Gutsy Beckett leads Sox to 90th win

Six-run fifth seals the deal for ace's 16th victory of season

By Ian Browne / MLB.com

KANSAS CITY -- Just like Josh Beckett never sees any reason for enthusiasm when he turns in a dominant performance and loses, he probably won't apologize for nearly equaling his career high for hits allowed and still leading the Red Sox to a 9-2 victory over the Royals on Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium.

Beckett's sole mission when he takes the ball for the Red Sox (90-61) is to win, and he navigated through some heavy traffic jams to do just that in this one, improving his record to 16-6 on the season.

It went in the books as a quality start for Beckett -- his 20th of the season. The ace scattered 12 hits, but he allowed two runs over six innings. He walked one and struck out seven, stranding 10 baserunners in the process. The only time Beckett allowed more hits in a game was Aug. 29, 2007, when the Yankees had 13 against him.

Paired with catcher Victor Martinez for just the second time, Beckett was hardly dominant. But he made pitches when he needed to, helping the Red Sox bounce back after losing the first two games of this four-game set.

Boston's magic number for clinching a postseason berth is down to five, and it could shrink to four by the end of the night pending the outcome of the Rangers-Athletics game in Oakland.

Trailing, 2-0, the Red Sox turned the game around for good by erupting for a six-spot against Luke Hochevar in the top of the fifth inning. With two on and one out, Jacoby Ellsbury belted a two-run triple to left to tie the game. Dustin Pedroia put the Red Sox ahead for good, ripping an RBI single up the middle.

Martinez extended his career-high hitting streak to 22 games with a single, tying Ellsbury for the longest streak by a Boston hitter this season. Kevin Youkilis walked to load the bases, and Jason Bay looped in a two-run single. David Ortiz capped the scoring in the six-run inning with an RBI single, giving Beckett a 6-2 lead.

The game was scoreless going into the bottom of the fourth, when the Royals rallied against Beckett. Yuniesky Betancourt struck a triple into the gap in left-center to make it a 1-0 game. David DeJesus drilled an RBI single up the middle, putting the Red Sox in a two-run hole. Beckett gave up 10 hits over the first four innings.

Rafa Benitez: Liverpool FC must improve despite opening Champions League win

RELIEVED Rafael Benitez has urged his Liverpool team to improve after opening their Champions League campaign in unconvincing fashion.

A goal from Dirk Kuyt in first-half injury time was enough to earn a narrow 1-0 win over Hungarian champions Debrecen at a nervy Anfield last night.

Kuyt’s strike was his 12th in 35 European Cup appearances for the club and earned Liverpool their 100th win in the competition.

But Benitez admits his players almost paid for failing to score a second goal during the second half.

And the Anfield manager believes Liverpool cannot afford a similar performance when they visit Fiorentina for their next Group E game in a fortnight.

“We had some chances, we didn’t take them and we put ourselves under pressure at the end,” said Benitez.

“We scored but the fact we didn’t get a second meant they always thought they had a chance.

“I don’t think the players were nervous. We were in control in the first half and they didn’t have too much threat. But hopefully we will see better things in the next game.

“The difference was because we couldn’t score the second goal, but I’m really pleased because we have won. We always have confidence. We are winning games now and that is important for the players. The confidence is getting better.”

With Lyon having beaten Fiorentina 1-0 in last night’s other Group E game, Liverpool are joint top of the early standings.

And Benitez added: “To start the Champions League group stage with three points was the most important thing. We knew we had to score an early goal but we couldn’t. These kind of games against teams that are well organised and working hard”

Benitez, who kept the same starting line-up that beat Burnley 4-0 at the weekend, dismissed any suggestion Liverpool had underestimated their opponents.

“We knew they had good players and were well organised,” said the Liverpool manager. “We knew it would be difficult. We had to see their level against a top side and they have shown they are a good team.

“You could see from the first minute that Debrecen were going to press for every ball with intensity, so they didn’t make it easy.”

Debrecen manager Andras Herczeg concedes “it would have been a miracle” had the Hungarians snatched a draw, but praised his players for their second-half display.

“We knew we’d be playing against a world-class team,” said Herczeg. “We knew they would create a lot of chances but I thought we coped quite well. I thought we played well and if we could create a few more chances we could have equalised.

“In the first half we were a little bit too nervous but in the second half we were a lot better and corrected our mistakes of the first half.

“It’s a pity we didn’t keep our concentration at the end of the first half when we conceded the goal, but I have to congratulate my players.

“It would have been a miracle if we’d got a draw here. But we’ll have the whole of Hungary behind us when we play at home, and 42,000 inside the stadium.”

Meanwhile, Tom Hicks has asked bankers Merrill Lynch to find new investment in the club, with the Liverpool co-owner believed to be ready to sell a 25% share worth around £100million.

Anfield co-owner Hicks is believed to have instructed Merrill Lynch to pursue avenues in the Middle East where there are a number of potential investors.

STAND LIEGE v ARSENAL MINUTE-BY-MINUTE

Mad football match that one. Hard to say if Arsenal deserved that. Thank you for your company. Cheerio.

90+2: Clichy makes a crucial intervention to prevent another dramatic twist.

90: Three minutes of injury time will be played. This has been a crazy match, if truth be told.

86: Wilshere is to make a cameo as he replaces Eduardo.

84: Traore is on for Witsel.

82: Goodness. I am struggling to keep up here! Eduardo completes Arsenal's comeback as he pokes home from a corner. Madness as my fingers cramp up. Bizarre yet brilliant entertainment.

81: GOAL EDUARDO. Eduardo scores for Arsenal

79: Change for Arsenal as Sagna comes on. Seconds later, Vermaelen sees a shot hacked off the line. Of the leveller, it appears Song hand-balled in the build up. Controversial...

78: Fabregas floats in a free-kick and it somehow ends up in the back of the net. There are cries for a handball from Liege but nothing is given. It appears that Vermaelen got the final touch to tap home.

78: GOAL VERMAELEN. Arsenal are level.

76: Nicaise is booked for a cheeky foul on Mannone.

73: Gallas makes a vital headed clearance to ensure Liege don't regain their two-goal lead.

71: Ramsey tries his luck with a daisy-cutter but it is easy for the keeper.

70: Ramsey enters the fray in play of the impressive Rosicky.

67: Booking for Witsel after a tug on Bendtner. Ref might have let the move play on there.

66: Arsenal win two consecutive corners but Eduardo's delivery from both is dreadful.

64: The Gunners have yet to really create anything of note in this second half. Wenger will no doubt take a draw now.

61: Liege are looking a little tired now, but their numbers behind the ball are causing Arsenal problems.

59: Jovanovic is replaced by Nicaise.

58: Eboue breathes a huge sigh of relief as his sliding clearance from a Dalmat cross goes over his own cross bar, instead of under it.

56: Song has been largely disappointing. A number of his forward passes have been extremely wasteful.

53: Mistakes are still abound for the Gunners. It will be interesting to see their pass completion come the end of the game.

50: Arsenal put together some neat passing with Rosicky involved. The move just breaks down. Better from the visitors.

48: Massive tackle from Mangala. Rosicky floats a brilliant pass into the path of Bendtner, who winds up to shoot but Mangala slides in superbly.

47: Another massive error as a short pass from Song allows Liege to attack. They should score but Clichy tracks back to block.

46: Arsenal get the second half under way.

Will that late goal hand Arsenal a much-needed boost? It couldn't have gone much worse for them in the first period. Expect the hair-dryer treatment from assistant Pat Rice.

Half-time. Standard Liege 2 Arsenal 1

45: GOAL BENDTNER> Bendtner scores for Arsenal. Just when Liege thought they had held out until half-time, Arsenal score. Diaby shows the good side of his game with a brilliant turn and run before sliding in Bendtner. The Dane finishes coolly across goal to pull one back for the Gunners.

44: Bolat has picked up a booking. No explanation for that one.

43: Appeals for a penalty from some of the Arsenal players. Nothing doing from the referee though.

41: Clichy is specifically having a torrid outing. His passing has been awful.

39: Fabregas sees a shot blocked and then Eboue slips when trying to cross. Nothing has gone right for Arsenal.

37: Arsenal take a quick free-kick and Clichy powers a cross in from the left but Bendtner is not there to meet it and Bolat claims.

34: Yellow for Clichy as he swings a boot through the back of his man.

32: Bendtner does well to skin his man down the left but his cross is rather hopeful and it finds no-one.

30: Arsenal again string some passes together but the move is over when Diaby's attempted cross zooms out for a goal kick.

27: Fabregas has a chance to deliver a dangerous free-kick but the ball is too floaty and easy for the Liege keeper, whose name I have yet to mention. His name is Bolat, by the way.

25: Arsene Wenger looks like he has been sucking on a lemon. His side's display so far has been just awful.

23: Arsenal finally enjoy some possession as they pen Liege back in their own half. The Gunners are not really getting anywhere near goal though.

21: Another mistake as Clichy passes behind Eduardo and then Gallas heads poorly under no pressure.

19: You will rarely see Arsenal misplace so many passes.

17: This really has been a rotten opening to the game for Arsenal. Their performance has been riddled with mistakes.

15: Dalmat bends in a cross from the right but Mannone is there to smother. Neat take by the Italian.

13: Arsenal finally get their passing game going but they just overwork it as the move breaks down only 15 yards from goal.

11: Arsenal are struggling. They cannot keep possession and look very rattled from their nightmare beginning.

9: Replays are inconclusive as to whether Gallas' foul for the penalty came just outside the area.

8: Mannone gets his first touch that doesn't involve picking the ball out of the back of the net. It is shaky as he slices out of play.

Good grief. Okay, the first goal came following a shocking attempt at a flick by Eduardo on the edge of the area. Mangala gained possession and he fired home in the bottom corner. Then just a few seconds later Gallas committed a foul in the box and Jovanovic duly slotted home. Horror start for the Gunners.

5: GOAL JOVANOVIC. Jovanovic scores for Liege with Mannone going the wrong way.

4: PENALTY LIEGE. Just a few seconds later Gallas commits a foul in the box and Jovanovic duly slots home. Horror start for the Gunners

3: GOAL MANGALA. Mangala scores for Liege. A shocking attempt at a flick by Eduardo on the edge of the area. Mangala gained possession and he fires home in the bottom corner.

3: Bright start to the game regarding the tempo. Liege win an early corner as Song deflects wide.

1: Liege get the game under way, kicking from right to left as I see it.

49ers' Davis reminded often of last game against Seattle

By Daniel Brown

dbrown@mercurynews.com

It didn't take much to jog Vernon Davis' memory. Asked about the last time he faced the Seattle Seahawks, he smiled wide.

"That's the game where I went to the locker room, huh?" he said.

Yep, that's the one.

Davis committed a personal foul penalty against safety Brian Russell, and the rest is YouTube history. Mike Singletary banished Davis to the locker room and later the coach unleashed one of the great postgame rants of all time. ("I want winners!" might sound familiar.)

One of the reasons that Davis remembers it so well is that opponents won't let him forget. For the rest of last season, other players tried to bait Davis into losing his cool again.

"They tried every time," he said Wednesday. "They'd say, 'Vernon, go to the locker room!' People still say it."

But instead of getting mad, he stays even.

"I just laugh about it," Davis said.

That Seattle game last Oct. 26 marked Singletary's interim coaching debut. Much has changed since. Singletary is now the full-time guy — in no small part because of his tough, disciplined approach to players such as Davis.

Looking back, Davis didn't know how to react.

"This guy, wow, he sent me to the locker room," he said. "I didn't know what was going on or what to think. He didn't know me very well, and I didn't know him. We had to learn how to deal with each other."

York told hosts Tom Tolbert and Ralph Barbieri, "We want the kid to be here. And I'd love to have a chance to sit down and talk with him and his agent face to face ...

"It's one thing to have an agent say, 'This is what I want' and 'This is what he believes,' but so that it doesn't get personal — and so there's no miscommunication — I'd like to sit down with Michael" as well as general manager Scot McCloughan and vice president of football operations Paraag Marathe.

The Crabtree camp has yet to respond, York said.

Defensive end Justin Smith was held out with an elbow problem, but the team said it was precautionary. Smith, who has not missed a game since 2001, is expected to be on the field Sunday.

Receiver Brandon Jones (shoulder) practiced while wearing a black jersey, which told other players to avoid contact. It was Jones' first full participation in practice since suffering a fractured scapula.

Marcus Hudson (chest), David Baas (biceps), Aubrayo Franklin (shin) and Chilo Rachal (neck) made the injury report, but each participated fully in practice.

Cubs vs. Brewers

TIME: 02:20 P.M. EST
VENUE: Wrigley Field

The Milwaukee Brewers have already secured their first winning road trip in four months. Now, they'll try to accomplish something else that's eluded them for some time.

The Brewers look to win two in a row at Wrigley Field for the first time in more than a year while trying to split their four-game set with the Chicago Cubs on Thursday.

Rookie shortstop Alcides Escobar went 4 for 5 with three RBIs in Milwaukee's 9-5 victory over Chicago on Wednesday.

Hoping to salvage something positive at the end of a disappointing season, the Brewers (70-75) are 4-2 on this seven-game road trip that started with a sweep at Arizona. It's Milwaukee's first winning road swing since going 5-4 at St. Louis, Houston and Minnesota from May 16-24.

Milwaukee is 2-5 at Wrigley in 2009, and hasn't won two in a row at Chicago since opening the 2008 season with consecutive victories.

The Brewers pounded out 13 hits Wednesday and were paced by Escobar, who set career highs for hits and RBIs. He's 8 for 16 on the road trip, and batting .312 with 11 RBIs in 25 games since being called up from Triple-A Nashville.

"I'm getting better and better every day," said Escobar, who doesn't turn 23 until December. "I'm trying to work on my offense every day, trying to put the ball in play and make some contact. I'm looking for line drives in every at-bat."

After Braden Looper recorded his career-high 13th win Wednesday, Milwaukee hopes Dave Bush (4-7, 5.85 ERA) can build off his first victory in almost four months when he takes the ball in this contest.

Bush allowed one run and struck out a season-high 11 in a 9-2 win at Arizona for his first victory since beating Houston on May 19.

"It was mostly throwing strikes and being unpredictable. That's what I have to do," said Bush, who went 0-7 with a 9.21 ERA in nine starts between victories and also spent more than two months on the disabled list due to arm fatigue.

The right-hander is 1-7 with a 4.78 ERA in 13 career starts against the Cubs, and has a 3.38 ERA with no record in two outings versus Chicago this season.

Three of Aramis Ramirez's eight hits against Bush have been home runs. The veteran third baseman hit a two-run homer Wednesday for the Cubs (75-69), who lost for the second time in nine games.

Chicago's playoff chances are remote, as it's 8 1/2 games behind first-place St. Louis in the NL Central and 6 1/2 behind wild-card leader Colorado.

"Right now, we're still trying to win as many games and finish as strong as we can," manager Lou Piniella told the Cubs' official Web site.

Ramirez is batting .419 with nine RBIs in his last eight contests.

Randy Wells (10-8, 2.96) takes the ball for the Cubs. The right-hander allowed three earned runs in 3 2-3 innings Saturday, but didn't receive a decision in a 7-5 loss to Cincinnati.

The right-hander's first career start - and season debut - came against the Brewers on May 8, when he allowed five hits over five scoreless innings of a 3-2 loss at Milwaukee.

Copyright 2009 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

Mariners vs. White Sox

TIME: 06:40 P.M. EST
VENUE: Safeco Field

A lack of consistency has made it extremely hard for the Chicago White Sox to be considered a legitimate threat in the AL Central. Poor hitting with runners in scoring position has made it even more difficult.

Chicago closes a series with the Seattle Mariners on Thursday at Safeco Field, trying to win two of three.

After a 6-3 victory on Tuesday, the White Sox (72-74) continued their trend of trading wins and losses with a 4-1 defeat to the Mariners (75-71) on Wednesday.

Chicago has alternated decisions in its last 10 games, failing to take advantage of a 4-6 stretch by first-place Detroit, which leads the third-place White Sox by 6 1/2 games in the Central. Minnesota is two games ahead of Chicago.

On Wednesday, the White Sox couldn't get their offense going against Ryan Rowland-Smith, who pitched eight solid innings. The Mariners, who have won three of five after losing five straight, scored two runs in the first off Gavin Floyd, who left after three innings because of a sore hip. Mike Carp hit his first major league home run in the fourth to make it 4-0.

"I grew up as a kid wanting to hit a home run in a big league ballpark," Carp said. "Finally got it out of the way."

Seattle shut out the White Sox until the eighth when rookie Gordon Beckham hit his 12th home run. Chicago went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position, however, and is batting .133 with 13 strikeouts in the last 10 games.

The White Sox did get some production from Alex Rios, who had two hits to snap a 3 for 44 slump.

Having again taxed its bullpen, which has pitched 31 1-3 innings the last seven games, Chicago will hand the ball to John Danks (12-9, 3.71 ERA) Thursday, hoping he can provide some rest for the relievers.

Danks has recorded seven consecutive quality starts, going 3-1 with a 2.31 ERA during that stretch. He pitched six scoreless innings against Los Angeles on Saturday, allowing six hits in a 4-3, 10-inning win.

The left-hander is 1-4 with a 6.11 ERA against the Mariners, splitting two starts this season. He allowed one run in eight innings of a 3-1 victory at Safeco Field on Aug. 11.

Jose Lopez, who had two hits Wednesday, is 7 for 13 against Danks.

Brandon Morrow (1-4, 5.29) takes the mound for Seattle after winning his first start in more than two months against Texas on Saturday.

Morrow, who started the season in the bullpen, gave up three runs and five hits in five innings of an 8-3 win over the Rangers. It was his first appearance since July 10.

The right-hander has pitched 4 1-3 innings of relief against the White Sox in his career, allowing two hits while striking out nine over five appearances.

Copyright 2009 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

Chicago Bears coach defends quarterback Jay Cutler

Lovie Smith says former coaches were unfair in criticism

By Vaughn McClureTribune reporter

Bears coach Lovie Smith strongly defended his quarterback in the wake of criticism from two former coaches he knows well: Jim Mora and his former Rams boss Mike Martz.

Mora and Martz, appearing on the NFL Network's new show "The Head Coaches," both had negative things to say aboutJay Cutler's postgame demeanor after the Bears' 21-15 loss to the Packers. Mora called Cutler "completely immature" while Martz said Cutler "just doesn't get it."

Smith seemed annoyed.

"First off, you have to look at the setting a little bit," he said. "We had just come off a tough loss to one of our rivals."

Smith said he listened to Cutler's comments and was disappointed with the critique of them, "especially from a couple of former coaches."

Smith talked about Cutler being a leader and a player who represents the organization well.

"We can't be concerned about criticism coming from the outside," Smith said. "Right now it's easy to dog pile us because we didn't play well. But how you get rid of things like that is to play well."

Smith was asked if he talked to Martz.

"I'm trying to get ready for Pittsburgh. I'm talking to my wife a little bit right now," Smith joked. "Everyone else is a little bit lower on the list."

So what did Smith's wife have to say?

"Full support," he said. "Always. Loves Jay to death too."

Copyright © 2009, Chicago Tribune

Harwell's influence will still thrive in Michigan

by Jon Paul Morosi

DETROIT - Ernie Harwell is 91 years old. He has an incurable form of cancer. He knows that he will leave us soon.

And yet there he was Wednesday night, arms thrust into the air as he walked onto the field, face glowing with a smile, an entire ballpark cheering and crying for him.

For a moment, he didn't appear sick at all.

"It's a wonderful night for me," he said. "I really feel lucky to be here. And I want to thank you."

More applause. More tears. More emotional than any of us imagined.

Harwell came to Comerica Park, perhaps for the final time, to thank the fans. But I think we needed this more than he did. And by "we," I mean anyone who grew up in Michigan listening to his Tigers broadcasts, anyone fortunate enough to call him a friend, anyone whose ear has turned toward the sound of That Voice.

Harwell's tenure with the Tigers spanned more than 40 years, he's in the Hall of Fame, and that doesn't begin to describe why this night was so special, so essential, so unique. It's been seven years since his final game as the team's play-by-play man, and I believe he would outrank most (if not all) of the active roster in a popularity poll among people in this state.

If Walter Cronkite was the Most Trusted Man in America, Ernie Harwell has been the Most Trusted Man in Michigan for the better part of five decades. When he said something on the air — whether it was about Alan Trammell or health insurance — you took it as gospel.

"I heard him broadcast Baltimore games when I was in Little League in Pennsylvania," said Jim Price, 67, the former Tigers catcher and current radio broadcaster. "Then he broadcast my games. Then I worked with him in television and was his last on-air broadcast partner in radio.

"We had such a great time. ... He's always in a good mood. The best thing about Ernie is he's everybody's best friend. He really is."

Harwell has said he has a year to live, maybe less. When he thanked the local media for their support before the game — "It's wonderful to see so many friends here, so many smiling faces" — he also acknowledged to feeling "a little shaky." We're being reminded that the voice behind so many fond memories is a mortal one.

Time may be short, and there certainly isn't enough of it for every well-wisher. So, we had Wednesday's celebration, a collective hug and almost-goodbye. The crowd was 5,000 fans larger than it was the night before — and not because of the pennant race.

Harwell has had a great life, made greater by the fact that he's never taken it for granted. As he told the crowd: "The Lord has blessed me with a great journey."

"If we're all at peace with ourselves as much as he is," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said, "that's pretty good."

A familiar feature of Harwell's broadcasts came when foul balls disappeared into the stands. He would say, "A fan from Marquette" — or another out-of-the-way place — "will take that one home."

When I was a kid, I wondered how Ernie knew the hometown of every person at Tiger Stadium. Eventually, I realized that this was a way of acknowledging that the team's fan base spread far away from Detroit, that many Tigers fans weren't able to see the team play in person more than once each year.

I was one of them. I grew up in Bay City, about two hours north of Detroit. The Tigers weren't very good for most my childhood, so I was probably more attached to Ernie than anyone on the field. If the team wasn't going to win, at least I could rely on the voice from Georgia that told me about Ti-guh baseball.

I finally met him in 2002, his final year as the team's broadcaster. I remember being awestruck, in a way that journalists are trained not to be. But I couldn't help it. Wow. Ernie Harwell just said my name and shook my hand. I think I called my mom.

And it's funny: My current job requires me to converse with All-Star players and well-known figures, and I've never felt as overwhelmed after meeting someone as I did that day.

I'm honored to say that Ernie has become a friend of mine in the years since, granting me membership in a club that is neither small nor exclusive. I hang up after our conversations in disbelief, that a voice heard by millions was suddenly in the earpiece of my very own telephone.

So, yes, I felt the stitch in my throat, too, on Wednesday night, along with everyone else at the ballpark. But we didn't come to mourn prematurely. We didn't come to soak in our sorrows over a great man's grave diagnosis.

We came to thank him, as he thanked us. We came because we wanted to hear that voice, and see that smile, one more time. He didn't disappoint. He never has. He never will.

Phillies vs. Nationals

TIME: 07:05 P.M. EST
VENUE: Citizens Bank Park

The Philadelphia Phillies have allowed one run in their last three games, the kind of pitching that has them on the cusp of their third consecutive NL East title.

They've also found some renewed confidence in the starter most responsible for helping them win their last two division crowns.

Cole Hamels has looked excellent in three of his last four starts, and he'll look to keep rolling Thursday night as the Phillies seek a fifth straight win and a three-game sweep of the visiting Washington Nationals.

Hamels (9-9, 4.21 ERA) was the World Series MVP last fall, but hasn't looked like a dominant pitcher for much of 2009 after experiencing minor elbow and shoulder issues during the early part of the season.

His ERA was at 4.78 heading into an Aug. 26 start at Pittsburgh, but he's been brilliant in three of his last four trips to the mound. He didn't allow a run over 17 innings between that outing against the Pirates and a Sept. 1 win against San Francisco, then gave up a run and seven hits over 6 2-3 innings Friday in a 4-2 win over the New York Mets.

"I've got four more games. I'm trying to redeem my season more than anything," Hamels told the Phillies' official Web site. "Any time you can finish strong and finish the way that you planned on starting the year, I think that's all I can really ask for."

Hamels was 3-1 with a 0.39 ERA in his past seven starts against Washington (50-95) coming into a May 30 outing, but he didn't have his best stuff that day. The left-hander came away with a win, but gave up six runs and eight hits in six innings.

The Nationals haven't had any luck at the plate so far in this series. The Phillies hadn't allowed a run in 26 innings before Tyler Walker gave one up in the ninth inning of a 6-1 win Wednesday, with Jayson Werth's seventh-inning grand slam providing all the offense Philadelphia would need.

"Hitting is contagious, but pitching is contagious, too," said Joe Blanton, who increased the Phillies' starters shutout streak to 23 innings.

Philadelphia reduced its magic number to clinch the East to 11.

Werth, meanwhile, is dominating the Nationals over the past week. He's hitting .450 with three homers and seven RBIs in five games against Washington since Philadelphia took two of three in the nation's capital last week.

"I knew he could produce from an offensive standpoint and I knew he had power, but I didn't know how consistent he'd be," manager Charlie Manuel said of Werth, whose 34 homers trail only Ryan Howard's 38.

Werth is 1 for 2 against Ross Detwiler (0-5, 6.17), who will make his first start since before the All-Star break. The rookie left-hander was sent to the minors after struggling in 10 starts from May 18-July 8, including a loss at Philadelphia on May 29 when he allowed five runs and 10 hits over four innings.

Detwiler pitched two scoreless innings of relief in Washington's 11-3 loss at Florida on Saturday.

"They gave me another opportunity to start, so I want to get the ball rolling, go into spring training and compete for a job," Detwiler told the Nationals' official Web site.

Copyright 2009 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

Rangers fall to A's as skid hits four

Offensive drought extends to one run in past 37 innings

By T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com

ARLINGTON -- When it was over, Chris Davis stood at the railing in front of the Rangers dugout and just stared out onto the field.

The Athletics were shaking hands, another light rain was starting to fall and the Rangers had just finished playing 37 innings over four days while managing to score only one lousy run.

"Obviously we're not playing the way we want to play," said Davis, one of several Rangers who were groping for answers after a 4-0 loss on Wednesday night at the Ballpark in Arlington.

Despite the setback, the Rangers are still six games back in the American League West behind the Angels, who also lost in Boston as the Red Sox extended their Wild Card lead to 6 1/2 games.

"We're not scoring runs, and that's always been one thing we can count on," Davis said. "We've always been able to score runs. We can't point fingers at anybody but ourselves. You want to get motivated and light a fire, but you end up putting pressure on yourself. That's what's happening to us."

Something is happening, and the Rangers appear baffled in figuring out how to stop it. Rookie pitcher Trevor Cahill held the Rangers to one hit and two walks in seven innings. Reliever Michael Wuertz set the side down in order in the eighth, and closer Andrew Bailey did the same in the ninth.

Only Marlon Byrd's second-inning bloop single that fell between shortstop Cliff Pennington and left fielder Eric Patterson was all that prevented a no-hitter. Instead, the Rangers were shut out for the third time in four games for only the second time in club history.

The last time that has happened was in 1992 against the Blue Jays, who won the World Series that year, and the Twins, who had won it the previous year. The Rangers are now 1-5 on the homestand and hitting .195 in those six games.

"Cahill has a great idea for a young guy," Byrd offered. "He has gotten a lot better. He's not the same pitcher we saw before, and we're struggling offensively."

But second baseman Ian Kinsler had a more succinct reason why Cahill was successful against the Rangers.

"He threw strikes," Kinsler said. "That's all you needed to do against us tonight is throw strikes."

All-Star right-hander Felix Hernandez started this whammy against the Rangers' offense on Sunday night, but the Athletics' three starters for this series were Brett Tomko, Edgar Gonzalez and Cahill.

Even Oakland manager Bob Geren rated the odds of his pitching staff being able to do something like this over three games in Texas were pretty high.

"The odds would be the same as if someone told me I'd be wearing a jacket tonight," Geren said, "which I was."

But cool weather in September around here is much more common than what's happened to the Rangers. This is reminiscent of those infamous playoff series against the Yankees in 1998 and '99 when Texas scored just one run in each series. That was the lowest point ever in club offensive history, but this is getting up there, considering the timing of it all.

"I don't have an explanation," manager Ron Washington said. "We're just not getting it done. You figure somebody in the lineup will get it done even if we go cold. But not the whole lineup."

The Rangers had one chance. They were down, 1-0, in the bottom of the second when Byrd led off with a single. Kinsler then drew a walk.

That brought up Nelson Cruz. He tried to bunt -- clearly trying to do so for a hit -- but he bunted the ball hard straight back to Cahill, who was able to throw to third for the force on Byrd.

"I certainly didn't give him the bunt sign," Washington bristled. "Not with runners at first and second and Nelson Cruz up there with 32 bombs."

Cahill then struck out Davis and Taylor Teagarden to end the inning. The bottom three spots in the order were 0-for-9 with seven strikeouts. Those were also the Rangers' only three at-bats with runners in scoring position and they are now 2-for-31 in those situations on the homestand.

"There is no explanation," Kinsler said. "How can you explain that, getting shutout three times in four games? It doesn't matter who you are playing. There's no way to put a finger on it. We just need to relax and get ready for the next game."

That would be against the Angels, who open a three-game series in Arlington on Friday. They are struggling almost as much as the Rangers. They have lost three in a row.

"We have to win," Byrd said. "We made it tough on ourselves, now we've got to come out and see what we can do. See if we can put a string of wins together. See if we can get a miracle."

Right now, a few runs would seem miraculous.

'So pumped up about this'

2016 GAMES | Obamas host rally to push Chicago's Olympics bid

WASHINGTON -- President Obama, first lady Michelle and Mayor Daley piled on praise for Chicago as the site of the 2016 Olympics at a sports-themed event at the White House on Wednesday.

Organizers hope it will help persuade the International Olympic Committee to select the city for the Summer Games when they vote Oct. 2 in Copenhagen.

"I cannot think of a better city to host the 2016 Games than my hometown. I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. You probably already know that. So I know a lot about this city. We have our home so close to many of the proposed venues. We can say that we are so pumped up about this, aren't we?" Mrs. Obama said.

Olympic honchos had hoped the president would be in Copenhagen for the final lobbying and sales pitch. But for now, the plan is for him to stay in Washington to work on health care, sending Mrs. Obama instead to lead the U.S. delegation. It will be her first major solo assignment as first lady.

"I would make the case in Copenhagen personally, if I weren't so firmly committed to making -- making real the promise of quality, affordable health care for every American. But the good news is, I'm sending a more compelling superstar to represent the city and country we love, and that is our first lady, Michelle Obama," Obama said. White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett -- part of the Chicago 2016 drive before joining the Obama White House -- will also be traveling to Copenhagen.

Several Olympians and Paralympians were on the South Lawn demonstrating their sports. At one point Obama grabbed a play sword and made like Obi-Wan Kenobi in "Star Wars." Mrs. Obama, taking note of the gymnastic, judo and fencing demonstrations being held for students, said Obama had tried out fencing in the White House.

"It was pathetic. But he passed the baton really well," she said.

Daley invoked the names of Chicago Olympic legends Jesse Owens and Ralph Metcalfe in talking about Chicago's bid. Earlier in the day he met with the Illinois congressional delegation to discuss the bid. Daley said Rep. Bobby Rush was hosting a lunch with African ambassadors this week in Washington to help build up international support for Chicago.

The South Lawn was full of Chicagoans: Jarrett, David Axelrod, Arne Duncan, Desiree Rogers, Tina Tchen -- who are all in the administration -- and visitors involved with the Chicago 2016 bid, including Pat Ryan, Gery Chico and John Rogers.

There were reports that Daley was disappointed that he could not count on Obama for Copenhagen. After the event Daley said, "That is completely phony. That is a gossip story. . . . We are very pleased to have the first lady."

Just When You Think the Mets Can’t Get Worse ...

By RAY GLIER

ATLANTA — A day after it appeared that the Mets wanted to rush through the rest of the season and get it over with, they worked hard for a win here Wednesday night — their manager pushing buttons and making moves as if this was a meaningful September game once again against the Braves.

All the labor, however, was ruined in a disappointing ninth inning, just another chapter to a disappointing season.

Leading by 5-4, the Mets asked closerFrancisco Rodriguez, who had recorded an out to end a threat in the eighth, to get three more outs in the bottom of the ninth. But he could not and the Braves won, 6-5.

The Mets first baseman Daniel Murphy committed an error on a high chopper by the former Mets outfielder Ryan Church, who plated the winning run with two outs in the ninth.

“Inexcusable, got to make that play,” Murphy said. “It’s a play I make 100 times, I booted it, and we lost the ball game. It’s tough any time we lose a ball game and you feel personably responsible.” Murphy insisted the Mets never should have been in that position. Garret Anderson, the first hitter for the Braves in the ninth, hooked a double down the right-field line past Murphy who was guarding the line. Murphy said the ball was foul.

“No question,” Murphy said. “I thought it was foul.”

Rodriguez, whose last 109 save opportunities were just an inning or less dating to July 2007, then hit Brian McCann with a pitch to put runners on first and second. Yunel Escobar sacrificed the runners over and Adam LaRoche was walked intentionally.

Omar Infante’s sacrifice fly scored pinch-runner Reid Gorecki to tie the score, 5-5. Church followed with his high chopper that Murphy tried to scoop off the ground, but the ball ran up his arm and bounced away allowing pinch-runner David Ross to race home with the winner.

Jerry Manuel, the Mets’ manager, said he was confident Rodriguez could get four outs, and Rodriguez offered no alibis for failing to do so.

“I feel well, pretty good,” Rodriguez said. “I have no problem with that, they can call over there any time they want to get four or five outs,” Rodriguez said.

The Mets had taken a 5-4 lead in the top of the eighth on Omir Santos’s pinch-hit home run.

If there had been just one more extra base hit by the Mets, the game would have been long over. The Mets had 16 hits, but 13 were singles. They stranded 14 base runners. The futility was its worst in the fifth inning when they had four hits and scored just one run.

David Wright and Jeff Francoeur each had three hits for the Mets, who were 4 of 12 with runners in scoring position. It was base runners galore for a team that came into the game tied for second in the National League in batting average, but 11th in runs scored.

Bobby Parnell, the Mets’ starter Wednesday, needed to have some semblance of a decent start to stay in consideration for a roster spot in 2010, but he could not make it through the Braves’ lineup for a second time.

Parnell, a 6-foot-4 right-hander, can run the ball up to the plate at 94 miles per hour, but he had familiar issues of poor command of his secondary pitches and left his fastballs high and hittable.

Parnell lasted just three and a third innings and gave up seven hits and four runs, walking three and striking out four.

Manuel, however, kept mixing and matching with his bullpen to overcome the poor start and the absence of a big hit. He used six relievers to pick up for Parnell and the sixth, his star Rodriguez, got worked over and saddled with the loss.

“We put together good at-bats most of the game, then lose it, it’s tough,” said Jeff Francoeur, the Mets’ right fielder. “We worked hard in that game.”

Week 2 picks: Patriots will scheme for Sanchez

Mark Sanchez graduates from his NFL debut to facing bill Belichick. And this week, Tom Brady plays with renewed confidence. Plus, picks for all this weekend's games.

Vinnie Iyer

The opening week of the NFL season provided a handful of surprises, but the New York Jets were responsible for two of them. First, Mark Sanchez turned in a great debut in guiding their offense to a big day in Houston. On the other side, another rookie, Rex Ryan, coached the defense to give up no points to a good Texans offense.

Now the Jets return home triumphant, just in time to take on their division nemesis. Sanchez and Ryan both have plenty of work to do to get ready for the ...

AFC Game of the Week

New England Patriots at New York Jets

What can you expect when a rookie quarterback, even one as skilled as Sanchez, goes against a Bill Belichick defense? The Patriots are hoping the poised first-round pick from Southern Cal makes mistakes in reading coverage, and they can occasionally frustrate him with a pass rush.

The Pats' defensive focus typically is on what the offense can do best. Against Buffalo, it was taking away the home-run pass to Lee Evans and Terrell Owens. This week, it will be working to shut down the power running of Thomas Jones and make Sanchez beat them.

This week, the Pats can take more chances with their secondary, until the Jets prove they can stretch the field with Jerricho Cotchery or Chansi Stuckey. That will allow them to squeeze the line of scrimmage to slow Jones and come after Sanchez.

Offensively, the Patriots used the Bills to shake off rust. Even though it won't be easy to move the ball on Ryan's defense, Tom Brady once again will make the right throws at the right time. Patriots 20, Jets 16

NFC Game of the Week

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

This has been a hard game to pick in recent years. Home-field advantage has gone out the window, and there have been some unpredictable finishes. The Cowboys showed they were just fine offensively without T.O., but their defense gave up plenty of yardage to a run-heavy Bucs team.

The Giants have a similar offensive M.O. to Tampa, and defensively, they can bring the heat on Tony Romo. But look for Dallas' two-tight end sets to be a big help this week. It will help keep New York from being overaggressive, knowing that Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett can both quickly get open as receivers when they get off their blocks. DeMarcus Ware will then make sure Eli Manning doesn't finish a late comeback. Cowboys 20, Giants 19

AFC-NFC Game of the Week

Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears

The identity of both blue-collar cities comes through in their football teams' hard-hitting, Black and Gold, Black and Blue defenses. Each unit, however, will be missing a vital all-around playmaker, with both Troy Polamalu and Brian Urlacher on the shelf.

So then it's up to which offense can better exploit a notable absence. You can count on there being little running room, which puts the games on the arms of Ben Roethlisberger and Jay Cutler. Roethlisberger has more consistent downfield weapons, and his elusiveness will help him avoid Chicago's rush and deliver the ball. As for Cutler, expect him to be often swarmed by James Harrison and friends. Steelers 27, Bears 20

Shootout of the Week

New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles

Donovan McNabb likely won't play, meaning Kevin Kolb will be in charge of the offense, with Jeff Garcia standing by. Don't expect play-calling to change -- the key will be still getting the ball to Brian Westbrook in open field and stretching the field with speedy wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis.

All that will be important against a red-hot Drew Brees. Brees won't have it nearly as easy, however, against Philadelphia's defense, which will bring the heat and also have its safeties and cornerbacks in position to capitalize on Brees' few mistakes. The Eagles might need to score on defense to get ahead, but they will also succeed in containing the Saints' passing game. Eagles 28, Saints 24

Lock of the Week

Green Bay Packers over Cincinnati Bengals

Cincy is a frustrating team to watch. It looks like it has good offensive talent, with Carson Palmer throwing to Chad Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles and Chris Henry. Heck, even Cedric Benson has looked good running in a Bengals uniform. Yet, the team could manage only one late touchdown, allowing Denver a shot at the miracle victory.

Part of the struggles may come from frequently facing 3-4 defenses: The Broncos have one; so does every other team in the AFC North. The Packers just installed theirs, led by 3-4 maven Dom Capers. It had immediate results against the Bears up front, and it only helped a top ball-hawking secondary. That means more pressure on Palmer, and more blanket coverage on his receivers. That should also lead to some big defensive plays. Packers 31, Bengals 13

Upset of the Week

Baltimore Ravens over San Diego Chargers

The Ravens had to work hard to avoid being upset by the Chiefs last week, but at the same time, they sent a message: They can now beat teams when throwing the ball often with Joe Flacco. With their usual level of big-play defense and running game prowess, that makes them an even stronger AFC contender.

It seems like the talented Chargers are overdue to take their throne as conference champs, but that won't happen if their defense remains confused, their offensive line falls apart and there's no consistent running game to take pressure off Philip Rivers. The Ravens still have the better D, and their much-improved offense makes the difference in a key intra-conference clash. Ravens 27, Chargers 24

Rest of the Week

Arizona Cardinals at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags turned in a good defensive effort to force takeaways and slow down the Colts, so the Cards can't afford to come out sloppy again. Their focus should be protecting Kurt Warner and early passes downfield to get a lead. The Jags, with Maurice Jones-Drew as their only consistent offensive outlet, lack the firepower to catch up. Cardinals 21, Jaguars 12

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons

Jake Delhomme gets a big chance for redemption at the home of an NFC South rival, one that looks poised as the division favorite. Although Steve Smith and the running game will provide him support in the Georgia Dome, it won't be enough to keep up with Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and one of the league's most potent, balanced offenses. Falcons 27, Panthers 20

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans

The Texans' high-flying offense was grounded by the Jets, and the Titans will relentlessly go after Matt Schaub and physically rattle his supporting cast. Andre Johnson may be the only saving grace, but he'll get few opportunities with Chris Johnson and LenDale White working over Houston's front seven on the other side. Titans 24, Texans 17

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions

When he was in Green Bay, Brett Favre got used to having his way with the Leos. His return won't be good news for the Ford Field faithful, especially now that he gets to hand off to Adrian Peterson. Look for Peterson to run wild against the Lions, making it a quick, easy day for Favre. Besides, isn't beating up on Detroit more fun than retirement? Vikings 27, Lions 10

Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs

Both teams played inspired football for two coaches entering their first full season, and the nature of this longtime rivalry should keep up the motivation. Still, it comes to which team wins the battles up front. Oakland has the big offensive line to open holes Michael Bush and Darren McFadden, and the defensive line with Richard Seymour to put pressure on whoever starts at QB for KC. Raiders 20, Chiefs 17

St. Louis Rams at Washington Redskins

It looks like a gimme for the Redskins to rebound from their tough, typical NFC East-style loss at the Giants, but they lost this exact matchup last year when the Rams' defense surprised with a few game-changing plays. This season, they must be no-nonsense with Clinton Portis and the running game, and then put St. Louis away with Brian Orakpo and Albert Haynesworth getting in Marc Bulger's face. Redskins 21, Rams 6

Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos

The Broncos must take advantage of drawing the AFC North's Ohio also-rans in consecutive weeks. Here, at home, they can afford to commit extra men to run support and blitzing Brady Quinn, knowing cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Andre' Goodman can handle the Browns' receivers one-on-one. Denver should also have a good chance to get its rushing attack on track. Broncos 20, Browns 13

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers

The winner jumps into early sole possession of first place in the weak NFC West. The 'Hawks came out with a bang in the Jim Mora era, and the 49ers have also been pumped up to deliver for Mike Singletary. There's something much improved about the Niners' defense, and Shaun Hill will find a way to push the ball downfield without making mistakes. The home team sneaks away, giving the Bay some hope. 49ers 22, Seahawks 20

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills

Terrell Owens wasn't happy about the tough last-minute loss to New England, but he needs to regroup, knowing how the receivers he left behind in Dallas burned Tampa Bay's secondary last week. Owens should make his first big scoring play, and the Bills should continue to be effective in moving the ball with efficient offense. The Bucs have proved they will just keep on running, which will only keep them in the game for three quarters. Bills 26, Bucs 14

Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins

It's amazing how the Colts just keep winning, no matter what happens. Peyton Manning always saves the day, even if offense seems like a struggle, and the defense keeps on bending without breaking all that much. The Dolphins didn't show the trademark discipline and fundamentals from last season against Atlanta, and although much of that will return at home, they won't quite keep up on the scoreboard. Colts 23, Dolphins 16

Brand, Knight forever linked by coach's dismissal at Indiana

By Terry Hutchens, The Indianapolis Star

INDIANAPOLIS — For all of his accomplishments during his eight years as president of Indiana University, Myles Brandwill forever be remembered for one thing.

He was the man who fired Bob Knight.

If that's viewed in a negative light, it would be an unfair characterization, former IU Alumni Association president and chief executive officer Ken Beckley said.

"I hope that will be seen in a very positive way," Beckley said. "And I hope that history, maybe 30, 40 or 50 years from now, will judge (Brand) for the courage it took to make that decision.

"It was something that absolutely needed to happen, and perhaps should have happened earlier than that. I have admired Myles even more for taking that stand, and then withstanding all of the negativity that poured upon him and on the university for his action."

Brand, who died Wednesday of pancreatic cancer, hired Beckley in January 2002 to head Indiana's alumni association. It was a post that Beckley held until retiring in 2007. In 2004, Beckley headed the search committee that eventually hired Rick Greenspan as IU's athletic director.

BRAND DIES: NCAA president loses battle with cancer

BRENNAN: Brand remembered as man of courage

Beckley said Brand was the greatest boss he ever had.

"He told me, 'I'm hiring you to run this association. I'll stay out of your way. If you need help, feel free to come to me.' " Beckley said. "Myles understood the importance of the involvement of alumni in furthering the growth of the university. He realized that whether through contributions of funds or time and effort, it was not possible for the university to become greater without the support of alumni."

For most of Knight's years that overlapped with Brand (1994-2000), the coach and president had a good relationship.

That changed toward the end of the 1999-2000 season when footage was released of Knight had allegedly choking former IU player Neil Reed at a 1997 practice. Brand didn't fire Knight immediately, but in May 2000, he imposed a "zero tolerance" sanction on the coach, warning him that any further incidents would lead to his termination.

Less than four months later, after Knight had a physical confrontation with IU student Kent Harvey, Brand fired the coach.

Clarence Doninger, IU's athletic director at the time, said he believed that Brand really tried to work with Knight. He said the two were friends.

"The way I think he'll be remembered is that he was the president of Indiana University, and he was friends with the coach, and Bob (Knight) let him down," Doninger said. "The action he ultimately took was something he had to do."

Former IU vice president Terry Clapacs, out of the country on vacation, told the Associated Press in June that the final months before Brand fired Knight "was a very difficult time for Myles."

"I know he worked extremely hard to resolve those matters in a very, very different way," Clapacs said. "The way it ended up was not the way he wanted it to end. But at some point, you have to make a decision that is tough for the university and he did that."

Pat Knight, who was on the IU staff when his dad was let go and who took over for his father as the Texas Tech coach in February 2008, expressed his condolences.

"Just because he fired us doesn't mean we want anything bad to happen," Pat Knight said. "That's shocking. I don't wish death upon anybody. That's sad, no matter who it is."

Beckley said he doesn't know if Bob Knight reached out to Brand in the final months of his life, but he hopes that was the case.

"As a public, I'm sure that we'll never know, but I hope that he did that," Beckley said. "I really hope that Bob reached out in some way by phone, letter or personal visit. I would just hope that for Myles' sake, there would have been some peace in his mind over these last months."

***

The Indianapolis Star is owned by Gannett, parent company of USA TODAY

Contributing: Wire reports

© Copyright 2007 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Yanks rally, walk off with win over Jays

Matsui's homer in eighth ties it, Cervelli's hit in ninth wins it

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- A.J. Burnett could have started mixing his whipped cream cocktail the moment Hideki Matsui's game-tying home run cleared the fence, and he certainly should have been ready to pounce as soon as Brett Gardner stole second base.

When it comes down to the late innings at home, the Yankees seem to have this formula down pat. New York celebrated its 14th walk-off victory of the season on Wednesday, as Francisco Cervelli drove in the winning run, the final touch on a come-from-behind 5-4 victory over the Blue Jays.

"I think there's that feeling that you can always do it, because we've done it so many times," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "When guys have confidence, they're different players. There's no doubt about it. When you have success in situations, guys learn how to relax. The more success you have, the more you relax. That's what allows guys to do that."

It was Matsui's two-run homer in the eighth inning off Jays reliever Scott Downs that tied the game, waking up a slumbering Yankees offense that had gone dormant after a two-run spurt in the first inning.

Continually one of the club's top clutch performers, Matsui put some life back into the lineup with his 25th blast, a rocket into the right-field seats that made him the fourth Yankees player to reach the 25-homer plateau in 2009, tying a franchise record set in 1938.

"It's putting a good swing on the ball and hitting it right on the barrel," said Matsui, who also equaled Tampa Bay's Carlos Pena with his American League-leading 12th home run off a left-handed pitcher as a left-handed batter.

"I don't know how many curveball home runs Matsui's got to hit off of us before we change our mind on what we're going to throw him," Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said. "He seems to kill us as far as hitting a big home run off us. He's done it a few times already."

Mariano Rivera held the Blue Jays scoreless in the ninth, and Gardner started the bottom half by lacing a full-count offering from Jason Frasor into center field for a single, then moving into scoring position with his 22nd stolen base of the campaign.

"It makes you feel good," Gardner said. "For me, I just need to continue doing what I've been doing and give the team ways to win."

Once New York's Opening Day center fielder, Gardner said that he is fine with his reduced role as the Yankees push forward through September. For Girardi, it was another reminder why Gardner could be so valuable in the postseason as a pinch-runner or late-inning substitution off the bench.

"It almost takes a perfect throw to get him a lot of times," Girardi said. "That's the element that we love having."

A Derek Jeter groundout put Gardner 90 feet away with one out, and with the crowd of 46,046 standing in anticipation, the rookie catcher Cervelli shot the game-winning hit through the left side of the infield as Gardner raced home without a throw.

Fearing the slapping and belting he would soon get from Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera, Cervelli touched first base and evaded a mob of Yankees by running into shallow right field, where he thoroughly celebrated before being hit with Burnett's T-shirt full of whipped cream.

"I was waiting a long time for that pie," said Cervelli, who told Edwar Ramirez in the bullpen earlier that he would get his first career game-winning hit. "It tasted good."

The Yankees got the benefit of an effective spot start from Chad Gaudin, who was filling in for Andy Pettitte, as the rotation stalwart was skipped a start to rest his fatigued left shoulder.

Though he wasn't as sharp as he has been in some of his other outings, Gaudin found his slider late and limited the Blue Jays to three runs on seven hits through 5 2/3 innings, walking one and striking out two, earning Girardi's praise as having given the Yankees a "great" start.

"It means a lot," Gaudin said. "It's always good to go out there and give your team a chance to win. That's what I'm here to do, and it's what I'm asked to do."

Jose Bautista opened the scoring for Toronto with a long solo homer in the third inning, his seventh, that struck a post adjacent to Monument Park in center field.

After Gaudin made a nifty stop behind his back on an Aaron Hill grounder up the middle, saving a run, Adam Lind notched a run-scoring groundout in the frame to bring home Travis Snider. But Gaudin said he left feeling confident that a comeback should be in the works.

"Honestly, no matter what, we'll always have a chance," Gaudin said. "That's how great our team is. The concentration and focus is there, so the score doesn't really matter."

Rod Barajas gave Toronto the lead with a sixth-inning grounder, and Lind added a sacrifice fly in the seventh to create a 4-2 advantage. The first two New York runs came off starter Brian Tallet, as Mark Teixeira doubled home Jeter and Matsui singled home the second run.

Tallet left after two innings with a right foot contusion, courtesy of a Cano grounder, and the Yankees' bats then rang hollow against the Toronto bullpen until Matsui's dinger.

One day after the Blue Jays and Yankees engaged in a pair of benches-clearing incidents that led to suspensions for three players, no warnings were issued and there were no signs of leftover ill will.

The only residual from previous nights was the Yankees' ability to keep pushing back late, their Major League-leading 48th come-from-behind win of the season.

The 14 walk-offs are the Bombers' most since they set a franchise record with 17 in 1943, and with one homestand left on the slate, there's little reason to bet against the idea that the mark might just be equaled by season's end.

"I think it's really possible if we keep playing like this," Matsui said. "As long as our pitching keeps the runs down like they have been, it's always going to give us a good chance to win."