THREE UP
Rich Harden struck out a career-high 11 and became the first A’s pitcher to start 5-0 since Billy Koch in 2002, beating the Phillies 5-0. Harden is 18-3 when pitching at least seven innings.
Matt Garza tossed a one-hitter and his first career complete game in a 6-1 Rays win over the Marlins. He allowed just a solo homer to Hanley Ramirez in the seventh. He struck out 10, walked one.
Albert Pujols came off the disabled list and went 4-for-4 in a 3-2 loss to the Tigers. Pujols missed 13 games with a calf injury: “I wasn’t surprised about my day. I work hard for everything I do.”
THREE DOWN
Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton had to leave Thursday’s game against the Astros after being hit on his left hand by a pitch from Wandy Rodriguez in the first inning. X-rays were negative.
Edinson Volquez had his worst outing of the season, allowing a season-high seven runs in 41/3 innings in the Reds’ 7-1 loss to the Blue Jays. Volquez’s ERA rose from 1.71 to 2.08.
Kevin Millwood gave up a season-high-tying 12 hits and seven runs in five innings of work as the Rangers lost 7-2 to the Astros. The defeat dropped Millwood to 5-4 with a 5.08 ERA.
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EDITED BY BOB FOLTMAN AND THOMAS L. OUTLAW
