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Castro stars in Cubs debut

Aramis Ramirez congratulates rookie Starlin Castro. (Associated Press)
Associated Press
Aramis Ramirez congratulates rookie Starlin Castro. (Associated Press)

Starlin Castro got awakened by a call to the majors Friday and arrived in style, hitting a three-run homer in his first at-bat and driving in a record six runs during the Chicago Cubs’ 14-7 victory over the Reds in Cincinnati.

The 20-year-old became the youngest shortstop in Cubs history when he stepped onto the field. His homer made him the sixth player in Cubs history to connect in his first at-bat.

Castro added a bases-loaded triple, sliding headfirst into the record books with six RBIs, the most in a modern-day debut – one more than the previous mark shared by four players.

Twins’ rainout first at home since 1980

After 28 seasons at the Metrodome, the Twins moved outdoors to brand new Target Field this year and their first rainout since 1980 came when steady rain caused the postponement of their game against the Baltimore Orioles.

The last time a Twins home game was rained out was Sept. 20, 1980, at the old Metropolitan Stadium. The Twins moved indoors in 1982 and fans have grown accustomed to not having to check the weather before heading to the ballgame.

Strasburg shines in Triple-A debut

Stephen Strasburg allowed just one hit over six scoreless innings in his Triple-A debut.

Strasburg threw 65 pitches, 45 for strikes, for the Washington Nationals’ affiliate in Syracuse, N.Y., against the Gwinnett Braves. He struck out six and walked one in facing 20 batters. He also drove in two runs for the Chiefs, who led 3-0 when he departed.

Clearing the bases

Oakland placed right-hander Justin Duchscherer, a two-time All-Star, on the disabled list with an inflamed hip. …. Cleveland activated closer Kerry Wood from the disabled list. The 32-year-old has been sidelined since straining a muscle in his upper back during spring training. … Former umpire Doug Harvey, 80, toured the Baseball Hall of Fame in preparation for his July induction. … A Los Angeles court commissioner ordered Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt to pay his estranged wife, Jamie, $637,000 a month in temporary spousal support in a bitter divorce case.