Mitt Romney, Red Sox fan, didn't know the Rays have a dome  —  Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is hosting a fund raiser in downtown Tampa, Florida on Thursday and decided to kill some time by taking in the Red Sox vs. Rays game Wednesday night at Tropicana Field.

Nishioka batting third for Twins in Target Field debut  —  Tsuyoshi Nishioka is batting third for the Twins today, and playing shortstop, for his Target Field debut.  —  Instead of moving Ben Revere and Alexi Casilla out of the top two spots in the lineup, Manager Ron Gardenhire has decided to slot Nishioka behind them.

The Nationals and the illusion of contention  —  The Nationals this season have scored 263 runs and have allowed 262.  Stated differently: In the most efficient measure of a team, the Nationals are a smidge better than even (and they have the same 34-34 Pythagorean record as the Giants.)

Rangers catcher accuses Yanks of stealing signs  —  NEW YORK — Yankees outfielder Andruw Jones was accused by Texas Rangers catcher Yorvit Torrealba of stealing signs and giving pitch locations to hitters from second base during the fifth inning of Wednesday night's 12-4 New York win.

Jeremy Guthrie leaves game with a back strain  —  Orioles starter was having a nice day against the Blue Jays.  He had five shutout innings under his belt with five strikeouts, but then he had to leave the game with a strained back.  Updates will come later.

Daniels willing to deal for 'pen help  —  NEW YORK — Rangers general manager Jon Daniels talked late Wednesday night with manager Ron Washington about their bullpen.  Right now all they can do is talk.  —  Daniels is looking for ways to improve their bullpen, including having active discussions …

Nelson: Phillips a hit on Twitter  —  Cincinnati Reds second baseman using Twitter to connect with fans — and on the field  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — It's a Friday afternoon in late March, and Rachel and Dave Zahniser sit nervously in a hotel lobby, their eyes darting, looking to the door constantly.

Pirates' Snyder and wife in Banksville road rage  —  A Good Samaritan helped subdue a man who police said attacked the wife of injured Pirates catcher Chris Snyder at a Banksville gas station Wednesday afternoon even as the man struggled, bit him and threw a shoe in his direction.

Angels cut ties with Scott Kazmir  —  Once-promising left-hander acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay in 2009 could not overcome control problems on the mound.  Club will eat the remainder of his $14.5-million contract for this season.  —  Reporting from Seattle — The Scott Kazmir error came …

Soriano advised to rest before resuming rehab  —  NEW YORK — Yankees right-hander Rafael Soriano is getting closer to continuing a throwing program, but he has been advised to rest until next week.  —  Manager Joe Girardi said that Soriano threw on Tuesday and seemed better …

Bumgarner Strong, Giants Beat D-Backs Again 5-2  —  PHOENIX (AP) — Madison Bumgarner went six innings and got enough run support for a change, helping him pitch the San Francisco Giants past the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-2 Wednesday night.  —  Bill Hall singled home the go-ahead run in the sixth …

Gorzelanny likely to return to Nats on Sunday  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals optioned right-hander Yunesky Maya to Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday, a day after his fourth start in place of Tom Gorzelanny.  The Nationals will likely activate Gorzelanny from the 15-day disabled list Sunday for his start.

Paul, Walker Propel Pirates to 7-3 Win Over Astros  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Pinch-hitter Xavier Paul doubled, then stayed in the game and hit a two-run homer and single Wednesday night as the Pittsburgh Pirates moved over .500 with a 7-3 win over the Houston Astros.

Gee, 3 Mets Relievers Shut Out Braves, 4-0  —  ATLANTA (AP) — Dillon Gee combined with three relievers for a two-hit shutout, Angel Pagan hit a two-run homer and the surging New York Mets beat the Atlanta Braves 4-0 on Wednesday night.  —  Gee gave up one hit in four innings …

Blackburn Outduels Buehrle as Twins Top ChiSox 1-0  —  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Nick Blackburn pitched eight shutout innings for the Minnesota Twins, and Michael Cuddyer's home run was enough to beat Mark Buehrle and the Chicago White Sox 1-0 on Thursday.  —  Buehrle was beaten despite giving …