Millar boosts Baltimore
NEW YORK -- Kevin Millar and Kris Benson, coming off stints with the Yankees' biggest rivals, boosted Baltimore to a win in their first New York appearances with the Orioles.
Millar hit a go-ahead, two-run single in the sixth inning and Benson pitched just well enough to escape trouble in Baltimore's 6-5 victory last night.
Benson (2-2) did not retire the side in order once, allowing four runs -- three earned -- and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. Rookie reliever Sandy Rleal got out of a two-on jam he inherited in the sixth.
''The one game I got to pitch here last year was a lot of fun," said Benson, who was traded by the Mets in the offseason. ''So I knew that coming back in here was going to be exciting for me. Of course I wanted to pitch well coming back to the city."
Orioles closer Chris Ray loaded the bases in the ninth before getting his sixth save in six chances.
Ray walked Derek Jeter with one out and Gary Sheffield singled. Alex Rodriguez then struck out, drawing loud boos. After the runners moved up on defensive indifference, Jason Giambi loaded the bases with a walk. But Hideki Matsui took a 3-and-2 pitch for strike three to end it.
In three seasons with Boston, Millar helped the Red Sox beat the Yankees in 2004 en route to their first World Series title since 1918. He was booed loudly each time he came to the plate, and got a pair of big hits for the Orioles.
''Until I play for the Yankees, I don't think they're ever going to love me," said Millar. ''I'm not a good enough player to be booed. Most of the time, only the good players get booed."
After doubling and scoring to spark a three-run third against Chien-Ming Wang (1-1), Millar got the key hit of the game.
With the Orioles trailing, 4-3, Baltimore loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth on consecutive singles by Miguel Tejada, Jay Gibbons, and Ramon Hernandez.
Javy Lopez hit a comebacker that Wang turned into a force out at the plate -- with a low throw that Jorge Posada scooped -- but Millar blooped an 0-and-1 pitch into right field.
Wang gave up six runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Baltimore made it 6-4 when Scott Proctor walked rookie Nick Markakis with the bases loaded.
In the sixth, Matsui and Posada singled with two outs and Rleal was brought in from the bullpen.
Robinson Cano fouled out on Rleal's first pitch, pinch hitter Bernie Williams walked to load the bases, and Rleal retired Johnny Damon on a ground out.
