THREE UP
Reds starter Kyle Lohse threw a six-hit shutout to beat the Pirates 6-0, snapping a personal six-game losing streak. “The defense picked me up today,” Lohse said. “When they do that, it gives you the confidence to keep pounding the strike zone.”
Former Cubs starter Steve Trachsel pitched a five-hitter to win his third straight start in the Orioles’ 9-1 win over the Royals. Trachsel, who took a shutout into the seventh inning, last had a nine-inning complete game Aug, 18, 2003, a two-hitter for the Mets.
Jeff Francis allowed five hits in 7 2/3 innings for the Rockies in a 6-2 victory over the Cardinals. “Nobody motivates us more than ourselves,” said Francis, who is 3-1 with a 2.23 ERA in May. “We’re out here winning, so they’re not writing bad things about us.”
THREE DOWN
Braves third baseman Chipper Jones missed his fifth consecutive game with a sore thumb. Jones had hoped to play after a successful batting practice Sunday and another BP session Monday. He remains day-to-day but could play as early as Tuesday.
The Rockies put former Sox right-hander Josh Fogg on the DL because of a strained left groin. Pitching isn’t a problem, manager Clint Hurdle said. “But the complications that can come from moving off the mound, we felt liked we’d err on the side of caution.”
Once-promising third baseman Andy Marte was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo by the Indians. Marte spent time on the disabled list with a hamstring injury earlier this season but was batting just .180 (9-for-50) in 16 games and has been stuck on the bench since returning.
