The Opening Day starter for the Washington Nationals, Livan Hernandez, could be suspended for beaning Colby Rasmus and then admitting to the crime, Mark Zuckerman of CSNwashington.com reports.

“I hit the guy because he [Cardinals' pitcher Chris Carpenter] hit somebody,” Hernandez said.

Carpenter hit Laynce Nix earlier in the game, but it wasn’t until Cardinals’ right-handed pitcher Miguel Batista hit shortstop Ian Desmond with a pitch that the benches cleared. The game was delayed for about 15 minutes and even the managers, Jim Riggleman and Tony LaRussa, were jawing it up.

Hernandez could be suspended without pay to begin the season, but he’ll likely appeal the decision to get the Opening Day start against the Braves on March 31.

The 36-year-old pitcher had his contract extended by the Nationals for the 2011 season in August 2010.   He’s under contract for $1 million in base salary, so for every game that he is suspended without pay, Hernandez will lose about $6,173 before taxes.