Clemens Wins Again, Extends Streak to 20

Roger Clemens showed the Cleveland Indians the one thing they’re missing.

The right-hander won his 20th consecutive decision, four short of the major league record, holding baseball’s best lineup in check and leading the New York Yankees to an 11-5 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night at New York.

“That streak is hard to believe,” Manager Joe Torre said. “He had to have a little luck sometimes with the no-decisions. But mostly, it’s all him. That’s why he’s headed to the Hall of Fame when he hangs it up.”

Clemens (5-0) has not lost in 30 starts since May 29, 1998, when he was beaten by the Indians while pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The winning streak is the longest in American League history, and tied with Rube Marquard for the third-best in major league history. Carl Hubbell set the overall record in 1936-37 and Roy Face won 22 in a row in 1958-59.

“I want to win every time I go out,” Clemens said. “I feel that’s my responsibility as the No. 1 guy.”

While Clemens wasn’t dominating Tuesday night, he was effective enough, giving up three runs in 6 2/3 innings. He gave up seven hits to an Indian team that is averaging 6.7 runs per game.

He left with New York leading, 6-3, and two runners on in the seventh.

Texas 3, Kansas City 1--Mark McLemore singled to key a three-run rally in the eighth inning at Arlington, Texas, as the Rangers won their eighth in a row--their longest winning streak since 1989.

The Royal bullpen, which struggled in Monday night’s 10-inning, 4-3 loss to the Rangers, faltered again.

Texas won in its final at-bat for the fourth game in a row--against a Royal bullpen that has 11 blown saves in 19 opportunities.

“We’ve got a club that doesn’t give up,” McLemore said. “Every night it’s somebody different. It’s not just one guy. That’s what you have to do if you want a championship-caliber team.”

Boston 5, Detroit 4--The surging Boston Red Sox started June the way they ended May, coming from behind to win on Brian Daubach’s tiebreaking home run in the eighth inning at Boston.

The rookie’s fifth homer of the season--and the Red Sox’ fourth of the game--sent the Tigers to their eighth loss in 10 games. Doug Brocail (1-2) had just relieved starter Jeff Weaver.

Boston, coming off a 20-8 month, its best May since going 21-7 in 1986, has won five in a row and 20 of 25.

John Wasdin (5-0) gave up a 3-2 lead when Brad Ausmus hit a two-run homer in the seventh on his first pitch. Trot Nixon then homered in the bottom half. Before that, Weaver had retired 12 of 13, giving up only a walk.

Oakland 5, Tampa Bay 2--Eric Chavez hit a go-ahead, three-run double and Kenny Rogers won his 15th consecutive decision at Oakland.

The A’s won despite being outhit, 10-3. They took advantage of three errors to score two unearned runs.

Rogers (3-2) pitched seven strong innings, helping the A’s to their 12th victory in 13 home games.

Rogers, who gave up one run and eight hits, still has never lost at home in an A’s uniform. His last defeat at Oakland came on Aug. 7, 1994, when he dropped an 8-3 decision to the A’s as a member of the Texas Rangers.

Chicago 6, Toronto 2--Frank Thomas had four hits and Mike Sirotka pitched eight strong innings for the White Sox at Toronto.

The Blue Jays, held hitless until the fifth, lost their fourth in a row.

Thomas, who went four for five, gave the White Sox a 5-1 lead in the sixth with a two-out, two-run double.

Sirotka (3-6) finally got some support after Chicago’s hitters scored only 11 runs in his previous six starts.

He did not give up a hit until Tony Fernandez led off the fifth with a single. He gave up two runs and seven hits, walked none and struck out five.

Before the game, Chicago Manager Jerry Manuel told Thomas, who has predominantly been the designated hitter the last two seasons, that he’d be playing first more often.

“He’s a better hitter when he plays in the field,” Manuel said.

Though Thomas admitted he won’t be able to play there every day because of a sprained ankle, he welcomes the move. “I’ve had so many big years when I’ve played at first, and Jerry told me we win when I’m there, so that’s what we’re going to do,” Thomas said.