MLB Roundup Friday’s other games

INTERLEAGUE

Reds 4, White Sox 3

CINCINNATI — Brandon Phillips hit a two-run homer and a sacrifice fly on Friday night, and the Reds ended a nine-game losing streak against the White Sox with a victory that opened a spotlight weekend for baseball and civil rights. Phillips’ homer off Jose Contreras (2-6) put Cincinnati ahead to stay in the sixth and ended his power slump. The second baseman hadn’t homered since June 3, a span of 53 at-bats.

Orioles 7, Phillies 2

PHILADELPHIA — Rich Hill pitched into the seventh inning and singled in the go-ahead run, leading Baltimore. The defending World Series champions have lost four straight and fell to 13-20 at home. But the Phillies lead the NL East because they’re a major league-best 23-9 on the road.

Braves 8, Red Sox 2

BOSTON — Nate McLouth homered on the game’s first pitch and Kenshin Kawakami beat more-heralded countryman Daisuke Matsuzaka as the Braves topped Boston. Kawakami (4-6) allowed two hits and two runs in six innings in his first start against Boston since signing a $23 million, three-year contract in January after 11 seasons in Japan.

Mets 5, Rays 3

NEW YORK — Fernando Nieve turned in another impressive start and Brian Schneider hit a three-run homer, leading the Mets. David Wright added an RBI double and Daniel Murphy had three hits for the Mets, who opened a 10-game homestand by improving to 6-10 in June. Francisco Rodriguez rebounded from a blown save with a perfect ninth inning.

Yankees 5, Marlins 1

MIAMI — Andy Pettitte and two relievers combined on a three-hitter as the Yankees beat the Marlins without a benched Alex Rodriguez. With Rodriguez sitting with what he and the team called “fatigue,” the Yankees regrouped after two losses at home to the woeful Washington Nationals. Derek Jeter had two hits after being out of the starting lineup the last two games with a sore left ankle.

Nationals 2, Blue Jays 1, 11 innings

WASHINGTON — Adam Dunn hit a bases-loaded single in the 11th inning to lift the Nationals.

Twins 5, Astros 2

MINNEAPOLIS — Kevin Slowey became the second 10-game winner in the majors, and the Twins went back to small ball to beat Roy Oswalt and the Astros. Slowey (10-2) didn’t have his usual control during his six innings, walking Michael Bourn and Lance Berkman twice each to match his career high.

Cardinals 10, Royals 5

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Albert Pujols hit a two-run single when the Royals pitched to him and Ryan Ludwick hit a grand slam when they didn’t, helping the Cardinals beat in-state rival Kansas City. Khalil Greene and Rick Ankiel hit consecutive homers off Kyle Davies (3-7) to give St. Louis an early seven-run lead.

Associated Press