Pirates lose fifth straight
ATLANTA (AP) – Chipper Jones’ return from the disabled list and the emergence of rookie outfielder Jeff Francoeur have bolstered the middle of the entire Atlanta Braves’ offense, starting at the top. Rafael Furcal homered from both sides of the plate, Marcus Giles had four hits and John Smoltz won his eighth straight decision, leading the Braves over the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-4 Sunday.
Smoltz (12-5), who hasn’t lost since June 6 against the Los Angeles Angels, gave up three runs and eight hits in eight innings. Reitsma pitched the ninth for his 14th save in 18 chances, allowing a run-scoring single to Freddy Sanchez before ending the game by striking out Matt Lawton.
Nationals 4, Marlins 2
MIAMI – Livan Hernandez allowed two runs in eight innings and added a run-scoring single, helping Washington end a season-high six-game losing streak.
Astros 9, Mets 4
HOUSTON – Ramon Castro’s bloop single in the eighth inning gave the Mets their first lead in three games, then they piled on four more runs in the ninth to end Houston’s seven-game winning streak.
Brewers 5, Giants 1
MILWAUKEE – Chris Capuano took a no-hit bid into the sixth inning and won his seventh straight decision, and Milwaukee took advantage of wildness by San Francisco’s pitchers.
D’backs 13, Cubs 6
CHICAGO – Chris Snyder hit two of Arizona’s season-high five homers, including his first career grand slam, and drove in five runs.
Red Sox 4, Twins 3
BOSTON – Manny Ramirez began his new life with the Red Sox with a go-ahead, pinch-hit single in the eighth inning, thrilling the Fenway crowd that thought he might be traded and giving Boston a victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Fifty-four minutes after the trading deadline, Ramirez bounced a chopper up the middle to score Edgar Renteria and give the Red Sox their fifth consecutive victory.
Yankees 8, Angels 7
NEW YORK- Jason Giambi hit two home runs to reach 300 for his career, and Tony Womack had an 11th-inning single through a five-man infield.
Blue Jays 5, Rangers 1
TORONTO – Gustavo Chacin won his fifth straight start, Vernon Wells homered during a four-run third inning and the Blue Jays avoided a three-game sweep.
Athletics 5, Tigers 2
OAKLAND, Calif. – Kirk Saarloos took a shutout into the ninth inning and Nick Swisher homered to lead the A’s to a win.