Wolf Extends Cubs' Losing Streak to Five; A-Rod Blasts Rays

Players of the Day from Wednesday, September 3, 2008 American League Apparently, Alex Rodriguez didn't get the memo that the Yankees' season was over because A-Rod broke out the whippin' stick in an 8-4 New York win over the first place Rays. Rodriguez singled, doubled and hit his 31st home run of the season, driving in four, as the Yankees beat the Rays for the second straight day. The win left the Yankees still hopelessly 10 games behind the Rays in the AL East and 7 behind the second place Red Sox. Boston won their third straight, 5-4, over Baltimore, and are securely in the wild card spot, five games up on the Twins, who trail the White Sox by a game in the Central. For Chicago and Minnesota, the remainder of the season looks to be "win or go home." Notes: LA's magic number remained at 7 as they dropped a 9-6 decision to the Tigers. National League If the Cubs are going to win the NL Central, they'll have to do better than their effort against Houston's Randy Wolf Wednesday night. Wolf (9-11) tossed a 6-hit complete game shutout sending Houston past the Cubs by a 4-0 score. Striking out 8 while walking a pair, it was Wolf's best outing of the year and reason for some optimism in Houston for next year. The Cubs, however, are mired in their longest losing streak of the season, now at 5 straight. If not for Milwaukee dropping their last three games, there would be cause for concern. As it is, Chicago is still 4 1/2 clear of the Brewers in the Central. The Cubs begin a 9-game road trip on Friday with 3-game stops at Cincinnati, St. Louis and Houston. Notes: In the East, the Mets have won four straight and lead the Phillies by 3 games. Out West, LA won their 5th straight to remain 1 1/2 behind the Diamondbacks. Arizona visits LA for a three game series beginning Friday. The Phillies will play three at New York over the weekend as well.