Red Sox lose to Niekro but offer praise

After Phil Niekro defeated Boston 5-2 yesterday in Cleveland,Red Sox slugger Don Baylor said the 47-year-old knuckleballer is theperfect role model for his profession.

"He didn't have his real good knuckleball and he didn't have hisreal good control, but still he won," Baylor said after Niekrolimited Boston to five hits over the first seven innings for his310th victory, 13th on the all-time list.

"I played with him and know what a competitor he is. I wish allyoung pitchers would have the chance to be on a club with him, to seehow dedicated he is and how he goes about his job."

Joe Carter and Julio Franco hit two-run home runs for Cleveland,both off Red …