American League Roundup: Replay upholds A-Rod homer

Yankees 8, Rays 4

St. Petersburg, Fla. – Alex Rodriguez’s ninth-inning homer was upheld in baseball’s first use of instant replay, and New York beat the AL East-leading Tampa Bay.

Rodriguez, who went 3-for-4 and drove in four runs, hit a towering two-run shot off Troy Percival that third base umpire Brian Runge immediately ruled a homer when it bounced off the catwalk behind the foul pole in left field. Rays catcher Dioner Navarro protested, bringing manager Joe Maddon out of the dugout. After convening, the umpires left the filed to review the tape, a process that took 2 minutes, 15 seconds to back the onfield call.

Boston moved within three games of Tampa Bay in the division.

Tigers 9, Angels 6

Detroit – Placido Polanco had three hits and drove in three runs to lift Detroit.

Red Sox 5, Orioles 4

Boston – AL batting leader Dustin Pedroia homered.

White Sox 4, Indians 2

Cleveland – Nick Swisher and Alexi Ramirez homered to help Chicago avert a sweep. Javier Vazquez (11-12) allowed two runs in six innings and Bobby Jenks recorded the final five outs for his 28th save in 31 opportunities.

The victory came at an opportune time for the White Sox, who, despite losing five of six, entered the game tied with Minnesota for first place in the American League Central. Chicago lost the first two games of the series with the Indians.

Rangers 1, Mariners 0

Arlington, Texas – Texas fill-in starter Dustin Nippert allowed seven hits in seven innings, Milton Bradley hit a sacrifice fly, and the Rangers beat Seattle.

Nippert (2-4), making his third start in place of injured Vicente Padilla, struck out four and walked none.

Blue Jays 5, Twins 4 (11)

Toronto – John McDonald singled home the go-ahead run in the 11th inning, and Toronto beat Minnesota, posting its eighth straight victory over the Twins.