The Yankee?s 14th consecutive playoff berth, which would tie a major league record, is at stake, but seems less likely every day.

MIAMI -- Ryan Ludwick hit a two-run homer and a run-scoring double, Todd Wellemeyer pitched three-hit ball into the eighth inning and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Florida Marlins 3-0 on Thursday night. The Cardinals headed for a weekend series in

The Pittsburgh Pirates reinstated first baseman Adam LaRoche from the 15-day disabled list Thursday, and optioned infielder Jose Bautista to Triple-A Indianapolis. LaRoche hit the DL on July 29 with a right intercostal strain after suffering the strain

Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba was scratched from the lineup for Thursday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks with an injury that was later diagnosed as a small meniscus tear in his left knee. According to a story on MLB.com on Thursday, Rockies

ATLANTA -- A brief benches-clearing skirmish and only the second cycle in Atlanta history couldn't stop the Chicago Cubs from completing their first season sweep of the Braves. Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano hit home runs and the Cubs beat Atlanta

LOS ANGELES -- The best-known dreadlocks in these parts got a little shorter Thursday. Heeding the request of his manager, Manny Ramirez got a haircut, but as teammate Jeff Kent said with a smile, holding his thumb and forefinger about an inch apart:

BOSTON -- Try these leads on for size: 10-0, 8-0, 9-0. The Boston Red Sox think they fit just great - to the Texas Rangers, it's more like uh-oh. David Ortiz was at the center of another big inning for Boston on Thursday night, hitting a three-run homer

LOS ANGELES -- Hiroki Kuroda allowed only two baserunners in seven brilliant innings, Matt Kemp homered, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat Philadelphia 3-1 Thursday night to complete their first four-game sweep of the Phillies in 46 years. The Dodgers'

The Marlins are not enjoying facing former bullpen members. One night after being stifled by former closer Braden Looper, Florida did little against Todd Wellemeyer Thursday as the Cardinals beat the Marlins 3-0 at Dolphin Stadium. St. Louis' victory was

Matsuzaka's victory moved him into a tie for the third best record in the American League and gave Boston a three-game sweep. The right-hander went seven innings, struck out five and allowed just five hits. Manny Delcarmen and Mike Timlin pitched the