Twins help slim hopes in Central

CLEVELAND -- Eric Milton didn't allow a hit until the sixth inning and Cristian Guzman scored on a throwing error by pitcher Danys Baez (5-3) as the Minnesota Twins beat the Cleveland Indians 1-0 Friday night.

Minnesota closed within 6 1/2 games of Cleveland, whose magic number for clinching the AL Central remained at three.

Milton (15-7), who combined with two relievers on a three-hitter, didn't allow a hit for 5 2-3 innings until Wil Cordero grounded a ball into the hole at shortstop that Guzman backhanded but had no play on. Eddie Guardado got four outs for his ninth save.

YANKEES 7, ORIOLES 0

NEW YORK -- Mike Mussina pitched a three-hitter for his third shutout this year and matched his season high with 13 strikeouts to lead New York.

Mussina (16-11) fanned seven of his first nine batters, striking out the side in the third inning, and walked none. It was the 32nd double-digit strikeout game of Mussina's career.

Tino Martinez, Bernie Williams and Shane Spencer drove in two runs each off Jason Johnson (10-12) for the AL East champions.

Cal Ripken went 0-for-3 as he began his final series at Yankee Stadium.

TIGERS 4, RED SOX 1

DETROIT -- Jeff Weaver (13-15) made the best of his own bobblehead doll night, pitching eight scoreless innings to lead Detroit past Boston.

The Red Sox (76-76) have lost five of six and 20 of 25 to drop to .500 for the first time since they were 2-2 during the first week of the season.

Ex-Tiger Hideo Nomo (12-10) allowed four runs, eight hits and three walks in 6 1-3 innings, striking out six and dropped to 1-6 in 11 starts since Aug. 1.

-- From wire reports