Twins rookie Swarzak ends Angels streak

ANAHEIM, California – Justin Morneau hit two homers and rookie Anthony Swarzak shut down a potent lineup by pitching into the seventh inning as the Minnesota Twins ended the Los Angeles Angels’ eight-game winning streak with a 10-1 victory in the American League on Sunday.

Denard Span homered and drove in a season-high four runs, and even light-hitting Nick Punto added a season-best three RBIs as the Twins ended a four-game losing streak.

Swarzak (3-3) allowed just four hits and three walks in his eighth career start, throwing 121 pitches against one of the majors’ most productive offenses.

Kendry Morales’ fourth-inning homer was the first hit for Los Angeles, which scored 62 runs during its streak before sputtering on a sweltering day in Orange County.

Morneau hit a two-run homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the seventh as the Twins battered Los Angeles starter Ervin Santana (3-6) for six runs.

At Kansas City, Missouri, Dustin Nippert allowed one hit in a stellar job of relief pitching as Texas scored seven times off the Kansas City bullpen for a 7-1 win.

Nippert was forced into action when Rangers starter Kevin Millwood left after two innings with tightness in his left gluteus. He gave up a run in the seventh on Alex Gordon’s single, the only hit he allowed. Nippert (3-0) walked two, hit a batter and struck out one in 4 2-3 innings.

Ron Mahay (1-1), the first of four relievers, faced two batters and gave up two hits to take the loss for the Royals. They’ve lost 11 of 12 overall.

At Boston, Nick Markakis homered and drove in three runs off a struggling John Smoltz as Baltimore snapped an 11-game losing streak at Boston’s Fenway Park, beating the Red Sox, 6-2.

Markakis hit a sacrifice fly in the first inning, an RBI double in the third and a solo homer in the fifth that gave the Orioles a 6-0 lead.

David Hernandez (3-2) allowed one run in seven innings, helping Baltimore to its first win in Boston since July 11, 2008, and its third win in its last 30 games against AL East opponents.

The 24-year-old rookie outpitched 21-year veteran Smoltz (1-4), whose comeback from offseason shoulder surgery has been rocky. He gave up six earned runs in five innings.

At New York, Derek Jeter hit a go-ahead single and Mariano Rivera earned a four-out save as New York capped a stellar homestand in which they grabbed the AL East with a 7-5 win over the Athletics.

Robinson Cano had an early three-run double and the Yankees got a strong effort from the bullpen, as they wrapped up a 9-1 start to the second half. After winning for the 22nd time in 28 games, the Yankees hit the road for 19 of their next 26.

Phil Hughes provided more spotless relief, Phil Coke (2-3) go the win even though he gave up a go-ahead homer to Mark Ellis, and Brian Bruney got the ball to Rivera to close out the game.

At Toronto, Scott Rolen hit a three-run homer as Toronto handed Tampa Bay rookie Jeff Niemann his first loss in his last six decisions with a 5-1 win.

Blue Jays rookie Brett Cecil got the win, allowing one run and four hits in seven innings. Cecil (4-1) walked three and struck out seven. Brandon League pitched the eighth and Jason Frasor finished as the Blue Jays won for just the second time in nine games against the Rays. (AP)