THREE UP Ian Kinsler had a career-high five hits, including a two-run homer, as the Rangers outslugged the Orioles 15-7. Before Sunday, the second baseman was 18-for-88 (.205) since the All-Star break and was homerless since July 5.
After going hitless in his first six at-bats, the Brewers’ Gabe Kapler homered off the foul pole in the 13th in a 5-4 win over the Nationals. He had struck out twice, reached on an error and gotten only one ball out of the infield.
The Rays recorded their franchise-best 71st victory, beating the Mariners 11-3. Also, Rocco Baldelli, out since May 15, 2007, returned from various ailments, including a balky hamstring and mitochondrial disorder.
THREE DOWN
Livan Hernandez received a rude welcome back to the NL as the new Rockies pitcher was hammered for nine runs in 22/3 innings in a 16-7 loss to the Padres. The Twins released Hernandez earlier this month.
Second baseman Nick Punto went 0-for-5 with a career-high four strikeouts in the Twins’ 5-4 loss to the Royals in 12 innings. Punto also popped out and stranded four runners on base.
Hong-Chih Kuo allowed two runs in the ninth as the Dodgers fell 5-4, losing for the second straight day in the Giants’ last at-bat. Jonathan Broxton gave up two runs in the 10th inning of a 3-2 loss Saturday.
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EDITED BY MIKE PANKOW AND THOMAS L. OUTLAW
