Indians left fielder Ben Francisco led off the bottom of the ninth with his first major-league homer to beat the Devil Rays 2-1. Francisco, making his first career start, also got his first big-league hit — a single in the fourth. “It was an awesome day,” he said.
Baltimore’s Aubrey Huff hit for the cycle. Huff’s second-inning triple was his 1,000th career hit. The only other Orioles to accomplish the feat were Cal Ripken in 1984 and Brooks Robinson in 1960. Huff is the first Baltimore player to hit for the cycle at home.
Cardinals reliever Troy Percival made a triumphant return, earning the win over the Reds with a perfect seventh. The 37-year-old former All-Star made his first big-league appearance since July 9, 2005. Manager Tony La Russa: “That’s movie material.”
THREE DOWN
J.D. Durbin’s first appearance with the Phillies showed why the right-hander often changes uniforms. Released from three organizations before the second week of April, Durbin allowed six runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings of a 6-5 loss to the Mets.
Justin Verlander’s anticipated pitching duel with the Twins’ Johan Santana never materialized. The Tigers right-hander walked five batters, four of whom scored, in five innings of an 11-1 loss. He gave up four hits and struck out five.
Rockies closer Brian Fuentes gave up a walk-off home run for the second night in a row. Mark Loretta hit a two-run shot with two outs to lift the Astros to a 9-8 win. It was the fourth blown save in eight days for Fuentes, and the Rockies have lost eight straight.
