Another Comeback Leads to a Nats Sweep  —  So here they were again, trailing by multiple runs in the late innings and having shown few signs of generating a rally.  A starting pitcher had silenced them, needing just a few minutes each inning to retire the side on a collection of harmless bouncers.

Notes: Barrett on DL after surgery  —  Blanco makes first start at first; Baker juggles youngsters  —  CHICAGO — The Cubs' injuries continued to mount as catcher Michael Barrett was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with an intrascrotal hematoma.  —  Barrett was injured …

Blyleven profanities heard on Twins broadcast  —  Viewers tuning in for the opening of the Twins-Yankees telecast Sunday afternoon on WFTC got an unexpected surprise.  —  Viewers tuning in for the opening of the Twins-Yankees telecast Sunday afternoon on WFTC got an unexpected surprise.

Notes: Lind makes impression  —  Outfielder overcomes nerves as he makes big-league debut  —  BOSTON — It was his first day in the Majors, so Adam Lind wanted to make sure he made it to the ballpark.  To avoid getting lost, Toronto's rookie outfielder caught a cab with Blue Jays hitting coach Mickey Brantley.

Howard hits No. 50, adds Nos. 51, 52  —  Phils slugger has most homers by a second-year player  —  PHILADELPHIA — Nos. 50, 51 and 52.  —  That sums up Ryan Howard's day at Citizens Bank Park, or at least the first game of Sunday's doubleheader split with Atlanta.

Roethlisberger has surgery to remove appendix  —  By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  Steelers starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had an emergency appendectomy today and will miss the season opener Thursday against the Miami Dolphins.  —  Roethlisberger was absent …

Notes: Beltran on the mend  —  All-Star's knee responding to treatment after fence collision  —  HOUSTON — The utter brilliance of the play Carlos Beltran made in the ninth inning on Saturday night invited comparisons to others that have warranted stars in scorebooks.

Marlins back at .500, beat Brewers  —  Ramirez, Cabrera muscle Florida past Milwaukee in finale  —  MILWAUKEE — The Florida Marlins have accomplished something that no other team has in the modern era of baseball.  —  They've made it back to .500 after being 20 games under at 11-31 on May 21.

Giles to undergo cardiovascular test  —  Second baseman to be evaluated by team physician  —  PHILADELPHIA — Marcus Giles is heading back to Atlanta on Sunday to undergo a cardiovascular evaluation.  Until he gets there, the second baseman will feel the anxiety created on Saturday …

Notes: Valverde takes over as closer  —  Julio's struggles convince Melvin bullpen change is in order  —  WASHINGTON — Jorge Julio, who bombed as the Baltimore Orioles' bullpen stopper last year and was traded twice before assuming a similar role with the Diamondbacks, has been replaced as closer by right-hander Jose Valverde.

Howard and Pujols hit 3 homers apiece  —  Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols had their home-run strokes down Sunday.  —  Howard homered in his first three at-bats for Philadelphia in an 8-7 victory over Atlanta in a doubleheader opener, and Pujols connected in his first three at-bats as St. Louis beat Pittsburgh 6-3.

Twins lefty Liriano pain-free during bullpen session  —  NEW YORK — The Minnesota Twins finally got some good news about their pitching staff Saturday when Francisco Liriano came through a 12-minute bullpen session pain-free.  —  The rookie left-hander, on the disabled list since Aug. 8 …

Landing Playoff Tickets, at a Cost  —  The playoffs at Dodger Stadium: Priceless.  Making sure you can buy a ticket for the playoffs at Dodger Stadium: $99.95.  —  With the Dodgers on the verge of a playoff berth and a franchise attendance record, ticket demand is surging.