The Fresno State baseball team has been reprimanded and its head coach Mike Batesole has been suspended two games because of an incident against Indiana on March 12.

Fresno State opens a four-game series Thursday against Hawai'i at Les Murakami Stadium.

Batesole will miss Fresno State's next two games, today at San Francisco and Thursday at Hawai'i.

The incident occurred in the top of the eighth inning when players from both teams left their respective dugouts during an argument between Batesole and Indiana head coach Tracy Smith.

"This was a situation that could have gotten out of control," said Karl Benson, Western Athletic Conference commissioner, "and I expect our coaches and student-athletes to act according to NCAA rules and the WAC Sportsmanship Code."

Said Batesole, "I respect the decision by Commissioner Benson and will serve the suspension. I felt that the umpires on the field, and subsequently the WAC office, handled this matter in an appropriate manner.

"Ultimately, it's the responsibility of the head coach when it comes to the actions of his team. I think the situation could have been worse. It's important to note that no punches were thrown and the disagreement was properly disbanded quickly.

"We do not condone players leaving the dugout and I am pleased that cooler heads prevailed and handled a potentially explosive situation very well."