Originally published May 9, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified May 9, 2008 at 10:10 PM

Richie Sexson suspended for six games by MLB

Seattle slugger Richie Sexson was suspended for six games and fined Friday by Major League Baseball after charging the mound and throwing his helmet at a Texas pitcher the previous night.

The Associated Press

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JIM BATES / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Mariners first baseman Richie Sexson tackles Texas pitcher Kason Gabbard, which led to a fourth-inning melee. Sexson was ejected from the game.

Shoving match clears M's bench in fourth inning

Seattle slugger Richie Sexson was suspended for six games and fined Friday by Major League Baseball after charging the mound and throwing his helmet at a Texas pitcher the previous night.

Bob Watson, baseball's vice president in charge of discipline, cited Sexson for "violent and aggressive actions."

Sexson asked the players' association to appeal, and any suspension will be delayed until after a hearing.

Sexson was in the Mariners' posted starting lineup at first base and batting sixth for Friday night's game against the Chicago White Sox. He declined to comment on the penalties, citing advice from the players' union.

Seattle's Felix Hernandez and Texas' Gerald Laird and Sidney Ponson also were fined.

Sexson charged the mound and flung his helmet at Rangers pitcher Kason Gabbard after the left-hander threw an eye-high pitch to him in the fourth inning of Seattle's 5-0 loss. While benches cleared, no punches were thrown. Sexson was ejected.

Tensions began to build in the top half when Hernandez hit Ian Kinsler, who had homered in the second, in the back with a fastball. Kinsler turned toward Hernandez, who put his arms out then stared at Kinsler as the second baseman walked to first.

When benches cleared, Hernandez was restrained by three players, including former Mariners closer Eddie Guardado, now with Texas.

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