NATIONAL LEAGUE
Steve Pearce hit a two-out, two-run single in the ninth inning as the Pittsburgh Pirates became the latest team to take advantage of the Mets’ shaky bullpen, rallying past New York 7-5 in the National League on Monday.
The Mets led 5-1 when Pedro Martinez left after six innings, but five relievers couldn’t preserve the edge. The Pirates, in town to play a makeup game, scored three times in the seventh and three more in the ninth.
PHOTO: AP
It marked the ninth time this season New York lost a game in which it led in the eighth inning or later. The Mets have struggled lately without injured All-Star closer Billy Wagner.
Doug Mientkiewicz had three hits and drove in two runs for Pittsburgh.
PHOTO: AP
BREWERS 7, NATIONALS 1
At Milwaukee, Rickie Weeks and Corey Hart hit home runs and Dave Bush pitched a five-hitter over six-and-a-third innings to help Milwaukee sweep Washington in four games.
The Brewers’ sixth straight victory moved them 3.5 games ahead of St. Louis for the National League wild card.
CARDINALS 4, MARLINS 2
At Miami, Yadier Molina hit a two-run homer and Joel Pineiro pitched seven strong innings as St. Louis beat Florida in a matchup of surprising playoff contenders.
Joe Mather added a pinch-hit home run in the ninth for the Cardinals, who took the opener of a four-game series to keep pace with Milwaukee in the wild-card race.
Pineiro (5-5) allowed two runs, one earned, and seven hits.
Anibal Sanchez (1-2), making his third start since returning from shoulder surgery, gave up three runs in seven innings.
Sanchez struck out eight, equaling his career high.
ASTROS 3, GIANTS 1
At Houston, Brandon Backe threw seven effective innings and Ty Wigginton homered and drove in three runs as Houston beat San Francisco to win its fifth straight.
DODGERS 8, PHILLIES 6
At Los Angeles, Casey Blake hit a two-run homer and Manny Ramirez doubled in two more during a six-run third inning that carried Derek Lowe and Los Angeles past Philadelphia.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
AP, MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota
Brand new dad Glen Perkins pitched eight outstanding innings and light-hitting Adam Everett hit a two-run homer, lifting the Minnesota Twins over the reeling New York Yankees 4-0 in the American League on Monday.
Perkins (9-3) allowed four hits and three walks while striking out four, and got a standing ovation when he left after the eighth.
RED SOX 5, WHITE SOX 1
At Chicago, Josh Beckett pitched eight strong innings as Boston beat Chicago even though John Danks took a no-hitter into the seventh.
Kevin Youkilis’ broken-bat single with one out ended the no-hit bid and J.D. Drew’s two-run double put Boston ahead 2-1. Jed Lowrie added a two-run double in the ninth as the Red Sox gained a four-game split and moved within four games of first-place Tampa Bay in the AL East.
INDIANS 13, ORIOLES 8
At Cleveland, Asdrubal Cabrera homered, then doubled in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning as Cleveland earned their fourth consecutive victory.
The Indians took an early 5-0 lead, but fell behind 8-7. Cleveland scored three times in the seventh, and Ben Francisco and Andy Gonzalez homered in the eighth.
BLUE JAYS 7, TIGERS 2
At Detroit, Justin Verlander struggled yet again, and Toronto roughed him up to snap a three-game losing streak.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely