The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA - Albert Pujols' 30-game hitting streak was put on hold when he was scratched from the St. Louis Cardinals starting lineup Sunday because of flu-like symptoms.

Pujols extended his hitting streak to 30 games, the longest by a St. Louis Cardinals' player in 53 years, with a line single to right field in the seventh inning of Saturday night's game against the Phillies.

Pujols was in the original starting lineup, but was removed about 30 minutes before gametime. He is expected to return to the lineup when the Cardinals host Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

Pujols' 30-game hitting streak is the longest in the majors this season and the Cardinals' longest since Stan Musial hit in 30 straight in 1950. Only Roger Hornsby's 33-game run in 1922 is longer in Cardinals history.

ORIOLES: The widow of pitcher Steve Bechler spread her husband's ashes on the mound and in the bullpen at Camden Yards on Sunday.

Steve Bechler died of heatstroke one day after collapsing during a spring training workout on Feb. 18 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was 23.

Bechler appeared in three games with the Orioles last year and was vying to earn a spot in the Baltimore bullpen this season.

"It's something I discussed with his brothers. They all agreed this would be the best place," his wife, Kiley Bechler said.

YANKEES: Third baseman Todd Zeile, who hit .210 in 66 games, was released. The Yankees called up right-handed pitcher Jorge De Paula from Triple-A Columbus. Zeile became expendable with the July 31 acquisition of Aaron Boone.

MARINERS: All three games of the Red Sox series were sellouts, giving the Mariners 19 for the season. They had 36 sellouts last season when they led the majors in attendance for the second straight year with 3.5 million fans. They have 15 home games left in 2003.