Indians Finally Do the Little Things to Win

It took three games but the New York Yankee-Cleveland Indian series finally has an October vibe.

Charles Nagy recovered from New York’s early home-run assault and got his 17th victory Saturday as Cleveland ended a four-game losing streak with a 5-4 victory at Cleveland.

After being embarrassed in the first two games of the series, the Indians, who clinched a playoff spot on Sept. 8, played inspired ball. They turned two double plays behind Nagy (17-9), moved runners over and scored three runs on sacrifice flies against Orlando Hernandez (16-9).

By ending a five-game losing streak against New York, Cleveland moved one game ahead of New York for the best record in the American League. The two teams have met in the postseason the past two years, and could see each other again.

Following the game, Hernandez was angry with Nagy for hitting Derek Jeter with a pitch leading off the fifth.

In the bottom of the fourth, Hernandez hit shortstop Omar Vizquel on the left wrist, and said Indian manager Mike Hargrove screamed at him from the dugout.

Oakland 8, Kansas City 4--Miguel Tejada and Randy Velarde hit two-run homers to back Omar Olivares for the Athletics at Oakland.

Olivares (15-10) won for the seventh time in eight decisions since Oakland acquired him from the Angels on July 29, giving up four runs and eight hits in 7 2/3 innings. Jason Isringhausen got four outs for his fifth save.

Seattle 5, Minnesota 0--Gil Meche and Paul Abbott combined on a two-hitter and Alex Rodriguez hit his 39th home run for the Mariners at Seattle.

Rodriguez combined with second baseman David Bell to set the record for most homers by a middle-infield combination with 58.

Texas 6, Tampa Bay 1--Aaron Sele gave up six hits in eight innings at Arlington, Texas, as the Rangers lowered their magic number for clinching the AL West to eight.

Tampa Bay left-hander Jim Morris, 35, became the oldest rookie in the majors since 36-year-old Minnie Mendoza joined the Minnesota Twins in 1970.

Chicago 7, Toronto 4--Carlos Lee hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the ninth inning for the White Sox at Toronto.