Williams’ Hits Right Up Albert’s Alley

Matt Williams hit two homers, including a go-ahead, two-run shot in a four-run fifth, as the Cleveland Indians came from behind to beat the Chicago White Sox, 9-7, at Jacobs Field on Saturday.

Fittingly, Williams hit both homers over Albert Belle’s head to left field. His two-run shot in the fifth gave the Indians a 6-5 lead. He added a 407-foot, solo homer in the seventh that soared over the portion of the left-field patio closed to protect Belle from fans--the section formerly known as “Albert’s Alley.”

The towering homer did more than help the Indians beat the Chicago White Sox. It erased some bad memories and myths on its flight into “Albert’s Alley.”

Williams, never booed at Jacobs Field but never really embraced, took a figurative swing at the doubters. While Belle stands as one of the measuring sticks for future Indian power hitters, all he could do on this day was stand and watch.

“I didn’t beat Albert Belle today,” Williams said after extending his career-high hitting streak to 22 games with his 30th and 31st homers. “We all beat the White Sox.”

But the symbolism of Williams’ homers, especially their destination, was hard to miss.

It also came as Belle, playing his second series at Jacobs Field since signing a five-year, $55-million contract with the White Sox, was 0 for 5 with two strikeouts, making him 0 for 8 in the series. As the tying run in the ninth, he flied out to the right-field wall before blowing a kiss to the roaring crowd while trotting back to the dugout.

Seattle 9, Minnesota 0--Jeff Fassero won his 15th game, tying a career best, with a four-hitter and Jay Buhner hit his 33rd home run for the Mariners at Minneapolis.

Seattle’s Ken Griffey Jr., who had hit six home runs in four previous games, was 0 for 4 with a walk. On the verge of becoming the 15th major leaguer to hit 50 in a season, he needs 13 homers in the final 20 games to break Roger Maris’ record of 61.

Fassero pitched his second complete game of the year and his first shutout since June 29, 1996.

Boston 10, Milwaukee 2--The change of scenery did Pete Harnisch some good. About three innings’ worth.

Making his first start for the Brewers since a bitter departure from the Mets, Harnisch gave up seven runs, all with two outs in the third inning, and took the loss at Boston.

“Everything just snowballed,” Harnisch said. “I just wanted to get out on a good foot with the new team. . . . Today, I didn’t.”

Harnisch was traded to the Brewers on Aug. 31, ripping Met Manager Bobby Valentine on his way out the door. Saturday, he gave up seven runs, four hits and three walks. He struck out three before leaving with two out and two on in the third, throwing his glove against the dugout wall in disgust.

Baltimore 4, New York 1--The Orioles improved to 7-0 against the Yankees for the first time, needing just 2 1/2 hours as Scott Erickson took a shutout into the ninth and finished with a four-hitter at New York.

The Yankees have lost six in a row, their worst streak since an eight-game slide in August 1995. Saturday’s crowd of 52,535 saw the Orioles win for the third consecutive day at Yankee Stadium.

Oakland 9, Kansas City 3--Scott Spiezio hit a two-run homer at Kansas City and matched a career-high with four RBIs.

Rookie shortstop Miguel Tejada had a career-high three hits and drove in two runs.

Andrew Lorraine (3-1) gave up two runs and eight hits in six innings for the victory.

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BESTS OF THE DAY

BATTING

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Player Team Performance Team’s Result Matt Williams Cleveland 2 home runs, 3 RBIs Win Jay Bell Kansas City 3 for 5, 3 doubles Loss Juan Gonzalez Texas 3 for 4, home run, double Loss

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PITCHING

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Player Team Performance Team’s Result Jeff Fassero Seattle 9 innings, 4 hits, 0 runs, 8 strikeouts Win Scott Erickson Baltimore 9 innings, 4 hits, 1 run Win Pat Hentgen Toronto 8 innings, 6 hits, 1 run Win

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