Carlos Martinez wiped away tears during a pre-game tribute to late teammate Oscar Taveras, then allowed just one hit through seven scoreless innings to lead the St Louis Cardinals over the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1 on Sunday.
Jhonny Peralta homered and drove in all three runs for the Cardinals.
On the one-year anniversary of Taveras’ major league debut, his family was on the field to honor him. Taveras and his girlfriend were killed in a car accident in his native Dominican Republic in October.
Martinez was close friends with Taveras, and is wearing the outfielder’s No. 18 this season.
TWINS 6, BLUE JAYS 5
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, Trevor Plouffe hit a two-run homer and Torii Hunter had a go-ahead double in the seventh inning as the Twins beat the Blue Jays.
Ryan Pressly (3-1) got two outs for the win, and the Twins overcame an early injury to starter Ricky Nolasco to win two of three in the series. A sore right ankle ended Nolasco’s bid for a sixth straight victory in the second inning.
The Blue Jays led 5-4 in the seventh after Josh Donaldson’s 15th homer, but a throwing error by shortstop Jose Reyes allowed Aaron Hicks to reach safely in the bottom half against Roberto Osuna (1-2). One out later, Brian Dozier singled and then Hunter launched a two-run double over Chris Colabello’s head in left field.
BREWERS 7, DIAMONDBACKS 6
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Martin Maldonado homered with one out in the bottom of the 17th inning as the Brewers outlasted the Diamondbacks to end a seven-game losing streak.
The catcher hit the first pitch from reliever Vidal Nuno (0-1) over the wall in center field to start a well-earned celebration. Maldonado slid into home as his tired, but giddy teammates surrounded the plate.
Making his first relief appearance since 2010, Matt Garza (3-7) threw five scoreless innings. He stranded a runner in scoring position in the 13th, 15th and 17th.
Maldonado caught all 17 innings and went four-for-six with three runs and two RBIs. He doubled in a two-run sixth that helped Milwaukee rally from a 5-1 deficit.
In other results, it was:
‧ Indians 6, Mariners 3
‧ White Sox 6, Astros 0
‧ Rays 9, Orioles 5
‧ Cubs 2, Royals 1
‧ Mets 4, Marlins 3
‧ Rockies 4, Phillies 1
‧ Braves 7, Giants 5
‧ Rangers 4, Red Sox 3
‧ Athletics 3, Yankees 0
‧ Reds 8, Nationals 2
‧ Angels 4, Tigers 2
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