Gonzalez Is Back in the Swing of Things

Juan Gonzalez has his swing back, and the rest of the American League should take notice.

Gonzalez hit a grand slam and drove in six runs Saturday, leading the Texas Rangers over the Boston Red Sox, 11-5, at Boston.

Gonzalez’ fifth career slam highlighted a six-run ninth inning. He also had two RBI singles, including a hit that made the score 5-5 in the seventh.

“Whether he hits the home runs or the base hits, you can see it coming back,” Texas Manager Johnny Oates said. “When they saw him last week, he was out front of everything. Now he’s waiting a little longer.”

Gonzalez began the game with just one homer and six RBIs. The 1996 AL MVP was sidelined by an injured left thumb that kept him on the disabled list until a week ago Friday against the Red Sox.

“It felt really good today,” Gonzalez said. “I’m seeing the ball much better and swinging at strikes.”

Mark McLemore doubled to start the Texas ninth and capped the outburst with an RBI single.

After McLemore doubled, Heathcliff Slocumb (0-2) walked two batters to load the bases and then misplayed Rusty Greer’s comebacker, allowing the go-ahead run to score. Gonzalez followed with his slam.

Mo Vaughn hit a two-run homer and Darren Bragg had a two-run double for the Red Sox, who have lost seven of their last eight.

Detroit 6, Cleveland 0--Omar Olivares pitched a three-hitter for his first career shutout and the Tigers finally found a way to defeat the Indians at home.

A crowd of 30,578, most of them Indian fans, saw the Tigers end a seven-game home losing streak to Cleveland with its first Tiger Stadium win over Cleveland since Sept. 4, 1995.

For the last three seasons, many Cleveland fans who could not get tickets at sold-out Jacobs Field have made the 3 1/2-hour drive to watch their team play in Detroit. Saturday’s crowd was the second-largest of the year at Tiger Stadium.

Seattle 3, Baltimore 2--The Mariners were down by a run in the eighth inning when Alex Rodriguez hit what appeared to be a routine single to center field.

Seconds later he was diving into second base, easily beating the throw from a surprised Brady Anderson. Rodriguez then stole third and scored the tying run on a sacrifice fly by Ken Griffey Jr. The Mariners went on to win on an RBI single by Mike Blowers with two outs in the 11th inning.

“The grass has been a little bit higher than it usually is, and I knew the ball was going to slow down before it got to Brady,” Rodriguez said. “I don’t know, I think I caught him by surprise a little bit.”

New York 5, Kansas City 2--Cecil Fielder singled home the go-ahead run in the sixth inning as the Yankees rallied from a two-run deficit and beat Kevin Appier.

Appier (4-2), seeking his 100th victory, lost for the first time in six starts at Yankee Stadium.

Bernie Williams hit a two-run homer in the eighth off Mitch Williams, the second homer Williams has given up in 6 2/3 innings. The victory was the 15th in 20 games for the Yankees, who are waiting for American League President Gene Budig to rule on their protest of Friday night’s game.

Still upset with an apparent blown call in that loss, Yankee Manager Joe Torre was ejected by crew chief Rich Garcia before the game when he brought the lineup card to home plate.

Toronto 6, Minnesota 4--Roger Clemens tied a Blue Jay record with 14 strikeouts to win his sixth game, and he was supported by a pair of two-run homers from Benito Santiago at Minnesota.

Clemens (6-0) reached double figures in strikeouts for the 70th time, tying Tom Seaver and Rube Waddell for sixth place, and he moved into a four-way tie for the AL lead in victories.

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BESTS OF THE DAY

BATTING

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Player Team Performance Team’s Result Juan Gonzalez Texas Grand slam, six RBIs Win Benito Santiago Toronto Two two-run home runs Win Mike Blowers Seattle Game-winning pinch-hit single Win Bernie Williams New York 2 for 4, homer, three runs Win

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PITCHING

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Player Team Performance Team’s Result Roger Clemens Toronto Seven innings, 14 strikeouts, sixth victory Win Omar Olivares Detroit Three-hit shutout, first of career Win

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