Saturday, June 23, 2012

MLB Day 83 2012

Should be another full slate as long as the weather doesn't have its way again. We start in...

Miami, as the Marlins host the Toronto Blue Jays. Brett Cecil and Josh Johnson are called on to pitch. Toronto started in the second inning with a Rajai Davis fielder's choice that allowed Edwin Encarnacion to score. Miami tied it in the seventh inning on an Omar Infante double to plate Justin Ruggiano. The Blue Jays rallied ahead in the ninth inning beginning with an Encarnacion solo home run, followed by Jeff Mathis reaching on an error to allow Kelly Johnson to come home, and a grand slam by Colby Rasmus, sweeping in Mathis, Vizquel, and Brett Lawrie. This made it 7-1, the final, with the win going to Darren Oliver and the loss to Steve Cishek.

Northwest of that, the Kansas City Royals host their cross-state rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright opposes Luis Mendoza in pitching. St. Louis started in the third inning with a Matt Holliday single to score Rafael Furcal. The Cardinals added on in the fifth inning as Jon Jay singled in Daniel Descalso, Holliday singled home Furcal, and Jay finished his trip on a Carlos Beltran single. St. Louis got another in the sixth inning with Furcal's single to drive in Tony Cruz. Kansas City got on the board in the bottom of the sixth with an Alex Gordon triple, forcing in Humberto Quintero and a Yuniesky Betancourt groundout to get Gordon home. The Cardinals answered in the seventh inning with a two-run Allen Craig home run, also scoring Holliday. St. Louis made it 8-2 in the ninth inning when Craig singled Holliday across the dish. This was a final, with the win going to Wainwright and the loss to Mendoza.

Down into Texas, with the Rangers hosting the Colorado Rockies. Josh Outman is mismatched with Colby Lewis. Colorado began in the first inning as Jason Giambi singled in Jonathan Herrera. The Rockies added on in the third inning with Tyler Colvin singling home Jordan Pacheco and Carlos Gonzalez before coming home alongside Giambi when Chris Nelson singled. Colorado struck again in the fourth inning on a Herrera double to drive in Dexter Fowler and a 2-RBI Michael Cuddyer double plating Herrera and Pacheco. Texas got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Nelson Cruz hit a solo home run. The Rockies got some more in the fifth inning with a two-run home run by Wil Nieves, also scoring Nelson, followed by a Fowler solo shot. The Rangers rallied in their half of the fifth, beginning with Adrian Beltre singling home Brandon Snyder, followed by Michael Young doing the same for Elvis Andrus, a three-run homer by Cruz, sweeping in Beltre and Young, and a Yorvit Torrealba single that allowed Mike Napoli to cross home. This was all for the scoring, with Colorado leading 11-7, with the win going to Rex Brothers and the loss served up to Lewis.

Northeast to Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields opposes Kyle Kendrick on the mound. For a more detailed recap, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the featured Game of the Day. Tampa Bay got things going in the second inning as Jeff Keppinger doubled in both Ben Zobrist and Jose Lobaton, followed by a groundout from the pitcher Shields that allowed Keppinger to dash home. Philadelphia got some back in the third inning as Jimmy Rollins hit a two-run home run, also scoring the pitcher Kendrick. The Phillies gained the lead in the fourth inning on a Juan Pierre three-run home run, sweeping in Mike Fontenot and Rollins. Philadelphia got another in the seventh inning as Carlos Ruiz singled Pierre across the dish. The Rays struck back in the eighth inning when Sean Rodriguez singled Zobrist home. Tampa Bay tied it up in the ninth inning as Keppinger singled to score Hideki Matsui and Brooks Conrad did the same for Chris Archer. The Phillies got the last laugh as Jim Thome lifted a walkoff solo shot in the bottom of the ninth to seal a 7-6 win. Jonathan Papelbon was excused from the blown save with the win, while Jake McGee gave up the homer and received the loss.

Back in Texas, the Houston Astros host the Cleveland Indians. Jeanmar Gomez and Dallas Keuchel are the unknown starters. Cleveland opened in the fourth inning on an Asdrubal Cabrera solo home run. Houston answered in the fifth inning as Chris Johnson doubled in Brian Bogusevic, followed by a two-run J.D. Martinez homer to finish Johnson's trip, and a solo shot by Jordan Schafer. The Astros got another in the sixth inning on a Carlos Lee double, scoring Jed Lowrie. Houston rallied more in the eighth inning with a Jose Altuve solo home run, followed Lee doubling to score Lowrie before coming home on a Johnson double. This made it 8-1, a final, with the Keuchel going the distance for the win and Gomez was given the loss. 

Up in Pennsylvania again, as the Pittsburgh Pirates welcome the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Brad Lincoln get the starting nods. Pittsburgh was first on the board with a fourth inning three-run home run by Andrew McCutchen, also scoring Alex Presley and Jose Tabata. Detroit got on the board in the seventh inning with a solo home run by Miguel Cabrera. The Pirates answered in the bottom of the seventh as Neil Walker singled in Casey McGehee. This was all for the scoring, with the final sitting at 4-1. The win belonged to Lincoln, while Joel Hanrahan turned the save and Scherzer was pinned with the loss.

Over in Cincinnati, the Reds host the Minnesota Twins. Brian Duensing and Johnny Cueto will be handed the ball. Cincinnati struck first in the fourth inning as Brandon Phillips hit a two-run home run, also scoring Joey Votto, followed by Scott Rolen doubling in Jay Bruce and Cueto sacrificing to finish Rolen's trip around. The Reds added on in the sixth inning as Cueto grounded out to bring in Rolen. Cincinnati got another in the eighth inning as Todd Frazier reached on an error, allowing Bruce to come home. This made it 6-0, the final, with Cueto pitching well in the win while Duensing got no support in the loss.

Westward to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf opposes a much younger pitcher, Dylan Axelrod. Milwaukee led off in the second inning as George Kotteras doubled, which combined with an error to bring in Aramis Ramirez. Chicago answered in their half of the inning on a Dayan Viciedo single to bring home Paul Konerko, followed by Alexei Ramirez singling Alex Rios home. The Brewers shot back in the third inning as Ryan Braun singled in Norichika Aoki. The White Sox got it back in the fourth inning as Viciedo hit a two-run home run, also scoring A.J. Pierzynski. Milwaukee responded in the fifth inning with Nyjer Morgan singling Aoki across the dish. The Brewers rallied to add on in the sixth inning with Martin Maldonado singling in Aramis Ramirez, Cody Ransom doing the same for Rickie Weeks, and Carlos Gomez hitting a sacrifice fly to finish Maldonado's trip around. Chicago replied in the bottom of the sixth as Viciedo singled to drive in Rios before Orlando Hudson doubled him the rest of the way home. The White Sox got the lead in the seventh inning on a Rios single, knocking in Gordon Beckham. Chicago extended the lead in the eighth inning as Beckham singled Alexei Ramirez safely home. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 8-6. Jesse Crain was in line for the win, Addison Reed turned the save, and Jose Veras was dinged for the loss.

Back east, the Boston Red Sox host the Atlanta Braves. Randall Delgado and Franklin Morales were in line to pitch. Atlanta wasted no time in opening the scoring in the first inning as Brian McCann singled home Michael Bourn. Boston answered in their half of the inning as Adrian Gonzalez singled in Dustin Pedroia and Will Middlebrooks doubled in Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Red Sox added on in the second inning with a 2-RBI Pedroia double, scoring both Mike Aviles and Daniel Nava. Boston got another in the third inning as Middlebrooks hit a solo home run. The Braves got one back in the fifth inning when Bourn singled to score Jason Heyward. The Red Sox answered in the bottom of the fifth with Cody Ross doubling, driving in Gonzalez. Atlanta replied again in the sixth inning on a Chipper Jones double, plating Dan Uggla. The Braves chipped away in the seventh inning as Bourn grounded out, giving David Ross time to get home. Boston shot back in the eighth inning with Nava singling in both Cody Ross and Ryan Kalish. This concluded the scoring, with the final being 8-4. Morales picked up the win, while Delgado was shelled early for the loss.

Way to the west, the Oakland Athletics host the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner faces a lesser foe in Tyson Ross. Oakland began in the first inning on a two-run home run by Josh Reddick, also scoring Jemile Weeks. San Francisco answered in the second inning with Pablo Sandoval singling, which combined with an error to bring in Buster Posey, followed by Sandoval dashing home on a Brandon Belt single. The Athletics shot back in the bottom of the second as Reddick singled home Coco Crisp. Oakland got another in the third inning on a Jonny Gomes solo home run. The Giants rallied a bit in the sixth inning as Sandoval reached on an error that allowed both Angel Pagan and Posey to score, followed by a two-run home run from Belt, finishing Sandoval's trip around. San Francisco added on in the seventh inning when Posey hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Melky Cabrera, and Nate Schierholtz struck out, which gave time for Pagan to get home. The Athletics tried to rally back in the ninth inning when Brandon Inge singled Reddick home, follow by Derek Norris doing the same for Gomes, and then both Inge and Norris were forced in by a ground rule double from Brandon Hicks, but they couldn't get the equalizer, and fell 9-8. The win went to Bumgarner, while Clay Hensley shut the door for the save and Ross was not excused from the loss.

Back on the east coast, the New York Mets hosted the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Chris Young are the back-of-the-rotation starters. The Mets opened with a third inning Kirk Nieuwenhuis solo home run. The Mets added on in the fourth inning as Josh Thole grounded out, giving time for Scott Hairston to score. The Mets extended the lead in the sixth inning when Young singled in Daniel Murphy. The Yankees tied it in the seventh inning with a three-run home run by Raul Ibanez, sweeping in Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher, before taking the lead with a solo shot from Eric Chavez. This was good enough for a 4-3 win, with Clay Rapada earning the win, Rafael Soriano converting the save, and Jon Rauch getting drilled for the loss.

Westward to California again, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano and Ervin Santana are the reliable starters. The Dodgers were first to score in the first inning as Jerry Hairston, Jr. reached on an error to get Dee Gordon home and Juan Rivera also got aboard thanks to an error that allowed Hairston to finish his trip. The Angels got one back in the fifth inning as Erick Aybar singled Howie Kendrick home. The Dodgers answered in the sixth inning as Hairston singled in Gordon. This made it 3-1, a final, with Capuano notching the win, Kenley Jansen throwing the save, and Santana suffering the loss.

East again, as the Baltimore Orioles host their regional rivals, the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and Wei-Yin Chen are the above-average pitchers. Washington began in the second inning as Xavier Nady singled in Michael Morse and also Adam LaRoche, the latter coming home with the help of an error. The Nationals added on in the fourth inning with a LaRoche solo home run. Baltimore found the scoreboard in the fifth inning as Adam Jones hit a solo shot. This ended the scoring, with the final being 3-1. Jackson pitched well for the win, while Tyler Clippard turned the save and Chen had little help in the loss.

Back in the west, the San Diego Padres host the Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez and Jason Marquis take the hill. San Diego got going in the first inning as Cameron Maybin scored on a balk. Seattle charged ahead in the second inning when Brendan Ryan grounded out to bring in Michael Saunders, before the pitcher Hernandez doubled in both Justin Smoak and Dustin Ackley. The Mariners added on in the third inning with a Saunders solo home run. Seattle kept going in the fourth inning as Ichiro singled Ackley home. This was all they needed for a 5-1 win, with the win going to Hernandez while Marquis was pinned with the loss.

Finally, we backtrack to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Chicago Cubs. Paul Maholm and Ian Kennedy are the veteran pitchers. Arizona started with a third inning Justin Upton solo home run. Chicago answered in the fourth inning as the pitcher Maholm hit a two-run home run, also scoring Adrian Cardenas. The Diamondbacks retied it in the bottom of the fourth as Aaron Hill reached on an error to score Ryan Roberts and Upton singled to plate Willie Bloomquist for a lead, followed by Jason Kubel singing both Hill and Upton across the dish, and Paul Goldschmidt tripled to force Kubel in before coming the final 90 feet when Miguel Montero singled. The Cubs got some back in the fifth inning as Steve Clevenger doubled in both Alfonso Soriano and Geovany Soto, followed by Jeff Baker singling to finish his trip. Arizona responded in the sixth inning on a Goldschmidt solo shot. The Diamondbacks added on in the seventh inning as Hill singled Bloomquist in. Arizona made it 10-5 in the eighth inning on a Montero single, finishing Goldschmidt's trip around and producing the final. The win went to Craig Breslow while Maholm was stuck with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime, now finally getting out from a special game in Philadelphia.

Friday, June 22, 2012

MLB Day 82 2012

Back to a full slate, or at least that's what's scheduled. Rain could make things difficult today. We begin after a little shower in...

Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and Jason Hammel make the starts after the rain delay. Baltimore was the first to score in the second inning with Mark Reynolds hitting a solo home run. Washington tied it in the fifth inning as Roger Bernadina grounded out, which combined with an error to get Ian Desmond home. The Orioles retook the lead in their half of the inning as J.J. Hardy doubled to score Nick Johnson. They held he lead up to the end, winning 2-1, with Hammel grabbing the win, Jim Johnson converting the save, and Zimmermann was left without much support in the loss.

Into Pittsburgh, as the Pirates welcome the the Detroit Tigers. Doug Fister and A.J. Burnett are the underrated pitchers. Pittsburgh got on the board in the first inning as Neil Walker singled home Alex Presley and Garrett Jones grounded into a double play that brought in Walker. The Pirates added on in the second inning with  Burnett sacrificing, which combined with an error to plate Pedro Alvarez and an additional error to score Rod Barajas. Detroit found the scoreboard in the seventh inning with a Ramon Santiago double to drive in Jhonny Peralta. This was all for the scoring, with Pittsburgh winning 4-1, giving Burnett the win, Joel Hanrahan the save, and Fister was stuck holding the loss.

Westward to Ohio, as the Cincinnati Reds host the Minnesota Twins. Nick Blackburn and Homer Bailey are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Cincinnati led off with a first inning two-run home run from Chris Heisey, also scoring Zack Cozart. Minnesota answered in the second inning when Brian Dozier grounded out to bring in Trevor Plouffe. The Twins tied it in the third inning as a Josh Willingham sacrifice fly plated Ben Revere. Minnesota grabbed the lead in the fourth inning with a Ryan Doumit solo home run. The Reds shot back in the bottom of the fourth as Scott Rolen hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Ryan Ludwick. The Twins edged back ahead in the sixth inning on a bases loaded Denard Span walk to force in Ryan Doumit and a Revere sacrifice fly allowing safe passage home for Jamey Carroll. This gave them a 5-4 lead, which they held for the rest of the game. Blackburn was in line for the win, Glen Perkins turned the save, and Bailey was stuck with the loss.

Back east, we have the Subway Series with a little bit of rain as the New York Mets host the New York Yankees. Andy Pettitte and Jonathon Niese took their turns in the rotation after the clouds lifted. The Mets quickly established a first inning lead with a 2-RBI Justin Turner single to score Ronny Cedeno and David Wright, before a three-run Ike Davis home run swept in Scott Hairston and Turner. The Yankees got on the board in the sixth inning as Alex Rodriguez hit a solo home run. The Yankees got another in the seventh inning as Andruw Jones hit a solo shot. The Mets answered in the bottom of the seventh on a Wright double to knock in Omar Quintanilla. The Yankees got a few more in the eighth inning with a two-run Robinson Cano home run, also scoring Mark Teixeira. They couldn't tie the game, falling 6-4, with Niese picking up the win, Frank Francisco turning a shaky save, and Pettitte suffered the loss.

Up into Boston, the Red Sox host the Atlanta Braves. Jair Jurrjens and Jon Lester are the struggling pitchers delayed from starting by rain. Atlanta struck first as Matt Diaz grounded out to bring in Freddie Freeman and Andrelton Simmons doubled Jason Heyward home in the fourth inning. The Braves got another in the sixth inning as Simmons hit a sacrifice fly to score Heyward again. Boston found the scoreboard in the eighth inning as Daniel Nava doubled in Will Middlebrooks. Atlanta extended the lead in the ninth inning as Freeman singled home Michael Bourn. This made the final 4-1, with the win going to Jurrjens, the save to Craig Kimbrel, and the loss to Lester.

Down south in Miami, the Marlins host the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky Romero and Anibal Sanchez are the reliable starters. Toronto began in the first inning as Colby Rasmus grounded out to plate Brett Lawrie. The Blue Jays added on in the third inning with Jose Bautista singling in Lawrie before coming home on a sacrifice fly by Kelly Johnson. Toronto padded the lead in the fourth inning as both Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion drew bases loaded walks to force in Romero and Lawrie, and then Johnson hit a sacrifice fly that knocked home Rasmus. Miami got on the board in the bottom of the fourth when Giancarlo Stanton hit a solo home run. The Marlins got another in the fifth inning as Hanley Ramirez singled Gaby Sanchez across the dish. The Blue Jays rallied again in the sixth inning as Johnson singled to score Lawrie, followed by Yunel Escobar hitting a sacrifice fly to plate Bautista, Rajai Davis singling to knock home Encarnacion, and J.P. Arencibia ripped a double that scored both Johnson and Davis. Miami replied in the bottom of the sixth as Omar Infante lifted a two-run home run, also scoring Justin Ruggiano. Toronto shot back in the seventh inning as Bautista hit a solo shot. The Marlins replied in the eighth inning as Gaby Sanchez hit a solo home run. This was as close as it got, with the final standing at 12-5. The win went to Romero while Anibal Sanchez was dealt the loss.

Westward to Texas, with the Rangers hosting the Colorado Rockies. Christian Friedrich and Roy Oswalt are given the ball. Texas started with a first inning Adrian Beltre two-run home run, also scoring Josh Hamilton. The Rangers struck again in the fourth inning with Nelson Cruz doubling home Beltre and Mike Napoli hitting a solo home run. Colorado got on the board in the seventh inning with Marco Scutaro doubling in Dexter Fowler. This was as close as it got, with Texas holding on to win 4-1, giving the win to Oswalt, while Joe Nathan got the save and Friedrich took the loss.

Across the state, the Houston Astros host the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and Lucas Harrell will be sent out for the starts. Cleveland wasted no time in scoring first as Asdrubal Cabrera hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Shin-Soo Choo. The Indians added an insurance run in the ninth inning as Michael Brantley singled in Cabrera. This was all the scoring to be done here, with the final sitting at 2-0. Jimenez notched the win, while Chris Perez picked up the save, and Harrell had no run support in the loss.

Up to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke and Chris Sale pace the game. Milwaukee was the first to score in the tenth (yes, tenth) inning, with Rickie Weeks singled in Nyjer Morgan. This was a final, with Greinke picking up a dominant win, John Axford shutting the door for a save, and Jesse Crain was responsible for the tough loss.

Down a bit for the battle of Missouri, with the Kansas City Royals hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Joe Kelly and Vin Mazzaro are the unknown starters. St. Louis opened in the first inning with Carlos Beltran doubling in both Rafael Furcal and Jon Jay, followed by a Yadier Molina single to drive in Matt Holliday, and a sacrifice fly from Matt Carpenter to finish Beltran's trip around. Kansas City got one back in their half of the inning when Eric Hosmer singled Yuniesky Betancourt home. The Cardinals were back at work in the second inning as Beltran doubled home Furcal and Jay again, and David Freese did the same for Beltran and Molina, and keeping with the Happy Hour theme, Tyler Greene doubled Freese and Carpenter safely home. St. Louis got another in the fourth inning on a Skip Schumaker double to bring home Carpenter. The Royals got some back in the bottom of the fourth as Salvador Perez hit a two-run home run, also scoring Mike Moustakas. Kansas City tried to rally in the ninth inning as Billy Butler singled Jarrod Dyson in, making the final 11-4. Kelly picked up the win, while Mazzaro was shelled in the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and Josh Collmenter are the relatively unknown pitchers. Chicago opened the scoring in the fourth inning on a Geovany Soto solo home run. Arizona answered with a two-run Jason Kubel home run, also scoring Justin Upton in the bottomf of the fourth. The Diamondbacks added on in the fifth inning as Aaron Hill singled in Brad Ziegler. Arizona struck again in the sixth inning when Miguel Montero tripled to force in Kubel and Paul Goldschmidt. The Diamondbacks got another in the seventh inning as Upton's ground rule double forced in Willie Bloomquist. This made it 6-1, a final, with the win going to Ziegler, the save turned by David Hernandez, and the loss was stuck on Samardzija.

Out in San Diego, the Padres host the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Clayton Richard are the veteran starters. Seattle was first on the board with a first inning two-run home run by Franklin Gutierrez, also scoring Ichiro. The Mariners added on in the second inning as Miguel Olivo hit a solo home run. Seattle struck again in the third inning as Justin Smoak hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Ichiro. San Diego got on the board in the bottom of the third as Cameron Maybin grounded out, allowing Nick Hundley to score and Chase Headley singled to bring home Will Venable. The Padres charged ahead in the fourth inning when Everth Cabrera doubled in Yonder Alonso before coming home alongside Logan Forsythe on a Richard double, and then Venable singled Richard across the dish, and Venable was able to come home on a sacrifice fly by Headley. The Mariners got one back in the fifth inning as Casper Wells reached on an error that gave time for Gutierrez to come home. San Diego shot back in their half of the fifth as the pitcher Richard singled Forsythe home again. The Padres got another in the eighth inning on a Headley sacrifice fly that got Venable home. This made the final score 9-5, with Richard notching the win, Huston Street converting the save, and Millwood was on the hook for the loss.

Up in Oakland, the Athletics host the San Francisco Giants for Bay Area supremacy. Tim Lincecum and Jarrod Parker are on the hill. Oakland led off in the first inning as Jemile Weeks singled in Coco Crisp, followed by Seth Smith reaching on a fielder's choice to bring in Weeks and Brandon Inge drawing a bases loaded walk to force home Josh Reddick. San Francisco answered in the third inning as Gregor Blanco singled in Hector Sanchez. The Giants rallied ahead in the ninth inning as Brandon Belt's 2-RBI double tied it when Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval scored, followed by a go-ahead Sanchez single to finish Belt's trip around, and a Blanco single to drive in Justin Christian. The Athletics got one back in the bottom of the ninth as Reddick hit a solo home run, but they couldn't tie it, falling 5-4. Clay Hensley was in line for the win, Santiago Casilla turned his twentieth save of the season, and Ryan Cook was responsible for the meltdown loss.

Finally, back down in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host their regional rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Dan Haren take the mound. The Dodgers started with a three-run home run in the first inning from Bobby Abreu, sweeping in Jerry Hairston, Jr. and Andre Ethier. The Dodgers added on in the second inning as Hairston singled in Tony Gwynn, Jr. and then he came home on a Juan Rivera single. The Angels got on the board in the bottom of the second when Alberto Callaspo doubled to score Kendrys Morales, followed by a sacrifice fly from Howie Kendrick to allow Mark Trumbo to get home and an Erick Aybar groundout to finish Callaspo's trip around. The Angels pulled closer in the fourth inning as Aybar tripled to force in Callaspo, before tying it on a Bobby Wilson sacrifice fly to finish Aybar's trip, and then they took the lead on a Mike Trout solo home run. The Angels added on in the sixth inning as Torii Hunter singled to plate both Wilson and Trout. This made it 8-5, which was a final, with the win going to Haren, while Ernesto Frieri was called for the save, and Billingsley suffered a rough loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com to see how we combated the rain in Philadelphia, and where we're off to next since we have to change plans.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

MLB Day 81 2012

Travel day is upon us once again as we approach the final interleague series of the season. Closing out a series today, the...

Detroit Tigers host the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse and Jacob Turner are given the starting nods. Detroit got things started in the fourth inning on a Prince Fielder solo home run. St. Louis tied it in the fifth inning as Matt Holliday hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Rafael Furcal. The Tigers won it in the tenth inning with a walkoff Quintin Berry single to plate Ramon Santiago. This made it 2-1, with Joaquin Benoit grabbing the win and Victor Marte was on the hook for the loss.

Out west, the Oakland Athletics host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw and Travis Blackley are on the mound. Oakland was first to score in the second inning on a Brandon Inge sacrifice fly to bring home Jonny Gomes. Los Angeles tied it in the fourth inning as Juan Rivera singled to score Elian Herrera. The Athletics won it in the ninth inning on a walkoff three-run home run from Yoenis Cespedes, sweeping in Coco Crisp and Jemile Weeks for a 4-1 victory. The win went to Ryan Cook, while Josh Lindblom was dealt the loss.

Back to the east, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Francis and Vance Worley are handed the ball. Philadelphia began in the first inning with a Jimmy Rollins solo home run. Colorado took the lead in the seventh inning as Chris Nelson hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Tyler Colvin. The Rockies padded the lead in the ninth inning with a two-run home run from Willin Rosario, also scoring Todd Helton for a 4-1 final. Josh Roenicke was in line for the win, Rafael Betancourt shut the door for a save, and Worley was on the hook for the loss.

Across the state of Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Minnesota Twins. Liam Hendriks is mismatched with James McDonald. Pittsburgh opened in the first inning as Garrett Jones singled to score Andrew McCutchen. The Pirates added on in the second inning with a 3-RBI double from McCutchen, sweeping in McDonald, Alex Presley, and Neil Walker. Minnesota got on the board in the fourth inning as Ryan Doumit singled to bring in Trevor Plouffe. Pittsburgh shot back in the sixth inning as Rod Barajas hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Pedro Alvarez. The Pirates padded the lead in the seventh inning with a two-run blast from Jones, also scoring McCutchen, before Alvarez hit a solo home run. This made it 9-1, a final. McDonald went the distance for the win, while Hendriks was dinged for the loss.

Into the capital, as the Washington Nationals host the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore and Gio Gonzalez show alliteration in the pitching match, something I've been missing lately. Tampa Bay started in the second inning as Desmond Jennings singled in Hideki Matsui. Washington took the lead in the third inning with Michael Morse hitting a sacrifice fly to plate Danny Espinosa and Ian Desmond singling to drive in Bryce Harper. The Rays tied it in the sixth inning on a Sean Rodriguez single that allowed Ben Zobrist to get home. The Nationals charged back ahead in their half of the sixth on a 2-RBI single from Espinosa, knocked in both Jesus Flores and Adam LaRoche. Washington extended the lead in the seventh inning on a Roger Bernadina double that brought in Ryan Zimmerman. This made it 5-2, a final, with Gonzalez grabbing the win, Tyler Clippard tossing the save, and Moore suffered the loss.

Finally, we pull a rare stunt by boiling ending in Boston, as the Red Sox host the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano and Daisuke Matsuzaka pace the game, although for how long remains to be seen. For a more detailed analysis of this game, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day.  Miami established an early lead in the first inning as Greg Dobbs singled in both Jose Reyes and Giancarlo Stanton before coming home on a single from Omar Infante. Boston got some back in the fourth inning with Will Middlebrooks singling to score Cody Ross before Mike Aviles hit a sacrifice fly to plate Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Red Sox tied it in the fifth inning when Middlebrooks singled Adrian Gonzalez across the dish. The Marlins took the lead again in the sixth inning on a Stanton solo home run and an Infante double that scored Dobbs. Boston answered in the eighth inning with a two-run tying home run from Middlebrooks, also scoring Saltalamacchia, and a go ahead Daniel Nava single that allowed Ryan Kalish safe passage home. This made it 6-5, which held up as a final, with the win going to Scott Atchison, the save to Alfredo Aceves, and the loss to Edward Mujica.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the game of the day, going back in time as we visit Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

MLB Day 80 2012

It's a getaway day again, which means we have matinees on the schedule. We begin in...

The Bronx, as the New York Yankees host the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Phil Hughes will be assigned to make the starts this afternoon. For a more detailed analysis of this game, check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the first of two Games of the Day. Atlanta got started in the first inning with a Dan Uggla single to bring in Michael Bourn, before Freddie Freeman hit a two-run home run, also scoring Uggla. New York got one back in the bottom of the first on a Derek Jeter solo home run. The Braves shot back with a third inning solo shot by Martin Prado. Atlanta added on in the fourth as Jason Heyward went yard on a solo home run. The Braves got another solo shot in the fifth inning with David Ross sending the ball over the fence. The Yankees got one back in their half of the fifth as Eric Chavez hit a solo home run. New York pulled closer in the sixth inning with a pair of solo shots by Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano. The Yankees kept going in the seventh inning as Curtis Granderson singled Russell Martin safely home. Atlanta extended the lead in the eighth inning as Freeman grounded out to provide time for Prado to come home before a two-run home run by Heyward swept in Uggla. The Braves iced it at 10-5 in the ninth inning when Prado singled Juan Francisco in. Hanson was in line for the win while Hughes was given the loss.

Down into Houston, where the Astros host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Jordan Lyles are the struggling starters. Kansas City got on the board in the fifth inning with a Brayan Pena groundout to give Mike Moustakas time to get home. The Royals got another in the sixth inning with Yuniesky Betancourt reaching on an error to allow Alex Gordon to score. Houston got on the board in the bottom of the sixth with a Jed Lowrie single to knock in Jordan Schafer. They were unable to tie the game, allowing the win to go to Chen, while Jonathan Broxton turned the save and Lyles had little help in the loss.

Up north in Milwaukee, the Brewers host the Toronto Blue Jays. Joel Carreno is mismatched with Yovani Gallardo in the pitching match. Toronto opened the scoring in the second inning with an Edwin Encarnacion solo home run. Milwaukee rallied ahead in the bottom of the second when Corey Hart hit a solo shot, followed by a two-run long ball from Martin Maldonado, also scoring Cody Ransom, and a two-run homer by Carlos Gomez to plate the pitcher Gallardo. The Brewers added on in the fifth inning when Nyjer Morgan singled Gomez home. The Blue Jays shot back in the seventh inning as Colby Rasmus doubled in David Cooper and Encarnacion was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded forcing in Brett Lawrie. Milwaukee shot back in their half of the seventh with a two-run Ryan Braun home run, also scoring Morgan. This made it 8-3, a final, with the win going to Gallardo and the loss to Carreno.

Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Trevor Cahill are the young starters. Arizona wasted little time in scoring in the first inning on solo home runs by Aaron Hill and Jason Kubel. Seattle rallied ahead in the third inning with John Jaso doubling in the pitcher Vargas, followed by a 2-RBI Casper Wells single to drive in Ichiro and Jaso, and a two-run home run by Kyle Seager, finishing up Wells' trip around. The Diamondbacks tied it up in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Miguel Montero, also scoring Kubel, and a John McDonald solo shot. Arizona took a fifth inning lead as Justin Upton hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Chris Young and Hill, followed by Ryan Roberts singling to score Paul Goldschmidt and a McDonald double to bring home Montero. The Mariners got one back in the sixth inning as Dustin Ackley grounded out to finish a Seager trip around the bases. The Diamondbacks pulled away again in the bottom of the sixth with Montero's 2-RBI single to bring home both Upton and Goldschmidt, followed by a two-run inside-the-park home run by Roberts, bringing in Montero. Seattle replied in the eighth inning as Michael Saunders singled to bring in Wells, followed by a three-run blast by Franklin Gutierrez, sweeping home Saunders and Ackley. They failed to get any closer, losing 14-10. Cahill was the winning pitcher while Vargas was tagged for the loss.

Further to the west, the San Diego Padres welcome the Texas Rangers. Yu Darvish faces a lesser foe in Anthony Bass. San Diego started off with a 2-RBI single by the pitcher Bass, knocking in both John Baker and Alexi Amarista in the second inning. Texas got one back in the fifth inning as Alberto Gonzalez singled in David Murphy. The Rangers took the lead in the sixth inning on a Nelson Cruz fielder's choice to bring home Michael Young and a bases-loaded walk by Yorvit Torrealba forcing in Josh Hamilton. Texas got another in the seventh inning when Young hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Ian Kinsler. This was all for the scoring here, with the final being 4-2, with Darvish getting the win, Joe Nathan turning his fifteenth save of the season, and Dale Thayer took the loss.

Way northeast to Pittsburgh, as the Pirates host the Minnesota Twins. Veterans Francisco Liriano and Erik Bedard will pitch. Minnesota began with a first inning Trevor Plouffe single to drive in Josh Willingham. Pittsburgh tied it in the seventh inning on a Rod Barajas sacrifice fly that knocked in Pedro Alvarez. The Twins got the lead back in the eighth inning when Willingham hit a solo home run. This was all they needed to win 2-1, with Jared Burton getting the win, Glen Perkins making the save, and Jason Grilli was on the hook for the loss.

Westward to Detroit, with the Tigers hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Jake Westbrook and Rick Porcello are the average starters. Detroit led off in the third inning as Austin Jackson doubled in Gerald Laird. St. Louis tied it in the fifth inning with Daniel Descalso hitting a sacrifice fly to score David Freese. The Cardinals took the lead in the sixth inning on a Yadier Molina double play allowing Matt Holliday to cross home safely. St. Louis added on in the seventh inning with Molina reaching on an error that got Carlos Beltran home. The final stood at 3-1 here, with Westbrook going the distance for the win and Porcello taking the loss.

Back into Pennsylvania, as the Philadelphia Phillies host the Colorado Rockies. Alex White and Joe Blanton will try to turn their seasons around tonight. Philadelphia opened the scoring with a first inning groundout by Hunter Pence, giving time for Juan Pierre to dart home. Colorado got on the board with a second inning three-run home run from Willin Rosario, sweeping in Jordan Pacheco and Chris Nelson. The Phillies responded with a three-run blast of their own in the bottom of the second, with Michael Martinez going yard and taking Placido Polanco and John Mayberry with him. The Rockies retied the game on a solo home run from Michael Cuddyer in the third inning. Colorado took a lead in the fourth inning on a solo shot by Nelson. Philadelphia pulled even on a Jimmy Rollins double in their half of the fourth, plating Mayberry. The Rockies got the lead again in the ninth inning as Dexter Fowler singled Rosario across the dish. The Phillies got the last laugh, rallying in the bottom of the ninth with a Pence double to bring in Ty Wigginton as the "Ty"-ing run and then Polanco reached on an error that allowed Pence to come home as the winning run for a 7-6 victory. Jonathan Papelbon was in line for the win while Rafael Betancourt was the victim of the loss.

Into Washington, as the Nationals host the Tampa Bay Rays. Chris Archer and Stephen Strasburg are the promising young starters. Washington drew first blood with a first inning Bryce Harper single allowing Steve Lombardozzi to score, and Harper scored when Ryan Zimmerman reached on an error, and Zimmerman finished his trip on an Ian Desmond single. Tampa Bay got on the board in the second inning with a Jose Molina solo home run. The Rays pulled closer in the third inning when Hideki Matsui singled to drive in Carlos Pena. They couldn't tie the game up, falling 3-2, with Strasburg getting the win, Tyler Clippard throwing his tenth save of the season, and Archer taking a tough loss.

West to Ohio for the battle for state supremacy, as the Cleveland Indians host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Justin Masterson have the green light to start. Cleveland established a lead in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Johnny Damon, also scoring Casey Kotchman, and a three-run homer by Asdrubal Cabrera, knocking in Lonnie Chisenhall and Shin-Soo Choo. The Indians added on with a 3-RBI double from Chisenhall in the seventh inning, sweeping home Carlos Santana, Kotchman, and Damon. Cincinnati got on the board in the eighth inning as Willie Harris grounded out to get Jay Bruce home. This was as close as it got, with the final standing at 8-1. The win went to Masterson, while Arroyo was pinned with the loss.

Back to the Atlantic, with the Boston Red Sox hosting the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Felix Doubront are the reliable starters. Miami wasted no time in getting on the board with Giancarlo Stanton grounding into a double play that allowed Jose Reyes to come home. The Marlins struck again in the second inning as Gaby Sanchez grounded out, allowing Justin Ruggiano to dart home. Boston took the lead in the bottom of the second on a three-run Mike Aviles home run, sweeping in Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Kevin Youkilis. The Red Sox added on in the third inning with a 3-RBI Cody Ross double, knocking in all of Daniel Nava, Ryan Kalish, and David Ortiz. Miami got some back in the fourth inning when Logan Morrison hit a solo home run and Sanchez singled Ruggiano across the dish. Boston answered in their half of the fourth, with Kalish singling Aviles home, followed by an Ortiz grand slam to bring home all of Nava, Kalish, and Adrian Gonzalez, and a solo shot by Saltalamacchia. The Red Sox got another in the fifth inning with Nick Punto scoring on a wild pitch. The Marlins got another in the seventh inning as John Buck hit a solo home run. Boston got a couple more in the eighth inning with a two-run home run by Will Middlebrooks, driving in Saltalamacchia. This made it 15-5, a final, with the win easily going to Doubront while Nolasco was charged with a hefty loss.

Back into New York, as the Mets host the Baltimore Orioles. Brian Matusz and Dillon Gee take their turns in the rotation. For a more detail analysis of this game, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for our second Game of the Day. New York was first on the board in the fourth inning with a Mike Nickeas single to bring in Scott Hairston. The Mets struck again in the fifth inning as Hairston hit a ground rule double to knock in Jordany Valdespin and Ike Davis grounded into a fielder's choice to get David Wright home. New York added on in the sixth inning with another ground rule double, this time from Wright to bring home the pitcher Gee. Baltimore got on the board in the eighth inning as Wilson Betemit hit a two-run home run, also scoring Nick Johnson. The Orioles got one back in the ninth inning as Steve Pearce walked with the bases loaded to force in Matt Wieters, but this only made it 4-3 and they never got the equalizer. Gee picked up the win, Frank Francisco walked away with the save, and Matusz was not off the hook for the loss.

West again to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Chicago Cubs. Randy Wells and Gavin Floyd are the well-known veterans pitching. The White Sox were first to score in the third inning as Adam Dunn singled in Eduardo Escobar and Paul Konerko did the same for Alejandro De Aza. The White Sox got another in the fourth inning as Gordon Beckham singled to score Alexei Ramirez. The White Sox extended their lead in the sixth inning on a three-run home run by Beckham, sweeping in Escobar and De Aza. The White Sox kept going in the seventh inning when Ramirez singled Alex Rios home. This made it 7-0 in the end, with Floyd cruising to the win and Wells getting no support in the loss.

Back into California, we have the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the San Francisco Giants. Aces Ryan Vogelsong and Jered Weaver pace the game. Los Angeles opened with a second inning Alberto Callaspo solo home run. The Angels padded the lead in the fifth inning as Erick Aybar singled Howie Kendrick across the dish before scoring himself on a Mike Trout single. Los Angeles padded the lead in the eighth inning with solo shots from Kendrys Morales and Mark Trumbo, and a Bobby Wilson double to drive in Kendrick. This made it 6-0 in the end, with Weaver returning from the disabled list with a win, and Vogelsong had no help in the loss.

Finally, a bit to the north the Oakland Athletics host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nathan Eovaldi and Tommy Milone are the relatively unknown pitchers atop the hill. Los Angeles got things going on a second inning Juan Uribe double to drive in Juan Rivera. Oakland tied it in the fourth inning as Seth Smith doubled in Yoenis Cespedes. The Athletics took a lead in the fifth inning as Josh Reddick grounded into a double play to get Eric Sogard home and Cespedes singled Coco Crisp home. Oakland added on in the eighth inning as Brandon Moss hit a solo home run. This produced a 4-1 final, with Milone going the distance for the win and Eovaldi taking the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime, taking in two games in the Big Apple today.

MLB Day 79 2012

Back to a full slate on Tuesday. I assume after two weeks, we all know which teams play in which leagues, so no more reminders at the top of the paragraphs. We begin with...

The New York Yankees hosting the Atlanta Braves. Tim Hudson and Hiroki Kuroda will be given the ball. New York began in the second inning on a Nick Swisher double, scoring both Mark Teixeira and Raul Ibanez. Atlanta answered in the third inning as Andrelton Simmons grounded out to get Jason Heyward home. The Braves added on in the fourth inning, tying the game when Chipper Jones doubled home Martin Prado and taking hte lead as Simmons singled to drive in Freddie Freeman. The Yankees retied it in the bottom of the fourth as Russell Martin reached on an error, bringing in Ibanez. Atlanta pulled ahead again on a sixth inning Heyward single to knock in Brian McCann. This was all they needed, winning 4-3, with Hudson earning the win, Craig Kimbrel turning his twentieth save of the season, and Kuroda was given the loss.

Over to Pittsburgh, as the Pirates host the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond and Kevin Correia are the slightly-above average starters. Pittsburgh struck first with a first inning Josh Harrison solo home run. The Pirates added on in the fifth inning as Casey McGehee hit a sacrifice fly to get Harrison home. Pittsburgh kept going in the sixth inning as Clint Barmes doubled in Pedro Alvarez, before coming home on a Matt Hague groundout. Minnesota got on the board in the seventh inning as Denard Span hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jamey Carroll. The Pirates replied in their half of the inning as Andrew McCutchen launched a two-run homer, sweeping home Harrison, followed by a Rod Barajas sacrifice fly to knock home Neil Walker. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 7-2. Correia picked up the win while Diamond was assigned the loss.

Northwest to Detroit, as the Tigers host the St. Louis Cardinals. Lance Lynn and Justin Verlander are the talented starters. Detroit wasted little time in getting on the board in the first inning as Delmon Young singled home Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers added on with a 2-RBI double in the second inning from Austin Jackson, scoring both Brennan Boesch and Jhonny Peralta, before Quintin Berry grounded out to get Ramon Santiago safely across the plate. Detroit struck again in the fifth inning as Young singled Berry across the dish. St. Louis got on the board in the sixth inning as Matt Holliday grounded out to plate Daniel Descalso. The Tigers answered in the bottom of the sixth with Cabrera singling in Santiago. The Cardinals got a couple back in the seventh inning as Carlos Beltran reached on an error that allowed both David Freese and Descalso to dash home. They got no further, falling 6-3, with Verlander recording the win, Phil Coke picking up a spot save, and Lynn suffered the loss.

Down a bit to the Battle of Ohio, as the Cleveland Indians welcome the Cincinnati Reds. Mike Leake and Josh Tomlin take their turns in the rotation. Cincinnati opened with a first inning Chris Heisey single to drive in Zack Cozart. Cleveland tied it in the fourth inning as Casey Kotchman singled home Carlos Santana. The Reds took the lead back in the tenth inning as Heisey scored on a wild pitch. The Indians got the last laugh in the bottom of the tenth on a two-run walkoff home run from Asdrubal Cabrera, also scoring Shin-Soo Choo for the 3-2 win. Nick Hagadone was in line for the win while Aroldis Chapman was pinned with the loss.

Eastward into the capital, as the Washington Nationals host the Tampa Bay Rays. David Price and Chien-Ming Wang are tabbed to start. For a more detailed analysis of this game, check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Tampa Bay started in the first inning as B.J. Upton singled home Desmond Jennings. Washington answered in the bottom of the first as Michael Morse reached on an error, allowing Danny Espinosa to get home. The Nationals added on in the second inning with an Ian Desmond solo home run. The Rays rallied ahead in the third inning as Carlos Pena hit a two-run home run, allowing Jennings to get home, followed by Elliot Johnson tripling to force in Ben Zobrist and Jose Lobaton. Washington pulled back with a two-run Morse homer in the sixth inning, also scoring Ryan Zimmerman. They couldn't get an equalizer, falling 5-4, with the win going to Price, the save to Fernando Rodney as his twentieth of the year, and loss was stuck on Wang.

Into Pennsylvania, as the Philadelphia Phillies host the Colorado Rockies. Josh Outman is mismatched with Cole Hamels. Colorado established a first inning lead with Tyler Colvin singling Eric Young in. Philadelphia tied it in the third inning with a Placido Polanco double to drive in Jimmy Rollins. The Phillies took the lead in the fourth inning on a two-run home run by John Mayberry, sweeping in Shane Victorino. Philadelphia extended the lead in the fifth inning as Carlos Ruiz doubled Rollins in. The Rockies got one back in the sixth inning as Chris Nelson singled Todd Helton across the dish. The Phillies shot back in the seventh inning as Hunter Pence grounded out to bring in Hamels before Ruiz hit a two-run homer, also scoring Rollins. This was all for the scoring, with Hamels picking up the win and Outman was stuck holding the loss.

Back into New York, the Mets host the Baltimore Orioles. Tommy Hunter and Johan Santana will be responsible for pitching. New York got things going with a fourth inning fielder's choice from Daniel Murphy, giving time for David Wright to come home. The Mets added on with a two-run Lucas Duda home run in the sixth inning, also scoring Jordany Valdespin. New York struck again in the seventh inning when Valdespin singled in both Josh Thole and Andres Torres. This made it 5-0, a final, with Santana throwing well in the win while Hunter had no support in the loss.

Up to Boston, with the Red Sox hosting the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Clay Buchholz received the starting nods. Miami opened began with a first inning two-run home run by Logan Morrison, also scoring Hanley Ramirez. Boston tied it on a David Ortiz two-run home run in the bottom of the first, sweeping in Dustin Pedroia. The Red Sox grabbed the lead in the second inning on a two-run blast by Kelly Shoppach, knocking in Will Middlebrooks. The Marlins got one back in the third inning as Morrison doubled Ramirez home. Boston responded in the fourth inning on a Cody Ross solo home run. Miami retied it in the fifth inning on a 2-RBI double by Morrison, plating both Ramirez and Giancarlo Stanton. The Red Sox retook the lead in the bottom of the fifth on an Adrian Gonzalez sacrifice fly allowing Mike Aviles to score. Boston extended the lead in the sixth inning as Middlebrooks doubled Kevin Youkilis home. This was all for the scoring, leaving the Red Sox with a 7-5 win. Buchholz notched the win, Alfredo Aceves converted the save, and Buehrle was given the loss.

Down into Texas, as the Houston Astros host the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Wandy Rodriguez will make the starts. Kansas City got an early lead on a Billy Butler solo home run in the first inning. The Royals added on in the third inning with Alcides Escobar singling Yuniesky Betancourt home. The scoring ended here at 2-0, with the win going to Hochevar in a rare strong start, while Jonathan Broxton turned a save and Rodriguez got no support in the loss.

North into Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the Toronto Blue Jays. Jesse Chavez and Tyler Thornburg are the completely unknown starters. Toronto was the first to score in the third inning as Brett Lawrie hit a two-run home run, also scoring J.P. Arencibia. Milwaukee got some back in the bottom of the third as Carlos Gomez doubled Thornburg in, followed by Corey Hart getting hit with a pitch to force in Gomez, Rickie Weeks walking with the bases loaded to push home Ryan Braun, and Martin Maldonado drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Aramis Ramirez. The Blue Jays went batty in the sixth inning with back-to-back-to-back solo home runs from Colby Rasmus, Jose Bautista, and Edwin Encarnacion, followed by Arencibia singling Yunel Escobar home. The Brewers continued to play to their strengths in the bottom of the sixth, with Braun drawing a bases-loaded walk to squeeze in Edwin Maysonet, before Ramirez cleaned the bases with a grand slam to sweep in all of Nyjer Morgan, Gomez, and Braun. Toronto pulled back a bit in the seventh inning as Encarnacion singled, allowing Bautista to get home on a subsequent error, before coming home himself when Escobar hit a single. The Blue Jays charged ahead in the ninth inning on back-to-back solo shots by Rasmus and Bautista. This stood for a 10-9 win, earned by Darren Oliver, while Casey Janssen notched the ave and John Axford was on the hook for the loss.

Back south a touch, as the Chicago White Sox host their crosstown rivals, the Chicago Cubs. Travis Wood and Jake Peavy will play from the mound. The White Sox got going in the second inning with Alexei Ramirez hitting a ground rule double to force in Alex Rios. The Cubs took the lead in the third inning as David DeJesus singled in both Geovany Soto and Tony Campana. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 2-1, with the win going to Wood, the save to Carlos Marmol, and Peavy was dealt the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, the Diamondbacks host the Seattle Mariners. Erasmo Ramirez and Daniel Hudson try to improve their seasons. Seattle started in the second inning as Justin Smoak hit a solo home run. The Mariners got another in the third inning when Kyle Seager singled home Ichiro. Arizona rallied ahead in their half of the third as Aaron Hill hit a sacrifice fly to get Willie Bloomquist home, followed by a 2-RBI Paul Goldschmidt single to knock in Justin Upton and Jason Kubel. The Diamondbacks added on in the fourth inning as both Gerardo Parra and Aaron Hill hit solo home runs. Seattle rallied ahead in the fifth inning with a pair of three-run home runs, as Seager went yard and took Ichiro and Franklin Gutierrez with him before Brendan Ryan did the same for Jesus Montero and Michael Saunders. Arizona pulled even in the bottom of the fifth as Goldschmidt hit a solo shot, followed by Lyle Overbay singling in Josh Bell and Bloomquist doing the same for Parra. The Diamondbacks took a lead in the sixth inning as Miguel Montero singled to drive in Kubel. The Mariners retied it in the eighth inning when Ichiro hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Ryan. Seattle rallied to a lead in the tenth inning with Casper Wells singling home both Munenori Kawasaki and Dustin Ackley before coming home on an Ichiro double. Charlie Furbush was in line for the 12-9 win, while Tom Wilhelmsen converted the save and J.J. Putz was on the hook for the loss.

Westward into California, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and C.J. Wilson are the well-known pitchers. Los Angeles quickly began with a first inning Albert Pujols three-run home run, also scoring Mike Trout and Torii Hunter, followed by a sacrifice fly from Peter Bourjos to plate Mark Trumbo. San Francisco got on the board in the second inning as Pablo Sandoval singled in Angel Pagan. The Angels shot back in the bottom of the second with a Pujols single to drive in Trout. Los Angeles added on in the fourth inning with Trumbo tripling to force in all of John Hester, Trout, and Pujols, before coming home on a Howie Kendrick sacrifice fly. The Giants pulled back a bit in the fifth inning with a Ryan Theriot sacrifice fly to plate Hector Sanchez and a Melky Cabrera fielder's choice allowing Joaquin Arias to dash home. San Francisco chipped away in the seventh inning as Buster Posey singled home Gregor Blanco and Pagan grounded out, which gave time for Theriot to dart home. The Angels padded their lead in the eighth inning when Hunter singled Bourjos across the dish before coming home alongside Trout on a Trumbo single. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 12-5, with Wilson getting the win and Zito taking the loss.

Down in San Diego, the Padres host the Texas Rangers. Scott Feldman and Edinson Volquez are the struggling starters. San Diego was first on the board with a Nick Hundley single to drive in Everth Cabrera in the second inning. Texas rallied ahead in the third inning as Josh Hamilton tripled to force in both Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus, before coming home on an Adrian Beltre sacrifice fly. The Rangers added on in the sixth inning when Nelson Cruz doubled home both Hamilton and Beltre, before finishing his trip on a Feldman single. The Padres got one back in the bottom of the sixth on a Yonder Alonso fielder's choice, giving time for Cameron Maybin to dash home. Texas shot back in the seventh inning with a Beltre solo home run. San Diego tried a ninth inning rally with a John Baker single to bring home Hundley, but this only made the final 7-3. Feldman got the win while Volquez suffered the loss.

Finally, up in Oakland, the Athletics host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Brandon McCarthy paced the game. Oakland busted things open in the first inning when Seth Smith singled to score Coco Crisp, and also Jemile Weeks on an error, before he came home on a Jonny Gomes single. The scoring ended here with the final at 3-0. McCarthy picked up an easy win, while Ryan Cook turned the save and Harang struggled with control in the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of the lifetime as we hit the eastern seaboard, beginning in Washington, D.C.

Monday, June 18, 2012

MLB Day 78 2012

Travel day gives us a few less games today, but we still have some. We begin in...

Cleveland, as the Indians of the American League host the Cincinnati Reds in the battle of Ohio. Mat Latos and Derek Lowe are set to start. Cincinnati struck first with a first inning Joey Votto solo home run. Cleveland tied it on a Shin-Soo Choo solo shot in the bottom of the first. The Reds got the lead back in the second inning with a Scott Rolen single to bring in Jay Bruce and a Ryan Hanigan single plating Ryan Ludwick. The Indians rallied to take a lead in their half of the second as Johnny Damon grounded out to bring in Michael Brantley before Lonnie Chisenhall hit a two-run home run, also scoring Carlos Santana. Cincinnati reclaimed the lead in the third inning when Ludwick doubled in Brandon Phillips, followed by Rolen singling to drive in Bruce. Cleveland took the lead once again in the fourth inning on a two-run Casey Kotchman home run, sweeping in Brantley, followed by Choo doubling home Chisenhall. The Reds retied the game in the fifth inning as Phillips doubled Votto home and scored on the same play thanks to an error by Damon. The Indians stormed back ahead in the sixth inning when Kotchman grounded out to get Santana home and Chisenhall singled Damon across the dish. Cincinnati got one back in the seventh inning on a Bruce solo home run. Cleveland shot back on a Brantley sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh, allowing Asdrubal Cabrera safe passage home. The Reds tried a rally in the ninth inning as Bruce singled to knock in Phillips, but they didn't get the equalizer, falling 10-9. Joe Smith was in line for the win while Chris Perez turned a shaky save and Sam LeCure was handed the loss.

Eastward and still in the AL, the New York Yankees host the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor is mismatched with CC Sabathia. Atlanta was first to score with a first inning Martin Prado groundout giving Michael Bourn time to get home. The Braves added on in the fifth inning as Bourn singled in Jason Heyward. New York got the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Russell Martin hit a ground rule double, knocking in Alex Rodriguez, before he came home alongside Robinson Cano on a Derek Jeter single. The Yankees got another in the sixth inning as Mark Teixeira hit a solo home run. New York extended the lead in the seventh inning when Jeter singled home Chris Stewart. The Yankees kept going in the eighth inning on a Cano solo shot. This made it 6-2, a final, with Sabathia going the distance for the win while Minor was dealt the loss.

Staying in New York, we have the Mets of the National League hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Jake Arrieta and R.A. Dickey are tabbed to start. New York busted things open in the sixth inning on an Ike Davis grand slam, sweeping in Dickey, Jordany Valdespin, and Lucas Duda. The Mets got another in the eighth inning on a David Wright single to bring home Valdespin. This was all they needed for a 5-0 win, with Dickey throwing another one-hit complete game shutout, also allowing two walks while fanning thirteen, and Arrieta had no help in the loss.

Southwest to Houston, as the Astros host the Kansas City Royals under NL rules. Jonathan Sanchez and J.A. Happ try to turn their seasons around pitching. Kansas City quickly got a first inning lead on a Jeff Francoeur single to bring home Yuniesky Betancourt. Houston tied it on a Brian Bixler solo home run in the bottom of the first, and took the lead as Justin Maxwell scored on an error. The Astros struck again in the fourth inning on a Chris Snyder single to bring in Chris Johnson, followed by Maxwell drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Snyder. The Royals got one back in the sixth inning as Billy Butler grounded out to bring in Alex Gordon. Houston extended the lead in the eighth inning as Brian Bogusevic hit a solo shot, followed by Bixler doubling home both Snyder and Jose Altuve before finishing his trip on a two-run home run from Maxwell. Kansas City tried a rally in the ninth inning as Jarrod Dyson singled to score Mike Moustakas, Mitch Maier hit a sacrifice fly to plate Alcides Escobar, Betancourt singed home both Humberto Quintero and Dyson, and Butler singled to knock in Gordon, but this only made it 9-7 in the end. Happ earned the win, Xavier Cedeno got a spot save, and Sanchez was tagged for the loss.

Northward and into the AL, as the Chicago White Sox host their same-city neighbors, the Chicago Cubs. Matt Garza opposes a lesser foe in Zach Stewart. For a more detailed recap of this game, please check ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the featured Game of the Day. The Cubs began with a third inning Bryan LaHair two-run home run, also scoring Starlin Castro. The Cubs added on in the fifth inning with a Castro two-run homer, sweeping in Tony Campana, followed by an Alfonso Soriano solo home run. The White Sox got one back in the bottom of the fifth as A.J. Pierzynski hit a solo shot. The Cubs got it back in the sixth inning on a Soto solo home run. The White Sox chipped back in the bottom of the sixth as Paul Konerko hit a two-run home run, sweeping home Gordon Beckham. The Cubs shot back in the seventh inning as Soriano singled to plate David DeJesus before Steve Clevenger did the same for Castro, and Darwin Barney followed suit to bring in Soriano, and then Luis Valbuena hit a three-run home run to bring home both Clevenger and Barney. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 12-3, with Garza notching the win and Stewart was given the loss.

North again, still in the NL, as the Milwaukee Brewers host the Toronto Blue Jays. Henderson Alvarez and Randy Wolf are the uninspiring pitchers. Toronto wasted no time in taking a first inning lead, as Brett Lawrie hit a solo home run to lead the game off. Milwaukee took the lead in the bottom of the first inning on a 2-RBI Rickie Weeks single to knock in both Nyjer Morgan and Ryan Braun. The Brewers added on in the second inning when Norichika Aoki hit a bunt single, giving Edwin Maysonet time to score, followed by a Braun fielder's choice to plate the pitcher Wolf, and then both Morgan and Braun scored on an Aramis Ramirez double. The Blue Jays got one back in the third inning as Edwin Encarnacion grounded into a double play to score Lawrie. The Blue Jays got another in the sixth inning as Encarnacion hit a solo shot. The Blue Jays tied it in the seventh inning as Jose Bautista went yard on a three-run home run, sweeping home Lawrie and Colby Rasmus. Milwaukee took the lead back in the bottom of the seventh as Ramirez hit a solo home run. This stood up for a 7-6 victory, with Kameron Loe in line for the win, John Axford pitched a clean ninth for the save, and Robert Coello was on the hook for the loss.

Staying in the NL, we head to Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the Seattle Mariners. Hector Noesi and Wade Miley are the relatively unknown starters. Arizona rallied to a lead in the first inning with Justin Upton singling Willie Bloomquist in, followed by Jason Kubel and Paul Goldschmidt hitting a sacrifice fly each, plating Aaron Hill and Upton. The Diamondbacks added on in the third inning as Upton hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Hill. Seattle found the scoreboard in the sixth inning as Casper Wells singled to score Kyle Seager. Arizona surged back in the bottom of the sixth as Miguel Montero hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Kubel, and Josh Bell singled Goldschmidt home. The Diamondbacks got another in the seventh inning as Hill completed his cycle with a solo shot. His single came in the first inning, his triple in the third, and his double in the fifth. This completed a 7-1 victory for the Diamondbacks, with Miley taking the win and Noesi getting served with the loss.

Westward to Anaheim, where we switch to the AL with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the San Francisco Giants of greater northern California. Mr. Perfect, Matt Cain takes the mound against Jerome Williams. Los Angeles quickly ended Cain's repeat bid with an Albert Pujols sacrifice fly to drive in Mike Trout. San Francisco got the lead back in the second inning as Brandon Crawford tripled to force in both Pablo Sandoval and Brandon Belt. The Angels retied it in the bottom of the second on a Mark Trumbo solo home run. The Giants retook the lead in the third inning on an Angel Pagan single to bring home Melky Cabrera. San Francisco got another in the fourth inning when Ryan Theriot singled to score Joaquin Arias. Los Angeles got one back in the bottom of the fourth on a Bobby Wilson sacrifice fly to bring in Alberto Callaspo. The Giants answered in the sixth inning as Theriot hit a single that allowed Arias to dash home. This was it for the scoring in a 5-3 game, with Cain picking up a less-than-perfect win while Santiago Casilla grabbed the save and Williams left the game with breathing troubles and was unable to breathe easier taking the loss.

Finally, we're back in the NL as the San Diego Padres host the Texas Rangers to close out the day. Matt Harrison and Jason Marquis will be atop the hill. Texas struck first in the first inning with a 2-RBI David Murphy single, scoring both Elvis Andrus and Adrian Beltre. San Diego answered in their half of the first as Chase Headley doubled to score Chris Denorfia. This was it for the scoring, as the Rangers held on for a 2-1win. Harrison picked up the win, Joe Nathan got the save, and Marquis was handed the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime, passing through Chicago today.

Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 11 2012

Here's your somewhat surprising studs this week.

1. Brandon Moss
2. Trevor Plouffe
3. Colby Lewis
4. Matt Cain
5. R.A. Dickey
6. Brandon Phillips
7. Mark Reynolds
8. Johnny Cueto
9. Madison Bumgarner
10. Casey McGehee

Not the usual suspects this week. The real all-star game is quickly approaching at this point.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

MLB Day 77 2012

Full slate on what I hope is a happy Father's Day for all the dads out there. We begin in...

Detroit, as the Tigers host the Colorado Rockies under American League rules. Jeremy Guthrie and Max Scherzer are taking the hill. Detroit opened in the second inning on a Gerald Laird double to drive in Don Kelly. The Tigers added on in the third inning as Prince Fielder doubled to score Qunitin Berry, before he came home alongside Miguel Cabrera on a Ramon Santiago single. Detroit got another in the sixth inning as Cabrera doubled to knock in Austin Jackson. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 5-0, with Scherzer getting the win while Guthrie was given the loss.

Down in Cleveland and still in the AL, the Indians hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates. Brad Lincoln and Jeanmar Gomez are the uninspiring starters. For a more detailed recap of this game, check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip. blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Cleveland was first on the board with a first inning Jason Kipnis solo home run. The Indians got another in the second inning as Casey Kotchman singled in Johnny Damon. Pittsburgh went ahead in the fourth inning on a three-run home run by Pedro Alvarez, also scoring Garrett Jones and Casey McGehee. Cleveland shot back in the bottom of the fourth as Shin-Soo Choo doubled home both Damon and Lou Marson. The Pirates rallied in the fifth inning to take the lead again, as Alex Presley hit a solo shot, followed by McGehee reaching on an error to bring in Neil Walk and Andrew McCutchen, and then Alvarez cleared the bases of Jones and McGehee on another three-run homer. The Indians got one back in the seventh inning as Michael Brantley doubled to bring in Kipnis. This made it 9-5, with Tony Watson in line for the win while Gomez was served the loss.

Up into Canada, we continue in the AL, with the Toronto Blue Jays hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Brett Cecil are called on for the starters. Toronto was first to score in the first inning as Colby Rasmus doubled in Brett Lawrie before coming home on a Kelly Johnson single. Philadelphia got one back in the second inning on a Jim Thome solo home run. The Phillies tied it in the third inning with a solo shot by John Mayberry. The Blue Jays took the lead in the fourth inning on a Rajai Davis single driving in Yunel Escobar. Toronto added on in the fifth inning with a two-run Rasmus home run, also scoring Lawrie. The Blue Jays got another in the seventh inning with Rasmus singling, which combined with an error to plate Jeff Mathis. This made it 6-2, a final, with the win going to Cecil and the loss to Kendrick.

Back stateside, we switch to the National League as the New York Mets host the Cincinnati Reds in the NL-only game. Johnny Cueto and Chris Young will be handed the ball. New York began in the second inning as the pitcher Young walked with the bases loaded to force in Ike Davis. Cincinnati took the lead in the fifth inning when Wilson Valdez singled in Zack Cozart, before scoring on a Brandon Phillips single, which also brought in Joey Votto on a subsequent error. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 3-1, with Cueto picking up the win, Sean Marshall turning the save, and Young suffering the loss.

Staying in the NL, we go down to Atlanta, with the Braves hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Randall Delgado are the relatively unknown starters. Baltimore got things going in the second inning as Mark Reynolds hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Adam Jones. The Orioles got another as Chen sacrificed, and combined with a balk, Steve Pearce crossed the plate. This was it for the scoring, with Baltimore earning a 2-0 win, which was credited to Chen, while Jim Johnson turned his twentieth save of the season, and Delgado had no help in the loss.

North again, staying in the NL as we stop in Washington, D.C., for the Nationals hosting the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Edwin Jackson get the starting nods. New York drew first blood with a first inning Mark Teixeira sacrifice fly, allowing Derek Jeter to score. Washington tied it in the second inning on an Adam LaRoche solo home run. The Yankees got the lead again in the fifth inning on a Curtis Granderson solo shot. New York extended the lead in the seventh inning on a Robinson Cano solo home run, followed by Andruz Jones drawing a walk and Teixeira scoring on a passed ball on the same play. This made it 4-1, which eventually was the final, with Nova earning the win, Rafael Soriano converting the save, and Jackson getting little run support in the loss.

Down to the battle of Florida, as the Tampa Bay Rays of the AL host the Miami Marlins. Jim Johnson faces a lesser for in Alex Cobb. Tampa Bay wasted little time in scoring first in the first inning on a B.J. Upton solo home run. The Rays got another in the sixth inning on a Drew Sutton single to bring in Elliot Johnson. Tampa Bay added on in the seventh inning as Ben Zobrist singled to score Upton. This made it 3-0, a final, with Cobb earning a solid win, Fernando Rodney turning the save, and Johnson getting no run support in the loss.

Northward, we end up in Minnesota, as the the Twins of the AL host the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke and Nick Blackburn will be pitching this afternoon. Milwaukee led off with a first inning Aramis Ramirez single to drive in Nyjer Morgan. Minnesota answered on a Joe Mauer single in the third inning to plate Jamey Carroll. The Brewers got the lead again in the fifth inning as Corey Hart hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Norchika Aoki and Morgan. The Twins rallied to tie it in the seventh inning as Carroll singled in Trevor Plouffe, Ben Revere singled home Carroll, and Mauer singled Denard Span across the dish. Minnesota won it in walkoff fashion in the fifteenth inning as Span singled Brian Dozier home for a 5-4 win. Anthony Swarzak was in line for the win while Tim Dillard was stuck holding the loss.

South a bit and into the NL, as the St. Louis Cardinals host the Kansas City Royals. Luis Mendoza is mismatched with Adam Wainwright. Kansas City opened the scoring in the second inning as Humberto Quintero singled to drive in Mike Moustakas. St. Louis took the lead in the sixth inning with solo home runs by Matt Holliday and Allen Craig. The Royals tied it in the ninth inning on a Billy Butler solo shot. Kansas City took the lead in the fourteenth inning as Yuniesky Betancourt doubled in Alex Gordon. The Cardinals avoided the loss in their half of the fourteenth as Yadier Molina singled to knock in Craig. The Royals reclaimed the lead in the fifteenth inning on a Betancourt two-run home run, also scoring Jarrod Dyson, and they held on for the 5-3 win. Jonathan Broxton escaped with a win after blowing a save, while Eduardo Sanchez wasn't so lucky.

Farther to the south, we hit the battle of Texas, as the Rangers host the Houston Astros under AL rules. Dallas Keuchel and Colby Lewis will have the green light to pitch. Houston finally opened the scoring in the fifth inning on a Matt Downs single to bring home Jason Castro. Texas rallied ahead in the sixth inning as Ian Kinsler wiped the bases clean with a 3-RBI triple, sweeping in Nelson Cruz, Mike Napoli, and Craig Gentry, followed by Michael Young singling in both Kinsler and eventually Elvis Andrus on the throw home, before he came home on a two-run home run from Adrian Beltre. The Rangers added on in the seventh inning as Andrus singled Yorvit Torrealba across the dish. The Astros responded in the eighth inning on a 2-RBI single from Carlos Lee, knocking in Brian Bixler and Jose Altuve. Texas got another in the bottom of the eighth as Torrealba grounded into a fielder's choice allowing safe passage home for Beltre. This was all the scoring the game had to offer, with the Rangers winning 9-3. Lewis picked up the win while Fernando Rodriguez was handed the loss.

Out in California, we stay in the AL, where the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Garrett Richards played from the mound. Los Angeles got things going in the fourth inning on an Albert Pujols solo home run. The Angels added on in the seventh inning with a Mike Trout double to knock in Peter Bourjos. This made it 2-0, the final, with Richards pitching well for a win, Ernesto Frieri picking up a save with a clean ninth inning, and Kennedy going the distance but taking the loss.

Up into Oakland, we're still in the AL as the Athletics host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Bartolo Colon are the reliable starters. San Diego began in the third inning as Will Venable grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Everth Cabrera. The Padres got another in the ninth inning as Logan Forsythe scored on a wild pitch. Oakland tried a rally in the bottom of the ninth as Coco Crisp singled in Seth Smith, but they couldn't get the equalizer, falling 2-1. Richard got the win, Huston Street tossed a sloppy save, and Colon was on the hook for the loss.

Back south and over in the NL, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Chicago White Sox. Jose Quintana and Chris Capuano are the surprisingly good starters. Chicago started with a sixth inning Dayan Viciedo single to score Brent Lillibridge. Los Angeles tied it in the ninth inning when Juan Rivera hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Bobby Abreu. The Dodgers won in the tenth inning on a walkoff Dee Gordon single that plated Tony Gwynn, Jr. for a 2-1 win. Ronald Belisario was in line for the win while Matt Thornton was handed the loss.

Northward to Seattle and the AL, as the Mariners host the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner and Felix Hernandez are the aces pacing the game. San Francisco opened early with a first inning Angel Pagan single to score Pablo Sandoval. Seattle tied it in the second inning as Dustin Ackley hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Casper Wells. The Mariners won it in walkoff fashion in the ninth inning as Justin Smoak singled Munenori Kawasaki across the dish. Tom Wilhelmsen picked up the win, while Sergio Romo was pinned with the loss.

Finally, we go back east to Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Boston Red Sox. Franklin Morales and Paul Maholm will make the starts. Boston staked an early lead in the first inning as Dustin Pedroia doubled in Scott Podsednik before coming home on a David Ortiz single. Chicago got one back in the bottom of the first as Starlin Castro tripled to force in Reed Johson. The Cubs tied it in the third inning as Castro doubled Darwin Barney across the dish. The Red Sox got the lead back in the fourth inning on an Ortiz solo home run. Chicago tied it again in the sixth inning as Jeff Baker reached on an error that allowed Barney to score. Boston rallied back ahead in the seventh inning as Ryan Kalish singled in Darnell McDonald, followed by Will Middlebrooks hitting a sacrifice fly to knock in Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Daniel Nava sacrificing to get Kalish the rest of the way home. The Red Sox added an insurance run in the eighth inning when Saltalamacchia grounded into a fielder's choice to get Ortiz home. The Cubs tried a ninth inning rally as David DeJesus hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Tony Campana, but this only made it a 7-4 final. Matt Albers was in line for the win while Shawn Camp was the victim of the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime, dodging raindrops in Cleveland today.