Yankees Are Losing Players and Games

The losses keep mounting for the New York Yankees -- both at home and with injuries.

Carlos Delgado homered twice and drove in five runs as the Toronto Blue Jays won, 8-3, Thursday night, handing New York its fourth consecutive loss at Yankee Stadium.

Andy Pettitte (4-5) lost his career-worst fourth consecutive decision after the Yankees found out that All-Star outfielder Bernie Williams would likely be sidelined four-to-six weeks because of torn cartilage in his left knee. He was bothered by soreness in the knee throughout a month in which he batted only .197.

Last weekend, first baseman and designated hitter Nick Johnson went on the disabled list because of a stress fracture in his right hand. He also is expected to miss four-to-six weeks. Catcher Jorge Posada left Thursday’s game in the eighth inning after being hit on the right foot by a pitch from Trever Miller, and Roger Clemens has a bone bruise on his right hand.

Posada said he’s sore but hopes to play Friday. Clemens will take his regular bullpen throws today and is scheduled to pitch for his 300th career win Monday.

Pettitte had 206 decisions in his career before losing four straight. Only Whitey Ford (306), Juan Marichal (267), Ed Reulbach (227)and Mike Mussina (208) had longer streaks.

Texas 10, Tampa Bay 8 -- Alex Rodriguez hit a tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning at Arlington, Texas, and the Rangers extended their winning streak to a season-high six games.

Seattle 5, Kansas City 1 -- Gil Meche took another strong pitching performance into the seventh inning at Seattle. Meche (6-2) won his second start in a row and his fifth start in six tries. Kansas City has lost 17 of 26.

Minnesota 6, Oakland 5 -- Bobby Kielty hit a two-run homer and his bases-loaded walk forced in a run for the Twins at Oakland.

Detroit 3, Cleveland 2 -- Eric Munson drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the 11th inning at Cleveland and the Tigers ended a seven-game losing streak.