Thanks to Carlos Beltran, the Yankees participated in a day-night doubleheader of sorts Wednesday, with the nightcap being a slightly higher-class affair.
Arizona stays alive, knocks out UC Santa Barbara
Arizona left-hander JC Cloney tossed seven shutout innings to lead the Wildcats to a 3-0 win over UC Santa Barbara on Wednesday night in the College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb.
Upton Jr.’s near-homer changes momentum
Melvin Upton Jr. was so certain he’d put the Padres in front with a go-ahead fifth-inning homer into the left-field seats that he put his head down and trotted around the bases — only stopping momentarily when third-base umpire Chris Conroy ruled it foul.
Strasburg, Papelbon progressing from injuries
The Nationals received encouraging news as right-handers Jonathan Papelbon and Stephen Strasburg threw on flat ground without any problems on Wednesday.
Blue Jays’ 3 homers help end D-backs’ streak
Russell Martin slammed a first-inning, three-run home run, while Edwin Encarnacion and Troy Tulowitzki added solo shots to power the Blue Jays past the D-backs, 5-2, and snap Arizona’s five-game winning streak on Wednesday afternoon at Rogers Centre.
Cardinals smilin’, Cubs stylin’ after sweep
The Cardinals made sure the Cubs know they’re not going to hand over the National League Central without a fight. Matt Carpenter hit a two-run double and Aledmys Diaz smacked a two-run homer to back Michael Wacha in St. Louis’ 7-2 victory over Chicago on Wednesday and complete a sweep in front of 41,058.
Beat the Streak leader at 46 on Bogaerts hit
On both Monday and Tuesday, Beat the Streak active leader “Terry_Sims” picked the Astros’ Jose Altuve, who came through on both occasions.
Blue Jays’ tEE has All-Star written all over it
It was Edwing T-shirt giveaway day at Rogers Centre on Wednesday, and designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion was instrumental in the Blue Jays’ 5-2 victory over the D-backs.
Astros sweep Angels with 5th straight win
Marwin Gonzalez hit a tiebreaking RBI triple off the center-field wall then scored on a fielder’s choice to send the red-hot Astros to a 3-2 victory and a three-game sweep of the Angels on Wednesday afternoon at Minute Maid Park.
Injuries have Rangers’ rotation in flux
Just a few weeks ago, the Rangers thought their rotation was at full strength with all five starters appearing to be 100 percent healthy.
Homers boost Crew in Guerra’s strong start
Scooter Gennett and Kirk Nieuwenhuis homered in support of right-hander Junior Guerra, who strung together seven strong innings to help the Brewers split a two-game Interleague set with the A’s by way of a 4-2 victory at the Coliseum on Wednesday afternoon.
Montero’s right knee OK after catcher exits
Cubs catcher Miguel Montero had to leave Wednesday’s game after tweaking his right knee on a play at the plate in the sixth inning, and his replacement, rookie Willson Contreras, stepped in and belted a two-run home run in the seventh in Chicago’s 7-2 loss to the Cardinals.
Who wears short shorts? Cubs take theme trip
Joe Maddon was wearing a bright pink short-sleeved sport coat and shorts with tennis shoes decorated with a flamingo print. Addison Russell also had a flamingo theme with his jacket and shorts. And David Ross wore some brightly colored board shorts that were more suitable for Oak Street Beach than a bus ride.
Cueto not thinking about All-Star nod chances
Johnny Cueto has been left off the All-Star team in previous seasons when his first-half performance seemed to dictate a trip to the Midsummer Classic. So he tempered his enthusiasm when he was asked about representing the Giants in his first year with the club.
Cardinals’ bats solve ace Arrieta
The Cardinals solved Cubs ace Jake Arrieta by driving up his pitch count and getting into the bullpen to beat baseball’s top team, 7-2, on Wednesday.
Reds place Simon on DL; Lorenzen activated
The Reds placed pitcher Alfredo Simon on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday with a strained right trapezius near the shoulder. It cleared a spot for pitcher Michael Lorenzen, who was activated from the 60-day DL.
Cole won’t come off disabled list Sunday
Pirates ace Gerrit Cole is making progress in his recovery from a right triceps strain, but he will not be available Sunday, the first day he is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list, according to head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk.