Mariners Avoid Sweep And Win

Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez hit consecutive homers in the first inning as the Seattle Mariners beat Cleveland 4-1 Monday night to prevent the Indians from sweeping the four-game series.

Griffey hit his AL-leading 39th homer, a two-run shot, off Charles Nagy (13-9) and Rodriguez followed with his 33rd homer.

Griffey's homer was his ninth since the All-Star break and 389th of his career, tying Johnny Bench for 34th place on the career list, Griffey became the third player to hit 200 homers in a four-season span, joining Babe Ruth and Mark McGwire.

Paul Abbott (5-0), making just his fourth start of the season and 23rd of his career, allowed three hits in eight innings and struck out a career-high 12.

Abbott's career has been interrupted by right shoulder and right elbow urgery. Recovering from surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right knee, Abbott wasn't activated until June 25.

Jose Paniagua forced in a run when he walked Einar Diaz with the bases loaded in the ninth, and Jose Mesa finished with the six-hitter, striking out Richie Sexson with the bases loaded for his 28th save in 32 chances.

Seattle pitchers fanned 15 in all.

Nagy pitched a six-hitter for his first complete game since last Sep. 11 against the Chicago White Sox. He struck out five, walked one and hit a batter.

Raul Ibanez added an RBI single in the fourth for the Mariners, who their three-game losing streak and Cleveland's four-game winning streak.

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