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News:
Current Reds outfielder Fred Lewis was given a 2010 World Series ring from the Giants. Lewis was on San Francisco's 40 man roster until April 15, when he was traded to Toronto, though he never actually played a game for the Giants--he was on the team's DL until that trade.
The Cubs designated outfielder Brad Snyder for assignment and brought up RHP Casey Coleman to provide relief help.
The MLB Players Union is apparently getting ready for the upcoming labor negotiation by considering a plan to even the AL and NL at fifteen teams apiece. Reportedly, the Astros are being considered for the move to the AL.
The Giants signed Bill Hall, who had been released by the Astros.
Yesterday's Games:
The Brewers beat the Cardinals to bring the two teams within .5 games of one another! You can find our recap here.
The Cubs lost to the Phillies 7-1. Chicago just could not get anything going against Cliff Lee, who allowed just four hits and a run over eight innings. Matt Garza wasn't terrible as he gave up just one run over six innings, but he tallied a high pitch count and had to leave after that frame. That opened the door for relievers Sean Marshall and Casey Coleman to give up two and three runs, respectively. Hitting wise, Darwin Barney had a couple hits and Luis Montanez drove in a run and that's about it.
The Reds crushed the Giants 10-2. Cincinnati hammered Tim Lincecum, putting up seven runs on him before he left after just four innings. For the Reds, Mike Leake was phenomenal as he went eight innings and allowed just four hits and a walk while striking out eight. Reliever Carlos Fisher gave up both San Francisco runs in the ninth. Joey Votto was 3-5 with a run and an RBI and Ryan Hanigan (two runs, one RBI), Paul Janish (one RBI), and Leake (one run) all had two hits. Brandon Phillips drove in two runs and scored two while going 1-6.
The Astros lost to the Braves 6-3. After struggling in his second start, rookie Jordan Lyles found his groove again today, going 6.1 innings and allowing just two runs. Newly-returned reliever Brandon Lyle had trouble, allowing four runs without being able to record an out. Hunter Pence was 2-5 with two runs and an RBI and Carlos Lee was 3-5 with two RBI. Michael Bourn hit a triple.
The Pirates beat the Mets, 3-2. Jose Tabata, Josh Harrison and Garrett Jones all had a couple hits. The first two each scored a run and the latter had an RBI. Andrew McCutchen drove in a couple runs while going 1-3. James McDonald allowed eight hits and three walks over six innings, but only let two runs score as four Pittsburgh relievers shut down New York over the last three frames
Updated Standings:
| W | L | GB | Last 10 | Streak | |
| Cardinals | 38 | 28 | -- | 5-5 | L2 |
| Brewers | 37 | 28 | 0.5 | 7-3 | W2 |
| Reds | 34 | 32 | 4.0 | 6-4 | W1 |
| Pirates | 31 | 32 | 5.5 | 6-4 | W1 |
| Cubs | 25 | 38 | 11.5 | 2-8 | L2 |
| Astros | 24 | 41 | 13.5 | 3-7 | L3 |
Today's Matchups:
The Cubs get a fun little pitching matchup against the Phillies as Doug Davis (0-5, 6.38) takes on Roy Oswalt (3-4, 3.05).
The Pirates and Kevin Correia (8-4, 3.64) go up against the Mets and Chris Capuano (4-6, 4.86).
Brett Myers (2-5, 5.02) and the Astros face Tommy Hanson (7-4, 2.59) and the Braves.
Edinson Volquez (4-2, 5.72) hopes to build on a strong start as the Reds play the Giants and Jonathan Sanchez (4-4, 3.51).
The Brewers go for first place against the Cardinals! It's Shaun Marcum (6-2, 2.58) against Jake Westbrook (6-3, 5.01).