Scott Baker came within three outs of a perfect game and two outs of a no-hitter, falling short of history but leading the Twins over the Royals 5-0 in the second game of a doubleheader Friday.
Baker, 25, entered the ninth inning with a chance for just the 18th perfect game in major-league history. But he went to a 3-0 count on John Buck, who took a strike before ball four.
Esteban German grounded into a forceout, and Mike Sweeney, activated from the disabled list between games, pinch-hit and blooped a single.
The righty recovered to get the one-hitter, retiring David DeJesus and Mark Grudzielanek.
“It’s still a great game; I can’t complain,” said Baker (8-6), who struck out a career-high nine.
Extra innings
Yankees rookie sensation Joba Chamberlain was suspended for two games and fined $1,000, one day after he threw consecutive 98-99 m.p.h. pitches over the head of Boston’s Kevin Youkilis. … Left-hander Mark Mulder could rejoin the Cardinals’ rotation Wednesday or Thursday, a little more than one year after shoulder surgery. The Cardinals also acquired Phillies utility player Russell Branyan. … The Mets’ Pedro Martinez may start Monday in Cincinnati. … Three A’s will be lost for the season: third baseman Eric Chavez (shoulder surgery), center fielder Mark Kotsay (back) and outfielder Travis Buck (elbow surgery).
