This Tiger a Bulldog

DETROIT — Willie Blair insisted all along he wouldn’t be “gun shy” on the mound. He proved it Tuesday night by winning for the first time since his jaw was broken by a line drive last month.

Blair gave up two runs in 5 2/3 innings as the Detroit Tigers defeated Oakland, 6-4, in a game that featured a rare ejection and bat-throwing binge by Athletic slugger Mark McGwire.

Blair (4-2) made his second start since a liner by Cleveland’s Julio Franco broke the pitcher’s jaw May 4. Blair gave up seven hits, struck out six and walked one.

“I’m where I was,” said Blair, who was 3-0 before the injury. “They hit the ball at people, and I had good stuff.”

In the sixth, with the Tigers ahead 5-1, McGwire and A’s Manager Art Howe were ejected by plate umpire Jim Joyce for arguing a called third strike. After the ejection, McGwire threw bats, helmets and a ball onto the field.

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Next Series For Dodgers

WHO: Oakland Athletics

WHERE: At Oakland

WHEN: Thursday: 7 p.m., Friday: 7:30 p.m.