Ramirez Blasts Another Pair in Indians’ Loss

Manny Ramirez is on such a tear that his home runs are even pumping emotion into the opposition.

The Cleveland Indian right fielder hit two more homers Saturday at Cleveland--the first of which may have triggered a fight in the Kansas City Royals’ dugout and inspired a rally that carried the Royals to a 7-6 victory at Cleveland.

Ramirez’ two homers gave him a major league record-tying eight in his last five games, matching the mark reached twice by Frank Howard of the Washington Senators in 1968.

Ramirez hit a two-run shot to left against Jose Rosado in the first inning and a three-run homer on a 3-2 pitch in the third, his 45th of the season. That put Cleveland ahead, 6-0.

After Rosado got the third out of the first inning, he jogged to the dugout and was seen throwing punches at catcher Mike Sweeney. They were separated by teammates. Both players declined comment when asked about the incident.

“I’m not sure what started it,” Royal Manager Tony Muser said. “Obviously they had a difference of opinion. It happens. Some of it is positive because there is emotion there. Some of it is not positive because there is a lack of respect.”

The charged-up Royals rallied, scoring the winning run in the ninth against Paul Shuey (5-3) to end the Indians’ six-game winning streak. Carlos Febles singled, stole second and went to third when catcher Sandy Alomar’s throw went into center for an error. Febles scored when Jeremy Giambi grounded out.

Chicago 5, Boston 2--Mike Cameron hit a three-run homer to help the White Sox win at Chicago despite getting only five hits.

Pedro Martinez (18-7) has lost his last three starts for the Red Sox after giving up seven hits and two earned runs with three walks and nine strikeouts in seven innings.

John Snyder (7-2) won his third consecutive decision, giving up six hits in six innings with one walk and three strikeouts.

Darren Lewis homered for Boston.

Baltimore 5, New York 3--At Baltimore, Oriole rookie Sidney Ponson ruined David Cone’s second attempt at his 20th victory.

Ponson (8-8) gave up six hits in 7 1/3 scoreless innings, walking two and striking out five. In his previous start against the Yankees, the right-hander gave up two hits over 6 2/3 shutout innings on June 16 for his first major league victory.

Cone (19-7), looking to match his career high in victories, gave up 12 hits and five runs in eight innings.

Alan Mills got the last three outs for his second save.

Detroit 8, Minnesota 7--Damion Easley hit a game-winning homer for the second time in three days, a two-run shot in the 10th inning at Detroit.

Easley followed Tony Clark’s leadoff single with a home run against against Rick Aguilera (3-9), his 26th of the season. Easley went three for five with two doubles, two runs batted in and three runs scored.

The Twins’ Paul Molitor was three for five with a homer and three RBIs, extending his hitting streak to 16 games.

The Twins have lost 10 in a row.

Tampa Bay 7, Toronto 5--Bubba Trammell hit a pinch three-run homer during a four-run eighth inning for the Devil Rays at St. Petersburg, Fla.

The Blue Jays remained five games behind Boston in the AL wild-card race.

Ben Van Ryn (0-1) gave up Fred McGriff’s RBI single before Trammell, hitting for Paul Sorrento, homered against Carlos Almanzar.

Albie Lopez (7-3) worked a scoreless eighth for the victory.