Nats dodge century mark by rallying to win  —  The way the first five innings unfolded for the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night - basically, the way their entire season has unfolded - it would have been wholly predictable for them to match five innings of offensive futility …

Another Win for the Braves  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Tim Hudson pitched six effective innings for his second win since major elbow surgery and the Atlanta Braves beat the New York Mets 5-2 on Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep.  —  Hours after announcing Bobby Cox will retire …

Tampa Bay Rays will change next season, but how much?  —  ST. PETERSBURG — The death of the Rays 2009 season arrived this week.  Belatedly, as it turns out.  —  We have known for about a month, and probably longer, that there would be no encore performance.

Rotation in question for Rockies' Marquis  —  Jason Marquis' struggles of late could alter the Rockies' postseason approach.  —  The Denver Post  —  Rockies pitcher Jason Marquis lays down a sacrifice bunt during the second inning Wednesday night to advance baserunners against the Padres at Coors Field.

Uribe helps Giants gain ground in NL wild card chase  —  PHOENIX (AP) — Juan Uribe (FSY) hit a two-run homer and drove in three runs and San Francisco's bullpen backed Jonathan Sanchez (FSY) with 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief as the Giants gained a game in the NL wild-card race …

Twins-White Sox game delayed by lights problem  —  CHICAGO (AP) — The Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox game was delayed briefly in the third inning when half of a bank of lights high above the home team dugout went out at U.S. Cellular Field.  —  The lights failed Wednesday night with Chicago's Alex Rios batting.

Hairston could have serious wrist injury  —  Jerry Hairston Jr. “felt a pop” in his left wrist while taking a practice swing in the seventh inning.  That's why he came out of the game.  —  Hairston said he felt a sharp pain.  He has been been having wrist issues on and off since diving …

Minaya is running out of loyal followers  —  In happier times for the  —  Mets, during spring training of 2007, members of the team's front office wore caps with the letters F.O.O. stitched across the front.  The headgear marked them as “Friends of Omar,” a playful term tossed around among …

Red Sox bounce back  —  Josh Beckett battles in win  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email  —  KANSAS CITY - After beginning this week-long series on the road with a pair of underwhelming starts and surprising losses, the Red Sox [team stats] lifted their lonely eyes to Josh Beckett [stats] last night.

Adding two more playoff spots would spice up baseball's final month … All things considered, baseball has done a remarkable job holding the means.  —  There have been no legitimate races per se, no media storyline despite Albert Pujols, Joe Mauer and Derek Jeter, and still attendance …

11 Blown Saves, 11 Games to Play  —  It is impossibly difficult to picture a Phillies repeat with more performances like this.  —  Charlie Manuel sees it, too.  —  “It's getting tough,” he said following a 7-6 loss to the Marlins last night at Land Shark Stadium.  “We've got to close the games out.

Posada's X-rays come back negative  —  Results good news after catcher fouled ball off right foot  —  ANAHEIM — Having clinched at least a spot in the postseason but still seeking loftier goals, the Yankees breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday after X-rays on Jorge Posada's bruised right foot came back negative.

Dan Uggla reaches another milestone  —  The milestones continue to pile up for Dan Uggla.  —  With his 30th home run Tuesday, Uggla became the first player in major league history to hit at least 30 home runs in three consecutive seasons while playing at least 100 games at second base.

Sources: Chicago Cubs' Milton Bradley to accept suspension  —  Milton Bradley has agreed not to appeal his suspension for the rest of the season, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN.com on Wednesday.  —  Bradley  —  That decision came after Bradley formally apologized to the Cubs …