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UNIONDALE, N.Y. - After playmakers on both sides of the New York-New York backyard brawl were stymied by goalies and goal posts, it was a defensive defenceman who finally broke through to end a playoff-like deadlock.

ST. LOUIS - Yovani Gallardo might want to avoid the St. Louis Cardinals. The rest of the offensively challenged Milwaukee Brewers, too. Gallardo dropped to 1-10 with a 6.83 ERA against the Cardinals in Saturday's 8-0 loss.

OAKLAND, Calif. - Bob Melvin high-tailed it onto the field and got in the face of plate umpire Andy Fletcher to argue a called third strike against Brandon Moss.

NEW YORK, N.Y. - The New York Yankees' makeshift infield got yet another makeover Saturday. Now playing shortstop, Robinson Cano.

MINNEAPOLIS - Scott Diamond matched Matt Harvey for four innings. Not good enough. "I was hoping for better," Diamond said after his first start since elbow surgery in December, a 4-2 loss to the New York Mets on Saturday.

OAKLAND, Calif. - Justin Verlander will make the call, even if it's just mid-April: Prince Fielder for AL MVP. No pressure on the big fella intended from the guy who won that award plus the Cy Young two years ago. No T-shirt campaign yet.

MINNEAPOLIS - The only time Matt Harvey wasn't in control on Saturday was when he watched Justin Morneau's drive approach the right-field foul pole. "I was blowing it foul, but I knew he hit it pretty well," Harvey said.

ST. LOUIS - After ups and downs last season after reconstructive elbow surgery, Adam Wainwright is reclaiming his role as the St. Louis Cardinals ace. His bat looks pretty good, too.

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Gold Glove shortstop J.J. Hardy bounced a routine throw for his first error this season. All-Star Adam Jones flung his bat and helmet after chasing strike three. Nate McLouth ran through a stop sign and was an easy out at the plate.

WASHINGTON - There aren't going to be many times when Stephen Strasburg doesn't give up an earned run and the Washington Nationals lose the game.