Jeter hurt in Yankees loss

NEW YORK — Just when the slumping New York Yankees got Alex Rodriguez back, Derek Jeter went down with an injury that nearly led to a brawl with Baltimore.

Adam Jones hit a three-run double during Baltimore's seven-run first inning against Mike Mussina (6-4), and the Orioles routed New York 12-2 Tuesday night in a testy game that included a late homer by A-Rod in his return from the disabled list.

The Orioles took advantage of a two-out throwing error by Jeter in the first to build a big cushion for Daniel Cabrera (5-1), who handed the Yankees (20-25) their fourth straight loss and sixth in seven games.

American League

ANGELS 3, BLUE JAYS 1: At Toronto, John Lackey won for the first time since Sept. 28, pitching seven strong innings to help the Angels get a rare victory in Toronto.

Making his second start of the year after returning from a strained triceps, Lackey (1-0) gave up a leadoff homer to Toronto's Brad Wilkerson in the first, then blanked the Blue Jays the rest of the way.

Francisco Rodriguez loaded the bases with three straight walks in the ninth, but held on to record his major-league leading 18th save. TIGERS 12, MARINERS 8: At Detroit, Justin Verlander struck out a season-high seven and Edgar Renteria hit one of Detroit's four homers and matched a career high with five RBIs in the Tigers' victory over Seattle. Curtis Granderson, Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen also homered for the Tigers, who had lost six of seven.

RAYS 3, ATHLETICS 2: At Oakland, Calif., Scott Kazmir scraped out another impressive win thanks to a costly error by Oakland.

Left fielder Emil Brown tried to make a sliding catch on Dioner Navarro's sinking liner in the eighth inning and the ball got past him for a three-run error, sending the Rays to the win. RED SOX 2, ROYALS 1: At Boston, rookie Justin Masterson pitched 6 1/3 strong innings one day after Jon Lester's no-hitter against Kansas City and the Red Sox silenced the Royals bats again.

The 23-year-old Masterson (1-0) allowed one run on three hits in his second major league start. Jonathan Papelbon ended a bases-loaded threat in the eighth by striking out Billy Butler and pitched a perfect ninth — with two more strikeouts — for his 13th save in 15 opportunities. TWINS 11, RANGERS 4: At Minneapolis, Glen Perkins pitched six scoreless innings for his first major league win.