The Associated Press
The Seattle Mariners, led by Lou Piniella (center) and Mike Cameron (right) celebrate with the American flag after clinching the AL West division crown with a 5-0 victory over Anaheim. The Mariners had already been assured of the title with an earlier Texas loss, but fitting of their dream season, won anyway.

M's win third title in 6 years, honor attacks in celebration

JANIE MCCAULEY, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Originally published September 20

SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners celebrated the American League West title, and so much more.

Seattle players walked in a line hugging one another after their 5-0 win over the Anaheim Angels on Wednesday, then gathered at the mound and knelt for a moment of silence to pay tribute to victims of last week's terrorist attacks.

Mark McLemore hoisted an American flag into the air and led his teammates around the base path as others raised their arms in the air and tipped their hats.

"It was just something that came together," McLemore said. "It wasn't choreographed. I don't think I could be any prouder to be an American than I am tonight."

The celebration was spontaneous. Winning the AL West was special, but in the wake of national tragedy, it was secondary.

Jamie Moyer collected his career-best 18th win and the Mariners beat the Angels just hours after clinching their third division title.

Seattle wrapped up the division when Texas beat second-place Oakland 10-4 behind a big night from former Mariners' star Alex Rodriguez.

Oakland's game ended when the Mariners were in the fourth inning, leading the Angels 1-0. Manager Lou Piniella shook hands with players and offered hugs in the dugout, while others slapped high-fives.

The sellout crowd of 45,459 gave the Mariners a standing ovation and cheered madly for several minutes when "2001 AL West champions" flashed across every scoreboard between the fourth and fifth innings.

After the final out, a banner reading "2001 A.L. WEST CHAMPIONS" was unveiled in center field. Streamers shot into the air. Fans waved flags and cheered.

"What happened today, I've never experienced anything like it," Edgar Martinez said. "I was just bawling the whole time as we were walking around the field."

The Mariners didn't spray champagne in a toned-down clubhouse celebration in the wake of last week's events, choosing to sip it quietly instead.

"It was a real nice day," Piniella said, sipping champagne in his office. "Our goals are certainly loftier than this. We hope to treat fans to a lot of baseball well into October."

Moyer (18-5) allowed three hits in six innings to win his ninth straight before turning it over to the bullpen. Four relievers completed the five-hitter.

"He did what he does best," Anaheim manager Mike Scioscia said of Moyer. "We just played bad baseball the last couple nights."

The Mariners (106-40) won their seventh straight game, moved a franchise-record 66 games over .500, and remained on pace to pass the Chicago Cubs' major league record of 116 wins set in 1906.

M's 5, Angels 0

- Record: 106-40.

- Today: Anaheim (Washburn 11-8) at Seattle (Sele 13-5), 3:30 p.m. (FSN).

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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