Pujols will sit out two games for fighting in July13 win

NEW YORK -- Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols was suspended for two games and fined by major league baseball for fighting after being hit by a pitch against San Diego.

Padres catcher Gary Bennett and manager Bruce Bochy were fined for their roles in the bench clearings during the Cardinals' 3-1 victory July 13.

In the first inning, Pujols was hit in the shoulder blade on the first pitch he saw from Adam Eaton, a day after Pujols lingered at the plate following a game-winning home run.

Eaton was immediately ejected, and Pujols, Bennett and Bochy also were kicked out. During a brief confrontation, Pujols punched Bennett in the face.

Pujols appealed his suspension, allowing him to play Friday night against Pittsburgh. Through Thursday, he led the majors in batting at .373, and he ranked second in the NL in both homers (29) and RBIs (92).

Bennett was fined for acting aggressively toward Pujols, and Bochy was penalized for what he said to umpire Mark Carlson.