A’s Stewart Finally Wins 20th, 5-2 : Eckersley Stays Out of It; Nelson Earns Save Against Twins

As it turned out, the fourth time was the charm for Dave Stewart.

The former Dodger right-hander, who has become the ace of the Oakland Athletics’ pitching staff, finally became a 20-game winner for the third consecutive season.

Stewart pitched a strong seven innings as the Athletics beat the Minnesota Twins, 5-2, Friday night at Minneapolis.

Dennis Eckersley, who twice had deprived Stewart of his 20th victory when he failed to hold a lead in the ninth inning, was not summoned when Stewart needed help in the seventh.

Instead, Gene Nelson retired the last six Twins in order for his third save.

In the two games that Eckersley failed to save, the Athletics pulled out the victories, with Eckersley getting the decisions.

Each time, Stewart said the team’s victory was the important thing. After the second, he sounded a little less convincing.

But this was a time for celebrating. With the Angels’ game at Cleveland rained out, the Athletics increased their lead to four games with only nine to play. In addition, the victory was the 100th of Stewart’s career.

Stewart joined Mike Scott of Houston and Bret Saberhagen of Kansas City as 20-game winners this season.

Stewart is the only pitcher of the ‘80s to win 20 games in three consecutive seasons. The last pitcher to do so was Jim Palmer of the Baltimore Orioles. He had four straight in 1975-78.

After the game, Stewart was asked who he would vote for if he could cast a Cy Young Award ballot.

“I would vote for Saberhagen,” he said.

“But then again, I take that back. I would vote for me. I’m well aware of my statistics. In 31 of my 35 starts I have pitched into the seventh inning or better. I’ve won 10 games the night after we lost. I’m not the only element that makes the club win, but I’m one of the main elements.

“From the first day of the season, I have been in the running for the award. Saberhagen wasn’t there in April or May.”

Stewart, who is 70-39 since he joined the Athletics, said he felt overlooked by the media in other years.

“I am kind of angry”, he said. “In ‘87, I was third best. Last year, I was fourth in the voting. But I keep winning games. It’s my time to be respected for what I’ve done.”

Dave Parker and Jose Canseco each drove in two runs for the Athletics, who will end their road season with two more games in the Metrodome.

In the battle for the batting title, Carney Lansford of the Athletics gained a little ground. Lansford was one for five and is hitting .337. Minnesota’s Kirby Puckett was 0 for 4 and dropped to .341.

Rookie Mike Dyer (3-7) lost his fourth game in a row for the Twins, who have lost six in a row.