American League Roundup : Indians’ Swindell Makes Each Pitch Count, 4-1

Greg Swindell of the Cleveland Indians doesn’t believe in wasting pitches. He used only 68 in 7 innings Monday at Cleveland and became the first pitcher in the major leagues to win 10 games this season.

The 23-year-old left-hander held the opposition hitless for the first six innings for the second time in his last three starts before settling for a 4-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

Swindell walked the first batter he faced, then retired 20 consecutive batters before Danny Tartabull lined a single to center. Kevin Seitzer and Bo Jackson followed with singles to drive in the Royals’ run. After retiring Bill Buckner to end the seventh, Swindell, who said his shoulder stiffened, left the game.

“It’s nothing serious,” he said. “I only threw 68 pitches, and I have six days between assignments, so I’ll be ready.”

It was the fourth in a row for Swindell (10-1). His only loss was to the Oakland Athletics May 8. Against the Chicago White Sox May 19, Swindell had a no-hitter until Kenny Williams singled with one out in the seventh. He settled for his second two-hitter.

Last year, an elbow injury prematurely ended Swindell’s rookie season. He was 3-8 when he underwent surgery in late June. But as a sophomore, he is making a big impression on American League hitters.

“He doesn’t fool around running the count to 3 and 0 or 3 and 1,” Tartabull said. “He’s got guts, and I have a lot of respect for him.”

Swindell’s greatest strength may be his control. He has not walked more than two batters in any of his 11 starts, and has averaged only one walk every six innings.

Texas 6, Minnesota 1--Jeff Russell says he prefers relieving to starting.

But in three starts for the Rangers, the 26-year-old right-hander has pitched so well, he probably will never make it back to the bullpen.

Russell (4-0) gave up just six hits in eight innings at Minneapolis for his third victory in a row as a starter. He ended the Twins’ winning streak at eight games.

Milwaukee 4, Toronto 1--Teddy Higuera, who has been troubled by back problems all year, made it through seven innings at Toronto and improved his record to 4-3.

Higuera had missed three starts, including his last one. He struck out four of the first five batters he faced and gave up six hits and the Toronto run before turning it over to the Brewers’ bullpen. Dan Plesac pitched the ninth to earn his 11th save.

The sixth batter Higuera faced, Cecil Fielder homered for the only Blue Jays run.

Seattle 4, Baltimore 1--Rookie shortstop Rich Renteria snapped an 0-for-24 slump with a tiebreaking single in the fifth inning at Seattle.

Mark Langston (5-4) gave up five hits and struck out eight in eight innings to hand the Orioles their 24th loss in 27 road games.