MLB Day 142 2012

Full schedule again, which begins in...

Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Colorado Rockies. Alex White and Brooks Raley are the uninspiring pitchers. Chicago started in the fourth inning as Welington Castillo reached on an error, before scoring on a two-run home run by Brett Jackson. Colorado got some back in the fifth inning on a two-run Josh Rutledge home run, also scoring Jonathan Herrera. The Rockies tied it in the sixth inning when Andrew Brown hit a solo home run. Colorado got the lead in the seventh inning as Carlos Gonzalez grounded into a fielder's choice, giving time to score DJ LeMahieu. This was good for a 4-3 final, with Carlos Torres notching the win, Rafael Betancourt turning the save, and Manule Corpas was stuck with the loss.

South to Tampa Bay, as the Rays host the Oakland Athletics. Brandon McCarthy and Jeremy Hellickson are on the mound. Oakland opened in the first inning with Seth Smith striking out, but Jose Lobaton committed an error that allowed Coco Crisp to score, followed by Chris Carter hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Stephen Drew. Tampa Bay got on the board in the second inning on a Lobaton sacrifice fly to bring around Luke Scott. The Athletics replied in the third inning as Smith hit a solo home run. The Rays shot back in the fourth inning on a Desmond Jennings solo shot. They failed to score again, losing 4-2, with the win going to McCarthy, the save tossed by Grant Balfour, and the loss was pinned on Hellickson.

Back north, the New York Mets host the Houston Astros. Fernando Abad is mismatched with R.A. Dickey. New York led off with a fourth inning single by Dickey to drive in Ronny Cedeno. The Mets got another in the sixth inning on a Justin Turner solo home run. Houston got on the board in the seventh inning as Scott Moore scored on a wild pitch. New York replied with an eighth inning Jason Bay single to bring in Scott Hairston. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 3-1. Dickey earned the win, Frank Francisco turned the save, and Abad was handed the loss.

To the west, the Cincinnati Reds host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jaime Garcia and Mike Leake are the average pitchers. Cincinnati struck first in the third inning on a Brandon Phillips single to knock in the pitcher Leake. St. Louis tied it in the fifth inning as a Matt Carpenter sacrifice fly brought in Tony Cruz. The Reds gained the lead in the sixth inning with Todd Frazier grounding into a fielder's choice to allow Phillips to come home, followed by a two-run home run from Jay Bruce, also scoring Frazier. The Cardinals answered in the seventh inning as Shane Robinson grounded into a double play to bring in Cruz. Cincinnati padded the lead in the bottom of the seventh on a Phillips solo home run, a Scott Rolen single scoring both Ryan Ludwick and Frazier, and a Dioner Navarro single to knock in Bruce. This ended the scoring at 8-2, with Leake picking up the win and Garcia taking the loss.

Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Minnesota Twins. Brian Duensing and Ryan Dempster are the veteran starters. Texas began with a first inning Ian Kinsler solo home run, followed by Nelson Cruz doubling Josh Hamilton in. The Rangers added on in the second inning as Mitch Moreland hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Geovany Soto and Craig Gentry. Texas struck again in the third inning when Soto singled Cruz across the plate, followed by Kinsler tripling to force in all of David Murphy, Soto, and Gentry. Minnesota got on the board in the fourth inning with a Justin Morneau solo shot. The Twins got another in the fifth inning as Pedro Florimon singled to knock in Jamey Carroll. Minnesota pulled closer in the seventh inning as Joe Mauer doubled to drive in Ben Revere. This was as close as it got, with the final being 9-3, giving Dempster the win and Duensing the loss.

Out west, the San Francisco Giants host the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor and Madison Bumgarner are the talented pitchers. Atlanta was first on the board in the third inning with a three-run Jason Heyward home run, sweeping in Minor and Martin Prado. San Francisco got on the board in the fifth inning as Brandon Belt grounded out to bring in Hunter Pence. The Braves added on in the seventh inning on a Michael Bourn single to plate Minor. The Giants pulled closer in the bottom of the seventh as Gregor Blanco doubled both Buster Posey and Belt in. Atlanta extended the lead in the eighth inning as Bourn and Prado each walked with the bases loaded, forcing in Dan Uggla and Paul Janish. The Braves padded the lead in the ninth inning as Reed Johnson doubled Freddie Freeman across the dish for a 7-3 final. Minor got the win while Bumgarner was dealt the loss.

Back east, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum returns from the disabled list to pitch against Jeff Karstens. Pittsburgh rallied to a lead in the fifth inning as Michael McKenry doubled in Neil Walker before scoring on a single by the pitcher Karstens, who then scored on a Jose Tabat double, followed by Travis Snider singling to plate Tabata. This was all the scoring in the game, with the final being 4-0. Karstens was strong in the win while Marcum had no help in the loss.

West again to Detroit, with the Tigers hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren opposes a lesser foe in Drew Smyly. Los Angeles led off with a third inning Vernon Wells solo home run, followed by Howie Kendrick singling in Bobby Wilson. The Angels got another in the fourth inning with Erick Aybar doubling Kendrys Morales home. Detroit got on the board in the sixth inning when Delmon Young doubled to plate Omar Infante before scoring on an Andy Dirks single. The Tigers pulled ahead in the eighth inning on a 2-RBI Jhonny Peralta double, scoring both Prince Fielder and Dirks, followed by Alex Avila singling to finish Peralta's trip around. This made the final 5-3, with Octavio Dotel in line for the win, Jose Valverde tossing the save, and Garrett Richards was pinned with the loss.

Down into Cleveland, as the Indians host the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Justin Masterson are on the hill. Cleveland started in the first inning as Michael Brantley hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Jason Kipnis and Shin-Soo Choo. New York got on the board in the sixth inning as Mark Teixeira hit a sacrifice fly to allow Derek Jeter to come home. They got no closer, falling 3-1, with Masterson picking up the win, Chris Perez turning the save, and Kuroda going the distance in the loss.

Over in Baltimore, the Orioles host the Toronto Blue Jays. Brandon Morrow and Steve Johnson have the green light to pitch. Toronto opened in the first inning on a two-run Edwin Encarnacion home run, also scoring Jose Bautista. Baltimore pulled even in the third inning as Adam Jones reached on an error to get Nick Markakis home, followed by a Matt Wieters sacrifice fly to bring in J.J. Hardy. The Orioles gained the lead in the fifth inning on a Jones single plating both Markakis and Hardy. Baltimore added on in the sixth inning as Hardy hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Manny Machado, followed by Wieters singling to drive in Nate McLouth. The Orioles padded the lead in the seventh inning as Machado singled to knock in Mark Reynolds. This ended the scoring at 8-2, with Johnson notching the win and Morrow suffering a rough loss.

Into Philadelphia as the Phillies host the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Roy Halladay pace the game. Philadelphia was first on the board in the first inning as Chase Utley singled in Jimmy Rollins, followed by John Mayberry doing the same for Kevin Frandsen. Washington tied it in the fifth inning as Steve Lombardozzi singled both Danny Espinosa and Kurt Suzuki. The Phillies took the lead in the sixth inning on a Mayberry solo home run. Philadelphia added on in the eighth inning as Mayberry's sacrifice fly provided time for Utley to dart home. This made it 4-2, a final, with Halladay getting the win, Jonathan Papelbon turning the save, and Gonzalez was stuck with the loss.

Onward to Massachusetts, where the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system Boston Red Sox host the Kansas City Royals. Jeremy Guthrie and Aaron Cook was the middling starters. Kansas City began in the first inning with Alex Gordon doubling in both Jarrod Dyson and Alcides Escobar, followed by Billy Butler singling Gordon the rest of the way home. Boston pulled ahead in the second inning on a Mauro Gomez solo home run and a three-run home run by Mike Aviles, sweeping in Jarrod Saltamacchia and Ryan Lavarnway. The Red Sox padded the lead in the third inning with Gomez singling in Dustin Pedroia and also Jacoby Ellsbury on an error, followed by a Saltalamacchia sacrifice fly to bring in Cody Ross. Boston padded the lead in the fourth inning with Ross singling to plate Pedro Ciriaco, followed by Gomez doing the same for Ellsbury. The Royals rallied to tie in the seventh inning on a 2-RBI Gordon single to drive in Eric Hosmer and Dyson, followed by Butler hitting a ground rule double to force in Escobar, Salvador Perez singling to finish Gordon's trip around, and Mike Moustakas tripling to push in Butler and Perez. Kansas City took the lead in the twelfth inning on a Tony Cruz single to bring around Jeff Francoeur. This was good for a 10-9 win, with Francisley Bueno in line for the win, Greg Holland getting the save, and Junichi Tazawa was dealt the loss.

Back to the west, the Chicago White Sox host the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beavan and Jose Quintana are the young pitchers. Seattle led off with a three-run Kyle Seager home run, sweeping in Dustin Ackley and Trayvon Robinson. Chicago got on the board in the bottom of the first as Paul Konerko singled to plate Dewayne Wise. The White Sox pulled close in the third inning on an Alex Rios single to knock in Kevin Youkilis. Chicago gained the lead in the sixth inning as Tyler Flowers hit a solo home run and Wise singling to drive in Alexei Ramirez. The White Sox padded the lead as Ramirez hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Rios to dash home. The Mariners got one back in the ninth inning as Seager hit a solo shot, but they couldn't tie it and lost 5-4. Nate Jones was given the win, Addison Reed turned a messy save, and Beavan was dinged for the loss.

Down in Arizona, the Diamondbacks host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Ian Kennedy are the staff aces pitching. San Diego got going in the first inning as Chase Headley hit a solo home run. Arizona replied in the second inning when Justin Upton hit a two-run inside-the-park home run, also scoring Paul Goldschmidt. The Padres tied it back up in the fourth inning with a Carlos Quentin solo shot. San Diego gained the lead as Yonder Alonso hit a solo home run in the fifth inning. The Padres extended the lead in the sixth inning as Yasmani Grandal walked with the bases loaded to force in Everth Cabrera and Alonso singling in Headley and Quentin. San Diego got some more in the eighth inning with a Headley sacrifice fly to bring in Will Venable, a Cameron Maybin bases-loaded walk to push in Quentin, and an Alexi Amarista sacrifice fly that provided Grandal safe passage home. The Diamondbacks got one back in the bottom of the eighth on an Aaron Hill solo shot.

Finally, out in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson and Clayton Kershaw are penciled in to pitch in a battle of aces. Miami struck first in the first inning as Jose Reyes grounded out to bring in Gorkys Hernandez. Los Angeles replied in the bottom of the first on a Luiz Cruz double to drive in Mark Ellis, followed by a three-run Adrian Gonzalez home run, sweeping in Cruz and Matt Kemp. The Marlins shot back with a second inning Giancarlo Stanton solo home run. The Dodgers replied with a Mark Ellis solo shot in their half of the inning. Los Angeles extended the lead in the third inning with A.J. Ellis singling to plate Andre Ethier. The Dodgers added on in the fifth inning as Ethier hit a solo home run. Los Angeles kept going in the eighth inning with Cruz singling to get Nick Punto across the dish. This was good for an 8-2 final, with Kershaw picking up the win and Johnson suffering the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 141 2012

Full slate today, with one matinee from...

Wrigley Field, as the Chicago Cubs host the Colorado Rockies. Drew Pomeranz and Jeff Samardzija are the underrated starters. Colorado got going in the first inning as Jonathan Herrera scored on a wild pitch. The Rockies added on in the second inning as Chris Nelson hit a solo home run. Colorado got another in the third inning with a Carlos Gonzalez solo shot. Chicago pulled back in the fifth inning with solo home runs by Alfonso Soriano and Welington Castillo. The Cubs grabbed the lead in the eighth inning on a Brett Jackson solo shot, a Joe Mather single to knock in Luis Valbuena, and Anthony Rizzo reaching on an error that allowed Mather to finish his trip. This was it for the scoring, with the final standing at 5-3. James Russell picked up the win, Carlos Marmol got the save, and Matt Belisle was dealt the loss.

Up in Detroit, the Tigers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Zack Greinke faces a lesser foe in Rick Porcello. Los Angeles started in the sixth inning on a Howie Kendrick double to plate Maicer Izturis and Mark Trumbo. Detroit got on the board in the eighth inning as Miguel Cabrera hit a solo home run. It wasn't enough to avoid a 2-1 loss, with the win belonging to Greinke, Garrett Richards picking up a spot save, and Porcello took the unlucky loss.

East to Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and Kyle Kendrick draw the starts. Philadelphia got on the board in the first inning as Chase Utley singled in Jimmy Rollins. The Phillies added on in the fourth inning when Rollins singled both John Mayberry and Laynce Nix. Washington got on the board in the seventh inning with a two-run home run by Tyler Moore, also scoring Kurt Suzuki. Philadelphia extended the lead in the eighth inning as Ryan Howard singled home Utley. This made the final 4-2, with Kendrick notching the win, Jonathan Papelbon tossing the save, and Jackson suffered the loss.

Across the state, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Milwaukee Brewers. Mike Fiers and Wandy Rodriguez are the reliable pitchers. Milwaukee began with a first inning Corey Hart double to knock in Aramis Ramirez, before scoring on a Jonathan Lucroy single. Pittsburgh tied it in the fourth inning on a 2-RBI Andrew McCutchen single, plating both Jose Tabata and Travis Snider. The Brewers took the lead back in the seventh inning as Ramirez doubled, sweeping in Norichika Aoki, Rickie Weeks, and Ryan Braun, before scoring on a Hart single. The Pirates shot back with a Rod Barajas solo home run in the bottom of the seventh. Pittsburgh tried a ninth inning rally as Neil Walker singled to drive in McCutchen, followed by Michael McKenry doing the same for Garrett Jones, but they still lost 6-5. Fiers was credited with the win, Kameron Loe cleaned up a mess for a save, and Rodriguez was given the loss.

Into Maryland, with the Baltimore Orioles hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Carlos Villanueva and Zach Britton are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Toronto led off in the second inning as Kelly Johnson singled to drive in Edwin Encarnacion. Baltimore tied it in the bottom of the second on a Chris Davis solo home run. The Orioles got the lead in the fourth inning on a Davis solo shot. Baltimore padded the lead in the sixth inning as Matt Wieters hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Nate McLouth, followed by Davis' third home run of the game, a two-run homer also scoring Adam Jones. The Blue Jays answered in the seventh inning as Rajai Davis doubled to get Mike McCoy across the dish. The Orioles shot back in the bottom of the seventh as Nick Markakis hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Robert Andino to dash home. Toronto tried a ninth inning rally as Jeff Mathis hit a two-run home run, sweeping in McCoy, but they couldn't tie it and lost 6-4. Britton picked up the win, Jim Johnson got the save, and Villanueva was not freed from the loss.

West to Cleveland, as the Indians welcome the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia and Corey Kluber take their turns in the rotation. New York started in the first inning as Nick Swisher doubled home Derek Jeter. Cleveland tied it in the fourth inning with an Asdrubal Cabrera solo home run. The Yankees took the lead in the seventh inning as Swisher hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jeter. This ended the scoring at 3-1, with Sabathia earning the win, Rafael Soriano converting the save, and Cody Allen was responsible for the loss.

Speaking of New York, the Mets host the Houston Astros. Jordan Lyles and Jonathon Niese have the green light to pitch. Houston got things going in the second inning with a Brandon Barnes double to plate Chris Snyder before he scored on a double by the pitcher Lyles. New York got on the board in the fourth inning with a David Wright solo home run. The Astros added on in the seventh inning with a Tyler Greene solo shot. This gave them a 3-1 lead, good for a final, with Lyles getting the win, Wilton Lopez turning the save, and Niese was stuck with the loss.

Back in Ohio, the Cincinnati Reds host the St. Louis Cardinals. Lance Lynn and Mat Latos take the mound. Cincinnati struck first in the first inning as Brandon Phillips singled in Zack Cozart, followed by Ryan Ludwick grounding into a double play to allow Drew Stubbs to get home. St. Louis got on the board in the second inning as David Freese grounded into a double to play to give Allen Craig time to score. The Reds replied in the bottom of the second on a Ryan Hanigan sacrifice fly, bringing in Todd Frazier. Cincinnati added on in the third inning with Frazier singling Phillips safely home. The Cardinals replied in the fourth inning as Freese singled Molina across the dish. The Reds replied in the fifth inning on a Scott Rolen double to plate Jay Bruce. The Cardinals pulled ahead in the sixth inning on a three-run Craig home run, sweeping in Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday, and a Molina solo home run, followed by Rafael Furcal singling to drive in Freese and Matt Carpenter hitting a sacrifice fly to provide time for Skip Schumaker to dash home. This was it for the scoring, producing the 8-5 final, with Joe Kelly getting a win in relief, Jason Motte converting his thirtieth save of the season, and Latos was pinned with the loss.

South to Tampa Bay, as the Rays host the Oakland Athletics. Jarrod Parker and Matt Moore are the young starters. Tampa Bay was first on the board in the second inning on a Ben Zobrist solo home run. Oakland took the lead in the fourth inning on Josh Donaldson's single to get Yoenis Cespedes home and Brandon Moss singling to bring in Chris Carter. The Rays tied it in the bottom of the fourth as Jeff Keppinger's sacrifice fly gave Zobrist time to come home. Tampa Bay took the lead in the fifth inning as B.J. Upton doubled to knock in Jose Molina. The Athletics tied it in the seventh inning on a Derek Norris double to drive in Donaldson. Oakland took the lead in the eighth inning on a two-run home run by Jonny Gomes, also scoring Carter. The Rays tried a ninth inning rally as Luke Scott doubled Ryan Roberts across the dish, but they didn't get the equalizer and fell 5-4. Ryan Cook was in line for the win, Grant Balfour turned the save, and Joel Peralta was dealt the loss.

Back north, the Boston Red Sox host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Jon Lester are the overrated pitchers. Boston established a first inning lead as David Ortiz singled both Pedro Ciriaco and Jacoby Ellsbury home. Kansas City pulled even in the third inning with an Eric Hosmer solo home run and an Alex Gordon double to plate Alcides Escobar. The Royals gained the lead in the fourth inning on a Johnny Giavotella single that scored Mike Moustakas. The Red Sox gained the lead in the seventh inning as Ciriaco doubled to plate both Mauro Gomez and Mike Aviles. They held on for a 4-3 win, picked up by Lester, who left with injury, while Andrew Bailey changed the guard at closer with the save, and Kelvin Herrera was stuck holding the loss.

Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Minnesota Twins. Samuel Deduno and Matt Harrison are the solid pitchers. Texas led off in the first inning with an Adrian Beltre tripling to force in Josh Hamilton. The Rangers got some more in the second inning as Mitch Moreland singled in David Murphy, followed by Craig Gentry combining a bunt single and error to finish Moreland's trip around, followed by Ian Kinsler singling both Luis Martinez and Gentry the rest of the way home, and then Kinsler came home on a Beltre double. Texas got another in the seventh inning as Beltre hit a solo home run. In the seventh inning, Beltre completed the cycle with a single, although he didn't factor in any run production. The Rangers added on again in the eighth inning as Elvis Andrus singled Gentry safely across the plate. This made the final 8-0, with the win belonging to Harrison, while Deduno had no help in the loss.

North again to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Jake Peavy pace the game. Seattle began on a Michael Saunders single to knock in Dustin Ackley. Chicago tied it in the bottom of the first as Adam Dunn hit a solo home run. The Mariners took the lead back in the second inning on a Trayvon Robinson solo shot. The White Sox tied it again in their half of the second on an Alexei Ramirez single to drive in Alex Rios. Chicago gained the lead in the third inning as Dunn hit a two-run home run, also scoring Kevin Youkilis. The White Sox added on in the fourth inning with Ramirez hitting a two-run home run, sweeping in Dayan Viciedo. Chicago got another in the fifth inning as A.J. Pierzynski hit a sacrifice fly to give time for Paul Konerko to score. Seattle rallied ahead in the ninth inning as Jesus Montero hit a solo home run, followed by Ackley singling both Justin Smoak and Robinson in, Kyle Seager hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Brendan Ryan to dash home, and John Jaso singling to knock in Ackley, and also Saunders after an error. The White Sox replied in the bottom of the ninth with Youkilis singling Gordon Beckham around to tie the game, before taking the lead as Konerko doubled in Dewayne Wise to win 9-8. Addison Reed was given the win while Tom Wilhelmsen made a rare misstep for the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, where the Diamondbacks host the San Diego Padres. Eric Stults and Patrick Corbin are the average young pitchers. San Diego got going in the second inning as Stults singled both Yasmani Grandal and Yonder Alonso home. The Padres got another in the third inning as Chris Denorfia hit a solo home run. San Diego struck again in the fourth inning when Stults doubled to knock in Cameron Maybin. The Padres padded the lead with a seventh inning Denorfia sacrifice fly to allow Everth Cabrera to dash home. This made it 5-0, a final, with the win belonging to Stults and the loss stuck on Corbin.

West to Los Angeles, with the Dodgers hosting the Miami Marlins. Nathan Eovaldi faces his old team, pitching against Chad Billingsley. Miami started with a two-run home by Jose Reyes in the first inning, also scoring Bryan Petersen. Los Angeles gained the lead in their half of the inning with a three-run homer by andre Ethier, sweeping in Mark Ellis and Matt Kemp. The Marlins pulled even in the second inning on a Petersen groundout to bring around Donovan Solano. The Dodgers got the lead back in the bottom of the second as Juan Rivera hit a solo home run. Los Angeles extended the lead with a third inning two-run homer by Hanley Ramirez, driving in Ethier. Miami got one back in the fifth inning on a Giancarlo Stanton solo shot. The Dodgers rallied to pad the lead in the seventh inning as Kemp singled around Shane Victorino, Ethier did the same for Ellis, and then Luis Cruz singled, which combined with one error to get Kemp and Ethier in before Cruz finished the little league home run on another error. This mess ended the scoring at 11-4, with Jamey Wright getting the win and Eovaldi suffering the loss.

Finally, we end north in San Francisco, as the Giants host the Atlanta Braves. Ben Sheets and Ryan Vogelsong are on the hill. Atlanta began with a first inning Jason Heyward solo home run. The Braves got another in the second inning on a Freddie Freeman solo shot. San Francisco got on the board in the third inning as Pablo Sandoval doubled Angel Pagan in before tying the game by scoring on a wild pitch. The Giants gained the lead in the fourth inning as Pagan tripled to force in Gregor Blanco before coming the final 90 feet home on a Marco Scutaro single. San Francisco added on in the sixth inning with Buster Posey doubling to knock in Scutaro. Atlanta answered in the seventh inning as Freeman hit another solo home run, but they scored no more and lost 5-3. Vogelsong got the win, Javier Lopez turned the save, and Sheets was responsible for the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 140 2012

Thank goodness for travel day, as I am now caught up and the busiest part of the month is mostly behind me. Eight games on today, including three matinees, beginning in...

Detroit, as the Tigers host their neighbors to the north, the Toronto Blue Jays. J.A. Happ is mismatched with Justin Verlander. Toronto led off in the fourth inning as Edwin Encarnacion hit a two-run home run, also scoring Colby Rasmus. Detroit rallied to tie it in the eighth inning on a Brennan Boesch single to plate Alex Avila, followed by Austin Jackson scoring on a wild pitch. The Tigers won 3-2 in the eleventh inning as Avila singled to knock in Quintin Berry. Joaquin Benoit was in line for the win while Chad Jenkins was responsible for the loss.

East to New York, as the Mets host the Colorado Rockies. Tyler Chatwood and Collin McHugh are the completely unknown pitchers. Colorado opened with an eighth inning Chris Nelson single to plate Tyler Colvin. This was the only run, leaving the final at 1-0, with Rex Brothers getting the win, Matt Belisle turning the spot save, and Bobby Parnell took the loss.

Back west, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Houston Astros. Dallas Keuchel and Jake Westbrook take the mound. Houston started in the first inning as Ben Francisco singled, which combined with an error to get Brett Wallace home. The Astros added on in the second inning with Keuchel hitting a sacrifice fly, allowing Scott Moore to come home, followed by Jose Altuve singling to bring around Fernando Martinez. St. Louis chipped away in the bottom of the fourth on a three-run home run by David Freese, sweeping in Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina. The Astros padded the lead in the fifth inning as Moore hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Francisco to come home. The Cardinals rallied ahead in their half of the inning with Allen Craig singling in Rafael Furcal, Matt Holliday hitting a 3-RBI double to drive in all of Ryan Jackson, Jon Jay, and Craig, and Molina singling Holliday the rest of the way home. St. Louis got another in the sixth inning as Craig doubled to plate Jay. The Cardinals rallied to extend the lead in the eighth inning with Furcal singling in Shane Robinson before scoring on a Craig single, followed by Holliday doing the same for Jay, and Freese following suit to finish Craig's trip around. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 13-5. Westbrook got a sloppy win and Keuchel took a worse loss.

At the normal times, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Cole Hamels pace the game. Cincinnati got going in the first inning on a Todd Frazier groundout to get Zack Cozart home. The Reds added on in the sixth inning as Frazier doubled in Jay Bruce and Ryan Ludwick. Philadelphia got on the board in their half of the inning as Laynce Nix and Erk Kratz hit sacrifice flies to get Ryan Howard and Domonic Brown in. The Phillies tied it in the eighth inning as Jimmy Rollins hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Brown to dash home. Philadelphia completed the comeback in the eleventh inning on a John Mayberry single to drive in Chase Utley for a 4-3 walkoff win. Raul Valdes was in line for the win, while Alfredo Simon was dealt the loss.

Into Boston, as the Red Sox host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson and Franklin Morales are penciled in to pitch. Boston opened in the first inning as Adrian Gonzalez singled in Dustin Pedroia. The Red Sox rallied to extend the lead in the second inning as Scott Podsednik singled to drive in Mauro Gomez before scoring on a Jacoby Ellsbury single, and then Pedroia hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Pedro Ciriaco and Ellsbury. Los Angeles replied in the third inning as Howie Kendrick singled in Mike Trout, followed by Kendrys Morales drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Torii Hunter, Erick Aybar reaching on an error that got Kendrick home, another bases-loaded walk by Vernon Wells to push in Alberto Callaspo, Chris Iannetta singling to plate Morales and Aybar, Trout doing the same for Wells, and Hunter following suit for Iannetta, erasing the six-run deficit and replacing it with a two-run lead. Boston answered in the fifth inning on a Cody Ross single to bring Pedroia around. The Red Sox tied it in the sixth inning on a Mike Aviles solo home run, before taking the lead as Ellsbury doubled Ciriaco across the dish. The Angels tied it back up in the seventh inning as Trout singled to push in Morales. Boston gained the lead in the eighth inning on an Ellsbury single plating Podsednik and a Pedroia single doing the same for Ciriaco. Los Angeles tried a ninth inning rally on a Wells solo shot, before tying it as Hunter singled Trout safely home, and taking the lead as Mark Trumbo did the same to get Hunter the rest of the way home. The Red Sox retied it in the bottom of the ninth as Ross hit a solo home. The Angels took the lead back in the tenth inning as Morales hit a solo shot, followed by Wells doubling in Aybar. Boston tried to reply in the bottom of the tenth as Pedroia singled around Ciriaco, but they couldn't convert the extra point tie it up and lost 14-13. Ernesto Frieri was given the win, while Alfredo Aceves blew up in grand fashion for the loss.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays welcome the Oakland Athletics. Tyson Ross and Alex Cobb are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Tampa Bay staked out a fifth inning lead as Ryan Roberts hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Jeff Keppinger, Sam Fuld singled home Luke Scott, Matt Joyce doubled both Jose Molina and Fuld across the dish, and Evan Longoria singled Joyce the rest of the way home. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 5-0. Cobb threw a four-hit and two-walk complete game shutout while Ross had little help in the loss.

Westward to Texas, as the Rangers host the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond faces a lesser foe in Roy Oswalt. Minnesota began with a first inning Joe Mauer double to knock in Ben Revere. Texas answered in their half of the inning on a 2-RBI Josh Hamilton double, scoring both Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus. The Twins retied it in the third inning as Revere reached on an error, allowing Pedro Florimon to get home. The Rangers took the lead again in the fifth inning as Hamilton's sacrifice fly gave Kinsler time to come, followed by Adrian Beltre hitting a solo home run. Minnesota retied it in the sixth inning on a Florimon groundout to bring around Matt Carson and Denard Span singled to plate Trevor Plouffe. Texas took the lead in the eighth inning on a Mitch Moreland double to drive in Beltre, followed by Geovany Soto reaching on an error that allowed Nelson Cruz to cross the plate, Kinsler walking with the bases loaded to force in Moreland, Andrus singling David Murphy in, and Hamilton hit a 2-RBI single that scored Soto and Kinsler. The Twins tried a ninth inning rally as Span reached on an error that provided time for both Plouffe and Jamey Carroll to dart home, but they scored no more and fell 10-6. Mike Adams was credited with the win, Joe Nathan cleaned up a mess for his twenty-fifth save of the year, and Jared Burton was on the hook for the loss.

Finally, we end in San Francisco, with the Giants hosting the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Barry Zito are on the hill. San Francisco led off in the third inning as Pablo Sandoval singled Angel Pagan in. The Giants added on in the fifth inning as Hunter Pence laid down a bunt single to get Pagan home, followed by Brandon Belt reaching on an error, allowing Marco Scutaro to score, and Hector Sanchez doubled in both Pence and Belt. Atlanta got on the board in the ninth inning as Freddie Freeman doubled both Martin Prado and Chipper Jones across the dish, but they got no closer and lost 5-2. Zito pitched effectively in the win, Sergio Romo cleaned up a mess for the save, and Hanson was stuck holding the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 139 2012

Sixteen games on today, and I am unfortunately falling just a bit behind on them. After today's games, I should be able to catch up quickly enough, but for now just bear with me. We begin in...

Tampa Bay, as the Rays host the Kansas City Royals. Luis Mendoza and James Shields will make the starts. Kansas City got going in the second inning on a Jeff Francoeur single to bring in Salvador Perez. Tamp Bay answered in the third inning as Ben Zobrist hit a sacrifice fly to score B.J. Upton and Jeff Keppinger singled to knock in Matt Joyce. The Rays added on in the sixth inning as Ryan Roberts doubled in Carlos Pena. Tampa Bay got another in the seventh inning with Zobrist doubling, combined with an error to get Sam Fuld across the plate. The Royals answered in the eighth inning on an Alcides Escobar triple to force in Johnny Giavotella, before coming the final 90 feet on an Alex Gordon single. The Rays shot back in their half of the inning on a Jose Lobaton solo home run. This gave them a 5-3 lead that they held for a final, giving Shields the win, Fernando Rodney the save, and Mendoza was stuck with the loss.

Up to Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the Chicago Cubs. Travis Wood and Yovani Gallardo are set to pitch. Chicago began with a first inning David DeJesus solo home run. Milwaukee replied in their half of the inning as Ryan Braun double in Norichika Aoki before scoring on a double by Corey Hart. The Brewers got another in the sixth inning on a Braun solo shot. The Cubs got one back in the seventh inning on a Bryan LaHair solo home run. They never tied it, falling 3-2, with Gallardo getting the win, John Axford tossing his twentieth save of the season, and Wood was handed the loss.

Out west, the Oakland Athletics host the Minnesota Twins. Liam Hendriks and Tommy Milone are the young pitchers. Oakland started in the first inning as Josh Reddick singled in Coco Crisp. Minnesota tied it in the second inning as Drew Butera grounded out to bring in Ryan Doumit. The Athletics took the lead in the third inning as Yoenis Cespedes singled to plate Cliff Pennington and Crisp. Oakland got another in the fourth inning on a Crisp double to knock in Josh Donaldson. The Athletics got another in the seventh inning on a Crisp solo home run. This made it 5-1, with Milone picking up the win and McAllister taking the loss.

North to Seattle, as the Mariners host the Cleveland Indians. Zach McAllister and Hisashi Iwakuma are the similar pitchers. Seattle opened with a first inning Michael Saunders solo home run. Cleveland tied it in the sixth inning on a Casey Kotchman single to bring in Shin-Soo Choo. The Mariners took the lead in the eighth inning as Eric Thames doubled in both Kyle Seager and John Jaso. This gave them a 3-1 win, with Stephen Pryor getting the win, Tom Wilhelmsen closing out for the save, and Vinnie Pestano was given the loss.

Back to the south, the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Miami Marlins twice. In game one, Jacob Turner and Tyler Skaggs are the prospects on display. Arizona was first to score in the first inning as Aaron Hill hit a two-run home run, also scoring Gerardo Parra. Miami tied it in the second inning as Justin Ruggiano hit a two-run homer, sweeping in Giancarlo Stanton. The Diamondbacks took the lead back in the third inning on a Hill single to plate Parra. This made it 3-2, with Skaggs notching the win, J.J. Putz getting his twenty-fifth save of the season, and Turner was dealt the loss.

In game two, the pitchers are Wades LeBlanc and Miley. Arizona got going in the first inning when Paul Goldschmidt singled to knock in A.J. Pollock. The Diamondbacks added on in the fourth inning as Chris Johnson singled home Aaron Hill and Goldschmidt scored on a passed ball. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 3-0. Miley earned a strong win, J.J. Putz tossed the save, and LeBlanc had no help in the loss.

Westward to San Diego, where the Padres host the Pittsburgh Pirates. James McDonald and Andrew Werner draw the starts. San Diego led off in the first inning as Carlos Quentin doubled in both Everth Cabrera and Will Venable, followed by a Mark Kotsay sacrifice fly to bring in Chase Headley. Pittsburgh got on the board in the fourth inning on a Pedro Alvarez single to knock in Andrew McCutchen. The Padres extended the lead in the fifth as Quentin singled home Venable. The Pirates pulled back in the seventh inning with a Gaby Sanchez solo home run. They got no closer, losing 4-2, with Werner notching the win, Tommy Layne picking up a spot save, and McDonald taking the loss.

Well to the east, the Washington Nationals host the Atlanta Braves. Kris Medlen and Ross Detwiler are the underrated pitchers. Atlanta began in the fifth inning with a Martin Prado double to knock in both Tyler Pastornicky and Medlen. Washington got one back in the eighth inning on a Michael Morse single to drive in Bryce Harper. The Braves rallied to extend the lead in the ninth inning on a David Ross sacrifice fly bringing in Chipper Jones, a Michael Bourn single to plate Freddie Freeman, and then Bourn finished his trip around on an error. This made it a 5-1 game, the final, with Medlen earning the win and Detwiler suffering the loss.

Over in Philadelphia, the Phillies host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Vance Worley are the inconsistent pitchers. Cincinnati started in the fifth inning as Drew Stubbs singled in Ryan Hanigan and then scored on a single from Ryan Ludwick. Philadelphia got one the board in the bottom of the fifth as Domonic Brown hit a solo home run. The Reds replied in the eighth inning as Jay Bruce cranked a solo shot. The Phillies tried a ninth inning rally as Ty Wigginton singled to plate Kevin Frandsen, but it fell short and they lost 3-2. Arroyo was given the win, Aroldis Chapman turned the save, and Worley took the unlucky loss.

Westward to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Toronto Blue Jays. Aaron Laffey and Anibal Sanchez get the green light to start. Detroit opened with Omar Infante scoring on a wild pitch in the fourth inning. The Tigers added on in the fifth inning as Jeff Baker singled to knock in Delmon Young. Toronto got on the board in the sixth inning as Edwin Encarnacion singled in Rajai Davis. Detroit shot back in the bottom of the sixth as Prince Fielder singled to plate Austin Jackson. The Blue Jays answered in the seventh inning on a Adeiny Hechavarria sacrifice fly to bring around Yorvit Torrealba (for one of the more difficult to type scoring plays of the year). They couldn't get the equalizer, losing 3-2, with Sanchez notching the win, Jose Valverde converting his twenty-fifth save of the season, and Laffey was on the hook for the loss.

Back east, the Boston Red Sox host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver and Clay Buchholz pace the game. Los Angeles established a lead in the third inning on a Chris Iannetta single to knock in Maicer Izturis and Mike Trout grounding into a double play to get Erick Aybar home. The Angels added on in the fourth inning with Mark Trumbo singling in Albert Pujols and Izturis doing the same for Howie Kendrick. Boston got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Ryan Lavarnway doubled to plate Jarrod Saltalamacchia before scoring on a double by Mike Aviles. Los Angeles extended their lead in the sixth inning with Kendrick hitting a solo home run and Torii Hunter singling to score both Izturis and Aybar. The Red Sox got one back in their half of the inning as Cody Ross doubled, which combined with an error to get Dustin Pedroia home. This was all they managed to score, falling 7-3, with Weaver getting the win and Buchholz was handed the loss.

Into New York, with the Mets hosting the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Francis and Matt Harvey take their turns in the rotation. New York quickly got on the board with a first inning Scott Hairston sacrifice fly to bring in Ruben Tejada. Colorado answered in the fourth inning with Willin Rosario hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Jonathan Herrera safe passage home. The Rockies took the lead in the seventh inning with a Rosario solo home run and DJ LeMahieu reaching on a fielder's choice to bring around Tyler Colvin. The Mets pulled back in the eighth inning on a Ike Davis single driving in Hairston. Colorado extended the lead in the ninth inning with a Chris Nelson single giving Colvin time to score, and then Josh Rutledge doubled to finish Nelson's trip around. This made it 5-2, a final, with the win going to Carlos Torres, Rafael Betancourt turning his twenty-fifth save of the season, and Ramon Ramirez was on the hook for the loss.

Southwest to Arlington, as the Texas Rangers host the Baltimore Orioles. Tommy Hunter and Derek Holland are the low-end pitchers. Texas opened with a second inning Adrian Beltre solo home run. Baltimore tied it in the third inning with Nick Markakis singling in Nate McLouth. The Rangers rallied to take the lead in the fourth inning as Beltre hit a two-run home run, also scoring Josh Hamilton, David Murphy doubled home Nelson Cruz, Mitch Moreland hit a grand slam to sweep in all of Michael Young, Murphy, and Geovany Soto, and then Beltre went yard on another two-run shot to score Hamilton again, ending the nine-spot. Beltre hit two homers in that inning, and the last was his third of the game. The Orioles replied meekly in the fifth inning as Markakis tripled to force in Lew Ford and Robert Andino. Texas shot back in the bottom of the fifth as Moreland hit a sacrifice fly to plate Young. The Rangers got another in the seventh inning on a Soto double to knock in Murphy. This produced the 12-3 final, with Holland cruising to the win and Hunter got shelled in the loss.

Up in Chicago, the White Sox host the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Chris Sale take the mound. Chicago led off with a third inning Kevin Youkilis sacrifice fly to bring in Gordon Beckham. New York tied it in the sixth inning on a Derek Jeter solo home run. The White Sox took the lead back in the bottom of the sixth on an Alex Rios solo shot. They held on for a 2-1 win, earned by Sale, while Addison Reed picked up the save, and Hughes was stuck with the loss.

South to St. Louis, where the Cardinals host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris is mismatched with Kyle Lohse. Houston got going in the first inning on a Brett Wallace solo home run. St. Louis answered in the second inning as Daniel Descalso doubled to drive in Allen Craig. The Astros took the lead back in the third inning with a Chris Snyder solo shot. The Cardinals replied in the fifth inning as Jon Jay singled home Rafael Furcal to tie the game before he scored on a wild pitch to take the lead. St. Louis added on in the eighth inning as Yadier Molina singled to plate Matt Holliday. This ended the scoring at 4-2, with Lohse getting the win, Jason Motte converting the save, and Norris was pinned with the loss.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants. Matt Cain and Chris Capuano are on the hill. San Francisco staked a first inning lead as Pablo Sandoval hit a sacrifice fly allowing Angel Pagan to score, followed by a two-run home run by Joaquin Arias, also scoring Marco Scutaro. The Giants padded the lead in the sixth inning when Sandoval singled Pagan home, followed by Arias doubling to drive in Scutaro, and then Justin Christian drew a bases-loaded walk to finish Sandoval's trip around. Los Angeles got on the board in the bottom of the sixth as Hanley Ramirez singled home Andre Ethier. San Francisco replied in the seventh inning as Arias doubled, scoring both Pagan and Hunter Pence. The Dodgers pulled back in the eighth inning on a Matt Kemp ground rule double to force in Mark Ellis, followed by Luis Cruz singling both Kemp and Ethier across the dish. The scoring ended here at 8-4, giving Cain the win and Capuano the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 138 2012

Full slate again, and this will be a late post since I am going to watch the follow up to King Felix's perfecto. Today's games begin in...

Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and Cliff Lee are the unlucky pitchers. Philadelphia began in the first inning as Ryan Howard singled in Jimmy Rollins. Cincinnati took the lead in the seventh inning on a Ryan Hanigan single to get Scott Rolen in, followed by a Zack Cozart sacrifice fly to allow Todd Frazier to score, and a Drew Stubbs single to finish Hanigan's trip around. The Phillies tied it again in the bottom of the seventh as Rollins doubled both Kevin Frandsen and Erik Kratz across the dish. The Reds took the lead back in the eighth inning on a Frazier solo home run. Philadelphia pulled even in their half of the inning as Frandsen tripled to force in Domonic Brown. Cincinnati gained the lead in the ninth inning as Cozart hit a solo shot, and they held onto the 5-4 win. Jonathan Broxton was in line for the win, Aroldis Chapman tossed his thirtieth save of the season, and Jonathan Papelbon was stuck with the loss.

Into DC, as the Washington Nationals host the Atlanta Braves. Paul Maholm and Stephen Strasburg take the hill. Washington started with a second inning Ian Desmond solo home run. The Nationals extended the lead in the fifth inning as Jesus Flores hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Adam LaRoche and Desmond. Atlanta got on the board in the sixth inning with a Freddie Freeman sacrifice fly to bring around Martin Prado. This was it for the scoring, with the final standing at 4-1 with Strasburg notching the win, Tyler Clippard converting the save, and Maholm was given the loss.

West to Detroit, with the Tigers hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky Romero and Max Scherzer are the under-performing pitchers. Detroit was first on the board in the first inning as Delmon Young drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Austin Jackson. The Tigers added on in the second inning as Omar Infante walked with the bases loaded to push in Andy Dirks, followed by Miguel Cabrera grounding into a double play, allowing Gerald Laird to get home. Toronto got on the board in the sixth inning as Edwin Encarnacion hit a solo home run. Detroit extended the lead in the bottom of the sixth as Infante singled Dirks across the dish, and Cabrera's sacrifice fly brought in Laird. The Blue Jays pulled closer in the eighth inning as David Cooper doubled to plate Encarnacion before scoring on a Yunel Escobar single. They got no closer, losing 5-3, with the win going to Scherzer, the save to Jose Valverde, and the loss to Romero.

Back east, the Boston Red Sox host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Aaron Cook try to right the ship on their stats. Los Angeles got things going in the third inning with an Albert Pujols single to plate Mike Trout. The Angels padded the lead in the fourth inning on an Erick Aybar single to drive in Howie Kendrick and a Chris Iannetta single scoring Alberto Callaspo. Los Angeles struck again in the fifth inning as Mark Trumbo hit a two-run home run, also scoring Kendrys Morales. Boston got on the board in the sixth inning on a Jarrod Saltalamacchia two-run homer, sweeping in Cody Ross. The Red Sox got another in the seventh inning when Scott Podsednik scored on a wild pitch. They couldn't even the score, falling 5-3, with Santana being credited with the win, Ernesto Frieri converting his fifteenth save of the season, and Cook took the loss.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar is mismatched with David Price. Kansas City was first on the board with a tenth inning Eric Hosmer single, scoring Jeff Francoeur, and it made it a 1-0 final. Kelvin Herrera was in line for the win, Greg Holland shut the door for a save, and Joel Peralta was responsible for the loss.

Back north, the New York Mets host the Colorado Rockies. Jhoulys Chacin and Chris Young are the little-known pitchers. New York led off with a fourth inning Daniel Murphy sacrifice fly to score Ruben Tejada. Colorado rallied ahead in the sixth inning as Chacin reached on an error, allowing DJ LeMahieu to dash home, followed by Charlie Blackmon singling Jonathan Herrera in, Dexter Fowler doing the same to finish Chacin's trip around, and Ramon Hernandez hitting a sacrifice fly to give Blackmon time to get home. The Mets got one back in the seventh inning as Andres Torres hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Jordany Valdespin. The Rockies shot back in the eighth inning as Fowler singled Blackmon across the dish. Colorado got another in the ninth inning when Herrera reached on a fielder's choice that gave time to get Andrew Brown home. This produced the 6-2 final, with Chacin earning the win while Young was handed the loss.

Southwest to Texas, as the Rangers host the Baltimore Orioles. Chris Tillman and Scott Feldman are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Baltimore opened in the first inning as Nate McLouth scored on a wild pitch. Texas answered in the third inning with an Ian Kinsler solo home run. The Orioles took the lead back in the fifth inning as Manny Machado tripled to force in Omar Quintanilla before score on a double by J.J. Hardy, and then McLouth hit a two-run home run to finish Hardy's trip around. The Rangers pulled back in the seventh inning as Geovany Soto hit a two-run home run, also scoring David Murphy. This wasn't enough to avoid the 5-3 loss, with the win going to Tillman, the save to Jim Johnson, and the loss to Feldman.

Up to Chicago, as the White Sox host the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Francisco Liriano are the overrated pitchers. New York started in the first inning with a Derek Jeter solo home run and a Curtis Granderson fielder's choice that got Nick Swisher in. Chicago answered in the second inning as A.J. Pierzynski hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Alex Rios. The White Sox tied it in the fourth inning as Paul Konerko hit a solo shot. Chicago took the lead with a fifth inning Kevin Youkilis grand slam, sweeping in Alexei Ramirez, Gordon Beckham, and Dewayne Wise. The Yankees got one back in the seventh inning as Russell Martin hit a solo home run. The White Sox shot back in the eighth inning on a Beckham single to plate Pierzynski. This was all they needed for a 7-3 win, picked up by Liriano, while Nova was dealt the loss.

Further north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Chicago Cubs. Chris Rusin and Marco Estrada are the unknown pitchers. Milwauke began in the fourth inning as Corey Hart singled in Norichika Aoki. The Brewers added on in the sixth inning with Rickie Weeks scoring on a wild pitch and Jonathan Lucroy doubling in both Aramis Ramirez and Hart. Milwaukee got another in the eighth inning on a Carlos Gomez single to plate Ramirez. Chicago tried a ninth inning rally with Alfonso Soriano singling to knock in Josh Vitters and Starlin Castro grounding out to give Anthony Rizzo time to get home, but they still lost 5-2. Estrada earned the win, John Axford cleaned up a mess for a save, and Rusin was not freed from the loss.

Back south to St. Louis, with the Cardinals hosting the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Adam Wainwright will be on the mound. St. Louis quickly scored in the first inning as Jon Jay scored on a balk, followed by Yadier Molina singling to knock in Matt Holliday and Skip Schumaker singled to drive in both Allen Craig and David Freese. The Cardinals added on in the third inning with Molina singling home Craig and Rafael Furcal hitting a sacrifice fly to get Freese home. St. Louis extended the lead in the sixth inning as Jay singled to plate Furcal. This was it for the scoring, with the final resting at 7-0, giving Wainwright a complete game shutout in which he allowed just five hits and a walk and Harrell a rough loss.

Down into Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco opposes Trevor Cahill on the hill. Speaking of hills, it was Aaron Hill who got Arizona started in the first inning by doubling home Chris Young, followed by Justin Upton singling both Hill and Jason Kubel in, Miguel Montero doing the same for Paul Goldschmidt, and Ryan Wheeler hitting a sacrifice fly to finish Upton's trip around. Miami got going in the second inning as Donovan Solano singled to knock in Carlos Lee, followed by a Nolasco ground rule double forcing in Greg Dobbs. The Marlins rallied to tied it in the sixth inning on a Solano single plating Giancarlo Stanton, followed by Gorkys Hernandez singling to finish Solano's trip around, and Bryan Petersen singling home Austin Kearns. Miami completed the comeback in the tenth inning on a Stanton single to get Hernandez home, and this was the decisive run, with the final being 6-5. Chad Gaudin picked up the win, Steve Cishek tossed his tenth save of the season, and Sam Demel was pinned with the loss.

Further west, the San Diego Padres hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates. A.J. Burnett and Jason Marquis are serviceable pitchers. San Diego started in the first inning on a Carlos Quentin double driving in both Will Venable and Chase Headley. Pittsburgh shot back in the third inning on an Andrew McCutchen fielder's choice that combined with an error to get Jose Tabata home. The Pirates gained the lead in the sixth inning on a Garrett Jones solo home run and a Rod Barajas double to knock in Pedro Alvarez. The Padres replied to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth as Venable reached on an error to get Cameron Maybin safely home. San Diego gained the lead in the seventh inning on a Chris Denorfia sacrifice fly allowing Yonder Alonso to score. The Padres got another in the eighth inning when Quentin hit a sacrifice fly to score Venable. Pittsburgh retied it in the ninth inning on a two-run home run by Jones, also scoring Neil Walker. San Diego got the last laugh, walking off in the tenth inning as Headley hit a two-run home run to sweep in Venable and secure a 7-5 win. Miles Mikolas was given the win while Daniel McCutchen was stuck with the loss.

Up to Oakland, where the Athletics welcomed the Minnesota Twins. Cole De Vries welcomes back opposing pitcher Brett Anderson from the disabled list. Minnesota was first to score in the first inning as Ben Revere scored on a wild pitch. Oakland answered in the second inning when Josh Donaldson double to knock in Seth Smith. The Athletics gained the lead in the sixth inning on a Derek Norris single to plate Smith. Oakland extended the lead in the seventh inning on a Josh Reddick single, scoring Coco Crisp, before finishing his trip around on a Chris Carter double. This proved to be enough for a 4-1 win, with Anderson earning the win, Grant Balfour tossing the save, and De Vries was handed the loss.

Further north, the Seattle Mariners host the Cleveland Indians. Roberto Hernandez faces a much better Hernandez, the King Felix, and his Supreme Court, 40,000 members strong. Seattle led off in the fifth inning with an Eric Thames solo home run. Cleveland tied it in the seventh inning as Casey Kotchman singled to plate Carlos Santana. The Mariners answered in their half of the inning on a John Jaso ground rule double to force in Michael Saunders before Jesus Montero hit a three-run home run to sweep in Kyle Seager and Jaso. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 5-1, giving Felix Hernandez the win in a less-than-perfect but more-than-enough fashion, while Lucas Luetge turned a four-out spot save, and Roberto Hernandez was stuck with the loss. Just as a side note, for anyone who watched on TV or listened on the radio, you truly missed out on the absolute electric atmosphere in Safeco Field. I haven't seen that place so into the game in years, if at all.

Finally, we end down in Los Angeles, as the Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum and Joe Blanton will pace the game. San Francisco started with a first inning Buster Posey single, driving in Angel Pagan and Marco Scutaro. The Giants padded the lead in the fourth inning as Brandon Crawford singled in Gregor Blanco before scoring on a Pagan double. Los Angeles got on the board in the sixth inning as Matt Kemp hit a sacrifice fly to give Juan Rivera time to get home. They still fell short, losing 4-1. Lincecum got the win, Javier Lopez picked up the save, and Blanton took the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 137 2012

Only twelve games on as my busiest week begins. We start the games in...

Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Cincinnati Reds. Mike Leake and Roy Halladay will be sent out to pitch. Cincinnati struck first in the first inning as Jay Bruce doubled home Zack Cozart, followed by Scott Rolen grounding out to bring in Brandon Phillips. Philadelphia answered in the bottom of the first on a Ryan Howard single to knock in Juan Pierre. The Phillies tied it with a third inning Howard solo home run. Philadelphia gained the lead in the fourth inning on an Erik Kratz solo shot. The Reds retied it in the fifth inning as Chris Heisey doubled to plate Devin Mesoraco, before taking the lead as Bruce singled to finish Heisey's trip around, and then Phillips scored as Bruce was caught stealing. The Phillies replied in their half of the fifth as Chase Utley doubled Pierre across the dish before scoring on a John Mayberry single, followed by a 2-RBI Domonic Brown double to knock in both Howard and Mayberry. Philadelphia extended the lead in the sixth inning as Utley hit a sacrifice fly to allow Jimmy Rollins to dart home, followed by Mayberry hitting a two-run home run that also scored Pierre. The Phillies padded the lead in the seventh inning as Pierre singled to get Placido Polanco safely home. Philadelphia got another run in the eighth inning with Kratz's sacrifice fly to bring around Mayberry. This was good for a 12-5 win, picked up by Halladay, while Leake suffered the loss.

Into DC, as the Washington Nationals host the Atlanta Braves. Tim Hudson and Jordan Zimmermann are on the mound. Atlanta was first on the board after a rain delay, as Jason Heyward singled to drive in Martin Prado. Washington answered in the bottom of the first as Bryce Harper singled home Jayson Werth, followed by an Adam LaRoche groundout to plate Harper and a two-run Ian Desmond home run that also scored Ryan Zimmerman. The Braves got one back in the fourth inning on a Paul Janish single allowing Freddie Freeman to score. Atlanta tied it in the fifth inning on a two-run home run by Heyward, sweeping in Prado. The Nationals won it 5-4 in the thirteenth inning as Chad Tracy reached on an error that gave time for Danny Espinosa to get home. Craig Stammen was in line for the win while Cristhian Martinez was stuck with the loss.

South to Tampa Bay, as the Rays host the Kansas City Royals. Will Smith is mismatched with Jeremy Hellickson. Tampa Bay started in the second inning on an Elliot Johnson single to drive in Sean Rodriguez. Kansas City tied it in the third inning when Alex Gordon singled to knock in Johnny Giavotella. The Rays took the lead back in the bottom of the third as Desmond Jennings scored on a wild pitch. Tampa Bay got some more in the fourth inning as Jose Lobaton singled in Rodriguez, followed by Jennings doubling to finish Lobaton's trip around. The Rays struck again in the fifth inning as Jeff Keppinger hit a solo home run. This made the final 5-1, with Hellickson earning the win while Smith was given the loss.

Back north to Flushing, with the New York Mets hosting the Colorado Rockies. Alex White opposes R.A. Dickey in pitching. New York began with a first inning Daniel Murphy single to score David Wright. Colorado tied it in the fifth inning on a Tyler Colvin solo home run. The Rockies gained the lead in the eighth inning as Jonathan Herrera scored on a passed ball. Colorado extended the lead in the ninth inning on a Ramon Hernandez single to plate Dexter Fowler. This made it 3-1, a final, with Rex Brothers notching the win, Rafael Betancourt tossing the save, and Josh Edgin was pinned with the loss.

Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Baltimore Orioles. Miguel Gonzalez and Ryan Dempster receive the starting nods. Baltimore opened with a first inning Adam Jones single to knock in Nate McLouth. Texas tied it in the fourth inning as David Murphy singled to score Adrian Beltre, before taking the lead with Geovany Soto singling in Nelson Cruz, and Ian Kinsler hit a sacrifice fly to finish Murphy's trip around. The Rangers added on in the fifth inning as Cruz doubled to get Josh Hamilton home. Texas struck again in the eighth inning on a Murphy singled to bring around Michael Young. This made it a 5-1 final, with Dempster notching the win and Gonzalez took the loss.

Well to the north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Chicago Cubs. Justin Germano and Mark Rogers are the unknown pitchers. Chicago got going in the first inning as Anthony Rizzo hit a ground rule double to force in David DeJesus. The Cubs got another in the second inning as DeJesus hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Welington Castillo. Milwaukee got on the board in the bottom of the second as Jonathan Lucroy hit a solo home run. Chicago shot back as Josh Vitters hit a fifth inning solo shot. The Brewers tied it in the bottom of the fifth as Travis Ishikawa singled to plate Carlos Gomez and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Norichika Aoki, followed by Corey Hart singling both Rickie Weeks and Ryan Braun home, Lucroy hitting a three-run home run to sweep in Aramis Ramirez and Hart, and Gomez hit a solo home run. The Cubs shot back in the seventh inning on a DeJesus groundout that gave time for Darwin Barney to get home. Chicago got another in the ninth inning as Castillo scored on a wild pitch, but they still lost 9-5. Rogers picked up the win and Germano was shelled in the loss.

Back south to Chicago, where the White Sox host the New York Yankees. Freddy Garcia and Gavin Floyd are the struggling pitchers. New York led off in the first inning with Mark Teixeira singling in Derek Jeter and
Eric Chavez grounding into a fielder's choice to bring in Robinson Cano. The Yankees added on in the second inning with Curtis Granderson singling to plate Nick Swisher. Chicago got on the board in the fifth inning with a two-run home run by Dewayne Wise, also scoring Gordon Beckham, before tying it as Alex Rios grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Kevin Youkilis to get home, and then taking the lead as A.J. Pierzynski single, knocking in Adam Dunn, followed by Dayan Viciedo singling to finish Rios' trip around. New York pulled closer in the sixth inning on a Jeter solo home run, and they tied it as Teixeira singled in Swisher, before taking the lead on a Casey McGehee single to drive in Cano. The White Sox retied with a Beckham solo shot in the bottom of the sixth inning. Chicago took the lead back in the seventh inning as Alexei Ramirez hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Pierzynski. The White Sox got another in the eighth inning on a Dunn solo home run. This gave them a 9-6 lead, which was good for a win, with Brett Myers in line for the win, Addison Reed tossing the save, and Boone Logan was responsible for the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Joe Saunders are the veteran pitchers. Arizona started in the first inning on a Jason Kubel solo home run. Miami tied it in the fourth inning on a Carlos Lee single to drive in Donovan Solano, followed by a three-run Giancarlo Stanton home run to sweep in Jose Reyes and Lee, and a Justin Ruggiano solo shot, a Solano single plating John Buck, and a 2-RBI Reyes double to knock in both Emilio Bonifacio and Solano, and Lee singling Reyes the rest of the way home. The Diamondbacks got one back in the bottom of the fourth as Chris Johnson singled to drive in Paul Goldschmidt. The Marlins replied in the fifth inning as Donnie Murphy tripled to force in Buck. Miami shot back in the sixth inning when Stanton and Buck hit solo home runs. Arizona got one back in the eighth inning on a Kubel groundout to allow Chris Young safe passage home. They only made it 12-3, with Buehrle getting the win and Saunders getting shelled in the loss.

Out in San Diego, the Padres host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia faces his former team, with Edinson Volquez opposing him. San Diego began with a first inning Will Venable single to drive in Everth Cabrera, before scoring on a Yasmani Grandal groundout. The Padres added on with a second inning Venable single to score Cameron Maybin. Pittsburgh got on the board in the sixth inning as Neil Walker singled home Andrew McCutchen. This was as close as it got, with the final being 3-1. Volquez notched the win, Dale Thayer shut the door for a save, and Correia was handed the loss.

Up into Oakland, with the Athletics hosting the Minnesota Twins. Brian Duensing and Brandon McCarthy receive the starting nods. Minnesota opened with a first inning Josh Willingham double to plate Darin Mastroianni, and then Trevor Plouffe drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Willingham. The Twins got more in the second inning on a Mastroianni single to knock in Pedro Florimon, followed by Willingham singling Mastroianni the rest of the way home. Oakland got on the board in the bottom of the second as Josh Donaldson doubled to plate Yoenis Cespedes. The Athletics got another in the third inning on a Josh Reddick groundout providing time for Coco Crisp to dash home. Minnesota added on in the fourth inning as Joe Mauer singled in both Florimon and Ben Revere. The Twins padded the lead in the eighth inning with a Mastroianni sacrifice fly to allow safe passage home for Florimon. This made it a 7-2 score, which was a final, giving Duensing the win and McCarthy the loss.

Further north, the Seattle Mariners welcome the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and Kevin Millwood are on the hill. Cleveland got going with a first inning Jason Kipnis solo home run. Seattle took the lead in the third inning as Michael Saunders hit a two-run home run, also scoring Dustin Ackley. The Indians tied it as Kipnis singled to plate Casey Kotchman, followed by Asdrubal Cabrera doing the same for Ezequiel Carrera. The Mariners retied it in the sixth inning on an Eric Thames solo shot. Seattle took the lead again in the seventh inning as Saunders hit another two-run home run, sweeping in Brendan Ryan. This produced the 5-3 final, with Charlie Furbush being credited with the win, Tom Wilhelmsen turning the save, and Joe Smith was dealt the loss.

Finally, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner and Clayton Kershaw are the staff aces pacing the game. San Francisco led off with a first inning Pablo Sandoval sacrifice fly to plate Angel Pagan. The Giants got another in the sixth inning on a Sandoval single to knock in Pagan. Los Angeles tried a ninth inning rally as Hanley Ramirez hit a solo home run, but they still fell 2-1. Bumgarned earned the win with a dominant performance, while Javier Lopez cleaned up a mess for the save and Kershaw was not freed from the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 19 2012

These may not be official, but they will give you a good idea of who had good weeks last week.

Batters: Nick Swisher, Mike Trout, Jay Bruce, Todd Frazier, Albert Pujols, Hanley Ramirez, Danny Espinosa, Garrett Jones, Aaron Hill, Miguel Cabrera.

Pitchers: Kyle Kendrick, Hiroki Kuroda, Felix Hernandez, Jeremy Guthrie, Chad Billingsley, Cole Hamels, Adam Ottavino, Greg Holland, Kris Medlen, Jim Johnson.

MLB Day 136 2012

Another full slate of games to add to my busy weekend, starting in...

Detroit, with the Tigers hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Doug Fister are the solid starters. Detroit established a first inning lead with an Omar Infante solo home run, a three-run blast by Jhonny Peralta, sweeping in Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, and a Jeff Baker double to plate Delmon Young. Baltimore shot back in the second inning as Chris Davis hit a solo shot, Nick Markakis doubled to knock in Omar Quintanilla, and J.J. Hardy doubled both Taylor Teagarden and Markakis across the dish. The Orioles took the lead in the fourth inning as Nate McLouth tripled to force in Markakis and Hardy before scoring on an Adam Jones single. The scoring ended here, with Chen notching the win, Jim Johnson converting the save, and Fister was dealt the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Henderson Alvarez will be sent out to pitch. Toronto was first to score in the second inning on a Mike McCoy groundout, bringing in Yunel Escobar. Texas answered in the third inning as Geovany Soto singled in David Murphy before scoring on a single by Mitch Moreland. The Rangers got another in the fourth inning as Murphy doubled to plate Michael Young. Texas rallied to extend the lead in the fifth inning on a Josh Hamilton double scoring Elvis Andrus, a Nelson Cruz single to finish Hamilton's trip around, and a three-run home run by Michael Young, sweeping in Adrian Beltre and Cruz. The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the fifth as McCoy hit a solo home run. The Rangers padded the lead in the sixth inning with a ground rule double by Young, forcing in Hamilton and Cruz. Texas got one more in the ninth inning on a Murphy solo shot. This made it 11-2, a final, with Harrison earning the win and Alvarez getting crushed in the loss.

Back stateside, the Cincinnati Reds host the Chicago Cubs. Chris Volstad is mismatched with Mat Latos. Cincinnati opened with a first inning Jay Bruce single scoring Brandon Phillips. Chicago tied it in the third inning as David DeJesus hit a ground rule double to force in Steve Clevenger. The Reds took the lead back in the fourth inning when Wilson Valdez singled Bruce home, followed by Ryan Hanigan hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Todd Frazier to score, and Latos singling to finish Valdez's trip around. The Cubs pulled closer in the sixth inning as Alfonso Soriano hit a sacrifice fly that got DeJesus home, followed by Starlin Castro singling to drive in Darwin Barney. Chicago tied it in the eighth inning as Soriano grounded out to give DeJesus time to dash home. Cincinnati won 5-4 in the ninth inning as Hanigan singled to plate Xavier Paul. Aroldis Chapman was in line for the win while Shawn Camp was responsible for the loss.

To the east, the Washington Nationals bring in the New York Mets. Jeremy Hefner and Gio Gonzalez are given the green light to pitch. Washington started with a second inning Danny Espinosa two-run home run, also scoring Michael Morse after a long rain delay. The Nationals added on in the third inning as Bryce Harper tripled to force in Jayson Werth before coming the final 90 feet on a single by Ryan Zimmerman. Washington extended the lead with a fifth inning Harper solo home run. New York got on the board in the sixth inning with Jason Bay grounding out to provide Ike Davis time to score. The Mets got another as Kelly Shoppach singled home Ronny Cedeno in the eighth inning. This wasn't enough to avoid the 5-2 loss, with the win belonging to Gonzalez, the save tossed by Tyler Clippard, and the loss pinned on Hefner.

South to Atlanta, with the Braves hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Mike Minor draw the starts. Los Angeles began with a fifth inning Luis Cruz solo home run. The Dodgers added on in the eighth inning as Mark Ellis singled home Juan Uribe. The Dodgers padded the lead with a ninth inning 3-RBI Mark Ellis double to sweep in A.J. Ellis, Adam Kennedy, and Shane Victorino. This gave them a 5-0 lead and win, which went to Billingsley, while Minor pitched well but had no support in the loss.

West to Houston, as the Astros host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy faces a lesser foe in Armando Galarraga. Arizona rallied to a fourth inning lead as Aaron Hill hit a solo home run, followed by Chris Young singling in Jason Kubel, Ryan Wheeler walking with the bases-loaded to force in Paul Goldschmidt, Kennedy hitting a sacrifice fly to finish Young's trip around, and Gerardo Parra doubling Stephen Drew across the dish. Houston got on the board in the sixth inning as Jason Castro singled to knock in Tyler Greene. The Diamondbacks replied in the seventh inning as Miguel Montero hit a 2-RBI single to get Hill and Goldschmidt across the plate. Arizona added on in the eighth inning with another Hill solo shot. This gave them an 8-1 lead, which was the final, giving Kennedy the win and Galarraga the loss.

North to Kansas City, with the Royals hosting the Chicago White Sox. Jose Quintana and Jeremy Guthrie will take the hill. Kansas City got going in the second inning on a Salvador Perez double to plate both Lorenzo Cain and Alcides Escobar. Chicago tied the game in the eighth inning when Dewayne Wise reached on an error that allowed safe passage home for Dayan Viciedo and Ray Olmedo. The Royals took the lead back in their half of the inning on a Perez single to drive in Jarrod Dyson, followed by Johnny Giavotella grounding into a fielder's choice that combined with an error to allow Mike Moustakas to come home and a Cain single to finish Eric Hosmer's trip around. This gave them a 5-2 lead, a final, with the win belonging to Greg Holland and the loss pinned on Jesse Crain.

Further north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Randy Wolf are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Philadelphia led off with a two-run home run by Michael Martinez, also scoring Domonic Brown. The Phillies extended the lead as Brown hit a 3-RBI double in the third inning, sweeping in Kevin Frandsen, Ryan Howard, and Ty Wigginton. Philadelphia added on in the eighth inning with a Brian Schneider double to drive in both Brown and Martinez. The Phillies padded the lead in the ninth inning as Brown singled John Mayberry across the dish. This paced them to an 8-0 win, picked up by Kendrick, while Wolf was dealt the loss.

Back in Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jeff Karstens welcomes Jaime Garcia back from the disabled list. St. Louis struck first in the fourth inning as Carlos Beltran doubled both Allen Craig and Matt Holliday home. Pittsburgh got on the board in the sixth inning with Josh Harrison hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Clint Barmes, before tying the game as Andrew McCutchen singled Karstens safely home. The Pirates took the lead in the seventeenth (yes, that is 17th) inning on a Garrett Jones single giving James McDonald (normally a pitcher, used as a pinch-hitter here) time to come home. The Cardinals tied it in the bottom of the seventeenth as Tony Cruz hit a sacrifice fly that brought in Ryan Jackson. Pittsburgh took the lead again in the nineteenth inning on a Pedro Alvarez solo home run and a 2-RBI McCutchen single to plate Barmes and Jose Tabata. This made it 6-3, and mercifully this was the final. Normally a starting pitcher, Wandy Rodriguez worked as a last resort to record the win, while Barret Browning was dealt the loss.

West to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson and Drew Pomeranz will be taking the mound. Miami got going as Carlos Lee grounded out to score Emilio Bonifacio. The Marlins got another in the fourth inning on a John Buck solo home run. Colorado rallied ahead in the bottom of the fourth as Dexter Fowler doubled to plate Josh Rutledge before scoring on a two-run home run by Jordan Pacheco. This ended the scoring at 3-2, with Adam Ottavino notching the win, Rafael Betancourt turning the save, and Johnson was stuck with the loss.

Out in California, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore and Zack Greinke are penciled in to pitch. Tampa Bay got things going in the second inning when Elliot Johnson was hit by a pitch and B.J. Upton walked with the bases loaded to force in Ryan Roberts and Sean Rodriguez, respectively, followed by Matt Joyce singling both Jose Molina and Johnson in. Los Angeles got on the board in the fourth inning as Mike Trout hit a solo home run. The Rays added on in the fifth inning as Roberts hit a two-run home run, also scoring Evan Longoria. The Angels shot back in the sixth inning as Albert Pujols hit a solo shot. Tampa Bay padded the lead in the ninth inning as Carlos Pena doubled both Upton and Sam Fuld across the dish. Los Angeles tried a ninth inning rally as Erick Aybar singled to drive in Alberto Callaspo, but they lost 8-3 and scored no more. Moore was given the win and Greinke had a rough loss.

Down in San Diego, the Padres host the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and Clayton Richard pace the game. San Diego began as Carlos Quentin singled in Will Venable, followed by Cameron Maybin singling both Quentin and Yonder Alonso across the dish. San Francisco got on the board in the second inning with Hunter Pence hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Buster Posey to score.The Padres extended the lead in the fifth inning with Maybin singling Alexi Amarista home before scoring alongside John Baker on a double from Everth Cabrera. San Diego got another in the eighth inning on a Venable solo home run. This gave them a 7-1 lead, good for the win, earned by Richard, while Vogelsong struggled in the loss.

North to Oakland, where the Athletics host the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Jarrod Parker are the inconsistent pitchers. Oakland was first on the board as Coco Crisp singled to plate Cliff Pennington.The Athletics added on in the fourth inning with a Brandon Moss solo home run. Oakland padded the lead in the fifth inning with a three-run home run by Crisp, sweeping in Pennington and Jemile Weeks. The Athletics got some more in the sixth inning as Weeks doubled to score Pennington and then finished his trip around on a Crisp single. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 7-0, giving Parker a dominant win and Masterson had no help in the loss.

Further north, the Seattle Mariners welcome the Minnesota Twins. Samuel Deduno and Blake Beavan are the young starters. Minnesota started with a second inning Trevor Plouffe sacrifice fly to bring in Josh Willingham. Seattle answered in the third inning as John Jaso drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Dustin Ackley, and Jesus Montero grounded into a double play that allowed Michael Saunders to come home. The Mariners added on in the seventh inning as Saunders hit a two-run home run, also scoring Ackley, followed by Eric Thames doubling Jaso across the dish. The scoring ended here at 5-1, with Beavan earning the win, Josh Kinney tossing the save, and Deduno was handed the loss.

Finally, back east, the New York Yankees host the Boston Red Sox. Josh Beckett is mismatched with Hiroki Kuroda. New York opened with a first inning Curtis Granderson double, scoring Derek Jeter. The Yankees got another in the third inning with Jeter scoring on a wild pitch. New York padded the lead in the fourth inning as Ichiro Suzuki hit a solo home run. The Yankees got another in the sixth inning on another Suzuki solo shot. Boston got on the board in the seventh inning with an Adrian Gonzalez solo home run. This was as close as it got, with the final being 4-1, giving Kuroda the win, Rafael Soriano the save, and Beckett was pinned with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.