MLB Baseball News

Pirates win season-high sixth straight (AP)

Maybe it's no coincidence the Pittsburgh Pirates developed some consistency when Freddy Sanchez and Zach Duke did. Sanchez's three-run double in the fifth inning put Pittsburgh ahead, leading Duke and the streaking Pirates past the Atlanta Braves 5-0 Monday in the first game of a doubleheader. Duke (2-2) shook off five walks and three errors behind him to limit Atlanta to five hits over six...

Red Sox designate Tavarez for assignment (AP)

The Boston Red Sox designated reliever Julian Tavarez for assignment Monday, clearing room for the return of first baseman Sean Casey. Tavarez, 35 later this month, was 0-1 with a 6.39 ERA in nine games. The right-hander allowed 18 hits and nine walks in 12 2-3 innings. The Red Sox have 10 days to trade, release or send Tavarez to the minors.

Marlins win seventh straight, beat Nats (AP)

Dan Uggla has no explanation for his sudden power surge. Uggla's second home run on Sunday was a go-ahead drive in the eighth inning that lifted the Florida Marlins to their seventh straight win, 5-4 over the Washington Nationals. Uggla had seven RBIs and three homers in the final two games of Florida's three-game series sweep; he hit a grand slam and had five RBIs Saturday.

No-hit for 6, Astros rally past Dodgers (AP)

The Houston Astros had as much difficulty getting a hit against Hiroki Kuroda as the Los Angeles Dodgers' usually reliable bullpen did in getting outs. Kuroda took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before the Astros broke through for seven hits and six runs in the eighth inning and pulled out an 8-5 victory Sunday.

Twins hit 3 HRs, hold off Red Sox 9-8 (AP)

Joe Nathan wiped the sweat from his forehead and spoke breathlessly about his latest, and most harrowing, save of the season. Minnesota's normally unhittable closer usually makes things look so easy when he steps to the mound to blow away another overmatched opponent. But the heavy-hitting Boston Red Sox never go quietly, and Sunday night was a prime example.

Minor league manager Sandberg suspended (AP)

Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg was suspended for three games as manager of the Midwest League's Peoria Chiefs for his role in bench-clearing incident last week. Sandberg, in his second season as Peoria's manager, began the suspension with Saturday night's game at Clinton, Iowa, and was to complete the penalty Monday night at home against Quad Cities.

Cubs complete sweep of Diamondbacks (AP)

Daryle Ward was so sure he would play in the majors that he practiced his signature as a kid. He may get a few autograph requests after his latest big hit. Ward delivered a pinch-hit, two-run double in the eighth inning, and the Chicago Cubs rallied again to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-4 Sunday after the anticipated showdown between Carlos Zambrano and Randy Johnson got wiped out.

Gagne out as closer, Brewers top Cards (AP)

The ninth inning for the Milwaukee Brewers' new closer by committee was as adventurous as some of Eric Gagne's recent outings. There was one difference, though: the Brewers held on for the win. With Gagne yanked from the closer's role Sunday after faltering in back-to-back outings, relievers Salomon Torres and Brian Shouse helped make Jeff Suppan's seven solid innings stand up by holding on for a...

Rays finish sweep of Angels with 8-5 win (AP)

Carl Crawford has played more games for Tampa Bay than any player in team history, so it was fitting that he delivered the blow that lifted the Rays into uncharted territory. The surging Rays climbed five games over .500 for the first time in the club's 11 seasons, with Crawford hitting a three-run homer, stealing two bases and scoring twice Sunday to pace an 8-5 victory over the Los Angeles...

Beltran, Church HRs lift Mets past Reds (AP)

Oliver Perez plays baseball like a kid in a school yard -- hitting, pitching, stealing bases, experimenting with different arm angles. All were on display in the New York Mets' 8-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday in which the left-hander earned his first win since April 19. "He might drive you nuts every once in a while," New York manager Willie Randolph said, "but he competes, man." The...