The Associated Press

NEW YORK - Sidney Ponson almost shut down the team that pounded him by pitching a four-hit complete game, and Javy Lopez homered again, leading the Baltimore Orioles past the New York Yankees 9-1 Thursday night.

Melvin Mora drove in four runs, Lopez had three RBI and Miguel Tejada hit a pair of RBI singles for Baltimore. The Orioles won for just the second time in 10 games against the American League East leaders this season.

Ponson (6-12) put together a run in which he retired 18 straight batters.

After going 0-3 with an 8.83 ERA in three outings against the Yankees this season, Ponson got off to another rocky start when Bernie Williams hit a leadoff double in the first inning and scored on Gary Sheffield's single.

But Ponson found his rhythm in a hurry after Jorge Posada opened the second with a single for the Yankees' third hit. Hideki Matsui grounded into a double play and New York did not get another runner until Matsui singled with one out in the eighth.

Ponson, about 10 pounds lighter than he was when the Yankees last beat him on June 24, was in total command in his third complete game of the year. For the first time this season, he did not walk a batter, and he posted his third straight win following a career-worst nine-game losing streak.

Lopez, coming off a two-homer performance Wednesday against Boston's Curt Schilling at Fenway Park, hit his 15th home run of the season, along with a double and single.

New York's Jose Contreras (8-5) pitched on three days' rest without success. The Yankees brought him back early after he got tagged over 5 1/3 innings Sunday night at Boston, and the Orioles roughed him up for seven runs in 6 2/3 innings.

Devil Rays 2, Royals 0

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Rob Bell and three relievers combined on a four-hitter, and Tino Martinez had three hits and an RBI to lead Tampa Bay to its third consecutive victory.

Bell (4-4) struck out three and walked two in 6 1/3 scoreless innings. Jesus Colome and Trever Miller pitched a scoreless 1 2/3 innings, and Danys Baez threw a perfect ninth for his 20th save in 22 opportunities.

Tigers 3, White Sox 2

DETROIT - Jason Johnson (8-8) allowed three hits and two runs over six innings to win for the fourth time in his last five decisions, and Detroit gave Chicago its fifth straight loss.

Scott Schoeneweis (6-8) allowed five hits and three runs, two earned, in 5 1/3 innings for the White Sox. He walked four and struck out five.

Tigers catcher Ivan Rodriguez left the game in the third inning because of back spasms. There was no immediate word on his condition.