Morning Marquee: Joe Maddon was not happy with Cardinals after win

While the Chicago Cubs were celebrating their 8-3 victory courtesy of a six RBI game from second baseman Starlin Castro, skipper Joe Maddon shared his thoughts on what happened with Anthony Rizzo.

In case you missed it, pinch-hitter Matt Holliday entered the game for his first appearance against the Cubs in over a month. Starting pitcher Dan Haren unintentionally threw a pitch that hit Holliday in the back of the helmet as Miguel Montero quickly stood up to see if he was alright.

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With the Cubs already up big and Lance Lynn knocked out of the game, reliever Matt Belisle intentionally threw behind Rizzo in the seventh inning which resulted in him being ejected.

Clearly, Rizzo was upset and took several steps towards home plate before Tony Cruz and the umpire were able to back him away from doing anything dumb.

What instantly went through my mind is when Derrek Lee was plunked by veteran right-hander Chris Young back on June 16, 2007. The score was at 0-0 during the bottom half of the fourth with no outs and Lee up in the batter’s box.

Lee worked the count to 1-2 before Young threw a pitch that hit him in the wrist. The former Cub was making his way to first base until he began getting into a back-and-forth contest with Young and then it happened.

Derrek swung on Young and both benches poured out onto the field and delayed the game by at least 10-11 minutes before the next batter stepped into the box.

Now, after Neil Ramirez recorded the final out of today’s game, Maddon had something to say to his N.L. Central rivals:

"“I’m really disappointed in what the Cardinals did right there. We did not hit their guy on purpose. That was an absolute mistake. To become this vigilante that wants to get their own pound of flesh, that’s absolutely insane, ridiculous and wrong. We don’t start stuff, but we will stop stuff.” – Maddon via ABC 7 New York"

Joe even went as far as mentioning James Gandolfini’s infamous character, Tony Soprano from one of HBO’s greatest original series of all-time – The Sopranos. He made this reference regarding a possible hit that was put on his first baseman and wrapped things up by assuring the press that his club wouldn’t tolerate this from anyone.

Here’s more from around the league:

‘Chicago Cubs: The rivalry with the Cardinals is real again‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Chicago Cubs: Looking at potential 2016 center field options‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Blue Jays ride Stroman’s dominance to big win over Boston‘ – Jays Journal

‘Was Matt Albers Chicago’s best off-season acquisition?‘ – South Side Showdown

‘Yankees drop Subway Series opener to Mets‘ – Yanks Go Yard

Next: Castro goes yard twice to lead charge

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