Yankees' Hopes Are Going, Going ...  The grand slam exploded like a gunshot Wednesday night, tearing out the guts of even the most naïve believers in the 2008 Yankees.  —  The eighth-inning bullet by Dustin Pedroia was like the opening scene of a documentary, many years from now …

Phils lose game, ground in NL East  —  Bullpen allows Mets to stage a comeback of their own  —  PHILADELPHIA — Anyone looking for a clear-cut National League East favorite to emerge from this week's Phillies-Mets games at Citizens Bank Park may have to wait a little longer.

Boras challenges Pirates to ‘come clean’  —  The one down below looks to be getting overwhelmed with comments, which will make it tough to load.  So reload up here.  —  I will put updates here, too, but I can tell you now that actual reporting has taken up almost all of my time and probably will continue to do so through the evening.

Ramirez's flub: ‘It happens’  —  ATLANTA - By Wednesday afternoon, Hanley Ramirez was more willing to discuss his ninth-inning trouble on a potentially game-ending double-play ball the night before.  —  But only slightly.  —  Asked if the ball simply got stuck in his glove before he could throw to first …

PAVANO AVAILABLE TO OTHER TEAMS AFTER ONE START  —  Could “The Idle” be moving?  —  Carl “American Idle” Pavano is scheduled to start tomorrow night against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium - unless another team wants him.  —  The Post has learned Pavano was put on waivers within …

Technology worthy for instant replay  —  Video headquarters equipped for making clear, efficient calls  —  NEW YORK — The baseball, as it flew, cued everything around it into action.  Careening toward a formerly quiet corner of Yankee Stadium, it first forced two Orioles outfielders to converge …

Zambrano feels fine, expects to rebound from irritating month  —  PITTSBURGH - Carlos Zambrano has assured Cubs general manager Jim Hendry his shoulder is fine, allaying fears his August slump is more physical than mental.  —  “He has no discomfort, he feels good and he's very confident he'll rebound …

Braves acquire prospect for Kotsay  —  Atlanta deals veteran for Boston outfielder it's had eye on  —  ATLANTA — During his time with the Braves, Mark Kotsay influenced the future of the organization.  His presence provided a positive influence on the club's younger players …

Lincecum slows Rockies' push for playoffs  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The letter taunted them.  Last weekend, Rockies season-ticket holders received postseason applications in the mail.  —  Playoffs?  The team needed binoculars to see the division leaders.  Playoffs?

Garza leads Rays to win over Jays  —  Tampa Bay earns 80th victory of the year in pitchers' duel  —  ST. PETERSBURG — It had everything: A dazzling mound performance backed by defensive wizardry and one very important power stroke.  —  Wednesday night's game played out like a classic postseason battle …