Gonzalez Shows Life After Deal Dies

The Detroit Tigers were happy Monday to hear that Juan Gonzalez wouldn’t be going to the New York Yankees, and after a 13-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians, they were even happier.

The two-time American League most valuable player went three for four, drove in a run with a triple, scored twice and walked as the Tigers finished 7-6 against the Indians, winning the season series for the first time since 1993.

Instead of playing for the Yankees, Gonzalez will face them tonight at Detroit.

After Monday’s victory, Gonzalez, who gave conflicting statements about his future before the weekend, said, “I’m happy. We win. That’s it.”

After nearly a week of rumors the Gonzalez-to-the-Yankees soap opera is finally finished.

“I think it wore on him personally,” said Tiger Manager Phil Garner, who spoke briefly with Gonzalez before the game.

“I told him I was glad the Yankee thing didn’t work out and that I’m happy. He just smiled.”

Tiger starter Brian Moehler (5-4) pitched 6 2/3 innings for his fourth win in six decisions. The right-hander gave up seven hits, walked three and struck out three.

Tony Clark went three for five with a homer and three runs batted in and Juan Encarnacion had four hits, including a two-run double during the Tigers’ four-run sixth.

Dave Burba (8-3) of the Indians might have pitched himself off the All-Star team with another shaky outing. He gave up six runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings, raising his earned-run average to 8.49 in his last four starts.

After giving up three runs in the first, Burba tipped his cap as the crowd booed while he was walking off the mound. However, much of the booing seemed to be directed at Detroit’s Damion Easley, who slammed his bat to the ground after striking out.

“That was my little message to them to let them know I don’t appreciate being booed,” Burba said. “They bought their ticket and have the right to do that. But I don’t have to like it.”