Matt Harrison is helped by some clutch defense as the Rangers defeat the Yankees, 5 – 3, in New York. Harrison’s teammates tie an American League record by turning six double plays behind him, to move his record to 3-0 on the year; the pitcher starts two of the twin killings himself.

Luis Salazar returns to the dugout as manager of the Lynchburg Hillcats of the Carolina League. Salazar lost an eye when struck by a foul ball during a Braves spring training game on March 9th, but has impressed everyone by his good spirits and quick recovery from what could have been a fatal injury.

Jim Leyland savors his 1,500th win as a manager when the Tigers defeat the Athletics, 8 – 4, with a wild 10th inning. Oakland is cruising to a 1 – 0 victory after a solid start by Brandon McCarthy when Miguel Cabrera homers off Brian Fuentes to tie the game in the 9th. In the 10th, the A’s commit three errors and the Tigers score 7 runs, two on a bases-loaded double by Brennan Boesch that breaks the tie. The A’s then rally for 3 runs on their own in the bottom of the frame, but it is not enough to cancel Detroit’s outburst. Leyland is the 19th manager in history to reach the 1,500-win milestone.

Jhoulys Chacin hurls a 6-hit shutout as the Rockies defeat the Cubs, 5 – 0, to extend their winning streak to seven games. Chris Iannetta hits a bases-loaded triple and trots home on Starlin Castro’s wild relay throw on the play in support of Chacin’s gem.

The Red Sox suffer a costly defeat to the Twins, losing 8 – 0 after learning that CF Mike Cameron has an abdominal strain. Bill Hall replaces him for the game, as Tim Wakefield is scorched for 10 hits and 6 runs in 5 1/3 innings while his opponent Francisco Liriano flashes some of his old form that made him an All-Star as a rookie in 2006. LF Jacoby Ellsbury also misses the game with sore ribs, and Boston is worried that both starting outfielders may need to go on the disabled list.

The Blue Jays acquire OF Fred Lewis from the Giants for future considerations. The Jays will install Lewis as their lead-off hitter, allowing them to slide Jose Bautista to the middle of the order, where he will emerge as the American League’s top slugger.

The Astros are the last team to record a win in the majors this year. After losing their first eight contests, they defeat the Cardinals, 5 – 1 at Busch Stadium. Pitcher Bud Norris helps his own cause by driving in the game’s first run in the 3rd inning, followed by an RBI double by Jeff Keppinger, who drives in two more in the 8th. It is also Brad Mills’ first win as a major league manager.

Every player in Major League Baseball wears number 42 today on Jackie Robinson Day, in honor of the anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color line. The practice will be repeated in future years.

On a night of milestones in Seattle, Ken Griffey hits his 400th home run as a Mariner – the 613th long ball of his career – and Ichiro Suzuki hits a grand slam off Jason Bulger for his 3085th hit as a professional, tying the Japanese record held by Isao Harimoto. Seattle defeats the Angels, 11 – 3, as Jarrod Washburn picks up the 100th win of his career. Harimoto is present at Safeco Field to witness Ichiro’s historic hit.

Ian Kinsler of the Texas Rangers goes 6 for 6 and hits for the cycle in a 19 – 6 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Kinsler scores 5 times, Marlon Byrd goes 5 for 6 and Nelson Cruz hits a grand slam off Radhames Liz in the rout. It had been 119 years since Farmer Weaver had been the last big leaguer to go 6 for 6 and hit for the cycle in a 9-inning game.