The Marlins edged the Cardinals on Sunday (MIA 5, STL 4) in a series finale with potential bearing on the postseason fray. The intensity of said contest was evident early on, when the Marlins and Cardinals exchanged hits batsmen in the first inning.

First, freshly minted Marlin Andrew Cashner hit Aledmys Diaz.

Fortunately, the Cardinals' rookie shortstop does not appear to be seriously hurt as the team tweeted Sunday he has a contusion and will have another MRI tdoay.

Cashner just a few days ago clipped Matt Holliday on the nose in what could've been a very serious situation. No doubt, that was still fresh in the minds of the Cardinals.

Given all that, it was perhaps not surprising that Carlos Martinez responded in the home half of the first by drilling Giancarlo Stanton.

After the game, Martinez of course denied intent and said he was merely trying to come inside on the uber-slugger, but you can judge the appearances for yourself. Numbered among those who didn't believe Martinez was his counterpart,

Cashner added, quote - "That's kind of the Cardinal way over there."

Spinning it forward, these two teams won't meet again in the regular season, but Sunday's win nudged the Marlins one game in front of the Cardinals for the second NL wild card spot. So perhaps an October renewal of hostilities is in store for these contenders and their respective ways.