Nats, Cardinals in near brawl

The Nationals and Cardinals found themselves in scuffle in the top of the seventh inning Monday afternoon.

In that inning, with one out and the Nationals leading, 4-2, Cardinals right-hander and former National Miguel Batista hit shortstop Ian Desmond with a pitch. As he was walking toward first base, Desmond was arguing with Albert Pujols. Suddenly, both benches emptied, but no punches were thrown.

The two teams scuffled for about 15 minutes with Nationals manager Jim Riggleman and  Cardinals skipper Tony LaRussa having a few words.

It mark third time a hitter was hit by a pitch during the game. Laynce Nix was hit by a Chris Carpenter pitch in the top of the fifth inning, while Colby Rasmus was plunked in the bottom of the inning by Nationals right-hander Livan Hernandez.