Overview

• A benches-clearing incident unfolded in the ninth inning when Contreras confronted Palencia after being hit by a 100.5 mph fastball that brought the tying run to the plate.
• Contreras apologized for his heated response and said his previous broken bones influenced his reaction.
• Palencia insisted the hit-by-pitch was unintentional and described the exchange as the heat of a close game.
• He then struck out the next three batters to secure his eighth save of the season and preserve the Cubs’ 3-0 victory.
• Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised Palencia’s composure under pressure and credited his growth as a reliable closer.