mlb roundup | Tuesday’s other games

INTERLEAGUE

Yankees 6, Braves 4

ATLANTA

Alex Rodriguez took a grand swing into the record books Tuesday night, and now stands shoulder to shoulder with Lou Gehrig. Rodriguez hit his 23rd career grand slam, matching Hall of Famer Gehrig’s record, and the Yankees scored six runs in the eighth inning to rally. Nick Swisher hit a tiebreaking two-run homer off Cory Gearrin two batters after Rodriguez connected against Jonny Venters. The Yankees had been only 10 for 67 (.149) with the bases loaded this season before Rodriguez hit his tying shot. Minutes later, Rodriguez paused to savor his shared place with Gehrig in baseball history. “It means a lot,” Rodriguez said. “It’s very special. This game is very, very difficult. If you’re not going to enjoy these great moments, then it’s not any fun. Lou Gehrig is not only one of the all-time greats, but he’s one of ours.” The Yankees matched their season high with a fifth straight win and moved into sole possession of first in the AL East when Tampa Bay lost to the Mets. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said it was “absolutely incredible” for Rodriguez to match Gehrig’s mark. “It’s hard to fathom what he’s been able to do in his career,” Girardi said. “To be mentioned with Lou Gehrig, that’s special.” CC Sabathia (8-3) left trailing 4-0 after seven innings but was the beneficiary of the rally. The big lefty gave up four runs on a season-high 10 hits with two walks and six strikeouts. Rodriguez was aware of the Yankees’ struggles with the bases loaded. “I almost felt like it was a swing for the team,” Rodriguez said.

Red Sox 2, Marlins 1

MIAMI

Clay Buchholz outpitched Mark Buehrle and the Red Sox beat ended a four-game losing streak. The game was scoreless until Kelly Shoppach hit an RBI double in the seventh inning and came home on a single by Mike Aviles. Logan Morrison hit a leadoff home run in the Miami seventh. Buchholz (7-2) allowed five hits and struck out a season-high nine in seven innings. Alfredo Aceves closed for his 15th save in 18 chances.

Nationals 4, Blue Jays 2

TORONTO

Bryce Harper homered off the center field restaurant, Danny Espinosa added a two-run blast and the Nationals extended their winning streak to five games. Jhonatan Solano added his first career homer as the Nationals improved to 6-2 in interleague play.

Mets 11, Rays 2

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.

Chris Young settled down after a shaky first inning to get his first win in more than a year and the Mets beat Tampa Bay. Young allowed nine hits over 52/3 innings, walked two and struck out four in his second major league outing since returning from shoulder surgery that sidelined him most of last season.

Royals 2, Brewers 1

KANSAS CITY, MO.

Billy Butler drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning, and the Royals got a superb start from Luis Mendoza to spoil Zack Greinke’s return to Kansas City. Alex Gordon homered to lead off the bottom of the first, and then doubled leading off the eighth, heading to third base on a sacrifice bunt by Chris Getz. That set the table for Butler, who sent a pitch from Francisco Rodriguez (0-4) into center field to score the go-ahead run.

White Sox 6, Cardinals 1

ST. LOUIS

A.J. Pierzynski hit a two-run homer, rookie left-hander Jose Quintana allowed one run over 51/3 innings and the streaking White Sox. Paul Konerko had three singles on a 3-for-4 night to lift his majors-best average to .373.

Twins 11, Phillies 7

MINNEAPOLIS

Trevor Plouffe had a homer, a double and three RBIs to lead the Twins. Ben Revere and Jamey Carroll each had three hits and two RBIs and Josh Willingham also homered for the Twins.

Rangers 9, Diamondbacks 1

ARLINGTON, TEXAS

Colby Lewis retired the first 16 batters and finished with a four-hitter Tuesday night, leading Texas. Lewis (5-5) struck out seven and walked one as Texas ended Arizona’s five-game winning streak.

Cubs 4, Tigers 3

CHICAGO

Darwin Barney had three RBIs and the Cubs used shortstop Jhonny Peralta’s two throwing errors in the eighth inning to push across the winning run. With two outs and two on, Tony Campana hit a grounder to Peralta, whose throw pulled Ramon Santiago off the bag at second. Starlin Castro then hit another grounder to Peralta and the veteran infielder threw wide of first, allowing Barney to scamper home.

Associated Press