Devil Rays Beaten in Piniella’s Finale

The Lou Piniella era in Tampa Bay ended familiarly -- with a loss.

Bruce Chen pitched six strong innings and backup catcher Sal Fasano homered for the second consecutive day, leading the Baltimore Orioles past Tampa Bay, 6-2, Sunday in Piniella’s finale as Devil Ray manager at St. Petersburg, Fla.

Piniella had one season left on a $13-million, four-year contract he signed in October 2002 but will be free to pursue other jobs under the buyout announced Friday. He got a big ovation and shouts of “Lou” when he walked back toward the dugout after bringing out the lineup card before the game. He took off his hat and waved it toward the fans.

“It’s not easy, but it’s the right thing,” he said. “I wouldn’t deviate from my decision. I’m perfectly content with it. Now I’ll relax, play some golf and fish and do the things I want to do, and evaluate opportunities if they come and when they come.”

The Devil Rays finished 67-95, three wins shy of the team record set last year.

“I think the situation with this ballclub is in much better shape than when I came here,” Piniella said. “Now the new ownership can come in and bring in their guy, and I can go do what I need to do.”

Piniella was 200-285 with Tampa Bay, which has the lowest payroll in the majors. In his 19 years overall -- which include winning a World Series in 1990 at Cincinnati -- he is 1,519-1,420.

Minnesota 6, Detroit 4 -- Johan Santana (16-7) gave up three hits over seven innings, walked two and struck out nine, raising his major league-best total to 238 at Minneapolis.

Santana just missed his second consecutive AL earned-run title, finishing at 2.87, just behind Cleveland’s Kevin Millwood at 2.86.

Oakland 8, Seattle 3 -- Joe Kennedy (8-13) won for the first time since Aug. 27 to lead the A’s at Seattle. Oakland’s 88 wins were the team’s lowest since recording 87 in 1999.

Toronto 7, Kansas City 2 -- Gustavo Chacin extended his team record for rookies with his 13th win for the Blue Jays at Toronto. He finished 13-9.