Goldschmidt’s walk-off hit lifts D-backs past Dodgers

PHOENIX (AP) ― Paul Goldschmidt rarely has been so happy making so little contact. Goldschmidt hit a slow grounder off Josh Beckett that found its way into right field with one out in the ninth inning Sunday, lifting the Arizona Diamondbacks over the Los Angeles Dodgers 1-0.

“It would have been a strike but I was out front of it,” Goldschmidt said. “It fooled me, so I was really lucky it found a hole. When I saw it, I thought it had a chance.”

Diamondbacks starter Trevor Cahill pitched six-hit ball for 7 1/3 innings and three relievers got the final five outs for Arizona, which shut out Los Angeles twice in taking two of three.

Beckett (0-2) retired Martin Prado on a grounder to short to start the ninth. A.J. Pollock followed with a double to center field. Beckett ran the count to 3-0 before walking Miguel Montero intentionally. Goldschmidt then singled to right past a diving Mark Ellis at second.

“It hit just right in the spot,” said Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson. “Those hurt but it felt good for us.”

Tony Sipp and Brad Ziegler each retired one batter to finish the eighth after Nick Punto singled leading off and advanced on Beckett’s sacrifice.

Pirates rally past Reds

PITTSBURGH (AP) ― Michael McKenry knows he isn’t going to get many curtain calls as a backup catcher.

So he savored the moment Sunday when he called out of the dugout following his second home run of the day, a drive that tied the game as the Pittsburgh Pirates overcame a five-run, seventh-inning deficit to beat the Cincinnati Reds 10-7.

“Neil Walker pushed me out of the dugout and told me to go to tip my cap,” McKenry said. “It was special. It’s good to have good teammates who want you to get recognized, and it’s great to have the fans be so supportive and cheer that hard for you. A guy in my position, you just don’t expect it.”

McKenry got his curtain call after his two-run drive made it 6-6 in a six-run eighth inning against Jonathan Broxton (0-1).

Upton, Braves get 9th win in row

WASHINGTON (AP) ― Forget about last year. This season, the Atlanta Braves are looking very much like the team to beat in the NL East.

Justin Upton and Andrelton Simmons homered, and the Braves cruised to their ninth straight victory Sunday, beating Washington 9-0 to complete a three-game sweep of the defending division champion Nationals.

Chris Johnson had four hits and two RBIs for the Braves, who received a sparkling pitching performance from Paul Maholm. After forging two-run victories on Friday and Saturday, Atlanta took a 7-0 lead in the third inning against Gio Gonzalez (1-1) and coasted to the finish.

“We know the Nationals are supposed to be pretty good, so it was good to make a statement early,” Simmons said. “Let them know we’re going to be tough to beat.”

In compiling the best record in the major leagues, the Braves (11-1) have outscored the opposition 62-23 and built a 20-6 advantage in home runs.

Chicago White Sox 3, Cleveland 1

Philadelphia 2, Miami 1

Boston 5, Tampa Bay 0

Kansas City 3, Toronto 2

Milwaukee 4, St. Louis 3

San Francisco 10, Chicago Cubs 7

LA Angels 4, Houston 1

Detroit 10, Oakland 1

Seattle 4, Texas 3

Colorado 2, San Diego 1

NY Yankees 3, Baltimore 0

NY Mets at Minnesota ppd.