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Newcomb dazzles as Braves edge Nationals

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Sean Newcomb pitched seven strong innings for his sixth straight win, leading the Atlanta Braves back into first place with a 4-2 victory over the Washington Nationals Thursday night.

In the start of a four-game series between the top teams in the NL East, the Braves snapped Washington’s six-game winning streak and reclaimed first place by a half-game over the Nationals.

Newcomb (6-1) was roughed up by the Nationals in his season debut April 2. Since then, he’s 6-0 with a sparkling 2.16 ERA in 10 starts.

Dodgers activate Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is back, making for quite a birthday for manager Dave Roberts.

Kershaw is slated to start against Philadelphia on Thursday night after he was activated from the 10-day disabled list. The three-time NL Cy Young Award winner was sidelined with left biceps tendinitis.

“That’s the perfect gift I could ask for,” said Roberts, who turned 46 on Thursday. “I know he’s been chomping at the bit and he’s back in that Kershaw game-day mode today, so that’s good.”

The Dodgers’ rotation has been hit hard by injuries. Kenta Maeda was placed on the DL on Wednesday with a mild left hip strain. Rich Hill (blister) and Hyun-Jin Ryu (left groin strain) remain unavailable.

The 30-year-old Kershaw went 1-4 with a 2.86 ERA in his first seven starts. He has hasn’t appeared in a major league game since May 1.

American League

Oakland 7, Tampa Bay 3: Daniel Mengden allowed three runs over eight innings and the Oakland Athletics beat the Tampa Bay Rays 7-3 to avoid a four-game sweep.

Matt Olson, Matt Chapman and Matt Joyce all homered, providing some much-needed punch to an offense that had sputtered since their leading home run hitter Khris Davis went on the disabled list 10 days earlier.

Detroit 6, L.A. Angeles 2: Victor Reyes hit a three-run triple in the five-run first to help the Detroit Tigers beat the Los Angeles Angles 6-2.

Detroit starter Ryan Carpenter was on pace to pick up his first career victory, but left the game after four innings with an oblique strain.

Warwick Saupold (3-1) replaced Carpenter and pitched two perfect innings. Carpenter gave up one run and five hits.

New York-Baltimore, ppd: The opener of a scheduled four-game series between the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night was postponed by rain.

A steady rain began to fall shortly before the planned 7:05 p.m. start, and the game was called after a delay of just under two hours.

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