JJ returns to form as Marlins best Bucs  —  PITTSBURGH — Marlins right-hander Josh Johnson and Pirates right-hander Ross Ohlendorf hooked up in a pitchers' duel on Wednesday night at PNC Park.  The Marlins prevailed 3-2.  —  Johnson bounced back from his worst outing of the season …

Ozzie fires back at critics over Thome's departure  —  Jim Thome acknowledges the crowd's cheers.  (REUTERS / Eric Miller)  —  MINNEAPOLIS — White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen fired back at critics who still can't stomach the departure of Jim Thome, who hit a two-run walkoff home run Tuesday night …

Heyward's hit gives Braves another last at-bat win  —  ATLANTA—The Atlanta Braves did it again in their final at-bat, beating the Washington Nationals 3-2 on Jason Heyward's run-scoring single in the ninth inning Wednesday night.  —  The Braves won for the 21st time in their final swing, which leads the majors.

BLUE JAYS SEND ARENCIBIA DOWN TO TRIPLE-A LAS VEGAS  —  The Toronto Blue Jays optioned rookie catcher J.P. Arencibia back to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday following their 5-4 loss to the Oakland A's.  —  The move had been planned to coincide with the return of catcher John Buck …

Lackey, Red Sox look to stay perfect vs. Angels … John Lackey's first season with the Boston Red Sox hasn't gone exactly according to plan, but he's saved two of his best performances for his former team.  —  The right-hander has a chance to beat the Los Angeles Angels for the third …

Cards seek help at third base  —  The Cardinals are pursuing a third baseman or utility infielder with more urgency as the team gropes for offense and stability at a position left exposed by inconsistent play and injury.  —  General manager John Mozeliak said the team was involved in discussions …

Rockies' Hawpe clears waivers; likely last game with team  —  After clearing waivers with the Rockies, will Brad Hawpe be traded?  (Karl Gehring, The Denver Post)  —  LOS ANGELES — As predicted, Brad Hawpe cleared waivers today, a procedural move that has set the stage for the Rockies to release Hawpe either tonight or tomorrow.

Rollins paces Phillies to victory over Giants  —  The Sports Network  —  Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Jimmy Rollins' three-run homer capped a four-run fourth inning, and the Philadelphia Phillies widened the gap in the NL Wild Card race with an 8-2 win over the San Francisco Giants.

Reds offer Baker an extension  —  The Reds have offered Dusty Baker a contract extension.  —  “We just got the proposal a few days ago,” Baker said.  “We're still evaluating it.”  —  Baker wouldn't say if it's a one-year or multi-year extension.  —  “I've got to look at where were going,” he said, “and what I want to do.”

Mets outlast Astros 3-2 in 14 innings  —  HOUSTON—Jose Reyes matched a season high with four hits and scored on a sacrifice fly by slumping Ike Davis in the 14th inning to give the New York Mets a 3-2 win over the Houston Astros on Wednesday night.  —  After Geoff Blum hit a tying home run …

Reds rally for 11-7 win over D'Backs  —  PHOENIX—Pinch-hitter Chris Heisey laid down a perfect squeeze bunt, driving in Jim Edmonds with the go-ahead run from third base with one out in the top of the ninth inning, and the Cincinnati Reds rallied from a four-run deficit to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 11-7 on Wednesday night.

Venezuela's Chávez Has Advice for Rodriguez  —  From one famous Venezuelan to another came a reassuring phone call this week.  —  Venezuela's president, Hugo Chávez, a fan and a friend of the embattled Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez, said he reached out on Sunday to the pitcher known in his native country as El Kid.

Lindstrom placed on 15-day DL  —  Lindstrom goes on DL  —  The Astros placed righthander Matt Lindstrom on the 15-day disabled list following Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Mets.  —  “We need to get him right,” Astros manager Brad Mills said.  —  Lindstrom is coming off three rough outings …