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Guillen, Lopez homer as Mariners down Indians

Sep 28, 2007 - 6:39 AM By Paul Lowenberg PA Sportsticker Contributing Writer

SEATTLE (Ticker) -- For the second night in a row, the Seattle Mariners spoiled the Cleveland Indians' opportunity to take the top spot in the American League.

Jose Guillen and Jose Lopez each hit two-run homers and Cha Seung Baek hurled six solid innings as the Mariners defeated the Indians, 4-2, on Thursday night to earn a split in their four-game series.

With the loss, Cleveland (94-65) missed the chance to claim the best record in the AL and remained tied with the Boston Red Sox (94-65), who hold the tiebreaker should the clubs finish in a tie.

"I don't think it's good when a team plays games for a week that don't count and then go into the playoffs," losing pitcher Paul Byrd (15-8) said. "I think it's good that these games mean things. We're trying to get everybody ready to go for the playoffs, and yet win games at the same time."

"It presents some interesting dilemmas as to who to play," Byrd added. "But we do have to get guys ready and we do have to win games. It's still a lot of fun right now, the games still count and I think that it's a good thing that they matter before we head into the playoffs."

Guillen was able to get the Mariners off to a quick start, blasting a two-run shot - his 23rd homer of the season - off Indians starter Paul Byrd in the first inning. After Ibanez singled with two outs in the first, Guillen sent Byrd's 1-2 offering over the center field wall to grab an early 2-0 edge.

"I know we are not going anywhere but it's better to start winning some games and finish strong and show the fans we really care and will have a great team for next year," Guillen said.

Seattle struck again in the fourth frame when Lopez smashed his 10th homer of the year into the left field bullpen. After rookie Jeff Clement singled with two outs in the inning, Lopez hit just his second blast since the All-Star break for a 4-1 lead.

Baek (4-3), who may be in line for a starting role next season, allowed just one run and scattered seven hits with no walks and two strikeouts. It was Baek's first major league win since May 31.

The 27-year-old Korean-born righthander was making his 12th start of the year, but first since he went on the 15-day disabled list on June 17 with an inflamed shoulder.

"Baek did a heck of a job," Mariners manager John McLaren said. "He was sharp. Good changeup. Good control and command out there. He'll get a good look next Spring for sure."

Sean Green threw two scoreless innings but the Mariners had to weather an Indians' threat in the ninth before George Sherrill came on to preserve the victory with his third save.

Brandon Morrow started the ninth by striking out Casey Blake, but Kenny Lofton and Kelly Shoppach had back-to-back doubles to make the score 4-2. Morrow struck out pinch hitter Ryan Garko, but Sherrill took over and hit Grady Sizemore to put runners at first and second. The rally died when Mariners catcher Kenji Johjima picked Sizemore off first to end the game.

Byrd suffered his second consecutive loss, giving up 11 hits and four runs over 6 1/3 innings. He departed with one out in the seventh after Willie Bloomquist and Adrian Beltre singled. But Cliff Lee made his fourth relief appearance of the year and got Raul Ibanez to ground out then fanned Guillen to end the threat.

"Byrdie threw the ball well today, but a couple of big balls hurt him," Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said. "He did a good job of battling and got us deep into the ballgame, and Cliff Lee came in and picked him up. I was really impressed with the way he threw the ball today."

Cleveland got on the scoreboard in the second when Kenny Lofton belted an RBI triple off the center field wall to cut the Mariners advantage to 2-1.