American League Roundup : Blue Jays Win but Can’t Lose the Orioles

Almost everything seems to be in favor of the Toronto Blue Jays in the sizzling race in the East.

The Blue Jays have, among other things, more experience, more power, a deeper starting staff, the easier schedule, a hot relief pitcher in Tom Henke and a relaxed manager in Cito Gaston, who has calmed the clubhouse.

If this is so, how come the Blue Jays can’t shake the pesky Baltimore Orioles?

The Blue Jays used power in the form of Fred McGriff’s 36th home run, a sharp pitcher, Jimmy Key, and Henke once again in the clutch to beat the White Sox, 5-2, Monday night at Chicago.

However, the Orioles also won and the Blue Jays’ lead is still only one game.

McGriff’s two-run home run broke a scoreless tie in the sixth and increased his league lead in home runs.

Key, in winning his fourth in a row since coming off the disabled list, improved to 12-3 against the White Sox.

When Key got into trouble while leading, 3-0, in the seventh inning, Henke entered the game with two on and one out.

A walk, a sacrifice and a single produced the Chicago runs, but after that there was no touching Henke, who earned his 16th save.

Baltimore 5, Cleveland 4--Tim Hulett had just about given up any hope of getting another chance to play in the majors when the Orioles called him last month.

He has wasted little time letting the Orioles know how grateful he is for the chance.

Hulett hit his second home run, with two out in the ninth inning at Baltimore, to give the Orioles another dramatic victory.

“This was the biggest thrill of my life,” Hulett said after languishing most of the last two seasons in the minors. “I had almost given up. It’s all forgotten. This is what it’s all about.”

Rod Nichols (3-4) had retired 15 consecutive batters in an outstanding relief job before Hulett drove a 2-and-2 pitch into the Orioles’ bullpen in left.

“We’re living on pins and needles,” said Cal Ripken, who earlier hit his 19th home run. “Big win! Big win! It’s nice to contribute after being in a slump.”

The Indians, whose Manager Doc Edwards was ejected in the first inning for arguing a call on a pitch, lost their fourth in a row.

Boston 8, Oakland 5--Mike Moore’s wildness--he walked seven batters--at Oakland contributed to his third consecutive defeat as his record fell to 16-9.

Dwight Evans hit his 17th home run, and he and Mike Greenwell helped John Dopson win for the first time since July 26.

Dopson held the Athletics to four hits until the ninth when the Red Sox had to use two relievers to stop an Oakland rally. The Athletics still lead the West by 2 1/2 games.

Greenwell, who had three hits, has hit safely in 35 of 39 games since the All-Star break.

The Red Sox, trying desperately to stay in the race in the East, are five games out of first.

Wade Boggs, who has a lifetime average of .235 at Oakland, his worst average in any stadium, was two for three, scoring twice and driving in a run.

Detroit 5, Kansas City 1--Fred Lynn, in his 16th major league season, is nearing the end of the line at 37. He is having his worst season with an average barely above .200 after a lifetime average of .284.

Desperate measures were needed. Lynn took off a few days to change his batting style. For the time being, at least, it is working.

Lynn hit his 300th home run, a two-run shot at Detroit to give the rejuvenated Tigers another victory over a pennant contender. Over the weekend, the Tigers all but swept Cleveland out of the race in the East.

“I shortened my stroke so I could get to the ball quicker,” Lynn said.

Lynn, who hit two home runs and scored four runs in Sunday’s rout of the Indians, hit his 11th to end Bret Saberhagen’s winning streak at eight games. Saberhagen (17-6) also gave up Doug Strange’s first home run. Doyle Alexander (6-16) got the victory.

The Royals were without George Brett, who was hit on the right elbow Sunday in Texas. In his last 12 games, Brett is 15 for 41 (.366).

Texas 8, Minnesota 5--Julio Franco enjoyed the 100-degree weather at Arlington, Tex., going three for three, scoring once and driving in two runs.