Cards drop early chances against Billingsley  —  LOS ANGELES — The Cardinals experienced a maddening opening to Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Three hits and six baserunners within the first two innings failed to translate into any scoring by the visitors as the Dodgers took a 1-0 lead against Kyle Lohse.

Ventura: Hudson likely to fill in for Morel at 3rd  —  CHICAGO — Chicago White Sox third baseman Brent Morel is likely headed to the disabled list due to a bulging disk in his back and will be replaced by soon-to-be acquired Orlando Hudson, manager Robin Ventura said Sunday.

Josh Johnson wins second straight as Marlins beat Indians  —  CLEVELAND — Josh Johnson twice worked out of jams to earn his second straight win and help the Miami Marlins win an interleague series with Cleveland by beating the Indians 5-3 Sunday.  —  Johnson (2-3) allowed one run and five hits …

Lucroy, Greinke help Brewers rout Twins 16-4  —  MILWAUKEE—Jonathan Lucroy homered twice and had a career-high seven RBIs, Zack Greinke pitched six strong innings to improve to 14-0 at Miller Park, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Minnesota Twins 16-4 on Sunday.

Braves' Hudson Pitches Another Gem Against Rays  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Tim Hudson scattered four hits over 7 2-3 innings, David Ross homered and the Atlanta Braves beat the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0 on Sunday.  —  Hudson (3-1), who is 8-1 overall against the Rays, retired nine in a row …

Johnny Cueto's arm, Ryan Ludwick's bat lift Reds over Yankees  —  NEW YORK — Johnny Cueto pitched effectively into the eighth inning, Ryan Ludwick delivered two big hits and the Cincinnati Reds closed out their extended visit to New York by beating the Yankees 5-2 Sunday.

Josh Beckett sharp again as Red Sox rip Phillies … PHILADELPHIA — Josh Beckett pitched 7 2/3 strong innings and Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a three-run homer to lead the Boston Red Sox to a 5-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.  —  Mike Aviles also homered and drove in two runs for Boston …

Lincecum bowled over in home-plate collision  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Giants starter Tim Lincecum was in a home-plate collision with Oakland's Collin Cowgill sliding headfirst in the fourth inning on Sunday, then left the game after finishing the frame.  —  The Giants did not immediately announce any injury for their star right-hander.

Lewis Shuts Down Astros, Has 2 RBI to Lift Rangers  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Colby Lewis allowed four hits in eight-plus innings and drove in two runs, and the Texas Rangers took a five-run lead in the first inning before coasting to a 6-1 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.

A's place Brandon McCarthy on DL with sore shoulder  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The Oakland Athletics have placed right-hander Brandon McCarthy on the 15-day disabled list with a sore shoulder in the latest injury setback to the franchise's opening day starter.  —  The A's recalled right-hander Jim Miller …

Montero, Smoak homer as Mariners sweep Rockies  —  DENVER—Jesus Montero and Justin Smoak hit back-to-back home runs, Blake Beavan tied a season-high with seven strikeouts and the Seattle Mariners held on to beat the Colorado Rockies 6-4 on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep.