Royals Hand Boston Fourth Straight Loss

American League

Patrick Lennon’s two-out single in the 12th inning sent host Kansas City to a 5-4 win Friday over Boston, which lost its fourth straight.

After Kansas City loaded the bases off loser Brad Pennington, the Red Sox moved in their outfielders. But Lennon singled sharply off Jeff Suppan over right fielder Troy O’Leary’s head to give the Royals their first win this season.

Johnny Damon hit a two-run homer and drove in three runs for Kansas City. Jose Canseco homered for the Red Sox.

Angels 7, ChiSox 6 (11)

Anaheim, Calif.

Jack Howell, who played the last four years in Japan, singled home the winning run with one out in the 11th, giving California the win over Chicago.

Tim Salmon opened the 11th with a double off Kirk McCaskill (0-1) for his third hit of the game. Salmon moved to third on a groundout by Chili Davis.

After intentional walks to J.T Snow and Garret Anderson loaded the bases, Howell singled on a 2-2 pitch.

Blue Jays 7, Indians 1

Cleveland

Juan Guzman of Toronto sent Cleveland to a surprising third straight loss, pitching eight strong innings.

Guzman, coming off an injury-plagued 1995, handed the defending A.L. champions their first three-game losing streak at Jacobs Field since June 24-27, 1994.

Cleveland, which led the majors in runs, home runs and batting average a year ago, has been outscored 19-3 in its three games.

Orioles 2, Twins 1

Minneapolis

Kent Mercker won his A.L. debut and undefeated Baltimore won its fourth game, beating Minnesota.

The Orioles are off to their best start since opening 4-0 in 1985. They can match their best start with a win tonight.

Athletics 13, Tigers 2

Las Vegas

Scott Brosius homered for the third time in two days and Oakland won its first game of the season, beating Detroit.

It ended a 12-game losing streak for the Athletics dating to last season.

Yanks vs. Rangers, ppd.

Arlington, Texas

Texas, coming off a three-game sweep of Boston, had its game with New York cancelled because of rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader Sunday.

Clearing the bases

Marty Cordova, the 1995 A.L. rookie of the year with Minnesota, was not in the starting lineup against Baltimore because of a strained abdominal muscle. … California traded infielder Eduardo Perez, a former first-round draft choice, to the Cincinnati Reds for outfielder Will Pennyfeather. … Milwaukee acquired catcher Jesse Levis from Cleveland for minor league pitcher Scott Nate and a player to be named later.