Witt Remains Sharp, Beats Twins Again

American League

Juan Gonzalez and Ivan Rodriguez homered and Bobby Witt scattered nine hits Wednesday night as the Texas Rangers rolled to a 9-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins at the Ballpark at Arlington.

Witt, who was acquired from Florida on Aug. 8, got solid defensive help from the Texas infield, which turned three double plays. Witt is 14-5 lifetime against the Twins. In his last eight starts with the Marlins and the Rangers, Witt has given up three runs or less.

Tigers 7, White Sox 5

Detroit

Lou Whitaker’s three-run pinch homer in the ninth inning lifted Detroit over Chicago, preventing a sweep of the three-game series by the White Sox.

Athletics 2, Yankees 1

Oakland, Calif.

Steve Wojciechowski, making his sixth major league start, allowed four hits in 5-1/3 innings as Oakland completed a three-game sweep over slumping New York.

Oakland’s Brent Gates extended his hitting streak to a career-high 13 games with two singles.

Indians 6, Blue Jays 5

Toronto

Albert Belle’s homer triggered a three-run sixth inning as Cleveland rallied to beat Toronto.

Red Sox 6, Angels 5 (10)

Anaheim, Calif.

Jose Canseco hit a two-run home run and Mike Greenwell tripled in the winning run in the 10th inning as Boston completed a three-game sweep of California.

Clearing the bases

Baltimore’s Cal Ripken, who needs 13 games to break Lou Gehrig’s record of 2,130 consecutive games, celebrates his 35th birthday today… . Juan Guzman, of Toronto, suffering from muscle problems near his right arm, will begin a medical rehabilitation assignment with the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs on Friday… . Roberto Alomar’s single in the first inning for Toronto extended his hitting streak to a career-high 18 games.