Yankees' road trip starts with a fall
The Yankees arrived in Toronto for the start of a season-high 10-game trip, held a one-hour pregame meeting, and followed with one of their flattest performances in a season that is spinning out of control.
"We're not happy campers, there's no question about that," manager Joe Torre said following New York's latest dismal defeat, 7-2 to the Blue Jays last night. New York has lost four in a row to drop 13 1/2 games behind the Red Sox in the American League East, their biggest deficit since August 1995.
Blue Jays starter Dustin McGowan won for the first time in more than a year, and Lyle Overbay hit a go-ahead home run. New York had just five hits -- two were infield singles -- and was shut out until Hideki Matsui's long two-run homer in the eighth.
McGowan (1-2) struck out a career-high seven and gave up five hits in 7 2/3 innings, the longest start of his major league career. He had been winless in four starts this season with a 7.17 ERA.
Matt DeSalvo (1-2), among the rookies forced into the Yankees' rotation, gave up three runs, five hits, and three walks 4 2/3 innings.
Devil Rays 6, Tigers 5 -- Tampa Bay's Elijah Dukes singled with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth to drive in two runs and stun Detroit.
The Devil Rays came from three runs down against the Tigers' struggling bullpen, scoring once in the seventh and once in the eighth before loading the bases on two singles, a sacrifice bunt, and an intentional walk. Dukes then hit a high bouncer to left off Todd Jones (1-2).
Twins 10, White Sox 4 -- Nick Punto, Torii Hunter, and Jason Tyner each had three hits and Mike Redmond drove in three runs for host Minnesota, which poured it on after a strong protest by manager Ron Gardenhire that ex-Twin A.J. Pierzynski had spiked first baseman Justin Morneau.
Gardenhire hollered at all four umpires after Pierzynski possibly spiked Morneau while running out a double play to end the White Sox' half of the sixth inning. But it also sparked the Twins, who scored five times in the sixth to bail out Johan Santana (6-4).
Mariners 12, Angels 5 -- Adrian Beltre tied a Mariners record with four extra-base hits, including two homers, and Richie Sexson added a three-run shot in Seattle's romp in Anaheim, Calif.
Athletics 5, Rangers 3 -- Oakland's Eric Chavez had a three-run homer in support of Chad Gaudin (5-1), who kept visiting Texas in check over his 6 2/3 innings.
Orioles 9, Royals 1 -- Ramon Hernandez hit a grand slam and Steve Trachsel (4-3) pitched a five-hitter to win his third straight start for visiting Baltimore.
Braves 2, Brewers 1 -- Chuck James (5-4) tied his career high with eight strikeouts and Andruw Jones belted the 350th home run of his career to pick up Atlanta in Milwaukee.
Marlins 5, Cubs 3 -- Byung-Hyun Kim (3-2) pitched six scoreless innings and Reggie Abercrombie homered as visiting Florida sent Chicago to its sixth loss in eight games.
Rockies 6, Cardinals 2 -- At Denver, Jeff Francis (4-4) took a shutout into the eighth and Brad Hawpe and Matt Holliday went deep in Colorado's sixth straight victory.
Diamondbacks 5, Phillies 4 -- Doug Davis (3-6) pitched eight sharp innings, Conor Jackson drove in four runs, and Arizona held off the Phillies in Philadelphia.
