Yankees beat Orioles, move into first in AL East
(AP)
Updated: 2005-09-27 15:35

Chicago's lead in the AL Central dropped to two games over idle Cleveland and its magic number remained at five to clinch the division. The White Sox had a 15-game lead on August 1, and if they fail to finish in first it would be one of the biggest collapses in baseball history.

Brandon Inge hit two homers for the Tigers, who have won three straight after an eight-game losing streak.

Fernando Rodney (2-3) pitched the ninth for the win. Cliff Politte (6-1) took the loss.

Paul Konerko's two-run shot in the first gave the White Sox a 2-0 lead. Joe Crede hit his career-high 22nd homer.

Angels 4, Athletics 3.

At Oakland, California, Steve Finley hit a two-run homer, John Lackey pitched six strong innings and the Angels moved within one victory of clinching their second straight division title with a win over Oakland.

The Angels opened a five-game lead with six to play and lowered their magic number to two. They will send 10-game winner Ervin Santana to the mound against lefty Joe Kennedy to try to finish off the Athletics on Tuesday night.

Lackey (13-5) didn't allow a hit until the fifth, when Oakland got a two-run double from Jason Kendall. Eric Chavez hit a solo homer in the eighth.

The Angels won for the ninth time in 10 games. They beat out the A's on the season's final weekend a year ago, and Oakland missed the playoffs for the first time in five years.

Lackey outpitched rookie right-hander Joe Blanton (11-12), who won his previous three starts. Francisco Rodriguez finished for his 15th straight save and 42nd overall.

Royals 5, Twins 0.

At Minneapolis, Rookie J.P. Howell pitched five hitless innings before he was pulled and Angel Berroa homered to lead Kansas City over Minnesota, handing the Twins their fourth straight loss.

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