Pavlik Gets Support From Rangers, Wins Ninth

Roger Pavlik’s earned-run average crept over 5.00 Wednesday, but his victory total swelled to nine because his Texas teammates continued to supply him with runs.

Pavlik improved to 9-1, the best record after 10 decisions by a starter in Ranger history, as Texas beat the Milwaukee Brewers, 13-6, at Arlington, Texas.

The Rangers have averaged 5.79 runs in 14 starts for Pavlik, whose ERA is 5.01.

“The last couple of starts, I’ve given up some runs early but we’ve always come back,” said Pavlik, who gave up five runs and five hits over 5 1/3 innings with three strikeouts and three walks. “This team is never out of any game, not the way they score runs. I’ve had things going my way all year.”

Mickey Tettleton homered twice and Damon Buford hit his first career grand slam to lead a Ranger offense that has scored 10 or more runs 11 times, matching last season’s total.

Seattle 5, Minnesota 3--Dan Wilson’s two-run, two-out double in the seventh inning snapped a 2-2 tie and rookie Bob Wolcott won his fourth game in his last five starts, at Minneapolis.

Wilson, who played at the University of Minnesota, extended his hitting streak to 10 games and finished eight for 15 with six runs batted in over the three-game series.

Oakland 9, Cleveland 6--Brent Gates’ three-run double broke a 5-5 tie in the sixth inning and helped lift the Athletics past the Indians at Cleveland.

Jim Poole relieved Jack McDowell (6-5) with two out and men on first and third, but walked Jose Herrera to load the bases. Gates then drove a 2-2 pitch over the head of center fielder Kenny Lofton.

Cleveland’s Albert Belle drove in two runs with his major-league-leading 25th homer and a sacrifice fly. He also doubled to start a two-run fifth that tied the score 5-5.

Boston 3, Chicago 2--Mike Stanley’s sacrifice fly with the bases loaded and one out in the 12th inning scored Jose Canseco and gave the Red Sox a win at Chicago.

Joe Hudson (1-2), the sixth Boston pitcher, pitched 1 1/3 innings for the victory.

Toronto 7, New York 4--Carlos Delgado hit a three-run homer and Marty Janzen scattered eight hits over seven innings as the Blue Jays snapped a six-game losing streak at Toronto.

Janzen (4-2), acquired from the Yankees last season for David Cone, gave up three runs, struck out five and walked two as the Blue Jays beat New York for only the second time in 18 games.

Baltimore 10, Detroit 7--Brady Anderson’s tie-breaking double in the ninth inning helped Arthur Rhodes remain undefeated as the Orioles beat the Tigers at Detroit.

Rhodes (7-0) worked 2 2/3 innings of no-hit relief for starter Scott Erickson to take the win. He walked one and struck out three before Randy Myers pitched the ninth for his 13th save.