The Power Trip Continues  —  Soriano Hits Solo Homer, Grand Slam as Nats Complete Sweep: Nationals 8, Brewers 4  —  MILWAUKEE, June 4 — He stated much less with his two home runs than with the indifference that followed.  Alfonso Soriano never sauntered or pumped a fist.  Heck, he hardly even smiled.

Laird earning playing time  —  CHICAGO - Gerald Laird's status changed Sunday.  No longer does Rangers manager Buck Showalter search for occasional off-days for catcher Rod Barajas.  He searches for ways to get Laird into the lineup.  —  Laird is making the most of every opportunity he gets to play.

Former umpire Eric Gregg suffers massive stroke  —  Former major league umpire Eric Gregg, known for his wide strike zone and well-documented weight problems, suffered a massive stroke Sunday and was unconscious, his son Kevin told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark.  Gregg was hospitalized at Lankenau Hospital in Philadelphia.

Rookie's high-fives a real low blow to Giants  —  The Shea crowd, having long since exhausted its collective lungs booing Barry Bonds in every at-bat, was standing and cheering deliriously, and now Lastings Milledge, the Mets' 21-year-old flash-and-dash wunderkind, was joining in with them …

Clement, Red Sox tame Tigers  —  Pitcher rebounds as offense shines  —  DETROIT — With Matt Clement temporarily quieting the debate over whether he is still qualified to pitch in the big leagues, represent the city of Boston, and retain membership in the human race …

Pujols beset with nagging pain  —  On the day he went on the disabled list for the first time in a career full of more favorable firsts, Albert Pujols reported difficulty sleeping, occasional pain when breathing and increased soreness in his right side, Cardinals officials said Sunday.

Red Sox Are Coming, but Jeter May Miss Out  —  BALTIMORE, June 4 — There is no good time for a good team like the Yankees to lose a good player like Derek Jeter to a bruised right thumb, as they did Sunday when they fell, 11-4, to the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards.  But the timing was especially bad.

Cubs inclined to keep Prior on slow track  —  Pitcher to make 3rd rehab start Thursday  —  ST. LOUIS — While Mark Prior may be ready to pitch in the majors by next week, the Cubs aren't planning to rush him back, despite the huge hole they've dug themselves.

Willis not at wits' end with the Marlins  —  MIAMI — Dontrelle Willis, wearing an oversized Brian Urlacher Chicago Bears jersey, strolls into the Florida Marlins clubhouse.  —  He greets everyone as if he were at his high school reunion.  He hugs.  Slaps palms.  Waves.  And can't stop smiling.

BOWA BLASTS PATTERSON  —  June 5, 2006 — BALTIMORE - When Corey Patterson stole second and third in the seventh inning with the Orioles leading by six runs Larry Bowa believed Patterson was rubbing it in the Yankees' nose.  —  From the top step of the third base dugout, Bowa let Patterson have it.

Franklin says he could help Phillies' rotation  —  LOS ANGELES - The Phillies need a veteran to bolster their ailing, stumbling starting rotation.  Ryan Franklin figures they have one.  —  Him.  —  "It's got to be something going around in their heads," Franklin said.  "I'm ready."

Reality bites — Yanks just better  —  Even if she could, the fat lady hasn't gotten up off the couch yet.  —  So as the Red Sox enter the Bronx beast's belly tonight for the start of a four-game series, here's one fun morsel to chew on: The Yankees are better.

Winning games is sore A's feat  —  FRANK THOMAS woke up sore Sunday morning.  His left foot, with which he's had a contentious relationship the past few years, was telling him sad stories.  He was sore when he drove to the ballpark, sore when he put on his uniform, sore as he stood for the national anthem.

Marlins sweep across dance floor  —  Florida got its first sweep in Denver, and the good vibes had the young Marlins dancing in the clubhouse.  —  cspencer@MiamiHerald.com  —  DENVER - A few hours before the Marlins knocked off the Colorado Rockies 4-3 on Sunday for their first sweep …

Pirates Notebook: Sanchez to remain starter says Littlefield  —  With Joe Randa getting closer to a return from the disabled list, Pirates general manager David Littlefield yesterday reversed course and said Freddy Sanchez would remain the team's starting third baseman.

Trying to avoid a sick bay  —  DENVER - The Marlins won't be required to wear surgical masks to prevent the spread of germs when they take on the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park the next three days.  —  But that idea was discussed in the wake of an intestinal virus that recently sickened …