Newz Forum: BASEBALL: Kennedy suspended four games, Kendall five for brawl

NEW YORK (AP) - Colorado Rockies pitcher Joe Kennedy was suspended Friday for five games and Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jason Kendall four for their parts in a bench-clearing brawl Sunday.

Both were also fined an undisclosed amount. Kendall was batting in the fourth inning of Pittsburgh's 3-0 win when a pitch from Kennedy hit the protective pad the catcher wears on his upper left arm.

Kendall dropped his bat and started toward first base. Kennedy stepped off the mound and appeared to say something to Kendall, which caused Kendall to abruptly turn and charge the pitcher. After a brief wrestling match that brought players out of both dugouts and bullpens, order was restored.

After the game, Kendall said he was upset because Kennedy yelled at him, not because he got hit by a pitch.

Kennedy admitted yelling but said the words were directed at plate umpire Paul Nauert. Kennedy maintained he was arguing that Kendall didn't make an effort to avoid the pitch.

"I'll appeal it and we'll go from there," Kendall said after a 5-4 loss to St. Louis on Friday. "I'll go through the process and see what happens."

Kendall would not start serving his suspension until after his appeal is heard.

The Rockies hosted Montreal on Friday night. If Kennedy does not appeal, he would begin serving the suspension immediately.