Betting Odds - Graffiti - Podcast

Feds: Dog fights staged on Vick property

EVERY NFL TEAMS LOCAL NEWS BOOKMARK!

By Associated Press

SURRY, Va. - A property owned by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was used as the “main staging area for housing and training the pit bulls involved” in an alleged dogfighting operation, according to court documents.

Vick Property:

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO

The papers, filed by federal authorities, give details for the first time about what authorities contend was a long-running dogfighting venture. Vick is not named in the documents.

On Friday, federal agents searched the property for a second time, using a backhoe to dig in an area about 10 feet wide by 20 feet wide. They finished their work at about 4:30 p.m. and declined to answer reporters’ questions as they left.

The documents filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Richmond and obtained Friday by The Associated Press contain the address of the Vick property that has been at the center of the investigation.

According to the documents, dog fights have been sponsored by “Bad Newz Kennels” at the property since at least 2002. For the events, participants and dogs traveled from South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, Texas and other states.

Members of the venture also knowingly transported, delivered and received dogs for animal fighting, the documents state.

Fifty-four pit bulls were recovered from the property during searches in April, along with a “rape stand,” used to hold dogs in place for mating; an electric treadmill modified for dogs; and a bloodied piece of carpeting, the documents said.

The documents said the fights usually occurred late at night or in the early morning and would last several hours. The winning dog would win from “100’s up to 1,000’s of dollars,” and participants and spectators also bet on the dogfights.

Before fights, the participating dogs of the same sex would be weighed and bathed, according to the filings. Opposing dogs would be washed to remove any poison or narcotic placed on the dog’s coat that could affect the other dog’s performance. Sometimes participants would not feed a dog before the fight to “make it more hungry for the other dog,” the documents said.

Fights would end when one dog died or with the surrender of the losing dog, which was sometimes put to death by drowning, strangulation, hanging, gun shot, electrocution or some other method, according to the documents. The property has an aboveground swimming pool, and investigators were seen looking into the pool Friday.

During a June search of the property, investigators uncovered the graves of seven pit bulls that were killed by members of “Bad Newz Kennels” following sessions to test whether the dogs would be good fighters, the documents said.

Members of “Bad Newz Kennels” also sponsored and exhibited fights in other parts of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey and other states, the filings said.

On Vick’s Web site, he lists his birthplace as Newport News, Va., “a.k.a. BadNews.”

Friday, federal agents used shovels and heavy equipment to search the Vick property, where an informant told authorities as many as 30 dogs could be buried.

A backhoe-front loader was brought in and used to excavate a cleared area on the property. The material found to be of interest was transferred into numerous large, ice-filled coolers and loaded into a rental truck, which left the property.

Some of the investigators wore T-shirts reading: “Federal Agent USDA-OIG.”

An Associated Press reporter and photographer viewing the investigation from a helicopter could not clearly identify the evidence being collected.

Investigators were digging in an area about 50 yards behind the large white house on the property. About 15 people could be seen on the property, which includes several kennels surrounded by pens made of metal fencing, other kennels and outbuildings.

Located in southeast Virginia, the expansive property has a metal gate at the entrance and a white plastic fence around the perimeter. The fence and a large two-story building painted black behind the home obscured the work of investigators.

More than 15 vehicles were on the property, including the rental truck and at least one Virginia State Police evidence collection truck.

Corinne Geller, a spokeswoman for the Virginia State Police, said state authorities were working with federal investigators in an “assistance capacity.”

Vick has said he rarely visited the property. No charges have been filed.

During an April 25 raid at the property, about half the dogs were tethered to car axles with heavy chains that allowed them to get close to each other, but not to have contact, an arrangement typical for fighting dogs, according to an affidavit.

Later, Surry County officials secured a search warrant based on an informant’s information about dogs being buried on the property, but never acted on it because prosecutor Gerald G. Poindexter said he had concerns with the wording of the document.

On June 7, the day that warrant expired, federal officials executed their own with the help of state police investigators.

Poindexter publicly questioned the federal government’s interest in a dogfighting case. He suggested Vick’s celebrity was the draw and raised race as a possible motivation. Poindexter and Vick are black, as is Sheriff Harold Brown.

Poindexter, on vacation in Louisiana, said by telephone he was unaware of Friday’s search and was still pursuing what he called a parallel investigation. He said he assumed Surry County and federal officials eventually will share their evidence.

Vick initially said he had no idea the property might have been used in a criminal enterprise and blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity. He also put the house up for sale and reportedly sold it quickly, although there is no record that the sale has closed. Vick has since declined to talk about the investigation.

It was announced after IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko’s dominant win over former champion Lamon Brewster, that Wlad broke his left hand during the first round.

The injury, however, did not deter the champion from repeatedly throwing hundreds of hard left jabs for the duration of the bout. “I’ll be out three or four weeks,” Wladimir stated. “My next title defense is not in danger.”

On Saturday night, IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko was set to defend his titles against former conqueror Lamon Brewster in front of 17,000 fans at the Köln Arena in Cologne, Germany.

Three years ago, Brewster captured the WBO heavyweight title with a shocking fifth round TKO victory over the younger of the Klitschko brothers. Since then, Brewster had three successful title defenses before losing the belt in a heavyweight classic against Sergei Lyakhovich in 2006.

The rematch against Klitschko was his first bout since suffering that defeat. On the other side, Klitschko returned with strong wins against Samuel Peter, Chris Byrd (his title winning effort) and Calvin Brock, among others. So after years of waiting, the fans finally got to see the rematch between two of the best heavyweights today.

World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko scored a dominating victory over tough Lamon Brewster in the main event. Brewster’s trainer Buddy McGirt halted the action after the sixth round.

It was a interesting opening round, as both fighters tried to etablish their game plan. Klitschko used his long jab to keep the distance, while Brewster tried to get on the inside and land some big body punches.

It was Klitschko, however, who was more effective in the first. The second was a even better round for Klitschko, as he seemed unable to miss with his excellent jab.

But Brewster continued to walk forward, looking for his opportunity. In the middle of the round, the champion landed a left hook followed by a right hand that stunned Brewster a bit. But Klitschko couldn’t seriously hurt his foe.

In the third stanza, Klitschko continued to dominate with his jab. Brewster wasn’t able to get on the inside and unleash his best weapon, his left hook. Close to the end of the round, Klitschko scored with some nice right hands but the challenger took them well. Klitschko controlled the fourth with his jab again, although the round was rather slow and nothing noteworthy happened.

Round five was a tough one for Brewster, as he was once again kept at bay by Wladimir’s jab. Klitschko also mixed it up with his right hand but Brewster showed his heart as he took them and continued to move forward. However, withour any success.

The sixth was about the same, as Klitschko’s jab almost always found its target, while the challenger took everything that was thrown at him. After round six, however, the trainer of Lamon Brewster, Buddy McGirt, decided his fighter had taken enough of a beating and halted the action. Thus, Klitschko was declared the winner by TKO at the end of round six.

It was a great performance by Wladimir Klitschko, who impressivly got redemption. Brewster, although soundly beaten, tried his best but was completly unable to put Klitschko in any danger at all.

With the victory, Klitschko kept his IBF and IBO belts and moves to 49-3 with 44 KOs. Brewster, suffering his second straight loss, falls to 33-4.

In the co-feature, hot light middleweight prospect Zaurbek Baysangurov won an exciting, hard fought, unanimous decision over Hussein Bayram from France.

It was a highly entertaining bout from the opening round, as both fighters stood toe-to-toe and exchanged punches. Baysangurov suffered a cut from a accidental headbutt in the sixth and lost a point in the seventh for a low blow.

The unbeaten Russian was able to secure a lead in the later rounds, as he was more aggressive and effective. So after twelve rounds, the judges scored it 115:113 and 114-113 twice in favor of Baysangurov, who captured the vacant European light middleweight title and moves to 16-0. Bayram, who gave a very spirited effort, falls to 24-3.

NABO cruiserweight champion Jonathon Banks defended his belt by TKO at 1:02 minutes of the fourth round against tough Mexican Gustavo Enriquez. The bout was stopped when Banks injured his foe, as he accidently connected with his elbow, making it impossible for Enriquez to continue. Banks stayed unbeaten and moves to 17-0, while Enriquez falls to 15-8.

Middleweight prospect Andy Lee knocked out Thomas Hengstberger at 1:22 minutes of the second round. Lee, who scored knockdowns in the first and in the second round, moves his perfect record to 10-0.

In a six round lightheavyweight contest, German Haxhi Krasniqi won a unanimous decision over the experienced “Killer Bee” Berry Butler from the USA.

Lightmiddleweight Vilmos Balog scored a six round unanimous decision over Pietro D’Alessio. Scores were not announced.

Cologne cruiserweight Rüdiger May defeated Dzemail Skrijeli by knockout at 2:08 minutes of the third round. It was a one-sided win for the comebacking May, who moves to 42-5-3.

In the opening bout of the card, Bires Barakat scored a first round knockdown en route to a stoppage victory in round two over Stefano D’Alessandro. Official time of the TKO was 40 seconds into the round.

The Ortiz Evans fight was the most anticipated of UFC 73. Controversial fighter Tito Ortiz started off round 1 with a head kick, followed by a takedown but Rashad Evans survived the assault.

Ultimately, this one ended in a 28-28 draw.

Ortiz may have won Round 1 but it was hardly a convincing win. Heading into Round 2, Ortiz tried a head kick early without much success. Evans was having trouble with Ortiz throughout much of Round 2 however.

Ortiz had a point deducted for grabbing the fence during Round 2. At the very end he almost submitted Evans with the guillotine but Evans managed to bypass it with the bell sounding.

Tito Ortiz discusses his bout with Rashad Evans prior to the night’s fight

This one ended in a draw with Rashad Evans taking the third round.

Tito drew boos from the audience when asked what they thought of the fight. His record is now 15-0-1

Fox Sports broadcaster and former KC Chief O-Line standout, Bill Maas, was arrested on Friday.

The 45-year-old Maas, and a female passenger Sarah J. Murphy, 27, were pulled over in his Hummer on routine roadside check in Peoria, Ill, on Friday.

According to the police report, Maas seemed nervous, but agreed to a search of the Hummer. During the search of the vehicle, the police found .22-caliber revolver, some marijuana, cocaine and 28 pills of Ecstasy. Bill Maas was charged with drug possession and weapons, and his passenger Sarah Murphy with drug possession only. Bill Maas and Sarah Murphy are both residents of Lee’s Summit, MO.

Bill Mass is currently working as commentator for Fox Sports. Maas was a defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers. In 1984 Maas was named The NFL Rookie of the Year by the AP.

The community-minded Maas was the winner of the NFL’s first Extra Effort Award in 1991 after he purchased tickets for 250 men and women who served in Operation Desert Storm. He is also very active with the Dream Factory and several other charitable organizations, including the March of Dimes and the United Way.

Maas earned a degree in administrative justice from the University of Pittsburgh, where he was an All-American in both his junior and senior seasons.

Maas has not always enjoyed popularity as a sports broadcaster.

From Classic Cola for the Soul:

“Bill Maas is awful. He won’t admit when he gets something wrong, he constantly harps on the things he gets right, and then tries to correct Rosen even when Rosen is the one who is right.

The Philadelphia Phillies have given their fans plenty of disappointing moments over the years. They’re on the verge of providing another one.

The Phillies will try to avoid going into the All-Star break as the first professional sports franchise to lose 10,000 games when they close a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday.

The dubious benchmark of 10,000 losses will be a fitting one for a franchise that has won one world championship (1980) in 125 years. The Phillies have fit in nicely in a city that hasn’t won a major sports title since the Philadelphia 76ers won the NBA crown in 1983. The NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles have never won the Super Bowl.

Philadelphia (43-44) suffered loss No. 9,999 with a 6-3 defeat on Saturday. The Phillies fell below the .500 mark in a season when they were expected to contend, but instead have continued to let down their demanding fans.

The Phillies actually entered the year after four straight winning seasons, but have failed to reach the postseason during that stretch. They haven’t been to the playoffs since losing the 1993 World Series to Toronto in six games.

Philadelphia has been hurt this year by injuries to pitchers Freddy Garcia, Jon Lieber, Brett Myers and Tom Gordon. The Phillies have an NL-worst 4.90 ERA.

Colorado (44-43), meanwhile, has won five straight games since returning from a 1-9 road trip. The Rockies are also seeking a ninth straight home win for the first time since an 11-game run at Coors Field from June 30-July 24, 1996.

Ryan Spilborghs and Todd Helton each had three hits and combined to drive in five runs Saturday for Colorado, which clinched its sixth straight series victory at home.

Left fielder Matt Holliday, who leads the NL with a .345 average, went 0-for-4 to end a 25-game home hitting streak.

The Rockies bullpen has been outstanding in this series, allowing just four hits in 10 scoreless innings.

Colorado is seeking its first three-game home sweep of Philadelphia since Aug. 28-29, 1999.

The Rockies will send Aaron Cook (5-5, 4.54 ERA) to the mound. The right-handed sinkerballer won for the first time in seven starts on Tuesday, allowing three runs over eight innings in an 11-3 victory over the New York Mets.

Cook is 0-2 with a 6.87 ERA in three career starts against the Phillies, all at home.

Adam Eaton (7-5, 5.67) tries to snap his longest winless stretch of the season for Philadelphia. He’s 0-1 with a 6.46 ERA over his last four outings despite pitching effectively Tuesday, giving up three runs over six innings in a 5-4, 13-inning loss at Houston.

The right-hander went 3-0 with a 5.68 ERA in his first three starts at Coors Field from 2000-01, but is 1-5 with a 7.80 ERA in his last eight outings at Denver.

For Pizza I’m on the Rockies Cook -136 & OV 10.5

Good Luck,

Tommy Mac

BET THE ROCKIES -136 & OV 10.5 (HERE) AND USE YOUR FREE COMPLIMENTARY $50 TO OPEN YOUR NEW SPORTS BETTING ACCOUNT

Tommy Mac’s Freebie Pizza Plays are “What I will be watching on TV tonight” as posted on Graffiti Wall blogs and askthebookie.com

Hungry for Pizza while you watch the game tonight? The Pizza is on us!

This FREEBIE Pizza Play Sports Pick is a HANDICAPPED game and is for fun and entertainment purposes only.

IF your a serious sports bettor, you need to be on our “VIP” Late steam phone service. These are plays made “behind the counter” in Vegas as well as the “Front Row Moves” made by the largest betting syndicates stateside into the “Big 5″ sportsbooks here in Costa Rica.

You will never be able to get this kind of information from any tout or handicapping service.

If your playing right now and you want to get on the winning side of these MLB games along with Tommy and his VIP partners, and start positioning yourself to win by calling our VIP Late steam informational hotline for more information on a recorded message.

Call today at: 1-515-489-4077

Or Call our Vegas Office for more info at: 702-990-0126

We are NOT a tout or handicapping service.

Sunday, July 8th

American League

Los Angeles Angels at New York Yankees, 1:05 p.m.

Sunny Sunny. Winds blowing out to left field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 90.

Boston Red Sox at Detroit Tigers, 1:05 p.m.

Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from right to left field at 15-25 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 90.

Cleveland Indians at Toronto Blue Jays, 1:05 p.m.

Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to right field at 15-25 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 90.

Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox, 2:05 p.m.

Sunny Sunny. Winds blowing from right to left field at 15-25 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 90.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Kansas City Royals, 2:10 p.m.

Sunny Sunny. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 85.

Baltimore Orioles at Texas Rangers, 3:05 p.m.

Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy. Winds blowing in from right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 85.

Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics, 4:05 p.m.

Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 80.

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks at Cincinnati Reds, 1:15 p.m.

Sunny Sunny. Winds blowing out to left field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 90.

Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals, 1:35 p.m.

Sunny Sunny. Winds blowing from left to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 95.

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates, 1:35 p.m.

Sunny Sunny. Winds blowing from right to left field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 90.

New York Mets at Houston Astros, 2:05 p.m.

Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy with a 30-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 85.

San Francisco Giants at St. Louis Cardinals, 2:15 p.m.

Sunny Sunny. Winds blowing from right to left field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 95.

Philadelphia Phillies at Colorado Rockies, 3:05 p.m.

Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy with a 30-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing in from left field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 85.

Florida Marlins at Los Angeles Dodgers, 4:10 p.m.

Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 75.

Atlanta Braves at San Diego Padres, 8:05 p.m.

Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 70.

Sunday, July 8th (All times eastern)

LA ANGELS OF ANAHEIM (53-34) AT NEW YORK YANKEES (41-43), 1:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: LA Angels - Ervin Santana (5-9, 5.35) New York - Chien-Ming Wang (8-4, 3.58)

The New York Yankees and the LA Angels of Anaheim are set to do battle in the rubber match of a three-game set at Yankee Stadium.

Yesterday, Howie Kendrick scored the game-winning run in the 13th inning to lift the Angels to a 2-1 win over the Yankees. Jeff Mathis drove in the other run while Garret Anderson scored the other run for the Angels, who had lost three of four coming into the contest.

John Lackey was impressive in the start as he gave up only one run on five hits and tied a career-high with 11 strikeouts in eight innings of action. Francisco Rodriguez (2-2) got the win for pitching two scoreless innings.

Bobby Abreu drove in the lone run and Hideki Matsui scored for the Yankees, who had won four of five coming into the game. Melky Cabrera struck out in all five of his at-bats.

Roger Clemens started on the mound and gave up just one run on five hits with a walk and three strikeouts in eight innings of work. Luis Vizcaino (4-2) got the loss for giving up to game-winning run, which was unearned.

Ervin Santana is the scheduled starter for the Angels, as he is 5-9 with a 5.35 ERA. He has dropped three straight decisions, including a loss in his last outing which overshadowed an 11-strikeout performance. In his last three outings, Santana is 0-2 with a 6.88 ERA.

In four career starts against the Yankees, Santana is 4-0 with a 3.47 ERA.

Chien-Ming Wang owns an 8-4 mark for New York, and his 3.58 ERA is also solid. Wang, who will take the hill this evening, has only allowed six home runs in 98 innings. In his last outing, the righty pitched seven shutout innings against Minnesota.

Wang has not done well in his career against the Angels, as he is 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA.

The Angels swept the Yankees in a three-game set in the Bronx earlier in the season and are 21-13 against them since the start of the 2004 campaign.

BOSTON RED SOX (53-33) AT DETROIT TIGERS (51-34), 1:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Boston - Daisuke Matsuzaka (10-5, 3.53) Detroit - Nate Robertson (4-6, 4.86)

The Detroit Tigers will attempt to complete what would be an impressive three-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox this afternoon at Comerica Park.

On Saturday, Ivan Rodriguez’s RBI hit with two outs in the 13th inning sent Detroit past Boston, 3-2.

Craig Monroe knocked in two with a double for the AL Central-leading Tigers, who have won four in a row and five of six. Jason Grilli (3-2) pitched a scoreless inning to earn the win. Starter Jeremy Bonderman gave up seven hits and two runs over eight full innings, with nine strikeouts and three walks.

Tigers’ second baseman Placido Polanco left the game in the eighth inning due to a strained muscle in his rib cage and is listed as day-to-day.

David Ortiz hit a two-run homer for the AL East-leading Red Sox, who have lost two in a row following a four-game win streak. Starter Kason Gabbard pitched well for Boston, allowing only three hits and two runs over 6 1/3 innings

The Sox have lost five straight and six of their last seven contests away from home. The five-game road losing streak is the Sox longest since a six-game slide on the road from August 25-30, 2006.

It is fair to say that Daisuke Matsuzaka has lived up to his promise, as the Boston hurler is 10-5 with a 3.53 ERA in his first MLB season. In his most recent outing, Matsuzaka allowed only four hits over eight shutout innings against the Devil Rays. It is particularly impressive that he owns a 2.95 ERA on the road this season.

Earlier this season, Matsuzaka pitched a complete game against the Tigers, surrendering only one run.

Nate Robertson is the scheduled starter for the Tigers today, and he hopes to improve on his 4-6 record and 4.86 ERA. He is coming off a no-decision against Cleveland in which he allowed three earned runs on six hits in five innings.

Robertson is 1-3 all-time against Boston with a 6.55 ERA.

The Red Sox had won three of four meetings against the Tigers this season prior to this series. The clubs split six games in 2006.

CLEVELAND INDIANS (52-35) AT TORONTO BLUE JAYS (42-44), 1:07 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Cleveland - Paul Byrd (7-3, 4.71) Toronto - Josh Towers (4-5, 5.71)

The Toronto Blue Jays and the Cleveland Indians have split the first two games of their three-game weekend set at Rogers Centre, and the final contest will be played this afternoon.

On Saturday, Casey Blake belted a three-run homer as the Indians downed the Blue Jays, 9-4. Victor Martinez, Grady Sizemore and Trot Nixon also hit homers for the Indians, who snapped a three-game losing streak.

Martinez, though, left the game in the bottom of the fifth with a bruised left knee and is listed as day-to-day. The catcher, who is on a 12-game hitting streak, was replaced by Kelly Shoppach.

Cleveland starter Fausto Carmona (10-4) allowed three runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings, walking three and striking out five.

Carmona and C.C. Sabathia (12-3) give the Indians two 10-win starters before the All-Star break for the first time since 1956, when Bob Lemon and Early Wynn both had 10 wins.

Frank Thomas went 3-for-4 with a run scored and Alex Rios tripled for the Blue Jays, who had won three of their previous four.

Toronto starter Shaun Marcum (4-3) allowed eight runs and nine hits with one walk and two strikeouts over 3 1/3 frames in the loss.

Cleveland is expected to give the ball to Paul Byrd this afternoon. While the veteran does not have impressive stuff so to speak, he is quietly putting together another successful season. Byrd is 7-3 on the year, overshadowing a mediocre 4.71 ERA.

The righty is 3-2 in his career against Toronto with a 3.55 ERA.

Josh Towers will take the hill for Toronto, and he is 4-5 with a 5.71 ERA. Towers surrendered four runs on five hits in his last outing on Monday en route to a victory over the A’s. He has now put together back-to-back wins as a starter for the first time since 2005.

Towers is 1-2 lifetime against Cleveland with a 5.63 ERA. He was roughed up by the Indians earlier this season.

The Indians swept the Jays in a three-game set at Jacobs Field earlier this season and are 17-7 against Toronto since the start of the 2004 season.

MINNESOTA TWINS (45-42) AT CHICAGO WHITE SOX (38-47), 2:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Minnesota - Carlos Silva (6-9, 4.37) Chicago - Javier Vazquez (5-5, 3.70)

The Chicago White Sox will try for a split of their four- game series with the Minnesota Twins when the clubs conclude their set this afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field.

Chicago will send Javier Vazquez to the mound today, and while his 5-5 record is obviously mediocre, his 3.70 ERA is solid. He was outstanding against the Orioles on Tuesday, earning his first complete game in almost a year. He has surrendered just three earned runs in his last 23 innings of work.

The Chicago righty allowed just one hit in 6 2/3 scoreless innings against the Twins earlier this season.

Minnesota will counter with Carlos Silva in hopes that he can improve on his 6-9 record. Silva, who sports a 4.37 ERA, is coming off a poor outing in which he surrendered six runs over 5 1/3 innings against the Yankees in New York. It is worth noting that the Twins have been shutout in five of Silva’s 17 starts.

In seven career starts against the White Sox on the road, Silva is 2-4 with a 6.63 ERA.

Yesterday, Paul Konerko hit a three-run homer and Mark Buehrle threw eight scoreless frames as the White Sox edged the Twins, 3-1.

Buehrle, (6-4) who has been the subject of trade speculation, yielded just six hits. Bobby Jenks allowed a run in the ninth but was able to pick up his 23rd save in 26 chances.

Jerry Owens had two hits and Konerko’s homer was his 17th of the season for the White Sox, whose win comes one day after a day-night doubleheader in which they were hammered 20-14 and 12-0 by the Twins. It was the most runs they’d given up in back-to-back games since 1930.

Torii Hunter drove in a run and Luis Castillo had two hits for the Twins, who have lost five of eight. Minnesota starter Boof Bonser (5-6) allowed three runs on four hits in seven frames.

The Twins have won seven of the 11 meetings between these AL Central rivals this season.

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS (34-52) AT KANSAS CITY ROYALS (37-50), 2:10 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Tampa Bay - Scott Kazmir (5-5, 4.28) Kansas City - Jorge De La Rosa (6-9, 5.27)

Two of baseball’s worst teams will conclude their three- game weekend series at Kauffman Stadium today as the Kansas City Royals host the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in a rubber match.

Scott Kazmir is the ace of the Tampa staff, and while he is feared by opponents because of his strikeout prowess, his 5-5 record and 4.28 ERA leave much to be desired. Kazmir allowed three earned runs in six innings on Tuesday en route to a defeat against the Red Sox. The hope is that he can settle into the consistent flow that he found last season.

Earlier this season, Kazmir was handed a loss by the Royals after allowing three earned runs on eight hits in seven innings.

Jorge De La Rosa is 6-9 this season with a 5.27 ERA, and he will be the starter for the lowly Royals this evening. De La Rosa has pitched well recently, evidenced by back-to-back victories.

The Kansas City lefty has never faced Tampa in his career.

On Saturday, Mark Grudzielanek hit a two-out, RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Kansas City an 8-7 win over Tampa Bay.

Billy Butler homered and knocked in two runs while Esteban German scored twice for the Royals, who took advantage of a beleaguered Tampa Bay bullpen to tie the game in the eighth.

Octavio Dotel (2-1) picked up the win despite blowing his third save of the season, while starter Gil Meche gave up six runs on five hits through six innings for Kansas City, which ended a brief two-game skid.

Carlos Pena hit a two-run home run and Jonny Gomes homered and finished with two RBI for the Devil Rays, who have lost 12 of 13.

Tampa and Kansas City have split their six meetings to date this season, but the Devils Rays are 19-10 against Kansas City since the start of the 2004 season. BALTIMORE ORIOLES (38-48) AT TEXAS RANGERS (37-50), 3:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Baltimore - Daniel Cabrera (6-9, 5.15) Texas - Kevin Millwood (5-7, 6.54)

The winner of a three-game set will be decided today in Arlington as the Texas Rangers host the Baltimore Orioles in the final contest before the All-Star break for both squads.

Baltimore’s Daniel Cabrera will be on the mound this afternoon, attempting to improve on his 6-9 record and 5.15 ERA. Cabrera is just 1-3 with a 6.39 ERA in his last five starts, and a lack of control has been the major problem. He has ranked at or near the top of the league charts in walks for much of this season.

Cabrera is a woeful 1-4 lifetime against Texas with a 6.25 ERA.

Texas will counter this evening with Kevin Millwood, who is 5-7 with a 6.54 ERA. He has allowed 98 hits in 74 1/3 innings of work, but the good news is that he is coming off a win over the Angels that saw him surrender just two earned runs in eight innings.

In his career against Baltimore, Millwood is 5-2 with a 4.13 ERA.

On Saturday, Erik Bedard struck out a franchise-record tying 15 batters in a two-hit shutout, as the Orioles blanked the Rangers, 3-0.

Bedard (7-4) did not walk a batter either, and joined Mike Mussina, who struck out 15 three times, in the Orioles record book. The left-hander retired 19 straight batters between a pair of Texas singles, both of which led to double plays, as Bedard faced the minimum 27 batters.

Jay Gibbons homered for the Orioles, who ended a two-game skid. Jay Payton went 2-for-4 and scored a run in the win.

Desi Relaford and Sammy Sosa had the lone hits for the Rangers, who have gone 11-6 since June 20. Brandon McCarthy (4-6) allowed two runs — one earned — on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts over six innings for Texas.

The Rangers allowed a home run for the first time in six games. The streak had been the first since April 19-23, 1998, when they did not allow a home run in nine consecutive games.

This current series marks the first between these teams in 2007. Texas won six of nine matchups with Baltimore last season and is 13-8 in this series since the start of the 2005 campaign. SEATTLE MARINERS (48-36) AT OAKLAND ATHLETICS (44-43), 4:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Seattle - Ryan Feierabend (1-3, 9.72) Oakland - Joe Blanton (8-4, 3.09)

The surging Seattle Mariners will attempt to post their third straight victory this afternoon as they wrap up a four-game set with the Oakland Athletics.

On Saturday, Felix Hernandez baffled A’s hitters for eight innings and Adrian Beltre connected on his third home run in the last two games as Seattle blanked Oakland, 4-0.

Hernandez (5-4) allowed two hits, walked two and fanned a pair in his second impressive outing on the hill this week. The right-hander was also tremendous on Monday, allowing two runs over eight innings against Kansas City.

Hernandez, who threw 116 pitches — 78 for strikes — also tossed a shutout against Oakland on Opening Day and has extended his scoreless streak to 16 innings against the squad.

Beltre, meanwhile, connected on his 13th homer of the season for Seattle, which has won three of its last four games. The three-run shot in the second inning came one day after he went 5-for-5 with two homers, two doubles and a single in Friday’s 7-1 victory.

Rich Harden (1-2) lasted just 2 2/3 innings in his first start since April 15th, allowing four runs and five hits with three walks and a strikeout. The right-hander was out of commission earlier this season with a shoulder injury, but had pitched well in three relief appearances before moving back to the rotation.

Seattle’s Ryan Feierabend is scheduled to take the mound this afternoon, fresh off the worst performance of his major league career. The lefty allowed 10 runs in just 1 1/3 innings of work against the Royals on Tuesday. In his last three starts, the Mariners’ hurler has pitched a combined nine innings and allowed 19 runs.

Oakland will counter with Joe Blanton, who has been one of the better pitchers in the AL this season. Blanton is 8-4 with a 3.09 ERA, and he is coming off a complete game victory over Toronto. He pitches at a feverish pace, a style that has led to much success.

Blanton is 6-2 with a 2.74 ERA all-time versus Seattle, but he is 0-1 against the Mariners this season.

Feierabend has never faced Oakland.

Seattle has won six of its eight meetings with Oakland this season.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (47-42) AT CINCINNATI REDS (35-52), 1:15 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Arizona - Yusmeiro Petit (1-1, 2.19) Cincinnati - Aaron Harang (9-2, 3.84)

Unheralded right-hander Aaron Harang aims to extend his unbeaten streak to nine starts today when the Cincinnati Reds host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the final game of a three-game series at Great American Ball Park.

Harang, who was among the National League leaders in wins, strikeouts, complete games and innings pitched last season yet didn’t get a single vote in Cy Young Award balloting, is 4-0 with four no-decisions since his last defeat, a 5-3 loss to Cleveland on May 20.

In his last start on July 3, he allowed four hits and three runs in six innings of a 7-3 victory over San Francisco. He’s pitched at least six innings in seven of eight starts and allowed more than three earned runs in only one.

Lifetime against Arizona, he’s 2-2 in five starts with a 1.89 earned run average.

Young Venezuelan righty Yusmeiro Petit gets his third start of the season in place of injured superstar Randy Johnson.

The 22-year-old, who reached the majors last season and made 15 appearances, defeat St. Louis, 7-1, on July 3 while allowing five hits and a run in 5 1/3 innings. He faced San Francisco in his 2007 debut and allowed four hits and two runs over seven innings of a tough-luck 2-1 loss.

Petit came out of the bullpen in 14 of 15 outings last season. He threw 26 1/3 innings overall and gave up 46 hits and 28 earned runs. He has never faced the Reds.

On Saturday, Norris Hopper’s go-ahead single in the bottom of the eighth lifted the Reds over the Diamondbacks, 5-4.

Edwin Encarnacion chipped in with a two-run homer for Cincinnati, which has won three straight and four of its last five games. Encarnacion entered the game in the third inning, pinch-hitting for Josh Hamilton after the Reds’ center fielder left the game with a sprained right wrist.

Hamilton’s wrist will be placed in a cast and he will be re-evaluated on Sunday.

Jon Coutlangus (4-1) got the win after taking over for Todd Coffey and recording all three outs in the eighth inning. Rookie phenom Homer Bailey allowed just one run and two hits with a pair of walks and five strikeouts over five innings in the start.

Tony Pena (3-2) allowed one run and three hits in two-thirds of an inning for Arizona, which has dropped four straight and seven of its last eight games overall. Starter Brandon Webb was tagged for four runs and five hits over seven innings, hours after he was named an All-Star replacement for Colorado’s Brian Fuentes, who is sidelined with a strained back muscle.

Eric Byrnes hit a three-run homer for the D-Backs, who are now one shy of their season-high losing streak.

Arizona won two of three from the Reds earlier in the season and is 6-5 against them since the start of last season.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS (49-38) AT WASHINGTON NATIONALS (35-52), 1:35 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Milwaukee - Chris Capuano (5-5, 4.28) Washington - Tim Redding (0-1, 5.40)

Rochester, New York native Tim Redding tries again for his first big-league win since 2004 today when the Washington Nationals host the Milwaukee Brewers in the third of a three-game series at RFK Stadium.

The 29-year-old right-hander, in the Nationals’ lineup in place of injured teammate Micah Bowie, allowed five hits and three runs over five innings in his 2007 debut, a 3-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs on July 3.

Redding pitched nine times with the San Diego Padres and once with the New York Yankees in 2005, but hasn’t won since going 5-7 with Houston in 2004. In that season, he made 27 appearances — 17 starts — and had a 5.72 earned run average.

Redding is 4-5 in 14 games against Milwaukee — 10 starts — with a 4.72 ERA.

Left-hander Chris Capuano, meanwhile, tries again for his first win since May 7 against Washington.

In that game, a 3-0 Milwaukee win, Capuano allowed seven hits and struck out nine in eight innings. Since, he’s 0-5 with two no-decisions and has seen his ERA swell from 2.31 to 4.28.

He got a no-decision in his last time out, allowing five hits and one earned run over 3 1/3 innings of the Brewers’ 6-2 loss to Pittsburgh.

Lifetime, Capuano is 1-1 in three starts against the Nationals with a 1.61 ERA.

On Saturday, Austin Kearns’ two-run double capped a four-run fifth inning as the Nationals edged the Brewers, 5-4.

Ryan Church went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored for the Nationals, who had lost four of five and nine of 11 coming in. Jason Simontacchi (6-6) pitched six innings, giving up three runs on eight hits with five strikeouts and a walk to pick up the win.

Johnny Estrada hit a pinch-hit, solo home run in the ninth off Chad Cordero to bring Milwaukee within a run. Corey Hart then walked and went to second on a wild pitch. Cordero, however, induced two straight ground outs to preserve the win and notch his 15th save of the season.

Prince Fielder hit two home runs to tie him with Alex Rodriguez for the major league lead with 29. The Brewers lost for the fourth time in their last five games.

Jeff Suppan (8-8) was tagged for four runs on six hits through five innings, striking out three while walking five.

Milwaukee swept a three-game set from the Nationals in early May, after Washington won five of the six matchups a year ago.

CHICAGO CUBS (44-42) AT PITTSBURGH PIRATES (39-48), 1:35 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Chicago - Carlos Zambrano (10-6, 4.04) Pittsburgh - Shane Youman (1-0, 3.00)

Right-hander Carlos Zambrano looks for his National League- best 11th win of the season today when the Chicago Cubs visit PNC Park for the finale of a three-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Zambrano, who won a career-high 16 games last season, has won three straight and five of six since beginning the season at 5-5. In his last outing on July 3 at Washington, he earned a 3-1 win with 6 2/3 innings of three-hit, one-run ball.

The Pirates beat the 26-year-old Venezuelan on May 10 in Chicago, tagging him for seven hits and four earned runs in six innings of a 6-4 triumph. Lifetime against Pittsburgh, Zambrano is 7-5 in 17 outings — 15 starts — with a 4.22 earned run average.

Southpaw Shane Youman makes his second start of the season in the spot of injured teammate Zach Duke and will look for a second victory.

In his 2007 debut on July 3, Youman, a 27-year-product of Louisiana State University, allowed eight hits and two runs over six innings in a 6-2 win over Milwaukee. The win was Youman’s first in a brief big-league career.

He made five appearances in the majors last season, going 0-2 with a 2.91 ERA in 21 2/3 innings.

He has never faced the Cubs.

On Saturday, Ted Lilly surrendered one run over 7 1/3 innings for his fourth straight winning decision, as the Cubs routed the Pirates, 7-1

Lilly (8-4), who hasn’t been defeated since June 5 at Milwaukee, scattered eight hits with six strikeouts and a walk.

Alfonso Soriano finished 3-for-5 with an RBI and scored twice for the Cubs, who have won 12 of their last 15 games. Ryan Theriot also had three hits with an RBI and a run scored.

Ronny Paulino went 3-for-4 for the Pirates, who had a four-game winning streak come to an end.

John Van Benschoten (0-3), still looking for his first victory since posting his only major league win on Sept. 10, 2004 against Houston, gave up five runs on seven hits with two strikeouts and three walks over 2 2/3 innings for Pittsburgh.

The clubs have now split eight games this season. NEW YORK METS (48-38) AT HOUSTON ASTROS (38-50), 2:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: New York - Dave Williams (0-0, 0.00) Houston - Roy Oswalt (7-5, 3.52)

Lefty Dave Williams makes his 2007 season debut as the New York Mets visit Minute Maid Park for the final game of a four-game series with the Houston Astros.

Williams, a 28-year-old Alaska native, has been sidelined thus far with a herniated disc in his neck, going on the disabled list as of March 23. He’s made three rehabilitation starts in the minors.

The former 17th-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Pirates won a career-high 10 games with the Pirates in 2005, then began the 2006 season with Cincinnati after a trade for Sean Casey. He was 2-3 in eight starts with the Reds, then came to New York and was 3-1 in six games (five starts).

Lifetime, Williams has made six starts against Houston, going 1-3 with a 2.70 earned run average.

Soon-to-be All-Star Roy Oswalt makes his final pre-break start and looks for his first win since June 17. The 29-year-old, a 15-game winner last season after winning 20 in 2005, will replace injured Atlanta starter John Smoltz in the Midsummer Classic lineup.

Oswalt is 0-1 with a pair of no-decisions since his last win, which came in an interleague game against Seattle. He’s allowed 27 hits and seven runs in 20 1/3 innings since, including an interleague loss at Texas and no-decisions in Houston defeats of Colorado and Philadelphia.

Oswalt is 4-3 in nine career starts against the Mets with a 3.28 ERA.

On Saturday, former Astro Carlos Beltran made a game-saving catch in the 14th inning before hitting an RBI single in the top of the 17th to give the Mets the lead, as New York edged Houston, 5-3.

In the 14th, the Astros had runners at first and third and pinch-hitter Luke Scott smacked a deep shot to center field, but Beltran came up with a great catch as he was falling down at the top of the grassy hill in center to keep the game tied.

Jose Reyes walked with one out in the 17th and went to third on Ruben Gotay’s single. Beltran followed with a line drive single to right off Brian Moehler (1-3) to score Reyes with the go-ahead run. It was Beltran’s lone hit in seven at-bats. David Wright’s subsequent single chased home an insurance run.

Billy Wagner worked around a one-out single in the bottom of the inning to preserve the win and pick up his 17th save of the season.

Carlos Delgado hit a two-run home run and Wright finished 4-for-8 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored for the NL East-leading Mets, who had lost five of six.

Aaron Sele (2-0) pitched two scoreless innings to pick up the win.

Morgan Ensberg knocked in two runs and scored once for the Astros, who have lost three of four.

New York and Houston are meeting for the first time since the Mets won four of six games last season. The Mets took two of three at Minute Maid Park in 2006.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (38-47) AT ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (39-45), 2:15 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: San Francisco - Barry Zito (6-8, 4.65) St. Louis - Todd Wellemeyer (2-1, 4.74)

The San Francisco Giants will try for a road sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals for the first time in over nine years when the clubs wrap their three-game set this afternoon at Busch Stadium.

The last time the Giants swept the Cardinals in St. Louis was when the 1998 club took a three-game set from June 5-7. San Francisco has also won all four of its meetings with St. Louis this year so far.

Barry Zito will get one more chance before the All-Star break to halt his recent winless drought for the Giants. Zito is 0-3 over his last five outings and is coming off consecutive no-decisions, including Tuesday against Cincinnati. Versus the Reds, the left-hander allowed three runs on two hits and six walks over five innings of work.

Zito, a three-time All-Star who is not going to the game this year, is just 6-8 with a 4.65 earned run average on the year, his first with the Giants.

The 29-year-old has made just one previous career start against the Cardinals, earning a no-decision on June 15, 2004. On that day, Zito allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits over five frames with eight strikeouts.

Todd Wellemeyer goes for his first win since June 10 with today’s start for the Cardinals. Since besting the Angels, Wellemeyer has gone 0-1 in four outings. He took the loss against Arizona on Tuesday after giving up six runs (four earned) on seven hits in only three innings.

The right-hander is 2-1 with a 4.74 ERA since coming over from Kansas City and will face the Giants for the first time in his career.

Three errors by St. Louis shortstop Aaron Miles led to a four-run seventh inning by the Giants on Saturday, helping San Francisco to a 7-6 victory. Miles threw two balls away and misplayed a grounder in the frame.

Randy Winn had a pair of hits, including a two-run single, for San Francisco, which took advantage of a dropped fly ball by So Taguchi in Friday’s win. Tim Lincecum (4-2) allowed six hits and three runs over six innings to win his second straight start. Brad Hennessey pitched the ninth for his fifth save.

The Giants have won two straight.

Barry Bonds finished 0-for-2 with a pair of walks and a strikeout to remain at 751 career homers, four shy of Hank Aaron’s all-time record. Bonds’ hasn’t homered since Tuesday at Cincinnati.

The left-handed slugger has never faced Wellemeyer in his career. It is possible he will not be in the starting lineup today because of the early game following yesterday’s night game.

Albert Pujols, meanwhile, hasn’t homered in a career-high 21 straight games — spanning 71 at-bats — for the Cardinals, but did have two hits in yesterday’s loss.

Skip Schumaker had three hits, including a solo homer, and scored three times for St. Louis, which has dropped two straight. Braden Looper (6-7) was touched for eight hits and five runs — four earned — over 6 1/3 innings. He also stroked a two-run double.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (43-44) AT COLORADO ROCKIES (44-43), 3:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Philadelphia - Adam Eaton (7-5, 5.67) Colorado - Aaron Cook (5-5, 4.54)

The Philadelphia Phillies will try to avoid hitting a historic losing mark today when they complete their three-game series with the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

Philadelphia has lost the first two games of this set, and Saturday’s 6-3 setback was the 9,999th loss in franchise history. With their next loss, the Phillies will become the first professional sports franchise ever to hit the mark of 10,000 losses.

To be fair, the Phillies began play on May 1, 1883 — over 124 years ago — but even in that time has produced just one World Series title, and that didn’t arrive until 1980.

The Phillies haven’t made the playoffs since 1993, when they reached the World Series, only to loss to Toronto in six games.

Philadelphia’s playoff drought isn’t likely to end this year in the team’s current state. The club has lost four of five and seven of nine games to fall back under .500 at 43-44, and 5 1/2 games behind the first-place New York Mets in the National League East.

In Saturday’s loss, Jimmy Rollins homered and Ryan Howard added a two-run shot for Philadelphia. Rollins’ homer, his 16th on the campaign, was also the 100th of his career, while Howard’s long ball was his 21st of the season.

Jamie Moyer (7-7) was touched for eight hits and five runs with three walks and two strikeouts in the loss. Moyer also fell to 0-4 in four career starts against the Rockies.

Ryan Spilborghs had three hits, including a two-run homer, as the Colorado Rockies overcame a three-run deficit yesterday. Spilborghs finished with three RBI and a run scored for the Rockies, who have won five straight and six of their last seven games to climb back above the .500 mark at 44-43.

Todd Helton also finished with three hits, two RBI and a run scored in the win.

Rodrigo Lopez (5-2) surrendered three runs and five hits over five innings. The right-hander also improved to 5-0 in seven starts at home this year, as the Rockies posted their eighth straight win at Coors Field, their longest such streak since eight in a row in 2003.

On the injury front, Rockies closer Brian Fuentes is day-to-day with a strained left lat muscle. The All-Star will travel to San Francisco, but will not compete in the game. His spot on the NL roster was filled by Arizona’s Brandon Webb.

Rockies starter Aaron Cook has pitched very well over his last two outings and will try to continue that success with today’s start. Cook took a no-decision on June 28 at Houston behind seven innings of one-run ball, and then improved to 5-5 on the year with a 4.54 earned run average after a victory over the Mets on Tuesday.

Cook scattered three runs (two earned) and seven hits over eight innings of an 11-3 victory over New York.

The right-hander has faced Philadelphia six times in his career, five of those starts, and is 1-3 with a 5.87 ERA in that span.

Taking the mound for the Phillies today will be Adam Eaton, who is 0-1 over his last four starts. Eaton was last in action on Tuesday versus Houston and yielded three runs on four hits and four walks with seven strikeouts over six innings of a no-decision. The right-hander is 7-5 on the season with a 5.67 ERA.

The former and long-time Padre has made 23 career starts against the Rockies and is 7-11 with a 6.30 ERA.

This series marks the first of the year between the two clubs. The Phillies won four of seven matchups in 2006 with the Rockies.

FLORIDA MARLINS (42-46) AT LOS ANGELES DODGERS (48-40), 4:10 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Florida - Scott Olsen (6-6, 5.01) Los Angeles - Mark Hendrickson (2-4, 4.05)

The Los Angeles Dodgers will try to avoid a season-high fifth straight loss this afternoon when they conclude their three-game series with the Florida Marlins at Dodger Stadium.

Los Angeles has lost four straight games a trio of times this year. The club lost four in a row from April 22-26, from May 18-21, and now its most recent skid that includes a 7-2 loss on Saturday.

Hanley Ramirez finished 4-for-4 with a double and scored twice for the Marlins, who will try to sweep the Dodgers in LA for the first time in franchise history.

The last time the club swept the Dodgers was a three-game set in Miami in 1999.

Miguel Cabrera, Josh Willingham and Todd Linden all homered as Florida won its third straight game. Starter Sergio Mitre (3-4) notched the win, allowing 11 hits and two runs over seven innings.

Derek Lowe (8-8) took the loss as he was charged with 10 hits and five runs — four earned — with six strikeouts and three walks over 6 1/3 innings.

James Loney tied a career-best with four hits for the Dodgers, who are in second place in the National League West, two games back of San Diego. Jeff Kent finished 2-for-5 with an RBI and run scored, and Juan Pierre collected a pair of hits and scored a run.

The defeat dropped the Dodgers to 3-6 on a 10-game homestand.

Due to a rash of injuries to their pitching staff, the Dodgers will again pull Mark Hendrickson out of the bullpen to start today’s game. Nine of Hendrickson’s 17 appearances this year have been starts, including one just three days ago.

On Wednesday, the left-hander took the loss against Atlanta despite allowing only two runs on seven hits over five innings. The setback dropped Hendrickson to 2-4 on the season with a 4.05 earned run average.

The 6-foot-9 hurler is 1-1 in five lifetime starts against the Marlins with a high 7.04 ERA.

Scott Olsen will start for the Marlins today and is 6-6 on the season with a 5.01 ERA. He is 1-0 over his last three starts, having bested Pittsburgh on June 28 before getting a no-decision on Tuesday at San Diego. Olsen allowed four runs on eight hits and five walks in 5 2/3 frames of his club’s eventual 6-4 victory.

The left-hander is 2-4 in nine career starts against the Dodgers with a 5.66 ERA.

These two clubs split a four-game series in Florida in May. The Dodgers, though, won five of six in the series last year.

ATLANTA BRAVES (46-42) AT SAN DIEGO PADRES (49-37), 8:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Atlanta - Kyle Davies (3-7, 5.85) San Diego - Greg Maddux (7-5, 3.96)

Greg Maddux is again set to face his former club tonight when his San Diego Padres conclude a three-game set with the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park.

Maddux is 8-4 in 16 games (14 starts) against the Braves in his career with two complete games and a 4.12 earned run average. He faced his former club on May 9 in Atlanta and took a no-decision despite 5 1/3 frames of one-run, three-hit ball.

In Maddux’s 11-year career with Atlanta that ranged from 1993-2003, he posted 194 of his 340 career wins.

The 41-year-old will try to rebound from a poor start on Tuesday against Florida when he was hammered for six runs on 10 hits with five strikeouts over 6 1/3 frames of his team’s 6-4 setback. The defeat dropped the right-hander to 7-5 on the year with a 3.96 ERA.

Kyle Davies will attempt to halt a personal five-game winless streak with tonight’s start for Atlanta. Davis dropped four straight starts before taking a no-decision on Tuesday against the Dodgers. The right-hander was shelled for five runs on six hits in just two innings, lifting his ERA to 5.85 to go along with a 3-7 record.

The 23-year-old will be facing San Diego for the first time in his career.

The Braves took the opener of this set on Friday before the Padres bounced back with a win yesterday. Mike Cameron hit a three-run home run as San Diego overcame David Wells’ ejection to beat Atlanta, 8-5.

Wells was tossed in the fourth inning by home plate umpire Ed Hickox for arguing balls and strikes after giving up a two-run homer to Jeff Francoeur.

Kevin Kouzmanoff had three RBI and Khalil Greene finished 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI for the Padres, who had lost four of six but now lead the Dodgers by two games for first place in the NL West.

Trevor Hoffman pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to pick up his 25th save of the season and Heath Bell (3-2) earned the win in relief.

Jo-Jo Reyes made his major league debut and yielded five runs on five hits through three-plus innings for the Braves, who saw their three-game winning streak come to an end. The club trails the Mets by three games for the top spot in the NL East.

Andruw Jones had a two-run triple as Atlanta fell to 5-4 on its 10-game road trip.

The loss also snapped a four-game winning streak by the Braves over the Padres. Atlanta has still won seven of the last nine meetings in the series.

MLB 07/08/2007 1:05 PM EDT 901 arizona diamondbacks(r) petit, y 9.5u20/ 9.5u15/9.5u25 902 cincinnati reds (r) harang, a -165/-149/-150/-147/-144

KEY MOVES BY BETTING PUBLIC TODAY EST

Time of Play Game Date Game # Team 10:20:20am 2007-07-08 911 PHI +129 8:22:46am 2007-07-08 921 CLE -120 8:36:07am 2007-07-08 932 LAD -132 8:12:09am 2007-07-08 903 MIL -153

~ TMac stays with the flow of the WINNERS with the Caribbean Creepers as they pound the big 5 books here in Costa Rica backing the Marlins/Metre with BIG +148 MONEY: Final 7-2

~ 49 of last 68 winning days in the money!

~ 94 of the last 123 days all on the PLUS side $$$ Money

CALL 1-515-489-4077 and learn how we do it differently as we get our VIP partners the BIG MONEY CONSISTENTLY *(on a recorded message!)

~ 264-116-4 big plus $$$ide money in 384 Releases this year + 20-5 Double Crush Shot & 4-0 Triple Crush Shot Winners in 2007

~ We DO NOT handicap games and we are NOT a tout service!

~ UP +101 Units of profit & 127-42 in the last 80 DAYS!

~ 127-42 in the last 169 Crush Shot Releases

~ Dime Players up 167K and we are only in the 1st week of JULY!

~ On a 41-14 MLB downhill RUN!

~ Call 702-990-0126 for more information on how to become a VIP Partner and nail your bookie on our Crush Shots for Sundays MLB action on our VIP Late Steam Hotline!

1:35 PM EDT 903 milwaukee brewers (l) capuano, c -160/-170/-156/-154 904 washington nationals(r) redding, t 9o20/9o15/9o25

1:35 PM EDT 905 chicago cubs (r) zambrano, c -185/-164/-165/-166/-168 906 pittsburgh pirates (l) youman, s 8.5o25/8.5o20/9u15/9u25

TAKE THE BET33.COM “EARLY BIRD FOOTBALL CHALLENGE” & BET MLB ACTION with your FREE $50 Today!

2:05 PM EDT 907 new york mets (l) williams, dave 9o25/9o20 9o15 908 houston astros (r) oswalt, r -185/-174/-164/-162/-160

2:15 PM EDT 909 san francisco giants(l) zito, b -125/-111/-112/-113 910 st. louis cardinals (r) wellemeyer, t 9o15 9

3:05 PM EDT 911 philadelphia phillies(r) eaton, a 11u15 10.5o20 912 colorado rockies (r) cook, a -140/-130/-134/-135

4:10 PM EDT 913 florida marlins (l) olsen, s 914 los angeles dodgers (l) hendrickson, m

8:05 PM EDT 915 atlanta braves (r) davies, k 8.5/8.5u15/8.5/8.5u15 916 san diego padres (r) maddux, g -150/-139/-140/-139/-140 ESPN

1:05 PM EDT 917 los angeles angels (r) santana, e 10u15 / 10 / 10u15 10u20 918 new york yankees (r) wang, c m -215/-184/-185/-189/-195

1:05 PM EDT 919 boston red sox (r) matsuzaka, d -145/-134/-135/-136 920 detroit tigers (l) robertson, n 9.5o20 / 9.5o15/9.5

DETROIT- OF Magglio Ordonez (Rest) is not expected to be in the starting lineup Sunday vs Boston.

1:05 PM EDT 921 cleveland indians (r) byrd, p -125/-120/-123 922 toronto blue jays (r) towers, j 10.5u15/10.5/10.5u15/10.5

CLEVELAND C Victor Martinez (knee) upgraded to probable Sunday vs Toronto. Martinez is scheduled to play first base with Kelly Shoppach catching Paul Byrd. If he passes that test, he should be all right for Tuesday’s All-Star Game at AT&T Park in San Francisco.

TORONTO 3B Troy Glaus (ankle) is expected to miss Sunday vs Cleveland.

2:05 PM EDT 923 minnesota twins (r) silva, c 9o20 / 9o25 9o30 924 chicago white sox (r) vazquez, j -120/-117/-118/-120/-121 WGN

2:10 PM EDT 925 tampa bay devil rays(l) kazmir, s -125 -124 926 kansas city royals (l) de la rosa, j 10u20/9.5o20/9.5o15

3:05 PM EDT 927 baltimore orioles (r) cabrera, d 10/10u15/10u20/9.5o15 928 texas rangers (r) millwood, k -130 -114

4:05 PM EDT 929 seattle mariners (l) feierabend, r 9u15 / 9o15 / 9u15 9 930 oakland athletics (r) blanton, j -200/-185/-174/-175/-180

ARENA FB 07/08/2007 7:00 PM EDT 105 philadelphia soul 114.5 115 +250 106 georgia force -8.5 / -8 -05 -8 -300 ESPN2

SAMPLE EARLY LINES AT BET33.COM

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL - Jul 08

NATIONAL LEAGUE - SUNDAY Jul 08 901 ARI Y PETIT -R +135 o9½EV +1½-155 1:15 PM 902 CIN A HARANG -R -155 u9½-120 -1½+135 Jul 08 903 MIL C CAPUANO -L -160 o9-105 -1½-105 1:35 PM 904 WAS T REDDING -R +140 u9-115 +1½-115 Jul 08 905 CUB C ZAMBRANO-R -170 o8½-120 -1½-110 1:35 PM 906 PIT S YOUMAN -L +150 u8½EV +1½-110 Jul 08 907 NYM D WILLIAMS-L +150 o9½EV +1½-145 2:05 PM 908 HOU R OSWALT -R -170 u9½-120 -1½+125 Jul 08 909 SFO B ZITO -L -120 o9-120 -1½+140 2:15 PM 910 STL WELLEMEYER-R EV u9EV +1½-160 Jul 08 911 PHI A EATON -R +115 o10½-125 +1½-175 3:05 PM 912 COL A COOK -R -135 u10½+105 -1½+155 Jul 08 913 FLA S OLSEN -L 4:10 PM 914 LOS UNDECIDED Jul 08 915 ATL K DAVIES -R +125 o8½-110 +1½-165 8:05 PM 916 SDG G MADDUX -R -145 u8½-110 -1½+145

AMERICAN LEAGUE - SUNDAY Jul 08 917 LAA E SANTANA -R +165 o10-115 +1½-120 1:05 PM 918 NYY C WANG -R -190 u10-105 -1½EV Jul 08 919 BOS D MATSUZAK-R -135 o9½-110 -1½+120 1:05 PM 920 DET ROBERTSON -L +115 u9½-110 +1½-140 Jul 08 921 CLE P BYRD -R -125 o10½-120 -1½+130 1:05 PM 922 TOR J TOWERS -R +105 u10½EV +1½-150 Jul 08 923 MIN C SILVA -R EV o9½EV +1½-200 2:05 PM 924 CWS J VAZQUEZ -R -120 u9½-120 -1½+170 Jul 08 925 TAM S KAZMIR -L -125 o9½-120 -1½+130 2:10 PM 926 KAN DE LA ROSA-L +105 u9½EV +1½-150 Jul 08 927 BAL D CABRERA -R EV o10EV +1½-185 3:05 PM 928 TEX K MILLWOOD-R -120 u10-120 -1½+165 Jul 08 929 SEA FEIERABEND-L +160 o9-105 +1½-135 4:05 PM 930 OAK J BLANTON -R -180 u9-115 -1½+115

GRAND SALAMI NO LISTED PITCHERS - ALL GAMES MUST GO 8.5 INNINGS Jul 08 945 AWAY RUNS 1:05 PM 946 HOME RUNS Jul 08 947 OVER RUNS 1:05 PM 948 UNDER RUNS

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL - Jul 10 MLB ALL STAR GAME - TUESDAY @ AT & T PARK - SAN FRANCISCO, CA Jul 10 941 AMERICAN LEAGUE -125 o10-105 -1½+135 8:20 PM 942 NATIONAL LEAGUE +105 u10-115 +1½-155

1ST HALF - 5 INNINGS First Half Lines - Jul 08

NATIONAL LEAGUE Jul 08 1901 1H ARI Y PETIT -R 1:15 PM 1902 1H CIN A HARANG -R Jul 08 1903 1H MIL C CAPUANO -L 1:35 PM 1904 1H WAS T REDDING -R Jul 08 1905 1H CUB C ZAMBRANO-R 1:35 PM 1906 1H PIT S YOUMAN -L Jul 08 1907 1H NYM D WILLIAMS-L 2:05 PM 1908 1H HOU R OSWALT -R Jul 08 1909 1H SFO B ZITO -L 2:15 PM 1910 1H STL WELLEMEYER-R Jul 08 1911 1H PHI A EATON -R 3:05 PM 1912 1H COL A COOK -R Jul 08 1913 1H FLA S OLSEN -L 4:10 PM 1914 1H LOS UNDECIDED Jul 08 1915 1H ATL K DAVIES -R 8:05 PM 1916 1H SDG G MADDUX -R

AMERICAN LEAGUE Jul 08 1917 1H LAA E SANTANA -R 1:05 PM 1918 1H NYY C WANG -R Jul 08 1919 1H BOS D MATSUZAK-R 1:05 PM 1920 1H DET ROBERTSON -L Jul 08 1921 1H CLE P BYRD -R 1:05 PM 1922 1H TOR J TOWERS -R Jul 08 1923 1H MIN C SILVA -R 2:05 PM 1924 1H CWS J VAZQUEZ -R Jul 08 1925 1H TAM S KAZMIR -L 2:10 PM 1926 1H KAN DE LA ROSA-L Jul 08 1927 1H BAL D CABRERA -R 3:05 PM 1928 1H TEX K MILLWOOD-R Jul 08 1929 1H SEA FEIERABEND-L 4:05 PM 1930 1H OAK J BLANTON -R

ARENA FOOTBALL - Jul 08

DIVISIONAL ROUND - SUNDAY Jul 08 105 PHI SOUL +8-110 o115-110 7:00 PM 106 GEORGIA FORCE -8-110 u115-110

ARENA FOOTBALL - Jul 09

DIVISIONAL ROUND - MONDAY Jul 09 107 LA AVENGERS +10-110 o97-110 8:30 PM 108 CHI RUSH -10-110 u97-110

CYCLING - TOUR DE FRANCE - Jul 11 ***KING OF MOUNTAINS - POLKA DOT JERSEY*** Jul 11 - 3:00 AM WHO WILL BE THE TOP KING OF MOUTAINS 701 MICHAEL RASMUSSEN EV 702 CHRISTOPHE MOREAU +400 703 ALBERTO CONTADOR VELASCO +1100 704 JUAN MIGUEL MERCADO +2500 705 DAVID DE LA FUENTE +2000 706 MICHAEL BOOGERD +3000 707 IBAN MAYO +1500 708 DENIS MENCHOV +3000

BOXING - Jul 14 ***KERMIT CINTRON VS WALTER DARIO MATTHYSSE*** Jul 14 1101 Kermit Cintron -465 5:00 PM 1102 Walter Dario Matthysse +365

KERMIT CINTRON VS WALTER D MATTHYSSE TOTAL ROUNDS Jul 14 1103 Over 9½ rounds +165 5:00 PM 1104 Under 9½ rounds -200

***KASSIM OUMA VS ISHE SMITH*** Jul 14 1201 Kassim Ouma -645 9:30 AM 1202 Ishe Smith +445

KASSIM OUMA VS ISHE SMITH TOTAL ROUNDS Jul 14 1203 Over 9½ rounds -340 9:30 AM 1204 Under 9½ rounds +260

***ANTONIO MARGARITO VS PAUL WILLIAMS*** Jul 14 1211 Antonio Margarito -160 10:00 PM 1212 Paul Williams +130

ANTONIO MARGARITO VS PAUL WILLIAMS TOTAL ROUNDS Jul 14 1213 Over 11½ rounds -105 10:00 PM 1214 Under 11½ rounds -125

***ARTURO GATTI VS ALFONSO GOMEZ*** Jul 14 1231 Arturo Gatti -180 11:00 PM 1232 Alfonso Gomez +150

ARTURO GATTI VS ALFONSO GOMEZ TOTAL ROUNDS Jul 14 1233 Over 9½ rounds -275 11:00 PM 1234 Under 9½ rounds +225

BOXING - Jul 21

THURSDAY ***HOPKINS VS WRIGHT*** Jul 21 1001 Bernard Hopkins +110 10:50 PM 1002 Ronald Wright -140

BERNARD HOPKINS VS RONALD WRIGHT TOTAL ROUNDS Jul 21 1003 Over 11½ rounds -565 10:50 PM 1004 Under 11½ rounds +415

(Saturday, July 7th)

Final Score: Cleveland 9, Toronto 4

Toronto, ON - Casey Blake belted a three-run homer as the Cleveland Indians downed the Toronto Blue Jays, 9-4, in the second of three weekend meetings at Rogers Centre. Victor Martinez, Grady Sizemore and Trot Nixon also hit homers for the Indians, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Martinez left the game in the bottom of the fifth with a bruised left knee and is listed as day-to-day. The catcher, who is on a 12- game hitting streak, was replaced by Kelly Shoppach. Clevland starter Fausto Carmona (10-4) allowed three runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings, walking three and striking out five. Frank Thomas went 3-for-4 with a run scored and Alex Rios tripled for the Blue Jays, who had won three of their previous four. Toronto starter Shaun Marcum (4-3) allowed eight runs and nine hits with one walk and two strikeouts over 3 1/3 frames in the loss.

Final Score: Chicago 3, Minnesota 1

Chicago, IL - Paul Konerko hit a three-run homer and Mark Buehrle threw eight scoreless frames as the Chicago White Sox edged the Minnesota Twins, 3-1, in the third of a four-game set U.S. Cellular Field. Buehrle, (6-4) who has been the subject of trade speculation, yielded just six hits. Bobby Jenks allowed a run in the ninth but was able to pick up his 23rd save in 26 chances. Jerry Owens had two hits and Konerko’s homer was his 17th of the season for the White Sox, whose win comes one day after a day- night doubleheader in which they were hammered 20-14 and 12-0 by the Twins. It was the most runs they’d given up in back-to-back games since 1930. Torii Hunter drove in a run and Luis Castillo had two hits for the Twins, who have lost five of eight. Minnesota starter Boof Bonser (5-6) allowed three runs on four hits in seven frames.

Final Score: LA Angels of Anaheim 2, NY Yankees 1 (13 innings)

Bronx, NY - Howie Kendrick scored the game-winning run in the 13th inning to help the Angels to a 2-1 win over the New York Yankees in the second of a three-game set at Yankee Stadium. Jeff Mathis drove in the other run while Garret Anderson scored the other run for the Angels, who had lost three of four coming into the contest. John Lackey was impressive in the start as he gave up only one run on five hits with and tied a career- high with 11 strikeouts in eight innings of action. Rodriguez (2-2) got the win for pitching two scoreless innings. Bobby Abreu drove in the lone run and Hideki Matsui scored the run for the Yankees, who had won four of five coming into the game. Melky Cabrera struck out in all five of his at- bats. Roger Clemens started on the mound and gave up just one run on five hits with a walk and three strikeouts in eight innings of work. Luis Vizcaino (4-2) got the loss for giving up the unearned run.

Final Score: Seattle 4, Oakland 0

Oakland, CA - Felix Hernandez baffled A’s hitters for eight innings and Adrian Beltre connected on his third home run in the last two games as Seattle blanked Oakland, 4-0. Hernandez (5-4) allowed two hits, walked two and fanned a pair in his second impressive outing on the hill this week. The right-hander was also tremendous on Monday, allowing two runs over eight innings against Kansas City. Hernandez, who threw 116 pitches - 78 for strikes - also tossed a shutout against Oakland on Opening Day and has extended his scoreless streak to 16 innings against the squad. He also improved to 3-2 in six career starts versus the Athletics. Beltre, meanwhile, connected on his 13th homer of the season for Seattle, which has won three of its last four games. The three-run shot in the second inning was his third homer in the last two games after he went 5-for-5 with two homers, two doubles and a single in Friday’s 7-1 victory. Rich Harden (1-2) lasted just 2 2/3 innings in his first start since April 15th, allowing four runs and five hits with three walks and a strikeout. The right-hander was out of commission earlier this season with a shoulder injury, but had pitched well in three relief appearances before moving back to the rotation.

Final Score: Detroit 3, Boston 2 (13 innings)

Detroit, MI - Ivan Rodriguez’s RBI hit with two outs in the 13th inning sent Detroit past Boston, 3-2, in the middle contest of a three-game series at Comerica Park. With Jonathan Papelbon (0-2) on the hill for the home half of the 13th, Gary Sheffield took first when he was plunked by a pitch. Magglio Ordonez flew out, then with Carlos Guillen at the plate, Sheffield stole second. Guillen struck out, but Rodriguez drilled a ball just beyond the outstretched arm of Boston center-fielder Coco Crisp to bring Sheffield home with the winning run. Craig Monroe knocked in two with a double for the AL Central-leading Tigers, who have won four in a row and five of six. Jason Grilli (3-2) pitched a scoreless inning to earn the win. Starter Jeremy Bonderman gave up seven hits and two runs over eight full innings, with nine strikeouts and three walks. David Ortiz hit a two-run homer for the AL East-leading Red Sox, who have lost two in a row following a four-game win streak. Starter Kason Gabbard pitched well for Boston, allowing only three hits and two runs over 6 1/3 innings. Final Score: Kansas City 8, Tampa Bay 7

Kansas City, MO - Mark Grudzielanek hit a two-out, RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Kansas City an 8-7 win over Tampa Bay in the second contest of a three-game set. After Brendan Harris’ RBI single in the top of the ninth tied the game at 7-7, Tony Pena start the home half of the inning with a single off Shawn Camp (0-3). Pena went to second on David DeJesus’ sacrifice bunt and then to third on Esteban German’s groundout. Camp intentionally walked Mark Teahen, who then took second base on defensive indifference. Grudzielanek slapped a 1-0 pitch into right field, easily scoring Pena with the game-winning run. Billy Butler homered and knocked in two runs while German scored twice for the Royals. Octavio Dotel (2-1) picked up the win despite blowing his third save of the season, while starter Gil Meche gave up six runs on five hits through six innings for Kansas City, which ended a brief two-game skid. Carlos Pena hit a two-run home run and Jonny Gomes homered and finished with two RBI for the Devil Rays, who have lost 12 of 13.

Final Score: Baltimore 3, Texas 0

Arlington, TX - Erik Bedard struck out a franchise-record tying 15 batters in a two-hit shutout, as the Baltimore Orioles blanked the Texas Rangers, 3-0. Bedard (7-4) did not walk a batter either, and joined Mike Mussina, who struck out 15 three times, in the Orioles record book. The left-hander retired 19 straight batters between a pair of Texas singles, both of which led to double plays, as Bedard faced the minimum 27 batters. Jay Gibbons homered for the Orioles, who ended a two-game skid. Jay Payton went 2-for-4 and scored a run in the win. Desi Relaford and Sammy Sosa had the lone hits for the Rangers, who have gone 11-6 since June 20. Brandon McCarthy (4-6) allowed two runs - one earned - on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts over six innings for Texas. Final Score: Cleveland 9, Toronto 4

Toronto, ON - Casey Blake belted a three-run homer as the Cleveland Indians downed the Toronto Blue Jays, 9-4, in the second of three weekend meetings at Rogers Centre. Victor Martinez, Grady Sizemore and Trot Nixon also hit homers for the Indians, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Martinez left the game in the bottom of the fifth with a bruised left knee and is listed as day-to-day. The catcher, who is on a 12- game hitting streak, was replaced by Kelly Shoppach. Clevland starter Fausto Carmona (10-4) allowed three runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings, walking three and striking out five. Frank Thomas went 3-for-4 with a run scored and Alex Rios tripled for the Blue Jays, who had won three of their previous four. Toronto starter Shaun Marcum (4-3) allowed eight runs and nine hits with one walk and two strikeouts over 3 1/3 frames in the loss.

Final Score: Chicago 3, Minnesota 1

Chicago, IL - Paul Konerko hit a three-run homer and Mark Buehrle threw eight scoreless frames as the Chicago White Sox edged the Minnesota Twins, 3-1, in the third of a four-game set U.S. Cellular Field. Buehrle, (6-4) who has been the subject of trade speculation, yielded just six hits. Bobby Jenks allowed a run in the ninth but was able to pick up his 23rd save in 26 chances. Jerry Owens had two hits and Konerko’s homer was his 17th of the season for the White Sox, whose win comes one day after a day- night doubleheader in which they were hammered 20-14 and 12-0 by the Twins. It was the most runs they’d given up in back-to-back games since 1930. Torii Hunter drove in a run and Luis Castillo had two hits for the Twins, who have lost five of eight. Minnesota starter Boof Bonser (5-6) allowed three runs on four hits in seven frames. Final Score: LA Angels of Anaheim 2, NY Yankees 1 (13 innings)

Bronx, NY - Howie Kendrick scored the game-winning run in the 13th inning to help the Angels to a 2-1 win over the New York Yankees in the second of a three-game set at Yankee Stadium. Jeff Mathis drove in the other run while Garret Anderson scored the other run for the Angels, who had lost three of four coming into the contest. John Lackey was impressive in the start as he gave up only one run on five hits with and tied a career- high with 11 strikeouts in eight innings of action. Rodriguez (2-2) got the win for pitching two scoreless innings. Bobby Abreu drove in the lone run and Hideki Matsui scored the run for the Yankees, who had won four of five coming into the game. Melky Cabrera struck out in all five of his at- bats. Roger Clemens started on the mound and gave up just one run on five hits with a walk and three strikeouts in eight innings of work. Luis Vizcaino (4-2) got the loss for giving up the unearned run. Final Score: Seattle 4, Oakland 0

Oakland, CA - Felix Hernandez baffled A’s hitters for eight innings and Adrian Beltre connected on his third home run in the last two games as Seattle blanked Oakland, 4-0. Hernandez (5-4) allowed two hits, walked two and fanned a pair in his second impressive outing on the hill this week. The right-hander was also tremendous on Monday, allowing two runs over eight innings against Kansas City. Hernandez, who threw 116 pitches - 78 for strikes - also tossed a shutout against Oakland on Opening Day and has extended his scoreless streak to 16 innings against the squad. He also improved to 3-2 in six career starts versus the Athletics. Beltre, meanwhile, connected on his 13th homer of the season for Seattle, which has won three of its last four games. The three-run shot in the second inning was his third homer in the last two games after he went 5-for-5 with two homers, two doubles and a single in Friday’s 7-1 victory. Rich Harden (1-2) lasted just 2 2/3 innings in his first start since April 15th, allowing four runs and five hits with three walks and a strikeout. The right-hander was out of commission earlier this season with a shoulder injury, but had pitched well in three relief appearances before moving back to the rotation.

Final Score: Detroit 3, Boston 2 (13 innings)

Detroit, MI - Ivan Rodriguez’s RBI hit with two outs in the 13th inning sent Detroit past Boston, 3-2, in the middle contest of a three-game series at Comerica Park. With Jonathan Papelbon (0-2) on the hill for the home half of the 13th, Gary Sheffield took first when he was plunked by a pitch. Magglio Ordonez flew out, then with Carlos Guillen at the plate, Sheffield stole second. Guillen struck out, but Rodriguez drilled a ball just beyond the outstretched arm of Boston center-fielder Coco Crisp to bring Sheffield home with the winning run. Craig Monroe knocked in two with a double for the AL Central-leading Tigers, who have won four in a row and five of six. Jason Grilli (3-2) pitched a scoreless inning to earn the win. Starter Jeremy Bonderman gave up seven hits and two runs over eight full innings, with nine strikeouts and three walks. David Ortiz hit a two-run homer for the AL East-leading Red Sox, who have lost two in a row following a four-game win streak. Starter Kason Gabbard pitched well for Boston, allowing only three hits and two runs over 6 1/3 innings.

Final Score: Kansas City 8, Tampa Bay 7

Kansas City, MO - Mark Grudzielanek hit a two-out, RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Kansas City an 8-7 win over Tampa Bay in the second contest of a three-game set. After Brendan Harris’ RBI single in the top of the ninth tied the game at 7-7, Tony Pena start the home half of the inning with a single off Shawn Camp (0-3). Pena went to second on David DeJesus’ sacrifice bunt and then to third on Esteban German’s groundout. Camp intentionally walked Mark Teahen, who then took second base on defensive indifference. Grudzielanek slapped a 1-0 pitch into right field, easily scoring Pena with the game-winning run. Billy Butler homered and knocked in two runs while German scored twice for the Royals. Octavio Dotel (2-1) picked up the win despite blowing his third save of the season, while starter Gil Meche gave up six runs on five hits through six innings for Kansas City, which ended a brief two-game skid. Carlos Pena hit a two-run home run and Jonny Gomes homered and finished with two RBI for the Devil Rays, who have lost 12 of 13. Final Score: Baltimore 3, Texas 0

Arlington, TX - Erik Bedard struck out a franchise-record tying 15 batters in a two-hit shutout, as the Baltimore Orioles blanked the Texas Rangers, 3-0. Bedard (7-4) did not walk a batter either, and joined Mike Mussina, who struck out 15 three times, in the Orioles record book. The left-hander retired 19 straight batters between a pair of Texas singles, both of which led to double plays, as Bedard faced the minimum 27 batters. Jay Gibbons homered for the Orioles, who ended a two-game skid. Jay Payton went 2-for-4 and scored a run in the win. Desi Relaford and Sammy Sosa had the lone hits for the Rangers, who have gone 11-6 since June 20. Brandon McCarthy (4-6) allowed two runs - one earned - on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts over six innings for Texas.