American League Roundup : Yankees’ Solid Pitching Blanks Royals Twice

The New York Yankees were hoping that if their pitching held up until May when they expect to re-sign Ron Guidry, they could contend in the East.

So far, though, the Yankees’ starting staff, rated mediocre to poor going into the season, has done better than anybody predicted.

Sunday, the Yankees were able to shut out Bo Jackson and the heavy-hitting Kansas City Royals twice at New York to emerge as the only challenger to the amazing Milwaukee Brewers

In sweeping the doubleheader, the Yankees may have uncovered a new ace and discovered that veteran Tommy John’s left arm still has an occasional good game in it.

After Charlie Hudson held the Royals to seven singles and won his third in a row in the opener, 5-0, John gave up just four singles in seven innings in a 1-0 victory in the nightcap. The Yankees, 5-0 at home, are 9-3 overall.

John, who will be 44 next month, had his pitching arm reconstructed by Dr. Frank Jobe in 1974 when he was with the Dodgers. .

The Yankees, heeding Mike Easler’s demands to be traded, picked up Hudson from the Philadelphia Phillies in the deal. They didn’t expect too much from a pitcher who was 32-42 in four seasons with the Phillies.

When another newcomer, Rick Rhoden, who was expected to be a big help, injured his ribs in spring training, Hudson was given a shot.

Hudson’s first chance during the season came when the Tigers shelled John for five runs in 3 innings April 8. Hudson responded by retiring 13 consecutive batters to gain his first American League victory.

The Yankees still weren’t impressed. He sat in the bullpen until last Monday, a rainy, cold day when John came down with a virus and couldn’t pitch.

Hudson, a last resort, beat the Cleveland Indians, 11-3. It was his first complete game since Oct. 2, 1985. He’s in the rotation now.

“I just wanted to go back to the old Charlie Hudson,” said the pitcher who was 8-8 as a rookie with the Phillies in 1983, his best season. “I’ve been on the downside enough.”

The Royals also lost George Brett, who pulled a muscle in his rib cage and left after batting in the first inning of the opener. He may be out three-to-four weeks.

Despite his brilliant pitching, John didn’t get the win in the second game. Pat Clements did, working one inning before Dan Pasqua’s sacrifice fly in the eighth drove in the only run. Dave Righetti pitched a hitless ninth for the save.

Cleveland 3-8, Baltimore 0-7--After winning only once in their first 11 games, the Indians swept the Orioles at Baltimore.

Joe Carter hit his fifth home run and Greg Swindell pitched a six-hitter in the opener as the Indians ended an eight-game losing streak.

In a wild second game, Mel Hall homered and Pat Tabler drove in three runs to give the aging duo of Phil Niekro and Steve Carlton support. Niekro was pounded for five runs in 4 innings, but Carlton gave up one hit and two unearned runs in four innings to earn the victory.

“I’m still getting used to relief,” Carlton said after winning No. 324. “My fastball and control were better, but it’s like spring training. Every time I throw it gets better.”

Seattle 8, Oakland 1--Scott Bankhead pitched a five-hitter and struck out eight at Seattle to improve his record to 3-0.

Bankhead and outfielder Mike Kingery are making the Mariners’ trade of Danny Tartabull to Kansas City for them and pitcher Steve Shields look better all the time. Kingery singled in two runs in a four-run third.

Boston 4, Toronto 1--Al Nipper held the Blue Jays to five hits in seven innings at Toronto and Wade Boggs hit a home run over the center-field fence for Boston.

Nipper (2-0) was making his fourth start in Toronto and won for the first time.

Chicago 7, Detroit 2--The White Sox hit four home runs, including two-run shots by Tim Hulett and Carlton Fisk, at Detroit to beat the Tigers for the first time in six games. Floyd Bannister pitched a six-hitter and struck out seven to improve his career record against the Tigers to 10-6.