KANSAS CITY, 15 August 2003 — Designated hitter Mike Sweeney drove in four runs with a pair of two-run singles to propel the upstart Kansas City Royals to an 11-0 drubbing of the big-spending New York Yankees in the American League on Wednesday.
Kevin Appier (1-1) tossed six innings of three-hit ball to earn the decision as the Royals handed the Yankees their worst loss of the season. He struck out two while walking one.
Struggling Yankees starter Jeff Weaver (6-9) was in trouble from the outset. He allowed three runs in the first inning, two plated by Sweeney. New York’s payroll is about 4 1/2 times that of the Royals, who captured a home series from the Yankees for the first time in a decade.
Devil Rays 6 Orioles 5 (10 innings)
In St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays responded to a typical outburst from manager Lou Piniella to edge the Baltimore Orioles 6-5 in 10 innings.
The emotional Piniella was ejected following a lengthy ninth-inning tirade, after which the Orioles scored to force extra frames.
But Travis Lee saved the day for Tampa, doubling off loser BJ Ryan (3-1) in the 10th to plate the winning run. Aubrey Huff doubled and homered earlier to plate three more runs.
Rangers 7 Tigers 3
In Arlington, the Texas Rangers scored three times in each of the first two innings on the way to a 7-3 triumph over the lowly Detroit Tigers, who slumped to their 20th loss in 26 games. Rafael Palmeiro belted a three-run homer, his 29th of the season, while Alex Rodriguez added a two-run blast, his 32nd. Both homers were served up by loser Mike Maroth (6-17).
Indians 5 Twins 0 (14 innings)
In Minneapolis, the Cleveland Indians exploded with five runs in the 14th inning to blank the Minnesota Twins 5-0. Ryan Ludwick singled off Juan Rincon (3-5) to plate the first run.
Angels 2 White Sox 1
In Anaheim, Tim Salmon’s eighth-inning double plated the go-ahead run as the Angels squeezed past the Chicago White Sox 2-1. Salmon’s game-winner was served up by Mark Buehrle (10-12).
Francisco Rodriguez (6-2) tossed 1 1/3 innings in relief of starter Jarrod Washburn to earn the decision. The save went to Troy Percival, his 24th of the season.
Red Sox 7 Athletics 3
In Oakland, Manny Ramirez and Kevin Millar both homered and drove in three runs as the Boston Red Sox overcame the Athletics 7-3.
Ramirez’s blast was served up by Mark Mulder (15-9). Derek Lowe (12-6) worked the minimum five frames for the win. Boston (69-51) and Oakland (69-51) share top spot in the AL wild-card standings.
Mariners 13 Blue Jays 6
In Seattle, the Mariners shook off a six-run Toronto fourth inning to thump the Blue Jays 13-6. AL batting leader Ichiro Suzuki collected three hits, scored three times and drove in three runs to pace the Mariners.
Julio Mateo (3-0) won in relief, the loss going to left-hander Jason Kershner (0-2), the third Toronto pitcher. Seattle is four games up on Oakland in the AL West.
