American League Roundup : Ward’s Pinch Home Run Gives Yankees 7-4 Victory Over Tigers

Pinch-hitter Gary Ward’s three-run homer with two out in the bottom of the 10th inning gave the New York Yankees a 7-4 victory over Detroit Thursday night at Yankee Stadium, sending the Tigers to their 14th loss in 17games.

The defeat dropped the second-place Tigers 1 1/2 games behind idle Boston in the East. The Yankees moved within 4 1/2 games of the Red Sox.

With two out in the 10th, Don Mattingly doubled to right field off reliever Mike Henneman (8-5). Guillermo Hernandez relieved and intentionally walked Dave Winfield.

Then Ward, batting for designated hitter Ken Phelps, spoiled Detroit Manager Sparky Anderson’s strategy by hitting his third home run of the season.

Hipolito Pena (1-1), who got the final out in the top of the 10th when the Tigers had runners on first and thrid, got the win.

Oakland 5, Kansas City 1--Curt Young pitched four-hit ball for eight innings at Kansas City as the West-leading A’s got their first victory of the season over the Royals in seven tries.

Young (9-8) lost his shutout in the eighth inning when Danny Tartabull hit his 21st homer.Young struck out seven and walked none before Greg Cadaret relieved.

Cadaret allowed two hits before Dennis Eckersley got the final out for his major leagues-leading 39th save.