Mariners’ Johnson Gets 19 Strikeouts

SEATTLE —  Randy Johnson struck out 19, matching the major league record for left-handers he had tied earlier this season, as the Seattle Mariners shut out the Chicago White Sox, 5-0, Friday in front of a raucous Kingdome crowd of 42,170.

Johnson (16-3), who fanned 19 in a loss to Oakland on June 24, struck out Frank Thomas and Albert Belle three times each.

Johnson struck out three in the ninth inning. He pitched a five-hitter, allowing only five balls out of the infield in his 19th career shutout.

Steve Carlton is the only other left-hander besides Johnson to strike out 19, doing it in 1969 for St. Louis.

Roger Clemens holds the major league record of 20 strikeouts in a nine-inning game.

“I got close once again to Clemens’ record,” Johnson said. “Tonight was a special night.”

Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 35th home run--and the second in two nights--for the Mariners in the seventh inning.

Johnson leads the majors with 243 strikeouts.

Chicago’s Mike Cameron and Lyle Mouton each struck out four times. Ray Durham was the only White Sox batter who did not strike out.

“He made his pitches when he needed to and he made us chase it when he wanted to,” Thomas said. “He was very overpowering. He was outstanding and he was nasty.”

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