Upton removed from series finale  —  Right fielder ended up with a single on ball hit to wall  —  DENVER — D-backs right fielder Justin Upton was removed from Sunday's series finale with the Rockies in the middle of the third inning for not running out a deep drive to center field in the top of the inning.

La Russa not worried after Cards' loss  —  SEPT. 6, 2009 — Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel returns to the dugout after hitting a solo home run off Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jesse Chavez in the ninth inning of a game in Pittsburgh.  The Pirates won 6-5.  (AP)  —  ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

Ohlendorf Making '08 Trade Look Like a Steal  —  PITTSBURGH - Ross Ohlendorf has had a breakthrough season for the Pittsburgh Pirates, going 11-9 with a 3.97 E.R.A. for a last-place team.  But he is also Princeton graduate with an off-season ranching business and a relentlessly curious mind.

Lester, Red Sox rip White Sox, stretch wild-card edge  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Jon Lester (FSY) allowed four hits over seven shutout innings and Mike Lowell (FSY) and Victor Martinez (FSY) homered Sunday as the Boston Red Sox beat the Chicago White Sox 6-1.  —  Boston increased its AL wild-card lead …

Mets in ‘foul’ territory  —  Meet the mess.  —  The Mets' new $850 million stadium is breaking down at about the same rate as its beleaguered lineup, the Post has learned.  —  Less than a season old, Citi Field has been plagued by water damage to several luxury suites — including Jerry Seinfeld's …

Angels' Chone Figgins may be on Cubs' radar  —  If they don't land free-agent speedster, Kosuke Fukudome possible leadoff man  —  Angels' Chone Figgins slides into home after tagging up on a sacrifice fly in the second inning against the White Sox.  (Chris Sweda, McClatchy-Tribune / August 6, 2009)

Mariners' Suzuki gets 2,000th hit  —  Buzz up!  —  took Gio Gonzalez's  —  first offering for a ball.  He drilled the second pitch down the right field line for a double and his 2,000th career hit.  —  The Mariners' outfielder, who accumulated 1,278 hits in Japan …

Schneider taking role as Thole's mentor  —  Veteran imparting wisdom onto rookie backstop  —  NEW YORK — The left-handed-hitting 23-year-old wearing the chest protector, shin guards, mask and Expos uniform was Brian Schneider, and Schneider was very much the rookie — Expos red, white and blue and rookie green.

Jeter & DiMaggio - Who's Better?  —  An interesting question came up here yestersday regarding Derek Jeter and Joe DiMaggio - centering on who is the “greater” Yankee (in terms of their career with the team).  —  I've found Jeter and DiMaggio to be very alike - off the field …

Inbox: How can Nationals improve?  —  Beat reporter Bill Ladson answers Nats fans' questions  —  After two seasons of almost 200 losses, I think the Nationals need to sign some free agents to bridge the gap.  Is management seriously considering acquiring veteran starting pitching …

No shortage of options  —  If Sox don't stick with Gonzalez, then . . .  Alex Gonzalez has given the Red Sox stability at shortstop, which was the goal when they acquired him from the Reds Aug. 14.  At least for the remainder of the season.  —  “I've enjoyed being back here,” Gonzalez said.

Dodgers getting plenty out of Belliard  —  LA's new infielder seeing more action than anticipated  —  LOS ANGELES — When the Dodgers acquired Ronnie Belliard from the Washington Nationals, Joe Torre knew he'd find ways to get his new infielder into the lineup.

Contreras strong-arms Rockies' win  —  At first glance, it seemed like an odd partnership.  The Rockies needed a starting pitcher, but did they need this one?  —  Jose Contreras has a wonderful resume, though no distinctions were added this season.  To acquire Contreras and his 13 losses …