At Oakland, Tony Gwynn, Chris Jones and Greg Vaughn all hit three-run home runs as San Diego pounds Oakland, 15 – 6. Gwynn and Vaughn have four RBIs apiece as the Padres bat around twice. 1B Wally Joynerstrokes five hits for the Pods.

Seattle’s Ken Griffey Jr., who missed the last two All-Star Games with injuries, is elected for the 8th straight year. Griffey tops all players with 3,514,340 votes. Orioles 3B Cal Ripken, picked to play in his 15th All-Star Game, is second with 2,571,985 votes.

Bobby Higginson belts three home runs and drives in seven runs and Justin Thompson allows four hits in eight innings as Detroit kicks the Mets, 14 – 0. It is the most lopsided shutout in Mets history. Detroit hits more homers (6) than the Mets have hits (5), and it is the most home runs given up by Mets pitchers since April 29, 1978.

Rangers hurler Bobby Witt becomes the first American League pitcher to hit a home run in a regular season game in nearly 25 years. His round tripper off Ismael Valdes helps Texas beat the Dodgers in interleague action, 3 – 2. Roric Harrison was the last AL pitcher to hit a home run, in 1972, before the introduction of the designated hitter the following year.

In Baltimore, Cal Ripken’s second grand slam of the season is the big blow in a six-run 3rd inning as the Orioles beat the hapless Phillies, 8 – 1. Mike Mussina wins his 100th game to help Baltimore end its four-game losing streak. For the Phils, it is their 15th loss in 16 games.

In the resumption of interleague play, the Cubs set the tone by edging the American League Royals, 8 – 7. Dave Clark’s three-run, pinch-hit home run with two outs in the 8th tops off a five-run inning. Jeff King hits his 5th homer against National League pitchers for the Royals.