American League Roundup : Smithson Shows Twins What They’re Missing

When he signed with the Pawtucket, R.I., farm club of the Boston Red Sox in January, Mike Smithson was sure it was his first step back to the major leagues.

The 6-foot 8-inch right-hander, twice a 15-game winner for the Minnesota Twins, had been let go by the Twins just when they finally became a pennant contender.

He felt sure at 33 that he was not over the hill. He did make the Red Sox staff, but just barely. He, as well his teammates, struggled from the start.

In 13 innings as a reliever, he gave up 12 runs. The Red Sox almost gave up.

In desperation, when injuries decimated the staff, Smithson was given a chance as a starter. He may not be another Roger Clemens, but he has helped the surge of the Red Sox.

Smithson held his former teammates, the Twins, hitless for 6 innings and was the winner as the Red Sox blanked the Twins, 5-0, Tuesday night at Boston and kept new Manager Joe Morgan undefeated at 6-0.

The Red Sox are unbeaten in their last 11 games at home, winning the last six after John McNamara was fired.

It was Smithson’s 10th start and fifth win in six decisions. He has four victories at Fenway Park as a starter without a defeat.

Kirby Puckett’s one-out single in the seventh ended Smithson’s no-hit bid. When he gave up another hit in the eighth, Smithson gave way to Bob Stanley and he got the last five outs.

“It’s one of the most satisfying victories of my career,” a happy Smithson said after winning his 65th game in the majors. “I had good stuff. I had a real good sinker, I kept hitters off balance with my slider and my breaking ball probably was the best it’s been all year.”

Smithson, who was 4-7 before the Twins sent him to triple-A Portland, Ore., late in the season, said he couldn’t understand why the Twins gave up on him.

“My arm hurt all last season. Yet, they dropped me after one bad season. I really don’t want to talk about them not offering me a contract. I like the players and they are a class act.

“I’m just glad I finally got a chance to show what I can do. This club is fired up and I’m happy to contribute.”

Smithson made a strong impression on his former manager, Tom Kelly.

“He did an outstanding job,” Kelly said. “I’ve seen him pitch good games before, but this was one great performance.”

Larry Parrish, who played his first game ever at first base Monday night and drove in the winning run on a sacrifice fly, was a big contributor again.

Parrish, released by the Texas Rangers a couple of weeks ago, had three hits, including his eighth home run.

Oakland 4-9, Cleveland 2-6--Every time the Twins start to close in, the Athletics turn things around again.

In this sweep at Oakland that stretched the lead in the West over Minnesota to 5 1/2 games, Mark McGwire found his home run swing and Dennis Eckersley continued to rack up saves.

McGwire hit a two-run home run to help Bob Welch (11-6) get the victory in the opener, then, with the score tied, 6-6, in the fifth inning of the second game, he powered No. 18 to put the Athletics ahead for good.

Eckersley gave up a run in the first game in getting the save for Welch, but in the second he pitched a scoreless ninth to gain his major league-leading 29th save.

McGwire has 14 game-winning RBIs, tying Jack Clark of the Yankees for the lead.

Jose Canseco of the A’s didn’t hit a home run, but he stole a base in each game. He has 25 home runs and 24 steals in his bid to become the first 40-40 player.

Texas 7, New York 2--The Rangers built a 6-0 lead at the expense of John Candelaria in the first three innings at New York, then had to sweat out a long rain delay before earning the victory.

In the top of the fourth, the rains came. It was almost two hours later before play resumed. Before it ended, it was Wednesday morning and there had been another 26-minute delay in the ninth.

Charlie Hough gave up four hits in seven innings and was backed by a 16-hit attack. The only run off Hough was Joel Skinner’s third home run in the fifth.

Scott Fletcher had three hits for the Rangers--each off a different pitcher.

Milwaukee 3, Kansas City 1--The Brewers continue to stay within range of the leaders with strong pitching. Bill Wegman and Dan Plesac combined on a five-hitter at Milwaukee. Wegman went eight innings and is 10-6. Plesac earned his 25th save.

The Brewers have won 10 of their last 12, and their pitching staff has the best ERA in the league (3.25).

Baltimore 6-0, Chicago 4-2--Chicago starter Bill Long and reliever Bobby Thigpen, who earned his 20th save, kept the Orioles’ power hitters under control in the nightcap at Baltimore to give the White Sox a split.

But, in the opener, Mickey Tettleton hit a two-run home run and Jim Traber added a three-run home run.

Seattle 9, Detroit 6--Steve Balboni and David Valle each hit a two-run home run and had three runs batted in at Seattle and the Mariners prevented the Tigers from increasing their lead in the East to two games.

Jack Morris (7-11) had another poor outing for the Tigers, giving up eight runs.

With the Mariners trailing, 6-5, in the seventh, Scott Bradley walked and Balboni hit his ninth home run.

The Tigers lead the Yankees by a game. The Red Sox are only five back and Milwaukee is six.