clipped from: sportsillustrated.cnn.com   
Richie Sexson tackles Kason Gabbard after the Rangers pitcher threw a pitch eye-high.
Richie Sexson tackles Kason Gabbard after the Rangers pitcher threw a pitch eye-high.

SEATTLE (AP) -- Kason Gabbard threw an eye-high pitch at Richie Sexson. That was it for the Mariners 6-foot-8 first baseman.

He charged the mound, sparking a fourth-inning brawl in Texas' 5-0 win over Seattle on Wednesday night.

"I'm 6-foot-8. He can hit corners at will," Sexson said. "6-8 and all of a sudden he's up that high? I'm a huge target. How hard is it to hit me? Hit me in the back or thigh. Up near my face is no good.

"I've been in the game a long time. I've been hit on purpose before. But it's been the right way. You go to first. It's part of the game. You know how it works."

Ian Kinsler hit a two-run homer and then got hit by a pitch, setting up the fourth-inning scuffle.

When Sexson charged the mound, he flung his helmet at the 6-foot-3 Rangers starter. Both benches cleared, but no punches were thrown. Sexson was ejected.
  • VIDEO: Sexson charges mound, flings helmet