Seattle Win Knocks Twins Into Cellar

Edgar Martinez’s three-run homer snapped a string of 182 at bats without a home run as the Seattle Mariners beat Minnesota 6-4 today, dropping the Twins into sole possession of last place in the American League West.

Martinez hit seven home runs in his first 134 at bats but none since May 24. He also had only one RBI in his previous 17 games.

Ken Griffey Jr. added his 14th homer in support of Bill Swift (4-2), who had his third consecutive strong start after 30 straight relief appearances this season. He is 2-0 with a 1.74 ERA as a starter.

Swift scattered seven hits and allowed one earned run before giving way to Mike Jackson with one out in the seventh. Mike Schooler finished up for 27th save.

Alan Anderson (4-13), who won 33 games in the last two years, had an early 2-0 lead but was done in by a four-run fourth inning.

Singles by Harold Reynolds, Griffey and Jeffrey Leonard made it 2-1. After Alvin Davis popped out, Martinez sent Anderson’s 0-1 pitch over the left-center field fence.