By the numbers

515

Home runs in the career of Blue Jays designated hitter Frank Thomas after hitting a grand slam off Josh Beckett in Toronto’s victory over the Boston Red Sox.

19

Strikeouts needed by Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz to reach 3,000.

9

Runs given up by Detroit’s Justin Verlander in the Tigers’ 13-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox. It is the most runs Verlander has given up in his major league career.

0.96

ERA of the St. Louis Cardinal’s pitching staff this season, allowing just 4 runs in 37 2/3 innings, despite having Joel Pineiro, Mark Mulder, Matt Clement and Chris Carpenter on the disabled list.