Pirates in midst of 12-game skid  —  PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates know all about bad times after failing to field a winning team since 1992, but few weeks in their history have been as bad or bizarre as this one.  —  Just when it seemed it couldn't get any worse for a franchise …

‘Gross’ Gaga's a skankee  —  She's persona non Gaga.  —  A fuming Hal Steinbrenner informed Yankee Stadium executives that Lady Gaga is permanently banned from the team's clubhouse after her boozy antics — including swigging whiskey and repeatedly fondling her boobs …

McDonald's emotional homer eases Jays' loss  —  After losing dad to cancer, infielder goes yard on Father's Day  —  TORONTO — There are days when it does not seem to matter whether the end result is a win or a loss.  Given the emotional magnitude of the moment that took place in the ninth inning Sunday …

BUCHHOLZ, RED SOX COMPLETE SWEEP OF DODGERS  —  Sports Network  —  Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Clay Buchholz pitched effectively into the seventh to pick up his 10th win of the season, and the Red Sox shut down the Dodgers, 2-0, to complete a three-game interleague sweep.

Glaus makes strides with defense at first  —  Former third baseman said he just needs more game time  —  ATLANTA — Troy Glaus' walk-off home run Saturday night was the latest argument in what is becoming a compelling case for him to be named a National League All-Star.

Valverde, Montero trade verbal blows  —  Two days after Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero took shots at Detroit closer Jose Valverde for his mound antics, Valverde fired back.  —  “Tell Montero he's a freaking rookie and I can do whatever I want to,” Valverde said Sunday morning.  “Tell him that.

Sale, Chisox Agree On $1.656 Million  —  When Chris Sale started to slide in the first round of the draft because of his perceived signability, it was a surprise that the thrifty White Sox were the team that selected him.  Now comes a bigger surprise: the first- or second-rated college pitcher …

Oklahoma edges South Carolina at rain-soaked CWS  —  OMAHA (AP) — Caleb Bushyhead homered and drove in the winning run, and Jeremy Erben and Ryan Duke worked out of bases-loaded situations in the eighth inning to lead Oklahoma to a 4-3 victory over South Carolina in the rain-plagued College World Series on Sunday night.

Venable's 3-run HR leads Padres over Orioles 9-4  —  SAN DIEGO—Will Venable hit a three-run homer, dashing Jake Arrieta's bid to win his first three big league starts, and the San Diego Padres rallied from a four-run deficit in the first inning to beat the Baltimore Orioles 9-4 on Sunday.

Mejia to work as starter at Double-A  —  NEW YORK — The New York Mets optioned right-hander Jenrry Mejia to Double-A Binghamton following Sunday's loss to the New York Yankees.  The 20-year-old will work as a starter for Binghamton beginning on Wednesday, paving the way for him eventually to join the major league rotation.