Demoted Tribe Hurler Returns With Vengeance

American League

Black Jack came back, spittin’ mad and dominating as ever.

Disgusted by a demotion to the bullpen, Jack McDowell made a fiery, nearly flawless return to his old form Thursday night, striking out a season-high nine and leading the Cleveland Indians to a 7-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics in Cleveland.

“I know emotionally I was a different player tonight,” said McDowell, who allowed one run and three hits in seven innings after starting the season with a 12.51 ERA in three starts. “Sometimes it takes having your back against the wall for that to happen.”

The Indians hit four more home runs and lead the majors with 53. David Justice hit two, for a team-high nine.

Royals 8, Blue Jays 0 Kansas City, Mo.

Jose Rosado pitched 7-2/3 shutout innings and Jay Bell and Jose Offerman drove in three runs apiece, powering Kansas City past Toronto.

Orioles 3, Twins 2 Minneapolis

Scott Erickson allowed five hits over 8-1/3 innings and B.J. Surhoff drove in two runs as Baltimore beat Minnesota, extending the Twins’ losing streak to eight games.

Red Sox-Angels, ppd. Boston

The game between Boston and Anaheim was postponed by rain after 4-1/2 innings with the Angels leading 2-0 in Boston.

Clearing the bases

Ken Griffey Jr., who set a major league record with 13 home runs in April, was chosen as the A.L. player of the month.

Andy Pettitte was picked as the league’s pitcher of the month after going 5-0 for the New York Yankees.