MLB News
Padres' skid hits 9 with loss to Rockies (AP)
Neither a pregame players-only meeting nor the Famous Chicken's fowl humor could keep the NL West-leading San Diego Padres from stumbling to a nine-game losing streak, their longest since 2003. Maybe Jon Garland's comments will help end a slump that has changed the Padres' position from the best record in the NL to looking over their shoulders in the division.
Thome passes McGwire with Nos. 583, 584 (AP)
Jim Thome has the classic slugger's swing, a hard uppercut that rarely yields a cheap home run. He's sure getting the most out of his first season with Minnesota, too. Thome homered twice, moving past Mark McGwire for ninth place on baseball's all-time list and powering the Twins over the Texas Rangers 12-4 on Saturday.
Yankees' run reaches 8 behind Thames' HR (AP)
Marcus Thames is making the most of every opportunity to play, a big reason the New York Yankees are rolling right along without several injured All-Stars. Thames launched a tiebreaking homer in the seventh inning and New York beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-5 on Saturday to set a season high with its eighth straight victory.
White Sox sweep doubleheader from BoSox (AP)
The Chicago White Sox are putting the pieces together for a strong stretch run. John Danks and Gavin Floyd each turned in solid starts Saturday as the White Sox posted a pair of 3-1 wins in a day-night doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox, moving within 3 1/2 games of the AL Central-leading Twins.
Jurrjens keeps Braves alone atop NL East (AP)
Clinging to first place, the Atlanta Braves struck out 15 times, went 1 for 12 with runners in scoring position and had two men thrown out on the bases. Jair Jurrjens more than compensated. The right-hander allowed only three hits in seven innings, and the Braves retained their one-game lead in the NL East by beating the Florida Marlins 2-0 Saturday night.
Giants pull within 2 games of West lead (AP)
Juan Uribe keeps coming up with some of the biggest hits for the San Francisco Giants. Uribe hit a go-ahead, two-run homer off Jonathan Broxton in the ninth inning and Brian Wilson escaped a jam in the bottom half to preserve San Francisco's wild 5-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night.
A-Rod, Pettitte getting closer to return (AP)
Injured stars Alex Rodriguez and Andy Pettitte are getting closer to rejoining the New York Yankees. Pettitte threw 50 pitches in a simulated game Saturday morning at Yankee Stadium and said he had no problems with the strained left groin that's kept him out since July 19. "I didn't feel anything," Pettitte said.
Texas unsure if Lee will make next start (AP)
Cliff Lee and the Texas Rangers still aren't sure when he will pitch again. Lee felt some discomfort in the area of his back where he recently got a cortisone shot, and he didn't go through with his scheduled bullpen session before Saturday's game at Minnesota. He threw in the outfield instead.
Halladay wins 17th, Phillies top Brewers (AP)
A little heads-up baserunning by one of Philadelphia's role players sent Roy Halladay to his 17th win. Placido Polanco hit a tying sacrifice fly and Wilson Valdez hustled home with the go-ahead run on an errant throw on the same play, lifting Halladay and the Phillies to a 5-4 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday night.
Reds' Wood beats Cardinals with arm, bat (AP)
Cincinnati rookie Travis Wood sported a new look Saturday. The long locks were gone, replaced with a shorter, more military-style haircut. His strong outing on the mound was the perfect match for his more clean-cut appearance. Wood pitched seven efficient innings and hit his first career homer to lead the Reds to a 6-1 win against Adam Wainwright and the St.