Twins Defeat Indians Again

The Minnesota Twins completed a three-game series sweep over the Cleveland Indians, and then hoped the victory didn’t prove to be costly.

First baseman Justin Morneau -- who put the Twins ahead for good with a sacrifice fly in a 7-3 victory Sunday at Minneapolis -- left after he was hit in the left hand by a pitch in the sixth inning.

He was taken to a hospital for X-rays, which were negative, and the team said he is day to day.

The first-place Twins, who led Cleveland by one game Aug. 15, took a seven-game lead in the American League Central. The Indians have lost seven in a row, including four to the Twins.

Brad Radke (9-6) gave up two unearned runs and seven hits in seven innings to win his fourth consecutive decision. He hasn’t lost since July 16.

Boston 6, Chicago 5 -- Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz homered on consecutive pitches to start the eighth inning at Chicago and the Red Sox won their sixth in a row.

Boston, with 12 victories in its last 15 games, moved to within 5 1/2 games of the New York Yankees in the East, the first time the Red Sox have been that close since June 28. They also have a one-game lead in the AL wild-card race.

The Red Sox swept the White Sox for the first time since taking three in a row Sept. 26-28, 2000, in Chicago.

Kansas City 10, Texas 2 -- Calvin Pickering drove in six runs with a grand slam and a two-run home run in his first major league appearance in nearly three years to power the Royals at Kansas City, Mo., ending the Rangers’ eight-game winning streak.

In his previous official at-bat in the majors on Oct. 5, 2001, the 6-foot-5, 260-pound Pickering hit a three-run home run for Boston against Baltimore.

Pickering, who hit 35 home runs for triple-A Omaha this season, walked in his first plate appearance. Then he drove a 3-and-2 pitch from Scott Erickson (1-3) over the fence in left field with one out in the third.

Tampa Bay 2, Oakland 1 -- Dewon Brazelton pitched seven strong innings, and Jose Cruz Jr. hit a tiebreaking homer in the sixth inning at St. Petersburg, Fla.

Brazelton (6-4) gave up one run and five hits to improve to 6-1 at home this season. Cruz’s solo shot broke a 1-1 tie and helped the Devil Rays end a four-game losing streak.

Seattle 5, Detroit 3 -- Willie Bloomquist hit his first home run in more than 13 months -- a go-ahead three-run shot in the fifth inning -- to lead the Mariners at Detroit. Gil Meche (4-5) gave up three runs and nine hits in 6 2/3 innings, helping Seattle avoid a three-game sweep.

Toronto 8, Baltimore 5 -- Carlos Delgado homered and drove in three runs at Baltimore to help the Blue Jays hand the Orioles their fifth consecutive loss. Dave Bush (2-3) gave up three runs in six innings for Toronto, which is 4-8 since interim Manager John Gibbons took over for the fired Carlos Tosca.