‘Babe’ Allanson Terrorizes Twins
American League
After having the best day of his career, Andy Allanson didn’t have any great expectations.
“This day’s already behind me,” he said. “I know my role and I don’t want to get caught up in it.
Allanson, California’s reserve catcher, homered twice and drove in six runs Thursday as the Angels routed the Minnesota Twins 15-9 at Minneapolis. Coming in, Allanson had hit one homer since 1991.
“I’m here to give a day off to the other catchers,” said Allanson, 33. “I’m not going to change my approach just because all of a sudden I get a few base hits. The fact that I came to bat with so many runners on base is the main reason things went the way they did.”
Allanson went 4 for 5 after coming in with a .048 average. He had been 1 for 21 this season - a homer against Detroit on opening day. That was his first homer since May 27, 1991.
California’s Tony Phillips went 3 for 5, including a homer and an RBI single in a seven-run third.
The Angels led 10-1 before the Twins scored seven runs in the sixth.
White Sox 4, Athletics 2
Chicago
Alex Fernandez (2-2) and Roberto Hernandez combined on a six-hitter, and Mike Devereaux hit a two-run homer to lead Chicago over Oakland.
Rangers 6, Brewers 2
Arlington, Texas
Pinch-hitter Rusty Greer hit his first career grand slam with two outs in the bottom of the eighth to give Texas a win over Milwaukee.
Orioles 3, Tigers 2
Baltimore
Mike Mussina (3-1) pitched seven innings of four-hit ball and Baltimore scored all of its runs off Detroit errors.
Red Sox 4, Indians 3
Boston
Mike Macfarlane homered for the fourth time in five games to break an eighth-inning tie with Cleveland and give Boston its fifth consecutive win.
Clemens progressing
Boston pitcher Roger Clemens threw without pain and is on schedule to make his first start for the Red Sox on June 2, when the Mariners are in town.
Clemens has been in extended spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., since the start of the season because of a muscle strain in his right shoulder. After resting for 10 days, the shoulder healed.
Clemens will make a rehab start for Boston’s Single-A team in Sarasota, Fla., on Tuesday.
Disney in the outfield
The Walt Disney Co., expanding its venture into professional sports, has agreed to buy 25 percent interest in the California Angels and become managing general partner, with an option to purchase the rest of the American League team.
Completion of the deal is subject to the approval of baseball owners.
No financial terms of the deal with Disney were announced. The Angels are reportedly valued at $125-135 million.
Last year, Disney and Caravan Pictures released the film, “Angels in the Outfield.”
Clearing the bases
California, 44-41, and Toronto, 44-34, are the only teams with winning Metrodome records against Minnesota… . Baltimore’s Brady Anderson stole his 30th consecutive base over two seasons… . Cleveland’s Carlos Baerga hasn’t struck out in 85 plate appearances this season.