Toronto Rides Clemens’ Arm--Again

Toronto Manager Cito Gaston didn’t have to think long about where the Blue Jays would be without Roger Clemens.

“It’s not hard to figure out,” Gaston said. “Take away his wins and we’re not in too good shape.”

Clemens, one of the few bright spots for Toronto (40-43), became the major leagues’ first 13-game winner, pitching a four-hitter Sunday as the Blue Jays defeated the New York Yankees, 2-0, at Toronto for a split of their four-game series.

Clemens (13-3) struck out 10, the 73rd time in his career and fifth time this year he has had 10 or more strikeouts, and walked one in lowering his American League-best earned run average to 1.69. It was his fourth complete game this season and first shutout.

Chosen to his sixth All-Star team, Clemens allowed only one runner past second base and retired the final 11 batters.

“I’m glad we won. That was the objective,” Clemens said. “It was a tough loss [Saturday], so I wanted to come out, be aggressive and keep the ball down in the zone.”

While Clemens has the numbers to start for Joe Torre’s AL All-Star squad next week, he probably won’t get a chance. Torre, who said he won’t make a decision on his starter until today, is leaning toward Yankee right-hander David Cone.

“Roger was too much for us today,” Torre said. “You think he’s getting older, maybe mellowing a bit. But apparently not on the fifth day.”

Cleveland 8, Kansas City 7--Marquis Grissom hit a run-scoring single in the bottom of the eighth inning, giving the Indians a three-game sweep over Kansas City at Cleveland.

The Royals have lost eight in a row.

Cleveland catcher Sandy Alomar extended his hitting streak to 30 games, the longest in the AL in 10 years, with an infield single in the second.

Detroit 14, Baltimore 9--Brian Johnson had a home run and three runs batted in and Travis Fryman homered at Detroit as the Tigers won their third consecutive game after 11 consecutive losses to the Orioles.

Scott Erickson (11-4) endured the worst start of his career for Baltimore, giving up 12 runs--11 earned--and 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings. It was the first time he has given up double-digit runs and was his third loss in 16 decisions against Detroit.

Willie Blair (6-4), making his second relief appearance, gave up two runs on three hits in two innings.

Rafael Palmeiro homered, tripled and singled for the Orioles. Geronimo Berroa, Jeff Reboulet and Tony Tarasco also homered.

Chicago 6, Boston 5--Frank Thomas, who will miss the All-Star game to rest sore rib muscles, hit a two-run double at Chicago.

Thomas doubled in the third inning to put the White Sox ahead, 3-2.

James Baldwin (6-9) gave up 10 hits over five innings, striking out three, to win for the third time in four starts. Roberto Hernandez got three outs for his 20th save.

Milwaukee 6, Minnesota 2--Ben McDonald pitched six solid innings and the Brewers hammered LaTroy Hawkins as they split their four-game series at Milwaukee.

Pitching on three days’ rest, McDonald (7-6) gave up two runs and three hits, striking out four and walking none.

Milwaukee batted around in the third inning, getting six consecutive hits, including an RBI triple by Jeromy Burnitz and consecutive run-scoring doubles by Dave Nilsson, Marc Newfield and Jose Valentin. Jeff Cirillo also had an infield RBI single as the Brewers scored five times to go up, 5-1.

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BESTS OF THE DAY

BATTING

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Player Team Performance Team’s Result Darin Erstad Angels 3 for 3, home run, 2 RBIs, 2 runs Win Rafael Palmeiro Baltimore 3 for 5, triple, home run, 2 RBIs, 2 runs Loss Dave Hollins Angels 1 for 4, grand slam, 5 RBIs, 1 run Win

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PITCHING

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Player Team Performance Team’s Result Chuck Finley Angels Four-hitter, 0 runs, 13 strikeouts Win Roger Clemens Toronto Four-hitter, 10 strikeouts, 13th victory Win Ben McDonald Milwaukee 6 innings, 3 hits, 2 runs, 4 strikeouts Win

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