Red Sox lefty works over Blue Jays
TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays may have slipped into last place in the American League East, but Brett Lawrie says that’s not as bad as it sounds, considering how tightly packed the division is.
“It’s just a number,” Lawrie said after the Blue Jays lost 7-4 to the Boston Red Sox on Saturday.“we’re not out by 10 games, we’re out like about three at the most. There’s plenty of baseball to be played.”
Boston lefty Felix Doubront (6-2) struck out seven in 6-1/3 innings to win for the fifth time in his past six starts.
Nationals 2 Braves 0
WASHINGTON – Even though Stephen Strasburg is on a three-game winning streak, his most recent starts hadn’t been especially smooth. On Saturday, he threw freely and easily, pitching four-hit ball for seven sharp innings to help the Washington Nationals defeat the Atlanta Braves.
Strasburg (6-1) completed seven shutout innings for the first time in his major league career. He opened the game with a flourish, striking out the first four Braves batters.
Strasburg struck out nine, walked none and threw 90 pitches. Twice he gave up singles and then induced double-play grounders.
Strasburg was so economical with this pitches that manager Davey Johnson thought he could have gone another inning or two. But less than two years removed from Tommy John surgery, the young pitcher is on a strict innings limit.
“I felt like I was getting stronger as the game went on, so it’s tough, but it’s his call,” said Strasburg.
Mets 5 Cardinals 0
NEW YORK – R.A. Dickey followed up Johan Santana’s no-hitter by shutting out the St. Louis Cardinals.
Dickey (8-1) gave up seven hits, struck out nine and walked none in his third career shutout, first this season. The reborn knuckleballer, who was almost out of baseball before committing to the pitch and remaking his career, hasn’t allowed a run in 17-1/3 innings and has struck out 30 in 23-1/3 innings over his last three starts.
Giants 2 Cubs 1
SAN FRANCISCO – Matt Cain pitched into the ninth inning on the way to winning his fifth straight start as the San Francisco Giants beat the Chicago Cubs.
Dodgers 6 Rockies 2
DENVER – Aaron Harang pitched six strong innings and Bobby Abreu homered for the first time this year as the Los Angeles Dodgers ended a season-worst five-game losing streak with a win over the Colorado Rockies.
D-Backs 4 Padres 2
SAN DIEGO – Daniel Hudson pitched eight strong innings and paul goldsch mid thomered, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to a win over the San Diego Padres.
Brewers 5 Pirates 1
MILWAUKEE – Brooks Conrad ended his 0-for-27 slump to start the season, hitting a homer and driving in three runs to lead the Milwaukee Brewers past the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Reds 12 Astros 9
HOUSTON – Drew Stubbs homered and drove in four runs and Brandon Phillips added three RBIs as the Cincinnati Reds outlasted Houston to hand the Astros their eighth straight defeat. Toronto native Joey Votto went four-for-four with a homer for the Reds.
Marlins 5 Phillies 4
PHILADELPHIA – Hanley Ramirez hit two homers for his 12th career multihomer game and drove in three runs to help the Miami Marlins beat the Philadelphia Phillies.
Tigers 4 Yankees 3
DETROIT – Miguel Cabrera hit two prodigious homers and Omir Santos’ sacrifice fly in the ninth inning gave the Detroit Tigers a wild victory over the New York Yankees.
Twins 7 Indians 4
CLEVELAND – Joe Mauer broke out of a slump with three hits and three RBIs, including a two-run homer, to lead the Minnesota Twins over the Cleveland Indians.
Mariners 10 ChiSox 8
CHICAGO – Ichiro Suzuki, who was just moved back to the leadoff spot Friday, homered twice and John Jaso hit a tiebreaking double in the 12th inning as the Seattle Mariners ended the White Sox’s ninegame winning streak.
Athletics 9 Royals 3
KANSAS CITY, MO. – Josh Reddick and Adam Rosales each drove in a pair of runs as the Oakland Athletics took advantage of three errors by Kansas City on their way to a victory over the Royals.
Orioles 2 Rays 1
ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. – Brian Matusz gave up two hits in 7-1/3 innings as the Baltimore Orioles ended a six-game losing streak by holding off the Tampa Bay Rays.