Game 1: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia. In net: Pekka Rinne for Nashville and Roberto Luongo for Vancouver. Vancouver opened the scoring in the second period with a Chris Higgins tally, his second of the postseason coming off of Maxim Lapierre and Kevin Bieksa. This would be the final after a scoreless third period, with Rinne (29 for 30 saves), Mason Raymond, and Luongo (20 save shutout) earning the three stars. Vancouver took a 1-0 series lead with the victory.
Game 2: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia. In net: Pekka Rinne for Nashville and Roberto Luongo for Vancouver. Vancouver took the lead in the second period with the fourth of the postseason by Alexandre Burrows, with help from Ryan Kesler for the shorthanded goal. Nashville tied it late in the third period with Ryan Suter's goal, courtesy of Martin Erat and Joel Ward. After a scoreless first overtime and half of a second, the Predators defeated the Canucks with Matt Halischuk netting his second of the playoffs, thanks to Nick Spaling and Suter. Rinne (32 for 33 saves), Luongo (44 for 46 saves), and Kesler took the three stars. The win by Nashville tied the series at 1.
Game 3: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In net: Roberto Luongo for Vancouver and Pekka Rinne for Nashville. Nashville was the first to strike this game, with a shorthanded goal by David Legwand, coming via Ryan Suter and Nick Spaling for his third of the postseason. Vancouver tied it in the second period with a Ryan Kesler goal, assisted by Christian Ehrhoff and Daniel Sedin on the power play. The Canucks took the lead with Chris Higgins potting his third of the playoffs, with help from Kesler and Alexander Edler. The Predators found an equalizer later in the third period with Joel Ward recording his fourth of the postseason, guided in by Martin Erat. The tie lasted into overtime, where Vancouver beat Nashville 3-2 with another Kesler goal, his second of the game and of the playoffs, fueled by Mikael Samuelsson and Ehrhoff on the power play. The three stars were awarded to Kesler, Rinne (44 for 47 saves), and Higgins. The win put Vancouver in the series lead by a 2-1 margin.
Game 4: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In net: Roberto Luongo for Vancouver and Pekka Rinne for Nashville. Vancouver opened the scoring with a Christian Ehrhoff goal, his second of the postseason coming off of Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. Nashville answered with a power play goal by Joel Ward, his fifth of the playoffs powered by Cody Franson and Martin Erat. The Canucks regained the lead with Alexander Edler's second of the postseason, assisted on by Ryan Kesler and Ehrhoff. The Predators retied it again with a Franson marker, made possible by David Legwand and Ward. Vancouver got the lead back once again, with Kesler netting his third of the playoffs on the power play via Henrik and Ehrhoff. The Canucks finished the game off 4-2 with Henrik's empty netter fueled by Alexandre Burrows and Kesler. Kesler, Ehrhoff, and Ward took the three stars. The win put Vancouver up 3-1 for the series.
Game 5: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia. In net: Pekka Rinne for Nashville and Roberto Luongo. Nashville opened with a shorthanded goal by David Legwand, his fourth of the postseason by Joel Ward. Vancouver tied it with a Raffi Torres tally, assisted by Jannik Hansen and Dan Hamhuis. The Canucks took the lead with the fourth of the playoffs by Ryan Kesler, courtesy of Mason Raymond and Chris Higgins. The Predators tied it back up with Legwand's second of the game and fifth of the postseason, an unassisted goal. Nashville got two more goals in the third period from Ward, his sixth and seventh of the playoffs, with Mike Fisher guiding in the first one and Jordin Tootoo doing the same for the second. Kesler made it 4-3 for Vancouver with his second of the game and fifth of the postseason, fueled by Alexander Edler and Torres. This would be the final, with Ward, Kesler, and Legwand getting the three stars. This cut the Canucks series lead to 3-2.
Game 6: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In net: Roberto Luongo for Vancouver and Pekka Rinne for Nashville. Vancouver led off with a Mason Raymond goal via Ryan Kesler. The Canucks extended their lead on the power play with the sixth of the postseason by Daniel Sedin, powered by Kesler and Henrik Sedin. Nashville made it 2-1 in the second period with a David Legwand tally, his sixth of the playoffs finding twine thanks to Joel Ward and Sergei Kostitsyn. This would go on to be the final, with Kesler, Raymond and Legwand grabbing the three stars. Vancouver took the series 4-2.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Baseball for May 9th/Tuesday Link
Today we have a reduced schedule of games on a travel day, but we begin with...
The Pittsburgh Pirates series opener with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billinsley went up against Jeff Karstens. Los Angeles got started in the first with a Juan Uribe single to score Aaron Miles. Garrett Jones tied it for Pittsburgh with his own RBI-single, bringing around Ronny Cedeno. The Pirates got back at in the eighth with three consecutive doubles to score players, hit by Neil Walker, Lyle Overbay, and Ryan Doumit, which scored a pinch runner Xavier Paul, Walker, and Overbay. This made the final 4-1 for the Pirates. Billingsley took a tough loss, while Jose Veras got the win and Joel Hanrahan converted the save. Billingsley (2-2) and Doumit (3-4, 1 RBI) had the best days at the plate.
Up to Toronto, with the Toronto Blue Jays closing up a series with the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Brandon Morrow played from the mound. Jose Bautista led off for Toronto in the first with a double to bring in Corey Patterson. The Blue Jays added another run with a solo shot from Yunel Escobar. Detroit got going in the fourth with Victor Martinez doubling in Brennan Boesch, Don Kelly singling in Miguel Cabrera, Austin Jackson lining a three-RBI double to bring around Martinez, Kelly, and Alex Avila, and another double by Roman Santiago to finish Jackson's trip. The Tigers did some more damage in the seventh inning as Martinez ripped a two-run tater to also score Boesch, a Ryan Raburn single scoring Brandon Inge, and Jackson's reaching base as Edwin Encarnacion fumbled the play allowing Jhonny Peralta to reach home safely. Toronto did a little work in the ninth as Patterson hit a two-RBI double, which benefited David Cooper and Jose Molina, followed by an Encarnacion single that finished Patterson's trip around, leaving the score at 10-5, the final. Scherzer took the win and Morrow took the loss. Martinez (3-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI) and Escobar (2-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI) were the best hitters. Detroit took the series 3-1.
Continuing along to Florida, with the Marlins hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton and Javier Vazquez got the starting nods. Philadelphia led off with a first inning solo home run by Jimmy Rollins. Florida answered with a Gaby Sanchez double, which knocked in both Chris Coghlan and Hanley Ramirez. The Marlins added on with Coghlan's RBI single that brought in Omar Infante. The Phillies got back at it in the third with Ryan Howard's single that would score Blanton, followed by a Ross Gload single that knocked in Rollins, and later Placido Polanco after an error by Emilio Bonifacio. Philadelphia scored some more in the fifth with Polanco's sacrifice fly allowing Shane Victorino to reach home and Gload's single driving home Howard. Florida got one back to make it 6-4 with a solo shot by Sanchez. They would lose by this score, sticking the decision on Vazquez, while Blanton picked up the win and Ryan Madson converted the save. Rollins (2-5, 1 HR, 1 RBI) and Sanchez (3-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI) were the best hitters.
The Pittsburgh Pirates series opener with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billinsley went up against Jeff Karstens. Los Angeles got started in the first with a Juan Uribe single to score Aaron Miles. Garrett Jones tied it for Pittsburgh with his own RBI-single, bringing around Ronny Cedeno. The Pirates got back at in the eighth with three consecutive doubles to score players, hit by Neil Walker, Lyle Overbay, and Ryan Doumit, which scored a pinch runner Xavier Paul, Walker, and Overbay. This made the final 4-1 for the Pirates. Billingsley took a tough loss, while Jose Veras got the win and Joel Hanrahan converted the save. Billingsley (2-2) and Doumit (3-4, 1 RBI) had the best days at the plate.
Up to Toronto, with the Toronto Blue Jays closing up a series with the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Brandon Morrow played from the mound. Jose Bautista led off for Toronto in the first with a double to bring in Corey Patterson. The Blue Jays added another run with a solo shot from Yunel Escobar. Detroit got going in the fourth with Victor Martinez doubling in Brennan Boesch, Don Kelly singling in Miguel Cabrera, Austin Jackson lining a three-RBI double to bring around Martinez, Kelly, and Alex Avila, and another double by Roman Santiago to finish Jackson's trip. The Tigers did some more damage in the seventh inning as Martinez ripped a two-run tater to also score Boesch, a Ryan Raburn single scoring Brandon Inge, and Jackson's reaching base as Edwin Encarnacion fumbled the play allowing Jhonny Peralta to reach home safely. Toronto did a little work in the ninth as Patterson hit a two-RBI double, which benefited David Cooper and Jose Molina, followed by an Encarnacion single that finished Patterson's trip around, leaving the score at 10-5, the final. Scherzer took the win and Morrow took the loss. Martinez (3-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI) and Escobar (2-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI) were the best hitters. Detroit took the series 3-1.
Continuing along to Florida, with the Marlins hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton and Javier Vazquez got the starting nods. Philadelphia led off with a first inning solo home run by Jimmy Rollins. Florida answered with a Gaby Sanchez double, which knocked in both Chris Coghlan and Hanley Ramirez. The Marlins added on with Coghlan's RBI single that brought in Omar Infante. The Phillies got back at it in the third with Ryan Howard's single that would score Blanton, followed by a Ross Gload single that knocked in Rollins, and later Placido Polanco after an error by Emilio Bonifacio. Philadelphia scored some more in the fifth with Polanco's sacrifice fly allowing Shane Victorino to reach home and Gload's single driving home Howard. Florida got one back to make it 6-4 with a solo shot by Sanchez. They would lose by this score, sticking the decision on Vazquez, while Blanton picked up the win and Ryan Madson converted the save. Rollins (2-5, 1 HR, 1 RBI) and Sanchez (3-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI) were the best hitters.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Fantasy Baseball All-Stars Week 5
This past weekend marked an important time for my teams. I've concluded the trial period on any given player has been long enough, and those sleepers that didn't pan out or the struggling players at any given position were given the boot. With that, new and fresh players have come in and I feel my teams are fairly stacked now. Here's who looked good the past week.
Catcher: Alex Avila, 4 runs, 5 hits, 3 home runs, 4 RBIs, 1 stolen base, .263 batting average, .333 on base percentage
First Base: Gaby Sanchez, 6 runs, 13 hits, 2 home runs, 10 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .464 batting average, .531 on base percentage
Second Base: Neil Walker, 7 runs, 7 hits, 1 home run, 5 RBIs, 1 stolen base, .333 batting average, .440 on base percentage
Third Base: Danny Valencia, 3 runs, 6 hits, 1 home run, 5 RBIs, 1 stolen base, .333 batting average, .368 on base percentage
Shortstop: Erick Aybar, 4 runs, 13 hits, 0 home runs, 5 RBIs, 4 stolen bases, .406 batting average, .429 on base percentage
Outfield: Jacoby Ellsbury, 6 runs, 12 hits, 0 home runs, 3 RBIs, 5 stolen bases, .387 batting average, .406 on base percentage.
Starting Pitcher: Tom Gorzelanny 15 innings pitched, 2 wins, 10 strikeouts, 1.20 earned run average, 0.60 WHIP
Relief Pitcher: Brian Wilson, 5 innings pitcher, 2 wins, 3 saves, 7 strikeouts, 0 holds, 0.00 earned run average, 0.80 WHIP
Utility Special: Adrian Gonzalez (#2 ranked overall, but also #2 at first base) 7 runs, 9 hits, 3 home runs, 9 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .321 batting average, .345 on base percentage.
That's all for this week's stats. Hopefully you can clean up your teams if they need them and get ready for a long haul over the summer.
Catcher: Alex Avila, 4 runs, 5 hits, 3 home runs, 4 RBIs, 1 stolen base, .263 batting average, .333 on base percentage
First Base: Gaby Sanchez, 6 runs, 13 hits, 2 home runs, 10 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .464 batting average, .531 on base percentage
Second Base: Neil Walker, 7 runs, 7 hits, 1 home run, 5 RBIs, 1 stolen base, .333 batting average, .440 on base percentage
Third Base: Danny Valencia, 3 runs, 6 hits, 1 home run, 5 RBIs, 1 stolen base, .333 batting average, .368 on base percentage
Shortstop: Erick Aybar, 4 runs, 13 hits, 0 home runs, 5 RBIs, 4 stolen bases, .406 batting average, .429 on base percentage
Outfield: Jacoby Ellsbury, 6 runs, 12 hits, 0 home runs, 3 RBIs, 5 stolen bases, .387 batting average, .406 on base percentage.
Starting Pitcher: Tom Gorzelanny 15 innings pitched, 2 wins, 10 strikeouts, 1.20 earned run average, 0.60 WHIP
Relief Pitcher: Brian Wilson, 5 innings pitcher, 2 wins, 3 saves, 7 strikeouts, 0 holds, 0.00 earned run average, 0.80 WHIP
Utility Special: Adrian Gonzalez (#2 ranked overall, but also #2 at first base) 7 runs, 9 hits, 3 home runs, 9 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .321 batting average, .345 on base percentage.
That's all for this week's stats. Hopefully you can clean up your teams if they need them and get ready for a long haul over the summer.
Song of the Week XVIII
This week, we have a song from north of the border. Nickelback brings to us their song Believe It or Not, from the album The Long Road. This song is a very strong song both in sound and lyrically. The subject matter expresses feelings that all people feel, regardless if they share them or keep them inside. While the thinking is deep, it is also narrow-minded and could be easy to argue with. This is a change from their normal style of just good-time music without much thought, but the change is very refreshing. This feature will run again next week.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Sandwich Showdown XVII
This weekend we have a three-part showdown, as a day-off Friday brings in a third sandwich. This sandwich was a Subway Melt on Herbs and Cheese. This sandwich was also toasted, which brought around a nice array of flavor. The quality was pretty much top notch, and proved a tough act to follow. The middle sandwich was a Subway Club on Italian. It also came out fairly strong with a good flavor variety. The bread quality did beat out the meat this time, showing a small chink in the armor. The final sandwich was a Buffalo Chicken and Roasted Garlic. While the bread was fresh, the substitution of Peco's sauce for the regular KC Masterpiece would doom the sandwich out of contention, exceeding the spice limit by a hair. The Melt would hold on for the victory, although the weekend featured a fabulous trifecta of sandwich goodness. This feature will run in a normal two-sandwich edition next weekend.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Baseball 5/7 + Sunday link
Another day of relatively live baseball coverage. We start back east in...
Baltimore, with the Orioles hosting the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeremy Hellickson and Jeremy Guthrie pitched. Tampa Bay opened early with a first inning Evan Longoria double to bring in Ben Zobrist. Longoria added a three-run tater in the third inning which scored both John Jaso and Zobrist. The Rays added on three more runs when B.J. Upton went yard to bring around Johnny Damon and Matt Joyce. Damon knocked Zobrist in with a double in the sixth inning for Tampa Bay. Baltimore got on the board with a Nick Markakis single driving in Mark Reynolds. The Orioles got an extra run to make it an 8-2 loss with Markakis' sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth, scoring Robert Andino. Guthrie took the loss, and Hellickson picked up the win. The top batters were Upton (3-5, 1 HR, 3 RBI) and Markakis (3-4, 2 RBI)
Over to Boston, with the Red Sox hosting the Minnesota Twins. Brian Duensing and Clay Buchholz started, but Duensing was replaced by Kevin Slowey after a rain delay in the second inning. Boston struck first with a Jed Lowrie single in the first inning to bring around Jacoby Ellsbury. The Red Sox tacked on a run in the third inning with Kevin Youkilis singling home Adrian Gonzalez. Boston did some more in the eighth inning with Ellsbury hitting a two-RBI single to score both Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Carl Crawford. The final would stand at 4-0, giving Buchholz the win and Duensing the loss. Michael Cuddyer (2-4) and Ellsbury (2-5, 2 RBI) would be the top hitters.
Over to Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Casey Coleman played from the mound. Chicago was on the board first with a fourth inning solo home run by Blake DeWitt. Cincinnati got on the board in the seventh inning with pinch-hit by Fred Lewis, grounding into the fielder's choice to bring home Chris Heisey. Lewis would go on to score when Drew Stubbs singled later that inning. The Cubs took the lead back after a Carlos Pena solo home run and Kosuke Fukudome single to bring around DeWitt. The 3-2 win had Logan Ondrusek of the Reds get a hold, before Francisco Cordero blew the save and lost, which came after Kerry Wood previously blew a save, allowing Marcos Mateo to take the win. Stubbs (1-3, 1 RBI) and Pena (3-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) were the top hitters.
North to Toronto, with the Blue Jays hosting the Detroit Tigers. Aces Justin Verlander and Ricky Romero are opposing each other. Detroit opened the scoring in the third inning with a bases-loaded walk to Scott Sizemore, forcing in Alex Avila, followed by Brandon Inge coming in on a wild pitch, and Magglio Ordonez's groundout allowing time for Austin Jackson to cross home. The Tigers added on in the fourth inning with Jhonny Peralta nailing a solo home run, followed by a two-run shot from Avila, also scoring Ryan Raburn. Detroit kept it up in the fifth with a Victor Martinez single knocking in Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers added on in the ninth with Martinez singling in Inge, followed by Peralta doing the same for Sizemore. The final stood at 9-0 with Verlander turning in a no-hitter, 1 walk victory, sticking a loss on Romero. Peralta (2-5, 1 HR, 2 RBI) was the lone best batter, as everyone sucked equally for Toronto.
Back to the Midwest, with the St. Louis Cardinals hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and Kyle Lohse took to the mound. Milwaukee opened the scoring in the top of the third with Casey McGehee's double to drive home Prince Fielder. The Brewers added on in the ninth with a triple by Carlos Gomez, bringing around both McGehee and Mark Kotsay, before finishing his trip around on a Yunieskey Betancourt sacrifice fly. This made it a 4-0 game, giving Gallardo a win and Lohse the loss. Gomez (2-3, 2 RBI) and Daniel Descalso (1-2) were the top hitters.
To Philadelphia, with the Phillies hosting the Atlanta Braves. Julio Teheran and Kyle Kendrick are designated to pitch. Philadelphia got on the board first with Pete Orr hitting a fielder's choice to bring in Ben Francisco. The Phillies added on with a solo home run by Ryan Howard. Shane Victorino also helped Philadelphia's cause with a triple to knock in Jimmy Rollins. The final was 3-0 Phillies, with Kendrick taking the win, Ryan Madson converting the save, and Teheran being stuck with the loss.
Staying in Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Charlie Morton are handed the ball. Pittsburgh led off in the second with Lyle Overbay's solo shot and an Andrew McCutchen double that scored both Chris Snyder and Ronny Cedeno. Houston got on the board in the eighth with Carlos Lee's single, driving home Michael Bourn. The Pirates replied in the bottom of the inning with a Brandon Wood double scoring Jose Tabata and Neil Walker, followed by Snyder scoring on a wild pitch. Pittsburgh would take the game 6-1. Norris was the loser, while Morton got the win and Jose Veras grabbed a hold. Bourn (2-4) and McCutchen (2-4, 2 RBI) were the best batters.
Down the coast to Florida, with the Marlins hosting the Washington Nationals. Tom Gorzelanny and Chris Volstad are the pitchers. Washington opened with Adam LaRoche singling in both Roger Bernadina and Ian Desmond. Florida tied it in the second with a two-run John Buck homer, bringing in Mike Stanton. The Nationals regained the lead in the fifth with Jayson Werth hitting a sacrifice fly, allowing Desmond to dash home. Washington added another run when Matt Stairs reached on an error, and Jerry Hairston, Jr. dashed safely home, followed by a Desmond sacrifice fly to score Danny Espinosa. This would make the final 5-2, with Gorzelanny getting the win, Drew Storen converting the save, and Volstad taking the loss. Desmond (2-4, 1 RBI) and Buck (1-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI) got the top hitter awards.
Westward to Kansas City, with the Royals bringing in the Oakland Athletics. Brandon McCarthy and Luke Hochevar are on the mound. Kansas City drew first blood in the sixth inning with Melky Cabrera singling in Matt Treanor, Alex Gordon doing the same for Alcides Escobar, and Billy Butler sacrificing himself for Cabrera to come home. Oakland tied it with a three-run homer by Cliff Pennington, driving home Andy LaRoche and Ryan Sweeney. The Royals snagged the win at 4-3 with a sacrifice fly by Mike Aviles, allowing Jarrod Dyson safe passage home. McCarthy was stuck with a complete game loss, Aaron Crow was designated with a blown save, but Joakin Soria came in and snagged the win. Pennington (1-3, 1 HR, 3 RBI) and Cabrera (1-4, 1 RBI) took the top hitting honors.
Into New York City, with the Mets hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jon Garland and Chris Young will be pitching. New York opened with Josh Thole's sacrifice fly to score Ike Davis, followed by Jason Pridie reaching home on a Jose Reyes single. Los Angeles replied with Dioner Novarro hitting a solo home run. The Dodgers tied it with an Aaron Miles single to knock in Jamey Carroll. The Mets took the lead with pinch-hitter Justin Turner's two run single, driving in both Jason Bay and Pridie. New York would hold on to down the Dodgers 4-2, giving the loss to Mike MacDougal, the win to Tim Byrdak, and the save to Francisco Rodriguez. Carroll (3-3) and Pridie (3-3) were the top hitters.
Down to Texas, with the Rangers hosting the New York Yankees. Bartolo Colon and Derek Holland get the starting nods. Texas opened with a solo home run in the first inning by Michael Young. The Rangers added on with another solo shot, from David Murphy, a Julio Borbon triple bringing in Mitch Moreland and Chris Davis, and Ian Kinsler sacrificing himself for Borbon to come home all in the second inning. New York got in the game with a single by Mark Teixeira, knocking in Derek Jeter before a 3-RBI triple from Robinson Cano, scoring Curtis Granderson, Teixeira, and Alex Rodriguez. A solo home run by Nick Swisher in the sixth tied it for the Yankees. Texas got back to work in the bottom of the sixth, as Borbon sacrificed himself to score Moreland, followed by Young's single, allowing safe passage for Davis to come home. The Rangers held on after this to win 7-5, handing Boone Logan the loss, securing a win for Arthur Rhodes, a hold for Darren Oliver, and a save was converted by Neftali Feliz. Cano (1-4, 3 RBI) and Young (4-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI) were the best of the batters.
Westward some more to San Diego, where the Padres host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Daniel Hudson and Dustin Moseley will be the pitchers. Arizona led off with Stephen Drew singling and a subsequent error by Eric Patterson leading to Ryan Roberts scoring in the first. The Diamondbacks added on in the third with Drew singling in Chris Young, Melvin Mora doing the same for Roberts, and Juan Miranda grounding out but allowing Drew passage to the plate. Arizona continued in the fourth with a two-run Justin Upton homer, benefiting Roberts once again. This would give the Diamondbacks the edge over the Padres, by a 6-0 margin. Hudson got the win and Moseley took the loss. Upton (1-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI) and Brad Hawpe (1-3) were the best hitters.
Out west to Anaheim, with the Angels hosting the Cleveland Indians. Alex White and Jered Weaver were given the ball to pitch. Anaheim opened with a two-run blast by Vernon Wells, bringing around Howie Kendrick. Cleveland answered in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly by Orlando Cabrera, bringing in Carlos Santana. The Indians took the lead with a fifth inning, two-RBI double by Shin-Soo Choo, knocking in both Grady Sizemore and Asdrubal Cabrera, followed by Choo scoring on a Santana single. The Angels got within one on a Wells sacrifice fly, allowing passage for Torii Hunter, but managed no more runs and lost 4-3. White picked up the win, Tony Sipp and Vinnie Pestano had holds, and Chris Perez converted the save, while Weaver was dinged for the loss. Choo (2-4, 2 RBI) and Wells (1-3, 1 HR, 3 RBI) were the best hitters.
North to San Francisco, with the Giants welcoming the Colorado Rockies. Clayton Mortenson and Madison Bumgarner were given the starting nods. San Francisco opened with a Buster Posey groundout that allowed Aaron Rowand time to score. Freddy Sanchez added on for the Giants with a double that brought around Miguel Tejada. Colorado tied the game in the seventh with a Todd Helton two-RBI single, the two runs being Alfredo Amezaga and Carlos Gonzalez. San Francisco would take the game in the bottom of the ninth with a Mike Fontenot sacrifice fly, scoring Rowand for a 3-2 win. Felipe Paulino was stuck with the loss, while Brian Wilson was credited with the win. Helton (1-4, 2 RBI) and Sanchez (3-5, 1 RBI) were named top hitters.
We wrap up Saturday in Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Doug Fister were the pitchers. Chicago got the first runs in the first inning with a Paul Konerko single, knocking in Adam Dunn before getting caught at second base. The White Sox struck again in the fifth inning with Juan Pierre getting beaned, forcing in Alex Rios, followed by a sacrifice fly by Dunn, which drove home Gordon Beckham. Beckham drove in the next run, a sixth inning single that allowed Rios to come home, and this was followed by Brent Morel's double, which finished the trip around for Beckham. Chicago wrapped the game up 6-0 in the ninth with Mark Teahen's single, scoring the speedy Pierre. Floyd got the win and Fister was pinned with the loss. Morel (3-4, 1 RBI) and Ichiro (2-4) were the best hitters.
For those of you looking for the Sunday games, they will not get a full post due to time constraints, but can be found here.
Baltimore, with the Orioles hosting the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeremy Hellickson and Jeremy Guthrie pitched. Tampa Bay opened early with a first inning Evan Longoria double to bring in Ben Zobrist. Longoria added a three-run tater in the third inning which scored both John Jaso and Zobrist. The Rays added on three more runs when B.J. Upton went yard to bring around Johnny Damon and Matt Joyce. Damon knocked Zobrist in with a double in the sixth inning for Tampa Bay. Baltimore got on the board with a Nick Markakis single driving in Mark Reynolds. The Orioles got an extra run to make it an 8-2 loss with Markakis' sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth, scoring Robert Andino. Guthrie took the loss, and Hellickson picked up the win. The top batters were Upton (3-5, 1 HR, 3 RBI) and Markakis (3-4, 2 RBI)
Over to Boston, with the Red Sox hosting the Minnesota Twins. Brian Duensing and Clay Buchholz started, but Duensing was replaced by Kevin Slowey after a rain delay in the second inning. Boston struck first with a Jed Lowrie single in the first inning to bring around Jacoby Ellsbury. The Red Sox tacked on a run in the third inning with Kevin Youkilis singling home Adrian Gonzalez. Boston did some more in the eighth inning with Ellsbury hitting a two-RBI single to score both Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Carl Crawford. The final would stand at 4-0, giving Buchholz the win and Duensing the loss. Michael Cuddyer (2-4) and Ellsbury (2-5, 2 RBI) would be the top hitters.
Over to Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Casey Coleman played from the mound. Chicago was on the board first with a fourth inning solo home run by Blake DeWitt. Cincinnati got on the board in the seventh inning with pinch-hit by Fred Lewis, grounding into the fielder's choice to bring home Chris Heisey. Lewis would go on to score when Drew Stubbs singled later that inning. The Cubs took the lead back after a Carlos Pena solo home run and Kosuke Fukudome single to bring around DeWitt. The 3-2 win had Logan Ondrusek of the Reds get a hold, before Francisco Cordero blew the save and lost, which came after Kerry Wood previously blew a save, allowing Marcos Mateo to take the win. Stubbs (1-3, 1 RBI) and Pena (3-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) were the top hitters.
North to Toronto, with the Blue Jays hosting the Detroit Tigers. Aces Justin Verlander and Ricky Romero are opposing each other. Detroit opened the scoring in the third inning with a bases-loaded walk to Scott Sizemore, forcing in Alex Avila, followed by Brandon Inge coming in on a wild pitch, and Magglio Ordonez's groundout allowing time for Austin Jackson to cross home. The Tigers added on in the fourth inning with Jhonny Peralta nailing a solo home run, followed by a two-run shot from Avila, also scoring Ryan Raburn. Detroit kept it up in the fifth with a Victor Martinez single knocking in Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers added on in the ninth with Martinez singling in Inge, followed by Peralta doing the same for Sizemore. The final stood at 9-0 with Verlander turning in a no-hitter, 1 walk victory, sticking a loss on Romero. Peralta (2-5, 1 HR, 2 RBI) was the lone best batter, as everyone sucked equally for Toronto.
Back to the Midwest, with the St. Louis Cardinals hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and Kyle Lohse took to the mound. Milwaukee opened the scoring in the top of the third with Casey McGehee's double to drive home Prince Fielder. The Brewers added on in the ninth with a triple by Carlos Gomez, bringing around both McGehee and Mark Kotsay, before finishing his trip around on a Yunieskey Betancourt sacrifice fly. This made it a 4-0 game, giving Gallardo a win and Lohse the loss. Gomez (2-3, 2 RBI) and Daniel Descalso (1-2) were the top hitters.
To Philadelphia, with the Phillies hosting the Atlanta Braves. Julio Teheran and Kyle Kendrick are designated to pitch. Philadelphia got on the board first with Pete Orr hitting a fielder's choice to bring in Ben Francisco. The Phillies added on with a solo home run by Ryan Howard. Shane Victorino also helped Philadelphia's cause with a triple to knock in Jimmy Rollins. The final was 3-0 Phillies, with Kendrick taking the win, Ryan Madson converting the save, and Teheran being stuck with the loss.
Staying in Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Charlie Morton are handed the ball. Pittsburgh led off in the second with Lyle Overbay's solo shot and an Andrew McCutchen double that scored both Chris Snyder and Ronny Cedeno. Houston got on the board in the eighth with Carlos Lee's single, driving home Michael Bourn. The Pirates replied in the bottom of the inning with a Brandon Wood double scoring Jose Tabata and Neil Walker, followed by Snyder scoring on a wild pitch. Pittsburgh would take the game 6-1. Norris was the loser, while Morton got the win and Jose Veras grabbed a hold. Bourn (2-4) and McCutchen (2-4, 2 RBI) were the best batters.
Down the coast to Florida, with the Marlins hosting the Washington Nationals. Tom Gorzelanny and Chris Volstad are the pitchers. Washington opened with Adam LaRoche singling in both Roger Bernadina and Ian Desmond. Florida tied it in the second with a two-run John Buck homer, bringing in Mike Stanton. The Nationals regained the lead in the fifth with Jayson Werth hitting a sacrifice fly, allowing Desmond to dash home. Washington added another run when Matt Stairs reached on an error, and Jerry Hairston, Jr. dashed safely home, followed by a Desmond sacrifice fly to score Danny Espinosa. This would make the final 5-2, with Gorzelanny getting the win, Drew Storen converting the save, and Volstad taking the loss. Desmond (2-4, 1 RBI) and Buck (1-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI) got the top hitter awards.
Westward to Kansas City, with the Royals bringing in the Oakland Athletics. Brandon McCarthy and Luke Hochevar are on the mound. Kansas City drew first blood in the sixth inning with Melky Cabrera singling in Matt Treanor, Alex Gordon doing the same for Alcides Escobar, and Billy Butler sacrificing himself for Cabrera to come home. Oakland tied it with a three-run homer by Cliff Pennington, driving home Andy LaRoche and Ryan Sweeney. The Royals snagged the win at 4-3 with a sacrifice fly by Mike Aviles, allowing Jarrod Dyson safe passage home. McCarthy was stuck with a complete game loss, Aaron Crow was designated with a blown save, but Joakin Soria came in and snagged the win. Pennington (1-3, 1 HR, 3 RBI) and Cabrera (1-4, 1 RBI) took the top hitting honors.
Into New York City, with the Mets hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jon Garland and Chris Young will be pitching. New York opened with Josh Thole's sacrifice fly to score Ike Davis, followed by Jason Pridie reaching home on a Jose Reyes single. Los Angeles replied with Dioner Novarro hitting a solo home run. The Dodgers tied it with an Aaron Miles single to knock in Jamey Carroll. The Mets took the lead with pinch-hitter Justin Turner's two run single, driving in both Jason Bay and Pridie. New York would hold on to down the Dodgers 4-2, giving the loss to Mike MacDougal, the win to Tim Byrdak, and the save to Francisco Rodriguez. Carroll (3-3) and Pridie (3-3) were the top hitters.
Down to Texas, with the Rangers hosting the New York Yankees. Bartolo Colon and Derek Holland get the starting nods. Texas opened with a solo home run in the first inning by Michael Young. The Rangers added on with another solo shot, from David Murphy, a Julio Borbon triple bringing in Mitch Moreland and Chris Davis, and Ian Kinsler sacrificing himself for Borbon to come home all in the second inning. New York got in the game with a single by Mark Teixeira, knocking in Derek Jeter before a 3-RBI triple from Robinson Cano, scoring Curtis Granderson, Teixeira, and Alex Rodriguez. A solo home run by Nick Swisher in the sixth tied it for the Yankees. Texas got back to work in the bottom of the sixth, as Borbon sacrificed himself to score Moreland, followed by Young's single, allowing safe passage for Davis to come home. The Rangers held on after this to win 7-5, handing Boone Logan the loss, securing a win for Arthur Rhodes, a hold for Darren Oliver, and a save was converted by Neftali Feliz. Cano (1-4, 3 RBI) and Young (4-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI) were the best of the batters.
Westward some more to San Diego, where the Padres host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Daniel Hudson and Dustin Moseley will be the pitchers. Arizona led off with Stephen Drew singling and a subsequent error by Eric Patterson leading to Ryan Roberts scoring in the first. The Diamondbacks added on in the third with Drew singling in Chris Young, Melvin Mora doing the same for Roberts, and Juan Miranda grounding out but allowing Drew passage to the plate. Arizona continued in the fourth with a two-run Justin Upton homer, benefiting Roberts once again. This would give the Diamondbacks the edge over the Padres, by a 6-0 margin. Hudson got the win and Moseley took the loss. Upton (1-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI) and Brad Hawpe (1-3) were the best hitters.
Out west to Anaheim, with the Angels hosting the Cleveland Indians. Alex White and Jered Weaver were given the ball to pitch. Anaheim opened with a two-run blast by Vernon Wells, bringing around Howie Kendrick. Cleveland answered in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly by Orlando Cabrera, bringing in Carlos Santana. The Indians took the lead with a fifth inning, two-RBI double by Shin-Soo Choo, knocking in both Grady Sizemore and Asdrubal Cabrera, followed by Choo scoring on a Santana single. The Angels got within one on a Wells sacrifice fly, allowing passage for Torii Hunter, but managed no more runs and lost 4-3. White picked up the win, Tony Sipp and Vinnie Pestano had holds, and Chris Perez converted the save, while Weaver was dinged for the loss. Choo (2-4, 2 RBI) and Wells (1-3, 1 HR, 3 RBI) were the best hitters.
North to San Francisco, with the Giants welcoming the Colorado Rockies. Clayton Mortenson and Madison Bumgarner were given the starting nods. San Francisco opened with a Buster Posey groundout that allowed Aaron Rowand time to score. Freddy Sanchez added on for the Giants with a double that brought around Miguel Tejada. Colorado tied the game in the seventh with a Todd Helton two-RBI single, the two runs being Alfredo Amezaga and Carlos Gonzalez. San Francisco would take the game in the bottom of the ninth with a Mike Fontenot sacrifice fly, scoring Rowand for a 3-2 win. Felipe Paulino was stuck with the loss, while Brian Wilson was credited with the win. Helton (1-4, 2 RBI) and Sanchez (3-5, 1 RBI) were named top hitters.
We wrap up Saturday in Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Doug Fister were the pitchers. Chicago got the first runs in the first inning with a Paul Konerko single, knocking in Adam Dunn before getting caught at second base. The White Sox struck again in the fifth inning with Juan Pierre getting beaned, forcing in Alex Rios, followed by a sacrifice fly by Dunn, which drove home Gordon Beckham. Beckham drove in the next run, a sixth inning single that allowed Rios to come home, and this was followed by Brent Morel's double, which finished the trip around for Beckham. Chicago wrapped the game up 6-0 in the ninth with Mark Teahen's single, scoring the speedy Pierre. Floyd got the win and Fister was pinned with the loss. Morel (3-4, 1 RBI) and Ichiro (2-4) were the best hitters.
For those of you looking for the Sunday games, they will not get a full post due to time constraints, but can be found here.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Baseball 5/6
Another day of me actually covering baseball has to be a surprise for anyone still reading here. But we do start off with a bunch of fresh, new series today, which begin in the...
Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, Chicago, where the Cubs host the Cincinnati Reds. Edinson Volquez opposes Matt Garza from the mound. Chicago opened with Garza scoring on a passed ball. Cincinnati replied with a three-run tater from Jay Bruce, also bringing in Edgar Renteria and Joey Votto. The Cubs came back with Geovany Soto's grounding into a double play, allowing Alfonso Soriano to reach home. The Reds replied once more with Votto singling to score Paul Janish and Brandon Phillips doing the same for Renteria. Chicago got one run back with Aramis Ramirez singling in Darwin Barney. The Cubs made it 5-4 in the sixth inning with Soto's RBI single driving in Marlon Byrd, but the game was scoreless from there on and Cincinnati held on to win. Volquez had the win, Sam LeCure and Nick Masset had holds, and Francisco Cordero closed out for a save, while Garza suffered another loss. Bruce (1-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI) and Byrd (2-4) took the honors of top hitting.
Over to Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Houston Astros. Wandy Rodriguez and Paul Maholm are the starters. Houston led off the first inning with a Hunter Pence sacrifice fly to drive in Jason Bourgeois. Pittsburgh got on the board in the fifth with a Brandon Wood double knocking in Lyle Overbay. The Pirates took the lead with a seventh inning Neil Walker solo home run. The Astros tied it back up with a Pence double to score Michael Bourn, followed by a Carlos Lee single to finish Pence's trip around the bases. The final would have the Astros up 3-2, giving Rodriguez a win and Mark Melancon a save, while Chris Resop took the loss. Pence (2-4, 2 RBI) and Wood (2-3, 1 RBI) were the best batters.
Into Maryland, where the Baltimore Orioles host the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields and Zach Britton oppose each other from the mound. Tampa Bay opened the scoring in the second inning with B.J. Upton's RBI double bringing in Evan Longoria, before Brandon Guyer went over the wall for a two-run shot, completing Upton's trot around the bases. Baltimore got on the board with a sixth inning solo home run by Derrek Lee. Casey Kotchman got the run back for the Rays with his single that brought in Longoria. Tampa Bay extended the lead with a two-run homer by Johnny Damon, also scoring Ben Zobrist. The Orioles added on a run with Luke Scott's double to score Vladimir Guerrero, but they would lose 6-2. Shields was the winner and Britton had the loss. Guyer (1-3, 1 HR, 2 RBI) and Lee (1-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI) had top batter status.
Back to Pennsylvania, with the Philadelphia Phillies hosting the Atlanta Braves. Derek Lowe and Cliff Lee got the starting orders. Atlanta opened the scoring in the third inning with a Chipper Jones single to score Alex Gonzalez, Brian McCann doubling in Jones, and Dan Uggla bringing McCann back around home. The Braves stuck in the dagger with a Martin Prado single to score Jason Heyward and Gonzalez singling in Prado before getting caught trying to make it to second. This produced a 5-0 Atlanta victory, with Lowe snatching the win, Eric O'Flaherty and Johnny Venters getting saves, and Lee taking the loss. Gonzalez (3-5, 1 RBI) and Placido Polanco (1-3) took top batting honors.
Going north of the border, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Detroit Tigers. Phil Coke and Jesse Litsch get the nod. Toronto opened with a first inning Adam Lind single knocking in the speedy Rajai Davis, followed by Juan Rivera batting in Yunel Escobar with a single, and J.P. Arencibia doing the same for Lind. The Blue Jays did some more damage in the third with Arencibia's double scoring Rivera. Jhonny Peralta put Detroit on the board with a groundout to allow Victor Martinez safe passage home. Toronto got a boost with a solo home run by Lind in the seventh inning. The Blue Jays padded their lead with a two-RBI double from Corey Patterson, knocking in Edwin Encarnacion and Mike McCoy. The Tigers got to work in the top of the ninth with Brandon Inge doubling in both Ryan Raburn and Peralta, before Scott Sizemore's single allowed Inge to come home. This would not be enough, as Toronto got a 7-4 win, with Litsch earning the win, Frank Francisco converting the save, and Coke taking the loss. Inge (1-4, 2 RBI) and Patterson (3-5, 2 RBI) were the best batters.
Into Manhattan, with the New York Mets hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hiroki Kuroda and Jonathon Niese take to the mound. Los Angeles struck in the first inning with a Matt Kemp single scoring Jerry Sands. New York replied with a Carlos Beltran sacrifice fly to bring in Jose Reyes. The Dodgers retook the lead in the second with a solo shot by Rod Barajas. The Mets retied it on a solo shot by Ike Davis. Los Angeles regained the lead again with Juan Uribe grounding out to provide a way home for Jamey Carroll. New York grabbed the lead with a three-run tater off Jason Pridie's bat, bringing in Beltran and Davis. The Mets added on with a Jason Bay single knocking in Reyes. New York would hold on for the 6-3 win, and Ryota Igarashi took the win while Francisco Rodriguez converted the save and Kuroda was stuck with the loss. Barajas (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) and Pridie (1-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI) were the best hitters.
Over to Massachusetts, where the Boston Red Sox welcome the Minnesota Twins to Fenway Park. Scott Baker and Tim Wakefield have the pitching honors. Minnesota struck in the first with a Trevor Plouffe solo home run. The Twins added on with a second inning Denard Span single, scoring two runs as Michael Cuddyer and Danny Valencia crossed home, before Ben Revere came home via a balk. Boston replied with a J.D. Drew solo home run in the bottom of the inning. The Red Sox also had a solo shot from Adrian Gonzalez's bat in the fourth inning. In the fifth, Minnesota got some runs back with Valencia's single knocking in a pair of runs, Plouffe and Justin Morneau. The Twins added on with Jed Lowrie's error allowing both Cuddyer and Valencia to come home. Minnesota kept going with a fluky strikeout by Morneau, another error by Lowrie allowing Plouffe to get to third and then score on a balk. This made it 9-2, which would be a final score. Baker got the win and Wakefield was stuck with the loss. Valencia (2-5, 2 RBI) and Drew (1-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) took the top batting title for the game.
Down the coast to Florida, with the Marlins hosting the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and Ricky Nolasco get the starts. Washington opened in the second inning with a double by Jerry Hairston, Jr., providing a safe route home for Ivan Rodriguez. The Nationals extended their lead in the fourth inning with Ian Desmond hitting a sacrifice fly for Adam LaRoche. Florida got on the board in the fifth inning with an Omar Infante sacrifice fly to score Greg Dobbs. The Marlins tied it in the sixth inning with a Gaby Sanchez single bringing around Emilio Bonifacio. Florida won the game 3-2 with a ninth inning solo home run by Mike Stanton. Drew Storen was pinned with the loss and Leo Nunez was the winning pitcher. Hairston, Jr. (3-3, 1 RBI) and Stanton (1-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) took the top hitters status.
Westward to Texas, with the Texas Rangers hosting the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Matt Harrison are starting. New York started off with a first inning two-run home run by Curtis Granderson, also scoring Derek Jeter. The Yankees tacked on another run with an error by the pitcher Harrison leading to Russell Martin finding a way home. New York added another run with Granderson hitting a solo home run in the seventh inning. Texas finally got on the board with a Julio Borbon single to score Mike Napoli in the eighth inning. This would bring the game to its 4-1 New York final, with Nova grabbing the win, Rafael Soriano taking a hold, Mariano Rivera converting the save, and Harrison being stuck with the loss. Granderson (2-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI) and Borbon (1-3, 1 RBI) were the best hitters.
North into Missouri, with the Kansas City Royals hosting the Oakland Athletics. Gio Gonzalez and Sean O'Sullivan are pitching. Kansas City started the scoring in the first with a solo home run by Alex Gordon.The Royals extended their lead with a Mike Aviles triple, allowing time for Matt Treanor to score. Oakland got busy in the fifth, as Andy LaRoche singled to bring in Kurt Suzuki, Kevin Kouzmanoff's grounding into a fielder's choice brought in Ryan Sweeney, and Coco Crisp doing the exact same for LaRoche. Oakland would hold on for the 3-2 win, Gonzalez getting the win, Grant Balfour picking up a hold, Brian Fuentes converting a save, and O'Sullivan being left with the loss. LaRoche (1-3, 1 RBI) and Gordon (1-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) were named best batters.
Also in Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals hosted the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf and Jaime Garcia were handed the ball for the game. St. Louis struck first with a Matt Holliday double bringing around Ryan Theriot. The Cardinals added on with Theriot scoring on a Colby Rasmus triple before Albert Pujols finished Rasmus' trip off with a sacrifice fly. St. Louis added on again in the fourth with a solo home run by Yadier Molina and a two-RBI single from Pujols that scored Tyler Greene and Daniel Descalso. This finished off a 6-0 Cardinals win. Garcia threw a 2-hit shutout victory while Wolf was pinned for the loss. Rickie Weeks (1-4) and Molina (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) were the best batters.
Out to the west coast, with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Tyler Chatwood were the starting pitchers. Cleveland opened with a Travis Hafner groundout that brought in Asdrubal Cabrera. Anaheim answered in the sixth inning with Maicer Izturis doubling in Bobby Abreu. The tie lasted until the eleventh inning, where the Angels got a single from Torii Hunter to score Erick Aybar and win the game 2-1. Justin Germano was stuck with the loss, while Fernando Rodney picked up the win. Carlos Santana (2-5) and Izturis (2-5, 1 RBI) were the top batters.
Down to San Diego, with the Padres welcoming the Arizona Diamondbacks to Petco Park. Armando Gallaraga and Tim Stauffer opposed each other on the mound. San Diego opened the scoring in the third inning with Eric Patterson coming home on the successful suicide squeeze by Stauffer, who reached second base on subsequent errors, before Will Venable hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Rob Johnson. The Padres tacked on some more in the fifth inning with a Chase Headley single to score Venable. Arizona tied it with Gerardo Parra doubling in Ryan Roberts and Kelly Johnson reaching on an error to push in Juan Miranda and Parra. San Diego would take the win in the eleventh inning however, with the tie-breaking run coming on a walk of Headley, forcing in Chris Denorfia. Sam Demel was the losing pitcher, Luke Gregerson and Mike Adams had holds before Heath Bell imploded, but Chad Qualls was available for the win. Parra (2-4, 1 RBI) and Venable (3-5, 1 RBI) were the best of the hitters.
North to Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Chicago White Sox. Phil Humber and Felix Hernandez got the starting nods. Chicago scored first in the fourth inning with a Paul Konerko sacrifice fly that drove home Juan Pierre. Seattle tied it on Milton Bradley double that allowed Ichiro to score, followed by a Justin Smoak ground rule double to take the lead as Bradley made it home. The White Sox retied it with a solo home run by Carlos Quentin. The Mariners took the win in the bottom of the ninth with Brendan Ryan singling to score Adam Kennedy for a 3-2 win. Hernandez went the distance for the win, and Matt Thornton got stuck with the loss. Quentin (1-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) and Ryan (2-4, 1 RBI) were the top batters.
Back down to San Francisco, with the Giants hosting the Colorado Rockies. Aces Ubaldo Jimenez and Matt Cain were on the mound. Colorado struck first in the second inning with a solo shot from Troy Tulowitzki. The Rockies added on in the third with a Jonathan Herrera single scoring Chris Iannetta and a Carlos Gonzalez sacrifice fly to drive in Dexter Fowler. San Francisco got on the board with a Buster Posey groundout to bring in Mike Fontenot. The Giants tied it with a 2-RBI double by Nick Schierholtz, knocking in Posey and pinch-runner Darren Ford. San Francisco took a 4-3 lead and win with a Freddy Sanchez single, scoring Cody Ross for a 4-3 final. Matt Lindstrom had a hold before Rafael Betancourt blew the save, and Felipe Paulino finished off the loss, while Brian Wilson grabbed the win. Tulowitzki (1-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI) and Schierholtz (1-4, 2 RBI) were the best hitters.
That's all from Friday. Going to try and do this again on Saturday, but no guarantees.
Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, Chicago, where the Cubs host the Cincinnati Reds. Edinson Volquez opposes Matt Garza from the mound. Chicago opened with Garza scoring on a passed ball. Cincinnati replied with a three-run tater from Jay Bruce, also bringing in Edgar Renteria and Joey Votto. The Cubs came back with Geovany Soto's grounding into a double play, allowing Alfonso Soriano to reach home. The Reds replied once more with Votto singling to score Paul Janish and Brandon Phillips doing the same for Renteria. Chicago got one run back with Aramis Ramirez singling in Darwin Barney. The Cubs made it 5-4 in the sixth inning with Soto's RBI single driving in Marlon Byrd, but the game was scoreless from there on and Cincinnati held on to win. Volquez had the win, Sam LeCure and Nick Masset had holds, and Francisco Cordero closed out for a save, while Garza suffered another loss. Bruce (1-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI) and Byrd (2-4) took the honors of top hitting.
Over to Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Houston Astros. Wandy Rodriguez and Paul Maholm are the starters. Houston led off the first inning with a Hunter Pence sacrifice fly to drive in Jason Bourgeois. Pittsburgh got on the board in the fifth with a Brandon Wood double knocking in Lyle Overbay. The Pirates took the lead with a seventh inning Neil Walker solo home run. The Astros tied it back up with a Pence double to score Michael Bourn, followed by a Carlos Lee single to finish Pence's trip around the bases. The final would have the Astros up 3-2, giving Rodriguez a win and Mark Melancon a save, while Chris Resop took the loss. Pence (2-4, 2 RBI) and Wood (2-3, 1 RBI) were the best batters.
Into Maryland, where the Baltimore Orioles host the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields and Zach Britton oppose each other from the mound. Tampa Bay opened the scoring in the second inning with B.J. Upton's RBI double bringing in Evan Longoria, before Brandon Guyer went over the wall for a two-run shot, completing Upton's trot around the bases. Baltimore got on the board with a sixth inning solo home run by Derrek Lee. Casey Kotchman got the run back for the Rays with his single that brought in Longoria. Tampa Bay extended the lead with a two-run homer by Johnny Damon, also scoring Ben Zobrist. The Orioles added on a run with Luke Scott's double to score Vladimir Guerrero, but they would lose 6-2. Shields was the winner and Britton had the loss. Guyer (1-3, 1 HR, 2 RBI) and Lee (1-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI) had top batter status.
Back to Pennsylvania, with the Philadelphia Phillies hosting the Atlanta Braves. Derek Lowe and Cliff Lee got the starting orders. Atlanta opened the scoring in the third inning with a Chipper Jones single to score Alex Gonzalez, Brian McCann doubling in Jones, and Dan Uggla bringing McCann back around home. The Braves stuck in the dagger with a Martin Prado single to score Jason Heyward and Gonzalez singling in Prado before getting caught trying to make it to second. This produced a 5-0 Atlanta victory, with Lowe snatching the win, Eric O'Flaherty and Johnny Venters getting saves, and Lee taking the loss. Gonzalez (3-5, 1 RBI) and Placido Polanco (1-3) took top batting honors.
Going north of the border, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Detroit Tigers. Phil Coke and Jesse Litsch get the nod. Toronto opened with a first inning Adam Lind single knocking in the speedy Rajai Davis, followed by Juan Rivera batting in Yunel Escobar with a single, and J.P. Arencibia doing the same for Lind. The Blue Jays did some more damage in the third with Arencibia's double scoring Rivera. Jhonny Peralta put Detroit on the board with a groundout to allow Victor Martinez safe passage home. Toronto got a boost with a solo home run by Lind in the seventh inning. The Blue Jays padded their lead with a two-RBI double from Corey Patterson, knocking in Edwin Encarnacion and Mike McCoy. The Tigers got to work in the top of the ninth with Brandon Inge doubling in both Ryan Raburn and Peralta, before Scott Sizemore's single allowed Inge to come home. This would not be enough, as Toronto got a 7-4 win, with Litsch earning the win, Frank Francisco converting the save, and Coke taking the loss. Inge (1-4, 2 RBI) and Patterson (3-5, 2 RBI) were the best batters.
Into Manhattan, with the New York Mets hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hiroki Kuroda and Jonathon Niese take to the mound. Los Angeles struck in the first inning with a Matt Kemp single scoring Jerry Sands. New York replied with a Carlos Beltran sacrifice fly to bring in Jose Reyes. The Dodgers retook the lead in the second with a solo shot by Rod Barajas. The Mets retied it on a solo shot by Ike Davis. Los Angeles regained the lead again with Juan Uribe grounding out to provide a way home for Jamey Carroll. New York grabbed the lead with a three-run tater off Jason Pridie's bat, bringing in Beltran and Davis. The Mets added on with a Jason Bay single knocking in Reyes. New York would hold on for the 6-3 win, and Ryota Igarashi took the win while Francisco Rodriguez converted the save and Kuroda was stuck with the loss. Barajas (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) and Pridie (1-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI) were the best hitters.
Over to Massachusetts, where the Boston Red Sox welcome the Minnesota Twins to Fenway Park. Scott Baker and Tim Wakefield have the pitching honors. Minnesota struck in the first with a Trevor Plouffe solo home run. The Twins added on with a second inning Denard Span single, scoring two runs as Michael Cuddyer and Danny Valencia crossed home, before Ben Revere came home via a balk. Boston replied with a J.D. Drew solo home run in the bottom of the inning. The Red Sox also had a solo shot from Adrian Gonzalez's bat in the fourth inning. In the fifth, Minnesota got some runs back with Valencia's single knocking in a pair of runs, Plouffe and Justin Morneau. The Twins added on with Jed Lowrie's error allowing both Cuddyer and Valencia to come home. Minnesota kept going with a fluky strikeout by Morneau, another error by Lowrie allowing Plouffe to get to third and then score on a balk. This made it 9-2, which would be a final score. Baker got the win and Wakefield was stuck with the loss. Valencia (2-5, 2 RBI) and Drew (1-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) took the top batting title for the game.
Down the coast to Florida, with the Marlins hosting the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and Ricky Nolasco get the starts. Washington opened in the second inning with a double by Jerry Hairston, Jr., providing a safe route home for Ivan Rodriguez. The Nationals extended their lead in the fourth inning with Ian Desmond hitting a sacrifice fly for Adam LaRoche. Florida got on the board in the fifth inning with an Omar Infante sacrifice fly to score Greg Dobbs. The Marlins tied it in the sixth inning with a Gaby Sanchez single bringing around Emilio Bonifacio. Florida won the game 3-2 with a ninth inning solo home run by Mike Stanton. Drew Storen was pinned with the loss and Leo Nunez was the winning pitcher. Hairston, Jr. (3-3, 1 RBI) and Stanton (1-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) took the top hitters status.
Westward to Texas, with the Texas Rangers hosting the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Matt Harrison are starting. New York started off with a first inning two-run home run by Curtis Granderson, also scoring Derek Jeter. The Yankees tacked on another run with an error by the pitcher Harrison leading to Russell Martin finding a way home. New York added another run with Granderson hitting a solo home run in the seventh inning. Texas finally got on the board with a Julio Borbon single to score Mike Napoli in the eighth inning. This would bring the game to its 4-1 New York final, with Nova grabbing the win, Rafael Soriano taking a hold, Mariano Rivera converting the save, and Harrison being stuck with the loss. Granderson (2-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI) and Borbon (1-3, 1 RBI) were the best hitters.
North into Missouri, with the Kansas City Royals hosting the Oakland Athletics. Gio Gonzalez and Sean O'Sullivan are pitching. Kansas City started the scoring in the first with a solo home run by Alex Gordon.The Royals extended their lead with a Mike Aviles triple, allowing time for Matt Treanor to score. Oakland got busy in the fifth, as Andy LaRoche singled to bring in Kurt Suzuki, Kevin Kouzmanoff's grounding into a fielder's choice brought in Ryan Sweeney, and Coco Crisp doing the exact same for LaRoche. Oakland would hold on for the 3-2 win, Gonzalez getting the win, Grant Balfour picking up a hold, Brian Fuentes converting a save, and O'Sullivan being left with the loss. LaRoche (1-3, 1 RBI) and Gordon (1-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) were named best batters.
Also in Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals hosted the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf and Jaime Garcia were handed the ball for the game. St. Louis struck first with a Matt Holliday double bringing around Ryan Theriot. The Cardinals added on with Theriot scoring on a Colby Rasmus triple before Albert Pujols finished Rasmus' trip off with a sacrifice fly. St. Louis added on again in the fourth with a solo home run by Yadier Molina and a two-RBI single from Pujols that scored Tyler Greene and Daniel Descalso. This finished off a 6-0 Cardinals win. Garcia threw a 2-hit shutout victory while Wolf was pinned for the loss. Rickie Weeks (1-4) and Molina (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) were the best batters.
Out to the west coast, with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Tyler Chatwood were the starting pitchers. Cleveland opened with a Travis Hafner groundout that brought in Asdrubal Cabrera. Anaheim answered in the sixth inning with Maicer Izturis doubling in Bobby Abreu. The tie lasted until the eleventh inning, where the Angels got a single from Torii Hunter to score Erick Aybar and win the game 2-1. Justin Germano was stuck with the loss, while Fernando Rodney picked up the win. Carlos Santana (2-5) and Izturis (2-5, 1 RBI) were the top batters.
Down to San Diego, with the Padres welcoming the Arizona Diamondbacks to Petco Park. Armando Gallaraga and Tim Stauffer opposed each other on the mound. San Diego opened the scoring in the third inning with Eric Patterson coming home on the successful suicide squeeze by Stauffer, who reached second base on subsequent errors, before Will Venable hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Rob Johnson. The Padres tacked on some more in the fifth inning with a Chase Headley single to score Venable. Arizona tied it with Gerardo Parra doubling in Ryan Roberts and Kelly Johnson reaching on an error to push in Juan Miranda and Parra. San Diego would take the win in the eleventh inning however, with the tie-breaking run coming on a walk of Headley, forcing in Chris Denorfia. Sam Demel was the losing pitcher, Luke Gregerson and Mike Adams had holds before Heath Bell imploded, but Chad Qualls was available for the win. Parra (2-4, 1 RBI) and Venable (3-5, 1 RBI) were the best of the hitters.
North to Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Chicago White Sox. Phil Humber and Felix Hernandez got the starting nods. Chicago scored first in the fourth inning with a Paul Konerko sacrifice fly that drove home Juan Pierre. Seattle tied it on Milton Bradley double that allowed Ichiro to score, followed by a Justin Smoak ground rule double to take the lead as Bradley made it home. The White Sox retied it with a solo home run by Carlos Quentin. The Mariners took the win in the bottom of the ninth with Brendan Ryan singling to score Adam Kennedy for a 3-2 win. Hernandez went the distance for the win, and Matt Thornton got stuck with the loss. Quentin (1-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) and Ryan (2-4, 1 RBI) were the top batters.
Back down to San Francisco, with the Giants hosting the Colorado Rockies. Aces Ubaldo Jimenez and Matt Cain were on the mound. Colorado struck first in the second inning with a solo shot from Troy Tulowitzki. The Rockies added on in the third with a Jonathan Herrera single scoring Chris Iannetta and a Carlos Gonzalez sacrifice fly to drive in Dexter Fowler. San Francisco got on the board with a Buster Posey groundout to bring in Mike Fontenot. The Giants tied it with a 2-RBI double by Nick Schierholtz, knocking in Posey and pinch-runner Darren Ford. San Francisco took a 4-3 lead and win with a Freddy Sanchez single, scoring Cody Ross for a 4-3 final. Matt Lindstrom had a hold before Rafael Betancourt blew the save, and Felipe Paulino finished off the loss, while Brian Wilson grabbed the win. Tulowitzki (1-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI) and Schierholtz (1-4, 2 RBI) were the best hitters.
That's all from Friday. Going to try and do this again on Saturday, but no guarantees.
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