AMERICAN LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Royals Find Ace in Appier

So far, it looks like the American League Cy Young winner never left the Kansas City Royals.

Kevin Appier struck out 12 batters in seven scoreless innings Thursday and Greg Gagne and Phil Hiatt each hit two-run homers in a 6-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins at Minneapolis.

Appier (3-0) gave up five hits in seven innings and lowered his earned-run average to 0.46, helping Royal fans momentarily forget the trade of 1994 Cy Young winner David Cone to Toronto.

“If Dave was here or not I’d have the same approach,” said Appier, who pitched no-hit ball for 6 2/3 innings on opening day. “I have a lot of confidence now.”

Minnesota rookie LaTroy Hawkins lost, but lowered his earned run average from 37.80 to 12.27 after three earned runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Detroit 4, Cleveland 3--Orel Hershiser gave up a solo home run to former Dodger teammate Kirk Gibson and a two-run shot to Bobby Higginson at Detroit in losing his first game as an Indian.

Detroit starter David Wells retired 14 consecutive batters at one point as Cleveland had fewer than 10 hits for the first time this season.

The Indians, however, closed within a run by scoring three times in the eighth, but Mike Henneman struck out Eddie Murray with the bases loaded to end the threat.

New York 5, Boston 3--Paul O’Neill led off the eighth inning with a disputed home run and Don Mattingly later connected for a no-doubt drive over the wall, rallying the Yankees at New York.

The Red Sox led, 3-2, after home runs by Mo Vaughn and Tim Naehring.

O’Neill’s drive ricocheted off a concrete retaining wall and bounced back onto the field. Umpires originally ruled the ball in play and held him at second but after consultation agreed it was a home run.

Joe Ausanio threw only one pitch for the victory and John Wetteland closed for his fourth save.

Baltimore 5, Milwaukee 2--The Orioles drew nine walks at Baltimore, scoring the tying and go-ahead runs in the seventh without getting a hit.

Oriole reliever Doug Jones, who blew a three-run lead in the ninth Wednesday night, picked up a save this time by retiring the Brewers in order.