AMERICAN LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Ventura Powers White Sox to Victory, 10-8

Robin Ventura had a July that would be a whole season for some ballplayers.

Ventura, in his last at-bat in the month Wednesday night at Chicago, hit a grand slam to climax a comeback with two out in the ninth inning.

The grand slam gave the White Sox, who trailed, 8-6, going into the last inning, a 10-8 victory over Texas. It was their seventh victory in a row and kept them three games behind the Minnesota Twins in the American League West.

Ventura, who also homered in the third inning, had four hits in the game and 12 home runs in July. In the first three months, the third baseman hit only four home runs. As a rookie last year, he had only five.

Ventura hit the grand slam off Rich Gossage after the Rangers had pulled in front in the eighth inning on home runs by Dean Palmer and Rafael Palmeiro.

“I can’t explain it,” Ventura said. “I was just looking to get two runs in. But if you hit it good enough, it’s going to go.

“I had never faced Gossage. The coaches told me he would come at me--that he wouldn’t try to trick me.

“I’ll tell you, it will be a long time before I forget this month.”

Manager Jeff Torborg of the White Sox said: “I don’t want to explain it. I just want to enjoy it.”

Frank Thomas hit his 20th home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to cut the Ranger lead to 8-6. Then two walks sandwiched around a single set the stage for Ventura.

Minnesota 12, New York 3--Kent Hrbek hit a grand slam and Chili Davis and Shane Mack also hit home runs in an eight-run uprising in the second inning at New York.

Mack, who had four hits to spark a victory Tuesday night, hit another home run in the sixth inning and a single and drove in three runs to lead the 20-hit attack.

Toronto 3, Cleveland 1--The Blue Jays needed a lift and Jimmy Key gave it to them at Toronto.

Key (11-6) had not won since the middle of June, and the Blue Jays had lost eight of their last 10 games. He gave up six hits in eight innings, and the Blue Jays halted their skid.

Tom Henke pitched the ninth inning and earned his 21st save in as many opportunities.

Eric King (4-6), just off the disabled list, pitched a strong eight innings in losing.

Kansas City 5, Milwaukee 4--Brian McRae had four hits, scored a run and drove in one at Milwaukee to spark the Royals to their eighth victory in the last 11 games.

Kansas City built a 5-1 lead for Luis Aquino (5-2) and held on, with Jeff Montgomery getting his 20th save.

Baltimore 4, Seattle 2--Chris Hoiles hit a two-run single in the 11th inning at Seattle to give the Orioles the victory.

Mike Flanagan (2-3) got the victory with 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. Gregg Olson pitched the 11th for his 22nd save.