The Reds send the Cubs to their 7th consecutive loss with an 8 – 2 win powered by Jonny Gomes’ three-run homer, part of a four-RBI night. Mike Leake prevails against Matt Garza, who gives up four runs in his return from the disabled list.

The Rockies need six pitchers to do it, but shut out the Padres, 3 – 0. Clayton Mortensen gets things started with six scoreless innings, four relievers work the 7th and 8th, and Huston Street takes care of the 9th for his 16th save.

In the 2011 amateur draft, Pittsburgh, picking first, selects right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole from UCLA. The choice is somewhat surprising as Cole’s college teammate, Trevor Bauer, who is picked 3rd by Arizona, had a much better season this year. Sandwiched between the two Bruins is Danny Hultzen of the University of Virginia, picked second by Seattle. Cole had previously been picked 28th overall in the 2008 draft, by the Yankees, but declined their offer.

The Baltimore Orioles end a ten-game losing streak and give interim manager Juan Samuel his first victory as a major league skipper when they defeat Boston, 4 – 3, in 11 innings. Nick Markakis bloops a single to score Cesar Izturis from second base, making David Hernandez a winner.

Major League Baseball is investigating an injury to under-performing Mets pitcher Oliver Perez, who was placed on the disabled list with tendinitis in his right knee on June 5th; he is 0-3, 6.28 this season. The suspicions come because the injury is very convenient to the Mets: Perez has refused an assignment to the minors, and manager Jerry Manuel has stated that he will not use him in games that have not already been decided. Had the injury not appeared, the Mets would have had to choose between two equally unpalatable options: release Perez and swallow the remainder of his $12 million a year contract; or waste a valuable roster spot on a player who cannot contribute to the team.

The Nationals announce the team is donating the hat Stephen Strasburg wore in his major league debut to the Hall of Fame. The 21 year-old rookie right-hander struck out 14 batters in Washington’s 5-2 victory over Pittsburgh.

At Turner Field, Brad Lidge gets his 16th consecutive save when Gregor Blanco is thrown out at home plate, dramatically ending the game and preserving a Phillies 4-3 victory over the Braves. The Philadelphia closer’s unblemished record from the start of the season breaks Al Holland’s club record, who converted his first 15 opportunities in 1984.