Damon hurt as ball sits on top of wall  —  Left fielder leaves after crashing into fence on Youkilis' triple  —  NEW YORK — It only took a split second.  —  In one moment during the top of the third inning, the Yankees saw their two-run lead over the Red Sox disappear.

Braves demote Francoeur to Class AA Mississippi  —  ‘I do not agree with this,’ struggling outfielder says  —  The Braves have sent struggling right fielder Jeff Francoeur to AA Mississippi, and the homegrown talent is not happy about it.  —  “This has really put a damper on my relationship …

postGame: Phillies 3 Mets 2  —  The Mets (42-44) lost to the Phillies (48-39) by the score of 3 to 2 in Philadelphia tonight.  —  For a recap, boxscore, stats, etc., go to SNY.tv.  —  However, in case you missed it, know that Johan Santana looked great, but, for some bizarre reason …

Forget the Hardy rumor  —  A reliable source just told me I could forget the rumors that shortstop J.J. Hardy would be included in a deal for C.C. Sabathia.  Just thought I'd throw that out there before too many people freaked out.  —  These trade rumors get so nutty.

Nomar Garciaparra has a happy return  —  Garciaparra has two doubles and no errors at shortstop in his first game since April 25.  Andruw Jones strikes out four times.  —  SAN FRANCISCO — For at least a day, Nomar Garciaparra was the answer to the question the Dodgers will be asking themselves …

Bullpen declares independence at home  —  Bedard fans six over five frames; Ibanez swats homer No. 10  —  SEATTLE — Whenever Erik Bedard starts a game these days, Mariners relievers know there is about a 99-plus-percent chance that some of them will see some action.

Tribe cuts struggling Borowski, '07 AL saves leader  —  CLEVELAND — Indians closer Joe Borowski, last year's American League saves leader, was designated for assignment on Friday.  —  The right-hander blew his fourth save in 10 chances on Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox, and was 1-3 with a 7.56 ERA in 18 games this season.

Reyes upset with Hernandez's remarks  —  Shortstop, broadcaster have words on Mets' charter flight  —  PHILADELPHIA — Remarks made by Keith Hernandez during the telecast of a Mets game on Sunday irritated Mets shortstop Jose Reyes to such a degree that the two argued during the team's charter flight …

Rox outslug Marlins in walk-off win  —  Season-high six homers drown Florida at Coors  —  DENVER — How 'bout those fireworks?  —  The Rockies scored in all but one inning and came back from a nine-run deficit to defeat the Marlins, 18-17, in front of 48,691 at Coors Field on Independence Day.

Cubs' Zambrano wins in return from DL  —  ST. LOUIS (AP)—The return of Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano trumped the soap opera setting of Jim Edmonds' homecoming and Albert Pujols' 300th home run.  —  Zambrano came off the 15-day disabled list from a shoulder strain with six spotless innings Friday night …

Achy Uggla passes first test  —  DENVER - Dan Uggla missed his fifth straight game with a sprained left ankle Thursday, but the Marlins' second baseman was still encouraged.  —  Uggla did some light jogging during the afternoon at Coors Field and took some flips in the indoor batting cage.

Wilson says former teammates created bad chemistry for Texas Rangers  —  egrant@dallasnews.com  —  BALTIMORE - While praising the Rangers' clubhouse chemistry on a local radio show Thursday, outspoken closer C.J. Wilson said the improvement was attributed as much to subtraction as addition.

As the trade deadline approaches...  Jim Bowden today offered a little insight into the team's strategy as the trading deadline approaches.  It's kind of a maverick strategy founded on a simple premise: This season is not worth salvaging ... in any way.  Bowden appears very willing to trade …