BOSTON (AP) — Steve Pearce homered three times, the second a three-run drive in an eight-run fourth inning as the Boston Red Sox rallied from an early deficit to beat the New York Yankees 15-7 on Thursday night and take a season-high 6½-game lead in the AL East.In the opener of a four-game series that gave New York the potential to erase most of its division deficit, the Red Sox instead opened a bigger gap, taking advantage of manager Aaron Boone's decision to pull starter CC Sabathia after three innings with a 4-2 lead. Jonathan Holder (1-2) faced seven batters and did not record an out.Mookie Betts had four hits and two walks, reaching safely all six times he came to the plate. Pearce, J.D. Martinez, Ian Kinsler and Andrew Benintendi had three hits apiece for Boston.Didi Grigorius homered twice, Aaron Hicks hit one and Giancarlo Stanton got his 25th of the season for the Yankees, who have lost just twice in the past week but dropped two games in the division.Brian Johnson (2-3), making... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Sonny Gray was chased in the third inning by the team with worst record in the majors, big league-loss leader Alex Cobb ended a nine-start winless streak and the Baltimore Orioles beat the New York Yankees 7-5 on Wednesday.Despite what appeared to be a midgame lecture in the dugout by third base coach Phil Nevin during a rain delay, New York (68-38) dropped 5 1/2 games behind Boston (75-34) heading into a four-game series at Fenway Park starting Thursday.Gray (8-8) allowed seven runs, eight hits and two walks in 2 2/3 innings, raising his ERA to 5.56. He was booed as he walked off the mound and was replaced by Lance Lynn.Cobb (3-14) had been 0-7 since winning at the New York Mets on June 5, losing his last five outings. He breezed against the Yankees with an early 7-1 lead, allowing one run and seven hits in six innings and stopping Baltimore's streak of 11 consecutive road losses.Gleyber Torres homered twice for New York, a solo drive in the second and a three-run shot... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Sonny Gray was chased in the third inning by the team with worst record in the majors, big league-loss leader Alex Cobb ended a nine-start winless streak and the Baltimore Orioles beat the New York Yankees 7-5 on Wednesday.Despite what appeared to be a midgame lecture in the dugout by third base coach Phil Nevin during a rain delay, New York (68-38) dropped 5 1/2 games behind Boston (75-34) heading into a four-game series at Fenway Park starting Thursday.Gray (8-8) allowed seven runs, eight hits and two walks in 2 2/3 innings, raising his ERA to 5.56. He was booed as he walked off the mound and was replaced by Lance Lynn.Cobb (3-14) had been 0-7 since winning at the New York Mets on June 5, losing his last five outings. He breezed against the Yankees with an early 7-1 lead, allowing one run and seven hits in six innings and stopping Baltimore's streak of 11 consecutive road losses.Gleyber Torres homered twice for New York, a solo drive in the second and a three-run shot... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Sonny Gray was chased in the third inning by the team with worst record in the majors, big league-loss leader Alex Cobb ended a nine-start winless streak and the Baltimore Orioles beat the New York Yankees 7-5 on Wednesday.Despite what appeared to be a midgame lecture in the dugout by third base coach Phil Nevin during a rain delay, New York (68-38) dropped 5 1/2 games behind Boston (75-34) heading into a four-game series at Fenway Park starting Thursday.Gray (8-8) allowed seven runs, eight hits and two walks in 2 2/3 innings, raising his ERA to 5.56. He was booed as he walked off the mound and was replaced by Lance Lynn.Cobb (3-14) had been 0-7 since winning at the New York Mets on June 5, losing his last five outings. He breezed against the Yankees with an early 7-1 lead, allowing one run and seven hits in six innings and stopping Baltimore's streak of 11 consecutive road losses.Gleyber Torres homered twice for New York, a solo drive in the second and a three-run shot... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — At 13, Charlie Fish in Cincinnati has just been given the parental go-ahead to use social media for the first time. He's also a competitive golfer, avid "SportsCenter" watcher and well aware of the attention received by offensive tweets posted years ago by some Major League Baseball players, some when they were teenagers themselves.But is he old enough and mature enough to put all of those things together?Some parents have seized on posts by Milwaukee Brewer Josh Hader, Atlanta Brave Sean Newcomb and Washington National Trea Turner as teaching moments about how living life online means your posts may never go away. They're just not sure whether their young, uber-sharers are listening.Charlie's dad, Bill Fish, is hopeful that Charlie gets it. He'll hope the same for his 9-year-old son when he, too, reaches the magical Fish family age of 13 and is allowed on Snapchat, Instagram or whatever the stream du jour will be."Charlie came to me about the story and how dumb the players... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — In the highest-scoring game in franchise history, Daniel Murphy hit two early home runs and the Washington Nationals kept pouring it on against emergency reliever Jose Reyes and the New York Mets in a 25-4 rout Tuesday night.Trea Turner, who apologized before the game to his teammates for homophobic and racially insensitive tweets he sent several years ago, had four of Washington's 26 hits. Pitcher Tanner Roark (5-12) hit a three-run double during a seven-run first inning.The Nationals set the team scoring mark dating to their days as the Montreal Expos in 1969. It was the Mets' most-lopsided loss in their 57-season history, worse than a 26-7 pounding by Philadelphia in 1985.Reyes made the first pitching appearance of his career, and the 35-year-old infielder got tagged for home runs by Matt Adams and Mark Reynolds in a six-run eighth. Throwing a fastball in the mid-80s mph and a curve in the upper 40s, Reyes gave up five hits and walked two.Reyes also plunked Ryan Zimmerman... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — In the highest-scoring game in franchise history, Daniel Murphy hit two early home runs and the Washington Nationals kept pouring it on against emergency reliever Jose Reyes and the New York Mets in a 25-4 rout Tuesday night.Trea Turner, who apologized before the game to his teammates for homophobic and racially insensitive tweets he sent several years ago, had four of Washington's 26 hits. Pitcher Tanner Roark (5-12) hit a three-run double during a seven-run first inning.The Nationals set the team scoring mark dating to their days as the Montreal Expos in 1969. It was the Mets' most-lopsided loss in their 57-season history, worse than a 26-7 pounding by Philadelphia in 1985.Reyes made the first pitching appearance of his career, and the 35-year-old infielder got tagged for home runs by Matt Adams and Mark Reynolds in a six-run eighth. Throwing a fastball in the mid-80s mph and a curve in the upper 40s, Reyes gave up five hits and walked two.Reyes also plunked Ryan Zimmerman... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nationals shortstop Trea Turner apologized to his teammates on Tuesday for homophobic and racially insensitive tweets he sent several years ago.An emotional Turner met with reporters following meeting with his teammates, coaches and manager Dave Martinez."It's not when I said the things I said. It's that I said them at all," the 25-year-old Turner said. "That's a clear learning point from this to make sure that anybody is aware of what they're saying at all times. No matter how you use it or what context you think you are using it in, words hurt. It's wrong and inexcusable for what I said."The posts, from 2011 and 2012 when Turner was playing at N.C. State, surfaced hours after Washington's 5-0 loss at Miami on Sunday. Turner and Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo issued statements of apology Sunday night, and the Nationals were off Monday."I want to apologize to everybody that was affected by things that I said: LBGT community, African-American community, special needs... [More]

A pair of Twitter users whose posts exposing offensive tweets by baseball players went viral over the weekend say their aim was not malicious but to give fans a fuller picture of who they're cheering for, and to expose the sport's "toxic" culture.In exclusive interviews with The Associated Press, both users said they weren't looking for the years-old tweets from Milwaukee Brewers reliever Josh Hader or Atlanta Braves pitcher Sean Newcomb , but when the posts came across their timelines, they felt obligated to share them.Kevin Jenkins wasn't looking through Hader's twitter feed as he watched the All-Star Game earlier this month. But then they began popping up on his Twitter feed. After seeing the pitcher's racist, sexist and homophobic remarks, it was hard for Jenkins to remain a fan."Before the tweets, I thought he was a cool guy," Jenkins said via direct message on Twitter. "An amazing pitcher and an even better person ... After the tweets, I mean ... It's hard to defend the guy. My opinion... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Braves left-hander Sean Newcomb apologized to his teammates on Monday for racist, homophobic and sexist tweets he sent as a teenager.Newcomb's apology was delivered in a meeting attended by players, coaches, manager Brian Snitker and Atlanta staff.Ender Inciarte and Dansby Swanson said players accepted the apology. Each said tweets made public on Sunday did not represent Newcomb's actions on the team."I think Newcomb is one of the best teammates I've ever had," Inciarte said. "He's such a good person and a great example and role model for this organization, I'm more than proud to talk about the kind of person he is."Swanson, the shortstop who played with Newcomb in the Braves' minor league system before their time together in Atlanta, said he doesn't expect the incident to cause problems in the clubhouse."I think at the end of the day everyone realizes that does not directly reflect who he is," Swanson said of Newcomb's tweets. "He prides himself on being a great guy and... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Braves pitcher Sean Newcomb apologized Sunday for racist, homophobic and sexist tweets he sent as a teenager, calling them "some stupid stuff.""I definitely regret it, for sure," he said.The 25-year-old Newcomb spoke less than an hour after nearly pitching a no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The tweets were sent in 2011 and 2012."I just wanted to apologize for any insensitive material," Newcomb said. "It was a long time ago, six or seven years ago, saying some stupid stuff with friends.""I know I've grown a lot since then. I didn't mean anything by it. It was just something stupid I did a long time ago and I didn't mean anything by it, for sure," he said.Major League Baseball dealt with a similar situation this month involving Milwaukee Brewers reliever Josh Hader on the night he pitched in the All-Star Game."Such inappropriate comments have no place in our game. We are aware of this serious issue, Billy Bean will meet with Mr. Newcomb this week, and we will... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:TWEET TROUBLEAtlanta pitcher Sean Newcomb and Washington shortstop Trea Turner will face the fallout from their tweets, a day after they apologized for offensive posts from 2011 and 2012.The 25-year-old Newcomb came within one strike of a no-hitter Sunday at SunTrust Park against the Dodgers. Less than an hour later, after the racist, homophobic and sexist tweets came to light, he said he regretted his actions. Major League Baseball, which dealt with a similar situation involving Milwaukee reliever Josh Hader on the night he pitched in the All-Star Game, said it will determine a course of diversity training for Newcomb.Homophobic and racially insensitive tweets by Turner surfaced Sunday night. The 25-year-old Turner apologized in a statement released by the team.The Braves are home Monday night against Miami. The Nationals begin a home series against the New York Mets on Tuesday night.GROUNDEDThe World Series champion Astros have lost a... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:TWEET TROUBLEAtlanta pitcher Sean Newcomb and Washington shortstop Trea Turner will face the fallout from their tweets, a day after they apologized for offensive posts from 2011 and 2012.The 25-year-old Newcomb came within one strike of a no-hitter Sunday at SunTrust Park against the Dodgers. Less than an hour later, after the racist, homophobic and sexist tweets came to light, he said he regretted his actions. Major League Baseball, which dealt with a similar situation involving Milwaukee reliever Josh Hader on the night he pitched in the All-Star Game, said it will determine a course of diversity training for Newcomb.Homophobic and racially insensitive tweets by Turner surfaced Sunday night. The 25-year-old Turner apologized in a statement released by the team.The Braves are home Monday night against Miami. The Nationals begin a home series against the New York Mets on Tuesday night.GROUNDEDThe World Series champion Astros have lost... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nationals shortstop Trea Turner apologized Sunday night for some years-old homophobic and racially insensitive tweets, becoming the latest in a series of major leaguers to address offensive language they used on social media.The tweets surfaced hours after Washington's 5-0 loss at Miami. The posts are from 2011 and 2012.The 25-year-old Turner said there is no excuse for his language and he is "sincerely sorry for those tweets and apologize wholeheartedly.""I believe people who know me understand those regrettable actions do not reflect my values or who I am," he said in a statement issued by the team. "But I understand the hurtful nature of such language and am sorry to have brought any negative light to the Nationals organization, myself or the game I love."Atlanta Braves pitcher Sean Newcomb also apologized Sunday for racist, homophobic and sexist tweets he sent as a teenager, calling them "some stupid stuff." Major League Baseball dealt with a similar situation this... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nationals shortstop Trea Turner apologized Sunday night for some years-old homophobic and racially insensitive tweets, becoming the latest in a series of major leaguers to address offensive language they used on social media.The tweets surfaced hours after Washington's 5-0 loss at Miami. The posts are from 2011 and 2012.The 25-year-old Turner said there is no excuse for his language and he is "sincerely sorry for those tweets and apologize wholeheartedly.""I believe people who know me understand those regrettable actions do not reflect my values or who I am," he said in a statement issued by the team. "But I understand the hurtful nature of such language and am sorry to have brought any negative light to the Nationals organization, myself or the game I love."Atlanta Braves pitcher Sean Newcomb also apologized Sunday for racist, homophobic and sexist tweets he sent as a teenager, calling them "some stupid stuff." Major League Baseball dealt with a similar situation this... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Braves pitcher Sean Newcomb apologized Sunday for racist, homophobic and sexist tweets he sent as a teenager, calling them "some stupid stuff.""I definitely regret it, for sure," he said.The 25-year-old Newcomb spoke less than an hour after nearly pitching a no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The tweets were sent in 2011 and 2012."I just wanted to apologize for any insensitive material," Newcomb said. "It was a long time ago, six or seven years ago, saying some stupid stuff with friends.""I know I've grown a lot since then. I didn't mean anything by it. It was just something stupid I did a long time ago and I didn't mean anything by it, for sure," he said.Major League Baseball dealt with a similar situation this month involving Milwaukee Brewers reliever Josh Hader on the night he pitched in the All-Star Game."Such inappropriate comments have no place in our game. We are aware of this serious issue, Billy Bean will meet with Mr. Newcomb this week, and we will... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — David Bote hit a tying, two-run homer off Brad Boxberger with one out in the ninth inning, Anthony Rizzo followed two pitches later with a winning home run and the Chicago Cubs overcame a five-run deficit to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 on Thursday.Bote was called up when Kris Bryant was put on the disabled list because of inflammation in his left shoulder.Eddie Butler (1-1) retired Jon Jay on a flyout that stranded two runners in the ninth. Boxberger (1-4) was the loser.Nick Ahmed hit his first career grand slam in the fifth as Arizona built a 6-1 lead.YANKEES 7, ROYALS 2NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees slugger Aaron Judge was hit on his right wrist by a pitch and forced to leave early, overshadowing New York's romp past Kansas City.The All-Star slugger sustained a fractured right wrist when he was hit by a fastball and is expected to miss three weeks.Normally an All-Star outfielder, Judge was the designated hitter. He winced when he was stung by a fastball from Jakob Junis... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — David Bote hit a tying, two-run homer off Brad Boxberger with one out in the ninth inning, Anthony Rizzo followed two pitches later with a winning home run and the Chicago Cubs overcame a five-run deficit to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 on Thursday.Bote was called up when Kris Bryant was put on the disabled list because of inflammation in his left shoulder.Eddie Butler (1-1) retired Jon Jay on a flyout that stranded two runners in the ninth. Boxberger (1-4) was the loser.Nick Ahmed hit his first career grand slam in the fifth as Arizona built a 6-1 lead.YANKEES 7, ROYALS 2NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees slugger Aaron Judge was hit on his right wrist by a pitch and forced to leave early, overshadowing New York's romp past Kansas City.The All-Star slugger sustained a fractured right wrist when he was hit by a fastball and is expected to miss three weeks.Normally an All-Star outfielder, Judge was the designated hitter. He winced when he was stung by a fastball from Jakob Junis... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:STEEL CITY STREAKThe Pirates aim for their 12th straight win in a series finale against Cleveland. Pittsburgh pounded starters Corey Kluber and Shane Bieber for seven runs apiece in the first two games of the series. Starling Marte has a career-high 17-game hitting streak, and Pittsburgh is averaging 6.6 runs per game during its streak, which has pushed the team to 53-49 overall. Trevor Bauer will try to slow the Buccos and rediscover his command after walking a season-high five in a game against Texas last time out.DEADLINE WATCHMany of baseball's top teams will likely be watching Nathan Eovaldi's start against the Yankees closely. Eovaldi (3-4, 4.26) has been the subject of trade speculation after making a strong return with Tampa Bay following Tommy John surgery. New York may even be among the teams looking to acquire Eovaldi. The Yankees could use another starter, and they know the right-hander well — he pitched in 51 games for New... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco and Josh Bell each hit a two-run homer, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Cleveland Indians 9-4 on Tuesday night for their 11th straight win.The Pirates routed the Indians for the second straight night. Marte homered in the first inning, drove in three runs and extended his career-high hitting streak to 17 games.Polanco homered and Corey Dickerson tripled in two runs when Pittsburgh scored five times in the second. Bell hit a home run in the fifth. The Pirates have homered in a season-high nine straight games, hitting 22 home runs in that span.Pittsburgh has won 11 in a row for the first time since Sept. 12-22, 1996. The Pirates have won 13 of 14 and are 17-8 since June 24. Pittsburgh has outscored its opponents 43-8 in the last five games.Joe Musgrove (4-4) allowed two runs and five hits in seven innings for his first win since June 29.Shane Bieber (5-2), called up from Triple-A Columbus to make the start, allowed seven runs in 1 2/3 innings.... [More]