Terry Francona wants no part of Fenway's celebration  —  Don't look for former manager Terry Francona at Fenway Park when the Red Sox celebrate the 100th anniversary of their beloved ballpark a week from Friday against the Yankees.  Francona is still smarting from the way things ended between himself …

Strasburg Outpitches Santana in Messy Matchup  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Stephen Strasburg outpitched Johan Santana for six innings in a marquee matchup of aces on the mend, and the Washington Nationals' bullpen made the lead stand up for a 4-0 victory over New York on the 50th anniversary of the Mets' first game.

Hellickson hit on head by ball, taken to hospital  —  UPDATE, 12:49: Obviously early to speculate, but Hellickson's next start is Saturday.  And Maddon said he'd use Davis in relief today is needed.  So that could mean a call-up if Hellickson can't go, though Cobb pitched Tuesday and Torres today.

Moores says Padres sale will proceed  —  SAN DIEGO — San Diego majority owner John Moores said Tuesday that the ownership group is moving ahead with plans to sell the franchise.  —  The Padres announced that Steve Greenberg of Allen & Company and John Moag of Moag & Company have been retained …

Mariners lose a tough one-run game  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — One could forgive some suspected hyperbole from Blake Beavan after he guessed he'd witnessed “thousands” of games at this ballpark while growing up.  —  It might have sometimes felt like thousands for the present …

Brewers Beat Cubs 2-1 on 2-Run Homer by Kottaras  —  CHICAGO (AP) — George Kottaras hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning, and Yovani Gallardo outdueled Ryan Dempster as the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 2-1 Wednesday for their third straight win in the four-game series.

Votto's 4 Hits Help Reds Rally Past Cards 4-3  —  CINCINNATI (AP) — Joey Votto tied a career best with four hits and scored the go-ahead run on pinch-hitter Chris Heisey's ninth-inning single, capping a comeback from a three-run deficit and leading the Cincinnati Reds over the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3 Wednesday.

Rays score four in ninth to stun Verlander, Tigers  —  DETROIT (AP) — Last week, the Tampa Bay Rays rallied to win against Mariano Rivera .  —  On Wednesday, they beat Justin Verlander - after the Detroit ace had looked untouchable for most of the afternoon.  —  “They are never going to give up,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said.

Exclusivity the key to trumping uncertainty  —  The Dodgers' deal hinged on big TV rights fees.  But how much bang for their buck do networks and cable companies really get?  —  How high is too high for local TV sports rights these days?  The new owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers …

Miami survey: Marlins' Guillen should keep job  —  Ozzie Guillen is viewed unfavorably by nearly half of Cuban-Americans surveyed in an ESPN-commissioned poll, but nearly two-thirds of Miami residents, and 56 percent of Cuban-Americans, think Guillen should keep his job despite comments …

Grilli Gives Up Ethier's Homer in Pirates' Loss  —  LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates faced four of the NL's elite starting pitchers in their first four games of the season, yet still emerged with a split.  —  That impressive result didn't feel particularly comforting to the Pirates …