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Former pitcher Robertson, 33, dies in motorcycle crash

Former major league pitcher Jeriome Robertson, whose 15 wins led all rookies in 2003, died in a motorcycle accident in Exeter, Calif. He was 33.

Former major league pitcher Jeriome Robertson, whose 15 wins led all rookies in 2003, died in a motorcycle accident in Exeter, Calif. He was 33.

Robertson was killed Saturday when he lost control of his motorcycle while making a turn at 70 mph, according to the California Highway Patrol report.

The lefthander went 15-9 with a 5.10 ERA for Houston in his one big year and topped the team in victories. Robertson was traded to Cleveland before the next season after the Astros signed free agents Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte.

Robertson's last game in the majors came in July 2004 - he hit Magglio Ordonez with his final pitch and was ejected. He later played in the minors for the Mets and Reds, and finished in 2007 in the Mexican and independent leagues.

Astros star Lance Berkman recalled Robertson's success.

"When you play with someone a year, you remember them. It's certainly a tragedy and what more can you say? It's a bad deal," Berkman said.

Robertson finished with a career record of 16-12 with a 5.71 ERA.

In other news:

* A Major League Baseball official said umpire Bill Hohn will be addressed "in a very stern way" after a confrontation with Houston pitcher Roy Oswalt led to the ejection of the Astros' ace in a game against visiting Washington on Monday.

Bob Watson, the vice president in charge of discipline, rules and on-field operations for MLB, told Houston television station KRIV that Oswalt will not be penalized further. After missing the strike zone with a pitch against Washington's Josh Willingham, Oswalt looked toward the first base line and yelled something. Hohn took off his mask and yelled at Oswalt, who responded, "I ain't talking to you!" Hohn then ejected Oswalt.

* San Diego catcher Yorvit Torrealba has been placed on the restricted list for personal reasons and is expected to be away from the team for at least 3 days.

Team officials say Torrealba is tending to a family matter.

* St. Louis purchased the contract of infielder Aaron Miles from Double A Springfield, adding a veteran presence to the bench.

The 33-year-old Miles was one of the final players cut by the Reds this spring and signed a minor league contract with St. Louis on April 30. He batted .279 with 13 RBIs in 16 games.

Miles previously played with the Cardinals from 2006-08 and was a member of the World Series title team in '06. He was in uniform for Tuesday night's game against the Reds, although he wasn't in the starting lineup and manager Tony La Russa said he wouldn't start Wednesday, either.

In other news, the wife of Cardinals batting coach Mark McGwire has delivered triplets. Stephanie McGwire had three daughters.

* Cincinnati made two bullpen moves, putting righthander Mike Lincoln on the 15-day disabled list with a strained upper back and demoting righthander Carlos Fisher to Triple A Louisville.

Also, first baseman Joey Votto returned to the lineup after missing six games with a sore neck.

In last night's games:

* At Pittsburgh, Neil Walker hit his first major league home run to put the Pirates ahead in the eighth as Pittsburgh beat the Chicago Cubs, 3-2.

* At Miami, Jorge Cantu hit a go-ahead double in the seventh inning as Florida became the latest team to rough up Trevor Hoffman, sending the Marlins over the Milwaukee Brewers, 6-4. Hoffman (1-4, 11.65 ERA) allowed three runs in one inning.

* At St. Louis, Scott Rolen hit two home runs and finished with four RBI to help lead the Cincinnati Reds over the Cardinals, 9-8.

* At Houston, Lance Berkman had five RBI, including a two-run single with two outs in the ninth to lead the Astros to an 8-7 win over the Washington Nationals.

* At San Diego, David Wright and Ike Davis each homered to lead the New York Mets over the Padres, 4-2.