Rangers Taking It Personal

Warren Newson homered twice and Mickey Tettleton hit a three-run shot. The Texas Rangers had 18 hits, so why was everybody so angry at Lou Frazier?

He bunted for a single in the eighth inning, then was hit by Red Sox reliever Eric Gunderson in the ninth, triggering a bench-clearing brawl in Texas’ 13-3 victory at Boston.

Kevin Gross, like most of his Texas teammates, huddled around a television set watching a replay of the brawl after the game. Despite pitching his first complete game of the season, Gross (7-4) wanted to talk about the future.

Mostly the future of the Boston Red Sox.

“I was [upset] that they hit our guy,” he said. “I’m not going to let any guy get drilled on this team on purpose. I don’t really know why, but we won’t forget that.”

Frazier was hit with a 2-and-0 pitch. After plate umpire Dave Phillips issued a warning to Gunderson, Frazier, who was making his way toward first base, charged the mound.

A few players, most noticeably Boston ace Roger Clemens, were in the middle of the pushing and shoving, but no blows were thrown. Gunderson and Frazier were ejected.

The Rangers, however, were upset that Boston players on the disabled list apparently were involved.

“I hope the commissioner or someone looks into the fact that they had at least two guys that are on the DL right in the middle of it,” Texas Manager Johnny Oates said.

Seattle 8, Chicago 6--Brian Hunter hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the 12th inning, lifting the Mariners at Seattle.

Paul Sorrento began the 12th with a single off reliever Kirk McCaskill (4-3). Rookie Manny Martinez pinch-ran and, before Dan Wilson was retired for the first out, stole second. Hunter then drilled a 3-1 pitch over the left-field wall for his first homer.

Kansas City 7, Baltimore 6--Pinch-hitter Mike Macfarlane hit a sacrifice fly in the 16th inning at Kansas City for the Royals, who won the longest game in the major leagues this season.

David Howard hit a leadoff triple in the 16th against Rich Krivda (2-2). After Jose Offerman grounded out, Joe Randa was intentionally walked.

Macfarlane batted for Chris Stynes and flied to left, easily scoring Howard.

Detroit 6, Minnesota 4--Cecil Fielder’s routine fly ball hit the Metrodome ceiling and fell for a two-out, two-run double in the seventh inning that sent the Tigers to a victory at Minneapolis.

Fielder hit an apparent inning-ending fly ball to left field that Marty Cordova moved under to make the catch. But the ball struck the Teflon ceiling, ricocheted behind a bewildered Cordova and was retrieved by center fielder Rich Becker as Chad Curtis and Travis Fryman scored.

Milwaukee 12, Oakland 9--Fernando Vina homered and Jose Valentin stole home on a delayed double steal for the Brewers, who won their fifth game in a row at home.

Dave Nilsson, John Jaha and Greg Vaughn also homered in support of Brian Givens (1-1), who gave up three runs in 5 1/3 innings and picked up his first victory in eight starts.

Cleveland 10, New York 3--The day after the Indians walked off the field because Yankee fans were throwing things at them from the stands, Cleveland’s Manny Ramirez, Carlos Baerga and Jim Thome got revenge, hitting three homers into the crowd in support of Charles Nagy (11-1).