MLB ROUNDUP Wednesday’s other games

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Yankees 5, Rangers 3

ARLINGTON, Texas — Jason Giambi homered for the first time since shaving the most famous mustache in baseball, and starter Sidney Ponson beat his former Texas teammates. The win snapped a two-game skid and stopped the Yankees from sliding further back in the hunt for the AL wild card, a race in which the Rangers have also become a looming contender.

Angels 9, Orioles 4

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Vladimir Guerrero homered and drove in four runs and Garret Anderson had three hits and two RBIs in Los Angeles’ win over Baltimore. Ervin Santana (13-5) allowed four runs and eight hits over seven innings with seven strikeouts and no walks. The first-time All-Star got as much run support in this outing as he did over his previous four starts combined, including a 5-2 loss at Camden Yards July 27.

Twins 7, Mariners 3

SEATTLE — Rookie Denard Span drove in a career-high four runs and robbed Adrian Beltre of a go-ahead homer in the seventh inning, leading Minnesota over Seattle. Nick Blackburn (9-6), who began 2007 at Double-A New Britain, allowed three runs in six innings to tie Detroit’s Armando Galarraga for most wins by an AL rookie.

Blue Jays 5, Athletics 1

TORONTO — Rod Barajas hit a three-run homer and Shaun Marcum pitched seven strong innings as Toronto extended Oakland’s season-long losing streak to nine games. Oakland has been outscored 47-17 during the skid, managing no more than three runs in each of the losses.

Red Sox 8, Royals 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jacoby Ellsbury hit a three-run homer and Tim Wakefield’s baffling knuckleball shut down Kansas City on four hits through six innings. Jed Lowrie and J.D. Drew drove in two runs apiece for the Red Sox, who finished their season series 6-1 against the Royals.

White Sox 5, Tigers 1

CHICAGO — Jim Thome hit a three-run homer and John Danks worked efficiently into the seventh inning, helping Chicago beat Detroit. Danks (9-4) allowed one run on four hits over 6 2-3 innings, giving the White Sox a lift after they used seven relievers in a 14-inning win over Detroit Tuesday night.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Brewers 6, Reds 3.

CINCINNATI — Struggling leadoff hitter Rickie Weeks matched his career high with four hits, and the slumping bottom of Milwaukee’s batting order chipped in, too.

Cubs 11, Astros 4

CHICAGO — Mark DeRosa hit a grand slam and Alfonso Soriano had a three-run homer during an eight-run third inning that sent Chicago over Houston.

Giants 3, Braves 2

SAN FRANCISCO — Tim Lincecum pitched eight innings for his first win in more than three weeks and Aaron Rowand homered and drove in three runs for San Francisco. Randy Winn added four hits including the 1,500th of his career and scored twice for the Giants.

Phillies 5, Marlins 0

PHILADELPHIA — Kyle Kendrick pitched six scoreless innings and Ryan Howard homered for Philadelphia.

Padres 4, Mets 2

NEW YORK — Jody Gerut hit Pedro Martinez’s first pitch for a home run and Mets third baseman David Wright committed a costly error, helping San Diego beat New York. Cha Seung Baek baffled the Mets again, allowing two runs and eight hits in 61‚Ñ3 innings. The right-hander is 2-0 with a 2.19 ERA in two starts against New York this season.

Cardinals 9, Dodgers 6

ST. LOUIS — Ryan Ludwick homered for the fifth straight game to tie a franchise record and Albert Pujols hit a grand slam to lead St. Louis.

Associated Press