Defensive Woes Make Davis Batty

Russ Davis is glad his troubles in the field this season haven’t carried over to the plate.

Davis hit two homers and Alex Rodriguez continued his torrid hitting at Tiger Stadium on Saturday as the Seattle Mariners defeated Detroit, 9-3.

Rob Ducey and Edgar Martinez also homered for the Mariners, who have won three in a row and five of their last six.

Ken Griffey Jr. went one for five with an RBI single as the designated hitter but went homerless for the eighth consecutive game. The AL home run leader with 41, Griffey has not gone deep in 37 at-bats since his last homer July 30.

Davis hit a three-run homer against reliever Doug Bochtler after walks to Rodriguez and Martinez in the seventh. Davis added a solo homer, his 17th, against Dean Crow in the ninth.

“It’s all about winning, and any time you do something to help the team win you feel good,” Davis said.

Davis has struggled all year defensively, committing 30 errors in stints at third base and left field. He has tried to make up for it with his bat, hitting .317 (19 for 60) with three home runs and 16 RBIs since the All-Star break.

He played well defensively Saturday, making a fine play to throw out Brian Hunter, who tried to beat out a bunt to third.

“He’s been playing better all the way around and I’m pleased to see that,” Mariner Manager Lou Piniella said. “He’s relaxed and having fun.”

Rodriguez hit an RBI double in the third and doubled and scored in the fifth. Rodriguez went two for four and is batting .429 (nine for 21) at Tiger Stadium this season.

NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO: Detroit Tigers

WHERE: at Detroit

WHEN: Monday, 4 p.m.; Tuesday, 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 4 p.m