Reeling Dodgers fall to D-backs  —  LA drops 4 1/2 games behind for first time in two months  —  PHOENIX — The Dodgers' losing streak reached eight Friday night in the opener of a showdown series against the first-place Diamondbacks, an 8-3 defeat that dropped Los Angeles 4 1/2 games back for the first time in two months.

Beckett elbow exam results: “Awesome”  —  BOSTON — Josh Beckett had his valuable right elbow examined Friday morning by noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, and the results of those tests were “awesome,” said manager Terry Francona.  —  “Everything came out completely structurally sound,” Francona said Friday afternoon.

Alvarez deadlock affects Hosmer, Royals  —  Royals fans were alarmed on Thursday night when first round pick Eric Hosmer, who made his professional debut on Monday, was absent from the Idaho Falls Chukars lineup.  There was speculation that Hosmer's absence was related to the recent contract impasse between …

Astros sign OF Erstad, RHP Moehler to one-year extensions  —  HOUSTON (TICKER) —The Houston Astros signed outfielder Darin Erstad and righthander Brian Moehler to one-year extensions on Friday.  —  Erstad agreed to a $1.75 million contract plus bonuses, while Moehler signed a $2.3 million extension plus bonuses.

Pavano shines as Yankees shut down Blue Jays  —  NEW YORK — Carl Pavano said he didn't hear the cheers when he walked off the mound after striking out Alex Rios, the years of fan animosity seemingly turned to adulation in just six short innings.  —  He did hear Joe Girardi, though, when the Yankees manager made a request.

Soriano's HR helps Cubs run streak to 7  —  CHICAGO (AP)—The Philadelphia Phillies may have benefited from an instant replay in the seventh inning.  Too bad the rule only is in effect for home run calls.  —  Ryan Howard was called out on a close play at first, thwarting a rally that helped …

Prospect Bowden called up  —  Red Sox pitching prospect Michael Bowden has been called up to Boston and will make his major-league debut on Saturday.  —  The 21-year-old right-hander left McCoy Stadium a little while ago and was on his way to Fenway Park.  —  Red Sox backup first baseman Sean Casey …

Numbers adding up for Angels  —  The Angels' Garret Anderson, center, is congratulated at home plate by Mark Teixeira, left, as Chone Figgins looks on after Anderson hit a two-run home run off Texas' Dustin Nippert during the sixth inning Friday night at Angel Stadium.  The Angels won, 3-1.

Yankees announce pricing plans for new stadium  —  NEW YORK — Even seats behind the outfield fence will be costly at the new Yankee Stadium.  —  The front part of the area behind the outfield in right and left will cost $100 and $75 per game next year as part of season-ticket plans at the $1.3 billion ballpark.

Mets ride Beltran's slam to big win  —  Bases-loaded blast caps ninth-inning comeback for Amazins  —  MIAMI — Mere seconds were all the ball needed to clear Dolphin Stadium's right-field fence, slicing through hours of frustration just as effortlessly as it cut through the sticky South Florida air.

White Sox stopped cold by Dice-K  —  Offense collects just two hits; Vazquez knocked around in loss  —  BOSTON — There's an old baseball adage that states out of a 162-game schedule, a team wins 60 games and loses 60 games.  But it's how said team does with the remaining 42 that decides where the squad finishes.

Rays secure first winning season  —  Zobrist hits first career grand slam in commanding win  —  ST. PETERSBURG — After a decade of unrealized hopes in Tampa Bay, it was only fitting that the game that secured the Rays' first winning season in franchise history would be decided by the bats swung …