MINNESOTA, 21 May 2005 — Joe Mays pitched a seven-hit shutout as the Minnesota Twins blanked the Toronto Blue Jays 4-0 on Thursday in American League play in Minneapolis.
Mays (3-1) sparkled in his sixth career shutout striking out two without issuing a walk and helping the Twins to their third win in four games. The game had been a pitchers duel until the bottom of the sixth when the Twins exploded for four runs.
Michael Cuddyer doubled to left bringing across Justin Morneau and Torii Hunter to open the scoring followed by Mike Redmond, who singled to centre driving in two more runs.
Toronto starter Gustavo Chacin (4-3) tossed five shutout inning but took the loss after giving up all four runs on seven hits.
In Detroit, Damon Hollins belted a two-run homer and Nick Green added a solo shot helping the Tampa Bay Devil Rays snap a four game losing streak with a 6-2 win over the Tigers.
Scott Kazmir (1-4) tossed 5 2/3 solid innings to earn his first win of the season. He allowed two runs on three hits, striking out two and walking four before being forced to leave the game after being hit in the thigh by a line drive. Danys Baez came on to get the final five outs and collect his fourth save of the season.
In Kansas City, Emil Brown belted a three-run homer and Angel Berroa added a solo shot powering the Royals to 7-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles.
Kansas City gave starter Runelvys Hernandez a six-run cushion going into the fourth but it was Leo Nunez (1-0) who took credit for the win tossing 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.
Mike MacDougal struck out the side in the ninth to collect his second save.
Rockies Rumble to 3-1 Win Over Giants
In Colorado, Luis Gonzalez and Garrett Atkins smacked solo home runs and Jeff Francis delivered six strong innings as the Colorado Rockies downed the San Francisco Giants 3-1 in National League play in Denver on Thursday.
Francis (4-1) allowed only one run on seven hits, striking out five batters and walking two to post his third straight win.
Three relievers also figured in the decision, Brian Fuentes working a scoreless ninth for his first save of the season. Brett Tomko (3-6) took the loss, giving up two runs on five hits in five innings. Lance Niekro had a home run for the Giants.
In Washington, Livan Hernandez tossed six solid innings while Jamey Carroll drove in a run and scored another as the Nationals edged the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 to record their fifth win in six games. Hernandez (7-2) scattered seven hits, surrendering one run and striking out five batters to win his sixth straight start. Chad Cordero worked a scoreless ninth for his 10th save of the season.
In Philadelphia, Brett Myers tossed seven strong innings while Jose Offerman homered and Pat Burrell drove in a pair of runs to help the Phillies to a 7-4 triumph over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Myers (4-2) allowed three runs on six hits, striking out nine batters and walking none to post the victory.
In Houston, Luis Gonzalez cracked a three-run homer and Brad Halsey tossed seven strong innings guiding the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 6-1 victory over the Astros. Halsey (3-2) allowed only one run on six hits without striking out or walking a batter to beat Astros’ Roger Clemens.
