Nats Use Clutch Hit To Drive Home Win  —  Johnson's Double Completes Comeback: Nationals 8, Pirates 4  —  PITTSBURGH, July 16 — Jose Vidro stood in the batter's box, bat rested on his shoulder, as Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Roberto Hernandez began lobbing balls toward the plate.

Five-run fifth dooms Sox to defeat  —  Boston batters struggle to solve Oakland starter Blanton  —  BOSTON — Through four innings, Red Sox righty Kyle Snyder was looking like he could be the ace of any staff in baseball, and not the No. 5 starter that Boston called up from Triple-A Pawtucket.

1 for (dark) ages  —  2 grand slams pace 11-run 6th, send Mets to easy victory  —  The Cubs already set franchise records this year by going winless in a season series against one club, San Diego, and by serving up eight home runs in a game to two clubs, Atlanta and Detroit.

Santana talks, Silva listens  —  Twins' ace touts changeup to fellow starter  —  Twins pitcher Carlos Silva might have found the help he needed to turn his season around — and it was just two locker stalls away all along.  —  Silva said he has received guidance from Johan Santana …

Yankees look so glovely  —  Make 'em Stop-Stop Sox  —  Aaron Guiel hasn't been in the Bronx all that long.  But in his short stint, he has seen things he rarely saw during his days in Kansas City, where he spent his first 4-1/2 years in the majors.  —  "Since I've been here …

Willis makes day special  —  Brandon Martin, an 8-year-old Dontrelle Willis fan from Lauderdale Lakes, spent part of Sunday playing catch with, then taking batting practice against his favorite Marlin in an outing arranged by Chef David's Kids.  —  Brandon, who is afflicted …

Mets bring back Bell; Tides take on Fonzie  —  CHICAGO - Heath Bell, whose last trip to join the Mets resulted in a U-turn to Triple-A Norfolk, will be back with the big-league club today.  Bell replaces Henry Owens, who allowed four runs in his one inning of work yesterday, though the decision was made before the rookie's outing.

GM Interview: Andrew Friedman, Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Part I  —  Last week we had the pleasure of interviewing one of the bright young minds in the game of baseball today.  Andrew Friedman, Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, agreed to speak with us …

Petco gets case of Coors  —  Pitcher's park a homer haven for Braves  —  No one is sure exactly why, but Petco Park is playing much smaller this year.  —  Whether the enhanced home run climate works for or against the Padres remains to be fully seen, but the home team is grateful the Braves won't soon return.

Mariners have strong interest in Soriano  —  The Mariners see an opportunity.  Few teams can afford to rent Nationals left fielder Alfonso Soriano, a potential free agent, for the final two months of the season.  And the Angels, the team for whom Soriano represents perhaps the best fit …

Astros need to plug leaks in bullpen  —  MIAMI — After his relievers had yet another bad day at the office Sunday, Phil Garner issued what sounded like a threat.  —  "I'm going to keep pitching 'em," he said.  —  You just choked on your cornflakes, didn't you?  —  Actually, Garner has no choice.

Mench seeing more bench  —  Outfielder loses playing time; club may consider using him in trade  —  BALTIMORE - The Rangers do not want to trade Kevin Mench.  His play, however, makes them consider the possibilities.  —  Mench went 1-for-11 in the first three games of the second half …