• The Tigers became the first team in 115 years to score at least five runs in the opening inning of three straight games.

• The Astros were recently shut out for the 11th time in Roger Clemens’ 38 starts since the beginning of 2005.

• ESPN is convinced that pent-up demand for the Aug. 22 release of the videogame “Madden NFL 07″ is so enormous that it has created an hour-long pay-per-view special about the game to kick off on Aug. 4. “Inside Madden NFL 07,” which will be available for purchase for $19.95.

• More from Bristol: ESPN has been vigilant about sexual harassment because it reportedly has been a problem in Bristol for years. In 2000, the book “ESPN: The Uncensored History” reported rampant cases of harassment of women. Most prominently mentioned was Mike Tirico, who was even suspended at one point. Mike Tirico!

• Ryan Madson tied a major league record with four wild pitches in an inning Tuesday.

• So that’s what Jamal Mashburn’s been up to.

• So that’s why Ronaldinho had one of the most disappointing World Cups ever.

• Back-to-back shutouts at Coors Field this week? The humidor is officially working too well at this point.

• The Twins are 34-8 in their last 42 games.

• Switch-hitter Carlos Zambrano has four homers in 46 at-bats this season.

• The Dodgers are 1-13 since the All-Star break and are averaging only 2.1 runs scored per game.

• Alfonso Soriano had never walked more than 38 times in an entire season, and he’s got 45 already this year. Not to mention he’s nearly 30-30 while switching leagues and playing in one of the best pitcher’s parks in the game. Do not underestimate the contract year.

• San Francisco’s Eliezer Alfonzo had his second multi-homer game of the season Thursday. Barry Bonds hasn’t had a multi-homer game since Aug. 29, 2004.

• Mike Piazza has thrown out a ridiculous seven of 68 base runners attempting steals this year.

• Jeff Suppan has made 290 starts in the majors and has never struck out 10+ batters, which is the longest active streak in baseball.

• In 81 at-bats batting second in the lineup, Adam Dunn has 7 homers and a .370/.452/.691 line. Jerry Narron might want to leave him there.

• Scott Olsen has now gone 11 straight starts without allowing more than three runs. Lowering his ERA from 5.83 to 3.79 in the process.

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