Bell’s Home Run Helps Seattle Split

Most fathers would have been on their feet beaming with pride after watching their son circle the bases in the major leagues.

Buddy Bell just looked straight ahead, his stomach turning knots.

David Bell tormented his dad, Manager Buddy Bell of the Colorado Rockies, with a two-run homer and Al Martin had a three-run double Thursday night as the Seattle Mariners defeated the Rockies, 5-1, to gain a split of a day-night doubleheader at Denver. The Rockies won the opener, 8-2.

“I’m trying to do the best I can and trying to help us win,” David Bell said, “but I just prefer playing against someone else. It’s kind of weird.”

It’s not any easier for the elder Bell, who has admitted to being uncomfortable when playing against his son.

“If you don’t mind, I’d rather not talk about that right now,” he said.

David Bell and Martin gave starter Paul Abbott (4-3) all the offense he would need in Seattle’s five-run first against Pedro Astacio (5-7).

Abbott limited the Rockies to one run and six hits in seven innings to win his fourth consecutive start for the Mariners.

Seattle has won 18 of 20 and reached 50 victories in 64 games, tying the 1939 New York Yankees for the second-best record after 64 games since 1900. Only the 1912 New York Giants (53-11) were better.

In the first game, Colorado rookie Shawn Chacon (4-3) allowed one unearned run and two hits in seven innings. Seattle’s Jamie Moyer (8-2) lost for the first time in six starts.

Chicago White Sox 7, Cincinnati 5--Paul Konerko matched his career high for runs batted in with a grand slam and a sacrifice fly, and Magglio Ordonez added a solo homer for the White Sox at Chicago.

The White Sox have now swept the Reds two years in a row. They’ve also won 16 of their last 19 games overall, and are two games under .500 for the first time since April 19.

Kansas City 3, St. Louis 2--Mike Sweeney hit a solo homer with one out in the 13th inning to lift the Royals at Kansas City, Mo.

Rookie Albert Pujols went three for five with a double--his National League-leading ninth three-hit game--but couldn’t keep the Cardinals from being swept in the three-game series and finishing their latest trip 1-8.

Detroit 6, Pittsburgh 4--Tony Clark hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the fifth inning and an RBI double in the third for the Tigers at Detroit.

The Tigers won two of three against the Pirates after also taking two of three against the Milwaukee Brewers.

New York Yankees 9, Montreal 6--Randy Keisler worked 6 2/3 innings for his first victory of the season and Bernie Williams had four RBIs to lead the Yankees at New York.

Jorge Posada had three RBIs in the first two innings for the Yankees.

Baltimore 5, New York Mets 2--Rookie Josh Towers won his third consecutive start and Jerry Hairston singled in the tiebreaking run in the seventh inning for the Orioles at Baltimore.

Towers (4-1) gave up two runs and six hits in seven innings. In four starts since his recall from the minors May 28, the right-hander is 3-0 with a 1.20 ERA.

Boston 6, Florida 4--Brian Daubach hit the first grand slam of his career and David Cone’s comeback progressed with seven strong innings at Boston.

Tampa Bay 6, Philadelphia 3--Fred McGriff had a home run and three RBIs for the Devil Ray at St. Petersburg, Fla., helping the Devil Rays to their first sweep since Sept. 26-28, when they took three in a row from the Yankees.