MLB ROUNDUP \ Thursday’s games

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Red Sox 7, Yankees 0

NEW YORK — Jon Lester pitched a five-hitter while Boston roughed up Andy Pettitte to end a five-game losing streak. Lester (7-3) made his most impressive start since pitching a no-hitter against Kansas City May 19. He struck out eight, walked two and won his fourth straight decision. New York lost for the fourth time in five games. Pettitte (9-6) lasted 42‚Ñ3 innings as his six-game winning streak came ended.

Athletics 3, White Sox 2

CHICAGO — Justin Duchscherer pitched seven innings and Jack Cust and Donnie Murphy homered as Oakland snapped Chicago’s seven-game winning streak. Javier Vazquez (7-7) took the loss despite pitching his first complete game in nearly a year, allowing four hits and striking out 10.

Royals 10, Orioles 7

BALTIMORE — Mark Grudzielanek went 4-for-5 and played a key role in a seven-run sixth inning for Kansas City. The Royals overcame a four-run deficit and two homers by Aubrey Huff to earn a split of the four-game series.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Diamondbacks 6, Brewers 5

PHOENIX — Conor Jackson’s two-run single capped Arizona’s six-run ninth inning. Three Brewers pitchers failed to record an out as seven straight Diamondbacks reached base in the ninth. Milwaukee’s J.J. Hardy homered, doubled twice and singled to match his career high for hits.

Dodgers 5, Astros 2

HOUSTON — Chad Billingsley pitched eight strong innings and Andre Ethier homered for the second straight game to lead Los Angeles. Billingsley (8-7) gave up six hits, struck out five and did not allow an earned run to win his fourth straight start. Blake DeWitt had a two-run single and James Loney added a solo homer and an RBI double for the Dodgers, who have won six of their last seven road games.

Giants 8, Cubs 3

SAN FRANCISCO — Tim Lincecum increased his NL-leading strikeout total to 122 with eight in six innings and singled in a run and scored for San Francisco. Rich Aurilia hit a three-run homer in the seventh, his third career pinch-hit homer. He hadn’t had one since June 12, 2003, at the Chicago White Sox during his first stint with San Francisco. Lincecum (10-1) allowed seven hits and three runs.

Phillies 4, Braves 1

ATLANTA — Cole Hamels came within one out of his second shutout of the Braves this season, capping the Phillies’ second series sweep in Atlanta this year. Hamels gave up his only run with two outs in the ninth. Tom Gordon retired Jeff Francoeur for his second save. Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Pedro Feliz hit home runs as the Phillies improved to 8-1 against the Braves this season.

Reds 5, Nationals 3

CINCINNATI — Brandon Phillips had three hits and three RBIs and Cincinnati capitalized on a Washington error for its rally. Johnny Cueto (7-8) allowed seven hits and three runs with one walk and eight strikeouts in seven innings for his second consecutive win after three straight losses.

Mets 11, Cardinals 1

ST. LOUIS — Jose Reyes’ bases-clearing triple keyed a six-run third that included pitcher Mike Pelfrey’s first-ever RBI in New York’s rout. Carlos Delgado had a two-run homer and three RBIs as the Mets pounded rookie Mitchell Boggs.

Associated Press