MLB

WASHINGTON (AP) Just stepping into the batter's box to face good friend and former teammate Max Scherzer was a special occasion for Rick Porcello. A career American League pitcher with 35 plate appearances on his resume going up against a three-time Cy Young Award-winner had mismatch written all over it....

MLB strikeouts top hits for 2nd time in 3 monthsNEW YORK (AP) Strikeouts exceeded hits in the major leagues for the second time in three months, a deviation that had never occurred before this year.There were 6,776 strikeouts and 6,640 hits in June, the Elias Sports Bureau said...

AP Baseball WriterJoey's Back! Bautista excited for Toronto return with MetsBy MIKE FITZPATRICKNEW YORK (AP) While other players were prepping for this season at spring training, Jose Bautista was on his own.A six-time All-Star without a big league job, Bautista remained eager to catch on somewhere and knew...

MLB strikeouts top hits for 2nd time in 3 monthsNEW YORK (AP) Strikeouts exceeded hits in the major leagues for the second time in three months, a deviation that had never occurred before this year.The Elias Sports Bureau said Sunday that there were 6,776 strikeouts and 6,640 hits...

Phillies put Velasquez on DL with bruised right forearmPHILADELPHIA (AP) The Philadelphia Phillies have placed right-hander Vince Velasquez on the 10-day disabled list with a bruised forearm a day after he made a dazzling throw with his left hand.Velasquez was hit just below the elbow on a liner...

Brewers option SS Orlando Arcia, recall RHP Aaron WilkersonCINCINNATI (AP) The Milwaukee Brewers have optioned struggling shortstop Orlando Arcia to Triple-A Colorado Springs before Sunday's series finale against the Cincinnati Reds.In a corresponding move, Milwaukee recalled right-hander Aaron Wilkerson from Colorado Springs.The 23-year-old Arcia hit .197 in 66...

Associated PressKnapp homers to lift Phillies to 4-3 win in 13 inningsBy KEVIN COONEYPHILADELPHIA (AP) Pinch-hitter Andrew Knapp hit a game-ending homer just inside the right field foul pole in the 13th inning as the Philadelphia Phillies came from behind to beat the Washington Nationals 4-3 Sunday.The win...

Associated PressSnell, Rays beat Astros 3-2 to wrap impressive homestandBy MARK DIDTLERST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Blake Snell and the surging Tampa Bay Rays are having success against some of the major's best teams.Snell struck out 10, reliever Diego Castillo fanned Jose Altuve in a key spot and the...

AP Sports WriterOrioles hit 4 HRs, beat Angels 8-2 to end 7-game skidBy DAVID GINBURGBALTIMORE (AP) Adam Jones took a big swing, and the result was a popup. He slammed his bat to the ground in disgust and dutifully jogged to first base.Somehow, that seemingly routine out became...

AP Sports WriterMatz, 3 relievers help Mets beat Miami with 4-hitter, 5-2By STEVEN WINEMIAMI (AP) Steven Matz and three relievers combined on a four-hitter, and the New York Mets escaped the NL East cellar after a one-day stay by beating the Miami Marlins 5-2 Sunday.The Mets, who endured...

AP Sports WriterOrioles hit 4 HRs, beat Angels 8-2 to end 7-game skidBy DAVID GINBURGBALTIMORE (AP) Manny Machado and Mark Trumbo hit consecutive homers after the Angels lost a popup in the sun, and the Baltimore Orioles beat Los Angeles 8-2 Sunday to end a seven-game losing streak.After...

Nationals activate RHP Hellickson, starts vs PhilliesPHILADELPHIA (AP) The Washington Nationals have activated right-hander Jeremy Hellickson from the 10-day disabled list and will start him against Philadelphia.The Nationals made the move before playing at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday. Reliever Sammy Solis was sent to Triple-A Syracuse.Hellickson is...