The Toronto Blue Jays claimed an 8-6 win over the New York Yankees.

The Tampa Bay Rays moved level with the reigning World Series champions in the American League East.

Toronto hit six doubles in the fifth inning, matching an American League record, with seven runs coming against Yankees starter and former Blue Jays pitcher AJ Burnett.

Tampa Bay joined the Yankees at the American League East summit with a 4-2 defeat of Minnesota, with Jeremy Hellickson retiring the first 10 batsmen he faced as the Rays ended the Twins' eight-game winning streak.

The Boston Red Sox were unable to cut the gap at the top of the standings, losing 6-5 at home to the Cleveland Indians, with Adrian Beltre hitting a three-run home run in the eighth inning.

In the day's final American League clash, the Oakland Athletics claimed a 6-0 win over the Kansas City Royals, with Trevor Cahill pitching a three-hit shutout for the hosts.

In the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers thrashed the Chicago Cubs 18-1, with two five-run frames and Casey McGehee, Ryan Braun and Corey Hart each scoring three runs.

The Atlanta Braves claimed a 2-0 win over the New York Mets, with Rick Ankiel's two-run single in the first the decisive moment.

Mets pitcher Johan Santana struck out a season-high 11, but his efforts were in vain.

Chris Heisey hit his seventh home run of the season as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-0.

The San Diego Padres beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-5, with Will Venable and Chase Headley each hitting three-run homers.

The Houston Astros claimed a 2-1 win over the St Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1.