Today we have a rain-shortened schedule of games with some lingering storms in the eastern parts of the country. Those games that have been postponed are the Nationals/Pirates, Tigers/Blue Jays, Red Sox/Orioles, and Mets/Marlins. For the games that will be played, we lead off with the...
Atlanta Braves hosting the Houston Astros. Wandy Rodriguez and Derek Lowe get the starts. The scoring started in the seventh with a solo home run by Brett Wallace for Houston. Atlanta answered with Brian McCann hitting his only solo shot to tie the game in the ninth. McCann would provide the winning home run as well, an eleventh inning two run blast to make it 3-1 as Eric Hinske scored. Mark Melancon had a blown save and Jeff Fulchino took the loss, while Cory Gearrin picked up the win. Wallace and McCann were the best hitters for the game. Atlanta took the short series 2-0.
Westward to Colorado, with the Rockies hosting the San Francisco Giants. Jonathan Sanchez and Ubaldo Jimenez were on the mound. San Francisco opened the scoring in the second inning with Miguel Tejada singling in Aubrey Huff. Colorado answered with a solo home run by Troy Tulowitzki. The Giants retook the lead in the third with a double by Pat Burrell, scoring both Mike Fontenot and Buster Posey. The Rockies got to work in the eighth with Ryan Spilborghs scoring on a Sanchez error, Dexter Fowler hitting a ground rule double to score Chris Iannetta, and Carlos Gonzalez's 2-RBI single scoring both Alfredo Amezaga and Fowler. This left the score at 5-3, the final, with Sanchez being stuck with the loss, Javier Lopez being credited with a blown save, Matt Belisle getting a win, and Huston Street converting the save. Burrell and Tulowitzki were the top hitters. Colorado swept the series 2-0.
Back south and east, the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and James Shields were the lucky starters. Tampa Bay opened in the third with a solo home run by Elliot Johnson. New York answered with a pair of solo shots by Alex Rodriguez, in the fourth and sixth innings. The Yankees added on in the seventh with Chris Dickerson singling home Eduardo Nunez, followed by Derek Jeter's grounding into a double play and a subsequent Ben Zobrist error that allowed a dash home by Brett Gardner. New York added some more in the ninth inning with Gardner singling home Russell Martin before completing his trip on a Jeter single. The Rays made it a 6-2 loss with Zobrist's ground rule double scoring Sean Rodriguez. Nova got the win and Shields was stuck with the loss. Rodriguez and Johnson were the top batters. The teams split the series 1-1.
Over to Cincinnati, with the Reds hosting the Chicago Cubs. Matt Garza and Edinson Volquez got the starting nods. Chicago opened with a three-run homer by Carlos Pena, bringing in Darwin Barney and Aramis Ramirez. Cincinnati tied it with a three-run error by Garza, leading to Brandon Phillips, Ramon Hernandez, and Scott Rolen all dashing home. The Cubs retook the lead with Barney's walk leading to Campana scoring. Campana would add on for Chicago by doubling home Ramirez. The Reds replied in the bottom of the next inning, with a Ryan Hanigan sacrifice leading to Rolen and Fred Lewis coming home, Chris Heisey also sacrificing to bring around Hanigan, and then Joey Votto doubling in Paul Janish. The final would have the Reds on top 7-5, with Sean Marshall collecting a hold before Kerry Wood blew the save and took the loss, while Bill Bray got the win and Nick Masset converted the save. Pena and Rolen were the top batters.
Continuing to Chicago, with the White Sox playing host to the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and John Danks had the starts. Ian Kinsler opened the scoring for Texas with by grounding into a double play, but allowing Endy Chavez to score. In the second, the Rangers added on again with Mike Napoli dashing home on an error. Texas kept it up in the fourth with Yorvit Torrealba's sacrifice bringing around David Murphy. Chicago tied it the next inning as Brent Morel drilled a three-run tater to knock in A.J. Pierzynski and Alex Rios. The White Sox took a 4-3 lead in the eighth with Gordon Beckham coming home on a wild pitch. This was the final, with the loss going to Cody Eppley, the win awarded to Jesse Crain, and the save converted by Sergio Santos. Chavez and Morel were the top hitters. The series split 1-1.
To Kansas City, with the Royals hosting the Cleveland Indians. Carlos Carrasco and Sean O'Sullivan took to the mound. Cleveland opened with Travis Hafner doubling in Michael Brantley, Shin-Soo Choo and Carlos Santana. Kansas City got on the board in the second with Matt Treanor's single to score Eric Hosmer. The Indians replied with a fourth inning sacrifice fly by Brantley that allowed Orlando Cabrera to come home. Cleveland kept going in the fifth with Santana's solo shot and Travis Buck singling in Hafner. The Royals would get one back as Hosmer's single drove in Jeff Francoeur. The Indians added a seventh inning solo home run off Asdrubal Cabrera's bat. Kansas City made it 7-3 with Melky Cabrera singling in Treanor, the final run of the game. Carrasco got the win and O'Sullivan took the loss. Hafner and Hosmer were the top hitters. Cleveland swept 2-0 for the series.
Across Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals hosted the Philadelphia Phillies. St. Louis opened with a fourth inning Yadier Molina single to score Lance Berkman. Philadelphia tied it in the eighth as Placido Polanco hit a sacrifice fly to bring around Jimmy Rollins. The Cardinals won the game with Berkman singling in Jon Jay in the ninth, for a 2-1 victory. Danys Baez had the loss and Fernando Salas got the win. Polanco and Molina were the best batters. St. Louis swept the series 2-0.
To the Desert, for the Arizona Diamondbacks hosting the San Diego Padres. Tim Stauffer opposed Daniel Hudson. San Diego led off with Jason Bartlett drilling a sacrifice fly to bring in Chris Denorfia. Arizona replied as Justin Upton grounded out but allowed Kelly Johnson passage home. The Diamondbacks added on in fourth as Miguel Montero doubled in Upton. Arizona kept going in the sixth as Gerardo Parra hit a two-RBI single, driving home both Chris Young and Montero. The Diamondbacks capped it off with Stephen Drew singling home Ryan Roberts and Montero doing the same for Upton. The final was 6-1, with Stauffer getting pinned with the loss and Hudson grabbing the win. Denorfia and Montero were named best hitters. The teams split the series at 1 apiece.
Into California, with the Oakland Athletics hosting the Anaheim Angels. Tyler Chatwood and Gio Gonzalez made the starts. Oakland opened in the second inning with a Mark Ellis double to bring in David DeJesus, Kevin Kouzmanoff doing the same to complete Ellis' trip, and Coco Crisp driving Kouzmanoff in with a single. The Athletics were back at it in the third with Ellis' two-RBI single knocking in both Josh Willingham and Kurt Suzuki, Kouzmanoff reaching on an error that led to a dash home by DeJesus, and Crisp doubling in Ellis. Oakland added another run in the fourth as Suzuki doubled in fellow countryman Hideki Matsui. The Athletics also punished in the sixth as DeJesus singled in Willingham, Ellis followed with the same for Suzuki, Ryan Sweeney walked with the bases loaded to force in DeJesus, followed by Daric Barton doing the same for Ellis, and capping off the 6-run inning and 14-0 victory was Willingham singling in both Kouzmanoff and Sweeney. Chatwood took the loss, and Gonzalez got the win. Howie Kendrick and Ellis were the top hitters. Oakland won the series 2-0.
Down in the south part of the state, the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf and Hiroki Kuroda were the starting pitchers. Los Angeles led off with a two-run first inning homer by Matt Kemp, also scoring Andre Ethier. The Dodgers made it 3-0 with Jerry Sands' double to bring in Juan Uribe. This was the final, with Wolf taking the loss, Kuroda snatching the win, Kenley Jansen getting a hold, and Matt Guerrier converting the save. Wolf and Kemp were the top batters. The series was split at 1.
Finally, in the Northwest, the Seattle Mariners hosted the Minnesota Twins. Francisco Liriano opposed Felix Hernandez. Minnesota opened with Michael Cuddyer singling in both Matt Tolbert and Jason Kubel in the first inning. Seattle made it 2-1 with Ichiro's single to score Brendan Ryan. This would be a final, with Hernandez taking the loss, Liriano picking up the win, Glen Perkins getting a hold, and Matt Capps earning a save. Cuddyer and Ichiro were the top hitters. This series also split 1-1.
That's all for Tuesday. Check later in the week for more baseball.
My views on hockey and soccer primarily, without any of the advantage of big-name insider connections.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Fantasy Baseball All-Stars, Week 6
Another week in the lengthy middle portion of the season. Here's the studs.
Catcher: Victor Martinez, 6 runs, 11 hits, 2 home runs, 11 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .579 batting average, .652 on base percentage
First Base: Adrian Gonzalez, 7 runs, 9 hits, 5 home runs, 10 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .346 batting average, .400 on base percentage
Second Base: Brandon Phillips, 3 runs, 10 hits, 1 home run, 8 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .417 batting average, .423 on base percentage
Third Base: Adrian Beltre, 4 runs, 5 hits, 3 home runs, 7 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .385 batting average, .500 on base percentage
Shortstop: Jhonny Peralta, 4 runs, 7 hits, 3 home runs, 6 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .538 batting average, .647 on base percentage
Right Field: Jose Bautista, 8 runs, 11 hits, 6 home runs, 9 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .423 batting average, .516 on base percentage
Center Field: Ryan Braun, 6 runs, 7 hits, 2 home runs, 10 RBIs, 3 stolen bases, .318 batting average, .444 on base percentage
Left Field: Martin Prado, 7 runs, 12 hits, 3 home runs, 8 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .462 batting average, .517 on base percentage
Starting Pitcher: Ian Kennedy, 14 innings pitched, 1 win, 16 strikeouts, 0.64 earned run average, 0.86 WHIP
Relief Pitcher: Drew Storen, 4 innings pitched, 1 win, 1 save, 4 strikeouts, 0 holds, 0.00 earned run average, 0.00 WHIP
That's all for this week. The additional outfielders fit really well as the outfield was very prosperous this past week.
Catcher: Victor Martinez, 6 runs, 11 hits, 2 home runs, 11 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .579 batting average, .652 on base percentage
First Base: Adrian Gonzalez, 7 runs, 9 hits, 5 home runs, 10 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .346 batting average, .400 on base percentage
Second Base: Brandon Phillips, 3 runs, 10 hits, 1 home run, 8 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .417 batting average, .423 on base percentage
Third Base: Adrian Beltre, 4 runs, 5 hits, 3 home runs, 7 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .385 batting average, .500 on base percentage
Shortstop: Jhonny Peralta, 4 runs, 7 hits, 3 home runs, 6 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .538 batting average, .647 on base percentage
Right Field: Jose Bautista, 8 runs, 11 hits, 6 home runs, 9 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .423 batting average, .516 on base percentage
Center Field: Ryan Braun, 6 runs, 7 hits, 2 home runs, 10 RBIs, 3 stolen bases, .318 batting average, .444 on base percentage
Left Field: Martin Prado, 7 runs, 12 hits, 3 home runs, 8 RBIs, 0 stolen bases, .462 batting average, .517 on base percentage
Starting Pitcher: Ian Kennedy, 14 innings pitched, 1 win, 16 strikeouts, 0.64 earned run average, 0.86 WHIP
Relief Pitcher: Drew Storen, 4 innings pitched, 1 win, 1 save, 4 strikeouts, 0 holds, 0.00 earned run average, 0.00 WHIP
That's all for this week. The additional outfielders fit really well as the outfield was very prosperous this past week.
Song of the Week XIX
This week, we have a new song from the band Augustana as our song of the week. The track is called Borrowed Time, off of their self-titled third album. The song is reflective of our lives, knowing that our time is limited on this planet. In that, they also say that you should live up life and enjoy yourself. The song itself has a strong rhythm and peaceful melody, and is a little bit more country than their previous works. That's all for this week, with this feature running again next week.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sandwich Showdown XVIII
This weekend we have another great battle. The Spicy Italian on Herbs and Cheese opposes a Steak and Cheese on Garlic. The Spicy Italian struck at its usual level of goodness. The flavors on it worked very well together. The bread was also striking at an average level. Meanwhile, the Steak and Cheese was exceptionally tasty. Combined with toasted power, it had a significant edge. Both meaty and bread flavors were outstanding and the Steak and Cheese easily took the win this week. This feature runs again next week.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Saturday Baseball 5-14
First of all, some posts may look incomplete, as there was work done on the website that hosts this blog. Also, in NHL news, I take this time to honor Derek Boogaard, who passed away May 13th, 2011. Thoughts and prayers with his family for their loss. In baseball now, we lead off with...
The Washington Nationals hosting the Florida Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and Livan Hernandez were set to pitch. Florida opened with a solo home run by Mike Stanton in the seventh inning. This would make the final score 1-0, with Hernandez taking the loss, Sanchez earning the win, and Leo Nunez converting the save. Stanton and Laynce Nix were the top hitters.
To Cleveland, with the Indians hosting the Seattle Mariners. Erik Bedard and Alex White get the starts. After a first inning delay, the game has been postponed.
Down to Atlanta, with the Braves hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton and Jair Jurrjens were on the mound. Atlanta had a pair of solo home runs in the first inning off of Martin Prado's and Nate McLouth's bats. Philadelphia got a run back in the sixth inning with a Jimmy Rollins single to knock in Michael Martinez. The Braves answered back in the bottom of the same inning as David Ross laid down a bunt single to bring in Dan Uggla, which was followed by a Prado single to knock in both Freddie Freeman and Ross. The Phillies got some back with Wilson Valdez doubling Raul Ibanez in, followed by John Mayberry's groundout that allowed Valdez to score. The final would stand at 5-3, with Blanton taking the loss, Jurrjens grabbing the win, Jonny Venters picking up a hold, and Craig Kimbrel closing out for the save. Rollins and Prado were the best batters.
Heading out west, the Colorado Rockies host the San Diego Padres. Aaron Harang and Jhoulys Chacin get the starting nods. San Diego led off in the second with Kyle Williams singling Brad Hawpe in home. Colorado answered in the third with Carlos Gonzalez hitting an RBI-single to bring around Dexter Fowler, Troy Tulowitzki knocking two in with a double, those being Jonathan Herrera and Gonzalez, though Tulowitzki was caught trying to reach third, and Todd Helton blasting a solo shot. Gonzalez also lifted a solo shot in the fourth for the Rockies. Colorado kept going in the fifth with Ty Wigginton singling home Todd Helton and Chris Iannetta hitting a sacrifice fly to score Seth Smith. The Padres got going again in the seventh inning with Chacin committing an error that led to Cameron Maybin and Ryan Ludwick scoring, followed up by Chris Denorfia singling in Phillips and Jason Bartlett's sacrifice fly to drive in Eric Patterson. San Diego added on some more in the eighth with Ludwick's sacrifice fly to score Hawpe and a tying run came with Patterson singling home Maybin. The Padres would take a 9-7 lead, the eventual final with a two-run homer by Hawpe, also bringing in Jorge Cantu. Mike Adams got the win and Heath Bell converted the save, while Matt Lindstrom had a hold that was blown up by Rafael Betancourt, and Huston Street finished the implosion to take a loss. Hawpe and Gonzalez were the the best hitters.
Back into Texas, with the Houston Astros hosting the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey is poised to oppose J.A. Happ in a battle of pitchers with initials as first names. Houston got their first runs in the first with a groundout by Clint Barmes allowing Michael Bourn to dash home, Brett Wallace doubling home Hunter Pence, Chris Johnson's RBI-single bringing around Carlos Lee, and Bill Hall hitting a single that would finish off Wallace's trip around. New York got on the board with Justin Turner singling home Jose Reyes. The Mets got another run in the fourth with a solo shot by Daniel Murphy. The Astros added a pair of homers in the sixth with Hall and Matt Downs both going for solo shots. Lee would add another of the same in the next inning for Houston. Reyes made it a 7-3 loss with his single to bring home Jason Pridie in the ninth inning. Dickey had the loss and Happ got the win. Reyes and Hall were the top hitters.
Westward again to California, with the Oakland Athletics hosting the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Tyson Ross are set to pitch. Oakland opened the scoring with Cliff Pennington singling in Kevin Kouzmanoff, followed by Daric Barton's sacrifice fly to finish the trip for Pennington. The Athletics added on with a David DeJesus triple to bring around both Barton and Josh Willingham, followed by Kurt Suzuki's single finishing DeJesus' trip. Chicago got on the board with a two-run homer by Paul Konerko, also scoring Alexei Ramirez. Oakland wrapped up the scoring in the seventh by making it 6-2 as DeJesus dashed home after a Carlos Quentin error. Floyd was pinned with the loss and Ross got the win. Konerko and DeJesus were the best of the hitters.
Northeast to Detroit, with the Tigers hosting the Kansas City Royals. Jeff Francis and Brad Penny have the ball. Detroit opened in the first with a Miguel Cabrera single to bring around Austin Jackson, followed by Victor Martinez doing the same for Scott Sizemore, and Jhonny Peralta following suit to complete Cabrera's trip. This would be only scoring, leading to a 3-0 Tigers win, with Francis pitching a complete game loss, Penny going 8 innings of 5-hit ball, and Valverde mopping up for a save. Billy Butler and Peralta were the best hitters.
South to Arlington, with the Texas Rangers hosting the Anaheim Angels. Dan Haren and Derek Holland are the pitchers for the game. Texas drew first blood with Adrian Beltre's single driving in Mitch Moreland. Anaheim got two runs, one in the fourth and the other in the sixth, on Alberto Callaspo doubles, which brought in Maicer Izturis and Howie Kendrick. The Rangers tied it back up in the eighth with Michael Young singling in Ian Kinsler. The Angels would take a ninth-inning lead at 3-2 as Izturis singled to drive home Jeff Mathis. This was the final score, with Darren Oliver taking the loss, Fernando Rodney being dinged for a blown save, Scott Down earning the win, and Jordan Walden picking up the save. Callaspo and Beltre were the best of the batters.
North again to Minnesota, where the Twins welcome the Toronto Blue Jays. Jo-Jo Reyes and Nick Blackburn are penciled in for the starts. Jose Bautista led off the scoring for Toronto by reaching on an error to bring home Yunel Escobar. Minnesota answered with a Justin Morneau single and subsequent error to bring in Denard Span, followed up by Delmon Young hitting a sacrifice fly that got Trevor Plouffe in home. The Blue Jays tied it back up in the second with J.P. Arencibia going yard for a solo shot. The Twins tacked on again in the sixth with a Michael Cuddyer solo home run. Toronto tied it back up in the eighth with Patterson's triple to drive in Escobar. The tie lasted into extra frames, specifically the eleventh with Bautista blasting a two-run homer to score Patterson, Arencibia doubling in both Juan Rivera and Aaron Hill, Rajai Davis walking with the bases loaded to push home Arencibia, and Patterson hitting a sacrifice fly to bring around John McDonald for a 9-3 final score. Jon Rauch picked up the win and Glen Perkins had the loss. Arencibia and Cuddyer were the best of the batters.
To Cincinnati, with the Reds hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle McClellan and Johnny Cueto were the pitchers. Cincinnati opened with a second inning solo shot by Brandon Phillips, followed by Ramon Hernandez in the third inning with the same thing. The Reds added on again in the fifth inning with another Hernandez homer, and Phillips' RBI-single to score Drew Stubbs. Stubbs scored again for Cincinnati with a Phillips sacrifice fly in the seventh. St. Louis got on the board with a Jon Jay pinch hit three-run tater, also bringing around Daniel Descalso and Tyler Greene. The Reds added on in the bottom of the eighth with Fred Lewis singling home Scott Rolen before dashing home on a wild pitch to make it 7-3. McClellan was stuck with the loss, while Cueto got a win and Logan Ondrusek had a hold. Jay and Hernandez were the best hitters.
Down to Tampa Bay, with the Rays hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Brad Bergesen and Wade Davis had the starts. Baltimore led off with a Vladimir Guerrero double, scoring Derrek Lee. The Orioles went yard in the fifth and sixth as Mark Reynolds let off a solo shot and Jake Fox's blast also scored Adam Jones. Jones singled home Nick Markakis in the seventh for Baltimore. The Orioles capped off a 6-0 win with Lee's eighth inning double knocking in Brian Roberts. Bergesen had a complete game victory, only allowing 4 hits and a walk, while Davis was the losing pitcher. Fox and Ben Zobrist were the best batters.
Up north in Milwaukee, the Brewers hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jeff Karstens and Chris Narveson were on the mound. Milwaukee opened the scoring in the fourth inning with solo home runs from both Prince Fielder and Brandon Boggs. Pittsburgh answered with a sacrifice fly by Jose Tabata to bring home Ronny Cedeno. The Brewers were busy in the seventh with a Craig Counsell fielder's choice that brought in pinch hitter Corey Hart, a Fielder single to knock in Rickie Weeks, Casey McGehee's two-RBI double to score both Counsell and Ryan Braun. The Pirates got one run back with a solo home run by Lyle Overbay in the eighth. This was answered by one of the same from Braun in the bottom of the inning, leaving the final at 8-2 Brewers. Karstens was stuck with the loss, while Narveson took the easy win and LaTroy Hawkins picked up a hold. Overbay and Fielder took top batting honors.
Westward to Los Angeles, with the Dodgers hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Josh Collmenter and Chad Billingsley were the starters. Arizona got on the board first in the second with a sacrifice fly by Melvin Mora to bring home Stephen Drew. This would be the only scoring, with Billingsley taking a loss despite only giving up a hit, while Collmenter got the win, Aaron Heilman and David Hernandez picked up holds, and J.J. Putz closed out a save, combining only to allow four hits to the Dodgers. Mora and James Loney were the best hitters in a pitching friendly game.
To the Bronx, with the New York Yankees hosting the Boston Red Sox. Josh Beckett and CC Sabathia were the game's designated starting pitchers. Boston opened the game in the fifth with a two-run double off Jacoby Ellsbury's bat, scoring both Jed Lowrie and Carl Crawford. The Red Sox got some more done in the seventh with Jason Varitek singling, followed by an error by Nick Swisher that allowed a dash home for Mike Cameron, and then a three-run blast by Adrian Gonzalez to score Varitek and Dustin Pedroia as well. The final would be 6-0, with Beckett taking the win and Sabathia taking the loss. Gonzalez and Curtis Granderson were the best hitters.
Lastly, the Chicago Cubs hosted the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and Doug Davis got the ball for the starts. San Francisco opened in the first inning with Buster Posey singling in Freddy Sanchez and then reaching third on errors. The Giants did some more in the third inning with Cody Ross reaching base on an error, allowing Vogelsong to score, followed by a similar play that brought Pat Burrell aboard and scored Aaron Rowand to make it 3-0. This was the final in the rain-shortened, seven inning game. Vogelsong had an abbreviated complete game win, while Davis took the loss. Posey and Darwin Barney were the top hitters.
Sunday's games may or may not be covered. If not, check Yahoo! Sports for the information. Conference Finals posts will go up today for NHL playoffs as well.
The Washington Nationals hosting the Florida Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and Livan Hernandez were set to pitch. Florida opened with a solo home run by Mike Stanton in the seventh inning. This would make the final score 1-0, with Hernandez taking the loss, Sanchez earning the win, and Leo Nunez converting the save. Stanton and Laynce Nix were the top hitters.
To Cleveland, with the Indians hosting the Seattle Mariners. Erik Bedard and Alex White get the starts. After a first inning delay, the game has been postponed.
Down to Atlanta, with the Braves hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton and Jair Jurrjens were on the mound. Atlanta had a pair of solo home runs in the first inning off of Martin Prado's and Nate McLouth's bats. Philadelphia got a run back in the sixth inning with a Jimmy Rollins single to knock in Michael Martinez. The Braves answered back in the bottom of the same inning as David Ross laid down a bunt single to bring in Dan Uggla, which was followed by a Prado single to knock in both Freddie Freeman and Ross. The Phillies got some back with Wilson Valdez doubling Raul Ibanez in, followed by John Mayberry's groundout that allowed Valdez to score. The final would stand at 5-3, with Blanton taking the loss, Jurrjens grabbing the win, Jonny Venters picking up a hold, and Craig Kimbrel closing out for the save. Rollins and Prado were the best batters.
Heading out west, the Colorado Rockies host the San Diego Padres. Aaron Harang and Jhoulys Chacin get the starting nods. San Diego led off in the second with Kyle Williams singling Brad Hawpe in home. Colorado answered in the third with Carlos Gonzalez hitting an RBI-single to bring around Dexter Fowler, Troy Tulowitzki knocking two in with a double, those being Jonathan Herrera and Gonzalez, though Tulowitzki was caught trying to reach third, and Todd Helton blasting a solo shot. Gonzalez also lifted a solo shot in the fourth for the Rockies. Colorado kept going in the fifth with Ty Wigginton singling home Todd Helton and Chris Iannetta hitting a sacrifice fly to score Seth Smith. The Padres got going again in the seventh inning with Chacin committing an error that led to Cameron Maybin and Ryan Ludwick scoring, followed up by Chris Denorfia singling in Phillips and Jason Bartlett's sacrifice fly to drive in Eric Patterson. San Diego added on some more in the eighth with Ludwick's sacrifice fly to score Hawpe and a tying run came with Patterson singling home Maybin. The Padres would take a 9-7 lead, the eventual final with a two-run homer by Hawpe, also bringing in Jorge Cantu. Mike Adams got the win and Heath Bell converted the save, while Matt Lindstrom had a hold that was blown up by Rafael Betancourt, and Huston Street finished the implosion to take a loss. Hawpe and Gonzalez were the the best hitters.
Back into Texas, with the Houston Astros hosting the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey is poised to oppose J.A. Happ in a battle of pitchers with initials as first names. Houston got their first runs in the first with a groundout by Clint Barmes allowing Michael Bourn to dash home, Brett Wallace doubling home Hunter Pence, Chris Johnson's RBI-single bringing around Carlos Lee, and Bill Hall hitting a single that would finish off Wallace's trip around. New York got on the board with Justin Turner singling home Jose Reyes. The Mets got another run in the fourth with a solo shot by Daniel Murphy. The Astros added a pair of homers in the sixth with Hall and Matt Downs both going for solo shots. Lee would add another of the same in the next inning for Houston. Reyes made it a 7-3 loss with his single to bring home Jason Pridie in the ninth inning. Dickey had the loss and Happ got the win. Reyes and Hall were the top hitters.
Westward again to California, with the Oakland Athletics hosting the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Tyson Ross are set to pitch. Oakland opened the scoring with Cliff Pennington singling in Kevin Kouzmanoff, followed by Daric Barton's sacrifice fly to finish the trip for Pennington. The Athletics added on with a David DeJesus triple to bring around both Barton and Josh Willingham, followed by Kurt Suzuki's single finishing DeJesus' trip. Chicago got on the board with a two-run homer by Paul Konerko, also scoring Alexei Ramirez. Oakland wrapped up the scoring in the seventh by making it 6-2 as DeJesus dashed home after a Carlos Quentin error. Floyd was pinned with the loss and Ross got the win. Konerko and DeJesus were the best of the hitters.
Northeast to Detroit, with the Tigers hosting the Kansas City Royals. Jeff Francis and Brad Penny have the ball. Detroit opened in the first with a Miguel Cabrera single to bring around Austin Jackson, followed by Victor Martinez doing the same for Scott Sizemore, and Jhonny Peralta following suit to complete Cabrera's trip. This would be only scoring, leading to a 3-0 Tigers win, with Francis pitching a complete game loss, Penny going 8 innings of 5-hit ball, and Valverde mopping up for a save. Billy Butler and Peralta were the best hitters.
South to Arlington, with the Texas Rangers hosting the Anaheim Angels. Dan Haren and Derek Holland are the pitchers for the game. Texas drew first blood with Adrian Beltre's single driving in Mitch Moreland. Anaheim got two runs, one in the fourth and the other in the sixth, on Alberto Callaspo doubles, which brought in Maicer Izturis and Howie Kendrick. The Rangers tied it back up in the eighth with Michael Young singling in Ian Kinsler. The Angels would take a ninth-inning lead at 3-2 as Izturis singled to drive home Jeff Mathis. This was the final score, with Darren Oliver taking the loss, Fernando Rodney being dinged for a blown save, Scott Down earning the win, and Jordan Walden picking up the save. Callaspo and Beltre were the best of the batters.
North again to Minnesota, where the Twins welcome the Toronto Blue Jays. Jo-Jo Reyes and Nick Blackburn are penciled in for the starts. Jose Bautista led off the scoring for Toronto by reaching on an error to bring home Yunel Escobar. Minnesota answered with a Justin Morneau single and subsequent error to bring in Denard Span, followed up by Delmon Young hitting a sacrifice fly that got Trevor Plouffe in home. The Blue Jays tied it back up in the second with J.P. Arencibia going yard for a solo shot. The Twins tacked on again in the sixth with a Michael Cuddyer solo home run. Toronto tied it back up in the eighth with Patterson's triple to drive in Escobar. The tie lasted into extra frames, specifically the eleventh with Bautista blasting a two-run homer to score Patterson, Arencibia doubling in both Juan Rivera and Aaron Hill, Rajai Davis walking with the bases loaded to push home Arencibia, and Patterson hitting a sacrifice fly to bring around John McDonald for a 9-3 final score. Jon Rauch picked up the win and Glen Perkins had the loss. Arencibia and Cuddyer were the best of the batters.
To Cincinnati, with the Reds hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle McClellan and Johnny Cueto were the pitchers. Cincinnati opened with a second inning solo shot by Brandon Phillips, followed by Ramon Hernandez in the third inning with the same thing. The Reds added on again in the fifth inning with another Hernandez homer, and Phillips' RBI-single to score Drew Stubbs. Stubbs scored again for Cincinnati with a Phillips sacrifice fly in the seventh. St. Louis got on the board with a Jon Jay pinch hit three-run tater, also bringing around Daniel Descalso and Tyler Greene. The Reds added on in the bottom of the eighth with Fred Lewis singling home Scott Rolen before dashing home on a wild pitch to make it 7-3. McClellan was stuck with the loss, while Cueto got a win and Logan Ondrusek had a hold. Jay and Hernandez were the best hitters.
Down to Tampa Bay, with the Rays hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Brad Bergesen and Wade Davis had the starts. Baltimore led off with a Vladimir Guerrero double, scoring Derrek Lee. The Orioles went yard in the fifth and sixth as Mark Reynolds let off a solo shot and Jake Fox's blast also scored Adam Jones. Jones singled home Nick Markakis in the seventh for Baltimore. The Orioles capped off a 6-0 win with Lee's eighth inning double knocking in Brian Roberts. Bergesen had a complete game victory, only allowing 4 hits and a walk, while Davis was the losing pitcher. Fox and Ben Zobrist were the best batters.
Up north in Milwaukee, the Brewers hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jeff Karstens and Chris Narveson were on the mound. Milwaukee opened the scoring in the fourth inning with solo home runs from both Prince Fielder and Brandon Boggs. Pittsburgh answered with a sacrifice fly by Jose Tabata to bring home Ronny Cedeno. The Brewers were busy in the seventh with a Craig Counsell fielder's choice that brought in pinch hitter Corey Hart, a Fielder single to knock in Rickie Weeks, Casey McGehee's two-RBI double to score both Counsell and Ryan Braun. The Pirates got one run back with a solo home run by Lyle Overbay in the eighth. This was answered by one of the same from Braun in the bottom of the inning, leaving the final at 8-2 Brewers. Karstens was stuck with the loss, while Narveson took the easy win and LaTroy Hawkins picked up a hold. Overbay and Fielder took top batting honors.
Westward to Los Angeles, with the Dodgers hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Josh Collmenter and Chad Billingsley were the starters. Arizona got on the board first in the second with a sacrifice fly by Melvin Mora to bring home Stephen Drew. This would be the only scoring, with Billingsley taking a loss despite only giving up a hit, while Collmenter got the win, Aaron Heilman and David Hernandez picked up holds, and J.J. Putz closed out a save, combining only to allow four hits to the Dodgers. Mora and James Loney were the best hitters in a pitching friendly game.
To the Bronx, with the New York Yankees hosting the Boston Red Sox. Josh Beckett and CC Sabathia were the game's designated starting pitchers. Boston opened the game in the fifth with a two-run double off Jacoby Ellsbury's bat, scoring both Jed Lowrie and Carl Crawford. The Red Sox got some more done in the seventh with Jason Varitek singling, followed by an error by Nick Swisher that allowed a dash home for Mike Cameron, and then a three-run blast by Adrian Gonzalez to score Varitek and Dustin Pedroia as well. The final would be 6-0, with Beckett taking the win and Sabathia taking the loss. Gonzalez and Curtis Granderson were the best hitters.
Lastly, the Chicago Cubs hosted the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and Doug Davis got the ball for the starts. San Francisco opened in the first inning with Buster Posey singling in Freddy Sanchez and then reaching third on errors. The Giants did some more in the third inning with Cody Ross reaching base on an error, allowing Vogelsong to score, followed by a similar play that brought Pat Burrell aboard and scored Aaron Rowand to make it 3-0. This was the final in the rain-shortened, seven inning game. Vogelsong had an abbreviated complete game win, while Davis took the loss. Posey and Darwin Barney were the top hitters.
Sunday's games may or may not be covered. If not, check Yahoo! Sports for the information. Conference Finals posts will go up today for NHL playoffs as well.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Western Conference Semifinal: 2San Jose Sharks VS 3Detroit Red Wings
Game 1: HP Pavilion, San Jose, California. In net: Jimmy Howard for Detroit and Antti Niemi for San Jose. Detroit opened with a Nicklas Lidstrom goal, assisted by Pavel Datsyuk. San Jose tied it in the third period with Joe Pavelski netting his fourth of the postseason on the power play, powered by Joe Thornton and Dan Boyle. The tie lasted into overtime, where the Sharks beat the Red Wings 2-1 with a Benn Ferriero goal, courtesy of Logan Couture and Boyle. The three stars went to Ferriero, Pavelski, and Datsyuk. San Jose took a 1-0 series lead with the win.
Game 2: HP Pavilion, San Jose, California. In net: Jimmy Howard for Detroit and Antti Niemi for San Jose. San Jose opened with an Ian White goal, coming off of Dany Heatley and Ryane Clowe with the man advantage. The Sharks extended their lead in the third period with a Niclas Wallin goal, assisted on by Clowe and Logan Couture. Detroit got on the board with a power play goal socred by Henrik Zetterberg and aided by Pavel Datsyuk and Tomas Holmstrom, to bring the score to 2-1. This would be the final, with the three stars going to Niemi (33 for 34 saves), White, and Wallin. With the win, the Sharks extended the series lead to 2-0.
Game 3: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In net: Antti Niemi for San Jose and Jimmy Howard for Detroit. Devin Setoguchi put San Jose in front first with his second of the postseason, a power play goal made possible by Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski. Detroit answered with Nicklas Lidstrom sinking his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Henrik Zetterberg and Tomas Holmstrom on the power play. The Red Wings took the lead with Patrick Eaves sinking his third of the postseason, thanks to Darren Helm and Kris Draper. Setoguchi tallied to retie it for the Sharks, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, a power play goal once again, helped along by Dan Boyle and Thornton. Detroit retook the lead with Pavel Datsyuk netting his third of the postseason, with helpers provided by Zetterberg and Lidstrom on the man advantage. San Jose tied it in the third period with a Boyle goal, coming off of Kyle Wellwood and Torrey Mitchell. The tie lasted into overtime, where the Sharks beat the Red Wings 4-3 as Setoguchi finished his hat trick with his fourth of the playoffs, guided in by a sock-trick assist from Thornton. Setoguchi, Zetterberg, and Datsyuk were the three stars. San Jose now owns a 3-0 series lead.
Game 4: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In net: Antti Niemi for San Jose and Jimmy Howard for Detroit. Detroit led off the scoring with a Todd Bertuzzi goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Henrik Zetterberg and Danny Cleary. The Red Wings added on two more from Nicklas Lidstrom's tape, his third and fourth of the playoffs, the first going down thanks to Cleary and Bertuzzi and the second of the power play, powered by Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. Seventeen seconds later, San Jose was on the board with a Logan Couture goal, his third of the postseason fueled by Ryane Clowe. The Sharks pulled closer in the second period with Dan Boyle netting his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Kyle Wellwood and Clowe. San Jose tied it with a Dany Heatley goal from Clowe and Couture, the former getting a sock trick on his third of the postseason. Detroit retook the lead at 4-3 with a Darren Helm goal, his second of the playoffs coming off of Patrick Eaves and Brian Rafalski. This would be the final with the three stars going to Lidstrom, Clowe, and Bertuzzi. This cut the Sharks series lead to 3-1.
Game 5: HP Pavilion, San Jose, California. In net: Jimmy Howard for Detroit and Antti Niemi for San Jose. San Jose led off with the fifth of the postseason by Devin Setoguchi, assisted by Dan Boyle and Joe Thornton. The Sharks extended their lead in the second period with Joe Pavelski recording his fifth of the playoffs, with help from Ryane Clowe and Kyle Wellwood. Fifty-three seconds later, Detroit got on the board with Niklas Kronwall netting his second of the postseason, helped along by Pavel Datsyuk and Brad Stuart. San Jose got the goal back as Logan Couture netted his fourth of the playoffs, thanks to Dany Heatley. The Red Wings quickly answered with a Jonathan Ericsson tally, coming off of Henrik Zetterberg and Datsyuk. Detroit tied it on Danny Cleary's second of the postseason, guided in by Kronwall and Todd Bertuzzi. The Red Wings took the lead with Tomas Holmstrom netting his third of the playoffs, with the help of Nicklas Lidstrom and a sock-trick clinching assist by Datsyuk. This would be the final, giving the Red Wings a 4-3 win, and the three stars were awarded to Datsyuk, Pavelski, and Howard (39 for 42 saves). The win cut San Jose's series lead down to 3-2.
Game 6: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In net: Antti Niemi for San Jose and Jimmy Howard for Detroit. San Jose led off the scoring in the third period with a Logan Couture goal, his fifth of the postseason coming off of Dany Heatley. Detroit tied it with Henrik Zetterberg notching his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Niklas Kronwall and Valtteri Filppula. The Red Wings took the lead with Filppula netting his second of the postseason, thanks to Pavel Datsyuk. Detroit made it 3-1 with an unassisted empty-netter by Darren Helm, his third of the playoffs. This was the final, with Datsyuk, Niemi (42 for 44 saves), and Filppula taking the three stars. This tied the series at 3.
Game 7: HP Pavilion, San Jose, California. In net: Jimmy Howard for Detroit and Antti Niemi for San Jose. San Jose led off with a power play goal by Devin Setoguchi, his sixth of the postseason coming off of Joe Thornton and Dan Boyle. The Sharks extended their lead with the sixth of the playoffs from Logan Couture, an unassisted goal. Henrik Zetterberg put Detroit on the board in the second period with his third of the postseason, courtesy of Valtteri Filppula. San Jose got the goal back with Patrick Marleau's third of the playoffs finding twine thanks to Setoguchi and Boyle. The Red Wings cut the score to 3-2 with Pavel Datsyuk putting away his fourth of the postseason, helped along by Brad Stuart and Jonathan Ericsson. This was a final score, with Boyle, Setoguchi, and Datsyuk taking the three stars. San Jose won the series 4-3.
Game 2: HP Pavilion, San Jose, California. In net: Jimmy Howard for Detroit and Antti Niemi for San Jose. San Jose opened with an Ian White goal, coming off of Dany Heatley and Ryane Clowe with the man advantage. The Sharks extended their lead in the third period with a Niclas Wallin goal, assisted on by Clowe and Logan Couture. Detroit got on the board with a power play goal socred by Henrik Zetterberg and aided by Pavel Datsyuk and Tomas Holmstrom, to bring the score to 2-1. This would be the final, with the three stars going to Niemi (33 for 34 saves), White, and Wallin. With the win, the Sharks extended the series lead to 2-0.
Game 3: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In net: Antti Niemi for San Jose and Jimmy Howard for Detroit. Devin Setoguchi put San Jose in front first with his second of the postseason, a power play goal made possible by Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski. Detroit answered with Nicklas Lidstrom sinking his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Henrik Zetterberg and Tomas Holmstrom on the power play. The Red Wings took the lead with Patrick Eaves sinking his third of the postseason, thanks to Darren Helm and Kris Draper. Setoguchi tallied to retie it for the Sharks, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, a power play goal once again, helped along by Dan Boyle and Thornton. Detroit retook the lead with Pavel Datsyuk netting his third of the postseason, with helpers provided by Zetterberg and Lidstrom on the man advantage. San Jose tied it in the third period with a Boyle goal, coming off of Kyle Wellwood and Torrey Mitchell. The tie lasted into overtime, where the Sharks beat the Red Wings 4-3 as Setoguchi finished his hat trick with his fourth of the playoffs, guided in by a sock-trick assist from Thornton. Setoguchi, Zetterberg, and Datsyuk were the three stars. San Jose now owns a 3-0 series lead.
Game 4: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In net: Antti Niemi for San Jose and Jimmy Howard for Detroit. Detroit led off the scoring with a Todd Bertuzzi goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Henrik Zetterberg and Danny Cleary. The Red Wings added on two more from Nicklas Lidstrom's tape, his third and fourth of the playoffs, the first going down thanks to Cleary and Bertuzzi and the second of the power play, powered by Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. Seventeen seconds later, San Jose was on the board with a Logan Couture goal, his third of the postseason fueled by Ryane Clowe. The Sharks pulled closer in the second period with Dan Boyle netting his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Kyle Wellwood and Clowe. San Jose tied it with a Dany Heatley goal from Clowe and Couture, the former getting a sock trick on his third of the postseason. Detroit retook the lead at 4-3 with a Darren Helm goal, his second of the playoffs coming off of Patrick Eaves and Brian Rafalski. This would be the final with the three stars going to Lidstrom, Clowe, and Bertuzzi. This cut the Sharks series lead to 3-1.
Game 5: HP Pavilion, San Jose, California. In net: Jimmy Howard for Detroit and Antti Niemi for San Jose. San Jose led off with the fifth of the postseason by Devin Setoguchi, assisted by Dan Boyle and Joe Thornton. The Sharks extended their lead in the second period with Joe Pavelski recording his fifth of the playoffs, with help from Ryane Clowe and Kyle Wellwood. Fifty-three seconds later, Detroit got on the board with Niklas Kronwall netting his second of the postseason, helped along by Pavel Datsyuk and Brad Stuart. San Jose got the goal back as Logan Couture netted his fourth of the playoffs, thanks to Dany Heatley. The Red Wings quickly answered with a Jonathan Ericsson tally, coming off of Henrik Zetterberg and Datsyuk. Detroit tied it on Danny Cleary's second of the postseason, guided in by Kronwall and Todd Bertuzzi. The Red Wings took the lead with Tomas Holmstrom netting his third of the playoffs, with the help of Nicklas Lidstrom and a sock-trick clinching assist by Datsyuk. This would be the final, giving the Red Wings a 4-3 win, and the three stars were awarded to Datsyuk, Pavelski, and Howard (39 for 42 saves). The win cut San Jose's series lead down to 3-2.
Game 6: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In net: Antti Niemi for San Jose and Jimmy Howard for Detroit. San Jose led off the scoring in the third period with a Logan Couture goal, his fifth of the postseason coming off of Dany Heatley. Detroit tied it with Henrik Zetterberg notching his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Niklas Kronwall and Valtteri Filppula. The Red Wings took the lead with Filppula netting his second of the postseason, thanks to Pavel Datsyuk. Detroit made it 3-1 with an unassisted empty-netter by Darren Helm, his third of the playoffs. This was the final, with Datsyuk, Niemi (42 for 44 saves), and Filppula taking the three stars. This tied the series at 3.
Game 7: HP Pavilion, San Jose, California. In net: Jimmy Howard for Detroit and Antti Niemi for San Jose. San Jose led off with a power play goal by Devin Setoguchi, his sixth of the postseason coming off of Joe Thornton and Dan Boyle. The Sharks extended their lead with the sixth of the playoffs from Logan Couture, an unassisted goal. Henrik Zetterberg put Detroit on the board in the second period with his third of the postseason, courtesy of Valtteri Filppula. San Jose got the goal back with Patrick Marleau's third of the playoffs finding twine thanks to Setoguchi and Boyle. The Red Wings cut the score to 3-2 with Pavel Datsyuk putting away his fourth of the postseason, helped along by Brad Stuart and Jonathan Ericsson. This was a final score, with Boyle, Setoguchi, and Datsyuk taking the three stars. San Jose won the series 4-3.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Western Conference Semifinal: 1Vancouver Canucks VS 5Nashville Predators
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.
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.
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