Reds blow 6-run lead, top Marlins in 10 (AP)

Reds blow 6-run lead, top Marlins in 10 (AP)

Paul Janish’s first day in the major leagues ended with a game-winning hit and a bloody nose. He won’t forget either one. The Cincinnati Reds blew a six-run lead in the ninth Wednesday night, but Janish singled home the tiebreaking run in only his second big-league at-bat for a 7-6, 10-inning victory over the Florida Marlins.

Steinbrenner: Team not playing up to its paycheck
Forget the injuries and live up to your paychecks. That’s the message the new Boss is giving the Yankees in the New York Post.

Brewers give Braun 8-year, $45M deal
The Milwaukee Brewers signed Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun to an eight-year, $45 million contract.

Post: Hank tells Yanks to earn it

Lilly pitches Cubs past Padres 8-5 (AP)

Ted Lilly has located his strikeout pitch, and Alfonso Soriano has found his batting eye and power. It was a strong combination Wednesday night, one that led the Chicago Cubs over the San Diego Padres 8-5. Lilly fanned 11 in six innings to get his third straight win and Soriano had his second leadoff homer in as many nights.

Cano, Yanks snap Rays’ 6-game win streak

Yankees answer Hank’s criticism with win (AP)

Hank Steinbrenner vented. Joe Girardi held a pregame team meeting. The struggling New York Yankees responded with a win. Mike Mussina has seen it all before. “It helps being here eight years, and knowing this stuff happens a lot,” he said after Wednesday night’s 2-1 victory stopped Tampa Bay’s six-game winning streak and lifted New York (20-21) back within one game of .500.

Reality may set in for certain teams
The Astros are surging, while the Twins and Rays are already in first. What’s going on here? Ken Rosenthal clears things up.

Rays give ‘07 AL strikeout king big raise
Tampa Bay left-hander Scott Kazmir has agreed to a $28.5 million, three-year extension through 2011, a deal with a club option that could raise the contract’s value to $39.5 million over four seasons. The 2007 AL strikeout champion is 36-30 with a 3.63 ERA in 100 major league appearances, including 99 starts. He began this season on the 15-day disabled list after straining his left elbow, but returned to the rotation on May 4. The 24-year-old, 13-9 with a 3.

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