RUN, JOSE, RUN!  —  WILLIE BENCHES LOAFING REYES IN LOSS TO 'STROS  —  Up until the eighth inning last night, it was another unsuccessful start for Mike Pelfrey and another listless game for the Mets' bats.  —  In other words, nothing notable.  —  But when Jose Reyes stood near home plate …

Bacsik's Rough Start Sets Tone in Nats' Loss  —  If ever there was a chance for the Washington Nationals to revive themselves against a playoff-contending opponent, it was last night.  After all, the National League Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers had lost five of their past seven games.

Griffey ties Robinson with No. 586  —  Slugger moves into sixth place on the all-time home run list  —  CINCINNATI — Reds right fielder Ken Griffey Jr. moved into a sixth-place tie with Frank Robinson on the all-time home run list by hitting career homer No. 586 Friday vs. the Diamondbacks.

Astros' Rodriguez 4-hits Mets, 4-0  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Wandy Rodriguez' first career complete game couldn't have come at a better time for the Houston Astros.  —  The lefty threw a four-hitter and Lance Berkman had a two-run homer to lead the Astros to a 4-0 win over the New York Mets on Friday night.

Pirates push Cubs off course  —  PITTSBURGH — After Pirates left-hander Paul Maholm shut down the Cubs' offense Friday night for an 8-4 victory, manager Lou Piniella repeated his call for another right-handed hitter.  —  "We talked about it before the ballgame," he said.

Notes: Howe suspended for arguing  —  Bench coach serves one-game ban Friday  —  ARLINGTON — Rangers bench coach Art Howe was suspended one-game on Friday for his actions during Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Angels.  Howe served his suspension, the first of his career, Friday when the Rangers hosted the Baltimore Orioles.

Giants should focus on future, not present  —  "They built a park that has staying power, in my view, beyond any individual player, even Barry Bonds.  It is an absolute jewel in a perfect location."  — Andy Dolich, marketing whiz who spent years with the A's

Burnett not bothered by criticism  —  Right-hander says general manager has a right to be upset  —  TORONTO — If A.J. Burnett is upset about the criticism he's received from his general manager, he's doing a good job of hiding it.  —  On Friday, Burnett addressed the media …

Another night of Coors magic  —  Rockies rally from five down to win 7th in row at home  —  The Rockies have regained command at Coors Field.  —  Fresh off a sweep of the New York Mets to start their homestand, they rallied to stun the Philadelphia Phillies in a 7-6, 11- inning victory Friday night.

Nutting: Decisions on Littlefield, Tracy after season  —  Pirates' owner urges team to have 'great second half'  —  The Pirates will wait until after this season to decide the futures of general manager Dave Littlefield and manager Jim Tracy, principal owner Bob Nutting said yesterday.

Smoltz goes on DL despite good news from MRI  —  San Diego — There was a collective sigh of relief from Braves officials Friday after an MRI exam of veteran pitcher John Smoltz's sore right pitching shoulder showed inflammation but no structural damage.  —  He was placed on the 15-day disabled list …

Yankees sign Erubiel Durazo  —  According to this article the Yankees have signed Erubial Durazo to a minor league contract.  I did some cross checking, just in case, and according to the Monterrey Sultans official website, Durazo may actually be joining the Yankees, or at least the Scranton Yankees.