Yankees Still Doing Well With Wells

David Wells struck out nine in eight strong innings, and Cleveland’s ninth-inning rally fell short against Mariano Rivera as the New York Yankees beat the Indians, 5-3, on Saturday at Cleveland.

The Yankees have taken three of four from Cleveland in the past week after getting knocked out of the American League division series by the Indians last fall. New York improved to a major league-leading 50-17.

“So far, so good in this series,” said New York’s Darryl Strawberry, who had a run-scoring double. “We kept our focus, which is to keep playing our game and not worry about the other teams.”

The AL Central-leading Indians have lost seven of nine.

“I think we’ve played three good games,” Indian Manager Mike Hargrove said. “You can’t expect a team to be perfect, because no team is.”

Wells (9-2) gave up eight hits, didn’t walk a batter and struck out David Justice and Geronimo Berroa three times apiece.

“This is a great ballclub,” said Wells, 9-3 in his career against the Indians. “They bring out the best in me. I wish I could pitch against them all the time.”

Wells had retired seven in a row heading into the eighth, but gave up three hits including a run-scoring single by Manny Ramirez that made it 4-2. Tiring but still tenacious, he struck out the red-hot Jim Thome with a runner on to end the eighth.

“Wells against Thome, that was great pitching,” said Yankee center field Chad Curtis.

Tampa Bay 8, Boston 5--Paul Sorrento hit a two-run homer and Dave Martinez doubled with the bases loaded to drive in two runs at St. Petersburg, Fla., as the Devil Rays ended Boston’s four-game winning streak.

Julio Santana (2-0) gave up seven hits over 5 2/3 innings to get his first victory as a starter for the Devil Rays, who scored six runs against Red Sox starter Bret Saberhagen (8-5).

Detroit 4, Kansas City 3--Bobby Higginson and Luis Gonzalez hit first-inning homers and Brian Moehler continued his strong pitching at home as the Tigers won at Detroit.

Moehler (7-5) improved his record to 7-0 at Tiger Stadium, giving one run on eight hits over 6 1/3 innings.

Oakland 6, Seattle 2--Jimmy Haynes pitched shutout ball for 7 1/3 innings before being knocked out of the game by a line drive and A.J. Hinch and Jason Giambi hit home runs as the Athletics won at Seattle.

Haynes (5-3) left the game after being hit in the right forearm by Joey Cora’s line drive to open the eighth. The ball ricocheted to first baseman Jack Voight, who made the putout.

A preliminary report from the A’s clubhouse said Haynes’ forearm was only bruised.

Baltimore 11, Toronto 3--Lenny Webster hit the first of three homers against Woody Williams and the Orioles’ Scott Erickson pitched his fifth complete game at Baltimore.

Webster’s three-run drive in the second inning put Baltimore ahead to stay. Eric Davis and Rafael Palmeiro added two-run homers as the Orioles moved past Toronto into sole possession of third place in the AL East.

Chicago 8, Minnesota 7--Pinch-hitter Wil Cordero and Greg Norton hit run-scoring singles with two out to cap an 11th-inning rally at Chicago.

The Twins scored four runs in the ninth to tie it, 5-5, and took a 6-5 lead in the 10th before losing in the 11th.

Paul Molitor broke a rib when he was hit by a pitch from Matt Karchner in the ninth inning and is headed to the disabled list.