OAKLAND, CALIF. ? Although Jason Giambi had a front-row seat for much of Barry Zito’s development into last season’s AL Cy Young winner, he didn’t recognize the shaky left-hander who got pounded by the New York Yankees.

Giambi hit a three-run homer and Bernie Williams had four hits and two RBIs as the Yankees tagged Zito for eight runs in a 10-7 victory Saturday over the Oakland Athletics.

It was the shortest start of the season for Zito (8-9), who has little chance of defending his Cy Young Award despite one of the best ERAs (3.30) in the league.

He has been hurt by poor run support at times this season, but Zito did himself in this time. Falling behind in the count to almost every hitter, he allowed eight hits and two walks in just three innings, and he set up New York’s five unearned runs in the second with a defensive mistake.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Barry as wild as he was today,” said Giambi, his teammate in Oakland until last season. “He’s one of those guys that you’re normally down 0-2, 1-2 in the count every time.

“He’s a Cy Young winner, and everybody gets up to try to beat him. He’s not a secret any more. You get those awards and accolades, and it makes everything tougher for you.”

Zito got the most memorable victory of his career against the Yankees in the 2000 playoffs, and he had a 3.12 ERA lifetime against New York before falling apart on a hot day at the Coliseum.

The left-hander is 0-4 with a 3.86 ERA in his last six starts.

“Everything was flat today,” Zito said. “I was also behind the count. Of course I’m not happy not getting a win in a month. You just have to keep on grinding, and try not to get down on myself. The team needs the normal Barry, not the someone else.”

Jeff Weaver (6-8) recovered from a rough beginning to retire 11 of 12 in his third victory in five weeks. He allowed 10 hits and struck out five in 61/3 innings.

Mariano Rivera relieved with two on and none out in the ninth. He gave up Miguel Tejada’s sacrifice fly in getting his 21st save.

New York's Jason Giambi, center, is congratulated by teammates Aaron Boone, left, and Bernie Williams after hitting a three-run home run off Oakland's Barry Zito in the second inning. Zito allowed eight runs in just three innings Saturday in Oakland, Calif. The Yankees won, 10-7.

Eric Chavez singled, doubled and tripled while going 4-for-4 for Oakland, but also made a key throwing error. Erubiel Durazo had three RBIs and Tejada had two as the A’s lost for just the fourth time in 13 games.

Zito’s problems were underscored by another prolific effort from the Yankees, who won for the 11th time in 16 games.

Orioles 11, Red Sox 2

Baltimore — Luis Matos homered to cap a seven-run sixth inning as Baltimore dealt Boston its fourth straight loss.

Jay Gibbons went 4-for-4 with three doubles, and Rodrigo Lopez (4-6) allowed two runs in six innings to help the Orioles win their eighth straight home game and improve to 11-5 since the All-Star break.

The Orioles today will try to complete their first three-game sweep of the Red Sox in Baltimore since September 1974.

Nomar Garciaparra homered for the Red Sox, whose losing streak is one short of their season high. Boston, which fell 41/2 games behind the first-place New York Yankees in the AL East, has been outscored 29-8 during the current skid.

Derek Lowe (11-5) gave up six runs, five earned, and eight hits over 52/3 innings in falling to 8-2 over 15 starts since May 17.

Tigers 9, Twins 2

Minneapolis — Craig Monroe hit a three-run homer and Detroit snapped a 16-game losing streak against Minnesota.

It was the Tigers’ first win over the Twins since May 5, 2002.

Mike Maroth (6-15) allowed one run in 51/3 innings and Warren Morris hit a bases-loaded triple for Detroit, which had lost five straight and 12 of 14 overall.

The Twins had won three in a row. Rick Reed (5-10) gave up eight hits and four runs in seven innings.

Rangers 9, Indians 7

Arlington, Texas — Rafael Palmeiro hit a tiebreaking double and one of Texas’ three homers as the Rangers earned their fourth straight win. Alex Rodriguez homered for the third consecutive game and rookie Laynce Nix also connected for the Rangers, who increased their major league-leading total to 167 a night after tying a team record with seven homers.

Mariners 10, White Sox 0

Seattle — John Olerud hit a grand slam and a three-run homer, setting a career high with seven RBIs for Seattle. Ryan Franklin shut down Chicago’s streaking offense, allowing just three singles in seven innings.

Blue Jays 6, Angels 1

Anaheim, Calif. — Corey Thurman scattered four hits over six scoreless innings in his second major-league start, and Vernon Wells went 3-for-3 with two RBI singles for Toronto.