Red Sox squander big lead, hold off Yankees

BOSTON -- Carlos Baerga's sacrifice fly in the 11th inning gave the Boston Red Sox a 9-8 win Friday night after they pounded Roger Clemens before squandering a six-run lead over the New York Yankees.

With the bases loaded, Baerga hit a liner on an 0-2 pitch from Steve Karsay (1-2) to medium center field and Rickey Henderson scored easily as Bernie Williams' throw hit the mound and went to the first-base side.

Rolando Arrojo (3-1), Boston's sixth pitcher, threw two perfect innings.

The Red Sox' second straight win over the Yankees and fifth in six games this season gave them a three-game lead over New York in the AL East.

White Sox 12, Tigers 1

CHICAGO -- Mark Buehrle pitched a five-hitter to become the American League's first eight-game winner and Frank Thomas hit one of four Chicago homers as the White Sox routed the Tigers.

Thomas, Magglio Ordonez and Paul Konerko hit three-run homers and Kenny Lofton added a solo shot as the White Sox won their third straight game.

Buehrle (8-3) allowed only an unearned run, struck out five and walked one in his fifth career complete game and first this season.

Indians 5, Blue Jays 2

TORONTO -- Rookie Ryan Drese won his third straight start as the Cleveland Indians beat the Toronot Blue Jays to end a four-game losing skid.

Jim Thome went 3-for-3 with two walks for the Indians, who also ended a six-game road losing skid.

Royals vs. Rangers, ppd.

Texas and Kansas City were rained out for the second straight day Friday night, costing the Rangers' Rafael Palmeiro a two-run homer that gave him 1,500 career RBIs.

The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on July 15, starting at 4:05 p.m. Thursday's rainout will be made up in a doubleheader Sunday.

-- From wire reports