Felix Could Rain On Ripken’s Parade
American League
Hurricane Felix could have the final word on whether Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken breaks Lou Gehrig’s all-time consecutive games played streak in Baltimore.
Ripken is scheduled to become baseball’s all-time iron man Sept. 6 in a game against California at Camden Yards. But a rainout along the way could ruin the timetable, pushing record-setting game No. 2,131 back to Sept. 8 in Cleveland.
Hurricane Felix appeared too far away from Baltimore to make an impact on today’s home game against Cleveland, but there is still a chance rain could wash out Thursday’s 3:05 p.m. EDT game against Kansas City.
The Royals don’t have an open day until Sept. 7, meaning a postponement would definitely alter the Sept. 6 target date.
Even if the game is postponed, there is still a good chance Ripken will break the streak in Baltimore, albeit one day later than planned. Both teams are off Sept. 7.
Red Sox 7, Yankees 4
Boston
Jose Canseco had three hits, including a homer and a run-scoring double that broke an eighth-inning tie Wednesday.
Eric Gunderson (1-0), making his second appearance for Boston since being claimed off waivers from Seattle, earned the win.
Indians 8, Orioles 5
Baltimore
Manny Ramirez capped a five-run seventh inning with a three-run homer, leading Cleveland past Baltimore.
Jose Mesa got the final three outs for his 35th straight save, one short of the major-league record for consecutive saves in a season set by Dennis Eckersley in 1992.
Athletics 8, Royals 4
Kansas City
Jason Giambi homered for the third straight game and scored three runs as Oakland came back from an early four-run deficit.
Todd Stottlemyre (10-5) recovered after allowing four runs in the first inning and got his first victory in his last five starts. The A’s won their first series on the road since June 27-29 at Seattle.
Blue Jays 7, Tigers 4
Detroit
Toronto rallied for three runs in the eighth inning to break a tie and beat Detroit.
Ed Sprague’s two-run triple highlighted the eighth-inning rally that came after Brian Maxcy (4-3) relieved starter Mike Moore. Paul Molitor had a one-out walk and Roberto Alomar singled before Joe Carter hit a sacrifice fly to put the Jays ahead.
Brewers 15, Rangers 6
Arlington, Texas
John Jaha had a grand slam and five RBIs and Greg Vaughn and Joe Oliver hit solo homers as Milwaukee beat Texas, ending the Rangers’ three-game winning streak.
Jaha’s five RBIs were a career high and his grand slam was his second of the year. He hit one on opening day off Alex Fernandez of the White Sox.
White Sox 9, Angels 2
Chicago
Robin Ventura hit a three-run homer and Ray Durham, Lance Johnson and Norberto Martin tripled in the fifth inning to lead Chicago to a rain-delayed win.
Alex Fernandez (7-8) stayed in the game after a 70-minute delay in the third inning, but he didn’t return after a 46-minute delay in the fifth. Brian Anderson (6-4) lost for the second straight time after winning five consecutive starts.
Clearing the bases
Cleveland’s Orel Hershiser dropped a throw to first in the sixth, ending the Indians’ season-high errorless streak at seven games. It was only their second error in 11 games. … Baltimore acquired left-handed pitcher Jimmy Williams from the Mets as the player to be named in the Bobby Bonilla deal. … Detroit’s Travis Fryman has 17 RBIs in his last 21 games. … Texas’ Juan Gonzalez has missed 54 games this season with various injuries. … Wednesday’s game marked the first time the Angels have lost to Chicago in nine games this season.