Merloni Rallies Indians Past A’s

The Cleveland Indians seem to save their best for last against the Oakland Athletics.

Pinch-hitter Lou Merloni’s two-run single capped a three-run ninth inning rally off Octavio Dotel as the Indians rallied again to beat the A’s, 5-4, on Friday night at Cleveland.

Merloni ripped the first pitch from Dotel (1-1) down the left-field line with the bases loaded to score Omar Vizquel and Travis Hafner before being mobbed by his teammates.

“My first walk-off hit ever,” Merloni said.

The Indians have beaten the A’s four consecutive times at home this season -- with each victory coming in their final at-bat.

Oakland, which has lost four in a row, took a 4-2 lead into the ninth and things seemed secure when Dotel struck out pinch-hitter Coco Crisp.

But Matt Lawton drew a walk, Vizquel followed with a single and Hafner’s RBI double brought the Indians within 4-3. The A’s loaded the bases by walking Victor Martinez intentionally and Dotel struck out Casey Blake. But Merloni pulled Dotel’s fastball into the corner.

New York 5, Tampa Bay 4 -- Paul Quantrill relieved Javier Vazquez with a two-ball count and the bases loaded in the sixth inning and escaped the jam as the Yankees won at New York.

Closer Mariano Rivera gave up a run in the ninth, then retired Rocco Baldelli on a foul popup with the bases loaded to end it.

Chicago 6, Seattle 2 -- Carlos Lee homered twice and drove in five runs, and Jon Garland pitched seven innings to lead the White Sox at Chicago.

The Mariners have lost a season-high seven straight games. At 32-52, Seattle is 20 games below .500 for the first time since Aug. 5, 1994.

Boston 7, Texas 0 -- Johnny Damon went four for five with two homers and four RBIs and Bronson Arroyo gave up three hits in eight innings at Boston for his first win since May 15.

Kansas City 7, Baltimore 0 -- Mike Sweeney ended Kansas City’s club-record streak of 32 scoreless innings with a two-run double in the sixth at Baltimore and the Royals ended an eight-game skid. Baltimore has scored in only two of its last 29 innings.

Detroit 5, Minnesota 3 -- Jason Smith hit two of Detroit’s three homers at Minneapolis.

Ugueth Urbina walked Cristian Guzman with one out in the ninth before retiring Lew Ford and Joe Mauer for his 13th save in 15 chances.