Whitehorse Daily Star

Tribunal suspends Mexican player two games for punch

Mexico’s Jonathan Cardona has been suspended two games for his role in a post-game altercation Wednesday night, the Star has learned.

By Marcel Vander Wier on July 18, 2014

Mexico’s Jonathan Cardona has been suspended two games for his role in a post-game altercation Wednesday night, the Star has learned.

According to eyewitnesses, Cardona threw a punch at Australian pitcher Callum Beashel following Mexico’s 5-3 loss to the Colts in extra innings.

Cardona will be available in time for the consolation playoff round, which begins tomorrow.

International Softball Federation executive director Ron Radigonda would neither confirm nor deny Cardona’s penalty.

“What has transpired stays between officials and teams,” he said yesterday. “It’s in the best interest of the athletes that we handle it that way. The situation has been taken care of.”

Radigonda did say the incident involving Cardona was not the first of the tournament.

Three separate incidents involving different teams have been assessed by the three-person championship tribunal – the tournament’s disciplinary committee.

Radigonda said great sportsmanship is expected from players involved in ISF-sanctioned games, and actions deemed unsportsmanlike will not be tolerated.

Wednesday’s game between Mexico and Australia had heavy playoff implications, as both teams entered the game with 3-3 records.

With Australia leading 5-3 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Cardona collided heavily with the Colts second baseman, but the infielder managed to hang onto the ball for the final out of the contest.

Following the collision, Cardona and Beashel approached each other, and Cardona threw a punch.

Both benches cleared, but temperatures cooled quickly.

Cardona was batting .308 with four hits and four runs prior to his suspension.

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