Wells’ 14th Victory Helps Toronto Get Back on Track

David Wells became the first 14-game winner in the major leagues, giving up three runs--two earned--and nine hits in six innings as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Baltimore Orioles, 6-4, Monday at Baltimore.

The Blue Jays had lost the first three games of the series by a combined score of 23-10.

Tony Batista hit his second grand slam of the season and Carlos Delgado also homered for the Blue Jays.

Wells (14-2) wasn’t overpowering on a sticky, 94-degree afternoon, but still improved to 9-0 on the road.

“It was awful hot out there and Boomer gave us all he had to get us to the sixth inning,” Toronto Manager Jim Fregosi said. “I can’t say enough about what he’s meant to this team.”

The victory increased the Blue Jays’ lead in the American League East to 1 1/2 games over the second-place New York Yankees.

“We can’t lose any ground right now,” Wells said. “Every game is crucial. We got in a little funk and it was getting contagious. Somebody’s got to go out there and do it.”

Charles Johnson hit his career-high tying 19th homer for the Orioles, capping a three-hit performance.

Chicago 14, Kansas City 10--Paul Konerko and Chris Singleton each had two hits in an eight-run fifth inning as the White Sox overcame a six-run deficit to defeat the Royals at Kansas City.

The White Sox became the first major league team to win 12 consecutive road games since Detroit opened the 1984 season 17-0 on the road.

Kansas City’s Jorge Fabregas was two for three with a grand slam and a career-high six runs batted in.

Ray Durham of the White Sox was four for six with two RBIs, two steals and three runs. Frank Thomas was three for four with a home run, a double, two walks and three RBIs.

Chicago had a season-high 22 hits, including at least one by each starter. Every starter scored at least one run.

Boston 11, Minnesota 8--Carl Everett, Troy O’Leary, Jason Varitek and Morgan Burkhart tied a Red Sox record by homering in a nine-run fourth inning at Minneapolis.

The Red Sox have hit four home runs in an inning eight times since 1940.

Everett and O’Leary started the burst with consecutive home runs, and both doubled later in the inning.

Detroit 5, Tampa Bay 4--Damion Easley hit a solo homer in the 10th inning at St. Petersburg, Fla., as the Tigers extended their winning streak to four games.

Easley hit a 440-foot drive onto the roof of a restaurant in center field with two outs off Roberto Hernandez (2-3).

The homer was the sixth Hernandez allowed this season, matching his total for 1998 and 1999 combined.

Texas 8, Oakland 3--Rick Helling allowed only one run in six innings despite throwing 137 pitches as the Rangers defeated the Athletics at Arlington, Texas.

Helling (9-7) had lost six consecutive starts until two consecutive victories over the Athletics and Kevin Appier (8-5).