Wed, May 31, 2006 - Page 18 News List

Johnson drives Yankees' shutout of Tigers

AP , DETROITAP, CHICAGO

The Los Angeles Angels' Chone Figgins, front, is greeted by teammate Vladimir Guererro after scoring the game-winning run on a hit by Orlando Cabrera in the 11th inning against the Minnesota Twins in Anaheim, California, on Monday. The Angels won 4-3.

PHOTO: AP

American League

Randy Johnson didn't give up a hit for 5 2-3 innings and combined with two relievers for a two-hitter, leading the New York Yankees over the Detroit Tigers 4-0 on Monday.

Ivan Rodriguez broke up Johnson's bid for his third no-hitter -- and second against the Tigers -- with a single to right. After ending the sixth inning by striking out Magglio Ordonez, Johnson pumped his left hand as he walked off the mound -- likely feeling good about his first strong outing in more than a month.

"One good game doesn't make a whole year," Johnson bristled. "But five or six bad games for me doesn't make a year, either. It doesn't mean I'm done."

Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter drove in runs in the third. Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada had RBIs in the fifth to make it 4-0.

Jeter injured his right hand sliding into second base and left the game in the fifth for precautionary reasons, the Yankees said.

Johnson (7-4) left after Carlos Guillen's leadoff single in the seventh. Reliever Ron Villone retired the next three batters, keeping a run off of Johnson's line. Villone also pitched the eighth, and Kyle Farnsworth worked a perfect ninth inning.

The 42-year-old Johnson, who had given up at least four runs in five of his previous six outings, allowed just two hits and three walks while striking out four over six-plus innings.

"When you think of Randy from six or seven years ago, you're probably expecting 10 or 12 strikeouts as part of this game," Detroit manager Jim Leyland said. "He doesn't have the same velocity and he doesn't have the same slider, but he's a pitcher now.

Jeremy Bonderman (5-4) gave up four runs and eight hits in 7 1-3 innings for Detroit.

White Sox 11, Indians 0

At Cleveland, Jim Thome hit a pair of two-run homers and Javier Vazquez pitched six strong innings for Chicago.

Vazquez (6-3) gave up only two singles -- both with two outs in the third inning. The right-hander walked three and struck out four in his second consecutive win. Neal Cotts tossed two perfect innings, and Jeff Nelson pitched the ninth to complete the two-hitter.

Paul Konerko and Juan Uribe also homered for the White Sox.

Cleveland third baseman Aaron Boone left with a mild concussion after tumbling headfirst into a photographers' area trying to catch a foul ball in the third inning.

Cliff Lee (3-5) gave up seven runs and eight hits with one walk over 2 2-3 innings for the Indians.

Blue Jays 7, Red Sox 6

At Toronto, pinch-hitter Shea Hillenbrand hit a go-ahead single in the eighth inning, and Toronto overcame a tying, three-run homer by Jason Varitek to beat Boston.

Down 6-3 in the eighth, Varitek tied the game with a two-out homer off Justin Speier.

Toronto's Bengie Molina doubled into the gap in right center leading off the bottom half of the inning against David Riske (0-1). After a sacrifice bunt, Hillenbrand singled past a drawn-in infield to give Toronto the lead.

B.J. Ryan (1-0) pitched 1 1-3 hitless innings for the Blue Jays.

Manny Ramirez and Coco Crisp homered for the Red Sox, who had won four straight.

Toronto's Roy Halladay allowed three runs and seven hits in seven innings.

Rangers 2, Mariners 0

At Arlington, Texas, John Rheinecker allowed four hits in 8 1-3 innings in his second major league start and Mark Teixeira hit a two-run homer as Texas handed Seattle its fifth straight loss.

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