Saturday, September 8, 2012

MLB Day 156 2012

Originally a full slate for the day, but the Phillies and Rockies were rained out in Philadelphia. This leaves us with fourteen games, beginning in...

DC, as the Washington Nationals host the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Ross Detwiler are the underrated pitchers. Miami got going in the first inning as both Gorkys Hernandez and Giancarlo Stanton hit solo home runs. The Marlins added on in the second inning as Donovan Solano singled home Donnie Murphy. Washington got on the board in the third inning with a Jesus Flores solo shot. The Nationals pulled closer in the fourth inning as Danny Espinosa singled to drive in Ryan Zimmerman. Miami extended the lead in the fifth inning when Justin Ruggiano reached on an error to get Solano home and John Buck singled to plate Carlos Lee. Washington shot back in their half of the inning as Bryce Harper hit a solo home run. The Marlins struck again in the seventh inning with Ruggiano again reaching on an error to provide time for Solano to come home. The Nationals pulled back in the eighth inning on a two-run home run by Zimmerman, also scoring Harper. Washington tied it in the ninth as Jayson Werth launched a solo shot. The Nationals won 7-6 in the tenth inning on a Corey Brown single to plate Ian Desmond. Drew Storen picked up the win and Chad Gaudin was sent the loss.

West to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Chris Sale get the starting nods. Chicago started in the first inning with a Dayan Viciedo solo home run. Kansas City tied it in the third inning as Billy Butler singled home Lorenzo Cain. The White Sox took the lead back in their half of the inning on an Alexei Ramirez double to drive in Gordon Beckham. Chicago padded the lead in the fourth inning on a two-run home run by Tyler Flowers, also scoring A.J. Pierzynski. The White Sox got another in the sixth inning on a Paul Konerko solo shot. The Royals answered in the eighth inning when Alcides Escobar doubled to knock in Johnny Giavotella. Kansas City tried a ninth inning rally on a Brayan Pena single to plate Mike Moustakas, before he scored on a Giavotella single, but this only made it 5-4 in the end. Sale held onto the win, Addison Reed turned a sloppy save, and Chen was not freed from the loss.

Back east, the New York Mets host the Atlanta Braves. Kris Medlen faces a lesser foe in Jeremy Hefner. Atlanta opened when Jose Constanza singled home Dan Uggla in the second inning. The Braves added on in the third inning as Freddie Freeman singled to knock in Jason Heyward, before scoring alongside Uggla on a Brian McCann double, and then Medlen doubled McCann the rest of the way home. New York got on the board in the fourth inning as Lucas Duda singled to score David Wright. Atlanta replied in the fifth inning as McCann hit a two-run home run, also scoring Uggla. The Mets shot back in their half of the inning on a Ronny Cedeno solo home run. The Braves answered in the sixth inning with Chipper Jones grounding out to bring in Martin Prado. Atlanta padded the lead in the seventh inning when Prado singled McCann and Constanza across the dish. New York took one back in the eighth inning with a Duda double (all the du-da-day!) to drive in Wright. The Braves iced it at 11-3 in the ninth inning on an Eric Hinske solo shot. Medlen earned the win while Hefner was stuck holding the loss. 

Out in California, the San Francisco Giants host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano and Matt Cain take the mound. San Francisco led off in the first inning as Buster Posey singled home Marco Scutaro. Los Angeles tied it in the sixth inning when Shane Victorino hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Capuano. The Giants retook the lead in the seventh inning on a Brandon Belt groundout that allowed Posey to dash home. The Dodgers retied it in the eighth inning as Bobby Abreu walked on a wild pitch that gave time for Alex Castellanos to score. Los Angeles took the lead in the ninth inning when Hanley Ramirez doubled in Adrian Gonzalez, good for a 3-2 win. Ronald Belisario picked up the win, Brandon League converted the save, and Jeremy Affeldt was on the hook for the loss.

Eastward to Pittsburgh, as the Pirates host the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and James McDonald are the strikeout machines pitching. Pittsburgh got going in the first inning with Pedro Alvarez singling home Brock Holt and Andrew McCutchen. Chicago got one back in the second inning on an Alfonso Soriano solo home run. The Cubs tied it in the third inning as Luis Valbuena grounded into a double play that brought in Tony Campana. Chicago gained the lead in the fifth inning on a Valbuena sacrifice fly, again allowing Campana to come home. The Pirates got one back in the seventh inning when Jeff Clement singled Josh Harrison across the dish. The Cubs shot back in the eighth inning on a David DeJesus single to drive in Welington Castillo. This held for a 4-3 win, with Samardzija going the distance in the win while McDonald was given the loss.

Over in Baltimore, the Orioles host the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia and Joe Saunders draw the starts. New York began in the first inning as Alex Rodriguez hit a sacrifice fly to get Derek Jeter home. The Yankees added on in the second inning as Ichiro Suzuki doubled home Russell Martin. Baltimore tied it in the bottom of the second with solo home runs by Mark Reynolds and Lew Ford. The Orioles gained the lead in the third inning on a J.J. Hardy double to drive in Nick Markakis. Baltimore padded the lead in the sixth inning as Hardy hit a solo shot and Ford singled to knock in Adam Jones. New York got one back in the eighth inning as Rodriguez hit a solo home run. The Yankees tried a ninth inning rally when Nick Swisher grounded into a fielder's choice to give Suzuki time to dart home, but it failed to tie the game, leaving the final at 5-4. Saunders picked up the win, Jim Johnson turned a messy save, and Sabathia couldn't avoid the loss.

Northwest into Minnesota, with the Twins hosting the Cleveland Indians. Zach McAllister and Cole De Vries are the young pitchers. Minnesota opened in the third inning as Joe Mauer singled in Ben Revere and Josh Willingham hit a sacrifice fly to give time for Jamey Carroll to score. The Twins added on in the fifth inning as Justin Morneau walked with the bases loaded to force in Revere. This ended the scoring at 3-0, with De Vries getting the win, Glen Perkins closing for the save, and McAllister had no help in the loss.

Back to the east, the Boston Red Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays. Aaron Laffey and Daisuke Matsuzaka are the uninspiring starters. Toronto rallied to a lead in the second inning on a Yunel Escobar solo home run, followed by Adeiny Hechavarria doubling home Kelly Johnson, Anthony Gose hitting a 2-RBI single to knock in both J.P. Arencibia and Hechavarria, and Rajai Davis hitting a sacrifice fly to finish Gose's trip. Boston shot back in the fifth inning with Scott Podsednik singled home Ryan Lavarnway, followed by Pedro Ciriaco doing the same for Mike Aviles before the second rain delay of the game hit. The Blue Jays padded the lead in the eighth inning when Adam Lind singled to get Colby Rasmus across the dish. Toronto extended the lead in the ninth inning on a three-run home run by Gose, sweeping in Arencibia and Hechavarria. This gave them a 9-2 lead, the final, with Brad Lincoln getting the win and Matsuzaka suffering the loss.

South to Tampa Bay, as the Rays host the Texas Rangers. Yu Darvish and Chris Archer are the prospects pitching. Texas led off in the fourth inning on a two-run home run by Josh Hamilton, also scoring Elvis Andrus. Tampa Bay answered in the sixth inning with a Sam Fuld groundout to get Jeff Keppinger home. The Rays tied it in the eighth inning when Carlos Pena reached on an error, allowing Rich Thompson to come home. The Rangers took the lead again in the tenth inning as Jurickson Profar doubled to knock in Leonys Martin, before being forced in when Hamilton was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. This stood for a 4-2 win, picked up by Mike Adams, while Joe Nathan tossed the save, and Kyle Farnsworth was responsible for the loss.

Northward to Cincinnati, where the Reds host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Bronson Arroyo take the hill. Houston got going in the first inning as Justin Maxwell singled home Fernando Martinez. Cincinnati tied it in the second inning on a Jay Bruce solo home run. The Reds tied it in the third inning as Brandon Phillips hit a solo shot. Cincinnati padded the lead in the sixth inning as Ryan Hanigan singled to drive in Joey Votto, followed by Wilson Valdez doing the same for Bruce and also Todd Frazier after an error. The scoring stopped here at 5-1, giving Arroyo the win and Norris the loss.

Into St. Louis, as the Cardinals host the Milwaukee Brewers. Mike Fiers and Jake Westbrook are the middle-rotation starters. Milwaukee opened in the second inning as Carlos Gomez sacrificed to bring in Aramis Ramirez, followed by Fiers singling Jonathan Lucroy in. St. Louis got one back in their half of the inning as Daniel Descalso singled to knock in David Freese. The Brewers replied in the third inning as Corey Hart reached on an error that allowed Ryan Braun to dash home. Milwaukee added on in the seventh inning as Rickie Weeks hit a solo home run. The Cardinals answered in the bottom of the seventh when Adron Chambers tripled to force in Bryan Anderson. St. Louis pulled closer in the eighth inning as Skip Schumaker hit a sacrifice fly that plated Yadier Molina. The Brewers extended the lead in the ninth inning as Ramirez hit a solo shot and Gomez singled to drive Hart. This produced the 6-3 final, with the win going to Fiers, the save to John Axford, and the loss to Westbrook.

Out to California again, with the San Diego Padres hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Casey Kelly are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Arizona started in the first inning on a two-run home run by Jason Kubel, also scoring Adam Eaton. San Diego tied it in the bottom of the first on a 2-RBI Jesus Guzman double, plating both Chris Denorfia and Logan Forsythe. The Diamondbacks retook the lead in the second inning on a Jake Elmore grounded out to bring in Justin Upton. Arizona padded the lead in the third inning with solo home runs by Aaron Hill and Kubel, followed by Elmore doubling Paul Goldschmidt safely home. The Padres chipped away in the fourth inning on a two-run home run from Forsythe, driving in Everth Cabrera. The Diamondbacks replied in the fifth inning as Upton hit a solo shot. San Diego shot back in the sixth inning as Denorfia doubled to knock in Cameron Maybin. Arizona extended the lead in the eighth inning as Miguel Montero walked with the bases loaded to force in Gerardo Parra. This made it 8-5, a final, with Miley picking up the win, J.J. Putz finishing off for the save, and Kelly was stuck with the loss.

Up to Anaheim, where the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander and C.J. Wilson pace the game. Los Angeles stormed out of the gate for a first inning lead when Mike Trout hit a solo home run, followed by Howie Kendrick doubling both Albert Pujols and Kendrys Morales home, and Vernon Wells did the same to finish Kendrick's trip around. The Angels added on in the third inning with Morales doubling to knock in Pujols. Detroit got on the board in the fourth inning when Omar Infante singled to plate Austin Jackson. Los Angeles answered in the bottom of the fourth with Pujols singling to drive in Trout. There was no more scoring, with the final being 6-1. Wilson got the win and Verlander took a rough loss.

Finally, in Seattle, the Mariners host the Oakland Athletics. Brett Anderson and Hisashi Iwakuma have the green light to start. Oakland led off in the first inning as Yoenis Cespedes reached on an error that brought in Josh Reddick. Seattle tied it in the second inning with Trayvon Robinson grounding into a fielder's choice that gave Michael Saunders time to score. The Athletics took the lead back in the fourth inning when Stephen drew singled home Cespedes, followed by a two-run home run by George Kotteras, also scoring Josh Donaldson, and a Coco Crisp double to knock in Cliff Pennington. Oakland got another in the ninth inning as Cespedes hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Seth Smith. This gave them a 6-1 lead and victory, with Anderson notching the win and Iwakuma taking the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion. 

Friday, September 7, 2012

MLB Day 155 2012

Full slate once again, and we start in...

Washington, as the Nationals host the Miami Marlins. Jacob Turner and Stephen Strasburg are the phenom pitchers. Miami led off in the first inning as Giancarlo Stanton doubled home Bryan Petersen, followed by Carlos Lee hitting a sacrifice fly to get Jose Reyes home. Washington tied it in their half of the inning on a two-run home run by Ryan Zimmerman, also scoring Jayson Werth. The Marlins retook the lead in the second inning on a Rob Brantly solo home run. Miami added on in the third inning when Stanton hit a solo shot, followed by Donovan Solano singling to drive in Greg Dobbs. The Marlins padded the lead in the fourth inning as Reyes tripled to force in Justin Ruggiano. The Nationals shot back in the seventh inning on a Danny Espinosa double to knock in Ian Desmond, followed by Kurt Suzuki doing the same for Espinosa, and he then scored as Steve Lombardozzi hit a single that combined with an error to give the time to score. Washington tied it in the eighth inning as Michael Morse hit a solo home run. Miami took the lead in the tenth inning as Reyes tripled to push both Petersen and Ruggiano across the dish, before he scored on a Lee sacrifice fly. The Nationals tried to rally back in the bottom of the tenth as Morse singled Adam LaRoche around, but they failed to tie, losing 9-7. Chad Gaudin was credited with the win, Steve Cishek turned an ugly save, and Tyler Clippard was on the hook for the loss.

Into Pittsburgh, as the Pirates host the Chicago Cubs. Travis Wood and A.J. Burnett draw the starts. Chicago got going in the first inning as Alfonso Soriano singled in Luis Valbuena. The Cubs added on in the third inning with Starlin Castro singling both Anthony Rizzo and Soriano across the dish before scoring on a single by Steve Clevenger. Chicago padded the lead in the sixth inning as David DeJesus reached on an error to allow Brett Jackson to come in, followed by a 2-RBI double from Valbuena that plated both Darwin Barney and Wood. The Cubs got some more in the seventh inning as Rizzo walked with the bases loaded to force in Tony Campana, followed by Soriano singling to drive in both DeJesus and Valbuena, and Castro doubling to get both Rizzo and Dave Sappelt home. Pittsburgh got on the board in the eighth inning on a Michael McKenry double to get Josh Harrison home before he scored on a Starling Marte sacrifice fly. This was as close as it got, with the final being 12-2. Wood was given the win, and Burnett was dealt the loss.

Across Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Francis and Cliff Lee are the veteran starters. Colorado quickly struck in the first inning as Carlos Gonzalez doubled to score Josh Rutledge before scoring on a single by Wilin Rosario. Philadelphia tied the game in the seventh inning when Laynce Nix doubled in both Pete Orr and Juan Pierre. The Phillies won it in the ninth inning on a Nate Schierholtz single to plate the decisive run, Jimmy Rollins, for a 3-2 win. Jonathan Papelbon was in line for the win, and Will Harris was stuck holding the loss.

Back to Maryland, as the Baltimore Orioles host the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Wei-Yin Chen are the underrated pitchers. New York exploded to a lead in the fourth inning on a three-run home run by Russell Martin, sweeping in Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano, followed by a two-run blast from Steve Pearce, also scoring Andruw Jones. The Yankees added on in the fifth inning as Alex Rodriguez lifted a two-run homer, bringing in Derek Jeter. Baltimore got on the board in the sixth inning as Adam Jones went yard on a three-run home run, bringing J.J. Hardy and Nate McLouth with him. The Orioles got another in the seventh inning on a Robert Andino solo home run. New York padded the lead in the ninth inning as Jeter singled Ichiro Suzuki in. Baltimore tried a rally in the bottom of the ninth when Manny Machado hit a solo shot, but they couldn't get any more, losing 8-5. Hughes was given the win and Chen was handed the loss.

West to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Homer Bailey are penciled in to pitch. Houston began with a first inning Justin Maxwell two-run home run, also scoring Jose Altuve. Cincinnati tied it in their half of the inning on a 2-RBI Ryan Ludwick single, plating both Brandon Phillips and Chris Heisey. The Reds padded the lead as Jay Bruce singled to drive in Heisey in the fifth inning. The Astros retook the lead in the ninth inning on a three-run home run by Jimmy Parades, sweeping in Tyler Greene and Matt Dominguez. This gave them a 5-3 lead, good for a final, with Hector Ambriz getting the win, Wilton Lopez finishing off for the save, and Aroldis Chapman was dinged for the loss.

Eastward to Boston, where the Red Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays with a side of rain. Henderson Alvarez and Felix Doubront are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Toronto started in the first inning on an Edwin Encarnacion sacrifice fly to allow Brett Lawrie. The Blue Jays added on in the third inning as Encarnacion hit a solo home run. Toronto padded the lead in the fourth inning as Moises Sierra hit a two-run home run, also scoring Kelly Johnson. The Blue Jays struck again in the fifth inning as Yunel Escobar singled home Colby Rasmus. Boston got on the board in their half of the inning with Dustin Pedroia grounding into a fielder's choice to get Ryan Kalish home. The Red Sox got another in the seventh inning as Mauro Gomez singled home Pedro Ciriaco. Boston pulled closer in the eighth inning on a Pedroia solo shot. Toronto extended the lead in the ninth inning as Rasmus went yard and took Lawrie with him. The Red Sox tried to rally in the bottom of the ninth on a two-run homer from Gomez, driving in Mike Aviles, but they still lost 7-5. Alvarez notched the win and Doubront was pinned with the loss.

Moving along, the New York Mets host the Atlanta Braves. Paul Maholm and Jonathon Niese take the mound. Atlanta opened with a fourth inning Jason Heyward solo home run. The Braves added on in the seventh inning as David Ross hit a sacrifice fly to get Dan Uggla in. Atlanta struck again in the ninth inning on an Uggla solo shot. This produced the 3-0 final, with the win belonging to Maholm, Craig Kimbrel tossing his thirty-fifth save of the season, and the loss stuck on Niese.

South to Tampa Bay, as the Rays host the Texas Rangers. Derek Holland and Jeremy Hellickson are the young pitchers. Tampa Bay was first to score with a fourth inning Evan Longoria solo home run. Texas tied it in the fifth inning as Michael Young hit a solo shot. The Rays won in the eleventh inning on a two-run home run by Ben Zobrist, also scoring B.J. Upton for a 3-1 win. Wade Davis picked up the win while Mark Lowe was responsible for the loss.

Northwest to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Cleveland Indians. Jeanmar Gomez and Liam Hendriks are the unknown pitchers. Minnesota led off with a second inning Chris Parmelee sacrifice fly to allow Josh Willingham to score. The Twins extended the lead in the third inning as Willingham doubled both Pedro Florimon and Ben Revere in, followed by a Justin Morneau sacrifice fly to bring in Joe Mauer. Cleveland got on the board in the fourth inning as Russ Canzler hit a two-run home run, also scoring Michael Brantley. The Indians shot back in the fifth inning as Shin-Soo Choo singled Jack Hannahan home, followed by Canzler singling to get Jason Kipnis in. Cleveland took the lead with a seventh inning Brantley single to drive in Kipnis, followed by Casey Kotchman doing the same for Carlos Santana, and Cord Phelps drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Brantley. Minnesota got one back in the eighth inning as Willingham doubled Mauer across the dish. The Twins tried a rally in the ninth inning as Revere grounded out to bring around Alexi Casilla, but they still fell 7-6. David Huff was credited with the win, Chris Perez turned a messy save as his thirty-fifth of the year, and Tyler Robertson was stuck with the loss.

Down in Chicago, the White Sox host the Kansas City Royals. Luis Mendoza and Francisco Liriano are the inconsistent starters. Chicago began with a first inning Paul Konerko single to knock in Alejandro De Aza. Kansas City took the lead in the second inning on a two-run home run by Salvador Perez, also scoring Billy Butler. The White Sox tied it in the fourth inning on an A.J. Pierzynski solo home run. The Royals pulled ahead again in the fifth inning as Lorenzo Cain hit a solo shot. Chicago tied it in the bottom of the fifth as Dewayne Wise hit a solo home run. Kansas City edged ahead again in the sixth inning with Jeff Francoeur doubling Perez across the dish, followed by Eric Hosmer hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Mike Moustakas safe passage home. The White Sox quickly retied it in their half of the inning as Alexei Ramirez hit a two-run home run, bringing in Dayan Viciedo. The Royals pulled ahead again in the ninth inning as Cain went yard on a two-run home run, taking Johnny Giavotella with him. This was good for a 7-5 win, with Kelvin Herrera picking up the win, Greg Holland tossing the save, and Addison Reed on the hook for the loss.

Further south, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Milwaukee Brewers, if the rain lets up. Yovani Gallardo and Kyle Lohse are scheduled to start. After the rain parted, St. Louis got going in the first inning as Matt Carpenter doubled in Jon Jay before scoring on an Allen Craig sacrifice fly. Milwaukee got on the board in the fourth inning as Taylor Green grounded out to get Rickie Weeks home. The Brewers tied it in the seventh inning as Travis Ishikawa doubled home Martin Maldonado. Milwaukee got the lead in the eighth inning as Carlos Gomez singled, combining with an error to bring in Corey Hart before finishing his trip on a single by Maldonado. The Cardinals pulled even again in the bottom of the eighth as Yadier Molina hit a two-run home run, also scoring Carpenter. The Brewers took the lead back in the thirteenth inning on a Ryan Braun solo home run. This made it 5-4, the final, with the win going to Brandon Kintzler, the save converted by John Axford, and the loss pinned on Lance Lynn.

Out in California, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Ervin Santana are on the hill. Los Angeles led off in the first inning as Torii Hunter singled home Mike Trout and Howie Kendrick grounded out to get Albert Pujols home. Detroit shot back in the second inning on a Prince Fielder solo home run. The Tigers tied it in the third inning as Alex Avila hit a solo shot. The Angels won in the ninth inning by a 3-2 score as Alberto Callaspo singled Peter Bourjos across the dish. Ernesto Frieri was in line for the win and Octavio Dotel was responsible for the loss.

South into San Diego, as the Padres host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Tyler Skaggs and Andrew Cashener take their turns in the rotation. San Diego opened in the first inning with Yasmani Grandal doubling in both Chris Denorfia and Logan Forsythe. The Padres added on in the third inning as Chase Headley hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Denorfia and Forsythe. Arizona got on the board in the fifth inning when Ryan Wheeler doubled home both Miguel Montero and Chris Johnson. The Diamondbacks struck again in the seventh inning as Wheeler doubled to plate Montero. Arizona tied it in the eighth inning on a 2-RBI Montero double to knock in both Adam Eaton and Jason Kubel. San Diego gained the lead back in the bottom of the eighth on a Headley solo home run. This held for a 6-5 win, picked up by Brad Brach, while Luke Gregerson turned the save, and David Hernandez was handed the loss.

Way north to Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Oakland Athletics. A.J. Griffin is mismatched with Felix Hernandez. Oakland was first to score in the first inning as Yoenis Cespedes singled, which combined with an error to get Seth Smith home. Seattle tied it in the second inning as Brendan Ryan singled to knock in Michael Saunders. The Athletics took the lead in the fourth inning as George Kotteras hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Josh Donaldson and Stephen Drew. Oakland extended the lead in the fifth inning as Donaldson doubled home Brandon Moss and Drew singled to finish Donaldson's trip around. This was all for the scoring, with the final being 6-1. Griffin earned the win and Hernandez was dealt the loss.

Finally, we end in San Francisco, where the Giants host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Josh Beckett and Tim Lincecum pace the game. Los Angeles started in the third inning as Matt Kemp grounded out to get Mark Ellis home. San Francisco tied it in the bottom of the third as Angel Pagan singled in Brandon Crawford. The Dodgers took the lead in the sixth inning on an Adam Kennedy solo home run. The Giants tied it in their half of the inning as Hunter Pence singling to knock in Pagan. San Francisco gained the lead in the seventh inning on a 2-RBI Marco Scutaro single, plating both Gregor Blanco and Crawford. The Giants padded the lead in the eighth inning on a Joaquin Arias single to give Brandon Belt time to score. This produced the 5-2 final, with Santiago Casilla notching the win, Sergio Romo tossing his tenth save of the year, and Beckett was stuck with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

MLB Day 154 2012

Only five games on today, so this is a really short post as the rest of baseball travels. Two matinees today, beginning in...

Atlanta, as the Braves host the Colorado Rockies. Jhoulys Chacin and Tim Hudson take the mound. Atlanta led off in the second inning as Juan Francisco scored when Chacin muffed the return throw. This was the decisive run for one of the more interesting 1-0 finals ever, with Hudson showing dominance in the win, Craig Kimbrel closing out for the save, and Chacin being charged with the loss for his critical error.

South to Miami, as the Marlins host the Milwaukee Brewers. Marco Estrada and Josh Johnson are on the hill. Miami rallied to a first inning lead as Donovan Solano singled home Bryan Petersen, followed by Jose Reyes doubling Solano across the dish before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Greg Dobbs. The Marlins struck again in the second inning as the pitcher Johnson reached on an error that allowed Donnie Murphy to come home. Milwaukee got on the board in the third inning with a Ryan Braun sacrifice fly to bring in Norichika Aoki. The Brewers got another in the seventh inning as Aoki hit a sacrifice fly to get Jeff Bianchi in. Miami replied in the eighth inning as Dobbs doubled Giancarlo Stanton across the dish, before scoring on a Murphy single. This produced the 6-2 final, with the win going to Johnson and the loss to Estrada.

Up in Washington, the Nationals host the Chicago Cubs. Justin Germano and Jordan Zimmermann receive the starting nods. Chicago opened with a first inning Anthony Rizzo solo home run. Washington tied it in the bottom of the first as Ryan Zimmerman grounded out to get Bryce Harper in. The Cubs shot back in the second inning as Darwin Barney tripled to force in Starlin Castro. The Nationals charged ahead in their half of the second on a three-run home run by Kurt Suzuki, sweeping in Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa. Washington padded the lead in the fourth inning when Harper singled, combining with an error to bring in Suzuki, followed by a 2-RBI Zimmerman single plating both Jayson Werth and Harper. The Nationals extended the lead in the sixth inning on a two-run Adam LaRoche home run, also scoring Zimmerman. The scoring ended here at a 9-2 final, with the win belonging to Zimmermann, and the loss given to Germano.

In the same general region, the Baltimore Orioles host the New York Yankees in a critical series. David Phelps welcomes Jason Hammel back from the disabled list. Baltimore started in the first inning as Adam Jones singled in J.J. Hardy, followed by a three-run home run by Matt Wieters to sweep in Nate McLouth and Jones. New York got on the board in the fourth inning as Curtis Granderson singled to knock in Robinson Cano. The Orioles shot back in the bottom of the fourth on a Robert Andino solo home run. Baltimore struck again in the sixth inning as Mark Reynolds hit a solo shot. The Yankees answered in the eighth inning on an Alex Rodriguez double to drive in Nick Swisher, followed by Granderson singling to finish Rodriguez's trip around, Chris Dickerson walking with the bases loaded to force in Eric Chavez, and Ichiro Suzuki tied the game with a 2-RBI single that got both Granderson and Russell Martin across the dish. The Orioles took the lead back in the bottom of the eighth as Jones hit a solo home run, followed by a two-run blast from Reynolds, also scoring Wieters, and a Chris Davis solo shot. This paced them to a 10-6 win, picked up by Darren O'Day, while David Robertson was responsible for the loss.

Finally, we end in Kansas City, with the Royals welcoming the Texas Rangers. Scott Feldman and Luke Hochevar will pace the game. Kansas City got going in the second inning with a Jeff Francoeur solo home run. The Royals padded the lead in the third inning as Alex Gordon tripled to force in Lorenzo Cain before scoring on a single from Salvador Perez. Texas pulled even in the fourth inning as Josh Hamilton hit a two-run home run, also scoring Michael Young, followed by an Adrian Beltre solo shot. The Rangers gained the lead in the seventh inning on a Geovany Soto double to knock in David Murphy. Kansas City retied it in their half of the inning on an Eric Hosmer solo home run. Texas took the lead in the tenth inning as Young singled Ian Kinsler in. This was good for a 5-4 win, with the win credited to Mike Adams, the save tossed by Joe Nathan as his thirtieth of the season, and loss pinned on Greg Holland.

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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

MLB Day 153 2012

Four early games before the regular slate, with getaway day beginning in...

Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Philadelphia Phillies. Roy Halladay and Mike Leake take their turns in the rotation. Philadelphia established a lead in the second inning as Domonic Brown singled in Ryan Howard, followed by a three-run home run off the bat of Erik Kratz, sweeping in John Mayberry and Brown. The Phillies added on in the third inning as Chase Utley hit a two-run home run, also scoring Juan Pierre. Cincinnati got on the board in the fourth inning on a Jay Bruce double to bring in Chris Heisey. The Reds tried a ninth inning rally on a Bruce solo home run, but this only made it a 6-2 final. Halladay got the win and Leake was handed the loss.

Over in St. Louis, the Cardinals host the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and Adam Wainwright pace the game. New York started in the second inning on a Josh Thole single to get Justin Turner home. The Mets added on in the third inning as Lucas Duda drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Mike Baxter. St. Louis replied in their half of the inning on a solo home run by the pitcher Wainwright. New York shot back in the fifth inning on a three-run Ike Davis home run, sweeping in Baxter and Daniel Murphy. The Cardinals got one back in the seventh inning as Allen Craig grounded into a double play to give time for Daniel Descalso to dash home. The Mets extended the lead in the eighth inning on an Andres Torres single to plate Turner. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 6-2. Dickey notched the win and Wainwright was stuck with the loss.

Up in Chicago, the White Sox host the Minnesota Twins. P.J. Walters is mismatched with Jake Peavy. Chicago set the tone in the first inning on an Alex Rios grand slam, sweeping in Dewayne Wise, Kevin Youkilis, and Adam Dunn. Minnesota shot back in the third inning as Eduardo Escobar hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Matt Carson. The White Sox extended the lead in the sixth inning as Rios hit a two-run home run, also scoring Paul Konerko. The Twins tried a ninth inning rally when Carson hit a sacrifice fly to plate Ryan Doumit, but they scored no more, losing 6-2. Peavy earned the win and Walters was given the loss.

Out west, the Oakland Athletics host the Los Angeles Angels. Dan Haren and Brandon McCarthy get the starting nods. Los Angeles opened in the third inning as Torii Hunter singled in Alberto Callaspo before scoring alongside Albert Pujols on a Howie Kendrick single. Oakland got on the board in the bottom of the third as Seth Smith singled to score Derek Norris. The Angels rallied to extend the lead in the ninth inning with Maicer Izturis walking with the bases loaded to force in Peter Bourjos, followed by a 2-RBI Hunter single to knock in both Erick Aybar and Callaspo, and then Izturis stole home cleanly to produce the 7-1 final. Haren notched the win and McCarthy was stuck with the loss after getting hit in the head by a come-backer.

East to Pittsburgh, where the Pirates host the Houston Astros. Fernando Abad and Kevin Correia are the little known pitchers. Pittsburgh started in the first inning as Garrett Jones singled in Clint Barmes, followed by Gaby Sanchez doing the same for Andrew McCutchen. The Pirates got another in the second inning as Brock Holt singled, scoring Alex Presley. Houston answered in the fourth inning on a Brian Bogusevic single that allowed Jimmy Parades to dash home. Pittsburgh shot back in their half of the inning on a Presley triple to force in Rod Barajas, before finishing his trip on a Holt sacrifice fly. The Pirates added on in the sixth inning as Barmes sacrificed to get Presley in. The Astros tried a ninth inning rally when Brandon Laird hit a two-run home run, also scoring Brett Wallace, making the final 6-3. Correia was handed the win while Abad was dinged for the loss.

Backing up to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and Doug Fister are the inconsistent pitchers. Detroit led off in the first inning on a two-run Miguel Cabrera home run, also scoring Austin Jackson. Cleveland got on the board with a fourth inning Michael Brantley single to bring in Jason Kipnis. The Tigers rallied to extend the lead in the eighth inning when Andy Dirks tripled to force in Jackson before scoring on a Cabrera sacrifice fly, followed by a Prince Fielder solo home run, and a Jhonny Peralta 2-RBI double to plate both Quintin Berry and Avisail Garcia. This made it 7-1, with Fister grabbing the win and Jimenez was pinned with the loss.

Further east, the Washington Nationals host the Chicago Cubs. Chris Volstad and Gio Gonzalez are penciled in to pitch. Washington began in the first inning when Adam LaRoche singled to plate Roger Bernadina. The Nationals added on in the third inning as both Bernadina and Bryce Harper hit solo home runs, followed by a two-run long ball from LaRoche, also scoring Ryan Zimmerman. Washington struck again in the sixth inning as Harper hit a solo shot. The Nationals padded the lead in the seventh inning on Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa solo home runs, followed by a bases-loaded walk drawn by Zimmerman to force in Kurt Suzuki. Chicago got on the board in the ninth inning with an Anthony Rizzo solo shot, producing the 9-1 final, with Gonzalez getting the win, while Volstad was dealt the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Baltimore Orioles. Miguel Gonzalez and Brandon Morrow are the solid starters. Baltimore got going with a second inning Adam Jones solo home run, followed by Manny Machado grounding out to bring in Matt Wieters. Toronto got on the board in the bottom of the second as Kelly Johnson doubled home Adam Lind. The Blue Jays tied it in the third inning with a Rajai Davis solo shot. Toronto extended the lead in the seventh inning as Adeiny Hechevarria laid down a bunt single to score Yunel Escobar, followed by a 2-RBI single from Davis that plated both Johnson and Hechevarria, and later Anthony Gose after an error. The Orioles tried a ninth inning rally as Mark Reynolds hit a two-run home run, also scoring Wieters, but they failed to tie the game and lost 6-4. Steve Delabar was credited with the win while Gonzalez was on the hook for the loss.

Back in the States, the Atlanta Braves host the Colorado Rockies. Alex White and Mike Minor are the young starters. Atlanta started in the fourth inning as Brian McCann grounded into a fielder's choice that combined with an error to get Chipper Jones home. This was the only run, with the 1-0 final in favor of Minor, while Craig Kimbrel tossed the save, and White took the unlucky loss.

Further south, the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Matt Moore are set to start. Tampa Bay was first to score with a first inning Evan Longoria single to plate Sam Fuld. New York rallied ahead in the fourth inning as Alex Rodriguez doubled to score Derek Jeter before being forced in alongside Robinson Cano on a ground rule double by Russell Martin. The Rays tied it in the fifth inning when Zobrist tripled to push both Fuld and Desmond Jennings in. The Yankees got the lead back with a sixth inning Martin solo home run. Tampa Bay tied it in the bottom of the sixth as Luke Scott hit a solo shot. New York took the lead back in the seventh inning as Jeter reached on an error that got both Ichiro Suzuki and Steve Pearce across the dish. This made the final 6-4, with Kuroda notching the win, Rafael Soriano tossing the save, and Moore was handed the loss.

Staying in Florida, the Miami Marlins host the Milwaukee Brewers. Wily Peralta and Nathan Eovaldi are the completely unknown pitchers. Milwaukee struck first in the third inning on a two-run home run by Rickie Weeks, also scoring Norichika Aoki. Miami got on the board in the fifth inning when John Buck singled home Carlos Lee. The Brewers added on in the seventh inning as Weeks hit another two-run homer, again scoring Aoki, and a two-run blast by Corey Hart to drive in Aramis Ramirez. The Marlins answered in their half of the inning when Greg Dobbs singled in Justin Ruggiano, followed by Bryan Petersen doing the same for Buck, Donovan Solano following suit for Donnie Murphy, and Jose Reyes hitting a sacrifice fly to finish Dobbs' trip around. Milwaukee padded the lead in the ninth inning on a 2-RBI Hart double, driving in Weeks and Jonathan Lucroy. This produced an 8-5 final, with Peralta getting the win, John Axford turning his twenty-fifth save of the season, while Eovaldi was given the loss.

Northwest to Kansas City, where the Royals welcome the Texas Rangers. Ryan Demspter and Everett Teaford are called on to pitch. Texas wasted little time in scoring first as Adrian Beltre hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Ian Kinsler and Josh Hamilton in the first inning. Kansas City got on the board in the bottom of the first as Billy Butler doubled home Alcides Escobar. The Royals pulled closer in the sixth inning on a Salvador Perez double to get Butler home. The Rangers extended their lead in the seventh inning as Michael Young hit a solo home run, followed by Kinsler hitting a sacrifice fly to plate Geovany Soto and Elvis Andrus singling in Mitch Moreland. Kansas City replied in their half of the inning as Jeff Francoeur scored on a wild pitch and David Lough hit a sacrifice fly to give time for Eric Hosmer to score. Texas shot back in the eighth inning on a Nelson Cruz single, driving in Beltre. The Royals answered in their half of the inning when Mike Moustakas grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Butler to dash home. Kansas City tried a ninth inning rally as Escobar singled to get Jarrod Dyson safely home, but they couldn't tie it, losing 7-6, with Dempster getting the win, Joe Nathan turning a messy save, and Teaford was not freed from the loss.

Westward to Los Angeles, as the Dodgers host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Aaron Harang take the hill. San Diego paced themselves to a first inning lead as Chase Headley doubled in Everth Cabrera, and also Will Venalbe after an error, before scoring on a Yasmani Grandal single. Los Angeles got on the board in the second inning as Luis Cruz singled Hanley Ramirez in. The Dodgers took one back in the third inning as Adrian Gonzalez singled home Mark Ellis. Los Angeles tied it in the fifth inning when Ramirez singled to get Shane Victorino across the plate. The Padres took the lead again in the seventh inning as Carlos Quentin hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Venable to dash home. This ended the scoring at 4-3, with the win belonging to Nick Vincent, the save turned by Tommy Layne, and the loss stuck on Shawn Tolleson.

North to Seattle, as the Mariners host the Boston Red Sox. Aaron Cook and Kevin Millwood are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Seattle opened in the fourth inning as Dustin Ackley singled to score both Eric Thames and Mike Carp. Boston got on the board in the sixth inning as Cody Ross doubled in Jacoby Ellsbury. They failed to tie the game, falling 2-1, giving Millwood the win, while Tom Wilhelmsen notched the save, and Cook was given the loss.

Finally, we end in San Francisco, as the Giants host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Cahill and Madison Bumgarner take the mound. Arizona led off with a first inning Miguel Montero single to knock in Adam Eaton. The Diamondbacks got another in the fourth inning when John McDonald singled in Chris Johnson. Arizona struck again in the seventh inning on an Aaron Hill double to drive in Eaton, followed by Paul Goldschmidt singling Hill the rest of the way home, before coming home alongside Montero on a Johnson double. San Francisco got on the board in their half of the inning as Brandon Belt hit a 2-RBI single to score both Marco Scutaro and Buster Posey. They scored no more, losing 6-2, with the win earned by Cahill and the loss pinned on Bumgarner.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Wednesday Night NFL Opener 2012

Welcome to football, everybody. My hopes, as usual, are to cover every game to the best of my ability and provide accurate recaps of NFL games throughout the season. If you are new to the blog, please enjoy the ride throughout the season. For returning readers, you know what to expect from me, and it's your readership that keeps me going with my work. I appreciate every time someone visits this blog, and I hope that this season will bring many more visits here. With that said, let's kick off the season in...

East Rutherford, New Jersey, with the New York Giants hosting the Dallas Cowboys. New York opened the scoring in the second quarter as Lawrence Tynes kicked a 22-yard field goal. Dallas pulled ahead with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Tony Romo to Kevin Ogletree, and Dan Bailey made the extra point. The Cowboys added on in the third quarter as Romo connected with Ogletree for another touchdown, this time for 40 yards, and Bailey again converted the extra point. The Giants answered as Ahmad Bradshaw ran 10 yards for a touchdown, with Tynes kicking the extra point. Dallas extended the lead on a 33-yard field goal from Bailey. The Cowboys struck again in the fourth quarter as Romo hooked up with Miles Austin for a 34 yard touchdown, iced off with a Bailey PAT. New York pulled back with Eli Manning connecting for a 9 yard touchdown to Martellus Bennett, and Tynes kicked the extra point. They failed to tie it, losing 24-17. Dallas improves to 1-0 while the Giants start their title defense in an 0-1 hole.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

MLB Day 152 2012

Again, we have a full slate, and I must warn everyone that I will try to keep up from here on, but with the summer being over for me today, it may be difficult for the last month of the season. I will try to do football as well, but I cannot promise anything. The games today begin in...

Washington, as the Nationals host the Chicago Cubs. Chris Rusin is mismatched with Edwin Jackson. Washington led off with a first inning Ian Desmond two-run home run, also scoring Jayson Werth. The Nationals padded the lead in the second inning on a Jesus Flores solo home run, followed by a 2-RBI double from Desmond to bring in both Jackson and Werth. Chicago got on the board in the fourth inning as Starlin Castro singled Luis Valbuena in. Washington extended the lead with an Adam LaRoche solo shot in the bottom of the fourth, followed by a two-run Tyler Moore home run, bringing in Danny Espinosa. The Cubs got some back in the sixth inning as Alfonso Soriano tripled to force in Valbuena and Anthony Rizzo, before coming the final 90 feet home on a Castro single. The Nationals shot back in their half of the inning on a Ryna Zimmerman solo home run. Washington struck again in the seventh inning as Werth singled to knock in Bryce Harper. Chicago replied in the eighth inning on a Soriano solo shot. The Nationals answered in their half of the inning as LaRoche hit another solo home run. The final held at 11-5, with the win going to Jackson and the loss to Rusin.

West to Pittsburgh, as the Pirates host the Houston Astros. Jordan Lyles faces a former teammate, Wandy Rodriguez, in pitching. Pittsburgh got things started after a long rain delay with a first inning Andrew McCutchen double to knock in Travis Snider. The Pirates added on in the third inning as McCutchen singled home Brock Holt, and Garrett Jones doing the same for Jose Tabata. Pittsburgh struck again in the fifth inning with a McCutchen single to drive in Holt, followed by Pedro Alvarez reaching on an error that allowed both McCutchen and Jones to come home. Houston got on the board in the eighth inning as Brett Wallace doubled in Matt Dominguez before scoring on a Chris Snyder single. This produced the 6-2 final, with the win going to Rodriguez and the loss to Lyles.

Onward to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Rick Porcello are the struggling starters. Cleveland got going in the second inning as Michael Brantley doubled in Carlos Santana before scoring on a Jack Hannahan single. The Indians got another in the third inning as Asdrubal Cabrera hit a ground rule double to force in Shin-Soo Choo. Detroit got on the board in the sixth inning with a two-run home run by Miguel Cabrera, also scoring Andy Dirks. They failed to tie the game, losing 3-2, with Masterson notching the win, Chris Perez turning the save, and Porcello was stuck with the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Baltimore Orioles. Zach Britton and Carlos Villanueva are the little known pitchers. Baltimore was first on the board in the fifth inning as Mark Reynolds hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Adam Jones and Chris Davis. The Orioles struck again in the sixth inning as Nate McLouth hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Nick Markakis. Baltimore added on in the seventh inning with Robert Andino hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Davis to dash home, Manny Machado scoring on a balk, and J.J. Hardy singling to plate Markakis. The Orioles padded the lead in the eighth inning with Davis doubling to drive in Jones, followed by Reynolds singling in Matt Wieters, Machado doing the same for Davis, Markakis hitting a ground rule double to force in Reynolds, and McLouth singling to finish Machado's trip around. This was plenty for a 12-0 win, earned by Britton, while Villanueva was pinned with the loss.

Down in the States, the Miami Marlins host the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum and Wade LeBlanc are set to pitch. Milwaukee began in the first inning as Ryan Braun doubled to knock in Rickie Weeks. The Brewers added on in the second inning as Norichika Aoki hit a two-run home run, also scoring Marcum. Miami got on the board in the bottom of the second when Donnie Murphy singled home Carlos Lee. The Marlins got another in the fourth inning as Giancarlo Stanton hit a solo home run. The Marlins got the lead in the fifth inning on a two-run home run by Gorkys Hernandez, bringing in Murphy. Milwaukee retied it in the seventh inning as Aoki doubled to plate Nyjer Morgan, before taking the lead as Braun singled Aoki the rest of the way home. The Brewers extended the lead in the eighth inning on a Jeff Bianchi three-run home run, sweeping in Jonathan Lucroy and Carlos Gomez. This made it 8-4, a final, with the win going to Kameron Loe, the save tossed by John Axford, and the loss dealt to Mike Dunn.

Back north, the Cincinnati Reds host the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Mat Latos receive the starting nods. Philadelphia got going in the fourth inning as Domonic Brown walked with the bases loaded to force in Chase Utley. Cincinnati took the lead in the sixth inning on a two-run Jay Bruce home run, also scoring Ryan Ludwick. This was good enough to hold as a 2-1 win, with Latos picking up the win, while Aroldis Chapman converted the save as his thirty-fifth of the year, and Kendrick took an unlucky loss.

South again to Atlanta, where the Braves host the Colorado Rockies. Drew Pomeranz and Tommy Hanson are sent out to pitch. Colorado led off with a fourth inning Carlos Gonzalez solo home run. The Rockies added on in the fifth inning as Jordan Pacheco hit a solo shot. Colorado struck again in the seventh inning as Dexter Fowler singling to knock in DJ LeMahieu and Josh Rutledge striking out on a wild pitch that allowed Carlos Torres to dash home. The Rockies padded the lead in the eighth inning on a Pacheco single to drive in Tyler Colvin, and LeMahieu singling, which combined with an error to get Chris Nelson across the dish. This made the final 6-0, with Torres picking up the win and Hanson suffering the loss.

Back into Florida, where the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Yankees. Freddy Garcia and Alex Cobb are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. New York started in the first inning on a two-run home run by Robinson Cano, also scoring Nick Swisher. Tampa Bay replied in their half of the inning as B.J. Upton doubled in Desmond Jennings. The Rays took the lead in the third inning when Evan Longoria hit a two-run home run, driving in Ben Zobrist. Tampa Bay struck again in the fifth inning on solo home runs by Jennings and Upton. This stood as a 5-2 final, with Cobb getting the win, Fernando Rodney completed the save, and Garcia was handed the loss.

Up to Chicago, where the White Sox host the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond and Jose Quintana are on the mound. Chicago opened in the first inning on a Paul Konerko groundout to bring in Kevin Youkilis, followed by Alex Rios singling in Adam Dunn before scoring on a double by Dayan Viciedo. Minnesota got on the board in the second inning with a Trevor Plouffe bases-loaded walk to force in Josh Willingham, followed by Eduardo Escobar singling both Justin Morneau and Chris Parmelee in, Ben Revere singling to score Plouffe, Jamey Carroll doing the same to finish Escobar's trip around, Joe Mauer singling Revere around, and Willingham hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Carroll to come home. The White Sox shot back in the fourth inning as Alexei Ramirez doubled Viciedo around. The Twins extended the lead in the fifth inning as Parmelee grounded out to provide Morneau time to score before Plouffe tripled to force in Ryan Doumit and then came home on an Escobar single, followed by Carroll's sacrifice fly that got Escobar in, Willingham singling to plate Revere, Doumit doing the same for both Mauer and Willingham, and Parmelee going yard with a three-run home run to sweep in Morneau and Doumit to finish the ten-spot. Minnesota got another in the seventh inning as Doumit hit a solo home run. Chicago got some back in the eighth inning with Happy Hour, as Dewayne Wise doubled Dan Johnson home before coming home on a Ray Olmedo double, and he scored on a double by Tyler Flowers, who then scored on a double from Alejandro De Aza. The White Sox chipped away in the ninth inning as Wise doubled Johnson in again, making the final 18-9. Diamond notched the ugly win while Quintana took an extremely horrific loss. An aside, the best pitcher tonight for Chicago may have been Dewayne Wise, who usually plies his trade as a fourth outfielder.

Moving into Missouri, as the Kansas City Royals host the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Jeremy Guthrie have the green light to pitch. Texas wasted no time in scoring first with a first inning Elvis Andrus solo home run. The Rangers got another in the second inning as Mitch Moreland doubled home Geovany Soto. Kansas City got on the board in the third inning as Alcides Escobar doubled to drive in Lorenzo Cain, before scoring on a Billy Butler sacrifice fly. The Royals took the lead in the fifth inning as Alex Gordon hit a two-run home run, also scoring Escobar, followed by Salvador Perez doubled Butler around. Kansas City extended the lead in the sixth inning on a Johnny Giavotella solo shot. Texas tried a ninth inning rally when Michael Young hit a sacrifice fly to plate Josh Hamilton, but they still lost 6-3. Guthrie was credited with the win, Greg Holland cleaned up a mess for a save, and Harrison was handed the loss.

Across the state, the St. Louis Cardinals host the New York Mets. Matt Harvey and Jaime Garcia will draw the starts. St. Louis began in the second inning on a Skip Schumaker single to plate Yadier Molina, followed by Daniel Descalso doing the same for David Freese, and Matt Carpenter hit a sacrifice fly to finish Schumaker's trip around. The Cardinals struck again in the sixth inning with a Jon Jay groundout to bring in Descalso. St. Louis added on in the seventh inning as Freese singled to knock in Adron Chambers. New York got on the board in the eighth inning on a Mike Baxter sacrifice fly to score Justin Turner. This was as close as it got, with the final being 5-1. Garcia got the win and Harvey was dealt the loss.

Out in Oakland, the Athletics host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Zack Greinke and Jarrod Parker are the inconsistent pitchers. Los Angeles got on the board in the fifth inning with a Mike Trout single to plate Alberto Callaspo. The Angels got another in the sixth inning on a Callaspo sacrifice fly to bring in Kendrys Morales. Oakland got on the board in the seventh inning on a Brandon Moss solo home run. Los Angeles shot back in the eighth inning as Erick Aybar doubled to drive in Howie Kendrick, before scoring on a Callaspo single. The Angels got another in the ninth inning on a Morales double to knock in Chris Iannetta and also Torii hunter after an error. This made it 6-1, the final, with the win going to Greinke and the loss to Parker.

North to Seattle, as the Mariners host the Boston Red Sox. Jon Lester and Blake Beavan are the under-performing pitchers. Seattle opened with a first inning Jesus Montero single to knock in Dustin Ackley. The Mariners added on in the third inning as both Franklin Gutierrez and Kyle Seager hit solo home runs. Boston tied it in the sixth inning on a three-run home run by Cody Ross, sweeping in Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury, before taking the lead on a solo shot by Ryan Lavarnway. This gave them a 4-3 lead, and they held on to win, with the win credited to Lester, the save turned by Andrew Bailey, and Beavan was on the hook for the loss.

Well south, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the San Diego Padres. Eric Stults and Clayton Kershaw take the hill. San Diego led off with a first inning Chris Denorfia solo home run. Los Angeles tied it in the second inning on an Andre Ethier solo shot. The Dodgers pulled ahead in the seventh inning as Shane Victorino singled in A.J. Ellis and Adrian Gonzalez hit a sacrifice fly to allow Mark Ellis to score. The Padres retied it in the eighth inning on a two-run home run by Yasmani Grandal, also scoring Chase Headley. San Diego took the lead in the eleventh inning as Logan Forsythe singled to plate both Cameron Maybin and Everth Cabrera, followed by Headley singling to drive in Will Venable. This produced the 6-3 final, with the win belonging to Tommy Layne, the save converted by Luke Gregerson, and the loss pinned on John Ely.

Finally, we end in San Francisco with the Giants hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Ryan Vogelsong pace the game. San Francisco started in the first inning as Pablo Sandoval grounded out to allow Marco Scutaro to dash home. Arizona tied it in the second inning as Kennedy singled Ryan Wheeler in. The Diamondbacks took the lead in the third inning with Paul Goldschmidt doubling home Aaron Hill before scoring alongside Justin Upton on a single from John McDonald. The Giants replied in the bottom of the third as Scutaro doubled to plate Brandon Crawford. Arizona padded the lead in the fourth inning on a two-run home run by Aaron Hill, also scoring Adam Eaton. San Francisco answered in the sixth inning on a Hunter Pence double to score Sandoval, followed by a two-run home run by Brandon Belt to finish Pence's trip. The Giants tied it in the seventh inning as Sandoval singled to get Angel Pagan in. The Diamondbacks grabbed the lead in the eleventh inning when Jason Kubel tripled to force in Hill before scoring on a Miguel Montero single. This gave them an 8-6 lead they would hold onto, with the win going to Josh Collmenter and the loss dealt to George Kontos.

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Monday, September 3, 2012

MLB Day 151 2012

Happy Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer in the USA, and the benchmark for the stretch run in baseball. Mostly matinees today, beginning in...

Detroit, as the Tigers host the Cleveland Indians. Corey Kluber and Anibal Sanchez are the struggling starters. Cleveland opened as Jason Kipnis scored on passed ball in the first inning. Detroit answered in the bottom of the first as Delmon Young singled to knock in Quintin Berry. The Indians retook the lead in the third inning on an Asdrubal Cabrera single, scoring Shin-Soo Choo. The Tigers retied it in the fourth inning on a Jhonny Peralta single, allowing Young to dash home. Cleveland got the lead back in the seventh inning on a Cabrera sacrifice fly that provided time for Lou Marson to dart home. This made it 3-2, the eventual final, with Kluber picking up the win, Vinnie Pestano turning a spot save, and Darin Downs was handed the loss.

Back east, the Washington Nationals host the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and Ross Detwiler are the surprisingly good pitchers. Washington got going in the second inning on an Adam LaRoche solo home run. The Nationals got another in the eighth inning as Ryan Zimmerman doubled to plate Bryce Harper. Chicago tried a ninth inning rally as Welington Castillo singled home Anthony Rizzo, but they couldn't tie it, falling 2-1. Detwiler picked up the win, Tyler Clippard tossed the messy save as his thirtieth of the season, and Samardzija was not freed from the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Baltimore Orioles. Joe Saunders and J.A. Happ are the veteran starters. Baltimore began with a second inning Nate McLouth sacrifice to get Manny Machado home. The Orioles added on in the fifth inning as Nick Markakis doubled to plate Robert Andino, before scoring on a J.J. Hardy double. Baltimore struck again in the eighth inning with a Hardy single to knock in McLouth. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 4-0. Saunders got the win and Happ took the loss.

Well south, the Miami Marlins host the Milwaukee Brewers. Mike Fiers and Ricky Nolasco are the inconsistent pitchers. Milwaukee led off in the second inning as Carlos Gomez hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jonathan Lucroy. Miami got on the board in the third inning as Jose Reyes hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Gorkys Hernandez. The Marlins rallied ahead in the fourth inning on a Donnie Murphy single to knock in Justin Ruggiano, a Nolasco bunt single that gave time for Rob Brantly to come home, a Donovan Solano single plating Murphy, and a Reyes single doing the same for Nolasco and Hernandez. The Brewers got one back in the seventh inning when Ryan Braun singled to drive in Jean Segura. Miami shot back in the eighth inning when Hernandez reached on an error that allowed Brantly safe passage home. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 7-3. Nolasco earned the win, Steve Cishek finished off for a save, and Fiers was dealt the loss.

Back north a touch to Cincinnati, as the Reds welcome the Philadelphia Phillies. Tyler Cloyd is mismatched with Johnny Cueto. Cincinnati started with a second inning Jay Bruce solo home run. Philadelphia took the lead in the fifth inning on a three-run Jimmy Rollins home run, sweeping in Steve Lerud and the pitcher Cloyd. The Phillies got another in the sixth inning as John Mayberry hit a solo shot. The Reds tried a ninth inning rally when Bruce singled home Ryan Ludwick, but this only made it a 4-2 final. Cloyd got the win, Phillippe Aumont got the spot save, and Cueto took a rare loss.

Back in Florida, the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia and James Shields pace the game. Tampa Bay opened with a second inning Chris Gimenez single to knock in Jeff Keppinger. The Rays added on in the third inning as B.J. Upton hit a solo home run. New York got on the board in the fourth inning with an Eric Chavez sacrifice fly to bring in Robinson Cano, followed by Raul Ibanez tripling to force in Alex Rodriguez, before he came home the final 90 feet on a Russell Martin single. Tampa Bay retied it in the fifth inning on an Evan Longoria groundout to allow Upton to dart home. The Rays took the lead in the eighth inning on a Gimenez single that plated Ryan Roberts. This held up for a 4-3 win, earned by Shields, while Fernando Rodney shut the door for a save, and David Robertson was on the hook for the loss.

Into Georgia, where the Atlanta Braves host the Colorado Rockies. Tyler Chatwood and Kris Medlen get the starting nods. Atlanta struck first in the first inning as Michael Bourn scored on a wild pitch and Martin Prado reached on an error to get Freddie Freeman home. The Braves struck again in the third inning as Prado hit a sacrifice fly to score Bourn, followed by Juan Francisco singling to bring in Jose Constanza, and a 2-RBI David Ross double to drive in both Freeman and Francisco. Colorado got on the board in the seventh inning as a Jordan Pacheco single combined with an error to knock in Carlos Gonzalez. This was as close as it got, with the final standing at 6-1, giving Medlen a dominant complete game win and Chatwood suffered the loss.

Up to Pennsylvania, as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Houston Astros. Edgar Gonzalez and Jeff Locke are the completely unknown pitchers. Houston quickly scored first in the first inning as Matt Downs grounded out to get Tyler Greene home. The Astros added on in the third inning as Justin Maxwell grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Greene. Houston padded the lead in the fifth inning on a three-run home run by Brett Wallace, sweeping in Jose Altuve and Greene. Pittsburgh got on the board in their half of the inning as Clint Barmes singled home Pedro Alvarez. They scored no more, losing 5-1, with Gonzalez getting the win and Locke taking the loss.

Back west, the Kansas City Royals host the Texas Rangers. Yu Darvish faces a lesser foe in Bruce Chen. Texas started in the second inning on a three-run home run by Geovany Soto, sweeping in Nelson Cruz and David Murphy. The Rangers struck again in the third inning on a Josh Hamilton solo home run. Texas extended the lead in the sixth inning as both Adrian Beltre and Cruz hit solo shots. Kansas City got on the board in their half of the inning as Tony Abreu tripled both Johnny Giavotella and David Lough in before scoring on an Alex Gordon double. The Royals pulled closer with an eighth inning Abreu single to knock in Brayan Pena. The Rangers extended the lead in the ninth inning on a two-run home run from Michael Young, also scoring Cruz. This produced the 8-4 final, with Darvish getting the win and Chen suffering the loss.

Across Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals host the New York Mets. Collin McHugh and Joe Kelly are the young pitchers. St. Louis began in the first inning as Matt Carpenter grounded out to get Jon Jay home. The Cardinals extended the lead in the third inning on a Carpenter sacrifice fly to bring in the pitcher Kelly and a Yadier Molina single to knock in Matt Holliday. St. Louis padded the lead in the fourth inning as Skip Schumaker hit a solo home run. New York got on the board in the seventh inning as Kelly Shoppach hit a two-run home run, also scoring Mike Baxter. The Cardinals answered in their half of the inning on an Allen Craig single to score Jay. The Mets pulled closer in the eighth inning when Daniel Murphy hit a two-run home, bringing in Ruben Tejada. They didn't get the equalizer, losing 5-4, with Kelly getting the win, Jason Motte tossing the save, and McHugh was handed the loss.

Out west, the San Francisco Giants host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Patrick Corbin and Barry Zito are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. San Francisco led off with a first inning Buster Posey double to drive in Marco Scutaro, followed by Hunter Pence hitting a 2-RBI triple to force in Pablo Sandoval and Posey, before he scored on a Hector Sanchez single. Arizona got on the board in the fifth inning with a two-run home run by Chris Johnson, also scoring Miguel Montero. The Diamondbacks pulled closer in the sixth inning as Paul Goldschmidt hit a ground rule double to force in Justin Upton, followed by a Johnson sacrifice fly to plate Jason Kubel, before taking the lead on a Willie Bloomquist single that finished Goldschmidt's trip around,a Chris Young single that did the same for Cody Ransom (yes, he's back with the D-Backs), and Aaron Hill followed suit to get Bloomquist the rest of the way home. The Giants replied in the seventh inning as Sandoval singled Angel Pagan across the dish. Arizona shot back in the eighth inning on an Upton single to push in Ryan Wheeler. San Francisco rallied back in the bottom of the eighth as Brandon Crawford doubled to score Sanchez before scoring on a single by Brandon Belt. The Giants tied it in the ninth inning on a Posey double, getting Marco Scutaro around. San Francisco won 9-8 in the tenth inning as Scutaro singled Crawford across the plate. Sergio Romo was in line for the win, while Bryan Shaw was handed the loss.

Across the bay, the Oakland Athletics host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson and Tommy Milone are on the hill. Los Angeles started with a second inning Vernon Wells single to get Erick Aybar home, followed by Chris Iannetta doing the same for Alberto Callaspo. The Angels added on in the third inning with a Torii Hunter solo home run and an Aybar single to knock in Howie Kendrick. Los Angeles padded the lead as Wells hit a solo shot in the fourth inning. Oakland got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Josh Reddick singled home Jonny Gomes. The Athletics pulled closer in the fifth inning as Josh Donaldson hit a solo home run. The Angels padded the lead in the sixth inning on a two-run home run by Iannetta, also scoring Wells, followed by Hunter hitting a sacrifice fly to drive in Mike Trout. Oakland took one back in the seventh inning on a Chris Carter solo shot. This was as close as it got, with the win going to Wilson while Milone was shelled in the loss.

Further north, the Seattle Mariners host the Boston Red Sox. Clay Buchholz and Jason Vargas take the mound. Boston opened in the first inning on a Cody Ross single to knock in Dustin Pedroia. Seattle tied it in the fourth inning as John Jaso singled in Franklin Gutierrez, before taking the lead as Justin Smoak did the same for Kyle Seager, and then Eric Thames flied out, which combined with an error to get Jaso home and Carlos Peguero reached on an error to bring in Smoak. This rally paced them to a 4-1 win, earned by Vargas, while Tom Wilhelmsen closed out for a save, and Buchholz was dinged for the loss.

East to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Minnesota Twins. Samuel Deduno and Hector Santiago are the relievers-turned-starters pitching. Chicago led off in the second inning as Gordon Beckham hit a two-run home run, also scoring A.J. Pierzynski. Minnesota answered in the fifth inning with a Jamey Carroll solo home run. The White Sox replied in the seventh inning as Paul Konerko singled home Kevin Youkilis. The Twins shot back in the eighth inning on a Justin Morneau single to plate Joe Mauer. Chicago struck again in the eighth inning when Beckham singled to drive in Alexei Ramirez. This made it 4-2, a final, with Santiago notching the win, Addison Reed turning the save as his twenty-fifth of the season, and Deduno was stuck with the loss.

Finally, we end in Los Angeles, as the Dodgers host the San Diego Padres. Andrew Werner and Joe Blanton have the green light to pitch. San Diego started with a first inning two-run home run by Chase Headley, also scoring Will Venable. Los Angeles shot back in the fifth inning as Mark Ellis singled to knock in Luis Cruz. The Dodgers tied it in the sixth inning on a Hanley Ramirez solo home run. The Padres took the lead in the seventh inning on a Headley single to plate Clayton Richard. Los Angeles tied it in the ninth inning on an Andre Ethier solo shot. The Dodgers won 4-3 in the eleventh inning as A.J. Ellis singled in Ethier. Brandon League was in line for the win while Cory Burns was handed the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion and check out the Best Songs Ever playlist on YouTube by CGYFlames94.

Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 21 2012

More teams are clinching the fantasy playoff berths available in their leagues. My teams look like feast or famine this year, so I don't have many that need good weeks from anyone at this point. Here's who played well last week.

Batters: Ryan Braun, Rickie Weeks, Carlos Gomez, Pedro Alvarez, Josh Reddick, Tyler Colvin, Mark Reynolds, Adrian Beltre, Aramis Ramirez, Chris Heisey. (honorable mention to Torii Hunter's strong week)

Pitchers: Hisashi Iwakuma, Brett Anderson, John Axford, Samuel Deduno, Marco Estrada, Joe Nathan, Max Scherzer, Kris Medlen, Edwin Jackson, Ricky Nolasco.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

MLB Day 150 2012

Full slate as the playoff races heat up. First up...

The Cleveland Indians host the Texas Rangers. Derek Holland and Zach McAllister take their turns in the rotation. Texas opened with a third inning Jurickson Profar solo home run (welcome to the Majors), followed by Nelson Cruz hitting a ground rule double to force in Michael Young, and David Murphy singling both Josh Hamilton and Cruz in. Cleveland answered in their half of the inning on a two-run Carlos Santana home run, also scoring Jason Kipnis. The Rangers padded the lead in the fifth inning with three solo shots, hit by Hamilton, Adrian Beltre, and Murphy. Texas extended the lead in the eighth inning when Young doubled to drive in Elvis Andrus. The Indians took one back in the bottom of the eighth on a Thomas Neal double to get Santana home. This was as close as it got, with the final being 8-3, giving the win to Holland and the loss to McAllister.

East to New York, where the Yankees host the Baltimore Orioles. Chris Tillman and Phil Hughes will pitch. New York got going in the second inning as Chris Dickerson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Russell Martin. Baltimore got on the board with a fifth inning Mark Reynolds solo home run. The Yankees answered in their half of the inning as Nick Swisher singled home Dickerson. The Orioles pulled ahead in the sixth inning as Matt Wieters singled in Nate McLouth, followed by a three-run Reynolds home run, sweeping in Adam Jones and Wieters. Baltimore extended the lead in the eighth inning with Robert Andino drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Wieters, followed by Nick Markakis hitting a 2-RBI single to score both Reynolds and Manny Machado. This made the final 8-3, with Randy Wolf notching the win and Hughes suffering the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Tampa Bay Rays. Staff aces David Price and Ricky Romero are pitching. Tampa Bay began with a first inning Evan Longoria double to knock in Desmond Jennings. The Rays struck again in the second inning on a Ben Francisco solo home run, followed by Jose Molina singling to score Carlos Pena and Jennings doing the same for Ryan Roberts, a 2-RBI Ben Zobrist single to plate both Molina and Jennings, and Jeff Keppinger grounding out to provide B.J. Upton time to score. Tampa Bay added on in the third inning as Pena hit a solo shot. The Rays got another in the fourth inning as Francisco hit a ground rule double to force in Longoria. Toronto got on the board in the seventh inning with an Edwin Encarnacion sacrifice fly to drive in Adeiny Hechevarria, followed by Adam Lind singling to bring around Rajai Davis. The Blue Jays tried a ninth inning rally as Encarnacion hit a two-run home run, also scoring Colby Rasmus, but this only made the final 9-4. Price got the win while Romero was shelled in the loss.

Way south to Miami, as the Marlins host the New York Mets. Chris Young and Mark Buehrle are the overrated starters. New York started in the first inning as David Wright grounded out to bring in Ronny Cedeno, followed by a Jason Bay grand slam, sweeping in Justin Turner, Ike Davis, and Kelly Shoppach. Miami got on the board in the fifth inning as Justin Ruggiano double to knock in Rob Brantley. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 5-1, giving Young the win and Buehrle was handed the loss.

Back north, the Washington Nationals host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jake Westbrook is mismatched with Stephen Strasburg. Washington was first to score in the fourth inning on a Kurt Suzuki solo home run. The Nationals struck again in the sixth inning as Suzuki singled to plate Ian Desmond. St. Louis tied it in the seventh inning when Daniel Descalso hit a two-run home run, also scoring Pete Kozma. Washington got the lead again in their half of the inning as Desmond singled to knock in Eury Perez, followed by Danny Espinosa doing the same for Chad Tracy. The Cardinals shot back in the eighth inning as Tony Cruz doubled in David Freese. They failed to tie the game, falling 4-3, with Ryan Mattheus in line for the win, Tyler Clippard closing out for the save, and Lance Lynn was dealt the loss.

Southward to Houston, where the Astros host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Bud Norris will be handed the ball. Houston got things going with a fifth inning Brian Bogusevic fielder's choice that brought in Matt Dominguez. The Astros got another in the seventh inning on a Fernando Martinez triple to force in Jason Castro, followed by a Tyler Greene solo home run. Cincinnati tied it in the eighth inning on a three-run home run by Jay Bruce, sweeping in Drew Stubbs and Brandon Phillips, before taking the lead as Chris Heisey doubled home Todd Frazier before scoring on a Miguel Cairo double. This outburst paced them to a 5-3 win, picked up by Jose Arredondo, while Aroldis Chapman turned the save, and Xavier Cedeno was pinned with the loss.

North to Milwaukee, where the Brewers welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates. James McDonald and Yovani Gallardo take the mound. Pittsburgh led off in the first inning on a Gaby Sanchez single to knock in Andrew McCutchen. Milwaukee answered in their half of the inning as Ryan Braun hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Norichika Aoki and Rickie Weeks. The Pirates pulled back in the second inning on a Michael McKenry solo home run. The Brewers shot back in the bottom of the second on a Jeff Bianchi solo shot, followed by a two-run homer from Weeks, also scoring Aoki. Pittsburgh shot back in the third inning as McKenry singled both Jose Tabata and Garrett Jones across the dish. Milwaukee replied in their half of the third on a two-run Carlos Gomez blast, bringing in Corey Hart. The Brewers padded the lead in the fourth inning as the pitcher Gallardo hit a solo home run, followed by a 2-RBI Aramis Ramirez single to plate both Aoki and Weeks. The Pirates answered in the fifth inning with a two-run Sanchez home run, pushing in Jones, followed by Brock Holt singling to get McKenry safely home. Pittsburgh pulled closer in the sixth inning on a Jones solo shot. Milwaukee got it back in their half of the inning as Ramirez singled weeks across the plate. The scoring ended here at a final of 12-8, with the win belonging to Kameron Loe, the save tossed by John Axford, and the loss was handed to McDonald.

Backtracking to Kansas City, where the Royals host the Minnesota Twins. Esmerling Vasquez and Luis Mendoza are the relatively unknown pitchers. Minnesota opened in the first inning as Justin Morneau grounded out to get Jamey Carroll home. The Twins got another in the second inning on a Chris Parmelee solo home run. Kansas City rallied ahead in the bottom of the second as Eric Hosmer hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Salvador Perez, followed by a 2-RBI single from Tony Abreu to plate both Mike Moustakas and Lorenzo Cain. The Royals got another in the fifth inning when Billy Butler singled home David Lough. Minnesota tied it in the sixth inning on an Alexi Casilla single to score both Morneau and Ryan Doumit. Kansas City retook the lead in their half of the inning as Abreu singled to get Hosmer across the dish. The Royals extended the lead on an eighth inning Cain double that provided time for Perez to score. This produced the 6-4 final, with Tim Collins in line for the win, Greg Holland converting his tenth save of the season, and Vasquez was on the hook for the loss.

Over in Chicago, the Cubs host the San Francisco Giants. Matt Cain faces a lesser foe in Travis Wood. San Francisco began in the third inning as Angel Pagan singled to knock in Xavier Nady, followed by Pablo Sandoval doing the same for the pitcher Cain, and Buster Posey followed suit to finish Pagan's trip around. Chicago answered in their half of the inning as David DeJesus singled to drive in Darwin Barney. The Cubs rallied ahead in the fifth inning as DeJesus singled, which combined with an error to bring in Barney, followed by a three-run Alfonso Soriano home run, sweeping in DeJesus and Anthony Rizzo. The Giants replied in the sixth inning as Brandon Belt tripled to force in Nady, before he came home on a wild pitch. San Francisco got the lead in the ninth inning with Pagan singling to plate Gregor Blanco, followed by Marco Scutaro doing the same for Brandon Crawford. This was good for a 7-5 win, picked up by Santiago Casilla, while Javier Lopez turned the save, and Carlos Marmol was pinned with the loss.

Out west, the Colorado Rockies host the San Diego Padres. Casey Kelly and Jeff Francis are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. San Diego wasted no time in scoring in the first inning on a two-run home run by Chase Headley, also scoring Logan Forsythe. The Padres added on in the third inning when Headley singled home Forsythe. Colorado rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the third with Dexter Fowler singling in Jonathan Herrera, followed by Jordan Pacheco doubling both Josh Rutledge and Carlos Gonzalez home before scoring on a go-ahead two-run home run from Tyler Colvin, and then Ramon Hernandez also hit a two-run blast, bringing in Chris Nelson. San Diego answered in the fourth inning when Chris Denorfia singled to drive in Cameron Maybin, followed by Headley hitting a 2-RBI single to get both Alexi Amarista and Denorfia in. The Padres retook the lead in the sixth inning as Forsythe singled to push in Amarista, followed by Headley doing the same to finish Forsythe's trip around. San Diego struck again in the seventh inning on an Amarista single that brought in Yasmani Grandal. The Rockies took the lead back in the bottom of the seventh on a three-run home run by Nelson, sweeping in Gonzalez and Pacheco. Colorado struck again in the eighth inning as Fowler singled Charlie Blackmon across the plate. The Padres tried a ninth inning rally as Amarista singled to push in Maybin, but they still lost 11-10. Guillermo Moscoso got the win, Rafael Betancourt tossed a rocky (no pun) save, and Brad Brach was given the loss.

Further west, the Oakland Athletics host the Boston Red Sox. Daisuke Matsuzaka and Brett Anderson are the oft-injured pitchers. Oakland staked out a first inning lead as Seth Smith hit a two-run home run, also scoring Coco Crisp. The Athletics added on in the second inning on a Stephen Drew solo home run. Oakland struck again in the third inning as Josh Reddick hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Crisp, followed by Drew singling to knock in Smith. The Athletics got another in the fourth inning as Yoenis Cespedes grounded out to get cliff Pennington home. Boston got on the board in the sixth inning with a Cody Ross single to drive in Pedro Ciriaco. The Red Sox tried a ninth inning rally as Mauro Gomez hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Dustin Pedroia to dash home safely, making the final 6-2. Anderson earned the win while Matsuzaka took a rough loss.

Up to Seattle, where the Mariners welcome the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver and Hisashi Iwakuma take the hill. Seattle opened in the fourth inning with a Jesus Montero solo home run. The Mariners added on in the fifth inning as Carlos Peguero hit a solo shot. Los Angeles got on the board in the ninth inning as Howie Kendrick singled home Vernon Wells, but they failed to tie it, falling 2-1. Iwakuma was credited with the win, Tom Wilhelmsen turned a rough save, and Weaver had little help in the loss.

Back south, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Chris Capuano are the surprisingly good starters. Los Angeles led off in the second inning as Matt Kemp hit a solo home run. Arizona tied it in the third inning as John McDonald hit a solo shot. The Diamondbacks took the lead in the fourth inning as Miguel Montero hit a two-run home run, also scoring Paul Goldschmidt. The Dodgers took one back in the sixth inning on an Andre Ethier groundout to bring in Kemp. Arizona shot back in the seventh inning on a McDonald single, driving in Goldschmidt. Los Angeles replied in their half of the inning on a Shane Victorino single that plated A.J. Ellis. The Dodgers won 5-4 in the ninth inning as Adrian Gonzalez hit a 2-RBI double to score both Mark Ellis and Victorino. Ronald Belisario was in line for the win while J.J. Putz blew the save and took the loss.

Way to the east, the Atlanta Braves host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels and Paul Maholm pace the game. Philadelphia started in the first inning with a 2-RBI Ryan Howard double to plate Kevin Frandsen and Chase Utley, followed by a 3-RBI Erik Kratz double to sweep in Howard, Ty Wigginton, and John Mayberry. Atlanta answered in the second inning as Reed Johnson doubled in Jason Heyward. The Phillies shot back in the third inning as Hamels hit a ground rule double to force in Wigginton and Mayberry. The Braves replied in the sixth inning on a Johnson single scoring both Freddie Freeman and Heyward. Atlanta staged a ninth inning rally as Martin Prado doubled both Johnson and Paul Janish across the dish before Chipper Jones sealed the deal with a three-run home run, plating Bourn and Prado for an 8-7 win. Peter Moylan was in line for the win while Jonathan Papelbon blew up in extraordinary fashion for the loss.

Finally, we end in Detroit, as the Tigers host the Chicago White Sox. Chris Sale and Justin Verlander pace the game. Chicago began with a first inning Alejandro De Aza solo home run. Detroit tied it in the fifth inning on a Brennan Boesch solo shot. The Tigers took the lead in the sixth inning on a three-run home run by Delmon Young, sweeping in Omar Infante and Miguel Cabrera. The White Sox tried a ninth inning rally as Dan Johnson singled to knock in Jose Lopez, but this only made it 4-2 for a final. Verlander pitched well for the win, while Jose Valverde turned a messy save, and Sale had little help in the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion, and check out my Best Songs Ever playlist on YouTube; username CGYFlames94.