Wickman designated for assignment  —  Veteran closer converted 20 of 26 save opportunities  —  ST. LOUIS — Adam Dunn said goodbye to Bob Wickman's 12th-inning fastball on Thursday night, and the Braves said goodbye to Wickman on Friday afternoon.  —  Somewhat surprisingly …

Perez shuts down the Dodgers  —  Mets left-hander outduels Penny in 5-2 victory.  Wright drives in two runs and make two big plays at third base.  —  NEW YORK — Oliver Perez outpitched Dodgers ace Brad Penny, and the New York Mets got a dazzling all-around performance from David Wright in a 5-2 victory tonight at Shea Stadium.

Howard on pace to break strikeout record  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) — When he connects, the Phillies' Ryan Howard can hit the ball a long way.  Making contact is the slugger's biggest problem.  —  The reigning NL MVP is on pace to set the major league record for strikeouts in a season.

Maddux first 10-20 pitcher, leads Padres in rout of Phillies  —  CBSSports.com wire reports  —  PHILADELPHIA — Passing Cy Young didn't faze Greg Maddux.  Moving ahead of his older brother was a bit more exciting.  —  Maddux became the first pitcher to win 10 games in 20 consecutive seasons …

Rockies score 5 in 9th, top Nationals  —  DENVER (AP) — Matt Holliday sparked a five-run, ninth-inning rally, and the Colorado Rockies beat the Washington Nationals 6-5 on Friday night.  —  The Rockies, who had lost two straight to the Pittsburgh Pirates at home, avoided falling back to .500 …

Weaver bests Halladay, Angels keep lead  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Jered Weaver didn't pitch as long as Roy Halladay did — just better.  —  Weaver threw six scoreless innings and the Los Angeles Angels got RBI singles from Vladimir Guerrero, Maicer Izturis and Orlando Cabrera to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-0 Friday night.

Bonds hits 761st HR, Giants beat Brewers  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — After he was given the key to the city during an afternoon celebration, Barry Bonds reminded everybody what made him deserve it.  —  The Giants' slugger hit his 761st home run and pitcher Noah Lowry added three RBIs …

MLB, New Era both agree to yank caps  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  NEW YORK (AP) - A lineup of team logo baseball caps denounced as tailor-made for gang members was ordered removed from store shelves by its manufacturer Friday after complaints from baseball officials.

Game 128: Yankees at Tigers  —  Here is the lineup:  —  YANKEES  —  Johnny Damon DH  —  Melky Cabrera CF  —  Derek Jeter SS  —  Alex Rodriguez 3B  —  Jorge Posada C  —  Hideki Matsui LF  —  Robinson Cano 2B  —  Andy Phillips 1B  —  Shelley Duncan RF  —  Roger Clemens RHP (5-5, 3.92)

Opener with White Sox washed away  —  Game will be made up Friday as part of day-night twin bill  —  CHICAGO — The Red Sox and White Sox waited for a window of dryness that never came before Thursday night's game was finally cancelled following a delay of about two and a half hours.

Other than a rousing game of limbo...  It could've been the ultimate free agent signing, the one that potentially turns around a franchise.  —  Ideally, a premium free agent acquisition does two things: One, improves the product on the field and two, as George Steinbrenner once opined: "Puts asses in the seats."