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.

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

Clemens' embarrassing antics, the key to Texas' emergence and more … My favorite part of the Roger Clemens interview on the Mike & Mike in the Morning radio show on Tuesday came when he said steroids could be bad for him because of his family history, and then cited his stepfather's heart attack as evidence.

Buchholz dominates ... again  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — How much more can he do?  Clay Buchholz has been out of control on the mound lately, in a good way.  Buchholz struck out 11 batters over eight scoreless innings in this morning's start against Toledo.  He allowed just four hits in his outing, and walked no one.

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.

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.

Francoeur given rest in finale  —  Cox takes opportunity to give right fielder a breather  —  NEW YORK — After Tuesday night's 10-inning loss to the Mets, Jeff Francoeur was among the many Braves who were upset that they had squandered yet another impressive effort from Jair Jurrjens.

Cleveland DH Hafner to begin rehab assignment … CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner, who's been out with right shoulder soreness, will begin a rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Columbus.  —  Hafner was placed on the 15-day disabled list April 29 with the same injury that limited him to 57 games last year.

Baseball writing takes a sad turn  —  It was 105 today and service was lousy at P.F. Chang's.  I have a stiff neck from sleeping on it wrong and my cigars are coming unraveled in the desert heat.  —  But I'm not going to complain.  Not even Delta can get my heart rate up today.  —  I have a job.