AMERICAN LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Yankees Win Again but Lose McDowell

The New York Yankees enhanced their wild-card playoff chances Thursday, but their 6-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays cost them the services of right-hander Jack McDowell.

McDowell, who has had a mild upper-back sprain, left the game after five innings because of back problems. Manager Buck Showalter said McDowell probably won’t pitch again before Sept. 30.

“I’ve never had anything like this, so we’ll see how it goes,” McDowell said.

Reuben Sierra’s three-run home run highlighted a five-run eighth inning at Yankee Stadium and clinched the Yankees’ first four-game sweep of the Blue Jays.

Minnesota 5, Kansas City 2--Marty Cordova tripled home a run and scored two for the Twins, who dropped the Royals four games behind the Mariners and Angels in the wild-card race. The Royals lost four games of the five-game home series.

Baltimore 13, Detroit 1--Mike Mussina pitched a three-hitter to record his league-leading 17th victory and disappoint a crowd of 14,803 at the Tigers’ home finale.

Mussina struck out eight.

Fans at Tiger Stadium saved their applause for veterans Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker, who may retire. The game may also have been the home finale for Manager Sparky Anderson, who was booed.

Chicago 5, Milwaukee 1--Alex Fernandez (1-8) pitched a five-hitter at Comiskey Park, where cold weather kept the crowd below the announced figure of 15,325.

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Wild-Card Races

AMERICAN LEAGUE

* Division Leaders

*--*

Team Division W L Cleveland* Central 93 42 Boston* East 81 53 Angels West 72 63 Seattle West 72 63

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* Wild Card

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Team W L Pct. GB New York 72 64 .529 1/2 Kansas City 68 67 .504 4 Texas 68 67 .504 4 Oakland 67 68 .496 5

*--*

NATIONAL LEAGUE

* Division Leaders

*--*

Team Division W L Atlanta* East 86 50 Cincinnati Central 80 54 Colorado West 72 62

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* Wild Card

*--*

Team W L Pct. GB Dodgers 71 64 .526 -- Houston 70 64 .522 1/2 Philadelphia 67 69 .493 4 1/2 San Diego 66 69 .489 5 Chicago 65 69 .485 5 1/2

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* Clinched division title