– Rays’ starter Matt Garza threw a complete game one-hitter against the Marlins Thursday, fanning 10 and only allowing one run in Tampa’s 6-1 victory. Apparently Garza must work better with a catcher that doesn’t get in his face on the mound if he shakes him off. (Garza remember almost threw down with catcher Dioner Navarro a couple weeks ago. But backup Shawn Riggans caught the game yesterday.)
– Rich Harden almost trumped Garza’s performance, striking out 11 and yielding no runs on just two hits in eight innings of work. The A’s shutout the Phillies 5-0.
– The Cubs lost back to back games at home for the first time this season as the Orioles gorilla-smacked Chicago 11-4 at Wrigley. Even though he’s 6-4 on the year, Cubs’ starter Jason Marquis has been a weak spot in the starting rotation and rumors persist that the club will pursue Indians’ ace C.C. Sabathia.
– The Twins won their ninth straight game, knocking off the Padres 4-3 behind Justin Morneau’s 12th dinger of the year. Minnesota can claim first place in the AL Central with a win and a White Sox loss.
– Tribe starter Cliff Lee was awfully impressive in a 4-1 win against the Giants, striking out 11 in eight innings. Lee has been simply outstanding this year, compiling a 11-1 record and a 2.34 ERA.
