Yanks Routed by Orioles, Head to Boston

This wasn't how the New York Yankees wanted to head into Fenway Park. Brian Roberts hit a leadoff home run, and Nick Markakis and Fernando Tatis also connected in the Baltimore Orioles' 12-2 rout

Friday, August 18th 2006, 5:26 am

By: News On 6

This wasn't how the New York Yankees wanted to head into Fenway Park. Brian Roberts hit a leadoff home run, and Nick Markakis and Fernando Tatis also connected in the Baltimore Orioles' 12-2 rout Thursday that left the Yankees staggering a bit heading into their big weekend series in Boston.

"We stunk today,'' manager Joe Torre said. "Hopefully, we got the stinker out of our system.''

New York's AL East lead over 2nd place Boston was cut to 1 1/2 games after the Yankees lost 2 of 3 to the Orioles. The Yankees have dropped 7 of their last 12 overall.

In other AL games, it was: Detroit 4, Texas 2; Chicago 5, Kansas City 4; Cleveland 3, Minnesota 2; Los Angeles 5, Seattle 2; and Toronto 6, Tampa Bay 2.

At New York, Jaret Wright (9-7) lasted just 3 plus innings for the Yankees. He allowed 2 hits, 5 runs and walked 4.

"I couldn't throw strikes,'' he said. "I got myself in trouble. It was definitely frustrating. You never want to throw like that.''

While Wright and four Yankees relievers struggled, Rodrigo Lopez (9-12), who entered leading the AL in runs (106) and hits (188) allowed, handcuffed New York on 6 hits through 7 innings. He struck out 8 and walked one.

"I was just thinking to finish my pitches,'' Lopez said. "Early in the game, the pitches were up. That was the only adjustment I made, trying to keep the ball down.''

Tigers 4, Rangers 2

At Detroit, Kenny Rogers (12-6) allowed 2 runs in 5 plus innings to win for the first time since July 5. He had been 0-3 in his previous 6 starts.

Carlos Guillen homered and Ivan Rodriguez also had 3 hits for the Tigers. Todd Jones worked the 9th for his 34th save.

Edinson Volquez (1-2) gave up 3 runs and 8 hits in 3 2-3 innings to get the loss.

Bench coach Don Wakamatsu ran the Rangers as manager Buck Showalter started a 4 game suspension that resulted from hit batters during games against the Los Angeles Angels.

White Sox 5, Royals 4

At Chicago, Bobby Jenks got Mike Sweeney to ground into a game ending double play with the bases loaded, and the White Sox increased their AL wild card lead.

Mark Buehrle (10-10), 0-6 in his previous 8 starts, allowed 2 runs and 6 hits over 6 innings to get the win. Jenks got 4 outs for his 34th save.

Chicago took a 2 game lead in the wild card over Minnesota, which lost to Cleveland 3-2.

For the first time in major league history, both teams hit leadoff home runs in the first 2 innings, the Elias Sports Bureau said.

DeJesus hit Buehrle's first pitch of the game for a homer. In the bottom of the 1st, Pablo Ozuna led off with a homer against Odalis Perez (0-1).

Emil Brown homered for Kansas City to start the 2nd inning. Jermaine Dye homered to open the 2nd for the White Sox.

Indians 3, Twins 2

Paul Byrd pitched his first complete game in more than a year, scattering 7 hits to lead the visiting Indians to the win.

Byrd (8-6) struck out 3 and walked none in his 14th complete game, his first since July 1, 2005, for the Los Angeles Angels at Kansas City.

Hector Luna had an RBI triple, and Joe Inglett and Victor Martinez each had a sacrifice fly, helping Byrd improve to 5-1 at the Metrodome.

Matt Garza (0-2), a 22 year old right hander making his second big league start, allowed 3 runs and 5 hits in 5 innings and Justin Morneau hit his 31st homer for the Twins.

Angels 5, Mariners 2

Kelvim Escobar pitched 7 strong innings, Vladimir Guerrero hit a 3 run double and the short handed Angels handed the Mariners their 8th straight loss.

The Angels played without 2nd baseman Adam Kennedy and reliever Kevin Gregg as each began a 4 game suspension for their roles in Wednesday night's bench clearing brawl at Texas. Manager Mike Scioscia started serving a 3 game suspension. Brendan Donnelly appealed his 4 game suspension, but didn't pitch in the game.

Escobar (9-10) allowed a run and 7 hits, struck out 7 and walked 1. Francisco Rodriguez got 2 outs for his 32nd save.

Jamie Moyer (6-12) allowed 3 runs and 7 hits over 6 2-3 innings for the visiting Mariners.

Blue Jays 6, Devil Rays 2

At St. Petersburg, Florida, Bengie Molina hit a tiebreaking, 2 run homer against Brian Meadows (2-4) during a 4 run 8th inning, and came within a double of hitting for the cycle.

Toronto's A.J. Burnett (5-5) won his third straight start, giving up 2 runs and 4 hits in 7 innings.

Tampa Bay's Scott Kazmir allowed 2 hits and struck out 10 in 5 scoreless innings, his second start after missing almost 3 weeks due to left shoulder inflammation.