Zambrano battered by Braves  —  Right-hander gives up seven runs, three homers  —  NEW YORK — The weakest link in the Mets' pitching staff nonetheless had enough power to render Shea Stadium all but silent Tuesday night.  Five innings of inadequate pitching by Victor Zambrano took the fans …

Nationals GM Bowden arrested, charged with DUI  —  WASHINGTON — Nationals general manager Jim Bowden was arrested and charged with driving under the influence while in Florida during his team's series against the Marlins last weekend.  —  The Nationals released a statement from Bowden …

Kasten Joins Lerner Family in Bid for Nats  —  Atlanta sports executive Stan Kasten has joined the family of Theodore "Ted" Lerner in a bid to purchase the Washington Nationals, sources said, boosting the Lerners' chances in what baseball insiders believe is a three-way race to buy the team for $450 million.

Youkilis lifts Sox late  —  First baseman's two-run double in eighth breaks deadlock  —  BOSTON — Perhaps Tuesday night was nothing more than the end of the worst beginning Manny Ramirez has ever had in his professional baseball life.  The star slugger of the Red Sox had a much-needed breakout …

Cubs fall in bottom of 9th  —  LOS ANGELES — The Cubs-Dodgers rivalry is one of the most evenly matched in baseball history, dating back to their first meeting in Brooklyn in 1890.  —  Heading into Tuesday night's game at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers had won 1,003 games in the 116-year-old series to 1,002 for the Cubs.

Hensley set for first start of 2006  —  San Diego (5-7) at Colorado (7-6), 5:35 p.m. PT  —  Clay Hensley, a mainstay in the Padres' bullpen last season, gets his shot at the rotation on Tuesday night — weather permitting — when he takes on a Rockies lineup that worked him over 11 days earlier in San Diego.

Garland a groupie  —  Jon Garland kept his word Tuesday night.  —  Before Mark Teahen's home run reached the left-field seats in the third inning, Garland looked to home plate for a new baseball and immediately began concentrating on the next batter rather than dwelling on his mistake.

Chicago Cubs … Cubs bear with Zambrano's temper, talent  —  In his last start before facing the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight, Carlos Zambrano gave up two home runs, committed a balk and a throwing error and hit a batter in an 8-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.  —  On the bright side, he didn't have a blowup on the mound.

Transaction Analysis  —  April 14-17  —  American League  —  National League  —  Placed LHP David Wells on the 15-day DL (sprained knee), retroactive to 4/13; recalled RHP Jermaine Van Buren from Pawtucket (Triple-A).  [4/15]  —  Considering we're only talking about the skippable fifth slot …

50. Daisuke Matsuzaka, P, Seibu Lions (25)  —  Rumors that he throws an unidentified flying object called the gyroball were greatly exaggerated, but the buzz surrounding Matsuzaka grew from a loud whisper into a kamikaze scream after his MVP performance in the World Baseball Classic.

Reds can't cool hot Marlins  —  Milton struggles en route to his first loss  —  CINCINNATI — It seemed like every time a Marlins hitter made contact against Eric Milton on Tuesday night, Reds center fielder Ryan Freel got more exercise.  —  Within two innings of a 12-6 loss to Florida …

Notes: DeRosa headed to DL  —  Aching ankle proving too painful for infielder  —  SEATTLE — Infielder Mark DeRosa is headed for the disabled list, and the Rangers are expected to call up Triple-A infielder Drew Meyer to the Major Leagues.  —  The Rangers are expected to make the decision final …

Escobar handcuffs Twins  —  Strikes out season-high 10, backed by Figgins' two-run homer  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Chone Figgins made sure the Angels didn't waste a solid pitching performance by Kelvim Escobar.  —  Figgins drilled a two-run homer in the top of the fifth inning and …