Dodgers edge out-of-touch Cubs

CHICAGO – Randy Wolf pitched impressively into the eighth inning, guiding Los Angeles to a 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs in the National League on Thursday and giving the Dodgers a fourth straight win.

Juan Pierre had two hits and scored a run for the Dodgers, who have the best record in baseball at 34-15.

The out-of-form Cubs learned earlier in the day their ace pitcher Carlos Zambrano was suspended six games for his tirade during Wednesday’s victory over Pittsburgh.

Wolf struck out seven and walked one.

Los Angeles reliever Ramon Troncoso wriggled out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth to secure the victory. Chicago had the bases loaded with one out but Troncoso struck out Bobby Scales and Jake Fox to end the game.

In Phoenix, Dan Haren outpitched Derek Lowe to steer Arizona past Atlanta, 5-2.

The Diamondbacks took advantage of second baseman Kelly Johnson’s error to score four times in the fourth inning.

Haren retired 15 in a row before a two-out double and RBI single in the eighth inning. He struck out eight to earn his first victory in four starts.

Lowe gave up a season-high 10 hits.

In Minneapolis, Jason Varitek hit two home runs and was one of four people ejected by umpire Todd Tichenor during Boston’s 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins in the American League on Thursday.

Joe Crede hit a home run in his return from a three-game absence because of a bruised hand, but Red Sox starter Josh Beckett (5-2) allowed only one run on three hits with four walks and eight strikeouts in seven innings.

Varitek hit solo homers off Anthony Swarzak (1-1) to lead off the fifth and seventh innings.

Tichenor gave the boot to both catchers and both managers during a wild seventh inning that started with an apparent tag by Twins catcher Mike Redmond on Boston’s Jeff Bailey as he barreled home. Replays showed Redmond hit Bailey’s arm before Bailey touched home. But Tichenor called Bailey safe. Redmond was tossed for protesting, followed by manager Ron Gardenhire for defending Redmond.

In the bottom of the inning, Beckett threw a pitch that Varitek tried to frame for strike three on Brendan Harris. When he didn’t get the call – replays showed it appeared to be outside – Beckett seethed. Varitek got in Tichenor’s face and was ejected, followed by Red Sox manager Terry Francona.

At Cleveland, rookie David Huff and four relievers combine to stifle Tampa Bay as Victor Martinez drove in both runs for Cleveland to sweep the defending AL champion, 2-1.

It’s the first four-game sweep for the Indians since they did it to the Rays last July. The Rays have now lost 17 in a row in Cleveland, the longest road losing streak against one team in club history. (AP)