Yankees Hold Onto Late Lead in Slugfest Against the Red Sox  —  BOSTON — Nearly half a season has passed since the Yankees and the Red Sox met in a tumultuous two-game series in April at Fenway Park.  At the time neither team looked particularly good, but since then they have gone through significant changes …

Colvin hits two homers as Rockies beat Nationals  —  WASHINGTON — Tyler Colvin homered twice off Stephen Strasburg to back a masterful pitching performance by Drew Pomeranz and lead the Colorado Rockies past Washington 5-1 Friday night, ending the Nationals' four-game winning streak.

Orioles “Going Hard” After Greinke  —  The Orioles are “going hard” after Brewers right-hander Zack Greinke, an MLB executive told Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.  The Orioles appear to be the most aggressive suitor for Greinke, but talks are preliminary, Connolly reports.

Nicasio to have knee surgery, return delayed  —  WASHINGTON — The heartwarming comeback of pitcher Juan Nicasio has become a story of knee-aching frustration.  Nicasio will undergo arthroscopic surgery on July 16 to remove a “floating body” from his left knee, the Rockies announced Friday.

Setback for Carl Crawford  —  Another day, another bit of bad news for the Red Sox.  —  Carl Crawford suffered what the Red Sox described as a “mild left groin strain” on Thursday when he played for Double A Portland.  His rehab assignment has been stopped.

D-backs may consider offers for Upton  —  Right-handed power hitters are in short supply on the trade market.  —  That could change, however, if the Arizona Diamondbacks fall from contention.  —  At that point, the D-backs would consider offers for right fielder Justin Upton, according to major-league sources.

Expect Astros managerial change in '13  —  No team has fired its manager this season.  But at least one is expected to make a move after the season ends, according to major-league sources.  —  The Houston Astros, under new ownership and a new front office, likely will dismiss manager Brad Mills, sources said.

Reds, Others Interested In Juan Pierre  —  The Reds are among the teams showing interest in Juan Pierre, reports ESPN's Buster Olney (on Twitter).  The Phillies have not yet indicated a willingness to sell, but that won't stop clubs from calling.  —  Pierre, 34, is hitting a solid .317/.355/.387 …

Rizzo homers, Cubs stop Mets' rally in 9th inning for win  —  NEW YORK — Anthony Rizzo hit a three-run homer and Cubs closer Carlos Marmol caught a line drive and started a game-ending double play that blunted the New York Mets' bid for another ninth-inning comeback, giving Chicago an 8-7 win Friday night.

Twins Hand Rangers Fifth Straight Loss, 5-1  —  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau drove in two runs each, Francisco Liriano pitched around six walks and the Minnesota Twins handed the Texas Rangers their season-high fifth straight loss with a 5-1 win Friday night.

Drew Smyly strikes out 10 as Tigers top Royals to reach .500  —  DETROIT — Rookie Drew Smyly struck out a career-high 10 in six impressive innings and Delmon Young homered as the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 Friday night.  —  The win got the Tigers (42-42) back to .500 for the first time since May 15.

Carter's HR powers A's past Mariners 4-1 in 11th  —  OAKLAND, Calif.—Chris Carter hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the 11th inning, powering the Oakland Athletics past the Seattle Mariners 4-1 on Friday night to match a season-high five-game winning streak.

Pearce, Gonzalez lead Orioles past Angels  —  ANAHEIM, Calif.—Steve Pearce hit a three-run homer, Miguel Gonzalez pitched seven stellar innings in his first career victory, and the Baltimore Orioles hung on to beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-2 Friday night.  —  Gonzalez (1-0) …

Cardinals waste several opportunities to score in loss to Marlins  —  ST. LOUIS - All one need know about Friday night at Busch Stadium is that the Cardinals managed one or more hits in all six of Florida Marlins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco's six suspenseful innings.