David Ortiz hit two homers, including a two-run shot in the bottom of the ninth inning off Al Reyes, as the Red Sox rallied to defeat the Devil Rays 5-4. The game-winner barely cleared the low right-field wall and helped Boston maintain a five-game lead over the Yankees.
Gil Meche won for the first time since July 20 as the Royals ended a seven-game skid, beating the Twins 6-3. He allowed two runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings. He was 0-6 in his last nine starts. The win ensured that the Royals will avoid 100 losses for the first time in four years.
Mike Mussina, who was removed from the Yankees’ starting rotation two weeks ago, returned with 5 2/3 shutout innings in a 4-1 victory over the Blue Jays, snapping a personal three-game skid. He made just one appearance (from the bullpen) since Aug. 27.
THREE DOWN
Dave Bush isn’t pitching like someone who belongs in the rotation of a contender. The Brewers righty had his second consecutive rough start, allowing four runs on five hits in four innings of a 7-4 loss to the Pirates. Bush now sports a 21.60 ERA in his last two starts.
Despite a 5-1 win over the Cardinals, the Reds suffered some attrition as they lost both shortstop Alex Gonzalez (left knee) and center fielder Josh Hamilton (right hamstring) to injuries. Both players were hurt when attempting to beat out plays at first base.
It hasn’t been a lucky last 21 games for the Orioles’ pitching staff. After an 18-6 loss to the Angels, Baltimore has allowed 196 runs in 21 contests, 9.3 runs per game. The run of misery began with a 30-3 loss to Texas on Aug. 22.
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Compiled by Mike Pankow
