Dodgers top Arizona on game-ending balk

May 31, 2010

LOS ANGELES (AP)—A blunder on the basepaths nearly cost the Los AngelesDodgers. But they got lucky with an even bigger mistake by the ArizonaDiamondbacks.

A balk by Esmerling Vasquez(notes) allowed Casey Blake(notes) to score the winning run inthe bottom of the ninth, giving the Dodgers a 5-4 victory Monday night.

Los Los Angeles Dodgers' Chad … AP – May 31, 9:55 pm EDT Demonstrators protest Arizona&… AP – May 31, 8:55 pm EDT YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 1; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100601/capt.c985eb5c50af4a97a9bff127a0760429-c985eb5c50af4a97a9bff127a0760429-0.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=71&yc=1&wc=268&hc=298&q=70&sig=Osg.PAHLRkHNMWUs935WrQ--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 2 Ari-LAD Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init(); Series at a Glance Arizona 4 LA Dodgers 5 Mon, May 31 – Final Arizona at LA Dodgers Tue, Jun 1 – 10:10 pm ET Arizona at LA Dodgers Wed, Jun 2 – 3:10 pm ET

The inning began with a walk to James Loney(notes) and a broken-bat single byBlake. Loney made a break for third base with Augie Ojeda(notes) charging in for apossible bunt, but was tagged out in a rundown after Ojeda retreated back towardthe bag.

“I don’t know what he was thinking,” Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. “Wehad some good momentum going and that play just took the wind out of oursails.”

Russell Martin(notes) worked the count to 2-2 before second base umpire Tim Tschidasignaled balk after some frantic gyrations by Blake and Dodgers third base coachLarry Bowa. Blake removed his helmet and jogged home.

“I saw what he did,” Arizona manager A.J. Hinch said. “He flinched, bothof his legs buckled, and he balked. It was pretty plain and simple to see, so Ididn’t talk to anybody.”

Jonathan Broxton(notes) (3-0) pitched the ninth to earn the victory. Starter ChadBillingsley(notes) was watching the game in the video room when he saw Vasquez’s balk.

“That was quite a ninth inning and quite a way to win the game,” he said.

Vasquez (0-1) took the loss. The last-place Diamondbacks dropped theirseason-high eighth in a row.

“This team sorely needs a win, and losing this way is just excruciating,”Hinch said.

The last time a game was won on a balk was Sept. 9, 2008, when TaylorBuccholz of Colorado balked in Kelly Johnson(notes) of Atlanta in the 10th inning,according to Stats LLC. Johnson is now with the Diamondbacks.

Rodrigo Lopez(notes) took a four-hitter and a 4-2 lead into the eighth, when theDodgers tied the game on a double error by Johnson. He booted a grounder byAndre Ethier(notes) in the hole and then threw it past first base, allowing RafaelFurcal(notes), who singled, and Matt Kemp(notes), who doubled, to score.

“He made an error at a really bad time. He’s been very sure-handed and he’sdone a nice job for us,” Hinch said. “It’s a killer.”

Ethier returned to the Dodgers after missing the previous 15 games becauseof a broken right pinky finger. He went 0 for 4 playing with a splint on thefinger and a foam pad near the knob of the bat for cushioning.

“It’s timing,” Torre said. “His rhythm isn’t there right now. I thoughthe was trying to pull the ball a little bit more.”

The Diamondbacks got the go-ahead run on second in the ninth with one outagainst Broxton, but he struck out Adam LaRoche(notes) and Chris Young to end theinning.

Justin Upton’s(notes) two-run homer off Billingsley gave Arizona a 2-0 lead in thefirst. The ball hit the top of the right field wall and went over.

Arizona added two runs in the second on solo homers by Young and ChrisSnyder(notes), with both going into left field.

“I got some fastballs up and they got it in the air and they left theballpark. You can’t do anything about it,” Billingsley said. “Even after thosetwo innings, I still knew I had good stuff, so I stayed with my game plan andjust kept being aggressive.”

Manny Ramirez(notes) led off the fourth with his 550th career homer, leaving theDodgers trailing 4-1. It was his second homer in as many nights and just hissecond since April 15. The Dodgers’ second run came on Kemp’s RBI single in thethird.

Lopez allowed six hits and four runs in eight innings, while striking outfour and walking one.

“We lucked out,” Torre said. “Lopez pitched a hell of a ballgame.”

Billingsley gave up four runs and six hits in eight innings. He struck out aseason-high 11 and walked none. The right-hander was erratic while facing hisfirst 13 batters, a stretch in which he gave up a double and three homers andstruck out seven.

NOTES: The Dodgers won via a walk-off balk for just the second time since1969 and the first since beating the Mets 4-3 on Roger McDowell’s 12th-inningbalk on May 28, 1989. … The Dodgers closed the month with a 20-8 record, theirsecond-best May in club history behind the 1962 team’s 21-7 mark. … Ramirez’shomer was his 1,813th RBI, moving him past Frank Robinson and into solepossession of 18th place on the career list. … The Diamondbacks didn’t allowany runs in the first inning for the first time since May 26, ending a five-gamestreak.

Rangers LHP Holland likely headed to DL

May 31, 2010

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP)—Texas Rangers left-hander Derek Holland(notes) is likely headedto the disabled list because of mild inflammation in his left rotator cuff.

The pitcher left in the second inning of his start Sunday night inMinnesota. Holland returned to Texas and was examined Monday by team physicianDr. Keith Meister.

The Rangers made no official move Monday, an off day. They open a three-gameseries Tuesday in Chicago against the White Sox.

Meanwhile, Holland will remain in Texas and won’t throw again for at leastthree to five days.

Right-hander Pedro Strop(notes) could join the Rangers in Chicago. Tommy Hunter(notes), atTriple-A Oklahoma City since being slowed in spring training by a left obliquestrain, could start when Holland’s next turn comes up.

Fantasy Baseball registration is now open. Join today!

Athletics take 3 of 4 in Detroit

May 31, 2010

DETROIT (AP)—Rajai Davis(notes) scored twice and Trevor Cahill(notes) continued to pitchwell as the Oakland Athletics beat the Detroit Tigers 4-1 on Monday.

The win was Oakland’s third of the four-game series and fifth out of sevenduring their ongoing 10-game trip. Detroit has lost five of six.

DETROIT- DETROIT- MAY 31: Justin Verlan… Getty Images – May 31, 4:34 pm EDT DETROIT- MAY 31: Trevor Cahill… Getty Images – May 31, 4:34 pm EDT DETROIT- MAY 31: Special Memor… Getty Images – May 31, 2:47 pm EDT DETROIT- MAY 31: Detroit Tiger… Getty Images – May 31, 2:46 pm EDT Oakland Athletics' Kurt Su… AP – May 31, 2:40 pm EDT YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 4; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/ad/fullj.130d6a432ceeb1ac790e7e85ddbfe7f1/130d6a432ceeb1ac790e7e85ddbfe7f1-getty-97588518lh003_oakland_athle.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=648&hc=720&q=70&sig=M9cgCXw5.fqTO32MuYl9lg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/51/fullj.4e1de8f5e0ca08f906e8376aeb3ebfe0/4e1de8f5e0ca08f906e8376aeb3ebfe0-getty-97588518lh002_oakland_athle.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=142&yc=1&wc=379&hc=421&q=70&sig=Msmt0JO5nDh743vL_1T68Q--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/19/fullj.d6b767a884af153ce91df58118e1360f/d6b767a884af153ce91df58118e1360f-getty-97588518lh001_oakland_athle.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=568&hc=631&q=70&sig=_JBeCYMRJ9x_pnVAn6cpRw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100531/capt.8460e67b3c2648729b788a466900877f-8460e67b3c2648729b788a466900877f-0.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=83&yc=1&wc=245&hc=272&q=70&sig=B.PbprREW1iltVKIcUd8SA--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 5 Oak-Det Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init(); Series at a Glance Oakland 5 Detroit 4 Fri, May 28 – Final Oakland 6 Detroit 0 Sat, May 29 – Final Oakland 2 Detroit 10 Sun, May 30 – Final Oakland 4 Detroit 1 Mon, May 31 – Final

The start of the game was delayed by 2 hours and 42 minutes due tothreatening weather, although no rain fell until more than an hour after thescheduled start. It started to rain again with Detroit batting in the bottom ofthe eighth, leaving the stadium almost empty by game’s end.

Cahill (4-2) won his third straight start, allowing one run on five hits in6 1-3 innings. He has allowed three runs in 19 innings in his winning streak, anERA of 1.42.

Andrew Bailey(notes) got the final four outs for his 11th save.

Justin Verlander(notes) (5-4) took his second straight loss, giving up three runson six hits and a walk in seven innings. He struck out eight.

Verlander appeared out of rhythm when the game finally began, allowing hitsto the first three batters. Davis led off with a single and scored on DaricBarton’s(notes) double. Barton took third on Ryan Sweeney’s(notes) single and scored when KurtSuzuki(notes) grounded into a double play.

Detroit nearly got on the board in the fourth, but Gabe Gross(notes) threw BrennanBoesch(notes) out at the plate to end the inning.

Kevin Kouzmanoff(notes) made it 3-0 with an seventh-inning RBI single after takingtwo curveballs that Verlander obviously thought should have been strike three.Verlander and Tigers manager Jim Leyland argued with home-plate umpire Laz Diazafter the play and again after the innning, though neither was ejected.

Austin Jackson(notes) pulled the Tigers within 3-1 with a two-out, pinch-hit singlein the seventh, but Johnny Damon(notes) flew out to end the inning.

In the eighth, Davis singled, stole second and third, then scored whenSweeney beat out a possible double-play grounder.

NOTES: Oakland pitcher Dallas Braden(notes) entertained the fans during the longrain delay with a running dive across the tarp, while Barton borrowed a newsphotographer’s camera to take pictures of the stadium and crowd. … Because ofthe weather, the stadium observance of the National Moment of Remebrance at 3 pmcame with the fans standing on the concourse, watching the rain. … Oakland won16 games in May, the most in that month since going 18-9 in 2001.

Angels continue mastery of Royals

May 31, 2010

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)—There were no late-game heroics, no wild celebrations.Just a methodical performance by Ervin Santana(notes), rare production from the bottomof the lineup and another win over Kansas City.

After a winning-but-tumulutuous weekend, this was just what the Los AngelesAngels needed.

Los Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim&… AP – May 31, 3:12 pm EDT LAA-KC Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init(); Series at a Glance LA Angels 7 Kansas City 1 Mon, May 31 – Final LA Angels at Kansas City Tue, Jun 1 – 8:10 pm ET LA Angels at Kansas City Wed, Jun 2 – 8:10 pm ET

Santana pitched seven strong innings, the bottom three hitters combined forsix hits and the Angels avoided any drama by roughing up Luke Hochevar(notes) early onthe way to a 7-1 win over the Royals on Monday.

“Right now we’re just trying to focus,” said Santana, 21-1 since 2008 whenlasting seven innings. “We know that everything will be OK, so we’re justtrying to get everybody together.”

Los Angeles won its previous two games in dramatic fashion, getting awinning grand slam from Kendry Morales(notes) against Seattle on Saturday, a three-rungame-ender by Kendrick on Sunday.

The Angels were a bit more subdued following Kendrick’s winner, waiting onthe grass to congratulate him after watching Morales, the team’s home run andRBI leader, break his leg during the previous day’s at-the-plate swarming.

Handshakes and high-fives were all the Angels needed against Kansas City, ateam they’ve beaten 10 of the last 11 times.

Mike Napoli(notes) hit a two-run homer, Juan Rivera(notes) and Maicer Izturis(notes) each hadsolo shots off Hochevar (5-3), and Howie Kendrick(notes) had two RBIs to help LosAngeles kick off a season-long 14-game road trip with its fifth win in sixgames. Napoli, Kendrick and Michael Ryan(notes), the Nos. 7-9 hitters, went a combined6 for 10.

“I’m not asking them to be Superman, just get into their normal game,”Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. “There’s been a lot of guys who haven’t beenmaybe as crisp as they can be and we got contributions from a lot of them.”

The Royals didn’t put up much of a fight, going 1 for 8 with runners inscoring position and striking out 11 times to lose for the sixth time in ninegames. Kansas City has scored two runs in three games after a season-high 20-hitoutburst against Boston Friday night.

Santana (5-3) had something to do with it.

The right-hander had a shaky start to the season, but has been superb overthe past month or so, allowing six earned runs with 28 strikeouts in 29 innings.

Santana limited the damage of seven hits against the Royals, allowing arun-scoring double by Jason Kendall(notes) in the fifth inning and little else to winhis fourth straight start. He struck out six.

“His slider, I don’t know if you’d call it devastating, but it was justshort of devastating,” Royals manager Ned Yost said.

Hochevar had also been on a roll, pitching eight strong innings againstTexas to back up a complete-game win over Cleveland.

This time, he just put the Royals in a hole.

Rivera ended an 0-for-21 slump in the second inning off the right-hander,lifting a 2-0, down-the-middle fastball over the Angels bullpen in left for asolo homer, his seventh. Kendrick made it 2-0 with a run-scoring double twobatters later and the Angels kept chipping away at Hochevar.

Izturis added a slicing solo shot in the third inning that dinged off thefoul pole in left, Erick Aybar(notes) had a run-scoring double in the fifth andKendrick added an RBI single in the sixth to make it 5-1.

Hochevar gave up five runs on nine hits in seven innings. He had allowed twohomers in his previous 60 innings.

“What’s on my mind is making quality pitches, down in the zone,” Hochevarsaid. “When you get the ball up, that’s what happens.”

Napoli sealed it in the eighth inning with his eighth homer, a two-run shotoff Victor Marte(notes) for his third hit.

NOTES: Scioscia said Morales’ broken leg is still too swollen for surgeryand he hopes to have a definitive answer in the next week or so. … Royals DHJose Guillen(notes) broke an 0-for-15 skid with a single off Scot Shields(notes) in the ninthinning. He had struck out his previous eight at-bats at Kauffman Stadium. … Agrounds crew member made a nifty tackle from behind after a fan ran out onto thefield during the seventh-inning stretch.

Angels stay hot, defeat Royals 7-1

May 31, 2010

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)—Ervin Santana(notes) pitched seven strong innings and the LosAngeles Angels didn’t need any late-game heroics Monday, roughing up LukeHochevar(notes) early on the way to a 7-1 win over the Kansas City Royals.

Los Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim&… AP – May 31, 3:12 pm EDT LAA-KC Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init(); Series at a Glance LA Angels 7 Kansas City 1 Mon, May 31 – Final LA Angels at Kansas City Tue, Jun 1 – 8:10 pm ET LA Angels at Kansas City Wed, Jun 2 – 8:10 pm ET

Mike Napoli(notes) hit a two-run homer, Juan Rivera(notes) and Maicer Izturis(notes) each hadsolo shots off Hochevar (5-3), and Howie Kendrick(notes) had two RBIs to help LosAngeles kick off a season-long 14-game road trip with its fifth win in sixgames.

That was more than enough for Santana (5-3).

The right-hander scattered seven hits, allowing a run-scoring double byJason Kendall(notes) in the fifth inning and little else to win his fourth straightstart. He struck out six and has allowed six earned runs the past 29 inningsafter a shaky start to the season.

Los Angeles won its previous two games in dramatic fashion, getting awinning grand slam from Kendry Morales(notes) against Seattle on Saturday, a three-rungame-ender by Kendrick on Sunday.

The Angels were a bit more subdued following Kendrick’s winner, waiting onthe grass to congratulate him after watching Morales, the team’s home run andRBI leader, break his leg during the previous day’s at-the-plate swarming.

Handshakes and high-fives were all the Angels needed against Kansas City, ateam they’ve beaten 10 of the last 11 times.

The Royals didn’t put up much of a fight, either, going 1 for 8 with runnersin scoring position and striking out 11 times to lose for the sixth time in ninegames. Kansas City has scored two runs in three games after a season-high 20-hitoutburst against Boston Friday night.

Hochevar had been on a roll, pitching eight strong innings against Texas toback up a complete-game win over Cleveland.

This time, he just put the Royals in a hole.

Rivera ended an 0-for-21 slump in the second inning off the right-hander,lifting a 2-0, down-the-middle fastball over the Angels bullpen in left for asolo homer, his seventh. Kendrick made it 2-0 with a run-scoring double twobatters later and the Angels kept chipping away at Hochevar.

Izturis added a slicing solo shot in the third inning that dinged off thefoul pole in left, Erick Aybar(notes) had a run-scoring double in the fifth andKendrick added an RBI single in the sixth to make it 5-1.

Hochevar gave up five runs on nine hits in seven innings. He had allowed twohomers in his previous 60 innings.

Napoli sealed it in the eighth inning with his eighth homer, a two-run shotoff Victor Marte(notes) for his third hit.

NOTES: Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Morales’ broken leg is still tooswollen for surgery and he hopes to have a definitive answer in the next week orso. … Royals DH Jose Guillen(notes) broke an 0-for-15 skid with a single off ScotShields(notes) in the ninth inning. He had struck out his previous eight at-bats atKauffman Stadium. … A grounds crew member made a nifty tackle from behindafter a fan ran out onto the field during the seventh-inning stretch.

Nats rip Astros 14-4, Oswalt gets tossed

May 31, 2010

HOUSTON (AP)—Carlos Maldonado(notes) and Ryan Zimmerman(notes) hit three-run homers offChris Sampson(notes), long after Roy Oswalt(notes) was ejected, and Washington put togetherthe highest scoring inning in Nationals’ history for a 14-4 win over the HoustonAstros on Monday.

Washington Washington Nationals pitcher L… AP – May 31, 2:39 pm EDT Was-Hou Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init(); Series at a Glance Washington 14 Houston 4 Mon, May 31 – Final Washington at Houston Tue, Jun 1 – 8:05 pm ET Washington at Houston Wed, Jun 2 – 8:05 pm ET

Zimmerman and Adam Dunn(notes) drove in four runs apiece and both chipped in duringa nine-run seventh, the team’s biggest inning since relocating from Montrealbefore the 2005 season.

Rookie Luis Atilano(notes) (5-1) allowed three earned runs on six hits in 6 2-3innings, his longest outing of the season.

Dunn broke a 1-all tie with a three-run double off Oswalt in the third.Oswalt (3-7) gave up more than three earned runs in a start for the first timethis year.

And then Oswalt lost his cool after missing the strike zone with a 2-2 pitchto Josh Willingham(notes). He turned his head toward the first base line and yelledsomething. It was unclear if Oswalt was snapping at home plate umpire Bill Hohnor chastising himself, but Hohn took off his mask and barked back to the mound.

The Astros ace responded, “I ain’t talking to you!” Hohn ejected Oswaltanyway, catcher Humberto Quintero(notes) confronted the umpire and Houston manager BradMills(notes) came out to join the conversation.

Oswalt has acknowledged his frustration with the Astros’ dismal start andabout two weeks ago, his agent asked the Astros to try and deal him. He walkedto the dugout as Mills argued with Hohn.

Gustavo Chacin(notes), a left-hander recalled from the minors on Friday, replacedOswalt. In the bottom of the third, Chacin homered down the right-field line,his first hit in eight career at-bats.

The Nationals tacked on another run in the fifth, then blew it open in theseventh.

Jeff Fulchino(notes) relieved Chacin and gave up a leadoff walk to Nyjer Morgan(notes).Zimmerman doubled to center and Morgan scored on Dunn’s infield single.Willingham walked to load the bases and Desmond drove in two with a single foran 8-2 lead.

Washington was just getting started.

Sampson relieved Fulchino, and Maldonado homered off the left-field foulpole. Maldonado’s contract was just purchased by Washington last week, afterIvan Rodriguez(notes) was injured.

Cristian Guzman(notes) and Morgan singled to keep the inning alive, and Zimmermanhomered to right for a 14-2 lead. Washington reached its highest run total sincea 14-6 win in Colorado on May 13.

Houston scored two runs off Altilano in the bottom of the seventh, andAlberto Gonzalez(notes) relieved.

NOTES: Oswalt was ejected for the first time since getting tossed twice in2004. Hohn ejected him once that season, for hitting Chicago Cubs’ C MichaelBarrett(notes) with a pitch. … Washington manager Jim Riggleman moved regular leadoffman Morgan to the No. 2 spot in the lineup. Morgan came in hitting .202 in May(20 of 99). “He’s not been getting on base leading off, so really just tryingto get him a different feel,” Riggleman said. … Brian Moehler(notes) (0-2, 7.29 ERA)will start Thursday’s series finale in place of Bud Norris(notes), who’s on thedisabled list with bursitis and right biceps tendinitis. … Two fans ran acrossthe outfield and were apprehended by security personnel at different points inthe game. The first fan came out of the right-field stands in the seventh andclimbed over the center-field wall. The next fan ran across the outfield fromthe opposite side of the field in the eighth.

Morrow, Lind lead Blue Jays past Rays

May 31, 2010

TORONTO (AP)—Brandon Morrow(notes) pitched seven strong innings, and the Toronto BlueJays threw out the potential tying run at the plate in the ninth inning topreserve their 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night.

Toronto Toronto Blue Jays starting pit… The Canadian Press – May 31, 10:28 pm EDT Toronto Blue Jays right fielde… AP – May 31, 10:22 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Matt Garza(n… Getty Images – May 31, 10:19 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Matt Garza(n… Getty Images – May 31, 10:19 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Jose Bautist… Getty Images – May 31, 10:19 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Shawn Camp(n… Getty Images – May 31, 10:19 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: The Toronto … Getty Images – May 31, 10:18 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Edwin Encarn… Getty Images – May 31, 10:18 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Fred Lewis(n… Getty Images – May 31, 10:18 pm EDT Tampa Bay Rays starting pitche… AP – May 31, 8:45 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Adam Lind(no… Getty Images – May 31, 8:41 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Evan Longori… Getty Images – May 31, 8:41 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Matt Garza(n… Getty Images – May 31, 8:41 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Brandon Morr… Getty Images – May 31, 8:41 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Edwin Encarn… Getty Images – May 31, 8:41 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Brandon Morr… Getty Images – May 31, 8:41 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Matt Garza(n… Getty Images – May 31, 8:40 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Edwin Encarn… Getty Images – May 31, 8:40 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Aaron Hill(n… Getty Images – May 31, 8:40 pm EDT TORONTO – MAY 31: Alex Gonzale… Getty Images – May 31, 8:39 pm EDT YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 19; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100601/capt.1e704f76e1c749c696fba93b3c47b818-1e704f76e1c749c696fba93b3c47b818-0.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=306&hc=340&q=70&sig=V3.AUS0uj.GCqRqkPOIqbw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/d6/fullj.ad23e99009dfe19e6965ab1cf0b19e8c/ad23e99009dfe19e6965ab1cf0b19e8c-getty-97535095_abe014_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=133&yc=1&wc=396&hc=440&q=70&sig=SVlBOLRZAuwpvC0PW4TmFw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/44/fullj.db822d531b06b27fd832214f222cf68a/db822d531b06b27fd832214f222cf68a-getty-97535095_abe012_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=529&hc=588&q=70&sig=Vso5p4a.X62_GwMRtqAqzA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/f7/fullj.41e0060297e33f99af614af937e8d436/41e0060297e33f99af614af937e8d436-getty-97535095_abe016_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=120&yc=1&wc=422&hc=469&q=70&sig=xjHtHGE1LgWDbP10UTJXqA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/49/fullj.8cc3c4e4c80f4f476fb5f9d21f154fec/8cc3c4e4c80f4f476fb5f9d21f154fec-getty-97535095_abe015_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=616&hc=684&q=70&sig=dvrQ0SBr1b8il.Qr4gRorg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/bf/fullj.44f4f0b04f6f3e7c86d6d1e052ad7d53/44f4f0b04f6f3e7c86d6d1e052ad7d53-getty-97535095_abe019_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=119&yc=1&wc=424&hc=471&q=70&sig=MZsI.DK.sFaLCD55M3lZow--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/4c/fullj.ed29e6abaa3afd1af50797c95a4b4b92/ed29e6abaa3afd1af50797c95a4b4b92-getty-97535095_abe017_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=113&yc=1&wc=436&hc=484&q=70&sig=fAXvRUmGVFuhiVID.mQafg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/bf/fullj.f9b1de0b491396c3158805d6b87f9382/f9b1de0b491396c3158805d6b87f9382-getty-97535095_abe018_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=121&yc=1&wc=419&hc=466&q=70&sig=K0SEcGQafU1ooewcJQbPJg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100601/capt.1fbceac7de2d4b51b37d265745aecd1a-1fbceac7de2d4b51b37d265745aecd1a-0.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=61&yc=1&wc=290&hc=322&q=70&sig=NtaF15puxsNbU7j1u19O6A--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/ca/fullj.c215544e3105e06f5c14ff1642cfda1a/c215544e3105e06f5c14ff1642cfda1a-getty-97535095_abe005_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=124&yc=1&wc=415&hc=461&q=70&sig=p0jx8Z1DqH1nFbd.No8GsQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/dd/fullj.f7744c7cdca73213d6e26a8da53b5e74/f7744c7cdca73213d6e26a8da53b5e74-getty-97535095_abe003_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=625&hc=694&q=70&sig=cgZYrIsGYnR_dzkiti93UQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/61/fullj.6e0bdc349477570cc0c621d0d3d9403d/6e0bdc349477570cc0c621d0d3d9403d-getty-97535095_abe006_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=129&yc=1&wc=403&hc=448&q=70&sig=jt4VxdiT5_Z5aD9OAQfBuA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/f6/fullj.6d9e032b499be4ae395ae8428afcdcc6/6d9e032b499be4ae395ae8428afcdcc6-getty-97535095_abe008_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=608&hc=676&q=70&sig=8UdAfRXYT8.y0m893nPehQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/ae/fullj.3d6111d70e161c0940a8886fd63b9afa/3d6111d70e161c0940a8886fd63b9afa-getty-97535095_abe010_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=660&hc=733&q=70&sig=6iis0ekhE.YYXjyAN5IWxg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/17/fullj.29f36dff61fc857fc7baf37802569302/29f36dff61fc857fc7baf37802569302-getty-97535095_abe002_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=580&hc=644&q=70&sig=dba6YeKpGKwoHN8av4anUg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/58/fullj.7bb0edd3b461d9289058e6529bef42c4/7bb0edd3b461d9289058e6529bef42c4-getty-97535095_abe001_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=118&yc=1&wc=427&hc=474&q=70&sig=YVxlYiq_0ehES09bs1XZJg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/14/fullj.dd293a7a6e5d160cbffcaa81ee5e21a2/dd293a7a6e5d160cbffcaa81ee5e21a2-getty-97535095_abe011_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=656&hc=729&q=70&sig=sFDqHxAsC7M2dTYFu3M_ew--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/f4/fullj.51a5aa9c36f8df11a4ddb9503834c6ba/51a5aa9c36f8df11a4ddb9503834c6ba-getty-97535095_abe009_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=646&hc=718&q=70&sig=yr80e0niHB4KuoO9y9Cevg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/21/fullj.9dd7a41ae38ded962b85c66c8c0c0747/9dd7a41ae38ded962b85c66c8c0c0747-getty-97535095_abe007_jays_rays.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=586&hc=651&q=70&sig=KhhLn20WNexr4l7RY8sVrA--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 20 TB-Tor Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init(); Series at a Glance Tampa Bay 2 Toronto 3 Mon, May 31 – Final Tampa Bay at Toronto Tue, Jun 1 – 7:07 pm ET Tampa Bay at Toronto Wed, Jun 2 – 7:07 pm ET

Evan Longoria(notes) tripled off Kevin Gregg(notes) with one out in the ninth, but he wasthrown out trying to score on John Jaso’s(notes) grounder to shortstop for the secondout. Gabe Kapler(notes) ended it by grounding into a fielder’s choice, giving Gregg his14th save in 16 chances.

Adam Lind(notes) hit a two-run home run for Toronto.

Morrow (4-4) left to a standing ovation when he was replaced after Jaso’sleadoff single in the eighth. He gave up one run and three hits, walked two andstruck out one.

Left-hander Scott Downs(notes) came on and struck out pinch-hitter Kapler, thengave up an RBI triple to B.J. Upton(notes).

Righty Shawn Camp(notes) came on to face pinch-hitter Willy Aybar(notes), who scored Uptonwith an RBI grounder. Sean Rodriguez(notes) followed with a single but Camp got out ofit when Ben Zobrist(notes) grounded out.

Morrow didn’t allow a hit until Rodriguez beat out an infield grounder withtwo outs in the sixth, touching the base just before Lyle Overbay(notes) caught abouncing throw from shortstop Alex Gonzalez. Rodriguez was promptly picked offby catcher Jose Molina(notes).

Morrow issued leadoff walks to Upton in the third and Carlos Pena(notes) in thefifth, but got double plays both times, spearing a hard comebacker from Jaso tostart a 1-6-3 double play in the fifth.

Zobrist singled up the middle to begin the seventh but was erased on CarlCrawford’s(notes) fielder’s choice. After Longoria flied out, Pena launched a drive todeep center that Vernon Wells(notes) hauled in with a leaping catch up against thewall.

Lind hit a two-run homer to left off Matt Garza(notes) (5-4) in the first, hiseighth and first since May 21.

The Blue Jays, who lead the major leagues with 89 home runs, finished Maywith a club record 54 homers. That’s the most by any team in a single monthsince Atlanta hit 55 in May, 2003. The major league record for home runs in amonth is 58, set by Baltimore in May, 1987 and matched by Seattle in May, 1999.

Toronto made it 3-0 in the fifth when Fred Lewis(notes) doubled, took third on awild pitch and scored on Aaron Hill’s(notes) bloop single.

Garza came in 5-3 with a 2.19 ERA in 11 previous starts against Toronto buthas lost to the Blue Jays twice this season. The right-hander, now winless infive starts, allowed three runs and a season high 10 hits in 6 1-3 innings. Hewalked two and struck out three.

Garza gave up five runs and eight hits in five innings of a 6-5 home loss tothe Blue Jays on April 23.

NOTES: Rays C Kelly Shoppach(notes), out since April 11 following right kneesurgery, went 1 for 3 with a two-run single in the first game of his rehabassignment at Triple-A Durham. … Rays SS Jason Bartlett(notes) (right hamstring)missed his second straight game and will not start in this series, manager JoeMaddon said. If he improves, Bartlett could come off the bench. … Tampa Bay OFMatt Joyce(notes) (right elbow) has been returned from his rehab assignment andoptioned to Triple-A. … Toronto OF Travis Snider(notes), out since May 15 with a soreright wrist, has resumed swinging but has not begun hitting, manager Cito Gastonsaid. … Attendance was 11,335.

Pirates end 5-game skid, beat Cubs again

May 31, 2010

PITTSBURGH (AP)—Pinch-hitter Bobby Crosby(notes) singled in the go-ahead run in theeighth inning, Garrett Jones(notes) homered and the Pittsburgh Pirates ended afive-game losing streak by beating the Chicago Cubs 2-1 on Monday.

PITTSBURGH PITTSBURGH – MAY 31: Randy We… Getty Images – May 31, 3:52 pm EDT PITTSBURGH – MAY 31: Ross Ohl… Getty Images – May 31, 3:52 pm EDT PITTSBURGH – MAY 31: Pitching… Getty Images – May 31, 3:52 pm EDT PITTSBURGH – MAY 31: Ross Ohl… Getty Images – May 31, 3:52 pm EDT PITTSBURGH – MAY 31: Ross Ohl… Getty Images – May 31, 3:52 pm EDT PITTSBURGH – MAY 31: Neil Wal… Getty Images – May 31, 3:52 pm EDT PITTSBURGH – MAY 31: Kosuke F… Getty Images – May 31, 3:49 pm EDT Chicago Cubs pitcher Randy Wel… AP – May 31, 2:24 pm EDT YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 7; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/67/fullj.535805b7fd187086f5c89a0d5b1fae21/535805b7fd187086f5c89a0d5b1fae21-getty-97630582jw014_chicago_cubs_.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=566&hc=629&q=70&sig=KvTrLkYBsMAnj6mIBf61yg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/52/fullj.ff24bfcf9ef3b021fc50830b0345b8bb/ff24bfcf9ef3b021fc50830b0345b8bb-getty-97630582jw011_chicago_cubs_.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=123&yc=1&wc=417&hc=463&q=70&sig=IUWN5BJo7shgg7._qTN92A--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/ea/fullj.8b04a40e4e10c38d98a98d9d9f2e51cd/8b04a40e4e10c38d98a98d9d9f2e51cd-getty-97630582jw015_chicago_cubs_.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=547&hc=608&q=70&sig=JdJvju.KE.UF19nUghhb9g--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/ce/fullj.eeae25d52931ed93bf15454d6c7e809d/eeae25d52931ed93bf15454d6c7e809d-getty-97630582jw004_chicago_cubs_.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=135&yc=1&wc=392&hc=435&q=70&sig=tXHYMDa06BoaB9Pf6ft3EQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/42/fullj.f2e5fef53ef0274d4463d7e74e4638fd/f2e5fef53ef0274d4463d7e74e4638fd-getty-97630582jw013_chicago_cubs_.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=135&yc=1&wc=392&hc=436&q=70&sig=bkvyXdHt4BYbffc1YERC1Q--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/b0/fullj.c0e243866b0c21ae8c1bfa551222dffc/c0e243866b0c21ae8c1bfa551222dffc-getty-97630582jw008_chicago_cubs_.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=146&yc=1&wc=370&hc=411&q=70&sig=S9QkERo8DRpKB8mQ3Rc3gA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100531/capt.eb3cebb1714841259a5ac2931a22be64-eb3cebb1714841259a5ac2931a22be64-0.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=77&yc=1&wc=257&hc=286&q=70&sig=V00A.9vjmbZbjiPLu9HWsQ--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 8 ChC-Pit Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init(); Series at a Glance Chi Cubs 1 Pittsburgh 2 Mon, May 31 – Final Chi Cubs at Pittsburgh Tue, Jun 1 – 7:05 pm ET Chi Cubs at Pittsburgh Wed, Jun 2 – 7:05 pm ET

The Pirates were coming off a 1-6 road trip and had lost nine of 11, only tobeat the Cubs for the eighth time in nine meetings dating to the final week oflast season. The Pirates were 6-1 in May against the Cubs but were 5-17 againstthe rest of the NL.

Jones’ ninth homer of the season tied it at 1 in the sixth, and he doubledleading off the eighth against reliever Sean Marshall(notes) (5-2). After LastingsMilledge(notes) grounded out and Ryan Doumit(notes) was intentionally walked, Crosby lined a3-2 pitch by Marshall into center field to score Jones.

Evan Meek(notes) (3-1) pitched a scoreless eighth for the victory, and OctavioDotel(notes) finished up for his 11th save in 13 opportunities by striking out aslumping Ryan Theriot(notes) to end the game. The Pirates won despite scoring threeruns or fewer for the 11th time in 12 games.

Cubs starter Randy Wells(notes) pitched five shutout innings on two days’ restafter failing to retire a batter in his previous start, a 7-1 loss Friday to St.Louis in which he allowed six hits on 16 pitches. Wells left with a 1-0 lead,but that disappeared in three pitches by reliever James Russell(notes) as Jones homeredinto the right-field seats.

Pirates starter Ross Ohlendorf(notes), 0-3 this season and winless in 10 startssince Aug. 18, also pitched effectively but didn’t figure in the decision. Hestruck out six, walked two while allowing three hits over seven innings, and amixup by the Pirates’ outfield led to the only run he allowed.

Alfonso Soriano(notes) tripled into the left-center gap with one out in the secondon a fly ball that center fielder Andrew McCutchen(notes) was in position to catch,only to pull up at the last moment to avoid colliding into left fielder RyanChurch(notes). McCutchen could be seen calling for the ball, but Church continued topursue it until he and McCutchen were nearly side-by-side.

Soriano, who came in batting .211 in his previous 12 games, then scored onGeovany Soto’s(notes) grounder.

The Pirates, deficient defensively most of the season, had one of their bestgames in the field. Despite the Soriano fly ball misplay, McCutchen roamed farto his right to slide on his left hip and catch Soriano’s line drive in thesixth inning. In the eighth, third baseman Andy LaRoche(notes) likely prevented a runfrom scoring by making an excellent play on Mike Fontenot’s(notes) two-out grounderwith a runner on third.

NOTES: The Cubs sat down Theriot, who was 5 for 35 in his previous eightgames, but he entered the game during a double switch in the eighth. Fontenotstarted at 2B. … Wells became the first Cubs pitcher to start twice in fourdays since Mike Bielecki on June 12 & 15, 1990. … Cubs pitching prospectAndrew Cashner(notes) made his major league debut, retiring Ronny Cedeno(notes) on a pop-up toend the eighth on the only pitch he threw.

Down 4-0, Marlins rally by Brewers 13-5

May 31, 2010

MIAMI (AP)—Cody Ross(notes) hit a three-run home run to spark Florida’s biggestinning this year, Cameron Maybin(notes) hit an inside-the-park homer to help turn thegame into a runaway and the Marlins erased an early four-run deficit in beatingthe Milwaukee Brewers 13-5 on Monday afternoon.

Milwaukee Milwaukee Brewers' Ryan Br… AP – May 31, 2:13 pm EDT Mil-Fla Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init(); Series at a Glance Milwaukee 5 Florida 13 Mon, May 31 – Final Milwaukee at Florida Tue, Jun 1 – 7:10 pm ET Milwaukee at Florida Wed, Jun 2 – 7:10 pm ET

Chris Coghlan(notes) singled and then hit a two-run triple in what became aseven-run sixth for the Marlins, who scored four more in the seventh—the lasttwo coming on Maybin’s line drive to center that he beat without even sliding atthe plate, crossing with both arms raised.

Corey Hart(notes) hit his 13th homer and finished with two RBIs for Milwaukee,which led 4-0 after 5 1/2 innings. Rickie Weeks(notes) had two RBIs and Ryan Braun hit aRBI double for the Brewers.

Pujols stays hot as Cards rout Reds 12-4

May 31, 2010

ST. LOUIS (AP)—Albert Pujols(notes) continued his torrid hitting, rookie Jaime Garcia(notes)overcame a shaky start, and the St. Louis Cardinals knocked out Bronson Arroyo(notes)in the fifth inning of a 12-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday,forging a first-place tie in the NL Central.

ST. ST. LOUIS – MAY 31: Manager Du… Getty Images – May 31, 6:02 pm EDT ST. LOUIS – MAY 31: Starting p… Getty Images – May 31, 6:02 pm EDT ST. LOUIS – MAY 31: Brandon Ph… Getty Images – May 31, 6:02 pm EDT ST. LOUIS – MAY 31: Starting p… Getty Images – May 31, 6:02 pm EDT ST. LOUIS – MAY 31: Starting p… Getty Images – May 31, 6:02 pm EDT ST. LOUIS – MAY 31: Starting p… Getty Images – May 31, 6:02 pm EDT Cincinnati Reds starter Bronso… AP – May 31, 5:47 pm EDT YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 6; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/e1/fullj.e8dd168963a78adea334fe888e8895ce/e8dd168963a78adea334fe888e8895ce-getty-97740616dv004_cincinnati.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=133&yc=1&wc=396&hc=440&q=70&sig=rnaF7x8WH8ehUQ7_T3lHxg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/55/fullj.a8359220e0a0ac07acdd73be9a4fe477/a8359220e0a0ac07acdd73be9a4fe477-getty-97740616dv003_cincinnati.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=133&yc=1&wc=396&hc=440&q=70&sig=5.J7H5.B_vDyHIENeLtM4w--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/3c/fullj.04d39eabcec9c8b17131fe33c11794e3/04d39eabcec9c8b17131fe33c11794e3-getty-97740616dv005_cincinnati.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=533&hc=592&q=70&sig=GkDe0VF0y5QluXP9MNed_w--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/47/fullj.904f45a4d7fc4fc37071d55b3f33dbe6/904f45a4d7fc4fc37071d55b3f33dbe6-getty-97740616dv006_cincinnati.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=133&yc=1&wc=396&hc=440&q=70&sig=p2gN6GHphlHfqDCjY9_dmw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/81/fullj.a3c0e392d3fd68ec3419043599e0018f/a3c0e392d3fd68ec3419043599e0018f-getty-97740616dv002_cincinnati.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=533&hc=592&q=70&sig=OwJy7GxiLhc1MsbyA5HFtA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100531/capt.32aa02ebf81f4ff7a639c37dbeac556c-32aa02ebf81f4ff7a639c37dbeac556c-0.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=259&hc=288&q=70&sig=99khp3igHlXUFptg4LNUUA--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 7 Cin-StL Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init(); Series at a Glance Cincinnati 4 St. Louis 12 Mon, May 31 – Final Cincinnati at St. Louis Tue, Jun 1 – 8:15 pm ET Cincinnati at St. Louis Wed, Jun 2 – 8:15 pm ET

Pujols extended his streak of reaching base to nine straight plateappearances with two intentional walks and a single his first three times up. Hefinally made an out in the fifth inning, hitting into a double play. Pujolsadded an RBI single in a five-run sixth, one day after hitting three homers atChicago.

Arroyo (5-3) had been 5-0 with a 2.66 ERA in his previous six outings.

Jonny Gomes’(notes) two-run single in the first ended a run of 19 scoreless inningsat home to start the season by Garcia, a 23-year-old left-hander who began theyear as the lone rookie in the rotation but now is one of three due to injuries.Garcia (5-2) benefited from an offense that mustered only six runs in hisprevious four starts. The Cardinals had a season-high for runs and hits (16)while improving to 16-8 at home.

Arroyo faltered after a rain delay of just over an hour after three innings,coughing up a 3-1 lead and failing to last six innings for only the second time.He had pitched a complete game to beat the Cardinals on May 16 in Cincinnati.

Arroyo retired the first two hitters in the fourth before five straightCardinals reached base in a three-run rally for a 4-3 lead. Felipe Lopez’(notes)two-run double in the fifth made it 7-3 and chased Arroyo.

The Reds had won four of their previous five and were in first place alonefor five straight days, a season high. Cincinnati starters had been 10-0 with a2.55 in the previous 16 games, the longest winning streak for the staff since1985.

Garcia allowed only an unearned run on four hits the next five innings, andsingled twice, walked and scored twice, doubling his season hit total after a2-for-18 start. Garcia is 2-0 in his last four starts, both wins over the Reds,and leads NL rookies in victories and strikeouts (51) while holding left-handedhitters to a .103 average (4 for 39).

NOTES: The Reds were 18-12 in May, matching their best win total for themonth since going 18-11 in 2004. … Joey Votto(notes) (sore neck) missed his sixthstraight start but took batting practice and could play Tuesday. Miguel Cairo(notes)has started all six games, going 12 for 28 (.429) with two homers. … CardinalsRHP Kyle Lohse(notes) (forearm surgery) will have a soft cast removed on Friday. He’sexpected to miss at least six weeks. … Pujols’ total of 1,151 RBIs is thefourth best total in major league history for the first 10 seasons, three betterthan Lou Gehrig. He trails only Al Simmons (1,278), Joe Dimaggio (1,277) and TedWilliam (1,261).

Next Page »