Twins Beat Indians to Stay in First

Corey Koskie hit a two-run home run in the top of the 10th inning, and the Minnesota Twins overcame a two-run deficit to beat Cleveland, 4-2, Sunday and prevent the Indians from pulling to within a percentage point of the Central Division lead.

After Lew Ford was hit by a pitch, Koskie hit a 1-and-2 pitch from Rick White (4-5) to right-center for his 17th homer.

Joe Nathan pitched the 10th for his 34th save in 35 chances. He has not given up a run in 27 appearances.

The Twins, who had lost eight of 10, increased their lead to two games over the second-place Indians, who had won 10 of 11.

Kansas City 6, Oakland 1 -- Joe Randa hit a three-run double with two out in the top of the seventh inning to spoil a strong start by Barry Zito (8-9).

The Royals took two of three from the Athletics. It’s the first time in a month they have won a road series and the first time this season the Athletics have lost consecutive home series.

It was Zito’s longest scoreless effort since June 3, when he went seven innings of the A’s 3-2, 11-inning victory over Toronto. He retired the side in order in the first, fourth and fifth innings.

Chicago 5, Boston 4 -- Carlos Lee had a home run and three runs batted in and the White Sox got out of a ninth-inning jam at Boston.

The Red Sox loaded the bases, and Jason Varitek hit a two-run single off Shingo Takatsu that left runners at first and third with two out. Orlando Cabrera then hit a game-ending grounder to Takatsu.

The Red Sox loaded the bases with two outs in the eighth before Takatsu entered the game and struck out pinch-hitter Dave Roberts.

Baltimore 11, Toronto 7 -- At Toronto, David Newhan tied a career high with four hits, including a tiebreaking double during an eight-run eighth inning. The Orioles, who won their fourth consecutive series by taking three of four from the Blue Jays, have won 11 of their last 13.

Texas 6, Tampa Bay 2 -- Ryan Drese (10-6) pitched 7 1/3 solid innings to win his third straight start and the Rangers completed a three-game sweep at Arlington, Texas. Drese (10-6) gave up two runs and seven hits.

The Devil Rays have lost 15 of their last 16 road games. In all, they are 14-26 since moving a season-high two games over .500 at 40-38 on July 3.

Seattle 7, New York 3 -- At Seattle, Edgar Martinez hit a go-ahead single and Miguel Olivo had two hits and two RBIs during a six-run seventh inning to help the Mariners end the Yankees’ four-game winning steak.