MLB, ESPN extend TV contract through 2021

Major League Baseball and ESPN extended their television contract through 2021. A person with knowledge of the new deal, which combines rights for TV, radio, digital and international platforms that had previously been separate, says it will be worth about $700 million a year over eight years. That almost doubles the previous contracts, which were worth close to $360 million per year. The new deal all but eliminates blackouts of local broadcasts of ESPN games on Monday and Wednesday nights.

Orioles 6, White Sox 0: Chris Tillman allowed one hit in seven innings, Nick Markakis drove in three runs and host Baltimore won its fourth straight. Lew Ford homered and Adam Jones hit his 100th homer for the Orioles, who stayed atop the AL wild-card standings.

Rangers 1, Rays 0: Yu Darvish struck out 10 over seven innings for host Texas in a pitchers' duel against James Shields. Ian Kinsler homered for Texas. The Rays have lost four in a row.

Athletics 7, Indians 0: Tommy Milone and three Oakland relievers extended host Cleveland's scoreless streak to 22 innings. Brandon Moss and Chris Carter homered as Oakland won its fourth straight to remain tied with Baltimore atop the AL wild-card race.

Royals 9, Tigers 8: Mike Moustakas had three hits and three RBIs and host Kansas City roughed up Justin Verlander, who was charged with eight earned runs in 52/3 innings.

Mariners 5, Twins 2: Dustin Ackley hit a three-run homer for visiting Seattle. Hisashi Iwakuma gave up just one hit and one unearned run over six innings in another strong start for the rookie from Japan.

Angels 6, Red Sox 5: Mike Trout singled home the tying run and Torii Hunter won it with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth for the Angels.

Pirates 9, Cardinals 0: Pedro Alvarez homered twice and drove in four runs and James McDonald allowed two hits over seven innings for host Pittsburgh. The Cardinals played most of the game without catcher Yadier Molina, who suffered neck, back and shoulder injuries following a collision at home plate.

Giants 3, Astros 2: Pinch hitter Hector Sanchez delivered a go-ahead single in the ninth for visiting San Francisco.

Braves 2, Padres 0: Kris Medlen extended his scoreless streak to 281/3 innings, holding San Diego to five singles over eight innings for visiting Atlanta

Reds 5, D-backs 2: Johnny Cueto scattered four hits over seven innings. Cueto (17-4) leads the majors in victories.

Rockies 8, Dodgers 4: Wilin Rosario homered among his three hits and drove in three runs and Tyler Chatwood pitched five effective innings for host Colorado.

Brewers 4, Cubs 1: Jeff Bianchi hit a three-run shot for his first big league homer to lead visiting Milwaukee.

Marlins 9, Nationals 0: Stephen Strasburg gave up a career-high seven runs in five innings and first-place Washington's losing streak reached five games. -- AP