mlb roundup | Monday’s games

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Blue Jays 8, Rays 7

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.

J.P. Arencibia hit a two-out, two-run homer in the ninth inning off Fernando Rodney and the Blue Jays completed their comeback from a seven-run deficit, beating the Rays. The last time Toronto rallied from at least seven runs down to win was June 5, 2007, when it overcame an 8-1 margin to beat Tampa Bay 12-11, according to STATS LLC. Tampa Bay last lost a lead of at least seven runs was May 25, 2009, when Cleveland came back from a 10-0 deficit to win 11-10. This time, Evan Longoria hit his third career grand slam as Tampa Bay built a 7-0 lead.

White Sox 2, Royals 1, 11 innings

KANSAS CITY, MO.

Jordan Danks atoned for a baserunning blunder in the ninth inning by hitting a solo home run in the 11th that lifted the White Sox to the win. Danks connected with two outs off Kelvin Herrera (2-3) for his first homer of the season. The White Sox avoided a three-game sweep and won for only the fifth time in 18 tries in Kauffman Stadium.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Braves 7, Reds 4

CINCINNATI

Andrelton Simmons homered twice and drove in a career-high four runs to lead the Braves and end the Reds’ winning streak at three games. The Braves won at a place where they’ve had little success lately. They were 0-4 at Great American Ball Park last season and 14-25 overall since it opened for the 2003 season. Paul Maholm (4-3) held down an offense that’s been all-or-nothing. The left-hander allowed four hits and two runs in 5 2-3 innings. Craig Kimbrel gave up a pair of hits in the ninth while getting his 10th save in 12 opportunities. Atlanta scored in four of five innings against Bronson Arroyo (2-4), who gave up four runs in his shortest outing.

INTERLEAGUE

Cubs 9, Rangers 2

CHICAGO

Scott Feldman threw seven scoreless innings against his former team before leaving with a cramp in his pitching hand, and the Cubs came within three outs of their first shutout since August. Feldman (3-3) allowed two hits, struck out three and walked one.

Associated Press