Mariners’ Johnson Strikes Out 18 : Baseball: He ties the AL record for left-handers, but leaves game after eight innings and 160 pitches.

Randy Johnson struck out 18 in only eight innings, tying the American League record for left-handers, but neither he nor strikeout king Nolan Ryan got a decision in the Texas Rangers’ 3-2 victory over the Mariners Sunday at Arlington, Tex.

Johnson equaled the mark set by Ron Guidry of the Yankees on June 17, 1978, against the Angels. Johnson also set a Mariner record for strikeouts, surpassing the 16 by Mark Langston and Mike Moore in 1988.

Johnson, who leads the league with 233 strikeouts, had 16 strikeouts through six innings. But he asked to be taken out after throwing 160 pitches, and Jeff Nelson (1-6) relieved to start the ninth with the score 2-2.

“After the seventh inning, the manager (Bill Plummer) wanted to take me out, but I wanted to get a chance to win the game and I wanted to break the Mariners’ strikeout record,” Johnson said. “I didn’t want to go out for the ninth. I was getting pretty tired. I still have another start and didn’t want to abuse my arm.”

Only twice has an AL pitcher struck out more than 18 in a nine-inning game. Roger Clemens set the major league record of 20 against Seattle on April 29, 1986, and Ryan fanned 19 against Boston on Aug. 12, 1974.

Ryan (5-9), who gave Johnson some advice in August about his mechanics and mental attitude, said “it was enjoyable to see someone of his ability put it all together.”

“If anyone will break (Clemens’ record), it will be him,” Ryan said. “He’s a left-hander, he throws hard, and has an overpowering slider. It’s a big three combination.”