Rest Pays Off for Saarloos, Athletics

The extra rest paid off for Kirk Saarloos.

Making his first start in 11 days, Saarloos pitched seven scoreless innings and was backed by four home runs as the Oakland Athletics beat the Tigers, 9-2, Wednesday night at Detroit.

“Another outstanding performance,” Oakland Manager Ken Macha said of the former Cal State Fullerton standout. “For a fifth starter to throw seven shutout innings, it’s just terrific.”

Saarloos (9-6), who last started Aug. 13, gave up seven hits and two walks, and struck out three to win his fourth consecutive decision. He also beat the Tigers with a seven-hitter at home on July 31.

Eric Chavez, who missed the previous night’s game to be with his wife and newborn son, singled in his first two appearances, then hit a solo homer against reliever Roman Colon into the left-field stands during Oakland’s four-run fourth inning.

Toronto 9, New York 5 -- Vernon Wells hit a three-run homer against Mike Mussina in a nine-run fifth inning at New York, and the Blue Jays ended a five-game losing streak.

Russ Adams added a two-run double in the inning, when the Blue Jays scored eight times against Mussina (12-8) in their biggest inning since a 10-run seventh against Detroit on May 24, 1999.

Tampa Bay 13, Cleveland 3 -- Seth McClung won his third start in a row and Travis Lee drove in four runs at St. Petersburg, Fla., as the Devil Rays ended the Indians’ six-game winning streak.

Victor Martinez homered and had two runs batted in for the Indians, who had won nine in a row on the road.

Chicago 6, Minnesota 4 -- Carl Everett homered and drove in four runs, Mark Buehrle scattered six hits over eight innings and the White Sox ended a four-game losing streak by winning at Minneapolis.

Buehrle (14-6), who benefited from four double plays, gave up one run and struck out six to end a personal five-game losing streak against Minnesota.

Texas 8, Seattle 1 -- Rookie Juan Dominguez pitched two-hit ball over six innings for the second victory of his career, and Kevin Mench homered at Arlington, Texas.

The Rangers have won the first two games of a 10-game homestand following a 1-12 trip, the worst in club history.

Kansas City 4, Boston 3 -- Chip Ambres’ sacrifice fly drove in David DeJesus with the winning run with one out in the 11th to lift the Royals at Kansas City, Mo.

The Royals have won three of four since a franchise-record 19-game losing streak.