Mets consider calling up Pelfrey  —  Mike Pelfrey could make his major-league debut Friday night at Shea Stadium against the Marlins.  According to a team official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the Mets are seriously considering a call-up of their top pick from the 2005 amateur draft.

Mets Come Back to Win and Wagner Saves 300th  —  On days like yesterday, the Mets' huge lead in the National League East does not seem as insurmountable.  Facing the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have the worst road record in baseball, the Mets assumed the personality of their opponent.

Tough to swallow — Sox can't stomach loss to Rays  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Curt Schilling leaned forward in his recliner in the middle of the visitors clubhouse at Tropicana Field early yesterday afternoon, watching television in awe as Takeru Kobayashi gobbled down a record 53 hot dogs …

Victory just out of reach; Nationals 6, Marlins 4  —  WASHINGTON — The ball went up and Marlins catcher Matt Treanor's initial thought was two outs, man on first.  —  Closer Joe Borowski figured the same thing Tuesday during the ninth inning.  —  Neither noticed Reggie Abercrombie …

Midpoint Is Rock Bottom for Yanks  —  CLEVELAND, July 4 — The Yankees had better not believe in omens, because their first half of the season could not have ended worse.  —  In their most lopsided defeat in almost two years, the Yankees were humiliated Tuesday night by the Cleveland Indians at Jacobs Field, 19-1.

Notes: Verlander needs fan support  —  Pitcher one of five players voters can send to All-Star Game  —  OAKLAND — Tuesday was Justin Verlander's last chance to convince fans he should be selected for the final spot on the American League All-Star roster.  —  Verlander, one of five candidates voters …

Angels need another slugger  —  The Angels are showing life, averaging more than eight runs per game during their four-game winning streak.  —  In other words, they might delude themselves again.  —  The Angels, 11th in the American League in runs scored, need to acquire a big-time run producer to complement Vladimir Guerrero.

Mariners Notebook: Fireworks in Hargrove's office  —  DH Everett, manager exchange unpleasantries after loss to Angels  —  It wouldn't be the Fourth of July without fireworks, and so it was for the Mariners on Tuesday.  —  About 45 minutes after the game, designated hitter Carl Everett went …

Dodgers Bruise to Victory  —  Garciaparra ties record by getting hit by pitches three times as L.A. moves to within a game of first place with 10-4 win over Arizona.  —  This was retaliation of the finest order, accomplished with civility and an absence of broken bones, though maybe a minor bruise.

Break point  —  School may be out for Baker and many on his staff during All-Star recess  —  HOUSTON — Dusty Baker and some of his coaching staff may have a restless All-Star break after general manager Jim Hendry announced Tuesday he will use the four-day break to decide whether an overhaul is in order.

No dousing Rockies' desire  —  Helton's power surge helps Colorado gain share of division lead  —  Rockies left-hander Jeff Francis, pitching Tuesday night at Coors Field against the Giants, improved his record to 6-7 and lowered his ERA to 4.05 by allowing just one hit in five scoreless innings.

Maicer Izturis Settles In at Third  —  SEATTLE — The Angels won the World Series with Troy Glaus, the prototypical slugging third baseman.  In their scramble for a third consecutive American League West division championship, their new third baseman is Maicer Izturis.  —  Izturis has no home runs this season.

Boston women root, root, root for home teams  —  Red Sox, Patriots get lion's share of increase in female fans — and their buying power  —  The number of female fans cheering for the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots has skyrocketed in the past five years, survey data show …