The Juice: Nationals roar back against Giants, White Sox sweep Rangers

The Juice is back for its fifth season of fun! Stop by each weekday for an ample serving of news from the action, plus great photos, stats and video highlights.

Throwback night in D.C.: The San Francisco Giants came to Washington with a record of 74-1 in games they led by three or more runs. Not overwhelmed, the Nationals rallied from three runs down two games in a row to beat the Giants, including 6-5 on Thursday night to complete a three-game sweep. The loss was self-inflicted for the Giants, at least partially, because shortstop Brandon Crawford rushed a throw to first base that Brandon Belt couldn't pick for an inning-ending double play. Instead, Adam LaRoche reached first and the winning run scored after the Nats had been down 5-1 in the seventh. The Nats partied like it was 1924 and they were the world's champion Washington Senators, beating the New York Giants in the World Series.

Sweep and clear : The Chicago White Sox swept the Texas Rangers — the first time anyone's done that this season — with a 2-1 victory. Kevin Youkilis hit the go-ahead home run in the sixth and rookie left-hander Jose Quintana continued his roll with eight strong innings against a tough lineup. Another rookie, closer Addison Reed, finished off Texas in the ninth. Rangers fans can get excited about Yu Darvish winning the final spot on the AL All-Star team, even if Darvish thinks he's undeserving.

Papelblown: Daniel Murphy lined a tying single off the leg of Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon, and David Wright ended the game with another single to complete the comeback for the New York Mets, who were 6-5 winners at Citi Field. Wright drove in nine runs in the three-game series. The otherwise desperate Phillies can hang their caps on the return of slugger Ryan Howard, who might come off the disabled list after his brief rehab stint for that awful Achilles injury.

Ten pieces of gold: The Pittsburgh Pirates are 10 games over .500 after beating the Astros 2-0 behind right-hander Jeff Karstens. What does it mean, manager Clint Hurdle?

Out of the basement: The Padres won their sixth straight game and eighth in 11 tries after Everth Cabrera hit a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the ninth to beat the Reds 2-1. They also spoiled a strong seven-inning performance by Mat Latos, former Friar.

Quote of the Day: "I said, 'I thought we were getting a run producer. You only have 29 RBIs.' He said he hasn't had a guy on base, for something like three months, to drive in" — Mark Buehrle (jokingly) on new teammate Carlos Lee after Miami's 4-0 victory against Milwaukee.

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Photo of the Day: Sleeper hold!

Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers tries wrenching off the head of Prince Fielder after he hit a tie-breaking three-run home run in the eighth to help beat the Twins. Watch it now!

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Three Facts for the Water Cooler:

• Mike Minor entered with a 6.20 ERA, but helped himself stay in Atlanta's rotation by allowing three runs — two earned — in a 7-3 victory against Matt Garza and the Cubs.

• The Colorado Rockies turned 21 years old and celebrated by moving into last place in the NL West, so have a Coors Light on them — unless you're Bryce Harper in Canada, bro. The Rox lost 6-2 to Lance Lynn and the Cardinals.

• The Tigers threw out three Twins baserunners at home plate, including two on back-to-back pitches in the second inning.

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