Chi. White Sox 6, Minnesota 4
Chicago White Sox utility man J.B. Shuck has a well-earned reputation in his clubhouse as the most reliable bench bat in manager Robin Ventura's arsenal.
Washington 15, Atlanta 1
Coming off a three-game series at St. Louis in which they blew leads and lost Monday and Tuesday before winning by one run Wednesday night, the Washington Nationals were happy to enjoy a one-sided victory Thursday.
Milwaukee 5, Pittsburgh 3
After taking the National League's wild card spot for the last two seasons, the Pittsburgh Pirates would like nothing more than to catch the St. Louis Cardinals for the division crown.
Kansas City 15, Detroit 7
The Kansas City Royals set season highs with 15 runs, 20 hits and length of game, two minutes shy of four hours.
Colorado 11, San Francisco 3
Carlos Gonzalez continued his home run barrage and Chris Rusin threw a complete game Thursday night as the Colorado Rockies pounded the fading San Francisco Giants 11-3.
San Diego 10, LA Dodgers 7
A late San Diego Padres rally slowed the Los Angeles Dodgers' hot streak.