American League
Jose Contreras made a rousing return from the disabled list, shutting down the Baltimore Orioles on three hits over seven innings in New York's 7-0 victory on Sunday.
Jorge Posada hit a three-run homer off rookie Eric DuBose (1-4) in the first and Derek Jeter added a two-run single for the Yankees, who cruised to an easy win after dropping the first two of the four-game series.
Out since June 7 with a strained right shoulder, Contreras replaced a struggling Jeff Weaver in the starting rotation and picked up right where he left off before he was hurt.
"I'm happy because I was able to help the team achieve victory and also demonstrate what kind of pitcher I am," Contreras said through a translator. "I was able to pitch comfortably with the great lead that my teammates gave me."
After struggling as a reliever early this season, Contreras moved into the rotation in late May with impressive results. He won twice in two starts, at Detroit and Cincinnati, and now is 3-0 with a 0.86 ERA as a big league starter -- with 17 strikeouts in 21 innings.
"When you get around him he just has a feel and a lot more self confidence than he had before," Yankees pitching coach Mel Stot-tlemyre said.
In other games:
Detroit 10, Anaheim 9; Oakland 17, Toronto 2; Cleveland 7, Tampa Bay 5; Texas 5, White Sox 0; Minnesota 8, Kansas City 1; Red Sox 6, Mariners 1
National League
AP, DENVER
Russ Ortiz posted his major league-leading 18th win and the Atlanta Braves routed the Colorado Rockies 12-6, sweeping a three-game series.
Gary Sheffield homered and drove in three runs Sunday. Rafael Furcal, who homered, and Chipper Jones each had four hits and two RBIs for Atlanta.
Vinny Castilla also homered as the Braves got 17 hits, one shy of their season high.
The Rockies were swept at home for the first time this season.
The game was briefly delayed in the top of the fifth when a fan injured his leg while participating in a flyball-catching contest between innings. He had to be carted off the field.
Ortiz (18-5) allowed seven hits and four runs in 6 2-3 innings, walking one and striking out five.
"Russ pitched his normal game again," Braves manager Bobby Cox said.
Ortiz also helped himself at the plate. He hit a sacrifice fly and later a single, scoring on Furcal's homer in the seventh.
Denny Stark (2-2) went five innings, allowing 10 hits and seven runs, six earned.
In other games:
Astros 6, Reds 3; Cardinals 3, Phillies 0; Marlins 7, Giants 4; Brewers 10, Pirates 9; Cubs 5, Diamondbacks 3; Expos 8, Padres 4; Mets 2, Dodgers 1
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