American League Roundup : Blue Jays Win, Take Lead in East

George Bell singled home the winning run with one out in the ninth inning as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Orioles, 2-1, at Baltimore Monday night to take over first place in the American League East.

The Blue Jays’ victory, coupled with Detroit’s 9-4 loss at Boston, boosted Toronto over the Tigers by a half-game.

Lloyd Moseby, who led off with a bloop double to left field on which Larry Sheets failed to make a diving catch, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Tony Fernandez.

It was the third hit of the game for Bell, who started with a 2-for-35 lifetime record against starter Mike Boddicker (10-10) and increased his American league leading run batted in total to 129.

“I’ve got to give Boddicker credit,” Bell said. “He’s a great pitcher. I was a little lucky tonight.”

Boddicker, bothered by muscle spasms in his back throughout the game, was replaced after Bell’s hit. It was the Orioles 18th loss in 21 games.

The winner was John Cerutti (11-4), the fourth Blue Jay pitcher, who retired Fred Lynn with the bases loaded in the eighth inning. Tom Henke finished up for his American League-leading 33rd save as five Toronto pitchers combined on a three-hitter.

Boston 9, Detroit 4--Mike Greenwell’s leadoff home run triggered a four-run second inning and Wade Boggs doubled home two runs in the sixth as the Red Sox beat the Tigers at Boston.

The Red Sox pounded out 17 hits off starter Nate Snell (1-2) and three successors to defeat Detroit.

Al Nipper, subbing for Jeff Sellers when the scheduled starter came down with the flu, tossed 8-hit ball for 7 innings to raise his record to 10-11. He walked 4 and struck out 3.

Nipper gave up two solo home runs as Detroit set a club record of 211 home runs this season.

Cleveland 6, Oakland 3--Brook Jacoby snapped a 3-3 tie with a leadoff homer in the seventh inning at Cleveland as the Indians beat the Athletics and denied Dave Stewart in his third attempt to become the major leagues’ first 20-game winner.

Seattle 5, Kansas City 1--Rookie Mike Campbell earned his first victory with a seven-hitter and Donell Nixon clouted a solo homer, leading the Mariners over the Royals.