Sosa Ends Wait for Home Run

A week without a home run raised questions Sammy Sosa knew he’d eventually answer with his bat.

The seven-time All-Star homered for the first time with his new team Tuesday night, hitting the 575th of his career in the Baltimore Orioles’ 7-6 victory over the Devil Rays at Tampa, Fla.

“It’s only seven games into the season. A lot of people have been asking so many questions,” Sosa said.

“You have to remember, not every time I go up I’m going to hit a home run. My game plan is to go up there and do the best that I can.”

Sosa’s solo shot off Scott Kazmir in the third inning was greeted by polite applause from a small crowd of 10,563.

Toronto 5, Oakland 2 -- Eric Hinske hit a three-run homer to extend his early-season tear, and Gregg Zaun added a solo shot at Oakland in the Blue Jays’ fourth win in a row.

Josh Towers (1-0) shut down the Athletics again with 6 2/3 efficient innings, improving to 5-1 lifetime in the Coliseum and 5-2 in eight career appearances against Oakland.

Minnesota 5, Detroit 4 -- Shannon Stewart hit an RBI ground-rule double off Troy Percival with one out in the ninth inning at Minneapolis.

It was the first earned run Percival (0-1) has given up in 40 1/3 innings against the Twins.

Juan Rincon (1-0) pitched a perfect eighth for the victory.