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04/23/2004 Archived Entry: "MLB News: AL Roundup - April 23"
MLB News: AL Roundup - April 23 by David Sack
AL Roundup
The Cleveland Indians came from behind for the first time all season to defeat the Kansas City Royals 5-4. Wasting a strong start from Jeremy Affeldt (7IP, 2H, 0ER) the Royals bullpen allowed three runs in the eighth inning in the loss. Jason Grimsley came on in relief of Affeldt to start the eighth, but failed to retire a batter allowing a hit and two walks before being lifted for D.J. Carrasco. After Matt Lawton hit into a double play to tie the game at four, Victor Martinez lifted a double over the head of leftfielder Aaron Guiel’s head to bring home the game-winning run. David Riske pitched the ninth for his second save of the season.
C.C. Sabathia was a late scratch from the game when he irritated his bicep muscle during warm-ups. Jeff D’Amico got the emergency start on just 2 days rest after he failed to record a single out in his start on Monday against the Tigers. D’Amico pitched stronger yesterday, going 5 2/3 innings and allowing just two runs. Rafael Betancourt allowed one earned run in his one inning of work to improve to 1-2 on the year. Omar Vizquel became the 19th active player to record 2,000 hits with his single in the eighth inning.
Minnesota 4, Detroit 3
The Twins defeated the Tigers behind strong starting pitching from Johan Santana (1-0) and a three run homerun from Lew Ford. Since being called up to replace Torii Hunter on April 10th, Ford is batting .450 with three home runs and a team-leading 15 runs batted in. In what is quickly developing into an interesting Central Division rivalry, the Twins improved their season record against the Tigers to 3-3.
Anaheim 7, Texas 6
The Angels out-slugged the Rangers who lost despite two homers from David Dellucci. Troy Glaus’three-run homer in the first inning set the stage as Anaheim roughed up Chan Ho Park (1-3) for six runs in the first two innings and snapped a three game losing streak. Bartolo Colon (3-1) allowed five hits in five innings for the win.
Oakland 8, Seattle 2
Oakland scored all the runs they would need before Jamie Moyer (1-2) could record an out as they beat up on Seattle to split the four-game series. Eric Chavez hit a three-run homer in the first inning and Jermaine Dye had three hits to help Mark Mulder (2-1) defeat the Mariners at Safeco Field.
Baltimore 7, Tampa Bay 6
The Orioles won for the sixth time in seven games as they came from behind to beat the Devil Rays at home. Neither team got a strong effort from their starting pitcher, but the Orioles bullpen provided the necessary relief by pitching four hitless innings. Trailing 6-4 in the sixth inning, Rafael Palmeiro took Jorge Sosa deep for his 102nd career homerun at Camden Yards. Miguel Tegada’s RBI single in the seventh gave him his third RBI of the game and the Orioles the victory and sole possession of first place in the American League East.
Toronto 7, Boston 3
The Toronto Blue Jays won at home for the first time this year as they pummeled Curt Schilling for 13 hits and seven runs. Schilling (2-1) allowed just one run through the first six innings, but got into trouble by allowing a pair of runs to score with two outs in the seventh inning to tie the game. With the game tied 3-3 in the eighth, Red Sox manager Terry Francona elected to stay with Schilling who worked himself into a bases loaded jam after allowing singles to Carlos Delgado and Eric Hinske, and then walking Orlando Hudson. That set the stage for Chris Gomez who hit a 1-1 splitter with 2 outs into the stands in left field for his first career grand slam giving the Blue Jays a 7-3 lead. Manny Ramirez went 3-3 with two walks for the Sox who fell a half game behind the first-place Orioles in the AL East.
Chicago 4, New York 3
The White Sox got to Mike Mussina early and held on to defeat the Yankees and avoid a three-game sweep in the series. Mussina (1-4) allowed three runs in the first inning before settling down to pitch a complete game in the losing effort. The Yankees failed to capitalize on several chances late in the game and Damaso Marte induced a game-ending double play off the bat of Travis Lee for his second save of the season. The White Sox got another strong outing from Scott Schoeneweis (2-1) who pitched 6 2/3 innings and allowed just four hits in the win.
