Sexson’s ban reduced to five games

SEATTLE TICKER) —The suspension for Seattle Mariners first baseman Richie Sexson has been reduced to five games, the team announced Sunday.

Sexson received a six-game suspension and an undisclosed fine Friday, one day after inciting a benches-clearing brawl during a game against the Texas Rangers.

Major League Baseball said Sexson was suspended for “his violent and aggressive actions.”

In the fourth inning of Seattle’s 5-0 loss, Sexson charged the mound following a high pitch from Texas lefthander Kason Gabbard.

Sexson appealed the suspension and had it reduced by one game. He began serving the ban on Saturday.

“It’s better to have it reduced one game than none,” Sexson said. “It’s acceptable for what happened.”

Although Gabbard’s pitch was level with Sexson’s head, it did not appear as if the southpaw was throwing at the slugger.

The 6-8 Sexson evidently felt differently, charging and throwing his helmet at Gabbard before taking the pitcher to the ground as both the benches and bullpens quickly emptied to join in the scuffle.

Sexson apologized for his actions after the game.

“I know throwing the helmet, that’s the wrong thing to do,” he said. “I know in the end that wasn’t the right thing to do, but I lost it right there.”