D-Backs suffer sweep in Washington  —  Hernandez strong through seven innings, but falters in eighth  —  WASHINGTON — Pitching on guile rather than emotion, Livan Hernandez tried to reclaim his role as a stopper, the position he filled for a season and a half with the Washington Nationals.

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 …

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.

If Soriano would play outfield, he could be a big hit with O's  —  Pending free agent Alfonso Soriano tied a Washington Nationals/Montreal Expos franchise record with his 44th home run yesterday ... and now for the $80 million question that should be on the mind of every Orioles fan:

Going Nine: Talking Head  —  "(Steve) Phillips is huge on availability, minuscule on accountability, having long ago mastered the art of saying nothing" - Dave Buscema, Times Herald-Record.  —  "Steve Phillips is an oily, self-promoting, destroyer-of-worlds" - Greg Prince, Faith and Fear in Flushing.