the losing ends here

Baseball Update:
After dropping their last ten games, the Indians decided they had had enough, blasting the Rays 13-2. Ben Francisco had a career high 4 RBIs while David Dellucci, Shin-Soo Chu, Francisco and Casey Blake added homers to the Tribe's 13 run total. Along with the win, Cleveland claimed right hander Bryan Bullington off of waivers.

Speaking of breaking up a losing streak, the Twins edged the Tigers, 7-6 (10). Justin Morneau had five hits in the game including the game winning homer.

Hanley Ramirez's five hit night would have sent anyone home happy, but his last won really put a smile on his face. With the game tied at four a piece in the 11th inning, Ramirez knocked a walk-off homer to give the Marlins the 5-4 advantage over the Dodgers.

It was homerun central in Chicago as the Reds belted 7 out of the park in their 12-7 win. David Ross knocked out two, while Bronson Arroyo picked up his seventh win of the season.

Ryan Howard was an offensive machine for the Phillies in their 4-1 victory over the Cardinals, driving two into the seats for a total of three RBIs. Speaking of the Phillies, they are rumored to be closing in on A.J. Burnett.

The Mariners were very busy on Thursday, releasing Richie Sexson, placing Erik Bedard on the DL and picking up Criag Wilson from the Pirates for a player to be named later. They also lost to the A's, 3-2.

Two weeks ago Mike Mussina and the Yankees were heading towards a win when a storm blew into Pittsburgh haulting the game, which had not completed five innings, thus making it invalid and forcing the two teams to square off once again. This time it was the Pirates crusing into a 4-2 victory over the Yankees.

John Maine had an early exit from the game after giving up three runs in the fifth, but his team had his back, exploding for 4 runs in the seventh to pick up the 7-3 win and a sweep of the Giants. On the brightside for San Francisco, after being blanked the first two games, they did put three runs up on the scoreboard.

The Mets can likely put the kibosh on ever getting Moises Alou back, after the aging left fielder tore his hamstring. Ouch!

Most of Thursday's games were dominated by lots of offense, but Brewers pitcher Dave Bush became the exception to the rule, striking out 13 batters in Milwaukee's 11-1 smashing of the Rockies.

Congratulations to the Rays Evan Longoria and the Brewers Corey Hart on receiving the final roster spots to this year's all-star game. Both players received the most amount of fan votes in their respective leagues to punch their ticket to New York.

In other all-star news, Matt Holiday has been promoted to starter for the National League. He'll be taking over Alfonso Soriano's spot.

Despite what you may have heard, Barry Bonds' services have not be requested by any team.

Nascar Update:
The Cup boys are heading to Chicago this weekend to take on a very flat 1.5 mile, cookie cutter track. As the years have progressed, Chicagoland has become known more for its fuel strategy than it's side by side racing, although it does promote a little bit of that as well. Kevin Harvick was dominate when this track first opened, can he go back to his winning ways? Or will another driver take his place in victory lane? You'll have to tune into TNT at 6:30 PM/est on SATURDAY to watch the LifeLock.com 400 to find out.

Cup qualifying for the LifeLock.com 400 was cancelled on Thursday due to bad weather. The lineup will be determined by owner's points giving Kyle Busch the pole.

With Stewart taking over 50% share of Haas, what does that mean for current Haas drivers like Scott Riggs? My guess, get your resume ready because you most likely won't be driving there next season!

With news that DEI may be in some financial troubles, could Dale Earnhardt, Jr. be willing to help bail out the only company he had ever known prior to 2008? According to Junior, the answer would be a big fat no!

Brian Vickers is hoping to make a push towards the Chase. He currently sits in 15th position, just 112 points out of 12th place.

News&Notes: Baron Davis has signed a multiyear deal with the LA Clippers...The Bulls have wisely decided to let Derrick Rose take the rest of the summer off. Well not in the fly to Italy and tan with your Desperate wife sort of vacation, more a it's fine you don't have to play in this ridiculous summer league anymore type of vacation...Brad Miller will also get a vacation, but most likely not of the paid variety after he was suspended for five games for violating the NBA's drug policy...The Canucks have signed veteran forward Pavol Demitra. The deal is worth $4 million a year, for two years...It's official Martin Straka will not be returning to the NHL after signing with his former club the HC Lasselsberger Plzen. He will also serve as GM for the Czech club...Part or all of the Pittsburgh Steelers is up for sale, but the new owner is anybody's guess. It's probably not going to be Mark Cuban, but Steve Druckenmiller has shown some interest.

Check this out: Going through Office withdrawls? Have no fear, the new webisodes are up and running. Click here for this week's clip.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate