American League Roundup : Yankees Recall Murderers’ Row

The Yankees commemorated the 60th anniversary of their 1927 Murderers’ Row team Monday by demolishing the Cleveland Indians on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium.

Willie Randolph drove in five runs with four hits and emergency starter Charles Hudson pitched a three-hitter as the Yankees routed the Indians, 11-3, at Yankee Stadium before a crowd of 55,612, largest for a home opener since the new Yankee Stadium opened in 1976.

Randolph, 4 for 20 this season entering the game, tied single-game career highs for runs-batted in and hits. He had a three-run-double in the fourth inning that gave the Yankees a 6-1 lead, and a two-run double in the fifth. He also scored two runs and stole a base.

“Offensively, we’re as strong as anybody,” said Randolph, who was playing in his 12th straight Yankees home opener. “We’re an awesome offensive team. If everybody swings the bat, we’re going to be tough.

“We wanted to go out and show everybody we’re for real, that we have a quality ballclub. They could see we’re here to play.”

Hudson, acquired in the off-season from Philadelphia, made his first American League start after Tommy John came down with a stomach virus and won his second decision without a loss.

He allowed only home runs to Mel Hall in the second inning, Brook Jacoby in the fifth and Joe Carter in the ninth while striking out 10 and walking two.

Dave Winfield homered and Don Mattingly and Ron Kittle each added two-run singles among New York’s 15 hits off Greg Swindell (0-2) and three relievers.

Milwaukee 6, Baltimore 3--Cecil Cooper’s second sacrifice fly snapped an eighth-inning tie as the unbeaten Brewers, off to their best start in history, beat the Orioles in Baltimore for their seventh consecutive victory.

It was the first game of the season for Cooper, who was placed on the disabled list in spring training after pulling a muscle in batting practice.

“It was a funny feeling, sitting and watching everyone contributing,” said the 37-year-old designated hitter.

“Going on the DL was probably best in the long run,” Cooper said. “If I had started the season at less than 100%, I could have wound up being out longer.”

“I’d give myself a ‘B’ for my first game, after missing that much time,” Cooper said. “I hit two balls well . . . a line drive to center and the last sacrifice fly. I broke my bat on the first one, but it went far enough to get the run in.”

The winner was Chris Bosio (2-0) the third Milwaukee pitcher, who allowed three hits over the final 3 innings. The loser was Scott McGregor (0-1) who was relieved after Dale Sveum followed Cooper’s sacrifice fly with a double.

Oakland 6, Minnesota 3--Carney Lansford keyed a three-run rally in the eighth inning with a two-run single as the Athletics beat the Twins at Oakland.

Oakland reliever Jay Howell went the last two innings to even his record at 1-1. George Frazier (1-1) was the loser.