Cards' Molina suspended for tirade By SPORTS NETWORK

Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals is thrown out of the game after striking out against the Milwaukee Brewers by home plate umpire Rob Drake in the tenth inning at a Major League Baseball game at Miller Park Stadium on August 2, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Cardinals beat the Brewers 8-7 in eleven innings. (Darren Hauck/Getty Images/AFP)

NEW YORK - St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was suspended five games and fined an undisclosed amount of money for his inappropriate actions toward umpire Rob Drake.

Major League Baseball announced the disciplinary action Thursday afternoon, two days after Molina was ejected in the 10th inning of Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers for arguing balls and strikes.

During a heated exchange, Molina made contact with Drake, who was working behind the plate, multiple times and sprayed him with spittle twice.

"I am sorry for my actions and apologize for letting my emotions get the best of me," Molina said. "I want everyone to know that I would never intentionally spit on another person and that I have great respect for the umpires and the job they do. I accept full responsibility for my actions and will begin serving my suspension tonight."

The Cardinals open a four-game series in Miami against the Marlins on Thursday.