Big Unit back in dominant form
Detroit ? Randy Johnson didn’t give up a hit for 5 2â3 innings and combined with two relievers for a two-hitter, leading the New York Yankees over the Detroit Tigers, 4-0, Monday.
Ivan Rodriguez broke up Johnson’s bid for his third no-hitter – and second against the Tigers – with a single to right. After ending the sixth inning by striking out Magglio Ordonez, Johnson pumped his left hand as he walked off the mound – likely feeling good about his first strong outing in more than a month.
Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter drove in runs in the third. Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada had RBIs in the fifth to make it 4-0.
Johnson (7-4) left after Carlos Guillen’s leadoff single in the seventh. The 42-year-old, who had given up at least four runs in five of his previous six outings, allowed just two hits and three walks while striking out four over six-plus innings.
Jeremy Bonderman (5-4) gave up four runs and eight hits in 71â3 innings for Detroit.
White Sox 11, Indians 0
Cleveland – Jim Thome hit a pair of two-run homers, and Javier Vazquez pitched six strong innings.
Vazquez (6-3) gave up only two singles – both with two outs in the third inning.
Blue Jays 7, Red Sox 6
Toronto – Pinch-hitter Shea Hillenbrand hit a go-ahead single in the eighth inning, and Toronto overcame a tying, three-run homer by Jason Varitek to beat Boston.
Rangers 2, Mariners 0
Arlington, Texas – John Rheinecker allowed four hits in 81â3 innings in his second major-league start, and Mark Teixeira hit a two-run homer as Texas handed Seattle its fifth straight loss.
Angels 4, Twins 3, 11 innings
Anaheim, Calif. – Orlando Cabrera’s third hit of the game, an RBI single in the bottom of the 11th, gave Los Angeles the win.