Top News:
Associated Press:
Lester, A's stifle Phils to regain top WC spot — Recap — Box Score — Play-By-Play — Photos — Conversation — Jon Lester holds Phillies to 5 hits as A's move ahead in wild-card race — OAKLAND, Calif. — Coco Crisp had two hits and drove in a run, supporting another strong outing …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com, Athletics Nation and Canadian Press
RELATED:
Canadian Press:
Hudson roughed up again; Giants bats silenced in loss to Padres — SAN DIEGO - Tim Hudson allowed four runs in the first inning and the San Francisco Giants were held to three hits in a 5-0 loss to San Diego on Friday night that dropped them 3 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West race.
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles
Associated Press:
Mets deal blow to Braves' fading playoff hopes — ATLANTA — Lucas Duda hit a two-run homer, Zack Wheeler pitched six scoreless innings and the New York Mets beat the struggling Atlanta Braves 5-0 on Friday night but were eliminated from playoff contention.
Discussion:
Faith and Fear in Flushing and Talking Chop
RELATED:
Matthew Cerrone / Metsblog:
eMail Q&A: Will the Mets ever have a New York payroll? — Jerry in Florida: As you mentioned the other day, budget dollars for the Mets are still ‘tight.’ I will not be upset if the Mets don't spend on a shortstop, as long they re-direct that money to the outfield. ...
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue and Talking Chop
Canadian Press:
Ortiz homers twice to lead Red Sox over Orioles — BALTIMORE — David Ortiz hit two home runs, including a two-run drive in the 10th inning that lifted the Boston Red Sox past the Baltimore Orioles 5-3 Friday night. — Although the AL East-champion Orioles are still in the running …
Discussion:
Surviving Grady and Camden Chat
RELATED:
David Pinto / baseballmusings.com:
Games of the Day — Take a late lunch if you'd like to watch Clayton Kershaw pitch against Edwin Jackson as the Dodgers play the Cubs in an afternoon tilt. If you draw the innings line at 135 IP, Kershaw and Jackson are at opposite ends of the spectrum, Kershaw with the best ERA in the majors, Jackson the worst.
Discussion:
True Blue LA
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Canadian Press:
Kinsler homers, Verlander sharp as Tigers beat up Royals — KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Detroit Tigers insisted that they weren't trying to make a statement. — They accomplished it anyway. — Ian Kinsler hit a two-run homer, everyone in the Detroit starting lineup had a hit by the fourth inning …
Discussion:
Bless You Boys, Royals Review, Athletics Nation, Associated Press and TSN.ca
Canadian Press:
Quintana strong as White Sox eliminate Rays with victory — ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Jose Quintana pitched into the eighth inning and Avisail Garcia had a two-run double to lead the Chicago White Sox to a 4-3 victory over Tampa Bay on Friday night, eliminating the Rays from playoff contention.
Discussion:
DRaysBay, South Side Sox and Associated Press
Todd Zolecki / MLB.com:
Phillies issue statement supporting MLB's decision — Chris Rose and Kevin Millar break down the news of Jonathan Papelbon's seven-game suspension and his future with the Phillies on Quick Pitch — SAN DIEGO — Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon was suspended for seven games and fined …
Canadian Press:
Twins rally in 10th to hand Indians tough loss — MINNEAPOLIS — Trevor Plouffe singled in Danny Santana in the 10th inning to give the Minnesota Twins a 5-4, comeback victory over Cleveland on Friday night, further damaging the Indians' already slim playoff hopes.
Discussion:
Twinkie Town
Canadian Press:
Ackley, Zunino, Seager all homer to help Mariners beat Astros — HOUSTON — Dustin Ackley hit two solo homers, and Mike Zunino and Kyle Seager each hit three-run shots in a seven-run fourth inning as the Seattle Mariners cruised to a 10-5 win over the Houston Astros on Friday night.
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes
Canadian Press:
Martin's homer helps Pirates rally past sinking Brewers — PITTSBURGH — Russell Martin hit a three-run homer off Jonathan Broxton in the bottom of the eighth inning and the Pittsburgh Pirates inched closer to a playoff berth with a 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night.
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout and ESPN