Beltran has 2 HRs again, Mets beat Phils  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Carlos Beltran homered twice for the second straight game, leading the New York Mets to an 8-3 victory over the free-falling Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.  —  Paul Lo Duca and David Wright also connected …

Sox' chances down to slim and slimmer  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Considering everything that had gone on with the White Sox over the last week — both on the field and off — Paul Konerko had every right in the world to break out the ''Dumb and Dumber'' quotes.

Win streak grows to 4 as James wins 7th  —  Miami — It is a win streak.  Even if it's against the dregs of the NL East, the Braves will not discount it.  —  Atlanta's longest win streak in nearly seven weeks reached four mighty games Friday night, the Florida Marlins collapsing …

Sox not on Gagne's list  —  Based on his words, it seems that Eric Gagne wouldn't have much hesitation about joining the Red Sox [team stats].  —  "I think I could play here," said the Rangers closer before his team's series-opening game with the Red Sox at Fenway Park [map] last night.

Pirates Notebook: Duffy likely candidate to go on DL  —  Center fielder Chris Duffy likely will be on the disabled list by today.  —  Duffy sustained a "significantly" sprained left ankle, according to manager Jim Tracy, while turning to chase down Alfredo Amezaga's gift triple in the eighth inning in Miami Thursday.

Acta Shifts Lineup to Spark Offense  —  In desperate need of reviving the National League's most moribund offense, Washington Nationals Manager Manny Acta moved shortstop Felipe Lopez — who began the year as the team's leadoff man and had been hitting second — to the seventh spot in the lineup.

O's place Trachsel on DL … The Orioles placed Steve Trachsel on the 15-day disabled list today with a strained gluteus muscle and recalled left-handed reliever Kurt Birkins from Triple-A Norfolk.  —  Trachsel lasted only 1 2/3 innings last night, allowing hits to nine of the 12 batters …

Sox call up Ellsbury  —  The Red Sox have called up outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury from Triple-A Pawtucket for tonight's game against Texas.  Ellsbury is in the lineup against the Rangers, will bat ninth, and will play center field.  —  To make room for Ellsbury, the Red Sox placed reliever Joel Pineiro …

Cano's woes reflect those of his team  —  NEW YORK — In a summer of unsolved mysteries in the Bronx, none have confounded the Yankees as much as Robinson Cano's 70-point drop-off from last year's batting average.  Once upon a time, Cano was as flashy and gifted as Jose Reyes.

Astros stun Rockies - again  —  Houston - When Brian Fuentes strolled to the mound in the bottom of the ninth inning Friday night, he carried the weight of two losing streaks on his shoulders.  —  When he departed, his head was down and the Rockies were crushed under the weight of Fuentes' fourth consecutive blown save.

Mulder's mound work is curtailed  —  • The Cardinals have taken rehabbing pitching Mark Mulder off the mound until at least Monday due to stiffness that followed his recent side work at Shea Stadium.  —  Mulder, recovering from surgery to repair a partial thickness rotator cuff tear …