Devil Rays Steal One From Boston

Carl Crawford started plotting his strategy the night before, hoping for an opportunity to catch Boston off guard and steal home.

“It’s the first time at any level,” the speedy Tampa Bay outfielder said Wednesday night after stealing home in a 5-2 victory at St. Petersburg, Fla., the Devil Rays’ third consecutive win over the Red Sox. “Nobody ever went to the windup with me on third base.”

That is until Curt Schilling did it Tuesday. When Jason Johnson did the same Wednesday, Crawford set his plan in motion without tipping off his manager, third base coach or even the batter at the plate, Jorge Cantu.

“I said it’s going to be do or die. I’m going to take this chance right here,” he said. “If I’m out, I’m out. If I’m safe, everybody will be happy about it.”

Crawford, who’s not headed to the All-Star game even though he’s batting .325 and leads the league with 32 steals, singled twice and drove in two runs.

In addition to stealing home in the fourth, he stole third base in the second inning and second in the fourth to become the eighth player in major league history with 200 steals before age 25.

Tampa Bay will go for the sweep of the first-place Red Sox, who had won 14 of 15 before the four-game series, tonight. Boston is 6-1 against the Devil Rays at Fenway Park this year but has lost five of six at Tropicana Field.

Texas 9, Toronto 3 -- Ian Kinsler had three hits, including one of Texas’ four home runs, and Vicente Padilla struck out a season-high 10 to lead the Rangers at Arlington, Texas.

Earlier Wednesday, the Rangers learned that staff ace Kevin Millwood will miss Friday’s scheduled start against Minnesota and won’t pitch again until after the All-Star break because of a strained right biceps.

New York 11, Cleveland 3 -- Rookie Melky Cabrera hit his first career grand slam in New York’s eight-run fourth inning at Cleveland.

Mike Mussina (10-3) gave up three runs in six innings and became the only pitcher in AL history to win at least 10 games in 15 consecutive seasons.

Yankees center fielder Johnny Damon left in the third inning because of a sore muscle in his right side.

Kansas City 6, Minnesota 3 -- John Buck and Reggie Sanders each had two hits and two RBIs and Mark Grudzielanek had three hits as the Royals, who have won 11 of their last 16 games, broke a 3-3 tie with a three-run seventh at Kansas City, Mo.

Detroit 10, Oakland 4 -- Kenny Rogers won his seventh straight decision against his former club and Craig Monroe hit a two-run homer at Oakland.

Rogers is 25-4 in 56 games in Oakland -- including 23-1 in 41 starts at the Coliseum since 1995. He pitched for the A’s in 1998 and 1999.

Chicago 4, Baltimore 2 -- Jon Garland won his fourth straight decision and the White Sox scored all four runs in the first inning at Chicago.

Chicago closer Bobby Jenks gave up three hits and a run in the ninth before striking out the final three batters to earn his 26th save.