KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Marcus Semien provided just enough early offense and Mike Fiers and three Oakland relievers combined to shut down the Kansas City Royals in a 2-1 victory Tuesday night.Semien scored in the first inning and drove in a run in the second. That was all the offense the A's pitchers needed one day after Oakland had a season-high 19 runs.Fiers (13-3) scattered eight hits in his 5 1/3 innings, but allowed just Alex Gordon's RBI double in the sixth. He's now won 11 straight decisions, dating to May 7, tying Mark Mulder for the second-longest winning streak in Oakland history.Mike Montgomery (3-7) surrendered an unearned run in the first and another run in the second, but gave up nothing else through 6 1/3 innings.ORIOLES 2, NATIONALS 0WASHINGTON (AP) — Aaron Brooks came up with an unexpected pitching gem against the torrid-hitting Nationals, throwing six innings of two-hit ball to help Baltimore end Washington's five-game winning streak.The Nationals were coming off a weekend... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Marcus Semien provided just enough early offense and Mike Fiers and three Oakland relievers combined to shut down the Kansas City Royals in a 2-1 victory Tuesday night.Semien scored in the first inning and drove in a run in the second. That was all the offense the A's pitchers needed one day after Oakland had a season-high 19 runs.Fiers (13-3) scattered eight hits in his 5 1/3 innings, but allowed just Alex Gordon's RBI double in the sixth. He's now won 11 straight decisions, dating to May 7, tying Mark Mulder for the second-longest winning streak in Oakland history.Mike Montgomery (3-7) surrendered an unearned run in the first and another run in the second, but gave up nothing else through 6 1/3 innings.ORIOLES 2, NATIONALS 0WASHINGTON (AP) — Aaron Brooks came up with an unexpected pitching gem against the torrid-hitting Nationals, throwing six innings of two-hit ball to help Baltimore end Washington's five-game winning streak.The Nationals were coming off a weekend... [More]

Reds first. Nick Senzel hit by pitch. Joey Votto flies out to deep center field to Lewis Brinson. Nick Senzel to second. Eugenio Suarez homers to center field. Nick Senzel scores. Aristides Aquino walks. Phillip Ervin grounds out to third base, Neil Walker to Garrett Cooper. Jose Iglesias walks. Curt Casali flies out to deep left center field to Lewis Brinson.2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 left on. Reds 2, Marlins 0.Marlins first. Jon Berti doubles to deep left field. Harold Ramirez strikes out swinging. Garrett Cooper lines out to deep right field to Aristides Aquino. Jon Berti to third. Neil Walker walks. Isan Diaz doubles to deep right center field, tagged out at third, Nick Senzel to Freddy Galvis to Eugenio Suarez. Neil Walker scores. Jon Berti scores.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Reds 2, Marlins 2.Marlins second. Jorge Alfaro singles to shortstop. Lewis Brinson singles to right center field. Jorge Alfaro to third. Austin Dean singles to center field. Lewis Brinson to second. Jorge... [More]

Reds first. Josh VanMeter walks. Freddy Galvis walks. Eugenio Suarez flies out to deep left field to Bryan Reynolds. Aristides Aquino singles to left field. Freddy Galvis to third. Josh VanMeter scores. Jose Iglesias singles to center field. Aristides Aquino to third. Freddy Galvis scores. Derek Dietrich hit by pitch. Jose Iglesias to second. Curt Casali out on a sacrifice fly to right field to Jose Osuna. Jose Iglesias to third. Aristides Aquino scores. Phillip Ervin pops out to Elias Diaz.3 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Reds 3, Pirates 0.Pirates first. Kevin Newman doubles to deep center field. Bryan Reynolds singles to center field, advances to 3rd. Kevin Newman scores. Throwing error by Phillip Ervin. Starling Marte strikes out swinging. Josh Bell out on a sacrifice fly to center field to Phillip Ervin. Bryan Reynolds scores. Colin Moran called out on strikes.2 runs, 2 hits, 1 error, 0 left on. Reds 3, Pirates 2.Pirates second. Jose Osuna walks. Adam Frazier flies out to right... [More]

Pirates third. Jacob Stallings singles to center field. Erik Gonzalez flies out to right field to Aristides Aquino. Trevor Williams out on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield, Derek Dietrich to Freddy Galvis. Jacob Stallings to second. Kevin Newman walks. Bryan Reynolds doubles to right field, advances to 3rd. Kevin Newman scores. Jacob Stallings scores. Fielding error by Derek Dietrich. Starling Marte grounds out to shallow infield, Alex Wood to Derek Dietrich.2 runs, 2 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Pirates 2, Reds 0.Pirates sixth. Kevin Newman walks. Bryan Reynolds walks. Kevin Newman to second. Starling Marte reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Bryan Reynolds out at second. Kevin Newman to third. Josh Bell hit by pitch. Starling Marte to second. Jose Osuna singles to second base. Josh Bell to second. Starling Marte to third. Kevin Newman scores. Colin Moran pinch-hitting for Pablo Reyes. Colin Moran homers to right field. Jose Osuna scores. Josh Bell scores. Starling Marte scores.... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds are down to their fourth and fifth catchers after placing two more on the injured list on Thursday.Curt Casali went on the 10-day injured list with a right knee sprain that manager David Bell said could keep him out for as long as a month. Casali is expected to spend two weeks wearing a brace.Kyle Farmer was placed on the seven-day concussion list after taking two foul balls off his mask in the ninth inning of Tuesday's game against the Cubs in Chicago.Gold Glove catcher Tucker Barnhart has been out since June 28 with a right oblique strain.Juan Graterol was promoted from Triple-A Louisville and rushed to Chicago to start Wednesday's day game. The Reds shored up the position on Thursday by signing Ryan Lavarnway, one day after he was released by Yankees.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CINCINNATI (AP) — Scooter Gennett spent a lot of time watching the Cincinnati Reds on television as his severe groin injury healed slowly over three months.The Reds activated Gennett from the injured list Friday and had him in the lineup at second base for the opening game of a series against the NL Central-leading Cubs. Catcher Tucker Barnhart went on the 10-day injured list with a strained right oblique that is expected to sideline him for significantly longer.A lack of offense has been the Reds' biggest problem this season. They are last in the NL Central with a .234 team batting average that's second-worst in the league, ahead of San Francisco.Until now, all Gennett could do was watch the struggles from the dugout during home games and on television while the Reds were on the road, a routine that never became comfortable."I'm not used to sitting at home watching baseball games, especially this time of year," Gennett said.The biggest question is how long it will take for Gennett to become... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Johan Camargo had a two-run, pinch-hit homer in the 10th inning, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 4-3 Sunday to win their fifth straight series.Overcoming an injury to standout rookie starting pitcher Mike Soroka, the Braves used the long ball and their bullpen to win the deciding matchup of a three-game set between NL East rivals.Camargo connected off Tanner Rainey (1-2) after Ozzie Albies drew a one-out walk, and Atlanta held on for its seventh victory in 10 extra-inning games this season.Josh Donaldson and Ronald Acuña Jr. also went deep for the first-place Braves.Juan Soto homered for the Nationals, who have lost two in a row following a five-game win streak.A.J. Minter (2-4) worked the ninth and Luke Jackson earned his 11th save despite giving up a run, two hits and a walk.ASTROS 9, YANKEES 4NEW YORK (AP) — Jose Altuve hit a leadoff homer, rookie Yordan Alvarez connected again and Houston ended its first seven-game skid in four years.New York had... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Johan Camargo had a two-run, pinch-hit homer in the 10th inning, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 4-3 Sunday to win their fifth straight series.Overcoming an injury to standout rookie starting pitcher Mike Soroka, the Braves used the long ball and their bullpen to win the deciding matchup of a three-game set between NL East rivals.Camargo connected off Tanner Rainey (1-2) after Ozzie Albies drew a one-out walk, and Atlanta held on for its seventh victory in 10 extra-inning games this season.Josh Donaldson and Ronald Acuña Jr. also went deep for the first-place Braves.Juan Soto homered for the Nationals, who have lost two in a row following a five-game win streak.A.J. Minter (2-4) worked the ninth and Luke Jackson earned his 11th save despite giving up a run, two hits and a walk.ASTROS 9, YANKEES 4NEW YORK (AP) — Jose Altuve hit a leadoff homer, rookie Yordan Alvarez connected again and Houston ended its first seven-game skid in four years.New York had... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Cole Hamels struck out nine in seven scoreless innings, singled twice and drove in two runs to lead the Chicago Cubs past the Colorado Rockies 10-1 in a testy game on Wednesday.Rockies All-Star third-baseman Nolan Arenado left in the fifth inning with a left forearm contusion after Hamels (6-2) hit him with a pitch in the third, and three more batters — including Hamels — were hit by pitches later in the game.Chicago's Kris Bryant was hit by pitches three times in the first two games of the series.Javier Báez and Kyle Schwarber homered for Chicago, which snapped a five-game road losing streak. Colorado's 10-game home winning streak ended.Chicago scored five times in the second off Antonio Sentenzela (5-5).BREWERS 6, ASTROS 3, 14 INNINGSHOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander set a career high with 15 strikeouts, but Mike Moustakas hit a two-run homer during Milwaukee's three-run 14th inning and the Brewers rallied to beat Houston.Christian Yelich started the 14th with a single against... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Cole Hamels struck out nine in seven scoreless innings, singled twice and drove in two runs to lead the Chicago Cubs past the Colorado Rockies 10-1 in a testy game on Wednesday.Rockies All-Star third-baseman Nolan Arenado left in the fifth inning with a left forearm contusion after Hamels (6-2) hit him with a pitch in the third, and three more batters — including Hamels — were hit by pitches later in the game.Chicago's Kris Bryant was hit by pitches three times in the first two games of the series.Javier Báez and Kyle Schwarber homered for Chicago, which snapped a five-game road losing streak. Colorado's 10-game home winning streak ended.Chicago scored five times in the second off Antonio Sentenzela (5-5).MARLINS 9, CARDINALS 0MIAMI (AP) — Jordan Yamamoto pitched seven innings to win his major league debut, Garrett Cooper hit a grand slam and Miami blanked St. Louis to end a six-game skid.Yamamoto, acquired last year in the Christian Yelich trade, allowed three hits and two... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Cole Hamels struck out nine in seven scoreless innings, singled twice and drove in two runs to lead the Chicago Cubs past the Colorado Rockies 10-1 in a testy game on Wednesday.Rockies All-Star third-baseman Nolan Arenado left in the fifth inning with a left forearm contusion after Hamels (6-2) hit him with a pitch in the third, and three more batters — including Hamels — were hit by pitches later in the game.Chicago's Kris Bryant was hit by pitches three times in the first two games of the series.Javier Báez and Kyle Schwarber homered for Chicago, which snapped a five-game road losing streak. Colorado's 10-game home winning streak ended.Chicago scored five times in the second off Antonio Sentenzela (5-5).RED SOX 4, RANGERS 3BOSTON (AP) — Mookie Betts drew a bases-loaded walk in the ninth inning, giving Boston the win over Texas.Andrew Benintendi hit a triple and two doubles, driving in two runs for the Red Sox as they ended a three-game skid and avoided falling below .500... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:JACKIE ROBINSON DAYMajor League Baseball observes Jackie Robinson Day at ballparks all over the country. Robinson broke baseball's color barrier when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. All players, managers, coaches, umpires and other on-field personnel will wear Robinson's retired No. 42. Members of Robinson's family are expected to be at Dodger Stadium for the opener of a three-game series between the Reds and Dodgers.HE'S BACKSpeaking of Los Angeles, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw makes his first start of the season after being sidelined by left shoulder inflammation. Kershaw is 3-2 with a 2.54 ERA in 10 career starts versus Cincinnati. He likely will face former teammate Yasiel Puig in his return to LA after he was traded to the Reds in December. Puig spent his first six major league seasons with the Dodgers. Kershaw will be opposed by Luis Castillo, who has a sparkling 0.92 ERA over his first three starts this year.PATRIOTS'... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:JACKIE ROBINSON DAYMajor League Baseball observes Jackie Robinson Day at ballparks all over the country. Robinson broke baseball's color barrier when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. All players, managers, coaches, umpires and other on-field personnel will wear Robinson's retired No. 42. Members of Robinson's family are expected to be at Dodger Stadium for the opener of a three-game series between the Reds and Dodgers.HE'S BACKSpeaking of Los Angeles, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw makes his first start of the season after being sidelined by left shoulder inflammation. Kershaw is 3-2 with a 2.54 ERA in 10 career starts versus Cincinnati. He likely will face former teammate Yasiel Puig in his return to L.A. after he was traded to the Reds in December. Puig spent his first six major league seasons with the Dodgers. Kershaw will be opposed by Luis Castillo, who has a sparkling 0.92 ERA over his first three starts this... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Anthony DeSclafani was pegged as the No. 1 starter in Cincinnati's rotation until injuries affected each of his last three seasons. He is hoping a new spring training regimen will help him end the frustrating streak.The right-hander threw two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, in the Reds' game against the Angels on Saturday. New pitching coach Derek Johnson has the starters throwing fewer innings more often instead of appearing every five days on a set schedule during camp.So far, the new routine has worked well for DeSclafani, who is trying to get through camp healthy. He has been hurt during spring training each of the last three years."My body felt good," said DeSclafani, who struck out three in two innings. "My arm felt good."The Reds got DeSclafani from the Marlins as part of the Mat Latos trade after the 2014 season. He was on track to be the opening-day starter in 2016 when he strained his left oblique in his final spring training start and wound up missing... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Catcher Curt Casali and the Cincinnati Reds agreed to a $950,000, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration.Casali, 30, was acquired from Tampa Bay on May 31. He batted .293 in 52 games for the Reds — 35 starts — with four homers and 16 RBIs. Casali threw out 5 of 24 runners trying to steal. He also made his first career appearances at first base — six games — and moved to second base in one game.He had a $600,000 salary in the major leagues last year.Seven Reds remain eligible for arbitration going into Friday's scheduled exchange of proposed salaries: outfielder Yasiel Puig; second baseman Scooter Gennett; right-handers Anthony DeSclafani, Michael Lorenzen and Tanner Roark; left-hander Alex Wood and shortstop Jose Peraza.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — Cincinnati outfielder Scott Schebler and Texas pitcher Matt Bush just missed the cutoff for salary arbitration eligibility, while Chicago Cubs pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. and Toronto pitcher Joe Biagini earned the final spots.The Major League Baseball Players Association said Thursday the cutoff for eligibility this winter is 2 years, 134 days of major league service, up from 2 years, 123 days last year. The top 22 percent of players by service time with at least two years but less than three are eligible for arbitration as long as they had at least 86 days this year. They join the older group of 3- to 6-year players.Players and teams are scheduled to exchange proposed salaries on Jan. 11, and hearings for those lacking agreements will be scheduled for Jan. 28 to Feb. 15 in St. Petersburg, Florida.Twenty-five players are eligible as so-called super-2s. New York Yankees pitcher Luis Severino tops the list of service time at 2 years, 170 days, and the group also includes... [More]

BALTIMORE (AP) — Sonny Gray made the most of a foray into the starting rotation by taking a three-hitter into the seventh inning, and the New York Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-1 Saturday night for a doubleheader sweep.In the opener, rookie Miguel Andujar homered and had four RBIs, J.A. Happ (15-6) won his fifth straight start and New York rolled to a 10-3 victory.Gray (10-8) gave up three hits, a walk and struck out seven in 6 1/3 innings. The right-hander had been exiled to the bullpen after yielding seven runs in a loss to Baltimore on Aug. 1.Gray allowed only one runner past second base in helping the Yankees notch their seventh win in eight games to pull seven games behind first-place Boston in the AL East.Austin Romine homered, had three hits and scored three runs for the Yankees, who led 4-0 after four innings against Andrew Cashner (4-12).Andujar had two hits in each game to raise his batting average to .300. He leads AL rookies in batting, multihit games (43) and RBIs (70).RAYS... [More]

BALTIMORE (AP) — Sonny Gray made the most of a foray into the starting rotation by taking a three-hitter into the seventh inning, and the New York Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-1 Saturday night for a doubleheader sweep.In the opener, rookie Miguel Andujar homered and had four RBIs, J.A. Happ (15-6) won his fifth straight start and New York rolled to a 10-3 victory.Gray (10-8) gave up three hits, a walk and struck out seven in 6 1/3 innings. The right-hander had been exiled to the bullpen after yielding seven runs in a loss to Baltimore on Aug. 1.Gray allowed only one runner past second base in helping the Yankees notch their seventh win in eight games to pull seven games behind first-place Boston in the AL East.Austin Romine homered, had three hits and scored three runs for the Yankees, who led 4-0 after four innings against Andrew Cashner (4-12).Andujar had two hits in each game to raise his batting average to .300. He leads AL rookies in batting, multihit games (43) and RBIs (70).RAYS... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Ronald Acuna Jr. pulled off one of the rarest feats in baseball history, hitting leadoff homers in both games of a doubleheader to send the first-place Atlanta Braves to a sweep of the Miami Marlins on Monday.The 20-year-old rookie hit an opposite-field drive into the Braves' bullpen in Game 1, powering Atlanta to a 9-1 victory. Haitian-American Touki Toussaint (1-0) pitched six strong innings to win his major league debut.It was more of the same from Acuna in the nightcap. He sent a towering shot into the seats in left-center, sparking the Braves to a 6-1 victory behind another strong outing on the mound from Mike Foltynewicz (10-7).Acuna appeared to be only the fourth player in big league history to hit a pair of leadoff homers in a doubleheader.Merandy Gonzalez (2-1) took the loss in the second game after being called up from Double-A Jacksonville for his first career start.Acuna hit his first leadoff homer off Pablo Lopez (2-3) and added a two-run double in the sixth,... [More]