NATIONAL LEAGUE
Roy Halladay held on to throw his first complete game this year, leading the Philadelphia Phillies past the Washington Nationals 3-2 on Wednesday.
Through eight shutout innings, Halladay (2-0) allowed only a pair of singles by Adam LaRoche. In the ninth, Halladay allowed four hits, including RBI singles by Laynce Nix and Danny Espinosa. However, with two on, the two-time Cy Young winner ended it with six straight strikes to fan pinch-hitter Matt Stairs and Ivan Rodriguez, who argued the game-ending call at length.
Photo: Reuters
Halladay had nine strikeouts and two walks. He walked one batter in 15-and-two-third innings this season before he issued consecutive free passes to Ian Desmond and Rick Ankiel in the third.
John Lannan (1-1) fell to 0-9 against Philadelphia, allowing only two earned runs and six hits — five of which were singles.
ROCKIES 5, METS 4
In New York, Troy Tulowitzki hit a go-ahead home run through thick fog to help Colorado continue the best start in club history as the Rockies beat the New York Mets 5-4.
Ryan Spilborghs also connected and Esmil Rogers (2-0) won his second straight outing to begin the season as Colorado earned their fourth consecutive victory — all on the road.
The National League West leaders improved to 8-2, with the only two losses coming in extra innings.
Tulowitzki’s three-run shot came off Jonathon Niese (0-2) in the fifth inning and gave the -Rockies a 4-3 lead.
Carlos Beltran and Daniel Murphy each had an RBI double for the Mets, who have dropped six of seven following a three-game winning streak.
In other NL play, it was:
‧ Marlins 5, Braves 1
‧ Brewers 6, Pirates 0
‧ Padres 3, Reds 2
‧ Cubs 9, Astros 5
‧ Cardinals 15, Diamondbacks 5
‧ Giants 4, Dodgers 3
AMERICAN LEAGUE
AP, DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Brandon Inge hit a solo homer in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Detroit Tigers beat the Texas Rangers in their last at-bat for the second straight day, 3-2 on Wednesday.
With one out, Inge hit the first pitch from Darren Oliver (1-1) over the left-field wall. Jose Valverde (2-0) pitched a scoreless top of the ninth for the Tigers.
Texas played their first game since star Josh Hamilton broke his arm.
The AL MVP could miss two months after getting hurt on Tuesday, when Detroit beat Texas 5-4 on an RBI single in the ninth by Miguel Cabrera. Hamilton was injured while being thrown out at the plate when he tagged up on a foul popup.
Spot starter Dave Bush made it through three scoreless innings, although he allowed three hits and three walks and threw 71 pitches.
YANKEES 7, ORIOLES 4
In New York, A.J. Burnett remained undefeated in April with the Yankees, pitching effectively into the seventh inning, and Alex Rodriguez hit a three-run homer.
Robinson Cano added a two-run double and Jorge Posada homered for the Yankees, who moved into a tie atop the AL East with the Orioles. Baltimore lost their third in a row.
Derek Jeter matched Barry Bonds for 32nd on the all-time hits list with 2,935.
In other AL play, it was:
‧ Athletics 7, White Sox 4
‧ Blue Jays 8, Mariners 3
‧ Angels 4, Indians 3, 12 innings
‧ Royals 10, Twins 5
‧ Rays, Red Sox postponed
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