Apr 8, 2018; St. Louis, MO, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (17) argues with umpire Tim Timmons (not pictured) after he was ejected from the game as St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (4) looks on during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Yadier Molina explains why he went after Torey Lovullo

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 4/8/18

Yadier Molina explained after Sunday’s 4-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks why he went after opposing manager Torey Lovullo during a bench-clearing incident.

Lovullo came out of the dugout to protest a strike three call on AJ Pollock in the second. While complaining about the call to umpire Tim Timmons, Lovullo mentioned the St. Louis Cardinals catcher by calling him a bad word. That set Molina off, leading him to be restrained by Timmons and then Cardinals manager Mike Matheny while going after Lovullo.

* A.J. Pollock and David Peralta yelling at the ump.
* Torey Lovullo's first ejection of the season.
* Yadier Molina going after Lovullo.
* Both dugouts/bullpens clear.

"This all instigated by a horrible strike 3 call again by Tim Timmons." — Bob Brenly. pic.twitter.com/MWfftMwV2t

— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) April 8, 2018

After the game, Molina said that Lovullo called him a “motherf—er” twice.

Yadier Molina “He (Torey Lovullo) called me a mother f—— twice…. If you’re going to call somebody that you better be ready to fight.” #12Sports pic.twitter.com/zgaRQwdDji

— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) April 8, 2018

Molina said that Lovullo should not be allowed to talk to a player or umpire that way and hoped Lovullo might be fined.

On Torey Lovullo calling Yadier Molina what the catcher called "a bad word," Molina told reporters:

"You can't allow that. I hope that MLB sees this and hope they can fine this guy. You can't talk to a player like that. Or an umpire. You've got to be professional."

— Joe Trezza (@JoeTrezz) April 8, 2018

Molina avoided ejection despite bumping Timmons, who later called the contact “incidental.” Lovullo was conciliatory after the game and expressed regret for his behavior.