Despite collecting 3 singles on the night, Chipper Jones (above) fell short of the record of 15 consecutive games with an extra base hit in Atlanta’s 15-3 demoliton of St. Louis. Wevie Stonder I, making his first start in a Cards uniform, allowed 6 earned runs and 8 hits over 4 innings, while allowing a grand slam to Brian McCann and a solo shot to Wilson Betemit.

I tried to give ESPN’s Dave O’Brien a chance tonight calling the Atlanta/St. Louis game, but I’m sorry to report, it just didn’t work. I don’t know where the Worldwide Leader gets off assigning a soccer announcer to such a crucial National League clash. Given time, O’Brien might learn a thing or two about baseball’s nuances, but for now, the interplay between he and color man Marcelo Sutcliffe is sheer fucking torture.

Alex Rodriguez made 3 errors for the first time in his big league career in the Yankees’ 4-2 home victory over Seattle. A-Rod was pulled in favor of Nick Green late in the game, as Joe Torre cited a toe injury to his third baseman. On “Baseball Tonight”, the ever humble Rodriguez was sure to mention that although he sucked up a storm this evening, “I had a brilliant game defensively the other day, so that’s baseball.”
Jason Giambi’s solo HR to right field off Jarrod Washburn in the 5th was the former’s 28th of the year.

(Meat Loaf, shown greeting the Fenway Faithful Monday night. Not shown : Jim Steinman)

Boston lost Tim Wakefield to back trouble after 4 innings, but still managed to come back against the K.C. bullpen. Doug Mirabelli’s 7th inning, 3-run HR into the Monster seats off Joel Peralta erased a 4-1 Royals lead, while Manny Ramirez’ 8th inning sacrifice fly provided the margin in a 5-4 win. Jonathan Papelbon pitched a scoreless 9th for his 27th save in 30 opportunities.

The Angels, gunning for their 12 win in their last 13 games, are leading Cleveland, 7-4, through 4 innings. LA’s 1-5 hitters already have 9 hits off Jake Westbrook, including a pair of two run homers from Orlando Cabrera and Garrett Anderson.

Ryan Howard just connected for a 2-run HR off San Diego’s Woody Williams, giving the Phillies a 4-2 lead in the top of the 6th at Petco. That Home Run Derby really fucked up his swing. Cole Hamels has struck out 6 Padres and allowed 5 hits over 5 innings, the sole damage coming on a Mike Cameron solo HR to center field.

Sorry to sully a baseball entry with a football related post, but I’m pretty sure that Brian Urlacher is a little old to be playing high school football. But full credit to Don Shula for cranking the Creation during practice.