Associated Press
The American League Roundup …
NEW YORK ó Jose Molina hit a two-out RBI double to cap a four-run eighth inning, and the Yankees rallied to win 6-5 for their fifth straight victory.
The Yankees won consecutive series for the first time this season, while the Mariners have lost a season-worst six games in a row. Seattle owns the worst record in the AL at 18-33.
New York (25-25) was down 5-2 coming into the eighth and had been 0-23 when trailing after seven innings. Derek Jeter led off with a walk against reliever Sean Green before Arthur Rhodes came in for the lefty-on-lefty matchup against Bobby Abreu, who doubled to drive in Jeter.
In came closer J.J. Putz (1-2) to try to get the six-out save. Instead, he got the loss.
A’s 6, Red Sox 3
OAKLAND, Calif. ó Jon Lester’s hopes for another no-hitter ended with the first batter he faced, and the day never got better for the Boston Red Sox. Jack Hannahan hit that leadoff single and later drove in two runs, and Jack Cust hit a two-run homer as the Oakland Athletics completed a three-game sweep of the defending World Series champions.
Rangers 2, Indians 1
CLEVELAND ó Right fielder Ben Francisco misplayed a simple single into a costly error in the 10th inning, enabling Jarrod Saltalamacchia to score from first base and give the Texas Rangers a win.
Blue Jays 3, Royals 1
TORONTO ó Shannon Stewart drove in the go-ahead run on a fielder’s choice, Dustin McGowan won for the first time in four starts and the Royals have now lost seven straight.
McGowan (3-4) allowed one run and nine hits in seven innings to win for the first time since May 5 against Cleveland. He matched a season-high by striking out seven and walked none.
Twins 6, Tigers 1
DETROIT ó Jason Kubel hit a tiebreaking grand slam with two outs in the eighth inning and Glen Perkins shut down Detroit’s offense to take two of three in the series.
Carlos Guillen homered and finished with three hits for Detroit, which wasted a strong start by Justin Verlander after blowing out Minnesota 19-3 on Saturday night.
Rays 5, Orioles 4
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. ó Evan Longoria drove in the winning run with a double in the ninth inning, giving the Rays a three-game sweep of the Orioles.
Carlos Pena drew a one-out walk in the ninth off George Sherrill (1-1) and scored on Longoria’s double to center.
White Sox 3, Angels 2
CHICAGO ó Carlos Quentin led off the ninth with his second homer off John Lackey, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-2 to avoid a three-game sweep.