American League Roundup: Royals slow down Twins

Royals 8, Twins 1

Minneapolis – If the Minnesota Twins are going to capture their fifth division title in seven seasons, the Kansas City Royals are going to make them earn it.

A night after erasing a five-run deficit against the White Sox to reclaim first place in the AL Central, the Twins fell flat. Minnesota remained a half-game ahead of Chicago after the White Sox also lost, to the Indians.

Kansas City hammered Francisco Liriano for six runs and 11 hits in 41â3 innings.

Kyle Davies (9-7) allowed one run and four hits in six innings and tied a career high with eight strikeouts, helping the Royals win for the 12th time in 14 games. They’ve won seven straight on the road.

Billy Butler had three hits and a homer, and Mike Aviles added a double and a homer for the Royals.

Indians 11, White Sox 8

Chicago – Ryan Garko and Cleveland kept struggling Chicago in second place. Garko homered twice, including a grand slam in a six-run fifth inning.

Mariners 10, Athletics 8

Seattle – Jose Lopez ignited a pair of five-run innings for Seattle with two homers.

Tigers 6, Rays 4

Detroit – Gary Sheffield hit two home runs.

Rangers 12, Angels 1

Anaheim, Calif. – Hank Blalock homered in his fifth straight game.

Yankees 19, Red Sox 8

Boston – The Yankees waited out 2 hours, 9 minutes of rain delays to beat Boston and clinch for Tampa Bay its first AL East title.

Blue Jays 3, Orioles 0 (61â2)

Baltimore – Scott Richmond pitched six innings of four-hit ball to earn his first major-league victory.