Top News:
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Nationals Prevail in a Washington Marathon — The course of events took more than five-and-a-half hours. It all began with rain, continued with an offensive explosion, deteriorated into a colossal collapse and then dragged on as last night turned into this morning, as certain victory turned into near-defeat.
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Nate / Nats Triple Play:
I Love a Rainy Night — "Best. Game. Ever." That was the 3-word text message that I left for Dave as Watson & I exited RFK at 12:50 am. Dave, in the interest of preserving marital harmony, opted out of last night's game in favor of attending a Fighting Gravity concert in Reston.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Banged-up Jackson sits out — Nursing stiff back, versatile veteran not in starting lineup — WASHINGTON — Nationals infielder/outfielder Damian Jackson didn't start Friday's game against the Phillies because, according to manager Frank Robinson, he was "a little banged up."
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Fick's pinch-hit heroics lift Nats in 12 — Veteran singles home Byrd with winning run to sink Phillies — WASHINGTON — Robert Fick is the least used position player on the Nationals because he is the backup catcher and manager Frank Robinson likes to save his No. 2 guy in case something happens to Brian Schneider late in the game.
Lee Jenkins / New York Times:
Nuts-and-Bolts Ballplayer for a Space-Age Infield — PHOENIX, June 9 — In the city where Jason Grimsley lives, on the campus where Barry Bonds went to college, a new bionic ballplayer is fielding grounders. — The player is best described as a machine — cameras for eyes, tires for legs …
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Joanna / Empyreal Environs:
President — Game 58: June 9, 2006 — Scene: The All Farm Party convention where Trot Nixon officially confirms that he will run for president of Red Sox Nation and announces his running mate. Signs like "A Nixon You Can Trust," "Hometown Hero," and "Hats Off to Trot," …
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Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Papelbon recovers to win it for Boston — After closer's first blown save, Sox strike back to beat Rangers — BOSTON — Undeterred after finally seeing his save streak stopped at 20 in the eighth inning on Friday night at Fenway Park, dazzling rookie Jonathan Papelbon had a rare opportunity for a do-over in the ninth.
Discussion:
The Baseball Desert
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Johnson Loses Control, Then Temper — In a crowded ballpark, long before the rain came, the ranting of one angry pitcher pierced the air. Randy Johnson's fury could be heard in the second deck of Yankee Stadium last night, and his distraction was obvious to everyone.
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Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Brewers fall as Cardinals come back — De La Rosa placed on DL with blisters on his pitching hand — MILWAUKEE — The Brewers invited their No. 1 draft pick to take in a game at Miller Park on Friday night. They gave right-hander Jeremy Jeffress a uniform and seats next to the dugout …
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Richard Durrett / Dallas Morning News:
Struggling Alfonseca on way out — Quick start at Frisco, Oklahoma gives Corey chance to prove himself — BOSTON - Antonio Alfonseca's tenure with the Rangers appears to be over. — Texas designated the 34-year-old for assignment Friday. Former Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Bryan Corey …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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Kat O'Brien / Dallas Star-Telegram:
RANGERS NOTES — Alfonseca likely done with Rangers — BOSTON - When the Rangers signed right-handed reliever Antonio Alfonseca this winter as a non-roster player with an invitation to big league spring training, they didn't know if he could help them at all.
Pat Rooney / Rocky Mountain News:
Rockies get Mets' Matsui, sign pick — The big picture and immediate future might have brightened for the Colorado Rockies on Friday. — The Rockies traded Eli Marrero to the New York Mets in exchange for Japanese infielder Kaz Matsui and cash. The club also secured one of its top draft picks …
Discussion:
Bad Altitude
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Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Wood placed on 15-day DL — Due to shoulder stiffness, fireballer out temporarily — CINCINNATI — Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 7, because of stiffness in his right shoulder. — "I'm not injured, I didn't hurt anything," Wood said Friday.
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Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Notes: Thames takes on Majors — Leyland's brother gave outfielder rave reviews — TORONTO — If Marcus Thames keeps going like this, Jim Leyland's brother might have to be nominated for Tigers Scout of the Year. — Thames' future as a Major League hitter was up for debate going into the season.
Associated Press:
Beltran, Delgado homer twice to lead Mets past Diamondbacks — CBS SportsLine.com wire reports — PHOENIX — New York manager Willie Randolph had a frightening observation for the rest of the National League after the Mets hammered five home runs to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-6 Friday night.
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
Knight Ridder:
Bonds could return to lineup today — Giants notebook — SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds wasn't in the lineup for the third consecutive game Friday, although he said before the game that his sore left side has improved and that he's fit to play. — Before taking batting practice …
