Spencer’s Homer Leads Yankees, 9-8

Shane Spencer hit a tiebreaking homer leading off the ninth inning as the New York Yankees blew a three-run lead Friday night before rallying to defeat the Orioles, 9-8, at Baltimore for their fourth consecutive victory.

New York, which has defeated Baltimore 16 of the last 21 times, received a big game from Tino Martinez, who had four hits with two runs batted in to lead a 16-hit attack against five Baltimore pitchers.

“Our whole lineup has been swinging the bats well. It started five or six days ago,” Martinez said. “Everybody’s in a groove, getting into a rhythm. Hopefully, we can keep that going for a while now.”

New York scored in all but two innings and went down in order only once.

“There’s no excuse for giving up those hits and runs,” Baltimore Manager Ray Miller said. “We’ve played them close, but five walks and 16 hits allows those things to happen.”

Baltimore’s Jesse Orosco made his major-league record 1,051st relief appearance, breaking a tie with Kent Tekulve atop the career list. Orosco has pitched in 1,055 games, 16 short of the record held by Dennis Eckersley.

Harold Baines homered twice and drove in four runs for the Orioles, who have lost three in a row after winning 11 of 12 games.

Texas 14, Seattle 4--Ivan Rodriguez and Juan Gonzalez each had two home runs and five runs batted to lead the Rangers in the opener of the final Kingdome series.

Lee Stevens also homered against the Mariners, who were without Ken Griffey Jr. because of a sinus infection. Rookie Ryan Glynn (1-2) got his first major league victory for the Rangers, who had a season-high five homers.

The Mariners, who will play their final games at the Kingdome this weekend, will move to their new home, the $517-million Safeco Field, on July 15.

Boston 6, Chicago 1--Troy O’Leary drove in two runs with his first triple of the season and Brian Daubach had a two-run homer for the Red Sox at Boston.

Jin Ho Cho (2-0) gave up one run in six innings for Boston, which has won eight of its last 10 games. Mark Guthrie struck out six over the final three innings for his second save.

Tampa Bay 11, Toronto 4--Wilson Alvarez struck out a team-record 11 in his first complete game of the season, and Jose Canseco hit his major league-leading 28th homer to help the Devil Rays end a 11-game home losing streak at St. Petersburg, Fla.

Canseco and Fred McGriff hit back-to-back homers off David Wells (8-6) in a four-run, fourth inning. Alvarez (3-5) got his first win at Tropicana Field since last July 26.

Detroit 2, Minnesota 0--Brian Moehler threw a six-hitter at Detroit to end a personal three-game losing streak and give the Tigers their first complete game of the season.

Dean Palmer drove in both runs with his 21st homer and an RBI single. Moehler (6-8) won for the first time since May 29 with his fifth career shutout.

Kansas City 8, Cleveland 2--Jeff Suppan pitched eight strong innings, and Jeremy Giambi drove in three runs to lead the Royals at Kansas City.

Suppan, who gave up six hits, won for the first time since May 20. He had four no-decisions over the span.