AMERICAN LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Leibrandt Shuts Out Twins in Metrodome

The last time Charlie Leibrandt pitched in the Metrodome was in 1991, when he gave up a game-winning home run to Kirby Puckett in the World Series.

In 1991, Leibrandt was with the Atlanta Braves. On Monday, he returned with the Texas Rangers and gave up six hits in 7 2/3 innings as the Rangers beat the Minnesota Twins, 1-0.

“I remember the home run, sure. Who wouldn’t?” Leibrandt said. “I didn’t give it a whole lot of thought. I also remember some good games here. I won my American League debut here (with Kansas City) in 1984. I try to think positively and not worry about what has gone wrong.”

Leibrandt (6-2), who is 5-0 in six road starts this season, struck out five and walked none.

Ranger Manager Kevin Kennedy said he wished his other pitchers would emulate the 36-year-old left-hander.

“We’ve given in to some hitters this year and Charlie doesn’t do that,” Kennedy said. “He makes them hit his pitches.”

Leibrandt did not allow a runner past second base until the seventh inning, when he got out of a two-out jam by getting Gene Larkin to ground out with runners at second and third.

“That may be the slowest I’ve ever seen a guy throw the baseball, but he made us look bad,” Twin Manager Tom Kelly said. “Leibrandt pitched a fabulous game. He’s had some bad luck in this ballpark. You’ve got to tip your hat to the guy.”

After Leibrandt left, Matt Whiteside got three outs, and Tom Henke finished the seven-hitter for his ninth save in 12 chances.

Gary Redus drove in the only run with a groundout during the second inning.

Kevin Tapani (2-6), who is 0-3 with a no-decision since May 12, gave up four hits and struck out six in seven innings.

Kansas City 5, Boston 3--David Cone gained his third consecutive victory, striking out seven in seven-plus innings at Boston.

The Royals backed Cone (3-5) with more than four runs for the first time in his 11 starts. Cone gave up four doubles and three singles, and was knocked out when the Red Sox rallied for two runs in the eighth.

Mark Gubicza finished the eighth and Jeff Montgomery pitched the ninth for his 16th save.

Jose Lind singled home two runs and George Brett and Mike Macfarlane had run-scoring singles for the Royals, who have won five of their last seven and 10 of their last 14 road games.

Baltimore 3, Oakland 1--Mike Mussina limited the Athletics to six hits at Oakland as the Orioles broke a three-game losing streak.

Mussina (7-2) struck out five and walked one in his third complete game.

Ron Darling (0-3) gave up three runs, four hits and struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings.

New York 8, Cleveland 2--Melido Perez pitched eight strong innings at New York as the Yankees extended their win streak to four games.

Perez (3-4), who had received only 2.1 runs per game in his first eight starts, benefited from a 14-hit Yankee attack that included consecutive home runs by Paul O’Neill and Hensley Meulens during the seventh inning.