Jeter Ends Slump in Yankee Victory

Derek Jeter broke out of an 0-for-32 slump with a leadoff home run and helped the New York Yankees complete a three-game sweep of the Oakland Athletics with a 7-5 victory Thursday night at New York.

“A streak like that, you wouldn’t want to wish on anyone, even other teams,” Jeter said. “Guys on other teams even have been giving me support.”

Jeter started what turned out to be an impressive power display against Barry Zito, who gave up a career-high four home runs. Miguel Cairo hit a tiebreaking three-run homer, and Bernie Williams and Alex Rodriguez also went deep as the Yankees won their third game in a row.

Jeter’s slump was the longest by a Yankee since Jimmy Wynn also went 32 at-bats without a hit in 1977.

Boston 4-7, Tampa Bay 0-3 -- The Red Sox finally gave up a run after 32 scoreless innings, then extended their winning streak to six with a doubleheader sweep at Boston.

Jason Varitek’s three-run home run capped a seven-run first inning in the night game after Byung-Hyun Kim, making his season debut, and three relievers pitched Boston’s third consecutive shutout in the opener.

The scoreless streak ended quickly in the second game as Derek Lowe gave up two runs in the first on Rocco Baldelli’s run-scoring groundout and Robert Fick’s run-scoring double. That hardly mattered after Boston scored the seven runs in the bottom of the first.

Texas 9, Kansas City 7 -- Michael Young and Brad Fullmer homered as the Rangers scored three runs in the ninth inning to win at Kansas City, Mo. Young tied it with a solo shot against Curtis Leskanic (0-3). Hank Blalock followed with a triple, and Fullmer homered with two out.

Chicago 6, Toronto 4 -- Esteban Loaiza stayed unbeaten as the White Sox rallied for five runs in the sixth inning at Chicago. Loaiza (4-0) ran his career record in April to 18-3.

Baltimore 9, Seattle 5 -- Eric DuBose pitched seven innings of three-hit ball, and Melvin Mora and Brian Roberts had four hits apiece at Baltimore. The Mariners have lost seven of eight.

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Texas activated first baseman Mark Teixeira from the 15-day disabled list and sent first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to triple-A Oklahoma.... Kansas City infielder Desi Relaford was activated from the disabled list and the Royals optioned shortstop Andres Blanco to triple-A Omaha.