David Price pitched into the eighth inning to become the American League’s first 12-game winner and fellow All-Star Evan Longoria ended the longest homerless drought of his career to help the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox 6-4 and finish a three-game sweep on Wednesday.
Price (12-4) allowed two runs, including Mike Cameron’s solo homer, while scattering eight hits, walking one and striking out 10 over seven-and-two-third innings. The Rays used three pitchers to get the final four outs, with Matt Garza making his first relief appearance in three years and earning his first save.
Longoria’s 13th homer of the season — a solo shot in the fourth inning off knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (3-7) — was his first since June 15 against Atlanta and ended a stretch of 78 consecutive at bats over 20 games.
Yankees 6, Athletics 2
In Oakland, California, Mark Teixeira hit a three-run homer to help A.J. Burnett win for the first time in more than five weeks as New York completed a sweep of Oakland.
Derek Jeter had a go-ahead single and Ramiro Pena also singled in a run in New York’s five-run fourth inning. The Yankees won their fifth straight and earned their first road sweep of the season.
Burnett (7-7) pitched seven strong innings to end a six-start winless stretch in which he was 0-5 since beating the Indians on May 30.
Nick Swisher homered and doubled among his three hits against his former team.
Wednesday’s other results:
• Tigers 4, Orioles 2
• Blue Jays 6, Twins 5
• Rangers 4, Indians 3
• White Sox 5, Angels 2
• Royals 7, Mariners 3
AP, PHILADELPHIA
Brian McCann hit a go-ahead three-run double during a six-run sixth inning and Kris Medlen pitched neatly into the seventh as the Atlanta Braves beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-5 on Wednesday.
Martin Prado had two solo homers and Matt Diaz also connected for the Braves, who roughed up Jamie Moyer (9-8).
Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino homered for Philadelphia.Medlen allowed four runs and seven hits in six-and-two-third innings.
Wednesday’s other National League results:
• Nationals 7, Padres 6
• Marlins 4, Dodgers 0
• Reds 3, Mets 1
• Giants 15, Brewers 2
• Rockies 8, Cardinals 7
• Cubs 8, Diamondbacks 3
• Astros 6, Pirates 3
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