Seattle's Sexson banned for charging pitcher

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Seattle Mariners first baseman Richie Sexson on Friday was suspended for six games for charging Texas pitcher Kason Gabbard during Thursday's 5-0 victory by the Rangers.

The 6-foot-8 Sexson, who has seven homers and 18 runs batted in this season, has decided to appeal the ruling and will be active for Friday's home game against the Chicago White Sox, MLB said in a statement.

Sexson charged the mound after Gabbard threw a high fastball to the Seattle slugger, who felt the fourth-inning pitch was in retaliation for two Rangers players who had been hit by pitches from Seattle starter Felix Hernandez.

Sexson, who was also fined an undisclosed amount, flung his batting helmet at Gabbard and took him to the ground as players rushed to the mound from both benches.

Gabbard left the game after facing two more batters, apparently shaken up in the confrontation.

Hernandez and Texas catcher Gerald Laird and pitcher Sidney Ponson were also fined for their actions during the incident.

(Writing by Larry Fine; editing by Miles Evans)