Saberhagen Earns Breakthrough Win

Bret Saberhagen clutched the game ball tightly, and for good reason.

Saberhagen earned his first win since 1995, outpitching Randy Johnson and leading the Boston Red Sox over the Seattle Mariners, 10-5, Sunday.

“I’ve got the game ball in my hand and I’m not going to let go of it for a long time,” Saberhagen said. “It’s my first game ball in 2 1/2 years and it feels good. It has a lot of meaning for me.”

Nomar Garciaparra, who drove in four runs, and Mo Vaughn, who drove in three, each homered for Boston.

David Segui hit his fourth home run of the season for Seattle. Glenallen Hill also connected for the Mariners, who have hit at least two home runs in all five of their games this season.

Saberhagen (1-0) had not won since Sept. 26, 1995 , when he pitched for the Colorado Rockies. The two-time Cy Young winner missed all of 1996 while recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, and made six starts for Boston last year.

Saberhagen allowed four hits and two runs in five innings. He walked four and struck out four.

Johnson (0-1) lost despite striking out 10 in six innings. He gave up seven runs on six hits and four walks.

Johnson has a 9.26 earned-run average after two starts. He got a no-decision on opening day when he could not protect a 9-3 lead against Cleveland.

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NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO: Boston Red Sox

WHERE: at Anaheim

WHEN: Today, 7 p.m., Tuesday, 7 p.m., Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.