Despite Choo’s big game, Cleveland’s losing streak hits 8


SEATTLE (AP) ― Eric Thames hit a tiebreaking, two-run double with two outs in the eighth inning, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Cleveland Indians 3-1 on Wednesday for their eighth straight win.

Seattle completed a three-game sweep and is on its longest winning streak since taking eight in a row from June 23-July 1, 2007. The Mariners have won 15 of their last 16 home games.

Cleveland has lost eight in a row, following an 11-game skid from July 27-Aug. 7. The Indians have lost 21 of their last 25 and are 10-29 since the All-Star break.

With the score tied 1-1, Kyle Seager hit a drive to right-center off Vinnie Pestano (3-1) with one out in the eighth and stretched the hit into a double.

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera argued the call by second base umpire Ed Hickox, and Cleveland manager Manny Acta came out to dispute it. Acta was then ejected from the game.

John Jaso was intentionally walked, Jesus Montero struck out, and Thames doubled to deep right.

Stephen Pryor (3-0) pitched two-thirds of an inning of hitless relief, and Tom Wilhelmsen threw a hitless ninth for his 19th save in 21 chances.

Seattle won despite getting outhit 8-5. Mariners starter Hisashi Iwakuma allowed one run, six hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings with five strikeouts.

Cleveland’s Zach McAllister gave up one run, three hits and three walks in six innings.

Michael Saunders put Seattle ahead in the first with his 14th home run of the season, his fourth in six games.

Cleveland tied the score in the sixth when Choo Shin-soo walked and Carlos Santana singled to put two on with no outs. After Michael Brantley took a called third strike, Oliver Perez relieved and Casey Kotchman hit a slow grounder down the third-base line that stayed fair.

Beltre hits three HRs

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) ― Adrian Beltre hit three home runs, including two in a nine-run fourth inning, and had five RBIs in the Texas Rangers’ 12-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night.

Beltre hit his first homer leading off the second against former teammate Tommy Hunter. He connected again off Hunter for a two-run shot with none out in the fourth. He then hit another two-run drive with two outs while facing Kevin Gregg.

Mitch Moreland hit his first grand slam in the fourth, when the Rangers sent 12 batters to the plate. He matched Beltre with a career high-tying five RBIs.

The power surge supported a solid effort by Derek Holland. The left-hander pitched seven innings, giving up three runs and five hits. He struck out five and walked three.

Colon suspended 50 games

OAKLAND, California (AP) ― Make it two 50-game suspensions in exactly one week ― both starters for contending teams from the Bay Area, both for testosterone.

Former Cy Young Award winner Bartolo Colon of the Oakland Athletics was suspended for 50 games Wednesday after a positive test, joining San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera on the suspended list for the rest of the regular season.

Tampa Bay 5, Kansas City 3

Milwaukee 3, Chicago 2

Oakland 5, Minnesota 1

Arizona 3, Miami 2 Gm. 1

Arizona 3, Miami 0 Gm. 2

San Diego 4, Pittsburgh 2

Detroit 3, Toronto 2

Atlanta 5, Washington 1

Cincinnati 3, Philadelphia 2

LA Angels 7, Boston 3

Colorado 5, NY Mets 2

Chicago 2, NY Yankees 1

St. Louis 4, Houston 2

San Francisco 8, LA Dodgers 4