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 …

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 …

‘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 …

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

On ‘air horn night,’ Rays kick Marlins, 9-8  —  MIAMI—B.J. Upton and Reid Brignac each drew bases-loaded walks in a four-run 11th inning against Jorge Sosa, and the Tampa Bay Rays endured a buzzing symphony of 15,000 air horns and a slew of bizarre late-inning occurrences to beat the Florida Marlins 9-8 on Saturday night.