Philadelphia 5, NY Mets 2  —  NEW YORK (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies hardly had to take the bats off their shoulders to beat Oliver Perez.  Good thing for them, too, because they're still not hitting.  —  Adam Eaton pitched seven steady innings and Philadelphia walked its way to its second victory …

Here Today ...  ... but gone after '08?  It's starting to look that way for Johan Santana, who has broken off contract talks with the Twins  —  The Twins may be fighting a losing battle in their efforts to extend Johan Santana's four-year, $40 million contract, which expires at the end of next season.

Seattle 3, Boston 0  —  BOSTON (AP) — There were no Venezuelan flags fluttering at Fenway Park, no doughnut signs in Castilian, no concession stands selling arroz con coco for reporters or fans who had flown in from South America to see their countryman pitch.

Newcombe enhances Young's appreciation for Jackie … There he was, in the back of a bus, traveling the highways of the southern United States, a ballplayer who was learning about the deepest roots of racism in this country.  —  Now, who in their right mind believes they just read the beginning …

Mussina leaves game at Minnesota in third  —  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -Yankees starter Mike Mussina was taken out of Wednesday's game at Minnesota three batters into the third inning.  —  After allowing consecutive hits to Luis Rodriguez and Alexi Casilla at the start of the inning …

Mets' Milledge May Go to Minors to Get More At-Bats  —  Manager Willie Randolph had a decision to make in the eighth inning of the Mets' 11-5 victory against Philadelphia on Monday afternoon: With Moises Alou on second and Shawn Green at first representing the go-ahead run …

The Devil Can Lose if You're Willing to Fight  —  I keep reading people's comments across the country on how Josh Hamilton does not deserve the press coverage he receives, that it isn't fair to give it to him instead of a guy who never did drugs.  It is depressing to me that people …

Notes: Wright sore, struggling  —  Starter could be odd man out with Gagne set to return  —  ARLINGTON — Jamey Wright's disappointing effort Tuesday could be his last start for a while.  Reports of lingering shoulder discomfort, coupled with his inability to pitch out of the third inning …

Nats lose for sixth straight time  —  Williams tosses five effective innings, but bats silenced  —  ATLANTA — Prior to Wednesday's game against the Braves, manager Manny Acta was a patient man, even though the Nationals had struggled over the previous eight games.

Owens, Lindstrom start strong  —  · Right-handers Henry Owens and Matt Lindstrom got what they wanted, a chance to pitch in the major leagues, when they were traded to the Marlins, and they have been impressive so far.  —  "You hope that your hard work and production will get you a chance …

LA Angels 4, Cleveland 1  —  MILWAUKEE (AP) — Joe Saunders made sure any home-field advantage the Cleveland Indians brought with them to Milwaukee was only temporary.  —  Now if he could just figure out where he fits in the Los Angeles Angels' future.  —  Saunders allowed a run and four hits …