Niese strikes out career-high 10, Mets beat Cards  —  NEW YORK—Jonathon Niese struck out a career-high 10 in six scoreless innings and the New York Mets shut down the slumping St. Louis Cardinals for the third straight game, getting a homer and three RBIs from rookie Kirk Nieuwenhuis in a 6-1 victory Sunday night.

Dodgers, Phillies, D-Backs head list of teams with early interest in Youkilis  —  The Dodgers, Phillies and Diamondbacks are among teams showing early interest in longtime Red Sox star Kevin Youkilis, according to people familiar with the situation.  —  Although one Red Sox person called talks …

Bill Maher owns stake in Mets  —  NEW YORK — Political commentator Bill Maher, the host of HBO's “Real Time,” had VIP treatment Sunday night at Citi Field, including an escort from New York Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon during batting practice.  —  Maher  —  The access came with good reason.

Astros End Skid With 5-3 Win Over Reds  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Jordan Lyles pitched seven strong innings and pinch-hitter Justin Maxwell had a two-run homer to lead the Houston Astros to a 5-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, snapping a season-worst eight-game skid.

Sale Pitches 1st Complete Game, Chisox Top Seattle  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Chris Sale pitched a five-hitter for his first major league complete game and the Chicago White Sox beat the Seattle Mariners 4-2 Sunday for their 10th win in 11 tries.  —  Sale (7-2) struck out eight and walked two.

Diamond, Twins Top Indians 5-3 to Win Series  —  CLEVELAND (AP) — Scott Diamond allowed three unearned runs over seven innings as the surging Minnesota Twins beat the Cleveland Indians 5-3 Sunday.  —  Joe Mauer hit an RBI single in the first off Justin Masterson (2-5).

Zambrano does it all in Marlins' win  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Carlos Zambrano homered and pitched into the eighth inning, and Hanley Ramirez went deep, too, to lead the Miami Marlins to a 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.  —  Zambrano (4-3) allowed four hits …

B.J. Upton, Moore help Rays beat Baltimore  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.—B.J. Upton hit a tiebreaking two-run double, Matt Moore won for the first time after losing four straight decisions and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Baltimore Orioles 8-4 on Sunday.  —  Upton gave the Rays a 4-2 lead …

Zito throws gem for win 150 as Giants nip Cubs 2-0  —  SAN FRANCISCO—Barry Zito pitched 8 1-3 scoreless innings for his 150th career win and Joaquin Arias snapped an 18 at-bat hitless stretch with an RBI single that led the San Francisco Giants to a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.

Alfonso Soriano open to being traded to contender  —  Alfonso Soriano constantly is reminded by his legs about how little time he might have left in baseball.  —  If that wasn't bad enough, the standings constantly remind him about how his chances of winning a World Series ring are diminishing.

McCutchen, Jones homer, Pirates beat Brewers 6-5  —  MILWAUKEE—Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones hit consecutive homers and James McDonald struck out eight and won for the third time in four starts when the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-5 Sunday.