By Ron Kaplan, contributor

Home run happy yet? Three more from our guys punctuated last night’s games, and all six Jewish position players are within striking distance of 10 HRs as the All-Star game nears.

Joc Pederson launched his fourth in seven contests, eighth of the season and a record-setting 50th long ball this month for the LA Dodgers (53-28) as they beat the host LA Angels, 6-2. He also had a little fun with a beach ball, only to have teammate Yasiel Puig puncture it.

Ryan Braun hit his ninth to open the proceedings for the Milwaukee Brewers (42-39) in an 11-3 win over the host Cincinnati Reds (33-45). He also added a single and came out of game early in the laugher. Scott Feldman did not appear for the Reds.

Ian Kinsler joined in the fun when he cracked his ninth to help the Detroit Tigers (35-43) beat the visiting KC Royals, 7-3. His came in the third to give his mates a 4-0 lead. He also singled and walked, scoring three times.

Alex Bregman was one-for-three with a walk and a run scored as the Houston Astros (54-26) beat the visiting Oakland A’s, 6-1.

Kevin Pillar hit his 20th double in three at-bats as the Toronto Blue Jays (37-40) were shut out by the visiting Baltimore Orioles, 2-0. Richard Bleier did not appear for the O’s in this one.

Danny Valencia and the Seattle Mariners had the day off.

So does Craig Breslow have a legitimate reason for doing so poorly of late? The Minnesota Twins placed him on the disabled list with “rib-cage soreness.” They lost to the host Boston Red Sox, 6-3.

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