Radke Is Pitching In for Twins, 9-1

Brad Radke again showed the Minnesota Twins’ pitching staff what it takes to be the ace.

Radke yielded one run in seven innings to halt a bad string for Minnesota’s starters and Matthew LeCroy hit a two-run homer, leading the Twins over the Chicago White Sox, 9-1, Saturday night in Minneapolis.

“Only for about 10 years he’s been doing it,” Manager Ron Gardenhire said, referring to Radke. “I won’t say we expect it, but we’ve seen it many times.”

Just as he did down the stretch and in the playoffs last season and the year before, Radke came up big when his team needed it most. Twin starters had not recorded a win in their previous six starts, going 0-4 with an 8.16 earned-run average.

“I know it’s only May, but it’s always good to beat these guys because you know they are going to be there at the end,” said Radke, who admitted putting a little extra pressure on himself to stop the two-game skid.

Justin Morneau had three hits, including his first homer and first two RBIs of the season for the Twins, who lost their first three games to the White Sox by a combined 29-5 margin.

Boston 5, Toronto 2 -- The Red Sox discovered a great new pitching strategy: Martinez-by-committee.

Anastacio Martinez relieved Pedro Martinez and won his major league debut when Boston rallied to beat the Blue Jays at Fenway Park. The Red Sox rookie gave up a bunt hit and struck out one in one inning.

“I thought he was impressive,” Pedro Martinez said after translating for his namesake. “I am actually happier to see Anastacio not only get it [the win], but get it in his first try. I am very happy for him and especially to be a part of the game that he won.”

Oakland 5, Kansas City 4 -- Bobby Crosby made the Royals pay for walking the batter ahead of him intentionally. He followed the intentional walk to Erubiel Durazo in the bottom of the 11th inning with an run-scoring, infield single.

Texas 4, New York 3 -- Rod Barajas homered with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Rangers the win. Barajas, who became the starter at catcher Friday when rookie Gerald Laird tore a ligament in his left thumb, hit an 0-1 breaking ball from Tom Gordon (1-2).

Tampa Bay 6, Cleveland 3 -- Jose Cruz Jr. homered and drove in four runs at St. Petersburg, Fla., leading the Devil Rays to their first three-game winning streak of the season.

Detroit 8, Seattle 4 -- Craig Monroe hit a three-run double in a five-run eighth, leading the Tigers past the Mariners at Seattle.