NEW YORK: Right fielder Yasiel Puig’s run-scoring single in the sixth inning was the difference as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres yesterday.
The Dodgers (54-43) own the best record in the National League heading into the All-Star break, while the slumping Padres (41-54) have lost seven of nine games to the Dodgers this season.
Dodgers lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu retired the first 11 batters.
The Padres only hit three balls out of the infield against Ryu (10-5) before he completed his two-hitter with 10 strikeouts and no walks in six innings.
San Francisco starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner and catcher Buster Posey each cracked grand slams in consecutive innings - the first battery in major league history to slam in the same game - as the Giants beat the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Bumgarner (10-7) also recorded his first victory in four starts, allowing four runs and 10 hits in 6 1/3 innings.
Sonny Gray found a way to extend his run of solid starts and he also provided Oakland with a much-needed win as the Athletics beat the Seattle Mariners.
The right-hander helped Oakland (59-36) avoid a sweep with another impressive pitching performance, allowing just one unearned run over 7 2/3 innings.
Gray (10-3) has won each of his past three starts without giving up more than one earned run in any of them.
Clay Buchholz tossed his fifth career shutout, a three-hitter, while a balanced offensive attack carried the Boston Red Sox to a lopsided victory over the Houston Astros.
Buchholz (4-5) struck out a career-high 12 batters and retired the last 17 batters he faced. He allowed three singles and did not issue a walk while tossing 109 pitches, 76 strikes.
Catcher Jason Castro was the lone Astro to reach third base against Buchholz. REUTERS
