By Ron Kaplan, contributor

So let me get this straight: the days are going to get shorter now? Doesn’t it seem like they should be longest in the middle of summer?

Anyway, the days can’t seem to end early enough for the NY Mets, who lost again. The host LA Dodgers (47-26) whooped them, 8-2. Joc Pederson never put the ball in play, striking out in his only official at bat, but he walked three times and scored three runs. The win gave the Dodgers sole possession of first place in the NL West.

Ian Kinsler hit his ninth home run, but this one came in the ninth inning, as opposed to leading off the game. The Detroit Tigers fell to seven games under .500 (32-39) with their 7-5 loss to the host Seattle Mariners (37-37). Danny Valencia was hitless in four trips to the plate.

Alex Bregman hit his 14th double in two official at bats for the Houston Astros and walked twice as the Houston Astros (49-24) beat the host Oakland A’s, 5-1.

Kevin Pillar entered the game for the Toronto Blue Jays as a defensive replacement. He singled and stole a base (#11) in his only at bat. Toronto (35-36) beat the host Boston Red Sox, 7-5.

Scott Feldman did not appear for the Cincinnati Reds (30-41) in their 8-3 loss to the host Tampa Bay Rays.

Richard Bleier did not appear for the Baltimore Orioles (35-36) in their 5-1 loss to the visiting Cleveland Indians.

Craig Breslow did not appear for the Minnesota Twins (36-33) in their 4-2 win over the visiting Chicago White Sox.

Finally! Ryan Braun is set to begin his rehab assignment for the Milwaukee Brewers.

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