Rockies 1-1/2 Games Out Of First – MLB Roundup For July 2nd

UNDATED (AP) — The defending World Series champions continue to sputter.

Todd Frazier hit a three-run homer and drove in four runs as Cincinnati clobbered San Francisco 8-1, a game shortened to six innings due to rain. Bronson Arroyo stifled the Giants over six innings, allowing just two hits, including Brandon Belt's home run.

Zack Cozart added a sacrifice fly and a run-scoring double as the Reds piled up their most runs since a 12-2 win at Wrigley Field on June 11.

The Giants have lost seven of eight to fall to 39-43, just a half-game ahead of the last-place Dodgers in the National League West.

Also in the majors, Robinson Cano (kuh-NOH') homered twice and had three RBIs as the New York Yankees whipped Minnesota 10-4 to end a five-game losing streak. Yankees lefty Andy Pettitte broke Whitey Ford's club record for career strikeouts but didn't factor in the decision after allowing four runs in five innings.

Matt Moore is 11-3 after allowing two hits in seven innings of Tampa Bay's 12-0 laugher over Houston. Ryan Roberts hit a two-run homer and a solo shot in the Rays' third straight win.

Bryce Harper returned from the disabled list and homered on the second pitch he saw before Washington completed a 10-5 win over Milwaukee. Jayson Werth had two hits and five RBIs to support Jordan Zimmermann, who improved to 12-3.

Jose Reyes hit a solo homer and Mark DeRosa added a three-run blast as the Toronto Blue Jays earned their seventh straight home win, 8-3 over the Detroit Tigers. R.A. Dickey allowed two runs and six hits in seven innings as the Jays dropped the Tigers a half-game behind Cleveland for the AL Central lead.

The New York Mets erased a 3-0 deficit before Andrew Brown hit a two-run single with two outs in the bottom of the 13th to complete a 5-4 win over Arizona. The Diamondbacks dropped their fourth in a row to cut their lead in the NL West to 1 ½ games over Colorado.

Jose Fernandez allowed two hits and struck out 10 over a career-high eight innings as Florida dumped San Diego 4-0. Jeff Mathis hit a three-run double while the Marlins were scoring four unearned runs off Jason Marquis in the sixth inning.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is set to play Tuesday night in his first minor league game on a rehabilitation assignment. And this time, all sides agree he's ready to go.

Rodriguez said he felt fine and was eager to get on the field. Rodriguez said he didn't have a timetable for rejoining the Yankees.

The Yankees said Rodriguez is scheduled to start Tuesday night for Single-A Charleston in the South Atlantic League. Rodriguez is supposed to play at least three innings against Rome during the game in South Carolina.

Rodriguez has been working out at the Yankees' spring training complex in Florida this year while recovering from surgery on his left hip on Jan. 16. The three-time AL MVP turns 38 later this month.

Also in the majors, the Arizona Diamondbacks have placed right-hander Trevor Cahill on the 15-day disabled list because of a bruised right hip. Cahill was struck by a line drive in his start on June 19 and was hit hard in his next two outings.

The Diamondbacks also announced they will wear a memorial patch on their uniforms for the remainder of the season to honor the 19 firefighters killed while battling a wildfire northwest of Phoenix. The team's Foundation will give up to $100,000 to match fans' donations to charities assisting the firefighters' families and affected communities.