Davis’ Homer in 9th Wins It for Mariners

SEATTLE — Russ Davis homered over the center-field fence leading off the ninth inning to give the Mariners a 4-3 win over Baltimore and put them two percentage points ahead of the Angels in their battle for first place in the American League West.

Davis collected a game-winning RBI in the ninth inning for the fourth time this season. His 16th homer came on the first pitch from Terry Mathews (2-2), Baltimore’s fourth pitcher.

Norm Charlton (3-7) picked up the victory by pitching a perfect ninth after Paul Spoljaric worked 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.

The Mariners took a 3-1 lead in the second inning on Dan Wilson’s ninth home run of the season after Jimmy Key walked Edgar Martinez and Mike Blowers.

For Baltimore, Brady Anderson doubled and scored on Rafael Palmeiro’s sacrifice fly in the first, Chris Hoiles doubled and scored on Jeff Reboulet’s infield out in the third and Cal Ripken doubled and scored on Hoiles’ sacrifice fly in the sixth.

Key, Baltimore’s 13-game winner, went five innings and allowed three runs on three hits while walking five. It was the third time in 24 starts he has not made it into the sixth inning.

Omar Olivares lasted 5 1/3 innings and gave up three runs on nine hits and three walks.

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NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO: Baltimore Orioles

WHERE: Anaheim Stadium

WHEN: Friday: 7 p.m., Saturday: 7 p.m., Sunday: 5 p.m.