AMERICAN LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Athletics Walk to Victory Over Johnson

Randy Johnson’s performance rendered Lou Piniella speechless.

The Seattle manager locked his office and sent word that he had nothing to say after Johnson wasted a 14-strikeout performance by walking home the winning run in the ninth inning Thursday in the Mariners’ 3-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics at Seattle.

Piniella visited the mound to talk to Johnson after the walk to Henderson, and had Norm Charlton warmed up in the bullpen.

“He asked me how I felt,” Johnson said. “I told him I’d get out of the inning. Well, I got out of the inning, but I gave up a run doing it.”

Johnson (9-4) pitched a four-hitter but walked eight, including four in the ninth inning. Brent Gates walked leading off, Scott Brosius sacrificed, Mike Bordick walked, pinch-hitter Terry Steinbach hit into a fielder’s choice and Rickey Henderson walked to load the bases. Johnson then walked Lance Blankenship on a 3-and-2 pitch to force in a run.

Baltimore 6, Detroit 2--The Orioles became the first team to sweep a series from the Tigers this season, riding a three-run homer by Harold Baines at Baltimore.

Mark McLemore also drove in three runs to help Baltimore win for the 17th time in 20 games.

Cecil Fielder hit his 19th homer for the Tigers.

Toronto 7, New York 2--Pat Hentgen became the American League’s second 10-game winner and the Blue Jays pounded out six extra-base hits at Toronto.

Toronto, which has won eight of its last nine, moved into a virtual tie with Detroit for first place in the American League East.

Milwaukee 5, Cleveland 3--Ricky Bones pitched seven strong innings, and Greg Vaughn hit two run-scoring doubles to lead the Brewers at Cleveland.