Beltre Hits For Third Career Cycle, Cubs Postponed

Adrian Beltre came to bat in the fifth inning looking for a pitch he could hit over the wall. He got one to match an MLB record.

Beltre homered in his fourth at-bat to complete his third career cycle, becoming the first player since the 1930s to accomplish that, in the Texas Rangers' wild 12-9 victory over the AL West-leading Houston Astros on Monday night.

"Not going to lie, I was looking for a home run," said Beltre, who lined a fastball into the seats in left field.

A two-run triple by Beltre in the first inning put the Rangers ahead to stay at 3-2. He had a double in the second on another ball hit into the left-center gap, but he suddenly put on the brakes after rounding the base hard instead of going for another triple.

Beltre had a single in the third before his ninth homer of the season completed the cycle against the third Astros pitcher. He was one of five Texas players with multiple RBIs in the game.

Rays 5, White Sox 4

If the Tampa Bay bench hadn't been so depleted, Mikie Mahtook might never have batted with two outs in the ninth inning

Instead, the rookie outfielder took advantage of his chance, hitting an RBI single that sent the Rays over the Chicago White Sox 5-4 Monday night.

"I had some opportunities earlier in the game that I didn't come through for us," Mahtook said. "It's one of those things where you never want to fail."

Had manager Kevin Cash not already used left-handed hitters Grady Sizemore -- who stroked a game-tying solo homer in the eighth inning -- and James Loney earlier, it's likely one of the two would have pinch hit for Mahtook against right-hander David Robertson (4-3).

Cubs, Pirates Postponed

A.J. Burnett didn't get good news Monday after having an MRI on his ailing elbow. Yet the Pittsburgh right-hander knew it could have been worse. Burnett was diagnosed with a strained flexor tendon, rather than a torn ligament.

"I'm going to do everything I can to make it back," the 38-year-old Burnett said. Burnett also reiterated that he will retire at the end of the season.

Hours later, the scheduled game between the Pirates and Chicago Cubs was postponed after two rain delays totaling almost 3 1/2 hours. No makeup date was announced.

Monday, August 3 Scoreboard

Toronto 5, Minnesota 1

Chicago at Pittsburgh, Postponed

Arizona 6, Washington 4

Atlanta 9, San Francisco 8 (F/12)

New York Mets 12, Miami 1

Texas 12, Houston 9

Tampa Bay 5, Chicago White Sox 4

San Diego 13, Milwaukee 5

Seattle 8, Colorado 7

Los Angeles Angeles 5, Cleveland 4

Baltimore 9, Oakland 2

Tuesday, August 4 Schedule (All Times Central)

Boston at New York, 6:05 p.m.

Arizona at Washington, 6:05 p.m.

Los Angeles at Philadelphia, 6:05 p.m.

Chicago at Pittsburgh, 6:05 p.m.

Minnesota at Toronto, 6:07 p.m.

Kansas City at Detroit, 6:08 p.m.

San Francisco at Atlanta, 6:10 p.m.

St. Louis at Cincinnati, 6:10 p.m.

New York at Miami, 6:10 p.m.

Houston at Texas, 7:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Chicago, 7:10 p.m.

San Diego at Milwaukee, 7:10 p.m.

Seattle at Colorado, 7:40 p.m.

Cleveland at Los Angeles, 9:05 p.m.

Baltimore at Oakland, 9:05 p.m.