Around the Horn - 4/17

The Tigers bats have come alive. The team that was shut out 4 times already, has scored 30 runs on the last 3 games. Last night it came at the expense of reigning Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia, who has been nothing short of awful this season, and the Indians. He was banged around for 9 runs in 4 innings last night and now has a 13.50 ERA. Edgar Renteria hit a grand slam, and he and Miguel Cabrera drove in 5 runs each.

Felix Hernandez scattered 8 hits in picking up a complete game victory in the Mariners 4-2 win over the A's. The King struck out 8 and lowered his ERA to 1.47.

Gil Meche picked up his first win as the Royals held off the Angels, 3-2. The top 3 batters in the Royals lineup-Joe Gathright, Mark Grudzelienak, and Mark Teahen- went a combined 8-14.

Jim Thome broke out of his slump with career home run #510 in the White Sox 3-1 win over the Orioles. Thome's blast accounted for the all Chisox runs and gave Jose Contreras his first win of the season.

The Rangers took 14 innings to beat the Blue Jays 7-5. Former Jay, Frank Catalanotto scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch. A.J. Burnett, the 9th Jays pitcher used, made his first relief appearance since 2004 and was saddled with the loss.

Mike Lamb's sac fly in the 8th inning broke a 5-5 tie and gave the Twins a 6-5 win over the Rays. Shawn Riggans, Carl Crawford, and Eric Hinske homered for Tampa.

The Cubs blasted the Reds 12-3. Geovanny Soto drove in 3 runs and Derek Lee homered to help Carlos Zambrano pick up the win. Zambrano has cut down on caffeine to help stop the muscle cramps he's been getting during games. The Cubs placed Alfonso Soriano on the 15-day DL with a strained calf.

Adam Wainwright homered and picked up his 2nd win in the Cards 5-4 triumph over the Brewers. Skip Schumaker also homered as the Cards improved to 11-4.

Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes each hit their first home runs of the year in the Mets 5-2 over the Nationals. John Maine picked up his first win and sent the Nationals to their 11th loss in 12 games.

Brandon Webb had a 2-run single and became the majors first 4-game winner in the Diamondbacks 4-1 win over the Giants. Mr. Mediocrity, Barry Zito, turned in another mediocre performance with 4 runs (3 earned) and 5 walks allowed in 6 innings.

Michael Bourn homered and Roy Oswalt picked up his first victory in the Astros 2-1 win over the Phillies.

Mike Jacobs and Luis Gonzalez homered in the Marlins 6-5 win over the Braves. Tim Hudson lasted just 3 innings in picking up his loss. Mark Hendrickson improved to 3-1 with the win.

The Dodgers thumped the Pirates 8-1. Rafael Furcal went 4-4, including a home run.

Mark Redman and four relievers limited the Padres to 3 hits in the Rockies 10-2 drubbing of San Diego. Garrett Atkins lead a 15-hit Rockies attack with 4 hits.

News and Notes

The Rays expect starting catcher Dionner Navarro to be back next week. Navarro has been on the DL since the first week of the season after cutting his hand in the Yankee Stadium visitor's dugout.

Tigers reliever Fernando Rodney got some good news. His arm has no structural damage and he can begin throwing in 3-5 days.

Mariners closer J.J. Putz threw a 41-pitch bullpen session yesterday, but there's still no target date for his return from a rib injury.

The Twins will have to wait longer for outfielder Michael Cuddyer's return than his scheduled Sunday eligibility date. His broken finger has been slow to heal.

Angels starter John Lackey is on schedule to be back in about 3 weeks.