Mets win 8th straight, Conforto and Flores HR to beat Giants … NEW YORK — Michael Conforto and the bats are booming.  Jacob deGrom and the pitchers are peaking.  And the defense is making the key plays.  —  A year after the New York Mets stamped themselves as serious contenders …

For Rick Porcello, there's nothing quite like a sinking feeling  —  BOSTON — Here's the deal with Rick Porcello: More sinkers mean fewer stinkers.  Got that?  —  Porcello should say those words before every start for the Boston Red Sox.  If it helps, he should repeat them between innings, even as he stands on the mound.

Joey Votto: I'd rather quit than struggle  —  PITTSBURGH — Joey Votto's April was so bad that he said he'd rather walk away from the game and give up the remaining years on his contract than play that way.  —  “It's not something I'm OK with.  I'd rather quit and leave all the money …

Exploring how MLB has turned Yankee Stadium against Yankees  —  MORE FROM:  —  What has given the Yankees such a home advantage for nine decades — the short right-field porch — is now a detriment.  —  In the age of ever-expanding shifts, the Yankees' lack of offensive diversification …

Rockies are still waiting for MLB's punishment of their veteran shortstop  —  The Denver Post  —  Jose Reyes joined the Rockies last season as part of a trade in which Colorado sent Troy Tulowitzki to Toronto.  The shortstop hasn't played this season as he awaits Major League Baseball action in his domestic violence case.

Gordon's suspension shows PEDs are about advantages for any player  —  Any major league player has been part of a conversation that ended this way: “Well, PEDs don't make you hit the ball.”  —  No, they don't.  But that is not the point.  —  I have heard a number of arguments addressing the PED question.

Reds' Anthony DeSclafani, Raisel Iglesias suffer setbacks  —  PITTSBURGH — The Reds' problems of what to do when all of their starters are healthy have been put off, as not all of their starters are healthy.  —  Sunday starter Raisel Iglesias felt a “pinch” in his right shoulder on Friday and was examined on Saturday.

Another short outing for Robbie Ray in Arizona Diamondbacks loss … Diamondbacks pitcher Robbie Ray got through three innings against the Colorado Rockies Friday without allowing a run.  —  He gave up three hits but struck out four and looked like he was settling into a pitcher's duel with Colorado's Tyler Chatwood.

Miley, Seager lead Mariners past Royals 6-0 (Yahoo Sports)  —  Wade Miley scattered five hits for his first career shutout and Kyle Seager hit a three-run homer to cap a four-run first inning off an ineffective Yordano Venture and pace the Seattle Mariners to a 6-0 victory over Kansas City on Saturday night …

Liriano, Jaso help Pirates win 6th straight, 5-1 over Reds (Yahoo Sports)  —  Francisco Liriano won for the first time since opening day and John Jaso homered to open the bottom of the first as Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati 5-1 Saturday night for the Pirates' sixth straight win and Reds their sixth consecutive loss.

Max Scherzer's struggles are real, but fixable  —  Successful pitchers come in all shapes and sizes.  You could be pushing 7 feet tall like Randy Johnson, or insist that height doesn't measure heart while standing 5'8", like Marcus Stroman.  You could be a workout freak like Jake Arrieta or...not, like David Wells.

Giants Place Ian Gardeck On Waivers  —  The Giants have placed pitching prospect Ian Gardeck on waivers, Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area tweets.  The move clears roster space for fellow righty Vin Mazzaro, who the Giants have added to their 40-man roster.  The team also optioned righty Mike Broadway to the minors.