The Rockies explode for 9 runs in the bottom of the 9th to beat the stunned Cardinals, 12 – 9. They enter the inning down 9 – 3, but score and score some more, capping the rally with Seth Smith’s three-run walk-off home run off closer Ryan Franklin. Chris Iannetta also hits a three-run homer off Franklin, who gives up 6 runs in a third of an inning. Manuel Corpas (3-5) is the beneficiary of the outburst. It is only the third time in major league history a team has scored nine or more runs in the bottom of the 9th to win and the first time since 1901.

Alex Rodriguez hits the 21st grand slam of his career and adds a solo homer to bring his career total to 597 long balls. The Yankees defeat the Athletics, 6 – 1. CC Sabathia wins his 7th consecutive start to improve to 11-3 on the year. A-Rod’s slam ties him with Manny Ramirez for second on the all-time list, two behind Yankee legend Lou Gehrig.

Joey Votto, in competition for the last spot on the National League All-Star team, hits two solo home runs in the Reds’ 8 – 6 win over the Mets. The game features the ejection of Mets manager Jerry Manuel, who complains over a ruling that Scott Rolen is hit by a Mike Pelfrey pitch with the bases loaded in the 5th, scoring the go-ahead run. Manuel argues that the ball tipped Rolen’s bat, but is tossed when he tries to press his case. Drew Stubbs and Corky Miller follow with two-run hits each, then pitcher Travis Wood hits a triple to make it 7 – 1. The Mets counter with 5 runs of their own in the bottom of the frame, but never manage to catch up.

Top Blue Jays pitching prospect Kyle Drabek, acquired form the Phillies in last winter’s Roy Halladay deal, is a little closer to the big leagues after pitching a no-hitter for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats of the AA Eastern League, 5 – 0 over New Britain.

Drew Stubbs hits 3 of the Reds’ 7 home runs in a wind-aided 14 – 3 demolition of the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Four of Cincinnati’s long balls come after two outs in the eight-run 7th inning. Rookie Tyler Colvin bangs two homers of his own in a losing cause. For the Reds, 1B Joey Votto is ejected in the 1st inning for arguing balls and strikes, but his replacement, Paul Janish, goes 4 for 4 with one of the homers.

Torii Hunter celebrates his selection as the Angels’ sole representative in the All-Star Game they will host next week by banging out two home runs and driving in 7 runs in an 11 – 0 win over the Royals. Paul McAnulty also homers in his first major league game since 2008.