Former UIC star Curtis Granderson hit his 20th home run in a 6-1 win over the Mariners, making the Tigers’ outfielder only the sixth player with at least 20 homers, 20 doubles and 20 triples in one season. Granderson leads the majors with 21 triples to go with 36 doubles.
Braves veteran ace John Smoltz flirted with a no-hitter until allowing a leadoff single to the Nationals’ Ronnie Belliard in the eighth inning. After his 109th pitch, Smoltz left to a standing ovation. He struck out 10 with just two walks in seven-plus innings.
Jon Lester was outstanding in his eighth start since returning to the majors following a bout with lymphoma, allowing just four hits in seven innings in the Red Sox’s 4-0 victory over the Orioles. The left-hander struck out four and allowed only one runner past second base.
THREE DOWN
With a chance to take over first place by themselves in the NL Central, the Brewers were bashed by the Reds 11-4. Starter Dave Bush allowed eight earned runs on nine hits in one-plus inning. Ken Griffey’s two-run homer ended Bush’s night in the top of the second.
Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman had a really rough night in a 7-1 loss to the Braves. He went 0-for-3 against Smoltz with three strikeouts and also struck out against Rafael Soriano. He also committed three of Washington’s five errors — all on throws.
Athletics starter Dan Haren did Oakland’s fading playoff hopes no favors by getting shelled for five earned runs on 12 hits in just 4 2/3 innings of a 5-3 loss to the Rangers. The A’s have gone 4-9 in their last 13 games.
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Compiled by Mike Pankow
