Minor Leaguer Tests Positive for H.G.H.  —  Mike Jacobs, a first baseman in the Colorado Rockies organization who has played for the Mets, is the first baseball player to test positive for human growth hormone, a banned performance-enhancing substance.  Major League Baseball suspended …

Matt Cain goes 8 strong innings, Giants beat Braves 7-5  —  ATLANTA - Matt Cain snapped his three-game losing streak with five-hit ball over eight innings, and the San Francisco Giants barely avoided another loss to Atlanta in the final at-bat, holding on for a 7-5 victory over the Braves on Wednesday night.

Morneau's two-run single in ninth helps Twins beat Tigers  —  DETROIT — Justin Morneau's bases-loaded single in the ninth inning gave the Minnesota Twins a 6-5 victory over the first-place Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night.  —  With the game tied at four, Rene Tosoni led off the top of the ninth with a single off Jose Valverde (2-4).

Mets notes: Jose Reyes ready to go  —  The Mets' plan was to proceed carefully with Jose Reyes, and every time manager Terry Collins was asked about a return date for his energetic shortstop, he mentioned a longer stay on the disabled list.  —  But with the return date now just five days away …

Gonzalez, Rockies Pound Marlins in 12-5 Win  —  DENVER (AP) — Aaron Cook pitched effectively into the eighth inning and Carlos Gonzalez' three-run homer highlighted a powerful offensive display that sent the Colorado Rockies to a 12-5 victory over the Florida Marlins on Wednesday night.

Phillies need lefthanded bat off the bench  —  The second-guessers had it all wrong when they questioned whether Roy Halladay stayed in too long Tuesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks.  —  In fact, it might have been the least educated second guess in the history of the game when you consider …

Did the Yankees catch a bad break on disputed home run call?  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The rule is simple.  If a ball is hit over the outfield fence, it's a home run.  But what if there's confusion about what exactly constitutes the outfield fence?  —  That was the central question last night …

Valdez delivers clutch hit to lead Phillies over D'backs  —  PHILADELPHIA — Wilson Valdez went up to the plate looking for a sacrifice fly and got a lot more.  —  Cliff Lee threw seven impressive innings, Valdez hit a tiebreaking two-run double in the seventh, and the Philadelphia Phillies …

Gordon and Butler hit home runs and Royals beat Yankees  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Alex Gordon hit a three-run home run, Billy Butler added a contested solo shot and the Kansas City Royals survived a harrowing ninth inning to beat the New York Yankees 5-4 Wednesday night and avoid a three-game sweep.

Encarnacion, Lind, Rasmus hit home runs for Jays  —  SEATTLE - Brandon Morrow allowed three hits and one run over six innings and the Toronto Blue Jays connected for three home runs in a 5-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners Wednesday night.  —  Edwin Encarnacion hit a solo homer to open the second …

Angels need a youth movement  —  With season slipping away, it's time to bring back Conger, Trout for the experience  —  ANAHEIM — It's hard to believe the Los Angeles Angels will continue to watch baseball's worst-hitting offense since the All-Star break drag this team out of a pennant race.

Plenty of Time Left to Regret Rodriguez's Contract  —  The swollen ice wrap around Alex Rodriguez's right knee looked like it might burst and spray popcorn around the room in all directions.  He sat down and kept his leg erect, but couldn't keep a straight face when someone asked if he physically felt 100 percent.

Sammy to Big Z: Hold off on retirement talk  —  Former slugger wants players to know life after baseball ‘not easy’  —  CHICAGO — Sammy Sosa knows all about life after baseball, and planned on reaching out to Carlos Zambrano to remind him that once you retire, “it's a whole different ballgame.”

Strasburg allows five runs in third rehab start  —  HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Stephen Strasburg knew he needed to face some adversity in his Minor League rehab starts, even if he might not face the level of competition he will see once he returns to the Nationals' rotation in September.