cabrera allowed two straight singles to open the ninth. With the Cardinals up by four runs, Marmol decided to make a pitching change to secure the win. As Marmol approached the mound, Cabrera hit the ball to the ground. Marmol caught the ball after it bounced, but grabbed Cabrera before he could get off the field. The two shared a brief exchange before Cabrera exited the contest. Marmol addressed the situation after the game, saying Cabrera was disappointed with his recent performance. Marmol downplayed the controversy, saying:[Cabrera will] be well”. After leaving the game, Cabrera spoke with Cardinals legend Albert Pujols in the dugout. Marmol was asked about that after the game and said the Cardinals have a good group of veteran players who “will handle it.” It was a strong response from Marmol, who walked a fine line between scolding Cabrera and standing up for his pitcher. Marmol even attested to Cabrera’s attitude after the game, saying, “The kid’s a competitor, he wants to be in there. You can’t blame him for that.” Cabrera, 25, has a 2.60 ERA over 34 2/3 innings. With Cabrera out, Ryan Helsley closed things out without allowing a run. The Cardinals won the game 7-3. The win moves the Cardinals to 49-44 on the season. They sit two games back of the Milwaukee Brewers for the division lead and are in good position to secure a wild-card spot in the National League. Genesis Cabrera and Oliver Marmol had words when Cabrera angrily hit a ground ball. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
