CLEVELAND, July 9 (UPI) -- Lou Merloni's two-run single off Octavio Dotel with two outs in the ninth Friday night lifted Cleveland to a 5-4 victory over Oakland.
With Oakland holding a 4-2 lead, Manager Ken Macha put the ball in the hands of Octavio Dotel (1-1). Acquired from Houston in a three-team deal on June 24, Dotel struck out the first batter he faced before running into trouble.
Matt Lawton drew a walk and Omar Vizquel singled before Travis Hafner lined a shot that got past right fielder Jermaine Dye for an RBI double.
Victor Martinez was walked intentionally to bring up Casey Blake, who struck out on four pitches.
Hitting for John McDonald, Merloni ripped Dotel's first offering down the left field line, bringing home Vizquel and Hafner and giving Cleveland just its second win in seven games.
