TORONTO—On the day Alex Rodriguez passed Mickey Mantle on the major league home run list, the New York Yankees were left mourning Bobby Murcer — the former star who replaced Mantle in the lineup long ago.

Rodriguez’s 537th home run moved him into 13th place, and Derek Jeter hit No. 200 of his career to help the New York Yankees beat the Toronto Blue Jays 9-4 on Saturday.

After the game, the Yankees learned of Murcer’s death due to complications from brain cancer, and players spoke fondly of a man who spent nearly four decades with the team as a player, executive and beloved broadcaster.

“It’s just a reminder for all of us who are in the game, the media, and a fan of baseball just how trivial the game can be for one day,” Rodriguez said. “When you look at a guy like Bobby, it makes time stop a little bit.”

New York right-hander Darrell Rasner (5-7) gave up four runs in the first but shut out the Blue Jays over the next four innings to win for just the second time in nine outings.

Toronto’s Jesse Litsch (8-6) gave up eight runs — three earned — and seven hits in 2 2-3 innings.



Twins 6, Tigers 5

DETROIT—Joe Mauer hit a home run and Brendan Harris homered and had a season-high four RBIs to help Minnesota beat Detroit for the third straight day.

Harris singled in the Twins’ first two runs and opened the seventh inning with a solo shot off Tigers starter Nate Robertson (6-8) that give the Twins the lead for good. Mauer, the starting catcher for the AL All-Star team, added a two-run shot later in the inning.

Minnesota’s Scott Baker (6-2) allowed four runs and six hits in seven-plus innings and won for the fourth time in five starts. The Twins improved to 21-6 since June 13, the majors’ best record in that span.

Joe Nathan had three strikeouts in the ninth for his 27th save in 29 chances.



Royals 5, Mariners 4

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—David DeJesus hit a two-run homer with two out in the ninth and Kansas City rallied for a victory over Seattle.

Mariners closer Brandon Morrow (1-2) retired the first two batters in the ninth before walking pinch-hitter Billy Butler on four pitches. DeJesus hit Morrow’s next pitch just over the right-field fence and into the Royals’ bullpen.

DeJesus’ game-ending homer was the first by a Royals player since April 19, 2005.

Left-hander Horacio Ramirez (1-0), who was with the Mariners last year, pitched 2 1-3 perfect innings of relief for the win.