Sheets impressive for Athletics in win over Rays

Ben Sheets finally pitched like an ace and Daric Barton drove in a pair of runs yesterday as the Athletics beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-2, in Oakland.

Sheets (2-3) scattered four hits in 61/3 innings and had a season-high eight strikeouts. After signing a one-year, $10-million contract in the offseason, he had allowed 17 runs in 71/3 innings in his last two starts.

White Sox 7, Blue Jays 3

Jake Peavy pitched eight innings for his second straight victory and Paul Konerko hit his major league-leading 13th homer for host Chicago.

Orioles, Twins split

Nick Markakis drove in three runs as visiting Baltimore beat Francisco Liriano (4-1) in the first game of a split doubleheader, 7-3. Scott Baker worked eight sharp innings as the Twins beat the Orioles, 6-1, in the nightcap. Joe Mauer struck out swinging with the bases loaded in his return to the Twins' lineup after missing eight games with of a bruised left heel.

Braves 4, Phillies 1

Eric Hinske doubled to tie the score and came home on Melky Cabrera's single during a three-run sixth for visiting Atlanta.

Nationals 5, Marlins 4

Adam Dunn was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the eighth, allowing the go-ahead run to score for host Washington. Josh Willingham had a triple, homer and two RBIs.

Brewers 17, Diamondbacks 3

Jody Gerut, who hit for the cycle, and Ryan Braun each had four RBIs for visiting Milwaukee.

Pirates 2, Cardinals 0

Jeff Karstens allowed three hits in six innings for host Pittsburgh. - AP