John Lackey looks on in disbelief as he is ejected for arguing in the third inning.
Reds starter Alfredo Simon doubled on the first pitch of his first at-bat then drove in the go-ahead run in his second at-bat to lead the Reds to a 4-2 win over the Cardinals on Wednesday night.
Simon (14-10) allowed five hits and two runs with three walks and five strikeouts for his second win in 11 starts since the All-Star break. Jefferson City native, Sam LeCure and Ryan Dennick pitched the eighth, and Aroldis Chapman worked the ninth for his 32nd save.
Tyler Lyons (0-4) took the loss after Cardinals starter John Lackey was ejected in the third inning for arguing balls and strikes.
“Lackey was warned to quit arguing balls and strikes, and he continued to argue,” home plate umpire Tim Hallion told the media pool writer. Lackey was surprised.
“I didn’t say any cuss words toward him,” Lackey said. “He saw my mouth moving and threw me out. It was unexpected, for sure. I’ve been thrown out a few times throwing balls at people, but never for something like this”