Taveras bunts way into record book
Willy Taveras extended his hitting streak to 26 games with a bunt single Wednesday, setting a Houston Astros record during a 7-3 win over the host Cincinnati Reds.
The outfielder bunted to the third-base side of the mound and beat pitcher Chris Michalak’s throw.
Taveras had been tied for the club record with Jeff Kent, who also hit in 25 straight games in 2004. He exceeded it with his 16th bunt single of the season.
Two other players in the majors have longer streaks this season. Philadelphia’s Chase Utley hit in 36 in a row from June 23 to Aug. 3, and Boston’s Manny Ramirez put together a 27-game streak from July 15 to Aug. 12.
Jones blasts No. 350
Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones hit his 350th career homer to tie Chili Davis for third place among switch-hitters.
Mickey Mantle has more homers than any switch-hitter with 536. Eddie Murray is next on the list at 504.
Batting left-handed, Jones hit a 3-1 pitch from Pittsburgh’s Ian Snell over the center-field wall with one out in the fourth inning at Atlanta.
Zimmer wants another year
Tampa Bay senior adviser Don Zimmer wants to return next year for his 59th season in baseball and the Devil Rays said they’re interested.
“The answer is yes,” Tampa Bay principal owner Stuart Sternberg said before the Devil Rays played Texas. “If I’m here, he’s got a home.”
Zimmer is completing his third season with Tampa Bay. He and his wife have lived about 7 miles away from Tropicana Field in Treasure Island, Fla., for almost 50 years.
The 75-year-old Zimmer said he would not take a baseball job elsewhere.
“I’m going to finish up at home,” he said. “Whether it’s this year, next year, the year after.”
Mets honor Franco’s 48th
Julio Franco didn’t plan to eat the cake he was given for his 48th birthday by the New York Mets
It’s not that he didn’t appreciate the tribute. He just doesn’t like cake.
“I like to be me. I like to be nothing special because I like to do things my own way,” he said before the Mets played St. Louis.
Franco is the oldest player in the major leagues since Minnie Minoso made a two-game comeback with the Chicago White Sox in 1980 at age 57.
He is batting .272 with 16 RBIs. On April 20 he became the oldest player in major league history to hit a home run.
Thome limps out of game
White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome limped off the field with a strained left hamstring in the second inning against host Detroit.
Thome pulled up after rounding first base on a ground-rule double. He is hitting .294 with 36 homers and 91 RBIs.