By Ron Kaplan, contributor

August already? Where did the time go?

Alex Bregman cracked home run #12, a solo shot, and drove in another run, but the Houston Astros (69-37) still lost to the visiting Tampa Bay Rays, 6-4.

Ryan Braun was 1-for-4 and drove in the first run of the game on a ground out to help the Milwaukee Brewers (56-52) beat the visiting St. Louis Cardinals, 3-2. He also had an assist to throw out a runner at the plate in the top of the third to keep the Cards off the scoreboard for the moment. The assist was the 58th of Braun’s career, the fourth-highest total among active left fielders.

Kevin Pillar was 1-for-3 with two walks as the Toronto Blue Jays (50-57) beat the host Chicago White Sox (41-63), 8-4. Pillar also stole a base (#13), was caught stealing (#5), and had an assist (#8) on a play at the plate. Brad Goldberg did not appear for the Sox.

Danny Valencia singled twice in five at-bats, scored one, and drove in another as the Seattle Mariners (55-53) outlasted the host Texas Rangers, 8-7.

Joc Pederson was 0-for-2 with a walk and was hit by a pitch as the LA Dodgers (75-31) held off the host Atlanta Braves, 3-2.

Ryan Lavarnway singled as a pinch hitter in the Oakland As’ (47-60) 10-4 loss to the visiting San Francisco Giants.

Ian Kinsler was 1-for-4 as the Detroit Tigers (47-58) edged the host NY Yankees, 4-3. He’s the only laggard still in single-digit home runs, with nine.

Richard Bleier did not appear for the Baltimore Orioles (52-54) in their 7-2 win over the visiting KC Royals.

Nothing new to report on Cincinnati Reds starter Scott Feldman.

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