Wild Pitch Sends Indians to Victory

In perhaps the biggest at-bat of his career, Chris Turner stood at the plate with two on and one out and the game tied in the 12th.

Jose Mesa relieved any pressure Turner was feeling when he threw a wild pitch that allowed Jim Thome to score the game winner as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Seattle Mariners, 4-3, Monday night for their ninth victory in 10 games.

“There was probably 30 people in the stadium tonight who wanted me up in that situation,” said Turner, still looking for his first major league run batted in since 1997. “And they were all wearing Seattle uniforms.”

Thome opened the 12th with a hard shot up the middle that second baseman David Bell could only knock down. Alex Ramirez, who had two hits, then sacrificed.

Roberto Alomar was walked intentionally and Enrique Wilson singled to left as Thome stopped at third. Turner fouled off the first pitch before the second one from Mesa (0-2) went inside and bounced all the way to the screen.