Robertson, Twins Have Luck Against Yankees

Rich Robertson put runners on base in every inning, was hit on his pitching hand by a batted ball and admitted he struggled with his control.

But despite the adversity, he also pitched his second shutout of the season, a 3-0 victory for the Minnesota Twins over the New York Yankees at Minneapolis, ending the Yankees’ five-game winning streak.

The Twins had lost three games in a row, including two shutouts, to lowly Detroit until Robertson pulled off his tightrope act against the Yankees, who were coming off a four-game series sweep at Cleveland.

“Got to chalk that one up to a lot of luck,” said Robertson (3-8). “A lot of times it’s better to be lucky.”

The Twins made their luck with some fancy fielding. Paul Molitor and Rick Meares each stopped rallies with diving stops of hard-hit ground balls. Meares also caught a line drive by Ruben Sierra. When Robertson was hit by a batted ball, it bounced right to Meares, who started a double play.

Andy Pettitte (11-4) gave up three runs, two earned, in 5 1/3 innings, as he failed to become the AL’s first 12-game winner.

Baltimore 8, Texas 3--Cal Ripken Jr. went three four four with two runs batted in, including a solo homer, as the Orioles won for the fourth time in five games, defeating the Rangers at Arlington.

Mike Mussina (10-4) gave up three runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings, as the Rangers lost for only the third time in 11 meetings this season.

Baltimore broke the game open with a five-run sixth, sending 10 men to the plate and increasing its advantage to 7-0. Mike Devereaux delivered a two-run single, B.J. Surhoff and Chris Hoiles added RBI singles and the fifth run scored on a bases-loaded walk.

Oakland 4, Detroit 2--Mark McGwire hit his 22nd home run in a four-run first and John Wasdin pitched seven strong innings, leading the Athletics over the Tigers at Oakland.

The Athletics knocked Detroit right-hander Clint Sodowsky (1-2) out of the game in the first, and the Tigers were unable to threaten against Wasdin (5-1).

In the first, Jose Herrera singled and Rafael Bournigal walked to start the inning, and after Jason Giambi grounded into a double play, McGwire hit a 415-foot drive to left field for a 2-1 lead.

Geronimo Berroa kept the inning alive with an infield single, Terry Steinbach walked and RBI singles by Phil Plantier and Ernie Young made it 4-1.