– Ryan Braun finished 4 for 4 with a home run, two RBI and a run scored in the Brewers’4-3 win over the Cardinals. Braun’s only home run of the game was a two-run shot in the ninth that helped Milwaukee claim eighth straight victory. What’s been amazing about the Brewers’ streak is that they’re winning close games late. They’ve had to fight for every win against division rival St. Louis, which will only feed their confidence as they roll through the second half.
– The Cubs kept the Brewers one game back in the division by topping the Marlins 6-3 at Wrigley. Carlos Zambrano helped Chicago snap its 10-game losing streak against Florida by giving up just two runs on six hits over seven innings. Hanley Ramirez hit his 24th dinger of the year in a losing effort.
– The Mets have now taken a one game lead in the NL East after beating the Phillies 3-1 at Shea. Even though he didn’t get the win, Oliver Perez was outstanding, giving up one earned run on six hits and striking out 12. Carlos Delgado was the hero with the bat, doubling to deep left and scoring two runs in the bottom of the eighth.
– Matt Cain threw a four-hit, complete game shutout in the Giants’ 1-0 win over the Nationals. San Fran swept the season series with Washington and finally recorded their first home sweep of the season. Cain lowered his ERA below 4.00 for the first time since the start of the year.
– The Royals helped the Red Sox by beating the Rays 4-2. Boston and Tampa are now tied in the tight AL East and the Yankees sit just three games back.
