Ex-Phillie Wolf's terrific outing lifts LA  —  Loney, Blake homer as Dodgers end Philadelphia skid  —  PHILADELPHIA — The Dodgers received a template for what it will take to win without the suspended Manny Ramirez, and it couldn't have come more perfectly wrapped than Wednesday night's 9-2 victory over the Phillies.

As Usual, Lots of Medical News From the Yankees  —  The Yankees are relying on several players older than 30, and not surprisingly, many are breaking down.  Hideki Matsui did not start because of tightness in his right hamstring, and Derek Jeter got another day to rest his pulled oblique muscle.

Figgy returns, Niese optioned  —  Jon Niese lasted two turns in the rotation.  The rookie lefthander was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo after Wednesday's start, and Nelson Figueroa has been summoned after the excessive bullpen work.  It may not be a leap to suggest that Tim Redding will be activated and start Monday in Los Angeles.

PostGame: Braves 8, Mets 7  —  The Braves beat the Mets today, 8-7, in a 12-inning game at Citi Field.  The Mets fell to 18-15 on the season with the loss.  —  For a full recap and boxscore, go here.  —  The least you should know:  — Jonathon Niese did not look good …

Astros pound out 24 hits in 15-11 win over Rockies  —  As the fury and punishment mounted Wednesday, the grumbling grew louder.  Fans mocked manager Clint Hurdle during pitching changes at Coors Field.  It was hard to tell if they were genuinely disappointed with the leadership, the effort …

Top 100: Strasburg, and then who?  —  We've got rankings, scouting reports, analysis and video.  Dig in.  —  STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME Become an Insider Today  —  Scouts Inc.  —  This isn't the strongest draft class in recent years.  It's not the weakest.

Rose: A-Rod shouldn't get cheated out of Hall  —  Disgraced hit king Pete Rose said Wednesday that he believes steroid cheat Alex Rodriguez should be voted into the Hall of Fame.  —  “I'm willing to give a guy a second chance,” said Rose, who has been waiting for one of his own since …

Gritty Palmer goes distance for Angels  —  Rookie delivers first complete game; Napoli, Hunter homer  —  ANAHEIM — Darren Oliver emerged from the showers to find the guy at the next locker surrounded by the media again.  —  “Matty Palmer — you're the man!”  Oliver bellowed.

Jays down with Downs as full-time closer  —  B.J. Ryan has lost his job as the Blue Jays closer.  —  Ryan, who is rehabbing at class-A Dunedin after being placed on the disabled list April 23 with a strained trapezius, has been replaced by left-hander Scott Downs as the Jays closer.

Nice guys finish first  —  In the big bad world of sports television, if the ratings stink there's a good chance that you'll spot your friendly neighborhood sportscaster manning the microphone at a burger joint and announcing to the world that their order is ready.

Soriano ties Biggio for 2nd in leadoff HRs as Cubs win  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Alfonso Soriano hit his 53rd career leadoff homer and the Chicago Cubs beat the San Diego Padres 6-4 in a rain-shortened game on Wednesday night.  —  Soriano moved into a tie for second place on the all-time list with Craig Biggio.

Crede's slam in 13th lifts Twins; Willis returns  —  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Joe Crede thrust both arms in the air once the ball was safely in the seats, as much a sign of relief as celebration while he began his game-ending trot around the bases.  —  It took 13 innings, four hours and 48 minutes …

Pirates' LaRoche first to lose homer on reversal  —  PITTSBURGH (AP) — Adam LaRoche became the first player to have a home run taken away after a video replay, losing it Wednesday night when umpires reversed their call.  —  The call in the Cardinals-Pirates game was the 13th to get reviewed …

Florida Marlins: Done in by the long ball  —  It's a good thing the curvy, yellow slide leading down from mascot Bernie Brewer's Dugout high above left field at Miller Park isn't made of wood.  Bernie might still be picking splinters out of his back side.  Bernie slides down after every Brewers homer.