Halladay, Phillies Beat Marlins  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Roy Halladay's presence was a bigger obstacle for the Miami Marlins than Ozzie Guillen's absence.  —  Halladay threw seven sharp innings and the Philadelphia Phillies broke out of their offensive slump, beating the Marlins 7-1 …

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

Tony Tufano, victim in RHP Matt Bush DUI hit-and-run, released from hospital  —  Tony Tufano, 72, the victim in the Rays minor league RHP Matt Bush DUI hit-and-run crash, was released from the hospital today and is home, daughter in law Shannon Moore said.  —  Tufano is using a walker …

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 …