Marlins skipper resigns

MLB Roundup

Rodriguez leaves team before 10th straight loss

June 20, 2011|Associated Press

Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols grabs his wrist after being run into… (Jeff Roberson/Associated…)

ROUNDUP

The Florida Marlins lost another game — and their manager.

James Shields (7-4) threw a four-hitter with 10 strikeouts in his second consecutive complete game, Casey Kotchman had a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays handed the Marlins their 10th loss in a row, 2-1, yesterday in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Edwin Rodriguez unexpectedly resigned before the game. The first Puerto Rican-born manager in the major leagues said it was a difficult decision to leave. “I can’t say enough about the effort that this staff and these players have put into this season,’’ he said in a statement released by the team.

Bench coach Brandon Hyde managed yesterday, but according to ESPN.com, citing multiple league sources, the Marlins are expected to name 80-year-old Jack McKeon their manager.

Cardinals 5, Royals 4 — Albert Pujols sprained his left wrist trying to make a tag, but host St. Louis rallied to beat Kansas City on Skip Schumaker’s ninth-inning homer.

In the sixth, Wilson Betemit hit a chopper up the middle that second baseman Pete Kozma backhanded, making a jump-throw to first that pulled Pujols off the bag. As he slugger tried for a tag, Betemit ran into his glove hand and Pujols went to the ground in pain.

Yankees 10, Cubs 4 — Nick Swisher hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the eighth inning and New York routed Chicago in the finale of the series at Wrigley Field.

The Yankees got an uneven start from CC Sabathia (9-4), who allowed four runs and eight hits in seven innings but improved to 6-1 in his last seven starts.

Mariners 2, Phillies 0 — Jason Vargas tossed a three-hitter for his second shutout of the season, outdueling Cole Hamels to lead host Seattle over Philadelphia.

Vargas (5-4) got his third career complete game by allowing just two singles. Hamels (9-3) failed to become the majors’ first 10-game winner.

Indians 5, Pirates 2 — Cord Phelps hit his first major league homer in the 11th inning, a three-run shot that gave Cleveland a win over Pittsburgh.

The Indians improved to 23-12 at home by pulling out a game that was delayed by rain for 1 hour, 57 minutes.

Tigers 9, Rockies 1 — Justin Verlander threw a four-hitter for his second straight complete game as Detroit beat host Colorado.

Verlander (9-3) has four complete games, matching his total from last year. He retired 13 of the first 14 batters.

Orioles 7, Nationals 4 — Mark Reynolds had three hits, including a home run, and Baltimore ended host Washington’s eight-game winning streak. The Orioles’ Chris Jakubauskas (2-0) pitched five innings for the win and had his first two major league hits.

Angels 7, Mets 3 — Tyler Chatwood (4-4) pitched seven scoreless innings, Erick Aybar hit a bases-loaded triple, and Los Angeles beat host New York.