‘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 …

Pirates rally to beat Indians 5-3 for 2nd in row  —  PITTSBURGH—Pedro Alvarez's sacrifice fly in the eighth inning drove in the go-ahead run and the Pittsburgh Pirates withstood Carlos Santana's big game to beat the Cleveland Indians 5-3 Sunday.  —  Pittsburgh won its second in a row …

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.

Weaver dominant as Angels roll past Cubs  —  Kendrick, Hunter homer; Rivera doubles in three runs  —  CHICAGO — Saturday marked Jered Weaver's first taste of Wrigley Field's legendary menu of delights, and the Angels' ace dug in with relish.  —  “I love pitching in Wrigley, in the old ballparks …

Manny homers, but Dodgers fall in Boston  —  Padilla pitches well; Broxton gives up winner after LA rally  —  BOSTON — It's usually Jonathan Broxton's job as closer to make sure the Dodgers win.  Saturday he was asked to make sure they didn't lose, and the difference turned out to be more than subtle.

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.

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.

RELIEF PITCHING DISAPPOINTS AS JAYS LOSE TO GIANTS  —  TORONTO — Teams are always happy with winning two out of three games from their opponents, but the level of satisfaction varies depending on when and how they get those wins.  —  That's why the Toronto Blue Jays were certainly pleased …

Father of Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal dies, 3 weeks after kick by horse  —  NEW YORK — Rafael Furcal's father died in the early hours of Sunday at a medical center in the Dominican Republic where he remained hospitalized for three weeks after being kicked in the chest by a horse.

Cardinals closer is closer to the end  —  Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin's contract runs through the 2011 season.  Then, Franklin says, he will have had enough.  (Robert Cohen/P-D)  —  ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH  —  There is little pretense to Ryan Franklin, no entourage, no snarling veneer …

Lowe learned squeeze sign just in time  —  ATLANTA — Asked about his successful suicide squeeze bunt in the second inning of Friday night's win against the Royals, Derek Lowe said that all the credit should be given to backup catcher David Ross, who didn't even play in the game.

Peavy brilliant in 1-0 victory  —  Sox starter overcomes shoulder issues for 8th complete game of career  —  Jake Peavy celebrates with catcher A.J. Pierzynski after securing the last out in a complete-game shutout.  (JONATHAN ERNST, REUTERS / June 19, 2010)