M’s edge Indians

CLEVELAND – A long way from first place, all that’s left for the Seattle Mariners this season is picking up individual firsts.

They enjoyed a couple Friday night.

David Pauley earned his first career win, helping make Daren Brown’s road debut as Seattle’s interim manager a success, and the Mariners beat the Cleveland Indians 3-2.

“An outstanding job by Pauley and his first win, which is something I can relate to this week,” said Brown, 3-1 since replacing the fired Dan Wakamatsu on Monday.

Pauley (1-4) gave up two runs and seven hits over six innings in his 11th start and 19th career appearance. The right-hander worked in nine games for the Boston Red Sox in 2008 and entered his sixth start of the season for Seattle with a career record of 0-7 and 6.40 ERA.

“I’m just grateful to get this opportunity,” said Pauley, who was signed as a minor league free agent in December and had only a 1-6 record at Triple-A Tacoma before being called up June 27.

The Mariners beat Fausto Carmona (11-10) to snap a seven-game road losing streak.

Pauley struck out five and did not walk a batter. Sean White worked a perfect seventh and Brandon League allowed a hit in the eighth to set up David Aardsma. Seattle’s closer got three quick outs for his 23rd save in 27 chances.

“I wasn’t worried because those guys have been doing a really good job,” Pauley said. “It was a good feeling to see the last out. I think somebody got the ball for me.”

Franklin Gutierrez scored to give the M’s a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning when Jason Donald couldn’t handle Adam Moore’s two-out grounder.

Seattle outfielder Michael Saunders made his first start since injuring his neck and shoulder running into a wall to make a catch Aug. 5.

Mariners 3, Indians 2