Rare Rivera blown save leads to loss  —  Closer gives up slam to Kubel as Yanks can't finish sweep  —  NEW YORK — The reality of Mariano Rivera coughing up a late-inning lead still serves as a jolt to the senses after all these years, a rare occurrence that seems to compel those in pinstripes …

If losing continues, Sox could be losing veteran players too  —  Rangers inquire about availability of Pierzynski  —  A.J. Pierzynski is tagged out while sliding into third by Royals' Alberto Callaspo.  (Jamie Squire, Getty Images / May 16, 2010)  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. …

Reds jump into first behind Arroyo's gem  —  Righty hurls first complete game of season in win vs. Cards  —  CINCINNATI — Sure, it's only mid-May and 37 games into the season, but if the door to first place is opened by the team occupying it, why not go through and take it?

Storen to join Nats tomorrow  —  DENVER — Drew Storen is about to join the Nationals' roster.  —  The rookie reliever will have his contract purchased from Class AAA Syracuse and is expected to join the big-league club tomorrow in St. Louis, according to a source within the organization.

SURGING PHILLIES COMPLETE THREE-GAME SWEEP IN MILWAUKEE  —  The Sports Network  —  Milwaukee, WI (Sports Network) - Wilson Valdez's run-scoring double in the third proved to be the difference, as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Milwaukee Brewers, 4-2, to complete a three-game series sweep at Miller Park.

Sources: Mets have payroll for pitching, not for Pedro  —  Oliver Perez has been banished to the bullpen.  Jon Niese is injured.  John Maine began his start Saturday by throwing 12 consecutive balls.  The Mets know they need pitching and, according to sources, they will have the payroll flexibility …

Sizemore day-to-day with knee contusion  —  BALTIMORE — Cleveland outfielder Grady Sizemore is considered day-to-day after he left Sunday's victory over the Orioles in the fifth inning due to a left knee contusion.  —  Sizemore hurt the knee when diving back into first base following his RBI single in the third inning.

Willie Banks: Returning to baseball saved my life  —  Former major leaguer and St. Anthony High School phenom Willie Banks turned his back on baseball after his mother died.  —  He had walked away from baseball.  He had walked away from everything four years ago, shutting out the world after his mother, Ethel, died.

MLB Committee Fought to Keep Blacks Out Even After Robinson Signing  —  At the Reds' Great American Ballpark, the likes of Willie Mays, Bud Selig, and Jimmie Lee Solomon are taking part in festivities around the annual Civil Rights Game between the Reds and St. Louis Cardinals.