Indians’ Wright Ends His Drought

OAKLAND —  Rookie Jaret Wright gave up three hits in six innings to win for the first time in a month, and David Justice hit a two-run homer as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Oakland Athletics, 5-3, Friday.

Marquis Grissom, who entered the game hitless in his last 14 at-bats, had four hits with a run-scoring triple.

Wright (4-2), who failed to last four innings in his previous two starts, gave up one run to win for the first time since July 26, when he also beat the A’s.

Matt Stairs pulled Oakland within a run with his 21st homer, a two-run shot off Jason Jacome in the eighth. But Eric Plunk retired the only batter he faced and Paul Assenmacher got two more outs to close out the inning. Jose Mesa pitched the ninth for his eighth save.

Ariel Prieto (6-8), who had lost three consecutive decisions for the first time, gave up four runs and eight hits in six innings. In five career starts against the Indians, Prieto is 0-4 with a 4.85 earned- run average.

Manny Ramirez hit a solo homer off Mike Mohler in the ninth.

Cleveland took a 2-0 lead in the second when Sandy Alomar doubled, Grissom tripled and Brian Giles singled.

Justice hit his 26th homer in the fifth for a 4-0 lead. Tony Batista had a run-scoring single in the bottom half.

NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO: Cleveland Indians

WHERE: at Anaheim Stadium

WHEN:

Tuesday, 7

Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.