McCann lifts Astros over Yankees, Giants’ Posey puts end to 17-inning Reds battle
>> NEW YORK: Brian McCann hit a three-run homer against his former team and Lance McCullers Jr pitched four-hit ball over six shutout innings to lead the Houston Astros past the New York Yankees 5-1 in Major League Baseball on Friday night for their fifth straight victory.
Carlos Correa added a pop-fly RBI single for the Astros, who boosted the top record in the majors to 25-11. Off to the best start in team history, the Astros have won 10 of 12 and matched their longest winning streak of the season.
Didi Gregorius hit an RBI single off James Hoyt with two outs in the ninth. New York (21-12) have dropped three in a row for the first time since the opening week of the season.
The 23-year-old McCullers (3-1) struck out seven and walked none in his first start at Yankee Stadium. Rookie left-hander Jordan Montgomery (2-2) gave up four runs and eight hits in six innings.
In San Francisco, Buster Posey homered with one out in the 17th inning and the San Francisco Giants beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-2.
Posey sent the first pitch he saw from Robert Stephenson (0-2) over the left-field wall for his fourth homer of the week, ending the marathon game after five hours, 28 minutes. The Giants rushed out of the dugout to celebrate with Posey while the few fans remaining cheered.
Cory Gearrin (1-1) escaped a bases-loaded jam in the top of the 16th by striking out Billy Hamilton. He then stranded two more runners in the 17th to earn their first win against the Reds this season.
In Cleveland, Ervin Santana (6-1) allowed two hits and five walks in seven innings, Miguel Sano homered in the first off Josh Tomlin as Minnesota shut out Cleveland 1-0.
Taylor Rogers got the first out of the eighth, Matt Belisle finished the inning and Brandon Kintzler pitched a perfect ninth to complete the threehitter and earn his ninth save in 10 chances. Cleveland, coming off a 4-5 trip, went 0 for 5 with runners scoring position and stranded eight runners.
In Toronto, Joe Biagini (1-1) gave up four hits in five innings, combining with four relievers on a seven-hitter. Aaron Loup got one out, Danny Barnes and Ryan Tepera each worked 1-1/3 innings and Roberto Osuna finished as Toronto blanked Seattle 4-0.
Jose Bautista hit a two-run homer and Devon Travis had two RBIs despite a hitless night for the Blue Jays, who have won five of six.
Christian Bergman (0-1) allowed three runs and seven hits i n five innings.
In Miami, Tyler Flowers homered and drove in four runs as the Braves stopped a six-game losing streak with an 8-4 win over the Marlins.
Flowers and Brandon Phillips each hit two-run singles during a six-run burst in the seventh inning that made it 8-1.
Mike Foltynewicz (1-4) allowed one run in six innings.
JT Realmuto, Justin Bour and Derek Dietrich hit home runs for the Marlins, who have lost four straight. Jose Urena (1-1) gave up two runs in six innings.
In Boston, Alex Cobb (3-3) took a one-hit shut-out into the seventh before tiring and gave up four runs — three earned — and three hits in 6-1/3 innings while Alex Colome got four outs for his ninth save as Tampa Bay edged Boston 5-4.
Evan Longoria hit a homer over the Green Monster completely out of Fenway Park.
Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello (2-5) gave up five runs — three earned — with seven strikeouts in six innings for his second rough outing against the Rays this season.