Red Sox Remain Focused on First

The Boston Red Sox aren’t playing for the American League wild-card berth. They have their sights on something bigger.

“I don’t hear one person talk about the wild card,” said Boston pitcher Derek Lowe, who earned his 14th save in Sunday’s 7-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers at Boston. “I think when you settle for the wild card, you sell yourself short.”

Nomar Garciaparra hit a home run to help stop Dave Mlicki’s eight-game winning streak, and Trot Nixon also homered as the Red Sox won their fifth consecutive game to finish a three-game sweep. The Red Sox remain three games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East.

Tim Wakefield (6-10) walked one and struck out three in 5 2/3 innings for only his second victory in seven starts since May 28.

New York 11, Cleveland 7--Joe Girardi’s two-run single capped a four-run ninth inning and Bernie Williams went four for five as the Yankees outlasted the Indians at Cleveland.

The Yankees took three of four games in the series and tied the Indians for the best record in the league with 13 games remaining.

With the score tied, 7-7, Williams fell behind in the count, 0-and-2, before opening the Yankees’ ninth with a double against Tom Martin (0-1). One out later, pinch-hitter Tino Martinez was intentionally walked. Jorge Posada then slapped a run-scoring single to left. Jimenez added an RBI double before Girardi singled in two more.

Oakland 12, Kansas City 3--Jason Giambi and Miguel Tejada both homered and drove in three runs for the Athletics at Oakland.

Eric Chavez, in his first game back from the disabled list, drove in two runs to support Gil Heredia (13-7), who gave up three runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out five and extended his streak without a walk to 13 innings.

Minnesota 2, Seattle 1--LaTroy Hawkins became the second Twin pitcher to win at least 10 games this season with the help of Cristian Guzman’s sacrifice fly in the fifth inning at Seattle.

Hawkins (10-13) gave up five hits in 7 2/3 innings, walked two and struck out five in besting Jamie Moyer (14-7), who pitched his fourth complete game.

Tampa Bay 15, Texas 2--Fred McGriff, Bubba Trammell and Jose Guillen homered as the Devil Rays tied a team record for runs scored in a game in a rout at Arlington, Texas.

McGriff reached the 30-homer mark for the eighth time and joined teammate Jose Canseco as the only players to hit 30 for four teams.

Chicago 3, Toronto 2--Brian Simmons’ three-run home run was enough as the White Sox defeated the fading Blue Jays at Toronto.

The Blue Jays lost their fifth in a row and fell 10 1/2 games behind Boston in the wild-card race.