Catcher David Ross’ two solo homers, not to mention solo shots by Will Middlebrooks and David Ortiz, helped fuel the Red Sox to a 7-3 victory over the Astros on Friday night at Fenway Park.

Luis Valbuena crushed a 1-1 delivery from Marlins closer Steve Cishek with two outs in the top of the ninth and sent it into the Marlins’ bullpen for a solo home run to break a tie on Thursday. He pointed his right index finger in the air as he rounded first, because it would prove to be the decisive swing of the game as the Cubs won, 4-3.

He’s the oldest living former Major Leaguer, and although Conrado Eugenio “Connie” Marrero’s playing days are long over, there’s something to celebrate — something greater than any strikeout or complete game he ever recorded. Thursday marked Marrero’s birthday. His 102nd birthday.

Robinson Cano belted a three-run homer, Vernon Wells and Francisco Cervelli also cleared the fences, and the Yankees outslugged the Blue Jays, 5-3, on Thursday at Yankee Stadium.

A disputed call during the seventh inning of Thursday night’s game between the Blue Jays and Yankees led to Blue Jays manager John Gibbons being ejected for the second time in as many games.

Gio Gonzalez allowed one hit over eight innings and Danny Espinosa drove in three runs to help the Nationals defeat the Reds, 8-1, on Thursday night. Washington is now back at .500 with an 11-11 record.

Daniel Bard entered Thursday’s 7-2 win against the Astros with a five-run lead in the ninth inning. There was little pressure in the game, but the right-hander said he was still feeling the adrenaline.

Clay Buchholz hurled 7 2/3 innings of two-run ball as the Red Sox cruised to a 7-2 win over the Astros, making Buchholz the first five-game winner in the Majors.

A’s pitching coach Curt Young was ejected in the top of the third inning in Thursday’s game against the Orioles by first-base umpire Jim Reynolds for arguing about an at-bat from early in the frame.

The Nationals broke out of their offensive funk on Thursday night, and that’s nice. They also got their No. 2 starter back on track, and that’s critical.

Adam Dunn crushed a two-run homer and Chris Sale picked up a win on a night he didn’t have his best stuff as the White Sox claimed a 5-2 victory over the Rays on Thursday at U.S. Cellular Field.

Tommy Hanson is expected to return from bereavement leave on Monday and is tentatively scheduled to start that day’s series opener in Oakland, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Thursday.

Yunel Escobar, who sat out the Rays’ game Thursday night against the White Sox with tightness in his right hamstring, is listed as day to day, but manager Joe Maddon said it won’t be known until Friday how long the shortstop actually will be sidelined.

Derek Jeter said that it has been “difficult” and “frustrating” to remain on the disabled list with an injured left ankle while his team plays, but he has vowed to rejoin the lineup this season.

Houston native Laynce Nix had his bat company, Victus, manufacture a special bat for him, with “Pray for West, Texas; April 17, 2013,” printed on the barrel as a tribute to those who died and were injured in the horrific fertilizer factory explosion.

With their long-time tormentor Justin Verlander out of Thursday’s game, the Royals exploded with five 10th-inning runs, including Alex Gordon’s long grand slam, for a stunning 8-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers on a chilly, wet afternoon at Comerica Park.

Andre Ethier singled off former Dodgers farmhand Scott Rice with one out in the ninth inning to score Nick Punto and the Dodgers went on to a 3-2 win over the Mets Thursday.