Cardinals Clip Pirates, Cubs Upend Brewers

Cardinals Clip Pirates

(St. Louis, MO) -- Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright helped himself at the plate to lead them to a 6-4 win over the Pirates at Busch Stadium. Wainwright had three RBI and made it through six innings to pick up his 16th win with Pat Neshek closing it out for the save. Peter Bourjosand Matt Carpenter each chipped in an RBI to help St. Louis to its fourth straight victory. The Cards are two games ahead of the slumping Brewers for first place in the NL Central. Jeff Locke surrendered four earned runs in three-plus innings to fall to 6-4 for Pittsburgh, which has lost three in-a-row. Starling Marte blasted a two-run homer and Russell Martin and Jordy Mercer added solo shots in the loss.

The Cardinals and Pirates wrap up their three-game series from Busch Stadium this afternoon. St. Louis is looking for its fifth straight win and sends Shelby Miller to the hill. Pittsburgh counters with Edinson Volquez, who is 11-7 with a 3.45 ERA. First pitch is at 12:45.

The Cardinals have activated right-hander Jason Motte from the 15-day disabled list. Motte was out with a lower back sprain. The Cards also recalled lefties Marco Gonzales, Nick Greenwood and Tyler Lyons along with catcher Tony Cruz from the minors.

Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is the National League Player of the Week. Holliday hit .370 during last week with four home runs, 13 RBI, 24 total bases and a .889 slugging percentage for the NL Central-leading Cards. He's hitting .268 with 16 homers on the season.

The Cardinals are sending Justin Masterson to the bullpen. The right-hander was acquired at the trade deadline from the Indians, but has struggled to a 2-3 record with a 7.90 ERA since joining St. Louis. Masterson has allowed five or more runs in four of his six starts for the Cards.

When the Cardinals start a crucial four-game series with the Brewers Thursday in Milwaukee, it will be youngster Michael Wacha on the hill. Wacha hasn't pitched for the Cards since June 17. He's been dealing with a stress reaction in his right shoulder.

Cubs Upend Brewers Behind Arrieta

(Chicago, IL) -- Jake Arrieta tossed six innings of one-run ball as the Cubs downed the Brewers 7-1 at Wrigley Field. Arrieta moved to 8-5 while Arismendy Alcantara hit a two-run homer in the win. Luis Valbuena was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs as Chicago won its eighth in 12 games. Yovani Gallardo dipped to 8-and-8 after allowing seven runs in five innings, though two of the runs were unearned. Ryan Braun drove in a run while Aramis Ramirez had two hits for Milwaukee, which slips two games back of the Cardinals in the NL Central with its seventh straight loss.

Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro left last night's game in the first inning with a left ankle sprain. Initial tests appeared to rule out a fracture, but Castro is due for an MRI and more tests. He left the field under his own power after sliding into the plate and getting his spikes caught in the dirt.

An MRI has revealed a mild back strain for Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo. The All-Star will be out indefinitely with the injury and would be heading to the disabled list if rosters had not expanded for September. Rizzo has already missed eight games.

The Cubs are expanding their roster. Chicago recalled seven players from Triple-A Iowa prior to Tuesday's game. Outfielder Junior Lake, catcher Rafael Lopez and pitchers Arodys Vizcaino, Brian Schlitter, Dan Straily, Zac Rosscup and Eric Jokisch joined the team.

The Cubs and Brewers wrap up their three-game series tonight at Wrigley Field. Chicago sends Kyle Hendricks to the mound. He's 5-1 with a 1.91 ERA in nine starts. Milwaukee counters with Matt Garza, who is 7-7 with a 3.58 ERA. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

White Sox Top Twins In 10

(Minneapolis, MN) -- Dayan Viciedo hit a go-ahead solo homer in the top of the 10th and Tyler Flowers added a two-run shot later in the inning, as the White Sox topped the Twins 6-3 at Target Field. Flowers also had a two-run blast in the third, while Carlos Sanchez went 3-for-4 with an RBI-double for Chicago, which has won three of four. Daniel Webb earned the win and Jake Petricka picked up his 11th save. Kennys Vargas hit a two-run homer and Danny Santana doubled in the other run for the Twins, who have dropped eight of ten.  Lester Oliveros suffered his first career loss.

The White Sox are adding to the roster. Chicago recalled seven players prior to Tuesday's game. Right-handed pitchers Chris Bassitt and Scott Carroll, outfielder Jordan Danks, catcher Josh Phegley, infielder Marcus Semien and left-hander Eric Surkamp are up from Triple-A.

The White Sox and Twins close out their brief two-game set tonight at Target Field. Chicago sends John Danks to the hill. He's 9-9 with a 4.88 ERA this season. Minnesota counters with Trevor May, who is 0-4 with a 10.42 ERA in four starts. First pitch is at 7:10.

Phillies Blank Braves

(Atlanta, GA) -- For a second straight game, the Phillies silenced the Braves' bats pulling out a 4-0 win in the middle contest of a three-game set at Turner Field. On Monday, Atlanta was no-hit by Cole Hamels and three relievers. Tuesday, Kyle Kendrick limited them to three hits in seven innings to improve to 8-11. Carlos Ruiz hit a homer and had two RBI for Philadelphia, which is 7-2 in its last nine. Mike Minor took his ninth loss despite pitching seven-and-one-third innings and allowing three runs. Jason Heyward had two of Atlanta's three hits. The Braves have dropped three or four.

Mets Drop Marlins

(Miami, FL) -- David Wright went 3-for-4 with three RBI to help guide the Mets to an 8-6 win over the Marlins in the second of a three-game set from Marlins Park. Juan Lagares tallied four hits and plated two runs and Lucas Duda chipped in an RBI for New York, which has won three of five. Jonathon Niese improved to 8-and-10 with the win and Jenrry Mejia notched his 22nd save. Brad Penny took the loss, getting tagged for four runs in just three innings of work as Miami fell to 3-7 in its last 10. Giancarlo Stanton belted a two-run homer and Christian Yelich went 3-for-5 with an RBI-single.

Giants Score 12 In Win Over Rockies

(Denver, CO) -- Buster Posey went 3-for-5 with a solo home run and four RBI to help guide the Giants to a 12-7 win over the Rockies at Coors Field. Andrew Susac blasted a two-run shot and totaled three RBI while Gregor Blanco and Hunter Pence each drove in a run and scored twice. George Kontos improved to 4-0 in relief for San Fran, which has won six of its last seven. Corey Dickerson plated three runs and DJ LeMahieu added a solo homer and two RBI for Colorado. Matt Belisle fell to 4-7 with the loss as the Rockies dropped to 2-6 in their last eight games.

Dodgers Top Nationals

(Los Angeles, CA) -- Clayton Kershaw fired eight innings of one-run ball and racked up eight strikeouts as the Dodgers clipped the Nationals 4-1 at Dodger Stadium. Kershaw improved to 17-and-3 and Kenley Jansen earned his 39th save. Juan Uribe hit a two-run bomb in the win and Adrian Gonzalez added an RBI. The Dodgers remain two games up on the Giants in the National League West. Bryce Harper hit a solo shot for the Nationals' only run. Doug Fister fell to 12-6 after allowing three earned runs and ten hits in five-plus innings. With the loss, Washington holds a seven-game cushion in the East.

Padres Walk-Off On Arizona

(San Diego, CA) -- Cory Spangenberg hit his first career home run in walk-off fashion to give the Padres a 2-1 win over the Diamondbacks at Petco Park.  Alexi Amarista drove in a run in the win as San Diego improved to 6-and-1 in its last seven contest. Kevin Quackenbush notched the victory in relief and Odrisamer Despaigne allowed one run in seven-innings for the no-decision. Brad Ziegler took the loss in the ninth and Wade Miley pitched one-run ball for seven frames in the start. Miguel Montero plated the lone run for Arizona, which has dropped three of its last four.

Tigers Rally Past Indians

(Cleveland, OH) -- J.D. Martinez blasted a three-run homer in the ninth inning to give Detroit the lead and eventual 4-2 win over the Indians at Progressive Field. Martinez finished with three hits while Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez added three knocks each. Alex Avila drove in a run for the Tigers, who have won three of four. Kyle Lobstein struck out ten in a no-decision.  Phil Coke earned the win in relief and Joe Nathan locked down his 29th save. Carlos Carrasco gave up ten hits, struck out ten and allowed one run for the no-decision as the Indians dropped their second straight contest. Cody Allen took the loss and blown save while Carlos Santana hit a two-run dinger in the defeat.

Red Sox Cruise Past Yankees

(Bronx, NY) -- Xander Bogaerts went 4-for-5 with a solo homer and two RBI as the Red Sox downed the Yankees 9-4 in the Bronx. Daniel Nava added a three-run homer while Mookie Betts knocked a solo shot as Boston won its fifth in eight games. Betts and Yoenis Cespedes each finished 3-for-5 while Joe Kelly grabbed his first win with the Sox after 6 2/3 innings of three-run ball. Shane Greene was tagged for six runs across 2 2/3 innings and fell to 4-2 for New York. Brian McCann and Martin Prado each hit solo homers as the Yanks lost a third straight.

Royals Bounce Rangers

(Kansas City, MO) -- Jeremy Guthrie allowed one run over seven innings as the Royals knocked off the Rangers 2-1 at Kauffman Stadium. Guthrie took the no-decision while Jason Frasor earned the win and Aaron Crow locked down his sixth-career save. Norichika Aoki doubled twice and plated a run for the Royals, who hold a half-game lead on the Tigers in the AL Central. Derek Holland was lights out in his season debut, tossing seven-innings and striking out six while allowing one run for Texas. Michael Kirkman took the loss out of the pen and Daniel Robertson drove in the lone run for the Rangers, who have dropped four in-a-row.

Astros Dump Angels In Lawless Debut

(Houston, TX) -- The Astros stormed out to a seven-run lead and held on for an 8-3 win over the Angels in the first of two from Minute Maid Park. Jose Altuve was 4-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored. It was interim manager Tom Lawless' debut after the Astros fired Bo Porter on Monday. Brad Peacock picked up his fourth win, allowing two runs over 6 1/3 innings for Houston, which has won three in-a-row and four of five. Chris Iannetta and Gordon Beckham each had an RBI in the defeat. C.J. Wilson's season long struggles continued as he gave up five runs and did not get out of the fourth inning to take his ninth loss. The Halos maintained a 4 1/2 game lead over the A's in the AL West as Oakland fell to the Mariners.

Mariners Hold Off Athletics

(Oakland, CA) -- Kyle Seager smacked a two-run homer as the Mariners jumped out to a six-run lead and held on for a 6-5 win over the Athletics in the middle of a three-game set in Oakland. Austin Jackson and Endy Chavez drove in two runs apiece for the M's, who have won two of three since a three-game skid.  James Paxton pitched 7 2/3 innings of two-run ball as he improved to 5-1. Fernando Rodney closed it out for his 40th save. Craig Gentry went 3-for-4 with a two-run double, while Brandon Moss and Sam Fuld both had pinch-hit RBI-doubles in the ninth for the A's, who have dropped five of six. Sonny Gray gave up all six runs in five frames to fall to 13-8 with the loss.

Orioles Hold Off Reds, Increase AL East Lead

(Baltimore, MD) -- Jonathan Schoop hit a solo homer and turned a double play to end the game as the Orioles dropped the Reds 5-4 at Camden Yards. Bud Norris struck out seven over six scoreless innings to improve to 12-and-8 while Zach Britton earned his 32nd save. Nelson Cruz was 2-for-4 with an RBI and run as Baltimore won its fifth in six games and increased its AL East lead to 9 1/2 games over the Yankees. The O's magic number to clinch is down to 17. Mat Latos allowed five runs over five innings for Cincinnati and fell to 5-4. Jay Bruce hit a grand slam to help the Reds pull within one, but they still suffered their third loss in four games. The teams withstood a rain delay of one hour and 46 minutes in the first inning after the start of the game was also delayed 23 minutes.

Tuesday, September 2 Scoreboard

MLB National League

New York Mets 8, Miami Marlins 6

Philadelphia Phillies 4, Atlanta Braves 0

Chicago Cubs 7, Milwaukee Brewers 1

St. Louis Cardinals 6, Pittsburgh Pirates 4

San Francisco Giants 12, Colorado Rockies 7

Los Angeles Dodgers 4, Washington Nationals 1

San Diego Padres 2, Arizona Diamondbacks 1

MLB American League

Boston Red Sox 9, New York Yankees 4

Detroit Tigers 4, Cleveland Indians 2

Toronto Blue Jays 8, Tampa Bay Rays 2

Houston Astros 8, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 3

Chicago White Sox 6, Minnesota Twins 3 (10 inn)

Kansas City Royals 2, Texas Rangers 1

Seattle Mariners 6, Oakland Athletics 5

MLB Interleague

Baltimore Orioles 5, Cincinnati Reds 4

Wednesday, September 3 Schedule (All Times Central)

MLB National League

11:10 a.m. - Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves

12:45 p.m. - Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals

2:10 p.m. - Washington Nationals at Los Angeles Dodgers

2:10 p.m. - San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies

6:10 p.m. - New York Mets at Miami Marlins

7:05 p.m. - Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs

9:05 p.m. - Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres

MLB American League

2:35 p.m. - Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics

6:05 p.m. - Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees

6:05 p.m. - Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians

6:10 p.m. - Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays

7:10 p.m. - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Houston Astros

7:10 p.m. - Chicago White Sox at Minnesota Twins

7:10 p.m. - Texas Rangers at Kansas City Royals

MLB Interleague

6:05 p.m. - Cincinnati Reds at Baltimore Orioles