Paquette’s Single Powers A’S By O’S

American League

The Oakland Athletics aren’t ready to declare themselves contenders for a wild card spot - yet.

At this point, however, they’re in a better position than the Baltimore Orioles.

Craig Paquette singled in the tie-breaking runs in the ninth inning Tuesday night, carrying the streaking Athletics past the host Orioles 3-1.

Mike Bordick homered for the A’s, who have won seven of nine to draw within 3-1/2 games of Texas in the A.L. wild card race. Problem is, Oakland (56-60) also has to climb over three other teams.

“Everybody knows where we stand. We’re in a position where we’ve got to get in position,” reliever Rick Honeycutt said. “We’re one of those teams you see every day that’s 3-1/2 games back. We have to get back to .500 and then try to make a run.”

Ditto for the Orioles (54-60), who trail Texas by 4-1/2 games and are in seventh place in the wild card race. Baltimore went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

“We had chances to win, no doubt about it,” Orioles manager Phil Regan said. “You don’t do it and you end up losing.”

Mark McGwire opened the ninth with a walk off Terry Clark (2-4). Pinch-runner Jose Herrera took second on a wild pitch and moved to third on a fly ball by Geronimo Berroa. After Terry Steinbach grounded out, Stan Javier was given an intentional walk.

Javier stole second and scored after Herrera when Paquette grounded a single past shortstop Cal Ripken.

Royals 7, Brewers 1

Kansas City

Johnny Damon’s triple keyed a three-run sixth inning and Jason Jacome recorded his fourth straight win as Kansas City beat Milwaukee.

Jacome (4-2), a left-hander obtained from the New York Mets in a four-player deal on July 21, lost his first two starts with the Royals. But he’s been unbeatable since Aug. 10, and won again with a seven-hitter for his second career complete game.

Indians 4, Blue Jays 1

Cleveland

Mark Clark, struggling for a spot on Cleveland’s playoff roster, pitched a career-best three-hitter as the Indians beat Toronto for their sixth straight win.

Eddie Murray singled home the game’s first run in the fourth inning, becoming the 14th player with 1,800 career RBIs.

Twins 2, Rangers 0

Minneapolis

Brad Radke threw a three-hitter and Chuck Knoblauch homered and had two doubles to lead Minnesota to the victory over Texas.

The Rangers, losers of six of eight, clung to a halfgame lead in the American League wild card race when Milwaukee lost at Kansas City.

Yankees 12, Angels 4

New York

Mike Stanley’s three-run homer capped a five-run first inning that helped David Cone and New York to the victory over California.

Stanley’s homer, his 16th, came off Chuck Finley (13-9), who was trying to defeat the Yankees for the fourth time this season. He allowed eight runs before being relieved in the sixth as the Angels dropped their fourth straight.

Tigers 7, White Sox 5

Chicago

Sean Bergman allowed five hits over 6-2/3 innings and Franklin Stubbs had a homer, two doubles and a single, leading Detroit over Chicago.

Clearing the bases

Melido Perez, who has been on the disabled list since July 5, pitched four innings and allowed three hits for the Yankees AA affiliate in Norwich, Conn. … Baltimore’s Kevin Bass has one RBI in 104 at-bats since July 6… . The Indians are 61-0 in games they have led after eight innings. … Oakland activated Terry Steinbach off the 15-day disabled list and optioned catcher George Williams to Triple-A Edmonton.