Yankees Administer Another Royal Beating

Even without Bernie Williams, the New York Yankees still overwhelmed the Kansas City Royals.

The powerful Yankees romped, 13-4, Monday night at Kansas City, Mo., winning their fourth in a row over the outclassed Royals.

“Obviously, we’re a better team with Bernie here,” said Derek Jeter, whose four hits included a run-scoring triple during a seven-run seventh inning. “But we’re still capable of scoring runs.”

Williams, a four-time all-star, left Monday morning to be with his ailing father in Puerto Rico. But the Yankees did not miss a beat, rapping out 19 hits and winning for the 27th time in 33 games against the franchise they once dueled annually for the American League pennant.

“Even without Bernie, this is a good lineup,” said Jorge Posada, who hit a home run for the third game in a row and drove in four runs.

Every Yankee starter had at least two hits except Chuck Knoblauch, who was 0 for 4.

“Knobby will get his tomorrow,” Yankee Manager Joe Torre said with a grin.

Royal Manager Tony Muser, whose team has been outscored, 29-9, in four games against the Yankees, could see only one bright spot.

“Nobody got injured,” he deadpanned.

There might have been another reason for optimism.

“We’ve got the Yankees just two more games and we don’t play them anymore,” Muser said.

Chicago 9, Cleveland 2--Herbert Perry tied his career best with four runs batted in and Frank Thomas hit a two-run homer at Chicago to help the White Sox to their first victory since opening day.

The Indians got a big scare when reliever Steve Woodard was hit on his right elbow by Thomas’ line drive in the sixth inning. Woodard had to be taken off the field on a stretcher.

Woodard dropped to the ground, grimacing in pain as he rolled over several times. Thomas watched as trainers worked on the right-hander for about 10 minutes before putting his arm in an air cast and wheeling him off the field.

Two sets of X-rays were negative, but Woodard was taken to Palos Community Hospital for observation. He’ll go on the disabled list, and Indian General Manager John Hart said they plan to call up Jake Westbrook from triple-A Buffalo.

Minnesota 11, Detroit 5--Cristian Guzman homered and doubled in front of 46,103 at Minneapolis, the Twins’ largest crowd for an opener at the Metrodome since 1993.

The Twins took advantage of errors by shortstop Deivi Cruz and third baseman Shane Halter to score seven unearned runs.

Toronto 8, Tampa Bay 1--Joey Hamilton pitched six strong innings at Toronto to help the Blue Jays send the Devil Rays to their sixth consecutive loss.

Former Dodger Raul Mondesi homered for Toronto in front of 48,115, the Blue Jays’ biggest crowd since July 18, 1998, and their biggest for a home opener since 1995.

The Devil Rays continued their worst start in franchise history, falling to 1-6. Tampa Bay, which leads the majors with 12 errors, made two mistakes that led to five unearned runs.