WASHINGTON (AP)—Roger Clemens put his right hand on the lectern, leaned down toward the microphone and made what might be the most important pitch of his life: “Not guilty, your honor.”

WASHINGTON (AP)—The Washington Nationals aren’t planning on any playoff celebrations this year, so they’ll make do with moments like Thursday night’s thrilling victory.

CHICAGO (AP)—After all the wins, all the losses and all those arguments, Lou Piniella clearly felt it was time to leave.

ATLANTA (AP)—Derrek Lee(notes) passed up the chance to get on the fringe of the playoff race.

HOUSTON (AP)—Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez has a torn thumb ligament in his pitching hand sustained during a fight with his girlfriend’s father at Citi Field and will need surgery that will sideline him for the rest of the season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)—It took Alex Rodriguez(notes) 47 pressure-laden at-bats to go from career home run No. 599 to No. 600.

NEW YORK (AP)—Suspended Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez was released without bail Thursday and ordered to stay away from his girlfriend’s father, whom he is accused of attacking outside a family lounge at Citi Field.

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BALTIMORE (AP)—Buck Showalter was hired to manage the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, his latest rebuilding project in a major league career full of them.

PHOENIX (AP)—The Los Angeles Angels made a move to keep up with the Texas Rangers in the AL West by trading for infielder Alberto Callaspo(notes) last week.