The Cardinals took a tense game on Tuesday, winning, 8-7, in 11 innings. Bean-ball warnings were issued to both benches after the Cards' Albert Pujols and Milwaukee's Ryan Braun were hit by pitches.
St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina confronted umpire Rob Drake after being called out on strikes in the 10th and was ejected amid allegations of flying spittle.
The Sporting News reported that Molina made contact with Drake at least three times.
Molina also appeared to spray Drake twice during his rant. Drake tilted his head back both times, then repeatedly wiped his face after the argument.
Molina maintained he did not spit on Drake, saying that he was sweaty and that any contact he made with Drake was incidental. On Wednesday, Molina said he had not heard what action the commissioner's office might take. He was in the lineup.
Fast fact
If the Giants make the playoffs, recently acquired shortstop Orlando Cabrera will have made the postseason seven times in the last eight seasons and with six different teams.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, only two other players - David Wells (over 15 seasons) and Kenny Lofton (over 10 seasons) - have ever made the playoffs with six clubs.
I raise you $100
Major League Baseball says it plans to interview Alex Rodriguez to determine if the Yankees slugger took part in illegal celebrity poker games.
A supermarket tabloid named Star Magazine quoted several people who saw A-Rod in card games hosted at Hollywood hotels and private residences. His spokesman denied he participated.
A spokesman for the Yankees declined comment.
Noteworthy
Matt Stairs, the career leader with 23 pinch-hit home runs, told CBS News he will retire. Washington cut the 43-year-old former Phillie on Monday after he hit just .154 in 56 games.
Stephen Strasburg is expected to throw Sunday for single-A Hagerstown, Nationals manager Davey Johnson said.
Reds third baseman Scott Rolen had surgery on his left shoulder and is expected to miss four to six weeks.
Contact staff writer Don McKee at dmckee@phillynews.com.
Read his blog, "Incites,"
at www.philly.com/incites.
This article contains information from the Associated Press.
