Steve Howe dies at 48  —  Steve Howe, the relief pitcher whose promising career was derailed by cocaine and alcohol abuse, died Friday when his pickup truck rolled over in Coachella, Calif. He was 48.  —  Howe was killed at 5:55 a.m. PDT, said Dalyn Backes of the Riverside County coroner's office.

Pujols supplies thrills in loss  —  The game's outcome had been decided far earlier, with Washington torching Cardinals starter Jason Marquis for seven runs in three innings, but Albert Pujols took a swing at history Friday night before the Nationals clinched their rout at Busch Stadium.

Wright powers a Ted win  —  Third baseman's 2 homers, Pedro's solid seven innings lead Mets past Braves and Smoltz in series opener  —  ATLANTA - It appears the Mets have grown tired of repeating history.  —  This season, they seem more intent on making it.

Griffey, Lopez among Reds on ballot  —  Slugger Dunn also eyes first trip to Midsummer Classic  —  CINCINNATI — In the past two seasons, Reds left fielder Adam Dunn has piled up at least 40 home runs, 100 RBIs and 100 runs scored.  —  One of the few things Dunn hasn't scored yet is an invitation to the All-Star Game.

Notes: Who will take Harden's spot?  —  Flores recalled from Triple-A; Street throws side session  —  KANSAS CITY — The A's rotation has a big void to fill with right-hander Rich Harden out 3-6 weeks with a strained muscle in his back.  —  The A's put Harden on the 15-day disabled list …

Notes: Patterson placed on DL  —  Sore forearm sidelines right-hander; Day added to roster  —  ST. LOUIS — The Nationals placed right-hander John Patterson on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 22, with a right forearm strain and added right-hander Zach Day to the 25-man roster.

Painful big toe sidelines Mitre  —  MIAMI GARDENS — Sergio Mitre missed his scheduled start Friday night against Colorado because of an injured right big toe.  —  Marlins manager Joe Girardi said Mitre has turf toe, which has bothered him since his previous start on Monday against the Phillies.

Mesa suspended 4 games for throwing at Vizquel; Morris, Righetti fined  —  Mesa suspended 4 games for throwing at Vizquel; Morris, Righetti fined  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Colorado Rockies pitcher Jose Mesa was given a four-game suspension by Major League Baseball on Friday for intentionally throwing …

Guerrero's four RBIs for naught  —  White Sox jump on Weaver early and often in ALCS rematch  —  ANAHEIM — The White Sox went to the whip early and held on to hand the Angels an 8-5 loss in front of 43,940 on Friday night to open the series.  —  Paul Konerko reached base five times …

Seo's gem pushes Dodgers past Padres  —  Right-hander tosses six scoreless innings to open series  —  SAN DIEGO — J.D. Drew singled in two runs, Dioner Navarro singled home the other and Jae Seo threw six scoreless innings for his first victory with the Dodgers, a 3- combined shutout …

Oswalt aims to beat the Reds  —  Houston (15-6) at Cincinnati (15-7), Friday, 6:10 p.m. CT  —  The Astros open their first series with the Reds on Friday, and who better to start things off than Roy Oswalt?  —  Not only is Oswalt the ace of the staff, but he's had a career-long dominance …

Maddux tops Brewers for win No. 5  —  Righty victorious in opening five starts for first time in career  —  CHICAGO — Greg Maddux is getting better with age.  —  For the first time in his long career, Maddux is 5-0 in his first five starts.  He gave up two runs — the most he's allowed …