Rocker Runs Into Trouble Again in Loss

Vinny Castilla hasn’t taken long to make a big impact on the Houston Astros.

Castilla’s tiebreaking, three-run double in the eighth inning against John Rocker helped Houston come back from five runs down to defeat the visiting Cleveland Indians, 10-8, Monday.

“I think everybody knows we have a great team here,” Castilla said. “It’s a great atmosphere and we have a chance to win any game.”

Castilla has 39 runs batted in in 53 games for Houston since being released by Tampa Bay on May 10. He had only nine RBIs in 24 games with the Devil Rays.

The Astros trailed 6-1 before rallying with three runs in the fifth, one in the sixth and five in the eighth. It was the largest deficit Houston has overcome since May 9, 2000, when they rallied from six runs down to beat Colorado.

“He’s getting hit and he’s not getting anybody out,” Indian Manager Charlie Manuel said of Rocker, who shouted a profanity at a fan as he walked off the field. “I just wanted him to get one guy [Lance Berkman] out.”

Rocker has struggled since coming to Cleveland from Atlanta on June 22, blowing two of four save chances and posting an 8.31 earned-run average.

Cincinnati 9, Detroit 1--Ken Griffey Jr. hit two of the Reds’ four homers in support of rookie starter Lance Davis at Cincinnati.

Davis (2-1) gave up five hits in Cincinnati’s first complete game this season and Aaron Boone matched his career high with four hits, including a homer, single and double.

Florida 4, Baltimore 0--Jesus Sanchez, making only his second start this season, gave up two hits in seven innings at Miami to help the Marlins defeat the Orioles.

Sanchez (2-0) has yet to allow a run in 15 innings as a starter this season. He was filling in for Brad Penny, out with a strained rib-cage muscle.

Kansas City 4, Chicago Cubs 2--Mike Sweeney’s sacrifice fly in the ninth inning ruined the Royals’ chance to end their one-run road jinx, but Kansas City defeated the Cubs anyway at Chicago.

Raul Ibanez, Joe Randa and Carlos Beltran added RBIs for the Royals, who won for only the second time in 12 games. The Royals have lost a major league-record 21 consecutive one-run games on the road.

Texas 2, San Francisco 0--Rob Bell came within one out of his first career shutout and the Rangers’ first complete game this season in a victory over the Giants at Arlington, Texas.

Mike Lamb went three for three with an RBI single for Texas, last in the majors in team ERA. Bell (3-0) scattered six hits, struck out five and issued five walks--three to Barry Bonds, who didn’t homer.

New York Mets 3, Toronto 0--Steve Trachsel made his best start of the season, giving up four hits and pitching into the ninth inning as the Mets defeated the Blue Jays at New York for a rare three-game winning streak.

Boston 6, Montreal 5--Brian Daubach’s two-run homer with two outs in the seventh inning lifted the Red Sox over the Expos at Montreal.

St. Louis 4, Minnesota 3--Albert Pujols’ RBI single snapped an eighth-inning tie as the Cardinals defeated the Twins at St. Louis for their third consecutive victory.

Chicago White Sox 6, Milwaukee 5--James Baldwin pitched five innings and Royce Clayton hit a two-run triple, leading the White Sox past the Brewers at Milwaukee.

Oakland 5, Colorado 1--Ramon Hernandez hit two homers and drove in three runs as the Athletics defeated the Rockies at Oakland for their seventh victory in eight games.

Arizona 5, Seattle 3--Reggie Sanders, Damian Miller and Steve Finley homered as the Diamondbacks defeated the Mariners at Seattle.