THREE UP
Cody Ross tied Marlins records with three homers and seven RBIs, Miguel Cabrera went 2-for-3 to take the NL batting lead at .340 and Dan Uggla tied Joe Gordon’s major-league record (1938) with his 24th home run as a rookie second baseman and was a career-best 5-for-5.
Frank Thomas homered in his sixth straight game, setting an Athletics record. The major-league record is eight. Thomas homered on the first pitch he saw in the fourth inning from the Twins’ Carlos Silva. He has 36 homers and 98 RBIs. The ex-White Sox signed for $500,000.
Michael Cuddyer’s home run and four RBIs led the Twins past the Athletics 9-4 and within 1 1/2 games of the idle Tigers. The Twins trailed the Tigers by 12 games at the All-Star break and had not been this close to first place since April 18. Torii Hunter also homered.
THREE DOWN
Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen got a cortisone shot in his ailing hip and has been ruled out until at least Friday. He said he didn’t know if he’d pitch again this season. Isringhausen (4-8, 3.55 ERA) has not been used since Wednesday, when he blew his 10th save in 43 chances.
Astros pitcher Andy Pettitte’s start was pushed back a day to give him extra rest and allow his left ankle more time to heal. It didn’t go well for replacement Taylor Buchholz. He lasted 3 1/3 innings in a 7-0 loss to the Cardinals, giving up five runs on five hits and four walks.
Giants owner Peter Magowan says he’ll hold off on a decision about bringing back Barry Bonds until after the season. Magowan says he has received conflicting signals. “Does he want to play or doesn’t he?” Magowan said. “Sometimes he does and sometimes he doesn’t.”
