Rookie Britton helps Orioles sweep Rays

Rookie Zach Britton pitched six sharp innings in his major-league debut, J.J. Hardy hit a two-run double and the Orioles beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-1, yesterday to complete a three-game sweep in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left oblique injury and is expected to be out at least three weeks.

Twins 4, Blue Jays 3: Danny Valencia and Denard Span homered, and Joe Nathan worked a shaky ninth for his first save since 2009 as visiting Minnesota avoided a three-game sweep.

Royals 12, Angels 9: Matt Treanor hit a three-run homer with two outs in the 13th inning to give host Kansas City its third straight victory in its last at-bat.

Athletics 7, Mariners 1: Mark Ellis drove in three runs to back Gio Gonzalez and host Oakland earned its first win. Hideki Matsui doubled to start the second for his first hit with the A's after an 0-for-7 start and added an RBI single in a four-run seventh.Indians 7, White Sox 1: Orlando Cabrera hit a two-run homer and assisted in the majors' first triple play of the season as host Cleveland avoided a three-game sweep.-- AP