INTERLEAGUE
The Toronto Blue Jays took full advantage of the absence of Albert Pujols to beat St Louis 6-3 on Saturday and send the struggling Cardinals to another loss without their injured All Star slugger.
Juan Rivera launched a three-run homer to spark five runs for the Blue Jays (38-39) in the third inning, while Edwin Encarnacion added a solo blast in the ninth as St Louis dropped to 1-4 since Pujols injured his wrist on Sunday last week.
Photo: Reuters
Toronto starting pitcher Carlos Villanueva sparked the rally at the plate by drawing a lead-off walk in the third, which led to the visitors seizing a 5-1 advantage.
“I’m not the best hitter. What I did, was try to make him throw as many pitches as possible,” Villanueva told reporters. “I know when I’m out there [on the mound] I don’t want to go deep in the count against the pitcher.”
Toronto’s offense was more than enough support for Villanueva, who allowed two runs in six innings, to get the win against the Cardinals’ limited lineup.
Photo: Reuters
St Louis (41-37), who scored in the first and the fourth, put two runners on with just one out in the ninth against reliever Frank Francisco, but only came away with one run.
St Louis starter Jaime Garcia allowed five runs over seven innings to take the loss as the Cardinals fell two games back of the Milwaukee Brewers for the lead in the National League Central Division.
METS 14, RANGERS 5
In Arlington, Texas, Lucas Duda matched a Mets record with three doubles while going four-for-five with four RBIs, while New York had season-highs for runs and hits in a victory over the Texas Rangers.
The Mets led 3-0 after four batters against Alexi Ogando (7-3), who lost his third consecutive start without making it past the fifth inning.
Jonathon Niese (7-6) struck out seven in 5-2/3 innings and limited Texas to two runs on consecutive homers by Adrian Beltre and Michael Young in the fourth. The Mets said the right-hander left the game, which was played in sweltering heat, for precautionary reasons because of a rapid heartbeat.
Niese is 5-2 with a 2.36 ERA his last eight starts.
Carlos Beltran also had three hits for the Mets.
YANKEES 8, ROCKIES 3
In New York, C.C. Sabathia tossed eight stingy innings to win for the seventh time in his last eight starts and Alex Rodriguez drove in three runs as the New York Yankees beat Colorado.
A dozen pitchers began the day with nine wins, but Sabathia (10-4) became the first to reach double digits. The big lefty allowed one run, while striking out nine, improving to 19-7 all-time in interleague play.
He threw just 103 pitches, but manager Joe Girardi decided against letting him finish the game.
Buddy Carlyle promptly gave up Ty Wigginton’s two-run homer in the ninth.
ANGELS 6, DODGERS 1
In Los Angeles, Tyler Chatwood pitched seven strong innings and Mark Trumbo and Vernon Wells each homered as the Angels defeated the Dodgers for their second straight win in the Freeway Series.
The Angels are 10-3 in their last 13 games at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers lost their third straight and eighth in their last 11.
Chatwood (5-4) retired the first 10 Dodgers he faced before Jamey Carroll singled up the middle in the fourth. Andre Ethier then grounded into an inning-ending double play.
The right-hander allowed one run and four hits, struck out five and walked three, while improving to 3-0 in his first three career interleague starts.
In other interleague action:
‧ White Sox 3, Nationals 0
‧ Giants 1, Indians 0
‧ Tigers 6, Diamondbacks 0
‧ Marlins 4, Mariners 2
‧ Pirates 6, Red Sox 4
‧ Reds 10, Orioles 5
‧ Athletics 4, Phillies 1
‧ Brewers 11, Twins 1
‧ Royals 3, Cubs 2
‧ Rays 7, Astros 2
The National League game was:
‧ Braves 10, Padres 1
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