AMERICAN LEAGUE ROUNDUP : A’s Overcome Key Injuries, 10-1

Rickey Henderson and Jose Canseco represent a powerful double threat on offense for the Oakland Athletics.

Henderson is thought of as a speedster, but he also hits for power. Canseco is thought of a power hitter, but he also has speed.

Henderson and Canseco were sidelined Saturday at Oakland because of injuries. But despite their absence, the World Series champions got 16 hits and easily defeated the New York Yankees, 10-1.

Henderson missed his fourth game in a row because of a hamstring injury, and Canseco, who has been bothered by a lower back pain, was a late scratch after taking batting practice.

But Carney Lansford had three hits, including a double, scored a run and drove in another, and Mark McGwire had two doubles as the Athletics moved 4 1/2 games in front of the Chicago White Sox in the American League West.

Lansford, who replaced Henderson in the leadoff spot, has had three hits in each of the Athletics’ two victories over the Yankees.

Curt Young and Gene Nelson were working on a six-hit shutout until rookie Kevin Maas hit a home run in the ninth inning. It was Maas’ 13th home run in only 110 at-bats in the majors.

Young (7-4), making his first start since July 29, gave up five hits in 5 2/3 innings. Nelson bailed him out of trouble in the sixth, then picked up his fifth save.

Ron Hassey hit a run-scoring single against Andy Hawkins (3-10) in the fourth inning and Lansford doubled home another run in the fifth. The A’s broke it open with four runs in the sixth.

The Yankees went into Oakland with a five-game winning streak. But they are 3-17, including an 0-8 mark this season, in their last 20 games against the A’s.

“That was ugly,” Yankee Manager Stump Merrill said. “I don’t know what it is, but we sure have trouble with this club.”

Canseco’s injury could be serious. He said the pain is in the same place that it was when he was sidelined for nearly a month in late June and early July.

“I felt it about five days ago, and I don’t think I’ll be able to play for two or three days,” Canseco said. “After that, we’ll see.”

Texas 7, Chicago 5--The White Sox spotted the Rangers six runs in the first two innings at Chicago and couldn’t overcome the deficit.

Charlie Hough (10-7), in and out of trouble most of the day, won his third in a row, but he needed help with two out in the seventh.

Toronto 7, Minnesota 4--One big swing by Kelly Gruber at Toronto overcame one bad inning for Dave Stieb and enabled the veteran right-hander to improve to 15-4.

The Twins took a 4-2 lead in the sixth inning, but in the seventh Gruber hit his 23rd homer of the season to put the Blue Jays ahead to stay.

It was Gruber’s first home run in two weeks.

Tom Henke took over with two out in the eighth inning and picked up his 24th save.

Cleveland 13, Detroit 4--Chris James had a home run, double and single and scored three runs at Cleveland to help Greg Swindell (8-7) win for the sixth time in his last eight decisions.

James has an 11-game hitting streak and has raised his average to .299. In the last eight games, he is 15 for 32 and has scored 11 runs.

The Indians are 11-2 in Swindell’s last 13 starts.

The Indians’ Cory Snyder had to be helped off the field after being hit on the left knee by a pitch from Frank Tanana.

Milwaukee 11, Kansas City 5--Mike Felder had four hits and drove in two runs, and Rob Deer hit his 20th home run at Kansas City.

The Brewers had two four-run rallies to end a three-game losing streak.

George Brett, who had seven hits in the previous two games, was hitless in five at-bats.

Ron Robinson (6-3) gave up eight hits and pitched his second complete game in a row.