White Sox sock it to Yankees

The Chicago White Sox scored six times in the second inning to set up a convincing 14-4 success over the New York Yankees.

The South Siders lit up AJ Burnett for six runs in the second inning and added plenty of insurance with a six-run eighth inning as they beat the Yankees for a third straight game.

Burnett, who had won his previous five decisions, twice walked the number nine hitter with the bases loaded, and gave up seven runs in 4 2/3 innings.

Josh Beckett fired seven scoreless innings for his ML-leading 13th win as the Boston Red Sox saw off Baltimore Orioles 4-0.

Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis homered and Martinez hit an RBI single for Boston, who are now just a half-game out of first.

Tampa Bay maintained their stranglehold over Kansas City this season, with a 7-1 win taking their record to 8-0.

Jeff Niemann added to his earlier gem against the Royals with a one-run effort over eight innings in St Petersburg, while Carl Crawford hit a two-run homer for the Rays.

Niemann, who struck out seven, proved his mastery of the Royals in his second start against them. In his first, he threw a scoreless complete game.

Seattle Mariners were too strong for Texas at Rangers Ballpark, winning 7-2.

Ken Griffey Jr made Tommy Hunter the 400th pitching victim on his home run list with a three-run shot in the first inning to boost Felix Hernandez, who went seven innings. Jose Lopez also homered and went 3-for-5 with two runs scored.

Los Angeles Angels enjoyed a hat-trick of home runs in the sixth inning of their meeting with Minnesota with Kendry Morales, Maicer Izturis and Juan Rivera all making scores.

That was the key passage in an 11-5 win for the Angels, who ensured Orlando Cabrera, on debut, had a losing start to his Twins career.

Detroit took a 4-3 win over Cleveland.

Ryan Raburn singled to hand the Tigers the lead and finished the match with three hits as the Indians fell behind their opponents in the standings.

In California, Toronto's Aaron Hill smote a three-run homer to help his side to a tense 6-5 victory over Oakland.