First baseman Josh Phelps went 4-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs in the Pirates’ 5-1 victory over the Rockies. “I’ve got some stuff that I’m sticking to that I’m ready when I get up there,” said Phelps, who was acquired off waivers from the Yankees on June 22.
The Athletics’ Mike Piazza showed that he still has some life in his bat as he went 4-for-5 with a homer, two doubles and five RBIs in a 12-2 rout of the Devil Rays. Piazza’s RBI double got Oakland started in the first inning, and he added a two-run homer, his fifth, in the sixth.
Adam Dunn connected with a two-run homer to center off Bob Wickman in the bottom of the 12th as the Reds defeated the Braves 9-7. Dunn’s 35th home run of the season ended a frustrating stretch in which he struck out three times in his five previous at-bats.
THREE DOWN
In his second game back from an injured finger, the Tigers’ Joel Zumaya gave up three runs on three hits and took the loss in the Indians’ 3-1 win in 10 innings. He also walked two as he struggled with his control. Detroit dropped to 2 1/2 games back in the AL Central.
The Astros’ Juan Gutierrez was roughed up in the first inning of his first major-league start against the Nationals, allowing five runs on six hits. To his credit, Gutierrez settled down to pitch five innings and gave up just one more run, but the Astros still lost 7-6.
Mets closer Billy Wagner blew his third save of the season as he gave up back-to-back doubles to Khalil Green and Terrmel Sledge and an RBI single to Josh Bard in the ninth. The Padres ended up winning 9-8 in 10 innings.
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Compiled by Mike Pankow
