Bierbrodt Does the Job

Nick Bierbrodt gave up one run in six innings, and Tampa Bay hit three solo home runs Thursday to defeat the American League East champion New York, 4-1, at St. Petersburg, Fla.

Bierbrodt (3-4), a former Millkian High standout, gave up two hits, walked five and struck out five.

Boston 5, Baltimore 4--Cal Ripken ended the longest slump of his 21-year career, snapping an 0-for-33 skid with a fifth-inning single in the Orioles’ loss at Baltimore.

Kansas City 8, Cleveland 4--Bartolo Colon gave up six runs in the second inning of his final playoff tuneup as the Indians lost to the Royals at Kansas City, Mo.

Minnesota 5, Detroit 4--Denny Hocking hit a tiebreaking double with two outs in the ninth inning to lead the Twins at Detroit.

Seattle 16, Texas 1--The Mariners tied the AL record of 114 wins set by the 1998 New York Yankees, routing the Rangers at Seattle.

Seattle Mariner shortstop Carlos Guillen, diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis last week, was released from the hospital. Guillen will miss the Mariners’ first-round playoff series against Cleveland. ... The New York Yankees might be without Orlando Hernandez for the first round of the playoffs. Hernandez has been slowed by a tired right arm and New York General Manager Brian Cashman said that he doesn’t know if Hernandez will be available for the series against Oakland. ... The players’ association filed a second grievance on behalf of Boston Red Sox outfielder Carl Everett, saying the four-game suspension and fine imposed by the team was “without just cause.”