Associated Press
Posted: 4:16 am
July 20, 2008
Pinch-hitter Erick Aybar hit a bases-clearing triple to highlight a four-run seventh, and the Angels rallied for a 4-2 victory over the Red Sox yesterday in Anaheim.
Los Angeles pinch-hitters were just 6-for-38 with five RBIs this season before Aybar's clutch hit.
The Angels, going for their fourth AL West title in five years, won their fourth straight game to move a season-high 21 games over .500 (they've won a major league-best 59 games) and extend their division lead over the A's to eight games.
Rays 6, Blue Jays 4
In St. Petersburg, Fla., rookie All-Star Evan Longoria hit his first career grand slam during a five-run sixth and Matt Garza threw 72/3 scoreless innings to help the AL East-leading Rays past the Blue Jays.
Longoria had been 3-for-23 with no RBIs in his previous seven games, but broke out of the slide in a big way with the bases-clearing drive off Toronto ace Roy Halladay (11-7) to put the Rays ahead 5-0.
The Rays have won two in a row following a seven-game losing streak and have a 1½ game lead over the Red Sox.
Twins 14, Rangers 2
In Minneapolis, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau each went deep and drove in eight runs between them, and beat the Rangers with a 16-hit barrage.
Orioles 11, Tigers 10 (10)
In Baltimore, Luke Scott homered in the bottom of the 10th - his third blast in two games - and the Orioles rallied from a six-run deficit to beat the Tigers.
Royals 9, White Sox 1
In Chicago, Gil Meche and three relievers combined on a two-hitter, and John Buck and Billy Butler homered to help the Royals beat the White Sox.
Indians 9, Mariners 6
In Seattle, Shin-Soo Choo homered and doubled in his first two at-bats, Jeremy Sowers picked up his first win of the season and the Indians beat the Mariners to snap a 10-game road skid.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
In Miami, rookie catcher John Baker drove in four runs and hit one of three homers for the Marlins, who tightened the race in the NL East. Dan Uggla added a two-run home run, his 24th homer of the season, and Jeremy Hermida hit his 11th.
Pat Burrell hit two solo homers for Philadelphia, giving him 25 this year.
D'backs 3, Dodgers 2
In Phoenix, Dan Haren threw seven scoreless innings and Conor Jackson homered as the Diamondbacks moved one game in front of Los Angeles in the NL West.
Cardinals 6, Padres 5
In St. Louis, Albert Pujols had three hits and four RBIs, helping the Cardinals rally from five runs down to beat the sagging Padres for their fourth straight victory.
Brewers 8, Giants 5
In San Francisco, Rickie Weeks hit a two-run double to cap a four-run sixth inning, Prince Fielder homered and the Brewers won their third straight.
Astros 4, Cubs 1
In Houston, Carlos Lee and Miguel Tejada drove in runs, Wandy Rodriguez struck out seven, and the Astros again stifled the Cubs' offenseto win their fourth straight and fifth in their last six.
Nationals 8, Braves 2
In Atlanta, John Lannan won his rookie matchup against Jair Jurrjens, and Willie Harris had two RBIs and three runs to lead the Nationals.
Rockies 7, Pirates 1
In Denver, Scott Podsednik had three doubles among his four hits to lead the Rockies to their third straight win over the Pirates.
