MLB Day 34 2012

Full slate on today as it is Saturday. We have a few afternoon games on today, starting in...

Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano opposes fellow Chris, Mr. Volstad. Los Angeles started in the second inning as Matt Treanor hit a sacrifice fly to score Andre Ethier, and the pitcher Capuano doubled in both Bobby Abreu and James Loney. The Dodgers extended the lead in the fifth inning as Dee Gordon doubled to drive in Treanor before coming home on a Matt Kemp sacrifice fly. Chicago avoided getting shut out in the ninth inning as Ian Stewart lined a single to bring home Starlin Castro, for a 5-1 final. The win went to Capuano while Volstad was stuck with the loss and little run support.

East to D.C., as the Washington Nationals welcomed the Philadelphia Phillies. Vance Worley and Gio Gonzalez were tabbed to start. Philadelphia got things going in the fourth inning as Carlos Ruiz hit a sacrifice fly, driving in Shane Victorino. Washington answered in the fifth inning on a three-run Jayson Werth home run, also scoring the pitcher Gonzalez and Steve Lombardozzi, followed by Rick Ankiel doubling in Chad Tracy. The Nationals padded the lead with an Ian Desmond solo shot in the sixth inning. Washington made it 7-1 in the seventh inning as Tracy hit a two-run homer, sweeping in Werth. This was a final, with Gonzalez getting the win and Vorley suffering the loss.

Into Boston, as the Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel and Aaron Cook are the relatively unknown starters. Baltimore opened with a second inning run scored on a passed ball as Chris Davis scored. The Orioles added on in the third inning as Nick Markakis singled in J.J. Hardy before coming home on a two-run homer by Adam Jones, followed by Wilson Betemit singling to score Matt Wieters and then he got swept in with Davis on a three-run home run by Mark Reynolds. Boston got on the board in the seventh inning as Ryan Sweeney doubled home Adrian Gonzalez and then crossed the plate himself when Cody Ross singled. This made it 8-2, a final, with Hammel picking up the win and Cook taking an ugly loss.

Out in San Francisco, the Giants host the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf and Madison Bumgarner were handed the ball. Milwaukee led off with a second inning Alex Gonzalez single that brought in Aramis Ramirez. San Francisco tied it in the fifth inning when the pitcher Bumgarner doubled in Hector Sanchez. The Giants took the lead in the sixth inning when Buster Posey singled to score Melky Cabrera before coming home on a Brett Pill double, and Pill crossed home as Conor Gillaspie grounded into a fielder's choice. The Brewers got one back in the eighth inning as Ryan Braun hit a solo home run. San Francisco replied in their half of the inning on a Sanchez double, knocking in Joaquin Arias for a 5-2 lead and win. The win went to Bumgarner, while Santiago Casilla got the save and Wolf was stuck with the loss.

Back to the east coast, as the New York Mets host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Patrick Corbin was mismatched with Johan Santana for the pitching. Arizona was first to score with a Ryan Roberts second inning solo home run. New York grabbed the lead with a fourth inning rally including Mike Nickeas single scoring both Daniel Murphy and Justin Turner, before he came home alongside Kirk Nieuwenhuis on a 2-RBI single from Andres Torres. The Diamondbacks pulled back in the fifth inning on a Paul Goldschmidt double that knocked in A.J. Pollock and Justin Upton, but they never got an equalizer and took a 4-3 loss. Santana was in line for the win, Frank Francisco handled the save with ease, and Corbin was stuck holding the loss

Northwest to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Max Scherzer are the middle-rotation starters. Detroit began with a second inning Andy Dirks single to score Alex Avila, and an Austin Jackson single doing the same for Jhonny Peralta. Chicago got on the board with a seventh inning Paul Konerko solo home run. The White Sox won the game 3-2 in the ninth inning as Adam Dunn lifted a two-run home run, also scoring Alejandro De Aza. Nate Jones picked up the win, Addison Reed got the save, and Jose Valverde blew up for a loss.

Into Cleveland, as the Indians host the Texas Rangers. We have a pair of Dereks pitching, as the visiting Holland goes against the hosting Lowe. Texas got things going in the second inning as Ian Kinsler singled in Mike Napoli. The Rangers added on in the fourth inning when Mitch Moreland doubled in Nelson Cruz. Cleveland tied it in the eighth inning as Asdrubal Cabrera doubled to score Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis darted home on a passed ball. Texas took a 5-2 lead in the eleventh inning as Adrian Beltre hit a three-run home run, also scoring Cruz and Moreland. They held on to win 5-2, with the win going to Alexi Ogando, the save to Joe Nathan, and Joe Smith was victim of a poorly timed pitch resulting in a loss.

East to Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Mike Leake and James McDonald are the back-of-the-rotation starting pitchers. Pittsburgh opened with a third inning two-run home run by Neil Walker, sweeping in Jose Tabata. Cincinnati got one back in the seventh inning as Scott Rolen singled, driving in Jay Bruce. The Pirates re-extended the lead in the bottom of the seventh with an Alex Presley solo shot. The Reds tried to tie it in the eighth as Zack Cozart doubled to knock in Devin Mesoraco, but they only made it to 3-2 before falling. McDonald earned the win, Joel Hanrahan turned the save opportunity, and Leake was stuck with the loss.

Well to the south, the Houston Astros host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jaime Garcia and Bud Norris took the mound today. St. Louis got started with a first inning Carlos Beltran single that scored Rafael Furcal. Houston grabbed a commanding lead in their half of the inning as Chris Johnson hit a grand slam, clearing the bases of Brian Bogusevic, Carlos Lee, and Jed Lowrie. The Astros added on in the fourth inning as Justin Maxwell doubled to score Johnson, before coming home on a Norris sacrifice fly. The Cardinals got one back in the eighth inning when Matt Holliday's single gave Jon Jay time to get home. Houston made it 8-2 in the bottom of the eighth as Johnson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Lee. Norris got the win while Garcia was pinned with the loss.

To the Atlantic, as the Tampa Bay Rays host the Oakland Athletics. Bartolo Colon and Jeremy Hellickson were given the green light to start. Oakland began early with a first inning Josh Reddick solo home run. The Athletics added on in the third inning as Kila Ka'aihue singled home Cliff Pennington. Tampa Bay got one back with an Elliot Johnson solo shot in the bottom of the third. Oakland replied in the fourth as Reddick singled to knock in Daric Barton. The Rays chipped away with a Ben Zobrist solo home run in their half of the fourth inning. Tampa Bay tied it when Carlos Pena went yard on a solo shot in the fifth inning. The Athletics claimed the lead in the twelfth inning as Jonny Gomes hit a solo home run of his own. This stood for a 4-3 win, with Brian Fuentes in line to pick up the victory, Grant Balfour converted the save, and Joel Peralta took the loss.

Northwest to Kansas City, as the Royals host the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Felipe Paulino were set to start. Kansas City led off with a first inning Billy Butler double, scoring both Jarrod Dyson and Alex Gordon. The Royals extended the lead in the fifth as Butler doubled again, knocking in Gordon. Kansas City struck again in the sixth inning with a Dyson sacrifice fly giving time for Chris Getz to score and a Gordon double that drove in Alcides Escobar. New York got on the board in the seventh inning with a Russell Martin solo home run. This made it 5-1, a final, with the win going to Paulino and the loss to Kuroda.

Out west, the Colorado Rockies host the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor and Jamie Moyer took the hill today. Colorado struck early with a first inning Michael Cuddyer grand slam, sweeping in Dexter Fowler, Troy Tulowitzki, and Todd Helton. The Rockies added on in the second inning as Carlos Gonzalez doubled in both the pitcher Moyer and Marco Scutaro. Atlanta got on the board in the third inning with Freddie Freeman reaching on an error, giving time for Michael Bourn to get home. The Braves pulled closer in the fifth inning as Chipper Jones doubled in the pitcher Minor, and then came home on a Brian McCann single. Colorado answered in their half of the inning when Willin Rosario hit a two run home run, also scoring Cuddyer. Atlanta tied it in the sixth inning on a rally starting with solo shots from Matt Diaz and Jason Heyward, followed by Jones hitting a 2-RBI single to drive in Tyler Pastornicky and Juan Francisco, and a Freeman groundout that gave time for Bourn to dash home. The Braves got the lead in the seventh inning when Bourn drew a bases-loaded walk that forced in Diaz, followed by Jones singling to bring around Heyward and Martin Prado, and Freeman hitting a sacrifice fly that finished Bourn's trip around. The Rockies got one back as Rosario hit a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh. Atlanta finished the game up 13-9 as Bourn reached on an error to give time for Prado to get home safely in the ninth inning. The win went to Cristhian Martinez, while Livan Hernandez got the save and Esmil Rogers was stuck with the loss.

Out in California, the San Diego Padres hosted the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Clayton Richard were given the manager's approval to start. Miami started off with an Omar Infante double in the fourth inning, scoring Austin Kearns. San Diego tied it in the sixth inning as Chase Headley singled home Jesus Guzman. The Marlins got the lead back in the eighth inning on a Greg Dobbs single that knocked in Jose Reyes, and an Infante sacrifice fly giving Hanley Ramirez time to get home. Miami iced it at 4-1 with a Giancarlo Stanton solo shot in the ninth inning. Buehrle tossed the complete game for the win, while Richard was far less fortunate in the loss.

Up a little to Anaheim, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Toronto Blue Jays. Kyle Drabek and C.J. Wilson took the mound tonight. Los Angeles got going in the second inning as Bobby Wilson singled in Vernon Wells. Toronto answered in the fourth inning as Jose Bautista hit a single that allowed Kelly Johnson to score. The Angels got the lead back in the fifth inning on a Mike Trout solo shot. Los Angeles extended the lead in the sixth inning when Mark Trumbo hit a sole home run, followed by Trout hitting a sacrifice fly that gave Wells time to come home and Alberto Callaspo reaching on an error that allowed Erick Aybar to dash home. The Blue Jays took one back in the seventh inning with an Adam Lind solo home run. The Angels shot back in the eighth inning as Kendrys Morales singled home Trout, making the score 6-2, a final. The win went to Wilson while Drabek was dealt the loss.

Finally, up in Seattle, the Mariners host the Minnesota Twins. Jason Marquis and Felix Hernandez paced the game. Seattle led off in the sixth inning as Kyle Seager singled in both Dustin Ackley and Ichiro. The Mariners extended the lead with a seventh inning rally including Brendan Ryan hitting a sacrifice fly to bring home Casper Wells, Ichiro tripling to force in Michael Saunders and Ackley, and Seager lifting a two-run homer to finish Ichiro's trip. This made it a 7-0 game, a final, with Hernandez getting the win with 8 innings of 1-hit and 2-walk ball, and Marquis getting very little help in the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 33 2012

Full slate with just one matinee this Friday. We begin in...

Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Paul Maholm will make the starts. Chicago began on a first inning Starlin Castro single to score David DeJesus, followed by Alfonso Soriano finishing Castro's trip around the bases. Los Angeles got one back in the third inning with a solo home run by Jerry Hairston, Jr. The Cubs shot back with a DeJesus triple in the fourth inning, forcing in Darwin Barney. Chicago got another one as Joe Mather hit a solo home run in the sixth inning. The Dodgers answered with a seventh inning Hairston triple, pushing home Andre Ethier. The Cubs responded in their half of the seventh as Soriano doubled to score Castro. Los Angeles pulled closer in the eighth inning on a Matt Kemp triple that knocked in Mark Ellis, before he came the final 90 feet on an Ethier sacrifice fly, but they only made it 5-4 before losing. Maholm grabbed the win, Rafael Dolis cleanly pitched the ninth for the save, and Billingsley took the loss.

Over to Pittsburgh, as the Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Kevin Correia got the starting nods. Cincinnati led off in the second inning as Chris Heisey reached on a bunt single, giving Jay Bruce time to dart home. The Reds added on with a Ryan Hanigan double in fourth, knocking in Heisey. Pittsburgh got on the board in the bottom of the fourth when Pedro Alvarez hit a sacrifice fly, giving time for Nate McLouth to get home. Cincinnati shot back in the fifth when Brandon Phillips singled in Zack Cozart. The Reds extended the lead in the seventh with solo home runs by Cozart and Drew Stubbs. Bruce made it 6-1 Cincinnati in the eighth inning with a solo shot of his own. Cueto pitched a complete game for the win, while Correia took a rough loss.

A tad west, the Cleveland Indians host the Texas Rangers. Colby Lewis and Jeanmar Gomez were pitching this evening. Cleveland got things going with a second inning two-run home run from Shin-Soo Choo, also scoring Carlos Santana. Texas got one back in the third inning on an Ian Kinsler sacrifice fly, allowing Mitch Moreland to dash home. The Indians replied in their half of the inning when Jack Hannahan hit a solo home run. The Rangers answered themselves in the fourth inning when David Murphy doubled to score Michael Young. Texas got closer in the sixth inning on a Nelson Cruz single, driving in Young. Cleveland padded their lead again in the bottom of the sixth as Travis Hafner hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Jason Kipnis. The Indians made it 6-3 on a 2-RBI triple in the seventh inning from Johnny Damon, forcing in both Casey Kotchman and Hannahan. This was a final, with the win going to Gomez, the save going to Chris Perez, hit tenth of the season, and the loss to Lewis.

Back east, the Washington Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Stephen Strasburg demonstrate alliteration in the pitching match. Philadelphia started with a two-run home run by Hunter Pence in the fourth inning, sweeping in Juan Pierre. Washington got one back on a solo home run by Chad Tracy in the bottom of the fourth. The Phillies got it back as Carlos Ruiz lifted a solo shot in the fifth inning. The Nationals pulled closer in the sixth inning as Jesus Flores hit a sacrifice fly that drove in Danny Espinosa. Washington tied it with a double from Flores, scoring Tracy in the eighth inning. The Nationals completed the comeback in the eleventh inning on a Wilson Ramos single that forced in Steve Lombardozzi for a 4-3 victory. Ryan Perry was in line for the win, while Michael Schwimer was pinned with the loss.

Up in Detroit, the Tigers hosted the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy and Drew Smyly took the hill. Detroit got things started in the second inning with a Ryan Raburn sacrifice fly, allowing Alex Avila to arrive at the plate (I'll stop with the alliteration now). Chicago answered with a third inning Gordon Beckham double, knocking in Dayan Viciedo. The Tigers got the lead back with an Avila solo home run in the fourth inning. The White Sox retied it in the sixth inning as Adam Dunn hit a sacrifice fly, giving time for Alexei Ramirez to dash home. Chicago took a lead in the seventh inning on a two-run home run by Beckham, also scoring Brent Morel. Detroit got one back in the eighth inning as Miguel Cabrera singled home Don Kelly. The Tigers claimed the game with a ninth inning two-run home run off the bat of Jhonny Peralta, sweeping in Gerald Laird for a 5-4 win. The win went to Jose Valverde, while Matt Thornton was stuck with the loss.

Back to the east coast, as the Boston Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Jon Lester got the green light to start. Boston was first to score as Cody Ross dashed home on a passed ball in the second inning. Baltimore tied it with a third inning Mark Reynolds home run. The Red Sox shot back in the bottom of the third when David Ortiz grounded out to bring home Adrian Gonzalez, followed by a Ross sacrifice fly that allowed Dustin Pedroia safe passage home. The Orioles got another equalizing rally in the fourth, as Matt Wieters tripled in Adam Jones and then came home himself on a Wilson Betemit single. Boston regained the lead in the fifth inning when Pedroia singled to drive in Will Middlebrooks. Baltimore again tied the game as J.J. Hardy grounded into a double play that brought in Reynolds in the seventh inning. The Orioles gained the lead in the thirteenth inning with Chris Davis singling to score Wieters, before Reynolds hit a sacrifice fly that brought around Betemit. This was good for a 6-4 win, earned by Troy Patton, while Jim Johnson cleanly finished the game for the save, and Franklin Morales was dealt the loss.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Oakland Athletics. Tyson Ross was highly mismatched against David Price. Oakland began in the second inning as Kurt Suzuki doubled in Jonny Gomes. Tampa Bay got going in the third inning as B.J. Upton doubled to score Sean Rodriguez before coming home alongside Matt Joyce on a Luke Scott single. The Rays extended the lead as Jose Molina hit a fourth inning two-run home run, also scoring Will Rhymes, followed by an Upton double that knocked in Desmond Jennings, and Upton crossed home when Joyce singled. The Athletics got just one back in the ninth as Cliff Pennington hit a solo home run to make the final 7-2. Price picked up the win, Joel Peralta punched out the last batter for a save, and Ross was stuck with the loss.

North to New York, as the Mets host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Dillon Gee are the relatively unknown starters. Arizona was first to score with a second inning Cody Ransom home run, a two-run shot also scoring Miguel Montero. New York grabbed the lead in the third inning as Scott Hairston doubled in both Ruben Tejada and Daniel Murphy, followed by Ike Davis grounding out to give David Wright time to get home, and then Hairston crossed home with an Andres Torres single. The Diamondbacks got the lead back in the eighth inning as Paul Goldschmidt tied it with a double that scored Justin Upton and Jason Kubel, before the go-ahead run came across as Ransom singled Goldschmidt the rest of the way around. This held on to be a 5-4 final, with Brad Ziegler in line for the win, J.J. Putz converting the save cleanly, and Jon Rauch taking a tough loss.

Southwest to Houston, as the Astros welcome the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse and Lucas Harrell will play from the mound. St. Louis opened things early with Allen Craig reaching on a first inning error, allowing Rafael Furcal to get home safely. Houston shot back in the bottom of the first with Carlos Lee and Jed Lowrie singling in Jordan Schafer and Jose Altuve, respectively. The Cardinals retied it in the second inning as Matt Carpenter scored on a balk. The Astros retook the lead in their half of the inning as Altuve lifted a three-run homer, also scoring the pitcher Harrell and Schafer. St. Louis pulled back in the third inning as Matt Holliday tripled, forcing in Jon Jay, and then he came home on a Craig sacrifice fly. The scoring ended here, with Houston staying in command for a 5-4 win, credited to Harrell, while Brett Myers picked up a save, and Lohse took a tough loss.

Up to Kansas City, where the Royals host the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia and Bruce Chen will pace the game. New York wasted little time in opening the scoring as Mark Teixeira lifted a two-run home run in the first inning, also scoring Derek Jeter. Kansas City tied it in the bottom of the first when Alex Gordon doubled in Jarrod Dyson, and then came the rest of the way home on a Jeff Francoeur double. The Yankees retook the lead in the seventh inning as Eduardo Nunez tripled to force in Robinson Cano, before coming the final 90 feet as Chris Stewart singled, and then Jeter cleared Stewart to get home with a two-run home run. This gave them a 6-2 win, with Sabathia getting the win and Chen taking the loss.

Westward to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Atlanta Braves. Tum Hudson and Guillermo Moscoso will throw. Colorado led off with a first inning Todd Helton single, scoring Jonathan Herrera and Carlos Gonzalez, followed by Michael Cuddyer singling in Troy Tulowitzki, and Dexter Fowler doing the game to get both Helton and Cuddyer across the plate. Atlanta got some back in the third inning with a two-run home run by Freddie Freeman, also scoring Chipper Jones. The Braves gained the lead with a fifth inning rally as Jones singled to drive in Michael Bourn, and then he came home alongside Freeman when Brian McCann singled, followed by an Eric Hinske double that provided time for Dan Uggla to dash home. The Rockies retied it with a Herrera solo home run in the bottom of the fifth. Atlanta grabbed the lead again in the sixth inning as Jones lifted a solo shot. Colorado retied it in their half of the sixth as Tyler Colvin grounded into a fielder's choice that gave Helton time to get home safely. The Braves took the lead in the eleventh inning as Hinske hit a two-run home run, also scoring Tyler Pastornicky. The Rockies tried to rally back in the bottom of the eleventh as Helton grounded out to give Herrera time to get home, but they didn't get another run, falling 9-8. Chad Durbin was in line for the win, Craig Kimbrel converted a messy save, and Edgmer Escalona was stuck with the loss.

Southwest to San Diego, as the Padres host the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson and Anthony Bass get the manager's approval to start. Miami rallied to an early lead with a pair of first inning home runs, a three-run shot from Hanley Ramirez to score Jose Reyes and Emilio Bonifacio, and a two-run homer from the bat of Giancarlo Stanton, also scoring Omar Infante. San Diego rallied and gained the lead with a third inning sequence beginning as Chase Headley doubled in Will Venable and then came home on a Nick hundley double, followed by Hundley getting home as Orlando Hudson singled, and then the pitcher Bass tripled to force in Hudson, Cameron Maybin, and Jason Bartlett. The Padres retook the lead in the fifth as Mark Kotsay singled in Bass. Miami retook the lead in the seventh inning as Greg Dobbs singled to drive in Bonifacio before coming home himself when Infante dropped a single. San Diego got an equalizer in the ninth on a Maybin double to knock in Jesus Guzman. The Marlins took the game in the twelfth inning a Infante doubled and Ramirez made it 9-8 by touching home. Steve Cishek got credit for the win while Josh Spence was stuck with the loss.

A bit to the north, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim welcome the Toronto Blue Jays. Henderson Alvarez and Ervin Santana are the mid-rotation pitchers. Toronto drew first blood with a third inning single from Yunel Escobar, scoring Jeff Mathis, before coming home himself on a two-run Jose Bautista home run. The Blue Jays extended the lead in the ninth inning as Brett Lawrie grounded into a fielder's choice, providing time for Edwin Encarnacion to dash home. This produced a 4-0 final, with Alvarez throwing a complete game shutout allowing only 6 hits and a walk, while Santana was relatively strong in his loss.

Up in Washington, the Seattle Mariners host the Minnesota Twins. Carl Pavano and Jason Vargas are on the mound. Seattle was first on the board with a fifth inning Kyle Seager doubled in Jesus Montero, and then came the rest of the way home on a Mike Carp double. Minnesota got on the board in the seventh inning when Denard Span reached on an error, allowing time for Chris Parmelee to get home, followed by Jamey Carroll grounding into a fielder's choice, which brought around Alexi Casilla and Joe Mauer singling, scoring Trevor Plouffe. This was all the Twins needed to win 3-2, with the win going to Pavano, the save to Matt Capps, and the loss to Tom Wilhelmsen.

Back south a bit, we end in San Francisco, where the Giants host the Milwaukee Brewers. Staff aces Zack Greinke and Tim Lincecum pace the game. Milwaukee struck early as Carlos Gomez scored on a wild pitch in the first inning, before Jonathan Lucroy singled in both Corey Hart and Aramis Ramirez. San Francisco got one back in the fifth inning as Joaquin Arias singled to drive in Angel Pagan. The Brewers added on in the sixth inning as Travis Ishikawa sacrificed, giving time to get Lucroy across the plate. The Giants pulled back in the bottom of the sixth as Melky Cabrera tripled, forcing in Conor Gillaspie, and then Buster Posey singled to finish Cabrera's trip around, followed by Brandon Belt reaching on an error to bring home Posey. Milwaukee broke the tie in the seventh inning as Ramirez hit a 2-RBI single to score both Norichika Aoki and Rickie Weeks. This held up for a 6-4 win, earned by Kameron Loe, while John Axford converted the save and Clay Hensley was pinned with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 32 2012

Travel day shortens the schedule and puts a lot of games in the morning today. We begin in...

Atlanta, with my fingers fearing for their life if yesterday's efforts are repeated where the Braves host the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton and Randall Delgado are on the hill. Philadelphia started as Hunter Pence hit a first inning sacrifice fly to get Jimmy Rollins across home. The Phillies extended the lead in the seventh inning with a Laynce Nix solo shot. Philadelphia iced it at 4-0 in the ninth inning as Shane Victorino hit a two-run homer, also scoring Juan Pierre. Blanton picked up a 3-hit win, while Delgado got little help in the loss.

Northwest to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster and Homer Bailey get the starting nods. Chicago led off with a first inning rarity, as Starlin Castro hit a solo home run. The Cubs added on in the fourth inning as Bryan LaHair hit a solo shot. Chicago struck again in the fifth inning as Geovany went yard on a solo home run of his own. Cincinnati tied it up with a ninth inning rally including Brandon Phillips reaching on an error that allowed Willie Harris to score, a bases loaded Ryan Ludwick walk forcing in Joey Votto, and a Devin Mesoraco groundout into a double play that gave time for Phillips to get home safely. The Reds claimed the game with a walkoff sacrifice fly by Scott Rolen in the tenth inning, knocking in Zack Cozart for a 4-3 win. Logan Ondrusek was in line for the win, while Rafael Dolis was stuck with the loss.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Jeff Niemann are the middle-of-the-rotation starters. Seattle began in the second inning as Mike Carp grounded out to give time to score Kyle Seager before Justin Smoak singled in John Jaso. Tampa Bay took the lead in the bottom of the second as Jeff Keppinger hit a two-run home run, also scoring Will Rhymes, followed by a Desmond Jennings triple that forced in Chris Gimenez and Sean Rodriguez. The Mariners got one back in the fifth inning when Ichiro doubled, bringing home Dustin Ackley. This was as close as it got, with the final being 4-3 Rays, allowing Niemann the win, Fernando Rodney the save, and dealing the loss to Millwood.

Northwest again, into St. Louis, as the Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard and Jake Westbrook were called on to pitch. St. Louis got the first runs as David Freese lined a first inning double to knock in Rafael Furcal before coming home himself on an Allen Craig double. Pittsburgh got on the board in the fourth inning when Clint Barmes doubled to score Pedro Alvarez. Alvarez gave the Pirates the lead in the sixth inning with a two-run home run, also scoring Neil Walker. Pittsburgh struck again in the seventh inning when Alex Presley grounded out to give Jose Tabata time to dash home. The Pirates extended the lead in the eighth inning on a Barmes double, driving in Garrett Jones. Pittsburgh added on in the ninth inning as Nate McLouth singled in Tabata. The Cardinals tried a bottom of the ninth rally when Craig doubled in Jon Jay, but they only got to 6-3 before falling. Bedard earned the win while Westbrook suffered the loss.

Out to San Francisco, where the Giants host the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and Ryan Vogelsong are the underrated pitchers. Miami got things going with a first inning Hanley Ramirez groundout, providing time for Jose Reyes to dash home. The Marlins added on in the second inning when Ramirez grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing safe passage home for Brett Hayes. San Francisco got one back in the sixth inning when Melky Cabrera grounded into a double play that scored Gregor Blanco. Miami answered in the eighth inning as Reyes singled home Hayes. The Giants shot back with a bottom of the eighth Cabrera groundout that gave Blanco time to dash home. They couldn't tie the game, falling 3-2, with Sanchez earning the will, Edward Mujica converting the save, and Vogelsong taking the loss.

Back east, the Washington Nationals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Ross Detwiler will play from the mound. Washington was first on the board with a second inning Rick Ankiel groundout, giving time for Jayson Werth to get home. Arizona tied it in the sixth inning when Aaron Hill doubled in Willie Bloomquist. The Nationals got the lead back in the bottom of the sixth as Bryce Harper doubled, scoring Ian Desmond. This held up for a 2-1 win, earned by Detwiler, while Henry Rodriguez made the save and Kennedy got little support in the loss.

Westward to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Cleveland Indians and the rain a bit as well. Justin Masterson and John Danks are the reasonably good starters. Cleveland drew first blood in the second inning as Casey Kotchman singled home Michael Brantley. The Indians added on in the third inning as Jason Kipnis tripled in Johnny Damon, before coming home on an Asdrubal Cabrera single. Chicago got a pair back in the fifth as Alejandro De Aza singled in both Kosuke Fukudome and Gordon Beckham. Cleveland replied in the sixth inning as Cabrera hit a solo home run. The White Sox answered in the bottom of the inning when Alex Rios singled, driving in A.J. Pierzynski. The Indians extended their lead in the seventh inning with a Kipnis three-run home run, sweeping in Kotchman and Jack Hannahan. Chicago tried a ninth inning rally as Adam Dunn hit a two-run homer, also scoring De Aza, but this made it only 7-5, a final. Masterson picked up the win, Chris Perez came on for the save, and Danks suffered the loss.

Down into Kansas City, as the Royals host the New York Yankees. David Phelps and Danny Duffy are the relatively unknown starters. Kansas City opened with a second inning Mike Moustakas solo home run. New York tied it in the third inning as Mark Teixeira doubled, scoring Derek Jeter. The Royals shot back in the third inning on an Eric Hosmer single, scoring Jarrod Dyson. Kansas City added on with a fifth inning 2-RBI single for Moustakas, scoring both Alex Gordon and Hosmer. The Yankees got one back in the sixth inning as Eduardo Nunez hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Robinson Cano time to get home safely. New York pulled closer in the seventh inning on a Teixeira sacrifice fly, giving Jeter time to cross home. They couldn't tie it, losing 4-3, with Duffy taking the win, Jonathan Broxton converting the save, and Phelps being handed the loss.

Finally, in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Toronto Blue Jays. Staff studs Brandon Morrow and Dan Haren pace the game tonight. Toronto got on the board with a third inning three-run home run by J.P. Arencibia, also scoring Brett Lawrie and Colby Rasmus. The Blue Jays added on in the sixth as Edwin Encarnacion reached on an error, giving time for both Kelly Johnson and Yunel Escobar to come home. This made it 5-0, a final, with Morrow throwing a 3-hit complete game shutout for the win, while Haren suffered the loss for the team with last night's no hitter.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 31 2012

Full slate on getaway day, beginning north of the border in...

Toronto, with the Blue Jays hosting the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Ricky Romero rise and shine to pitch. Texas started off with a Brandon Snyder solo home run in the second inning. Toronto answered in the third inning as Kelly Johnson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Rajai Davis. The Blue Jays extended their lead in the fourth inning when J.P. Arencibia doubled in Ben Francisco and Eric Thames, followed by a 3-RBI triple from Yunel Escobar, clearing the bases of Arencibia, Davis, and Johnson, before he came home on a Jose Bautista sacrifice fly. The Rangers shot back with a few runs of their own in the fifth inning, starting as Elvis Andrus doubled in both Snyder and Craig Gentry, followed by Michael Young's single driving in Ian Kinsler, and Andrus coming home on a sacrifice fly by Mike Napoli. Toronto added on in the sixth inning when Edwin Encarncion hit a three-run home run, knocking in Escobar and Bautista. Romero got the win in the 11-5 game while Harrison suffered an ugly loss.

Down in Detroit, the Tigers host the Kansas City Royals. The well known pitchers were Jonathan Sanchez and Justin Verlander. Kansas City led off with a first inning Eric Hosmer double, knocking in Jarrod Dyson. The Royals padded the lead in the sixth inning when Jeff Francoeur grounded out, giving time for Alex Gordon to get home. Detroit tied it with an eighth inning two-run home run by Brennan Boesch, sweeping in Austin Jackson. Kansas City gained the lead again in the ninth inning when Chris Getz singled to score Mike Moustakas, and they wouldn't lose this 3-2 lead. Tim Collins got the win, Jonathan Broxton converted the save, and Joaquin Benoit had the loss.

South to Houston, as the Astros host the New York Mets. Chris Schwinden and Wandy Rodriguez made the starts. Houston began with a second inning Chris Johnson home run, a three-run blast knocking in Jed Lowrie and Brian Bogusevic. The Astros added on in the third inning as Johnson went yard again, this time only scoring Lowrie in the two-run shot. New York got on the board in the fourth inning when Andres Torres singled in David Wright. Houston answered in the fifth inning when Bogusevic doubled home Carlos Lee, Johnson singled to score Lowrie, and Jason Castro singled, allowing Bogusevic to finish his trip around. This made it 8-1, a final, with Rodriguez getting the win and Schwinden taking the loss.

Northwest to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw pitches against a lesser foe in Drew Pomeranz. Los Angeles got going in the third inning as Mark Ellis singled to score A.J. Ellis. Colorado tied it in the fourth inning with a Carlos Gonzalez solo home run. The Rockies gained the lead in the fifth inning with a Willin Rosario solo shot. The Dodgers got the lead back in the eighth inning when Jerry Hairston, Jr. doubled both Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier across the plate. Colorado regained the lead in the bottom of the inning as Dexter Fowler singled to score Marco Scutaro before coming home on another Gonzalez long ball, a two-run blast. Los Angeles tied it on a 2-RBI Dee Gordon double, scoring both Adam Kennedy and Kemp. The Rockies won it with a walkoff three-run home run by Jason Giambi, forcing in Eric Young and Scutaro. Rafael Betancourt was bailed out, getting the win despite blowing the save, while Jamey Wright was not as lucky in taking the brutal loss.

Out in San Diego, the Padres host the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and Jeff Suppan are tabbed as the starters. San Diego led off with a third inning Mark Kotsay double, scoring Will Venable, followed by Cameron Maybin singling in both Kotsay and Chase Headley. The Padres made it 5-0 in the eighth inning as Jesus Guzman doubled, forcing in Maybin and Andy Parrino. Suppan picked up an easy win while Gallardo got no run support in the loss.

To the nation's capital, as the Washington Nationals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joe Saunders faces a fairly equal Edwin Jackson from the mound. Washington was first on the board as Steve Lombardozzi hit a third inning double to get Wilson Ramos home. Arizona replied in the fourth inning when Justin Upton hit a solo home run and Ryan Roberts hit a sacrifice fly to allow time for Jason Kubel to score. The Nationals retook the lead in their half of the inning as Bryce Harper doubled in Danny Espinosa before coming home on a Ramos single combined with a Miguel Montero error. The Diamondbacks retook the lead themselves in the sixth inning as Paul Goldschmidt doubled to score Upton, and Roberts singled to complete Goldschmidt's trip around. Washington won 5-4 with a walkoff two-run home run from Ian Desmond in the ninth inning, also scoring Harper. Henry Rodriguez was in line for the win while J.J. Putz was victimized by the long ball.

Into the Bronx, as the New York Yankees host the Baltimore Orioles. Jake Arrieta and Ivan Nova will get the ball. Baltimore opened with a Matt Wieters solo home run in the fourth inning. The Orioles added on in the sixth inning as Robert Andino singled to score Chris Davis. Baltimore made it 5-0 after a seventh inning rally including a solo shot from Nick Markakis, a Wieters double to drive in Adam Jones, and a Nick Johnson single that completed Wieters trip around the bases. This was all for the scoring, with Arrieta picking up a solid win and Nova taking a loss with no offensive help to speak of.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beaven and James Shields get the starting nods. Seattle struck early with a three-run home run by Kyle Seager in the first inning, knocking in Ichiro and Jesus Montero. Tampa Bay answered in the third inning when Sean Rodriguez hit a two run blast, also scoring Jose Molina. The Rays gained the lead with a fourth inning double by Molina, scoring both Luke Scott and Will Rhymes. Seager tied it for the Mariners in the sixth inning on a solo home run. Tampa Bay got the lead back by a 5-4 margin when Scott went yard on a solo shot in the bottom of the sixth. This held as a final, with the win going to Shields, the save being converted by Joel Peralta, and the loss to Beaven.

Up a bit to Atlanta where the Braves host the Philadelphia Phillies. Roy Halladay and Tommy Hanson are the staff aces pitching. Philadelphia began in the third inning as Shane Victorino singled in Jimmy Rollins before Laynce Nix cleared the bases with a 3-RBI double, knocking in Placido Polanco, Victorino, and Hunter Pence. The Phillies padded the lead in the fifth inning as Carlos Ruiz doubled in Ty Wigginton before coming home himself on a double by Freddy Galvis. Atlanta pulled back in the bottom of the fifth with Michael Bourn and Martin Prado singling in Chipper Jones and Eric Hinske, respectively, before a grand slam blast by Brian McCann cleared the bases, scoring all of Tyler Pastornicky, Bourn, and Prado. The Braves took the lead in the sixth inning on a 2-RBI single from Jason Heyward, scoring Hinske and Pastornicky. Philadelphia regained the lead with a seventh inning three-run long ball from Ruiz, sweeping in Wigginton and John Mayberry. Ruiz extended the Phillies lead in the eighth inning by doubling home Pence, Wigginton, and Mayberry. Atlanta took the lead again in the bottom of the eighth with a rally including Pastornicky singling to drive in Dan Uggla, Bourn drawing a bases loaded walk to force in Jones, Prado singling in both Pastornicky and Heyward, and Freddie Freeman hitting a sacrifice fly to bring around Bourn. Philadelphia got an equalizer in the ninth inning as Victorino singled, allowing Juan Pierre to dash home. The Braves claimed a win in the eleventh inning as Jones hit a two-run homer, also scoring Uggla for a 15-13 win (fingers beg for mercy). Chad Durbin was in line for the win while Brian Sanches was stuck with the loss.

Into Ohio, as the Cincinnati Reds host the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and Bronson Arroyo are the pitchers with distinctive names. Chicago struck first with a second inning Bryan LaHair solo home run. Ian Stewart added on for the Cubs in the fourth inning with a solo shot of his own. Cincinnati got one back in the bottom of the fourth as Jay Bruce grounded into a double play, allowing Joey Votto safe passage home. Chicago replied in the sixth inning with a Geovany Soto single that drove in Alfonso Soriano. This made it 3-1, with Samardzija getting the win, Carlos Marmol cleanly converting the save, and Arroyo holding the loss.

Northeast to Boston, as the Red Sox host the Oakland Athletics. Brandon McCarthy and Daniel Bard will take the hill. Oakland got things going in the fourth inning with a Seth Smith single, scoring Yoenis Cespedes (holy alliteration!). Smith struck in the sixth for the Athletics with a double, knocking in Josh Reddick, before coming home himself on a Kila Ka'aihue double, who in turn crossed home when Brandon Inge doubled. Boston got on the board in the seventh inning as Marlon Byrd hit a sacrifice fly to get Jarrod Saltalamacchia home. The Red Sox attempted a ninth inning rally as Dustin Pedroia doubled, driving in Mike Aviles, but that's all they got, losing 4-2. McCarthy earned the win, Brian Fuentes picked up a spot save, and Bard was dealt the loss.

As we head west to Chicago, our sox turn from red to white with the White Sox hosting the Cleveland Indians. Josh Tomlin and Philip Humber take their turns in the rotation. Chicago had the first lead with a fourth inning Adam Dunn solo home run. Cleveland took the lead with a three-run home run by Carlos Santana in the fifth inning, forcing in Asdrubal Cabrera and Travis Hafner. The White Sox tied it in the bottom of the fifth when Alexei Ramirez hit a 2-RBI single, scoring both Dayan Viciedo and Gordon Beckham. The Indians reclaimed the lead in the eighth on a Jack Hannahan double that brought around Michael Brantley. Cleveland made it 6-3 in the ninth inning as Hafner went yard with a two-run homer, also scoring Cabrera. This was a final, with the win going to Joe Smith, the save to Chris Perez, and the loss to Will Ohman.

Into Missouri, as the St. Louis Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. A.J. Burnett and Lance Lynn will pace the game. St. Louis started off with a Matt Holliday single that scored Rafael Furcal, before Holliday came home alongside Jon Jay when Carlos Beltran lifted a three-run homer. Pittsburgh got one back in the second inning when Clint Barmes doubled to drive in Pedro Alvarez. The Cardinals added on in the bottom of the second as Holliday singled in Furcal, Beltran did the same for Jay, and David Freese grounded into a double play that provided time for Holliday to get home. St. Louis padded the lead some more in the third inning as Daniel Descalso tripled to force in Matt Carpenter, Furcal hit a sacrifice fly to finish Descalso's trip around, and then Beltran went yard again, another three run home run, again scoring Jay and Holliday. The Pirates futilely got one back in the seventh inning as Josh Harrison singled Alvarez across the plate. Pittsburgh pulled a little closer in the ninth inning as Harrison again singled in Alvarez, making it 12-3 as a final. Lynn picked up an easy win while Burnett was yanked early from the punishing loss.

Well to the west, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Minnesota Twins. Liam Hendriks and Jered Weaver will play from the mound tonight. Los Angeles began with a first inning Kendrys Morales double to score Vernon Wells. The Angels added on in the second as Mark Trumbo doubled in Howie Kendrick, followed by Erick Aybar's single being good enough to finish Trumbo's trip around. Los Angeles was back to work in the third inning as Morales hit a solo home run, followed by Trumbo singling to score Torii Hunter and Peter Bourjos doubling in Kendrick. The Angels kept going in the fourth inning as Kendrick blasted a three-run home run, also scoring Albert Pujols and Hunter. This concluded the scoring, but not the action in the 9-0 game. Weaver was able to complete a no-hitter, allowing just one walk and one passed ball strikeout to spoil perfection in his extremely dominant win, while Hendriks was stuck with an equal and opposite performance for the loss.

Finally, to the north, the San Francisco Giants host the Miami Marlins. The big Z's on the mound are Carlos Zambrano and Barry Zito. Miami was first on the board Omar Infante grounded into a fielder's choice in the first inning, allowing Emilio Bonifacio to come home. The Marlins added on in the second inning as Bonifacio reached on an error, giving Gaby Sanchez time to dash home. San Francisco rallied in the ninth to tie a Joaquin Arias singled in Brandon Belt before coming home himself when Gregor Blanco reached on a bunt single. Miami claimed a 3-2 win with a Giancarlo Stanton solo shot in the tenth inning. Steve Cishek picked up the win while Santiago Casilla was pinned with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 30 2012

Fourteen games on today as the storms in the Great Lakes region claim a victim in the Cincinnati Reds-Chicago Cubs game. Elsewhere, we begin with...

The Detroit Tigers hosting the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Rick Porcello got the starts. Detroit rallied to an early lead in the first inning, beginning with Miguel Cabrera doubling in Austin Jackson, followed by Prince Fielder reaching on an error, allowing Brennan Boesch and Cabrera to score, Andy Dirks singling and Fielder coming home on an error by Jarrod Dyson, and Jhonny Peralta singling to drive in Dirks. The Tigers struck again in the third inning when Don Kelly singled to bring around Peralta before coming home alongside Ramon Santiago when Jackson doubled. Detroit added on the in the fourth inning as Peralta singled, knocking in Brad Eldred. Kansas City got on the board in the fifth on a Humberto Quintero groundout, giving time for Jeff Francoeur to dash home. The Royals got another back in the sixth inning as Alex Gordon's double gave time to get Dyson safely home. Gordon scored Dyson again in the eighth inning on a groundout, producing the final at 9-3. Porcello got the win while Hochevar took an ugly loss.

Over in D.C., the Washington Nationals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Cahill and Jordan Zimmermann are handed the ball. Arizona got things going in the fifth inning with a John McDonald single, driving in Paul Goldschmidt. The Diamondbacks padded the lead in the sixth inning as Miguel Montero doubled home Justin Upton. Arizona extended the lead again in the seventh inning when Aaron Hill was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in Cody Ransom, followed by a sacrifice fly by Upton, giving McDonald time to cross home. Washington found the scoreboard in the eighth inning as Ian Desmond singled to score roger Bernadina. The Diamondbacks answered in the ninth inning, making it 5-1 with a Upton single that brought around Gerardo Parra. This was a final score, with the win going to Cahill and the loss to Zimmermann.

Into New York, where the Yankees host the Baltimore Orioles. Brian Matusz and Phil Hughes take their turns in the rotation. New York began with a Curtis Granderson solo shot. Baltimore answered in the second inning when Chris Davis hit a solo home run. The Orioles added on in the third inning when J.J. Hardy went yard for a two-run home run, bringing Robert Andino with him. Baltimore padded the lead in the sixth inning as Wilson Betemit singled in Matt Wieters and Nick Johnson reached on an error that provided both Davis and Betemit time to come home safely. The Orioles kept going in the eighth when Johnson doubled Davis across the plate. The final stuck at 7-1, with Matusz getting the win and Hughes taking the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Texas Rangers. Neftali Feliz and Drew Hutchison are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Texas began as Alberto Gonzalez his a second inning single, scoring David Murphy, followed by Craig Gentry grounding into a fielder's choice that gave time for Mike Napoli to score, and Ian Kinsler doubling in both Mitch Moreland and Gentry before coming home himself on a Elvis Andrus single. Toronto got most of them back in the third inning as Kelly Johnson hit a three run home run, sweeping in Colby Rasmus and Jeff Mathis before Jose Bautista lifted a solo home run. The Rangers shot back in the fourth inning as Kinsler grounded into a fielder's choice, giving time for Gonzalez to get home. The Blue Jays rallied back in the seventh inning, taking the lead after Mathis and Yunel Escobar grounded into fielder's choices, giving time to safely score Eric Thames and Brett Lawrie, respectively, before Escobar scored the go-ahead run on a Johnson single. Michael Yonug provided Texas with a ninth inning equalizer in the form of his single that drove in Kinsler. Toronto answered with a winning run in the bottom of the ninth as Lawrie went yard on a solo shot for an 8-7 victory. The win went to Francisco Cordero while the loss went to Mike Adams.

Down to the south, as the Tampa Bay Rays host the Seattle Mariners. Hector Noesi and Matt Moore are tabbed to start. Tampa Bay started in the first inning as Matt Joyce tripled to force in Ben Zobrist before coming home on a Luke Scott sacrifice fly. Seattle got one back in the third inning as Michael Saunders hit a solo home run. The Rays answered with a Joyce solo shot in the bottom of the third. This made it 3-1, a final, with Moore getting the win, Fernando Rodney converting the save, and Noesi taking a tough loss.

A bit to the north, the Atlanta Braves hosted the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels and Brandon Beachy earned the starts. Philadelphia led off with a fourth inning Ty Wigginton single, scoring both Placido Polanco and Hunter Pence. Atlanta got one back in the bottom of the fourth as Brian McCann hit a solo home run. The Braves tied it as Juan Francisco hit a sacrifice fly, giving time for Freddie Freeman to score in the sixth inning. The Phillies regained the lead in the eighth as Polanco struck out, but the pitch went wild and john Mayberry darted home safely, followed by Pence singling in Jimmy Rollins to make it 4-2, the eventual final. Antonio Bastardo got the win, Jonathan Papelbon converted the save, and Jonny Venters was stuck holding the loss.

Up in Boston, the Red Sox hosted the Oakland Athletics. Jarrod Parker and Felix Doubront are the relatively unknown starting pitchers. Oakland began in the first inning as Yoenis Cespedes singled in Jemile Weeks. The Athletics added on in the fourth inning as Cliff Pennington doubled to score Kurt Suzuki, followed by Weeks singling in both Kila Ka'aihue and Pennington, before coming home himself on a wild pitch. Boston got going in their half of the inning as David Ortiz grounded out, giving Dustin Pedroia time to score. The Red Sox tried to rally in the ninth inning as Mike Aviles drove in both Cody Ross and Marlon Byrd with a single, but this only made it 5-3, which was a final. Parker picked up the win, Jordan Norberto picked up a spot save, and Doubront suffered the loss.

Southwest to Houston, as the Astros welcomed the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and J.A. Happ received the green light to start. Houston was first on the board as Jed Lowrie launched a two-run home run in the first inning, also scoring Jose Altuve. The Astros added on in the second inning as Chris Snyder went yard on a three-run homer, sweeping in Brian Bogusevic and Justin Maxwell. New York got going in the fourth inning as both Andres Torres and Josh Thole singled, scoring Justin Turner and Scott Hairston, respectively. The Mets pulled closer in the fifth when Hairston singled Turner across the plate. Houston replied in the sixth inning when J.D. Martinez drew a bases-loaded walk, forcing in Happ. This made it a 6-3 game, which was the final, with Happ getting the win, Brett Myers successfully getting the save, and Niese taking the loss.

Up in Chicago, the White Sox hosted the Cleveland Indians after a rain delay. Ubaldo Jimenez and Chris Sale both made their starts. Cleveland busted things open with a second inning double from Jason Kipnis, giving Shelley Duncan time to score. Chicago tied it with an A.J. Pierzynski solo home run in the bottom of the second. The White Sox assembled a rally in the third inning as Gordon Beckham hit a solo shot, followed by a bases loaded walk drawn by Paul Konerko, forcing in Alejandro De Aza, an Alex Rios fielder's choice that gave time for Alexei Ramirez to come home, and a Dayan Viciedo single that brought in Adam Dunn. Chicago kept going in the fourth inning as Ramirez singled to drive in De Aza. The White Sox extended the lead again in the fifth with a Beckham single, scoring Brent Morel. The Indians got one back in the seventh inning as Duncan went yard for a solo home run. This was as close as it got, with the final at 7-2. The win went to Sale, while Jimenez was stuck with the loss.

Into Missouri, as the St. Louis Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Charlie Morton opposes Adam Wainwright on the hill. St. Louis was first to score with Matt Holliday's first inning single that brought around Rafael Furcal. Pittsburgh gained the lead in the third inning on a Jose Tabata two-run home run, also scoring Rod Barajas. The Cardinals retied it in the fourth inning when Wainwright reached on an error, allowing Yadier Molina to dash home. St. Louis took the lead in the fifth inning when David Freese launched a three-run home run, sweeping in Holliday and Carlos Beltran, followed by Allen Craig singling in Molina. The Cardinals added on with a solo shot by Holliday in the sixth inning. The Pirates replied in the seventh inning as Pedro Alvarez went yard with a two-run home run, knocking in Neil Walker. St. Louis shot back in their half of the inning as Molina and Craig did a double steal, and a subsequent error gave Molina time to cross home, before Furcal hit a two-run homer to finish the trip around for Craig. Pittsburgh got as close as 10-7 with an eighth inning rally including Garrett Jones hitting a 2-RBI single, scoring both Tabata and Andrew McCutchen, and an Alvarez single that brought home Jones. The win went to Wainwright, the save to Jason Motte, and the loss to Morton.

Westward to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ted Lilly and Jhoulys Chacin are the veteran pitchers. Los Angeles started early with a pair of first inning home runs, as Dee Gordon hit a solo shot before Andre Ethier's three-run blast, also scoring Mark Ellis and Matt Kemp. The Dodgers added on in the third inning as A.J. Ellis doubled in Tony Gwynn, Jr. Los Angeles extended the lead with a two-run homer from A.J. Ellis in the fifth inning, again scoring Gwynn, Jr. Colorado got going in the sixth inning as Carlos Gonzalez lifted a two-run home run, sweeping in Eric Young. The Rockies pulled closer in the seventh inning when Chris Nelson doubled home Ramon Hernandez before coming home on a two-run home run from Tyler Colvin. Colorado chipped away in the eighth inning as Todd Helton hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Troy Tulowitzki. The Dodgers held on to win 7-6, with the win going to Lilly, while Javy Guerra worked his way through the save, and Chacin was stuck with the loss.

Into California, as the San Diego Padres host the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum and Edinson Volquez are the well known pitchers. San Diego took a 2-0 lead in the eighth inning on a Mark Kotsay two-run home run, also scoring Will Venable. This was all for the game's offense, with the win going to Andrew Cashner, the save being converted by Huston Street, and the loss went to Francisco Rodriguez.

A bit to the north, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Minnesota Twins. Francisco Liriano and Jerome Williams are on the mound. Los Angeles got started with two second inning home runs, solo shots by Torii Hunter and Howie Kendrick. The Angels extended the lead with an Albert Pujols groundout in the third inning, allowing Chris Iannetta to come home, followed by a Hunter single driving in Mike Trout. This was all for the scoring, giving the Angels a 4-0 win, earned by a complete game shutout from Williams, allowing just 3 hits and a walk, while Liriano took a loss.

Finally, we end in San Francisco with the Giants hosting the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Matt Cain pace the game. Miami opened with a fourth inning Hanley Ramirez single, scoring Jose Reyes. Giancarlo Stanton added on for the Marlins with a fifth inning solo home run. San Francisco got it back with a solo home run by Pablo Sandoval in the sixth inning. Miami held on from here for a 2-1 win, earned by Nolasco, while Heath Bell converted the save, and Cain was stuck wondering where the run support was in the loss.

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MLB Day 29 2012

Eleven games on today after a rainout for the Detroit Tigers game against the Kansas City Royals. The first game today was early, in...

Miami, as the Marlins host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Patrick Corbin and Mark Buehrle will throw this morning. Arizona started off with a second inning Cody Ransom two-run home run, also scoring Paul Goldschmidt. The Diamondbacks struck again in the fourth inning as Willie Bloomquist doubled in both Gerardo Parra and A.J. Pollock, followed by Ryan Roberts hitting a sacrifice fly to score the pitcher Corbin, and a Justin Upton two-run homer, finishing Bloomquist's trip around. Miami got on the board with a two-run blast from Donnie Murphy in the fifth inning, knocking in John Buck. The Marlins pulled closer in the sixth inning as Gaby Sanchez hit a sacrifice fly, providing time for Omar Infante to score. Miami struck again in the seventh inning as Austin Kearns lifted a two run home run, forcing in Hanley Ramirez. Arizona secured victory by a 9-5 margin in the ninth inning on a Parra groundout to bring in Upton and a Pollock sacrifice fly to give time for Goldschmidt to score. Corbin got the win while Buehrle was handed the loss.

Up in Philadelphia a few hours later, the Phillies hosted the Chicago Cubs. Chris Volstad and Vance Worley are set to pitch. Philadelphia rallied to an early first inning lead when Hunter Pence singled in Jimmy Rollins, Carlos Ruiz scored both Shane Victorino and Pence with a single of his own, and Pete Orr dropped a single to get Laynce Nix home. Chicago finally got on the board in the seventh inning as Geovany Soto grounded into a double play that gave time for Alfonso Soriaon to dart home. The Cubs pulled closer with an eighth inning Starlin Castro single, scoring Tony Campana, before he came home on a two-run home run by Bryan LaHair. The Phillies took their lead back in the bottom of the eighth as Placido Polanco doubled in Juan Pierre and Rollins, and they held on for a 6-4 win. The win went to Chad Qualls, while Jonathan Papelbon picked up the save and Scott Maine was stuck with the loss.

Into New York, as the Yankees host the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel opposes Hiroki Kuroda from the mound. Baltimore drew first blood with a Chris Davis sacrifice fly to drive in Adam Jones in the second inning. New York answered in their half of the inning as Eric Chavez hit a two-run home run, also scoring Mark Teixeira. This held through the rest of the game for a 2-1 win, with Kuroda earning the win, Mariano Rivera converting the save, and Hammel wondering where the run support was in the loss.

In Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Texas Rangers. Yu Darvish opposes Kyle Drabek pitching. Texas began with a second inning Nelson Cruz double, scoring Adrian Beltre. The Rangers added on in the third inning as Elvis Andrus doubled, bringing around Ian Kinsler. Toronto got on the board with a fourth inning Edwin Encarnacion solo home run. Texas extended the lead in the seventh inning with back to back solo shots by Mitch Moreland and Craig Gentry. This held up for a 4-1 win, earned by a studly Darvish, while Joe Nathan successfully converted the save and Drabek was pinned with the loss.

Back stateside, the Boston Red Sox host the Oakland Athletics. Tommy Milone and Clay Buchholz are the middle-rotation starters. Oakland was first on the board with a second inning Cliff Pennington single that brought in Kurt Suzuki. Boston rallied to a bottom of the second lead beginning with a David Ortiz solo home run, followed by Marlon Byrd and Mike Aviles singling in Darnell McDonald and Byrd, respectively, before Adrian Gonzalez reached on an error that gave time to bring home Aviles. The Red Sox added on in the third inning as McDonald hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Ortiz. Boston struck again with another Ortiz solo shot in the fifth inning, followed by Byrd doubling in McDonald before coming home alongside Nick Punto when Aviles lifted a three-run home run. The Athletics rallied in the seventh inning as Coco Crisp singled in both Anthony Recker and Pennington before coming home alongside Jemile Weeks when Josh Reddick went yard with a three run blast. This was as close as it got, giving the Red Sox an 11-6 victory, with the win going to Buchholz and the loss to Milone.

To the south, the Atlanta Braves host the Pittsburgh Pirates. James McDonald and Mike Minor take their turns in the rotation. Atlanta was first to score with a Freddie Freeman first inning two-run home run, also scoring Martin Prado. Pittsburgh answered in the third as Josh Harrison singled in Rod Barajas and Andrew McCutchen tied it on a sacrifice fly that brought home Jose Tabata. The Pirates grabbed the lead when Pedro Alvarez hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning, sweeping in Yamaico Navarro. The Braves replied in the bottom of the fourth with Eric Hinske's single, giving Dan Uggla time to score. Pittsburgh extended the lead with a sixth inning Navarro two-run bomb, forcing in Neil Walker. The Pirates struck again in the seventh inning with Tabata scoring on a passed ball, Walker singling McCutchen across the plate, and Navarro grounding into a fielder's choice that allowed Casey McGehee safe passage home. This concluded the scoring, leaving McDonald with the win in the 9-3 Pittsburgh win, while Minor was dealt the loss.

In Florida, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Seattle Mariners. Aces Felix Hernandez and Jeremy Hellickson were given the ball. Seattle opened with a second inning Miguel Olivo solo shot. Tampa Bay tied it in the bottom of the second as Sean Rodriguez singled in Brandon Allen. The Mariners got the lead again in the eleventh inning as Jesus Montero hit a solo home run. The Rays retied it in their half of the eleventh as B.J. Upton singled to drive in Jeff Keppinger. Tampa Bay won it in the twelfth inning as Elliot Johnson singled to score Ben Zobrist. J.P. Howell got the win in the 3-2 game, while Brandon League choked for a loss.

Westward to Houston, where the Astros host the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and Bud Norris are the pitchers with awesome monikers. Houston broke open the scoring in the sixth inning as Travis Buck grounded into a fielder's choice, providing time for Jordan Schafer to score, before Matt Downs knocked in Buck with a two-run home run. New York answered in the seventh inning as Andres Torres singled in David Wright before coming home alongside Ike Davis after a Kirk Nieuwenhuis single. The Astros reclaimed the lead in the eighth inning as Jed Lowrie singled Schafer across the plate. This held for a 4-3 win, earned by Fernando Rodriguez, while Brett Myers picked up the save and Manny Acosta was stuck with the loss.

Up in Colorado, the Rockies host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Juan Nicasio take the hill. Los Angeles wasted little time in scoring, with a first inning solo home run by Matt Kemp. Colorado tied it in their half of the inning as Carlos Gonzalez grounded out, giving time for Marco Scutaro to get home. The Rockies got the lead in the fourth inning when Troy Tulowitzki doubled in both Jonathan Herrera and Gonzalez before coming home himself on a Ramon Hernandez sacrifice fly. The Dodgers got one back in the sixth inning as Juan Uribe singled, driving in James Loney. Colorado shot back in the bottom of the sixth as Hernandez doubled, knocking in Gonzalez. The Rockies extended the lead in the seventh with a Gonzalez single, giving time for Michael Cuddyer to get home safely. The final stuck at 6-2, with Nicasio earning the win and Harang taking the loss.

Southwest to San Diego, with the Padres hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf and Joe Wieland received the starting nods. San Diego got things going in the second inning as Yonder Alonso singled in Cameron Maybin. Milwaukee answered in the fourth inning on a Ryan Braun solo home run and an Alex Gonzalez double that scored both Aramis Ramirez and Mat Gamel. The Padres got one back in their half of the fourth as Jason Bartlett doubled, driving in Orlando Hudson. The Brewers extended the lead again in the fifth with a two-run home run by Braun, sweeping in Rickie Weeks. San Diego got another back as Bartlett grounded into a double play that gave time for Maybin to come home in the sixth inning. Milwaukee replied as Braun went yard for the third time tonight, another solo shot in the seventh inning. The Brewers iced it at 8-3 with a Braun triple in the ninth inning, forcing in Weeks and Nyjer Morgan. Wolf got the win while Wieland was stuck with the loss.

Up a tad to the finishing point in Anaheim, where the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Minnesota Twins. Nick Blackburn and C.J. Wilson pace the game. Los Angeles began with a Torii Hunter first inning single, pushing in Albert Pujols. The Angels added on as Hunter went yard in the fourth inning, also scoring Kendrys Morales with the two-run homer. Los Angeles padded the lead as Chris Iannetta lifted a solo home run in the seventh inning. Minnesota got some back in the eighth inning when Alexi Casilla doubled in Chris Parmelee and then came home on a Denard Span single, followed by Danny Valencia singling in Jamey Carroll. This was as close as it got, with the Angels holding on to win 4-3, with the W going to Wilson, the save to Scott Downs, and loss to Blackburn.

Thanks for the 4,000th view today, and as always, followed me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Fantasy Baseball All-Stars Week 4 2012

1. Jay Bruce, 7 R, 10 H, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 2 SB, .476 AVG, .542 OBP
2. Carlos Gonzalez, 7 R, 9 H, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 2 SB, .391 AVG, .481 OBP
3. Wade Miley, 12.1 IP, 2 W, 13 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.49 WHIP
4. Jose Altuve, 8 R, 13 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 SB, .481 AVG, .500 OBP
5. Jake Peavy, 18 IP, 1 W, 12 K, 0.50 ERA, 0.56 WHIP

Honorable mentions: David Wright, Chris Davis, Edwin Encarnacion, Mike Aviles, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Alfredo Aceves.

MLB Day 28 2012

Full slate again as some series come to an end. We begin in...

Cleveland, with the Indians hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Derek Lowe will pitch. Cleveland got on the board in the fifth inning as Asdrubal Cabrera reached on error, providing both Aaron Cunningham and Michael Brantley time to dash home. The Indians added on in the eighth inning as Jack Hannahan reached on an error, allowing Jason Donald to get home, followed by Shelley Duncan's sacrifice fly to bring home Carlos Santana. The final stood at 4-0, with the win going to Lowe and the loss to Santana.

East in the Bronx, the New York Yankees host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and CC Sabathia took the mound. New York got things going in the second inning as Curtis Granderson drew a bases loaded walk, forcing in Raul Ibanez, and Alex Rodriguez singled to bring home Eric Chavez. Detroit got one back in the fourth inning on a solo shot by Prince Fielder. The Yankees replied in the bottom of the fourth as Granderson hit a solo home run. The Tigers pulled back in the sixth inning when Miguel Cabrera doubled, knocking in Brennan Boesch. New York got some back in the eighth inning as Rodriguez reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Chris Stewart to come home, and a Robinson Cano sacrifice fly that gave time for Derek Jeter to dart home. The Yankees struck again in the eighth inning as Andruw Jones hit a solo shot, making the score 6-2, a final. Sabathia picked up the win and Scherzer had the loss.

Up in Toronto, the Blue Jays host the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas starts against Henderson Alvarez. Seattle led off with a first inning Chone Figgins solo home run. Toronto tied it in the fifth inning as Kelly Johnson singled to score Colby Rasmus. The Blue Jays grabbed the lead on an Edwin Encarnacion solo home run in the sixth inning. Toronto padded the lead in the eighth inning when Brett Lawrie doubled Jose Bautista and Encarnacion across the plate, followed by Rajai Davis scoring on a Miguel Olivo error and a Jeff Mathis two-run home run finishing Lawrie's trip around the bases. The Mariners got as close as 7-2 with a solo shot by Olivo in the ninth inning, but they lost after that. Alvarez got the win while Vargas took the loss.

Way to the south, the Miami Marlins hosted the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Josh Johnson got the starting nods. Arizona got started in the third inning when Gerardo Parra singled in the pitcher Miley. The Diamondbacks extended the lead in the fifth inning as Jason Kubel and Miguel Montero each singled, scoring Parra and Justin Upton, respectively. Arizona kept going in the sixth inning as Willie Bloomquist singled, bringing home Aaron Hill, before coming home with Upton on a Kubel double, followed by Cody Ransom doubling in Kubel and Montero. Miami got on the board in the seventh inning as Giancarlo Stanton grounded out and gave time to get Hanley Ramirez home safely. The Marlins struck again in the ninth inning on a Stanton three-run homer, scoring Logan Morrison and Omar Infante, but they only got to 8-4 before falling. Miley picked up the win while Johnson was stuck with the loss.

Back to Ohio, as the Cincinnati Reds hosted the Houston Astros. Jordan Lyles goes against Mat Latos for pitching. Houston began in the first inning as Jed Lowrie singled to score Jose Altuve. The Astros struck again in the second as Lyles sacrificed, providing time for Chris Johnson to come home. Cincinnati got on the board in the fourth inning when Joey Votto hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Zack Cozart. Houston replied in the fifth inning on a two-run blast by Lowrie, sweeping in Altuve. The Reds shot back in their half of the inning as Cozart doubled to bring home Ryan Hanigan. The Astros padded the lead again in the sixth inning when Matt Downs hit a solo home run. Cincinnati tied it in the seventh inning when Votto doubled, pushing in Chris Heisey and Drew Stubbs. The Reds gained the lead in the eighth inning as Jay Bruce lifted a solo home run. This held for a 6-5 win, earned by Logan Ondrusek, while the save went to Sean Marshall and the loss was dealt to Fernando Rodriguez.

East again to Baltimore, with the Orioles hosting the Oakland Athletics. Bartolo Colon pitches against Tommy Hunter this afternoon. Oakland was first on the board in the sixth inning with a Yoenis Cespedes double knocking in Josh Reddick. Seth Smith added on for the Athletics with a solo home run in the seventh inning. Baltimore tied it in the ninth inning as Matt Wieters scored both J.J. Hardy and Adam Jones with a double, and then his pinch-runner Endy Chavez scored alongside Chris Davis when Wilson Betemit hit a three-run home run to win 5-2. Pedro Strop was in line for the win while Grant Balfour blew up in the loss.

Into Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Chicago Cubs. Matt Garza and Kyle Kendrick are tabbed as the starters. Chicago opened with a second inning Ian Stewart groundout giving Bryan LaHair time to come home. The Cubs struck again in the third inning with a Starlin Castro sacrifice fly driving in Tony Campana. Chicago padded the lead with a fourth inning solo shot by Joe Mather. The Cubs got another run in the eighth as Castro reached on a fielder's choice and Campana dashed home to score, followed by a Jeff Baker single to score LaHair. Philadelphia avoided the shutout in the ninth with a bases-loaded walk from Ty Wigginton, forcing in Pete Orr. This made the final 5-1, with the win going to Garza and the loss to Kendrick.

Down in Atlanta, the Braves hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and Tim Hudson are the veteran pitchers. Pittsburgh was first on the board with a second inning Jose Tabata double, driving in Pedro Alvarez and Michael McKenry. Atlanta answered with a third inning Freddie Freeman sacrifice fly to get the pitcher Hudson across the plate. The Braves added on in the fourth inning as Tyler Pastornicky doubled to score Dan Uggla. Atlanta took the lead in the fifth inning when Uggla drew a bases-loaded walk, forcing in Michael Bourn. The Braves got another one in the seventh inning as Martin Prado hit a solo home run. The Pirates got one back in the ninth inning as Tabata scored on a wild pitch, but they didn't tie it, losing 4-3. The win went to Hudson, Craig Kimbrel converted a shaky save, and Correia was stuck holding the loss.

Northwest to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Jason Marquis will throw. Minnesota started in the first inning as Joe Mauer singled in Denard Span before coming home alongside Jamey Carroll when Josh Willingham tripled, and Willingham came the final 90 feet home with a Danny Valencia single. Kansas City got one back in the second inning as Mike Moustakas hit a solo home run. The Twins padded the lead in the third inning with Valencia tripling, forcing in Willingham, before he came home on a Ryan Doumit sacrifice fly. The Royals shot back in the fourth inning as Eric Hosmer grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Alex Gordon, and then he scored when Moustakas singled. Minnesota extended the lead in the seventh inning on a Doumit double, knocking in Justin Morneau. Kansas City tried to rally back in the ninth as Alcides Escobar singled to knock in Jeff Francoeur, but that only made it 7-4, a score in favor of the Twins. Marquis got the win while Chen took the loss.

Southeast to Chicago, with the White Sox hosting the Boston Red Sox. Josh Beckett and Gavin Floyd were the studly starters. Chicago began with a first inning Alex Rios single, scoring Alejandro De Aza, before coming home on a two-run home run by Adam Dunn. Boston got on the board in the seventh inning when Cody Ross singled in Dustin Pedroia. The White Sox answered in the eighth inning as Dayan Viciedo singled to drive in Alexei Ramirez. Floyd pitched strong in the 4-1 win, while Matt Thornton picked up the save and Beckett got little help in the loss.

Into St. Louis, where the Cardinals host the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke and Jaime Garcia got the green light to pitch. St. Louis drew first blood as Rafael Furcal singled home Skip Schumaker in the second inning. Milwaukee took the lead in the seventh inning as Aramis Ramirez singled to score Carlos Gomez, before coming home alongside Corey Hart on a 2-RBI double from Jonathan Lucroy. The Cardinals got one back in the eighth inning as Daniel Descalso grounded into a fielder's choice, providing time for Matt Carpenter to score. They failed to tie it, allowing Greinke to earn the 3-2 win, while John Axford made the save and Garcia was on the hook for the loss.

Out west to Colorado, where the Rockies host the New York Mets. Johan Santana and Jamie Moyer are the well-aged pitchers. New York began in the first inning with a David Wright double to score both Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Ruben Tejada before coming home himself on a Scott Hairston single. The Mets added on with a fifth inning solo home run by Josh Thole. Colorado tied it in the eighth inning as Todd Helton hit a grand slam home run, sweeping in Dexter Fowler, Carlos Gonzalez, and Michael Cuddyer. New York took the lead again in the tenth inning as Nieuwenhuis doubled, allowing Mike Baxter safe passage home. The Rockies tied it again in the bottom of the tenth on a Gonzalez solo shot. The Mets got the lead again in the eleventh inning as Ike Davis lined a single to drive in Wright. This lead didn't go away, giving them a 6-5 win, earned by Frank Francisco, while Ramon Ramirez cleaned up for a save and Matt Belisle took the loss.

Out in California, the San Francisco Giants host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Madison Bumgarner take the hill. San Francisco got on the board in the first inning as Melky Cabrera hit a sacrifice fly, driving in Angel Pagan, followed by a solo shot from Pablo Sandoval. San Diego answered in the fifth inning as Chris Denorfia doubled in Jason Bartlett. The Giants added on in the sixth inning as Joaquin Arias tripled to force in Buster Posey and Brett Pill. San Francisco held on for a 4-1 win, earned by Bumgarner, while Santiago Casilla converted a save and Richard was dealt the loss.

To the south, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Chris Capuano demonstrate alliteration in the pitching spectrum. Los Angeles finally dented the scoreboard in the sixth inning as James Loney doubled in both Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier. This held up for a 2-0 Dodgers win, credited to Capuano, while Kenley Jansen converted the save and Gonzalez was a victim of a lack of run support in the loss.

Finally, we end in Texas, as the Rangers host the Tampa Bay Rays. David Price and Derek Holland are the dueling pitchers. Texas started the scoring in the first inning as Josh Hamilton singled in Elvis Andrus. Tampa Bay answered with a second inning Jeff Keppinger single, scoring Ben Zobrist, followed by a Luke Scott double to drive in Keppinger, and a sacrifice fly by Sean Rodriguez to score B.J. Upton. The Rays added on in the third inning as Zobrist doubled to knock in Carlos Pena. The Rangers chipped away in the fifth inning as Andrus grounded out, allowing safe passage home for Yorvit Torrealba. Tampa Bay extended their lead in the seventh inning as a Desmond Jennings triple forced in Rodriguez. This made it 5-2, a final, with Price getting the win, Fernando Rodney converting the save, and Holland suffering the loss.

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