Twelve games on as the Monday travel day comes around. We begin with three early games, the first of which is in...
Philadelphia, with the Phillies hosting the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and Cole Hamels were named the starters. Miami started with a first inning Hanley Ramirez groundout to get Jose Reyes home. The Marlins added on in the fourth inning with a Gaby Sanchez single that brought around Ramirez. Miami struck again with a solo home run in the fifth inning off the bat of Omar Infante. Gaby Sanchez ran up the score farther for the Marlins in the sixth with a double to knock in Emilio Bonifacio. In the seventh, Infante went yard again, another solo home run for Miami. Philadelphia got a couple back when Freddy Galvis doubled in both Shane Victorino and Carlos Ruiz in the bottom of the seventh. The Marlins finished up 6-2 with an Austin Kearns solo shot in the ninth inning. Anibal Sanchez was the winning pitcher while Hamels was the losing pitcher.
Out in Colorado, the Rockies hosted the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Jhoulys Chacin got the starts. San Francisco began with a two-run Pablo Sandoval home run in the first inning, also scoring Melky Cabrera. The Giants were back to scoring in the third inning as Hector Sanchez singled Cabrera across the plate before Angel Pagan grounded out to allow Sandoval to make a dash home. San Francisco added on again in the fifth inning with a Brandon Crawford 3-RBI double, knocking in Aubrey Huff, Sanchez, and Pagan. This made it 7-0, a score that lasted to the end of the game. Zito pitched a complete game shutout, while Chacin suffered a lack of run support in the loss.
Northeast of there, the Minnesota Twins welcome the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson and Nick Blackburn were given the ball today. Los Angeles began in the first inning as Torii Hunter singled home Albert Pujols and Bobby Abreu hit a ground rule double to force in Kendrys Morales. Minnesota got one back in the fourth inning as Josh Willingham hit a solo home run. The Angels padded their lead in the seventh inning as Chris Iannetta doubled home both Abreu and Alberto Callaspo before he was allowed to dart home with an Erick Aybar sacrifice. This made it 5-1, a final, with Wilson getting the win and Blackburn taking the loss.
Down to Cleveland, as the Indians bring in the Chicago White Sox. Chris Sale and Josh Tomlin paced the game. Chicago began with a pair of home runs in the first inning, as Alejandro De Aza hit a solo shot, followed by a two-run blast off the bat of A.J. Pierzynski, also scoring Paul Konerko. Brent Morel added on for the White Sox in the fifth inning as he singled to bring home De Aza. Cleveland got on the board in the sixth inning when Carlos Santana singled to knock in Shin-Soo Choo. The Indians got as close as 4-2 in the ninth inning when Jose Lopez hit a solo home run. Sale picked up the win, Hector Santiago converted a rocky save, and Tomlin was dealt the loss.
Eastward to Baltimore, with the Orioles hosting the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Brian Matusz were on the hill. New York started off with a Marx Teixeira single to bring around Derek Jeter in the first inning. Baltimore tied it on a second inning solo home run from Matt Wieters. The Yankees went to work in the fourth inning, as Russell Martin singled in Curtis Granderson, Eduardo Nunez hit a sacrifice fly to allow safe passage for Andruw Jones, and Jeter finished Martin's trip around the bases with a double. Jones padded the New York lead in the sixth inning with a solo shot. The Yankees extended the lead in the seventh as Brett Gardner hit a single that knocked in Granderson. The Orioles answered in the bottom of the inning as Chris Davis ripped a double to get Wilson Betemit across the plate. The game would end with New York winning 6-2, earning Nova the win and Matusz the loss.
Westward to Chicago, as the Cubs welcome the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum and Chris Volstad were set to pitch. Milwaukee started things with a first inning Aramis Ramirez sacrifice fly, allowing Nyjer Morgan to dart home. Chicago tied it in their half of the inning on a solo home run by Darwin Barney. The Cubs took the lead in the second inning as Bryan LaHair hit a solo shot. The Brewers retied it in the third inning on a solo home run by Rickie Weeks. Milwaukee took the lead again in the fourth inning as Marcum sacrificed to allow Alex Gonzalez safe passage home. Chicago tied it back up with a fifth inning Blake DeWitt sacrifice fly that gave Geovany Soto time to dash home. The Brewers regained the lead in the sixth inning as Mat Gamel tripled to score Corey Hart before coming the final 90 feet on a Jonathan Lucroy sacrifice fly. Milwaukee padded the lead in the seventh inning as Ramirez doubled in Ryan Braun. The Brewers extended the lead in the eighth inning as Carlos Gomez sacrificed, bringing home Gamel. The Cubs got one back in the ninth inning as Marlon Byrd reached on an error, allowing Ian Stewart to cross the plate, and they pulled closer when Steve Clevenger singled to bring home Soto, but couldn't find another two runs, losing 7-5. The winning pitcher was Marcum, John Axford picked up a very rocky save, and Shawn Camp suffered the loss.
Back in Ohio, the Cincinnati Reds host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jake Westbrook and Homer Bailey were given permission to pitch. St. Louis led off early with a first inning home run rally, as Matt Holliday hit a solo shot, David Freese went yard and brought Lance Berkman with him, and Yadier Molina hit his own solo home run. Cincinnati got on the board in the fifth inning as Zack Cozart singled to the pitcher, who erred while fielding the hit, allowing Brandon Phillips to dart home. The Cardinals put it out of reach for good in the eighth inning when Molina doubled both Berkman and Freese across the plate before Matt Carpenter's sacrifice fly brought him the rest of the way home. This was good for a 7-1 win, as Westbrook was named winning pitcher and Bailey was stuck with loss.
Eastward once again as the New York Mets hosted the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and Mike Pelfrey played from the mound. Washington drew first blood in the first inning as Adam LaRoche hit a single to bring in Danny Espinosa. The Nationals added on in the third inning with a Ryan Zimmerman double that scored Ian Desmond before he was knocked in on a LaRoche single. New York got one back in the bottom of the inning as David Wright singled in the pitcher Pelfrey. The Mets tied it in the fourth inning on a two-run home run by Kirk Nieuwenhuis, bringing in Josh Thole as well. New York won it in the ninth inning as Daniel Murphy ripped a single, allowing the winning run to cross the plate in the form of Mike Baxter for a 4-3 win. Jon Rauch was in line for the win, while Henry Rodriguez suffered the loss.
North of the border, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Boston Red Sox. Felix Doubront and Henderson Alvarez are the dueling pitchers. Toronto began in the third inning as Kelly Johnson reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Colby Rasmus to score before Edwin Encarnacion singled to score Yunel Escobar. Boston got one back with a sixth inning solo home run by Dustin Pedroia. The Red Sox went on a rally in the ninth inning as Adrian Gonzalez hit a sacrifice fly to get Pedroia across the plate, followed by Ryan Sweeney singling in the go-ahead run in the form of Darnell McDonald, and a wild pitch extended the lead as Cody Ross darted home. They held on for a 4-2 win, with Scott Atchison picking up the win, Alfredo Aceves pitching a clean ninth inning for the save, and Sergio Santos suffering the loss.
Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Seattle Mariners. Hector Noesi goes up against the hyped prospect Yu Darvish. Seattle started the scoring with a Kyle Seager first inning single to bring home Chone Figgins and Ichiro, followed by Miguel Olivo's single allowing Justin Smoak to score, and a Munenori Kawasaki bases-loaded walk forcing in Seager. Texas replied in the bottom of the first as Michael Young and Nelson Cruz singled to score Ian Kinsler and Adrian Beltre, respectively. The Mariners added on in the second inning with Seager's double bringing home Ichiro. The Rangers tied it in the third inning on a three-run home run by Cruz, knocking in Beltre and Young as well. Texas took the lead in the fourth inning with Mitch Moreland hitting a two run home run, also bringing around Mike Napoli, followed by a Josh Hamilton solo shot. The Rangers did a little more damage in the eighth inning as Kinsler lifted a three-run homer, forcing in Napoli and Moreland too. This made it 11-5, a final, with Darvish getting the win and Noesi taking the loss.
Staying in the state, the Houston Astros welcome the Atlanta Braves. Brandon Beachy and J.A. Happ received the starting nods. Atlanta first dented the scoreboard in the second inning with a Tyler Pastornicky single to bring home Matt Diaz, and the pitcher Beachy singled, allowing Juan Francisco to score. The Braves added on in the third inning as Brian McCann singled, knocking in Martin Prado. Houston got going in the bottom of the inning as Travis Buck doubled, allowing both Jordan Schafer and Jose Altuve to cross the plate, and then he came all the way home with a Carlos Lee single. In the fourth inning, the Astros added on as the pitcher Happ singled, giving Marwin Gonzalez time to get home. Houston went back to work in the sixth inning when J.D. Martinez singled Jason Castro around, followed by Altuve's sacrifice fly to allow Gonzalez to dart home. Justin Maxwell ended the scoring for the Astros in the eighth on a two-run homer, again with Gonzalez scoring. The final was 8-3, with Happ getting the win and Beachy taking the loss.
Out to out last game in Oakland, as the Athletics host the Kansas City Royals. Luis Mendoza and Tommy Milone make the starts tonight. Josh Donaldson got things going for Oakland in the second inning with a single to score Seth Smith. This was the only run, giving the Athletics a 1-0 win, with Milone getting the save, Grant Balfour pitching a decent ninth for the save, and Mendoza taking the loss as a victim of a lack of offense behind him.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Fantasy Baseball All-Stars Week 1 2012
New look that I tested with hockey that will only go with the top 5 players in any given week. Here, I'll also mention best player by position, but not with stats attached. Here's your first look:
1. Matt Kemp, 6 R, 7 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 1 SB, .412 AVG, .389 OBP
2. Miguel Cabrera, 5 R, 5 H, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 0 SB, .455 AVG, .533 OBP
3. Chad Billingsley, 8.1 IP, 1 W, 11 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.48 WHIP
4. Carlos Pena, 3 R, 6 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 0 SB, .500 AVG, .571 OBP
5. Jered Weaver, 8.0 IP, 1 W, 10 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.50 WHIP
Best by position:
C Alex Avila
1B Carlos Pena
2B Dustin Ackley
SS Rafael Furcal
3B Miguel Cabrera (not yet eligible)
OF Matt Kemp
UTIL Yoenis Cespedes, Eric Hosmer, Carlos Beltran
SP Chad Billingsley
RP Frank Francisco.
Good luck next week, I'm trying to keep myself on pace with everything during such a crazy time. Baseball recaps later tonight although not likely finished.
1. Matt Kemp, 6 R, 7 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 1 SB, .412 AVG, .389 OBP
2. Miguel Cabrera, 5 R, 5 H, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 0 SB, .455 AVG, .533 OBP
3. Chad Billingsley, 8.1 IP, 1 W, 11 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.48 WHIP
4. Carlos Pena, 3 R, 6 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 0 SB, .500 AVG, .571 OBP
5. Jered Weaver, 8.0 IP, 1 W, 10 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.50 WHIP
Best by position:
C Alex Avila
1B Carlos Pena
2B Dustin Ackley
SS Rafael Furcal
3B Miguel Cabrera (not yet eligible)
OF Matt Kemp
UTIL Yoenis Cespedes, Eric Hosmer, Carlos Beltran
SP Chad Billingsley
RP Frank Francisco.
Good luck next week, I'm trying to keep myself on pace with everything during such a crazy time. Baseball recaps later tonight although not likely finished.
Fantasy Hockey All-Stars week 25 and for the season
First things first, her's your top five in the final week.
1. Mike Smith, 3 W, 0.67 GAA, 108 SV, .982 SV%, 1 SO
2. Sidney Crosby 3 G, 3 A, +1, 2 PIM, 3 PPP, 9 SOG
3. Chris Kunitz, 2 G, 3 A, +4, 4 PIM, 2 PPP, 4 SOG
4. Kris Letang, 1 G, 5 A, +5, 6 PIM, 1 PPP, 8 SOG
5. Pekka Rinne, 1 W, 0.00 GAA, 38 SV, 1.000 SV%, 1 SO
As for the finale of this season, I took home 2 championships, 5 runner ups, 5 third place titles, and 7 fourth place claims, having around 65% of my teams ranking in the top 4 by season's end. Also, 27 out of the 30 teams in my empire qualified for their respective playoffs. For the two champions, it was dangerously close to being out in the semifinals, getting one by a tiebreaker and the other by a mere category before dominating the final week. Here's the best players by position.
Center: Evgeni Malkin, 50 G, 59 A, +18, 70 PIM, 34 PPP, 339 SOG
Left Wing: James Neal, 40 G, 41 A, +6, 87 PIM, 30 PPP, 329 SOG
Right Wing: Claude Giroux (eligibility) 26 G, 65 A, +6, 29 PIM, 38 PPP, 242 SOG
Defenseman: Erik Karlsson, 19 G, 59 A, +16, 42 PIM, 28 PPP, 261 SOG
Utility: Steven Stamkos, 60 G, 37 A, +7, 66 PIM, 25 PPP, 303 SOG
Goaltender: Jonathan Quick, 35 W, 1.95 GAA, 1730 SV, .929 SV%, 10 SO
I was originally looking to do a top 10, but besides these guys above, the top 10 would include Henrik Lundqvist, Brian Elliott, Mike Smith, and Scott Hartnell. Now, by category.
Goals: Steven Stamkos, 60
Assists: Henrik Sedin, 67
+/-: Patrice Bergeron, +36
Penalty Minutes: Derek Dorsett, 235
Power Play Points: Claude Giroux, 38
Shots on Goal: Evgeni Malkin, 339
Wins: Pekka Rinne, 43
Goals-Against Average: Brian Elliott, 1.56*
Saves: Pekka Rinne, 1987
Save Percentage: Brian Elliott, .940*
Shutouts: Jonathan Quick, 10
Fields marked with * indicate best with minimum appearance met.
That's all for the stats, and this post will be chased by out first Fantasy Baseball All-Stars of the year.
1. Mike Smith, 3 W, 0.67 GAA, 108 SV, .982 SV%, 1 SO
2. Sidney Crosby 3 G, 3 A, +1, 2 PIM, 3 PPP, 9 SOG
3. Chris Kunitz, 2 G, 3 A, +4, 4 PIM, 2 PPP, 4 SOG
4. Kris Letang, 1 G, 5 A, +5, 6 PIM, 1 PPP, 8 SOG
5. Pekka Rinne, 1 W, 0.00 GAA, 38 SV, 1.000 SV%, 1 SO
As for the finale of this season, I took home 2 championships, 5 runner ups, 5 third place titles, and 7 fourth place claims, having around 65% of my teams ranking in the top 4 by season's end. Also, 27 out of the 30 teams in my empire qualified for their respective playoffs. For the two champions, it was dangerously close to being out in the semifinals, getting one by a tiebreaker and the other by a mere category before dominating the final week. Here's the best players by position.
Center: Evgeni Malkin, 50 G, 59 A, +18, 70 PIM, 34 PPP, 339 SOG
Left Wing: James Neal, 40 G, 41 A, +6, 87 PIM, 30 PPP, 329 SOG
Right Wing: Claude Giroux (eligibility) 26 G, 65 A, +6, 29 PIM, 38 PPP, 242 SOG
Defenseman: Erik Karlsson, 19 G, 59 A, +16, 42 PIM, 28 PPP, 261 SOG
Utility: Steven Stamkos, 60 G, 37 A, +7, 66 PIM, 25 PPP, 303 SOG
Goaltender: Jonathan Quick, 35 W, 1.95 GAA, 1730 SV, .929 SV%, 10 SO
I was originally looking to do a top 10, but besides these guys above, the top 10 would include Henrik Lundqvist, Brian Elliott, Mike Smith, and Scott Hartnell. Now, by category.
Goals: Steven Stamkos, 60
Assists: Henrik Sedin, 67
+/-: Patrice Bergeron, +36
Penalty Minutes: Derek Dorsett, 235
Power Play Points: Claude Giroux, 38
Shots on Goal: Evgeni Malkin, 339
Wins: Pekka Rinne, 43
Goals-Against Average: Brian Elliott, 1.56*
Saves: Pekka Rinne, 1987
Save Percentage: Brian Elliott, .940*
Shutouts: Jonathan Quick, 10
Fields marked with * indicate best with minimum appearance met.
That's all for the stats, and this post will be chased by out first Fantasy Baseball All-Stars of the year.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
MLB Day 7 2012
Only fourteen games on as the Athletics and Mariners get a spare day off for good behavior from Japan. Other than them, the rest of the teams do battle in wrapping up opening series today. First up...
The Detroit Tigers host the Boston Red Sox. Clay Buchholz and Max Scherzer are on the hill. Detroit began with a first inning Miguel Cabrera single to bring around Austin Jackson, followed by a 3-RBI double by Jhonny Peralta that scored Cabrera, Prince Fielder, and Alex Avila. Boston found the scoreboard in the second inning as Mike Aviles doubled to score both David Ortiz and Darnell McDonald. The Tigers took one back in their half of the inning as Cabrera's sacrifice fly gave Ryan Raburn time to run home. The Red Sox answered in the third inning when Ortiz doubled Adrian Gonzalez around the bases, Aviles helping him complete his trip with a single, Nick Punto hitting a sacrifice fly to score Ryan Sweeney, Aviles scoring on a balk, and Jacoby Ellsbury singling Kelly Shoppach in. Detroit tied the game again in the fourth when Brennan Boesch singled in Ryan Raburn and Cabrera grounded into a double play that allowed Jackson to dart home. Boston took the lead again in the sixth inning as Gonzalez unleashed a two-run homer run that brought home Ellsbury. The Red Sox added on in the ninth inning as Punto singled in McDonald. The Tigers tied it in the bottom of the ninth with a three-run home run by Cabrera, with Jackson and Boesch both scoring as well. Boston gained the lead again in the eleventh inning as Punto singled in Cody Ross, followed by Dustin Pedroia's single to drive in Aviles. The Tigers got one back in the bottom of the inning with Delmon Young hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Cabrera, and they won it when Avila blasted a two-run home run with Fielder crossing as the winning run for a 13-12 win. Duane Below got the win while Mark Melancon was pinned with the difficult loss.
Down in Cleveland, the Indians will try to keep it at nine innings against the Toronto Blue Jays. Joel Carreño and Derek Lowe are called on to pitch. Cleveland began on a second inning solo home run by Carlos Santana, followed up by Casey Kotchman coming home when Michael Brantley walked with the bases loaded. Toronto tied it in the fourth inning as Edwin Encarnacion doubled in Kelly Johnson and Brett Lawrie hit a sacrifice fly to bring around Adam Lind. The Indians regained the lead on a fifth inning Santana two-run homer run, also scoring Shin-Soo Choo. The Blue Jays pulled closer in the eighth inning when Lind singled Johnson across the plate, making it 4-3. Toronto never tied the game, losing by the margin, with the winning pitcher being Lowe, Chris Perez converting the save, and Carreño taking the loss.
East to New York, where the Mets host the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor and Jonathon Niese have the ball. New York struck first as David Wright hit a sacrifice fly that gave Ruben Tejada time to score. The Mets struck again in the fourth inning on a Jason Bay sacrifice fly to bring around Daniel Murphy. New York added on with a fifth inning double by Murphy, pushing the pitcher Niese and Tejada home. The Mets padded the lead with a sixth inning pair of doubles by Scott Hairston and Tejada, which knocked in Bay on the first and Lucas Duda and Hairston on the second. Atlanta finally found the scoreboard with Matt Diaz reaching on error that allowed Dan Uggla to score, before he came come with Freddie Freeman when Jason Heyward doubled, and Jack Wilson later brought Heyward across the plate. The Braves got as close as 7-5 with a solo shot by Brian McCann in the eighth inning. The win went to Niese, Frank Francisco converted the save, and Minor was dealt the loss.
Back in Ohio, the Cincinnati Reds host the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano pitches against Bronson Arroyo. Cincinnati was on the board early as Zack Cozart doubled to score Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce grounded into a fielder's choice that finished Cozart's trip around, and Miguel Cairo grounded out to bring home Joey Votto. Miami got one back with a fourth inning Omar Infante single to bring in Giancarlo Stanton. The Marlins went back to work in the sixth inning as Logan Morrison's sacrifice fly scored Hanley Ramirez. The Reds answered in their half of the inning on a solo shot by Bruce. Miami gained the lead in the seventh inning after Chris Coghlan doubled Gaby Sanchez home, Jose Reyes grounded out to bring in Brett Hayes, and Coghlan came home on a Emilio Bonifacio single. Cincinnati pulled off a ninth inning comeback as Bruce hit a solo home run to tie it and then a Scott Rolen single the brought around Drew Stubbs for a 6-5 win. Aroldis Chapman got the win while Heath Bell blew the save and took the loss as well.
Crossing into Pennsylvania, with the Pittsburgh Pirates hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. Vance Worley and James McDonald will be pitching. Philadelphia began on a first inning Hunter Pence double, allowing shane Victorino to come home. The Phillies padded the lead in the fourth inning when Pence went yard on a solo shot. Pittsburgh got one back with a fifth inning solo home run off the bat of Pedro Alvarez. Philadelphia replied with a seventh inning Juan Pierre single, knocking in both Ty Wigginton and Freddy Galvis. The Pirates answered in the bottom of the inning as Casey McGehee doubled to score Alvarez before coming home himself on an Alex Presley single. Pittsburgh tied it in the eighth inning as Matt Hague singled in Andrew McCutchen. The Pirates completed the comeback in the ninth inning as McCutchen singled in Josh Harrison for a 5-4 victory. Joel Hanrahan picked up the win while David Herndon was pinned with the loss.
Down to Baltimore, with the Orioles hosting the Minnesota Twins. Anthony Swarzak and Jason Hammel will throw today. Baltimore opened as J.J. Hardy hit a solo home run in the first inning. The Orioles extended the lead with a 2-RBI double in the sixth inning, ripped by Wilson Betemit to knock in Adam Jones and Nick Johnson. Minnesota got as close as 3-1 with Josh Willingham hitting an eighth inning single that scored Justin Morneau. Hammel earned the win, Jim Johnson pitched a clean ninth inning for the save, and Swarzak suffered the loss.
South farther to Tampa Bay, with the Rays welcoming the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Jeremy Hellickson are called on by the managers to pitch. Tampa Bay jumped to an early lead as Matt Joyce tripled, allowing Evan Longoria to score. The Rays attacked again with a solo shot from Carlos Pena in the third inning. Tampa Bay made it 3-0 in the sixth inning with a Jeff Keppinger solo home run. This was a final, as Hellickson earned the win, Fernando Rodney completed the save, and Hughes was responsible for the loss.
East to Houston, with the Astros hosting the Colorado Rockies. Juan Nicasio and Bud Norris take their turns in the rotation. Colorado had the games first runs in the fourth inning with a Wilin Rosario two-run home run, also scoring Jason Giambi. Houston answered with a Carlos Lee double to bring around Jose Altuve in their half of the inning. The Astros tied the game in the eighth inning as Lee reached on an error that allowed Altuve to score, and gained the lead with a Brian Bogusevic single that knocked in Brian Bixler. They held on to win 3-2, with the win going to Wilton Lopez, Brett Myers converting the save, and Rex Brothers being stuck with the loss.
North of here, the Milwaukee Brewers host the St. Louis Cardinals. Lance Lynn and Randy Wolf get the starting nods. St. Louis started off with a first inning Matt Holliday double, scoring Rafael Furcal. The Cardinals padded the lead in the fourth inning as Furcal's single brought around Shane Robinson. St. Louis added on again in the fifth inning as David Freese ripped a single to score Holliday. Milwaukee got it back in their half of the inning on a solo home run from Corey Hart. The Cardinals went back on the scoring trail with a two-run home run in the seventh inning by Carlos Beltran, and Holliday also came home on the blast. St. Louis extended the lead in the eighth inning as Tyler Greene singled home Furcal. The Brewers got one back with an Alex Gonzalez single in the bottom of the eighth, allowing safe passage home for Norichika Aoki. The Cardinals padded their lead with a ninth inning three-run home run from the bat of Robinson, knocking in Matt Carpenter and Erik Komatsu as well. Milwaukee made it a 9-3 loss with a bottom of the ninth solo shot by Ryan Braun. Lynn picked up the win while Wolf takes the loss.
Backtracking into Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and Jeff Samardzija were tabbed the starting pitchers. Chicago led off with an Alfonso Soriano sacrifice fly to socre Starlin Castro. Washington answered in the sixth inning with a Danny Espinosa sacrifice fly that allowed Wilson Ramos to score. The Cubs answered on a Soriano single to bring home Darwin Barney in the bottom of the sixth. Chicago extended the lead with a Castro double in the eighth inning to knock in David DeJesus, and then he came all the way home with an Ian Stewart single. The Nationals attempted a comeback as Adam LaRoche sent a two-run home run out of the yard, also scoring Ryan Zimmerman in the ninth, but they failed to tie it and lost 4-3. Samardzija got the win, Carlos Marmol converted the save, and Zimmermann was stuck with the loss.
On the west coast, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosted the Kansas City Royals. Jonathan Sanchez goes toe-to-toe with Ervin Santana pitching. Kansas City was the first to score as Eric Hosmer singled in Alcides Escobar, before coming all the way home on a two-run Billy Butler home run. Anaheim answered with Albert Pujols grounded out to provide safe passage for Howie Kendrick. The Angels pulled closer in the third inning with a Torii Hunter groundout that got Erick Aybar across the plate. The Royals extended their lead in the fifth inning when Hosmer went yard on a two-run home run, driving in Chris Getz. Getz added on for Kansas City with a single to get Jeff Francoeur home. Butler doubled for the Royals in the seventh inning to bring around Hosmer. Los Angeles got one back in the eighth inning with a solo home run by Vernon Wells. This was it in the scoring, with Sanchez picked up the win, Jonathan Broxton threw three strikeouts to get the save, and Santant was dealt the loss.
Down in San Diego, the Padres brought in the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Clayton Richard took to the mounds. San Diego began with a Jesus Guzman single to score Cameron Maybin, followed by a Yonder Alonso sacrifice fly to bring home Chase Headley in the first inning. The Padres added on in the third inning with a John Baker single driving in Guzman. San Diego extended the lead in the fourth inning with Andy Parrino hitting a solo home run. Los Angeles got on the board with a two-run home run by Matt Kemp in the sixth inning, driving in Mark Ellis as well. The Padres boosted their score with an eighth inning grand slam off the Headley's bat, knocking in Jeremy Hermida, Maybin, and Will Venable. The Dodgers cut the deficit to 8-4 with an Andre Ethier two-run home run, bringing home Juan Rivera. Richard got the win and Harang took the loss.
Eastward into the desert, the Arizona Diamondbacks hosted the San Francisco Giants. Matt Cain and Josh Collmenter were up to start. San Francisco began the scoring with a second inning Brandon Crawford double that scored both Buster Posey and Aubrey Huff, before he came all the way home on an Emmanuel Burriss groundout. The Giants extended the lead in the third inning as Pablo Sandoval singled in Gregor Blanco, before he was knocked in by Posey's two-run home run. Arizona got on the board with a fourth inning Lyle Overbay double that drove home Miguel Montero and Chris Young. The Diamondbacks pulled closer with back-to-back sixth inning home runs by Ryan Roberts, a two-run shot also scoring Montero, and then a solo shot for Overbay. Arizona took the lead with both Willie Bloomquist and Aaron Hill scoring on errors in the seventh inning. This was it for the scoring, as a 7-6 final, with Wade Miley getting the win, Bryan Shaw picking up the same, and Jeremy Affeldt taking the loss.
Finally, Sunday Night Baseball takes us to Texas, with the Rangers hosting the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Matt Harrison are the dueling pitchers. Texas opened in the third inning with a solo home run by David Murphy. The Rangers added on in the fourth inning with a two-run blast by Adrian Beltre, also scoring Josh Hamilton. Texas struck again in the sixth as Hamilton hit a solo shot, and they added on when Nelson Cruz grounded into a double play that allowed Beltre to dart home. This made it 5-0, a final, with Harrison getting the win and Floyd taking the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
The Detroit Tigers host the Boston Red Sox. Clay Buchholz and Max Scherzer are on the hill. Detroit began with a first inning Miguel Cabrera single to bring around Austin Jackson, followed by a 3-RBI double by Jhonny Peralta that scored Cabrera, Prince Fielder, and Alex Avila. Boston found the scoreboard in the second inning as Mike Aviles doubled to score both David Ortiz and Darnell McDonald. The Tigers took one back in their half of the inning as Cabrera's sacrifice fly gave Ryan Raburn time to run home. The Red Sox answered in the third inning when Ortiz doubled Adrian Gonzalez around the bases, Aviles helping him complete his trip with a single, Nick Punto hitting a sacrifice fly to score Ryan Sweeney, Aviles scoring on a balk, and Jacoby Ellsbury singling Kelly Shoppach in. Detroit tied the game again in the fourth when Brennan Boesch singled in Ryan Raburn and Cabrera grounded into a double play that allowed Jackson to dart home. Boston took the lead again in the sixth inning as Gonzalez unleashed a two-run homer run that brought home Ellsbury. The Red Sox added on in the ninth inning as Punto singled in McDonald. The Tigers tied it in the bottom of the ninth with a three-run home run by Cabrera, with Jackson and Boesch both scoring as well. Boston gained the lead again in the eleventh inning as Punto singled in Cody Ross, followed by Dustin Pedroia's single to drive in Aviles. The Tigers got one back in the bottom of the inning with Delmon Young hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Cabrera, and they won it when Avila blasted a two-run home run with Fielder crossing as the winning run for a 13-12 win. Duane Below got the win while Mark Melancon was pinned with the difficult loss.
Down in Cleveland, the Indians will try to keep it at nine innings against the Toronto Blue Jays. Joel Carreño and Derek Lowe are called on to pitch. Cleveland began on a second inning solo home run by Carlos Santana, followed up by Casey Kotchman coming home when Michael Brantley walked with the bases loaded. Toronto tied it in the fourth inning as Edwin Encarnacion doubled in Kelly Johnson and Brett Lawrie hit a sacrifice fly to bring around Adam Lind. The Indians regained the lead on a fifth inning Santana two-run homer run, also scoring Shin-Soo Choo. The Blue Jays pulled closer in the eighth inning when Lind singled Johnson across the plate, making it 4-3. Toronto never tied the game, losing by the margin, with the winning pitcher being Lowe, Chris Perez converting the save, and Carreño taking the loss.
East to New York, where the Mets host the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor and Jonathon Niese have the ball. New York struck first as David Wright hit a sacrifice fly that gave Ruben Tejada time to score. The Mets struck again in the fourth inning on a Jason Bay sacrifice fly to bring around Daniel Murphy. New York added on with a fifth inning double by Murphy, pushing the pitcher Niese and Tejada home. The Mets padded the lead with a sixth inning pair of doubles by Scott Hairston and Tejada, which knocked in Bay on the first and Lucas Duda and Hairston on the second. Atlanta finally found the scoreboard with Matt Diaz reaching on error that allowed Dan Uggla to score, before he came come with Freddie Freeman when Jason Heyward doubled, and Jack Wilson later brought Heyward across the plate. The Braves got as close as 7-5 with a solo shot by Brian McCann in the eighth inning. The win went to Niese, Frank Francisco converted the save, and Minor was dealt the loss.
Back in Ohio, the Cincinnati Reds host the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano pitches against Bronson Arroyo. Cincinnati was on the board early as Zack Cozart doubled to score Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce grounded into a fielder's choice that finished Cozart's trip around, and Miguel Cairo grounded out to bring home Joey Votto. Miami got one back with a fourth inning Omar Infante single to bring in Giancarlo Stanton. The Marlins went back to work in the sixth inning as Logan Morrison's sacrifice fly scored Hanley Ramirez. The Reds answered in their half of the inning on a solo shot by Bruce. Miami gained the lead in the seventh inning after Chris Coghlan doubled Gaby Sanchez home, Jose Reyes grounded out to bring in Brett Hayes, and Coghlan came home on a Emilio Bonifacio single. Cincinnati pulled off a ninth inning comeback as Bruce hit a solo home run to tie it and then a Scott Rolen single the brought around Drew Stubbs for a 6-5 win. Aroldis Chapman got the win while Heath Bell blew the save and took the loss as well.
Crossing into Pennsylvania, with the Pittsburgh Pirates hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. Vance Worley and James McDonald will be pitching. Philadelphia began on a first inning Hunter Pence double, allowing shane Victorino to come home. The Phillies padded the lead in the fourth inning when Pence went yard on a solo shot. Pittsburgh got one back with a fifth inning solo home run off the bat of Pedro Alvarez. Philadelphia replied with a seventh inning Juan Pierre single, knocking in both Ty Wigginton and Freddy Galvis. The Pirates answered in the bottom of the inning as Casey McGehee doubled to score Alvarez before coming home himself on an Alex Presley single. Pittsburgh tied it in the eighth inning as Matt Hague singled in Andrew McCutchen. The Pirates completed the comeback in the ninth inning as McCutchen singled in Josh Harrison for a 5-4 victory. Joel Hanrahan picked up the win while David Herndon was pinned with the loss.
Down to Baltimore, with the Orioles hosting the Minnesota Twins. Anthony Swarzak and Jason Hammel will throw today. Baltimore opened as J.J. Hardy hit a solo home run in the first inning. The Orioles extended the lead with a 2-RBI double in the sixth inning, ripped by Wilson Betemit to knock in Adam Jones and Nick Johnson. Minnesota got as close as 3-1 with Josh Willingham hitting an eighth inning single that scored Justin Morneau. Hammel earned the win, Jim Johnson pitched a clean ninth inning for the save, and Swarzak suffered the loss.
South farther to Tampa Bay, with the Rays welcoming the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Jeremy Hellickson are called on by the managers to pitch. Tampa Bay jumped to an early lead as Matt Joyce tripled, allowing Evan Longoria to score. The Rays attacked again with a solo shot from Carlos Pena in the third inning. Tampa Bay made it 3-0 in the sixth inning with a Jeff Keppinger solo home run. This was a final, as Hellickson earned the win, Fernando Rodney completed the save, and Hughes was responsible for the loss.
East to Houston, with the Astros hosting the Colorado Rockies. Juan Nicasio and Bud Norris take their turns in the rotation. Colorado had the games first runs in the fourth inning with a Wilin Rosario two-run home run, also scoring Jason Giambi. Houston answered with a Carlos Lee double to bring around Jose Altuve in their half of the inning. The Astros tied the game in the eighth inning as Lee reached on an error that allowed Altuve to score, and gained the lead with a Brian Bogusevic single that knocked in Brian Bixler. They held on to win 3-2, with the win going to Wilton Lopez, Brett Myers converting the save, and Rex Brothers being stuck with the loss.
North of here, the Milwaukee Brewers host the St. Louis Cardinals. Lance Lynn and Randy Wolf get the starting nods. St. Louis started off with a first inning Matt Holliday double, scoring Rafael Furcal. The Cardinals padded the lead in the fourth inning as Furcal's single brought around Shane Robinson. St. Louis added on again in the fifth inning as David Freese ripped a single to score Holliday. Milwaukee got it back in their half of the inning on a solo home run from Corey Hart. The Cardinals went back on the scoring trail with a two-run home run in the seventh inning by Carlos Beltran, and Holliday also came home on the blast. St. Louis extended the lead in the eighth inning as Tyler Greene singled home Furcal. The Brewers got one back with an Alex Gonzalez single in the bottom of the eighth, allowing safe passage home for Norichika Aoki. The Cardinals padded their lead with a ninth inning three-run home run from the bat of Robinson, knocking in Matt Carpenter and Erik Komatsu as well. Milwaukee made it a 9-3 loss with a bottom of the ninth solo shot by Ryan Braun. Lynn picked up the win while Wolf takes the loss.
Backtracking into Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and Jeff Samardzija were tabbed the starting pitchers. Chicago led off with an Alfonso Soriano sacrifice fly to socre Starlin Castro. Washington answered in the sixth inning with a Danny Espinosa sacrifice fly that allowed Wilson Ramos to score. The Cubs answered on a Soriano single to bring home Darwin Barney in the bottom of the sixth. Chicago extended the lead with a Castro double in the eighth inning to knock in David DeJesus, and then he came all the way home with an Ian Stewart single. The Nationals attempted a comeback as Adam LaRoche sent a two-run home run out of the yard, also scoring Ryan Zimmerman in the ninth, but they failed to tie it and lost 4-3. Samardzija got the win, Carlos Marmol converted the save, and Zimmermann was stuck with the loss.
On the west coast, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosted the Kansas City Royals. Jonathan Sanchez goes toe-to-toe with Ervin Santana pitching. Kansas City was the first to score as Eric Hosmer singled in Alcides Escobar, before coming all the way home on a two-run Billy Butler home run. Anaheim answered with Albert Pujols grounded out to provide safe passage for Howie Kendrick. The Angels pulled closer in the third inning with a Torii Hunter groundout that got Erick Aybar across the plate. The Royals extended their lead in the fifth inning when Hosmer went yard on a two-run home run, driving in Chris Getz. Getz added on for Kansas City with a single to get Jeff Francoeur home. Butler doubled for the Royals in the seventh inning to bring around Hosmer. Los Angeles got one back in the eighth inning with a solo home run by Vernon Wells. This was it in the scoring, with Sanchez picked up the win, Jonathan Broxton threw three strikeouts to get the save, and Santant was dealt the loss.
Down in San Diego, the Padres brought in the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Clayton Richard took to the mounds. San Diego began with a Jesus Guzman single to score Cameron Maybin, followed by a Yonder Alonso sacrifice fly to bring home Chase Headley in the first inning. The Padres added on in the third inning with a John Baker single driving in Guzman. San Diego extended the lead in the fourth inning with Andy Parrino hitting a solo home run. Los Angeles got on the board with a two-run home run by Matt Kemp in the sixth inning, driving in Mark Ellis as well. The Padres boosted their score with an eighth inning grand slam off the Headley's bat, knocking in Jeremy Hermida, Maybin, and Will Venable. The Dodgers cut the deficit to 8-4 with an Andre Ethier two-run home run, bringing home Juan Rivera. Richard got the win and Harang took the loss.
Eastward into the desert, the Arizona Diamondbacks hosted the San Francisco Giants. Matt Cain and Josh Collmenter were up to start. San Francisco began the scoring with a second inning Brandon Crawford double that scored both Buster Posey and Aubrey Huff, before he came all the way home on an Emmanuel Burriss groundout. The Giants extended the lead in the third inning as Pablo Sandoval singled in Gregor Blanco, before he was knocked in by Posey's two-run home run. Arizona got on the board with a fourth inning Lyle Overbay double that drove home Miguel Montero and Chris Young. The Diamondbacks pulled closer with back-to-back sixth inning home runs by Ryan Roberts, a two-run shot also scoring Montero, and then a solo shot for Overbay. Arizona took the lead with both Willie Bloomquist and Aaron Hill scoring on errors in the seventh inning. This was it for the scoring, as a 7-6 final, with Wade Miley getting the win, Bryan Shaw picking up the same, and Jeremy Affeldt taking the loss.
Finally, Sunday Night Baseball takes us to Texas, with the Rangers hosting the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Matt Harrison are the dueling pitchers. Texas opened in the third inning with a solo home run by David Murphy. The Rangers added on in the fourth inning with a two-run blast by Adrian Beltre, also scoring Josh Hamilton. Texas struck again in the sixth as Hamilton hit a solo shot, and they added on when Nelson Cruz grounded into a double play that allowed Beltre to dart home. This made it 5-0, a final, with Harrison getting the win and Floyd taking the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
NHL Day 185 2011-2012 - The Finale!
We begin a full slate of games (this sounds repetitive to the baseball fans around here) as all the teams are in action for the last day of the season. This is the busiest day of blogging ever for me, so let me warn you there may be some errors, more than usual if you've ever seen any. With that, let's begin with a huge Central Division rivalry match...
As the Detroit Red Wings host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Jimmy Howard guard the cages. Chicago led off with Viktor Stalberg's twenty-second of the season, assisted by Patrick Sharp and Marcus Kruger. The Blackhawks extended the lead with an Andrew Shaw goal, his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Sharp and Patrick Kane. Detroit got one back in the third period as Johan Franzen scored his twenty-ninth of the season, an unassisted goal. The Red Wings tied the game late with a Pavel Datsyuk goal, his nineteenth of the year, made possible by Tomas Holmstrom and Henrik Zetterberg. Chicago took the game in the shootout with a lone Kane tally for a 3-2 win over Detroit. The three stars were given to
East to New Jersey, where the Devils welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Martin Brodeur are in the creases. Ottawa was first on the board as Matt Gilroy scored his third of the season, with the help of Kyle Turris and Nick Foligno. New Jersey tied it when Ilya Kovalchuk potted his thirty-sixth of the year, a power play goal powered by Patrik Elias and Peter Harrold. The Senators retook the lead when Jim O'Brien registered his third of the season in the second period via Erik Condra and Gilroy. The Devils retied it on a Petr Sykora goal, his twenty-first of the year, a power play goal coming off of Adam Henrique and Dainius Zubrus. New Jersey got the lead back late with a Stephen Gionta goal, passed from Alexei Ponikarovsky and Steve Bernier. The Devils iced it at 4-2 with another Kovalchuk goal, his second of the game and thirty-seventh of the campaign, fueled by Zach Parise. Gionta, Kovalchuk, and Gilroy got the three stars.
Next up, the Boston Bruins host the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth and Tim Thomas will be in goal. Boston got things going in the second period as Tyler Seguin netted his twenty-eighth of the season, via Patrice Bergeron. Buffalo tied it with a Brad Boyes goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Brayden McNabb and Thomas Vanek. The Sabres took the lead in the third period with the second Boyes goal of the game, his eighth of the season, set up by Derek Roy and Vanek. Jason Pominville extended the Buffalo lead on his thirtieth of the year, guided in by Nathan Gerbe and McNabb. Seguin got one back for the Bruins with his second of the game and twenty-ninth of the season, powered by Bergeron and Rich Peverley on the power play. Boston tied it when Brad Marchand notched his twenty-eighth of the year, thanks to Bergeron, who got a sock trick. The game went to a shootout, with Bergeron's lone tally lifting the Bruins to a 4-3 victory over the Sabres. The three stars were awarded to Bergeron, Seguin, and Boyes, while McNabb and Vanek get the honorable mentions.
Out west the Calgary Flames welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Henrik Karlsson will protect the nets. Calgary was first to score as Akim Aliu potted the puck with a helper provided by Michael Cammalleri. Anaheim tied the game when Bobby Ryan scored his thirtieth of the season on the power play in the second period, powered by Ryan Getzlaf and Saku Koivu. The Flames took the lead again as Jay Bouwmeester scored his fifth of the year, via Blake Comeau and Tom Kostopoulos. Twenty-five seconds later, Anton Babchuk rifled his second of the season into the cage, with Jarome Iginla picking up the assist. Aliu added on for the Flames in the third period with his second of the game, guided in by Bouwmeester and Matt Stajan. Calgary added on with a Lee Stempniak goal, his fourteenth of the year, thanks to Blair Jones and Cory Sarich. The Ducks got one back a bit late with Ryan's second of the game and thirty-first of the campaign, set up by Niklas Hagman. The final was 5-2, and the three stars went to Aliu, Bouwmeester, and Karlsson (23 for 25 in saves). Ryan gets an honorable mention.
Back east, the Battle of Pennsylvania/tune-up for a great playoff matchup features the Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the Philadelphia Flyers. Sergei Bobrovsky opposes Marc-Andre Fleury in goal. Pittsburgh started with a Pascal Dupusi tally, his twenty-fifth of the season, assisted by Arron Asham and Jordan Staal. Philadelphia tied it as Brayden Schenn recorded his twelfth of the year, helped along by Harry Zolnierczyk and Braydon Coburn. The Penguins retook the lead in the second period as Chris Kunitz shelved his twenty-sixth of the season, courtesy of Evgeni Malkin. Brent Johnson relieved Fleury at this time. The Flyers replied with a Jaromir Jagr power play goal, his nineteenth of the year, powered by Max Talbot and Schenn. Pittsburgh took the lead again with a Sidney Crosby power play goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Kunitz and Staal. The Penguins extended the lead with Malkin's fiftieth of the year, set up by Kris Letang and Crosby.The third period featured no goals, so the final was 4-2, with the three stars being Malkin, Crosby, and Staal, while Kunitz gets an honorable mention.
Into New York City, with the Rangers hosting the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Henrik Lundqvist were between the pipes. Washington opened the scoring just thirty-two seconds in, as Alex Ovechkin recorded his thirty-eighth of the season with a lone Brooks Laich assist. The Capitals added on rapidly with a Mathieu Perreault goal, his sixteenth of the year, coming off of Roman Hamrlik and Keith Aucoin. Washington extended the lead with a John Carlson power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Nicklas Backstrom and Marcus Johansson. The Capitals stayed strong in the second period with a Backstrom goal, his fourteenth of the year, via Alexander Semin and Hamrlik. Brian Boyle got New York on the board with his eleventh of the season, assisted by Stu Bickel and Brandon Dubinsky. The third period had no scoring, leaving Washington on top 4-1, with the three stars going to Holtby (35 for 36 in saves), Backstrom, and Hamrlik.
Northwest of there, the Winnipeg Jets hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning. Dwayne Roloson and Ondrej Pavelec received the starting nods. Tampa Bay was first to score with the twenty-second of the season by Teddy Purcell, assisted by Vincent Lecavalier. The Lightning added on in the second period when Purcell put away his second of the game and twenty-third of the year, with the help of Lecavalier and J.T. Brown. Winnipeg got on the board with a Nik Antropov goal, his fifteenth of the season, guided in by Antti Miettinen and Evander Kane. Tampa Bay re-extended the lead in the third period with the sixtieth of the year by Steven Stamkos, courtesy of Martin St. Louis and Brian Lee. The Jets shot back with a Jim Slater goal, his twelfth of the season, via Grant Clitsome and Tobias Enstrom. Winnipeg tied it late with Slater's second of the game and thirteenth of the year, coming off of Blake Wheeler and Andrew Ladd. The Lightning ended it in overtime, as Purcell finished his hat trick with his twenty-fourth of the campaign, set up by Victor Hedman. The three stars of the 4-3 game were Purcell, Slater, and Stamkos, with an honorable mention for Lecavalier.
Backtracking east a bit, the Montreal Canadiens take on their rivals from Ontario, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Backups Ben Scrivens and Peter Budaj start in place of injured starters. Montreal dented the scoreboard first with a Tomas Plekanec goal, his seventeenth of the season coming shorthanded and unassisted. The Canadiens added on in the second period with a Max Pacioretty goal, coming off of Josh Gorges as his thirty-third of the year. Toronto got on the board with Dion Phaneuf's twelfth of the season in the third period, made possible by Mikhail Grabovski and Clarke MacArthur. Montreal answered with Erik Cole's thirty-fifth of the year, thanks to Pacioretty. The Canadiens iced it at 4-1 with a Brad Staubitz empty net goal, going in unassisted. The three stars were given to Pacioretty, Cole, and Budaj (30 for 31 in saves).
Keeping with the dismal teams scheduled in at this hour, the Columbus Blue Jackets host the New York Islanders. Al Montoya and Steve Mason are all padded up. Rick Nash put Columbus up first with his thirtieth of the season, fueled by Mark Letestu and Vinny Prospal. The Blue Jackets extended the lead in the second period with a Cam Atkinson goal, his sixth of the year, going in unassisted. New York found the scoreboard with a Milan Jurcina goal, his third of the season, made possible by Frans Nielsen and Michael Grabner. Columbus got it back with an R.J. Umberger goal, his twentieth of the year, courtesy of Atkinson and Derick Brassard. The Islanders replied as Kyle Okposo deposited his twenty-fourth of the season, assisted by Jurcina. The Blue Jackets answered back with a James Wisniewski power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Prospal and Jack Johnson. Columbus padded the lead with an Atkinson power play goal, his seventh of the season, guided in by Derek Dorsett and Wisniewski. The Blue Jackets kept going with a Johnson marker, his twelfth of the year, passed off of Wisniewski and Brassard. Columbus extended the lead again with a Prospal goal, his sixteenth of the season, helped along by Nikita Nikitin. New York cut it to 7-3 with a Grabner goal, his twentieth of the year, pushed through by Mark Streit and Dylan Reese. This was a final, with the three stars being Atkinson, Wisniewski, and Johnson, with honorable mentions for Prospal, Jurcina, Brassard, and Grabner.
Down in Florida, the Panthers welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Tending the twines are backups Brian Boucher and Scott Clemmensen. Florida began on a Marcel Goc goal, his eleventh of the season, coming off of Dmitry Kulikov and Mikael Samuelsson. The Panthers added on as John Madden made his third of the year, with the help of Tomas Kopecky and Ed Jovanovski. Florida extended their lead with a second period power play goal from Stephen Weiss, his twentieth of the season, powered by Samuelsson and Kris Versteeg. Carolina got one back in the third period as Joni Pitkanen notched his fifth of the year, a power play goal with a lone Eric Staal assist. The Panthers iced it at 4-1 with an empty netter by Samuelsson, his fourteenth of the campaign, passed from Jason Garrison and Goc. The three stars were handed out to Weiss, Clemmensen (34 for 35 in saves), and Samuelsson, while Goc gets an honorable mention.
Up in Minnesota, the Wild host the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Niklas Backstrom are in the blue paint. Phoenix was first on the board with a Mikkel Boedker goal, his eleventh of the season, fueled by Shane Doan. The Coyotes added on with a Taylor Pyatt tally, his eighth of the year, via Boyd Gordon and Michal Rozsival. Minnesota got one back when Dany Heatley netted his twenty-fourth of the season, courtesy of Mikko Koivu and Chay Genoway. Phoenix took it back with Pyatt's second of the night and ninth of the year, helped along by Lauri Korpikoski and Rozsival. Radim Vrbata padded the Coyotes lead with his thirty-fifth of the season in the third period, guided in by Ray Whitney and the goalie Smith. The final held at 4-1, with the three stars being Pyatt, Genoway, and Smith (23 for 24 in saves), while Rozsival gets an honorable mention.
Southward to Dallas with the Stars hosting the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak opposes Richard Bachman from in front of the nets. St. Louis was first to score with a Kris Russell second period goal, his sixth of the season, via Chris Stewart and Jamie Langenbrunner. The Blues added on in the third period with an Alex Steen power play goal, his fifteenth of the year, powered by Kevin Shattenkirk and Alex Pietrangelo. Dallas got one back with Ryan Garbutt netting his second of the season, with the help of Loui Eriksson and Jamie Benn. St. Louis took it back as David Perron recorded his twenty-first of the year, another power play goal, fueled by T.J. Oshie. The Stars got as close as 3-2 but failed to score again after Philip Larsen put down his third of the campaign, assisted by Alex Goligoski and Tomas Vincour. This was a final, with the three stars named as Perron, Bachman (32 for 35 in saves), and Garbutt.
Northwest to Colorado, as the Avalanche host the Nashville Predators. Anders Lindback and Jean-Sebastien Giguere are the masked men. Nashville was first to score as David Legwand potted his nineteenth of the season, courtesy of Gabriel Bourque and Alexander Radulov. Colorado tied it with a Matt Duchene goal, his fourteenth of the year, coming off of Chuck Kobasew and Cody McLeod. The Predators shot back with Craig Smith scoring his fourteenth of the season, assisted by Matt Halischuk and Colin Wilson. Nashville extended the lead on a Patric Hornqvist goal, his twenty-seventh of the year, via Kevin Klein and Andrei Kostitsyn. The Predators sank another one in the second period as Roman Josi scored his fifth of the season, with the help of Smith and Klein. Nashville kept going with a Brandon Yip goal, his third of the year, helped along by Nick Spaling. Pekka Rinne relieved Lindback shortly after this. The Predators struck again on a Halischuk goal, his fifteenth of the season, pushed through by Smith. The final stuck at 6-1, with the three stars going to Lindback (34 for 35 in saves before being rattled), Smith, and Halischuk, with honorable mention for Klein.
Following the same general direction, we land in Vancouver, with the Canucks hosting the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Roberto Luongo tend the twines. Vancouver finally opened the scoring late in the second period as Henrik Sedin made his fourteenth of the season, with the help of Alexandre Burrows and Ryan Kesler, a power play goal. The Canucks extended their lead in the third period on a Samuel Pahlsson goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Jannik Hansen. Vancouver added on again with a David Booth power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, powered by Kevin Bieksa and the goalie Luongo. This was it for the scoring, with the three stars going to Sedin, Alexander Edler, and Dubnyk (39 for 42 in saves), while Luongo (17 save shutout) gets an honorable mention.
Finally, the last game of the season is a vicious Battle of California special, with the San Jose Sharks hosting the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Antti Niemi stand 200 feet apart in goal. Los Angeles drew first blood with a Justin Williams power play goal, his twenty-second of the season, powered by Jarret Stoll and Alec Martinez. The Kings added on late in the second period with a Mike Richards power play goal, his eighteenth of the year, courtesy of Williams and Willie Mitchell. San Jose got one back in the third period with a Dan Boyle goal, his eighth of the season, set up by Martin Havlat and Logan Couture. The Sharks tied it with Patrick Marleau recording his thirtieth of the year, a power play goal coming off of Joe Pavelski and Couture. San Jose won it in overtime as Boyle put away his second of the game and ninth of the campaign, assisted by Havlat for a 3-2 win. The three stars were Boyle, Marleau, and Williams, with honorable mention for Couture and Havlat.
Thanks everybody, it has been my pleasure to cover every NHL game the league has had to offer us this season, and I hope you enjoyed reading the recaps. En Español: Gracias a todos, ha sido un placer para cubrir todos los partidos de la liga NHL ha tenido que nos ofrecen en esta temporada, y espero que haya disfrutado de la lectura de los resúmenes. На русском языке: все спасибо, это было мое удовольствие, чтобы охватить все игры NHL лигу должен был предложить нам в этом сезоне, и я надеюсь, вам понравилось читать составы команд. Deutsch: Vielen Dank an alle, es war mir ein Vergnügen, jedem NHL-Spiel die Liga zu bieten hatte uns in dieser Saison hat sich decken, und ich hoffe, Sie hatten Spass die Rückblicke. Melayu: Terima kasih semua orang, telah berbesar hati untuk meliputi setiap permainan NHL liga itu telah menawarkan kami musim ini, dan saya berharap anda seronok membaca ringkasan. Para o Brasil: Obrigado a todos, tem sido o meu prazer de cobrir todos os jogos da liga NHL teve para nos oferecer nesta temporada, e espero que tenha gostado de ler as repescagens. भारत के लिए: धन्यवाद सब लोग, यह मेरी खुशी के लिए हर NHL खेल लीग के लिए हमें इस मौसम की पेशकश करने के लिए किया गया है को कवर किया गया है, और मुझे आशा है कि आप recaps पढ़ने का आनंद लिया. I apologize if any of these translations are tough to read, as I ran them through Google Translate and am not actually fluent in any of the languages above. Playoffs begin Wednesday and the posts will not be by day, but by series, so remember to check the same posts consistently for the information. Also, I will be blogging baseball this season, if any of you would like to check that out. As always, follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
As the Detroit Red Wings host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Jimmy Howard guard the cages. Chicago led off with Viktor Stalberg's twenty-second of the season, assisted by Patrick Sharp and Marcus Kruger. The Blackhawks extended the lead with an Andrew Shaw goal, his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Sharp and Patrick Kane. Detroit got one back in the third period as Johan Franzen scored his twenty-ninth of the season, an unassisted goal. The Red Wings tied the game late with a Pavel Datsyuk goal, his nineteenth of the year, made possible by Tomas Holmstrom and Henrik Zetterberg. Chicago took the game in the shootout with a lone Kane tally for a 3-2 win over Detroit. The three stars were given to
East to New Jersey, where the Devils welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Martin Brodeur are in the creases. Ottawa was first on the board as Matt Gilroy scored his third of the season, with the help of Kyle Turris and Nick Foligno. New Jersey tied it when Ilya Kovalchuk potted his thirty-sixth of the year, a power play goal powered by Patrik Elias and Peter Harrold. The Senators retook the lead when Jim O'Brien registered his third of the season in the second period via Erik Condra and Gilroy. The Devils retied it on a Petr Sykora goal, his twenty-first of the year, a power play goal coming off of Adam Henrique and Dainius Zubrus. New Jersey got the lead back late with a Stephen Gionta goal, passed from Alexei Ponikarovsky and Steve Bernier. The Devils iced it at 4-2 with another Kovalchuk goal, his second of the game and thirty-seventh of the campaign, fueled by Zach Parise. Gionta, Kovalchuk, and Gilroy got the three stars.
Next up, the Boston Bruins host the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth and Tim Thomas will be in goal. Boston got things going in the second period as Tyler Seguin netted his twenty-eighth of the season, via Patrice Bergeron. Buffalo tied it with a Brad Boyes goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Brayden McNabb and Thomas Vanek. The Sabres took the lead in the third period with the second Boyes goal of the game, his eighth of the season, set up by Derek Roy and Vanek. Jason Pominville extended the Buffalo lead on his thirtieth of the year, guided in by Nathan Gerbe and McNabb. Seguin got one back for the Bruins with his second of the game and twenty-ninth of the season, powered by Bergeron and Rich Peverley on the power play. Boston tied it when Brad Marchand notched his twenty-eighth of the year, thanks to Bergeron, who got a sock trick. The game went to a shootout, with Bergeron's lone tally lifting the Bruins to a 4-3 victory over the Sabres. The three stars were awarded to Bergeron, Seguin, and Boyes, while McNabb and Vanek get the honorable mentions.
Out west the Calgary Flames welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Henrik Karlsson will protect the nets. Calgary was first to score as Akim Aliu potted the puck with a helper provided by Michael Cammalleri. Anaheim tied the game when Bobby Ryan scored his thirtieth of the season on the power play in the second period, powered by Ryan Getzlaf and Saku Koivu. The Flames took the lead again as Jay Bouwmeester scored his fifth of the year, via Blake Comeau and Tom Kostopoulos. Twenty-five seconds later, Anton Babchuk rifled his second of the season into the cage, with Jarome Iginla picking up the assist. Aliu added on for the Flames in the third period with his second of the game, guided in by Bouwmeester and Matt Stajan. Calgary added on with a Lee Stempniak goal, his fourteenth of the year, thanks to Blair Jones and Cory Sarich. The Ducks got one back a bit late with Ryan's second of the game and thirty-first of the campaign, set up by Niklas Hagman. The final was 5-2, and the three stars went to Aliu, Bouwmeester, and Karlsson (23 for 25 in saves). Ryan gets an honorable mention.
Back east, the Battle of Pennsylvania/tune-up for a great playoff matchup features the Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the Philadelphia Flyers. Sergei Bobrovsky opposes Marc-Andre Fleury in goal. Pittsburgh started with a Pascal Dupusi tally, his twenty-fifth of the season, assisted by Arron Asham and Jordan Staal. Philadelphia tied it as Brayden Schenn recorded his twelfth of the year, helped along by Harry Zolnierczyk and Braydon Coburn. The Penguins retook the lead in the second period as Chris Kunitz shelved his twenty-sixth of the season, courtesy of Evgeni Malkin. Brent Johnson relieved Fleury at this time. The Flyers replied with a Jaromir Jagr power play goal, his nineteenth of the year, powered by Max Talbot and Schenn. Pittsburgh took the lead again with a Sidney Crosby power play goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Kunitz and Staal. The Penguins extended the lead with Malkin's fiftieth of the year, set up by Kris Letang and Crosby.The third period featured no goals, so the final was 4-2, with the three stars being Malkin, Crosby, and Staal, while Kunitz gets an honorable mention.
Into New York City, with the Rangers hosting the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Henrik Lundqvist were between the pipes. Washington opened the scoring just thirty-two seconds in, as Alex Ovechkin recorded his thirty-eighth of the season with a lone Brooks Laich assist. The Capitals added on rapidly with a Mathieu Perreault goal, his sixteenth of the year, coming off of Roman Hamrlik and Keith Aucoin. Washington extended the lead with a John Carlson power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Nicklas Backstrom and Marcus Johansson. The Capitals stayed strong in the second period with a Backstrom goal, his fourteenth of the year, via Alexander Semin and Hamrlik. Brian Boyle got New York on the board with his eleventh of the season, assisted by Stu Bickel and Brandon Dubinsky. The third period had no scoring, leaving Washington on top 4-1, with the three stars going to Holtby (35 for 36 in saves), Backstrom, and Hamrlik.
Northwest of there, the Winnipeg Jets hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning. Dwayne Roloson and Ondrej Pavelec received the starting nods. Tampa Bay was first to score with the twenty-second of the season by Teddy Purcell, assisted by Vincent Lecavalier. The Lightning added on in the second period when Purcell put away his second of the game and twenty-third of the year, with the help of Lecavalier and J.T. Brown. Winnipeg got on the board with a Nik Antropov goal, his fifteenth of the season, guided in by Antti Miettinen and Evander Kane. Tampa Bay re-extended the lead in the third period with the sixtieth of the year by Steven Stamkos, courtesy of Martin St. Louis and Brian Lee. The Jets shot back with a Jim Slater goal, his twelfth of the season, via Grant Clitsome and Tobias Enstrom. Winnipeg tied it late with Slater's second of the game and thirteenth of the year, coming off of Blake Wheeler and Andrew Ladd. The Lightning ended it in overtime, as Purcell finished his hat trick with his twenty-fourth of the campaign, set up by Victor Hedman. The three stars of the 4-3 game were Purcell, Slater, and Stamkos, with an honorable mention for Lecavalier.
Backtracking east a bit, the Montreal Canadiens take on their rivals from Ontario, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Backups Ben Scrivens and Peter Budaj start in place of injured starters. Montreal dented the scoreboard first with a Tomas Plekanec goal, his seventeenth of the season coming shorthanded and unassisted. The Canadiens added on in the second period with a Max Pacioretty goal, coming off of Josh Gorges as his thirty-third of the year. Toronto got on the board with Dion Phaneuf's twelfth of the season in the third period, made possible by Mikhail Grabovski and Clarke MacArthur. Montreal answered with Erik Cole's thirty-fifth of the year, thanks to Pacioretty. The Canadiens iced it at 4-1 with a Brad Staubitz empty net goal, going in unassisted. The three stars were given to Pacioretty, Cole, and Budaj (30 for 31 in saves).
Keeping with the dismal teams scheduled in at this hour, the Columbus Blue Jackets host the New York Islanders. Al Montoya and Steve Mason are all padded up. Rick Nash put Columbus up first with his thirtieth of the season, fueled by Mark Letestu and Vinny Prospal. The Blue Jackets extended the lead in the second period with a Cam Atkinson goal, his sixth of the year, going in unassisted. New York found the scoreboard with a Milan Jurcina goal, his third of the season, made possible by Frans Nielsen and Michael Grabner. Columbus got it back with an R.J. Umberger goal, his twentieth of the year, courtesy of Atkinson and Derick Brassard. The Islanders replied as Kyle Okposo deposited his twenty-fourth of the season, assisted by Jurcina. The Blue Jackets answered back with a James Wisniewski power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Prospal and Jack Johnson. Columbus padded the lead with an Atkinson power play goal, his seventh of the season, guided in by Derek Dorsett and Wisniewski. The Blue Jackets kept going with a Johnson marker, his twelfth of the year, passed off of Wisniewski and Brassard. Columbus extended the lead again with a Prospal goal, his sixteenth of the season, helped along by Nikita Nikitin. New York cut it to 7-3 with a Grabner goal, his twentieth of the year, pushed through by Mark Streit and Dylan Reese. This was a final, with the three stars being Atkinson, Wisniewski, and Johnson, with honorable mentions for Prospal, Jurcina, Brassard, and Grabner.
Down in Florida, the Panthers welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Tending the twines are backups Brian Boucher and Scott Clemmensen. Florida began on a Marcel Goc goal, his eleventh of the season, coming off of Dmitry Kulikov and Mikael Samuelsson. The Panthers added on as John Madden made his third of the year, with the help of Tomas Kopecky and Ed Jovanovski. Florida extended their lead with a second period power play goal from Stephen Weiss, his twentieth of the season, powered by Samuelsson and Kris Versteeg. Carolina got one back in the third period as Joni Pitkanen notched his fifth of the year, a power play goal with a lone Eric Staal assist. The Panthers iced it at 4-1 with an empty netter by Samuelsson, his fourteenth of the campaign, passed from Jason Garrison and Goc. The three stars were handed out to Weiss, Clemmensen (34 for 35 in saves), and Samuelsson, while Goc gets an honorable mention.
Up in Minnesota, the Wild host the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Niklas Backstrom are in the blue paint. Phoenix was first on the board with a Mikkel Boedker goal, his eleventh of the season, fueled by Shane Doan. The Coyotes added on with a Taylor Pyatt tally, his eighth of the year, via Boyd Gordon and Michal Rozsival. Minnesota got one back when Dany Heatley netted his twenty-fourth of the season, courtesy of Mikko Koivu and Chay Genoway. Phoenix took it back with Pyatt's second of the night and ninth of the year, helped along by Lauri Korpikoski and Rozsival. Radim Vrbata padded the Coyotes lead with his thirty-fifth of the season in the third period, guided in by Ray Whitney and the goalie Smith. The final held at 4-1, with the three stars being Pyatt, Genoway, and Smith (23 for 24 in saves), while Rozsival gets an honorable mention.
Southward to Dallas with the Stars hosting the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak opposes Richard Bachman from in front of the nets. St. Louis was first to score with a Kris Russell second period goal, his sixth of the season, via Chris Stewart and Jamie Langenbrunner. The Blues added on in the third period with an Alex Steen power play goal, his fifteenth of the year, powered by Kevin Shattenkirk and Alex Pietrangelo. Dallas got one back with Ryan Garbutt netting his second of the season, with the help of Loui Eriksson and Jamie Benn. St. Louis took it back as David Perron recorded his twenty-first of the year, another power play goal, fueled by T.J. Oshie. The Stars got as close as 3-2 but failed to score again after Philip Larsen put down his third of the campaign, assisted by Alex Goligoski and Tomas Vincour. This was a final, with the three stars named as Perron, Bachman (32 for 35 in saves), and Garbutt.
Northwest to Colorado, as the Avalanche host the Nashville Predators. Anders Lindback and Jean-Sebastien Giguere are the masked men. Nashville was first to score as David Legwand potted his nineteenth of the season, courtesy of Gabriel Bourque and Alexander Radulov. Colorado tied it with a Matt Duchene goal, his fourteenth of the year, coming off of Chuck Kobasew and Cody McLeod. The Predators shot back with Craig Smith scoring his fourteenth of the season, assisted by Matt Halischuk and Colin Wilson. Nashville extended the lead on a Patric Hornqvist goal, his twenty-seventh of the year, via Kevin Klein and Andrei Kostitsyn. The Predators sank another one in the second period as Roman Josi scored his fifth of the season, with the help of Smith and Klein. Nashville kept going with a Brandon Yip goal, his third of the year, helped along by Nick Spaling. Pekka Rinne relieved Lindback shortly after this. The Predators struck again on a Halischuk goal, his fifteenth of the season, pushed through by Smith. The final stuck at 6-1, with the three stars going to Lindback (34 for 35 in saves before being rattled), Smith, and Halischuk, with honorable mention for Klein.
Following the same general direction, we land in Vancouver, with the Canucks hosting the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Roberto Luongo tend the twines. Vancouver finally opened the scoring late in the second period as Henrik Sedin made his fourteenth of the season, with the help of Alexandre Burrows and Ryan Kesler, a power play goal. The Canucks extended their lead in the third period on a Samuel Pahlsson goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Jannik Hansen. Vancouver added on again with a David Booth power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, powered by Kevin Bieksa and the goalie Luongo. This was it for the scoring, with the three stars going to Sedin, Alexander Edler, and Dubnyk (39 for 42 in saves), while Luongo (17 save shutout) gets an honorable mention.
Finally, the last game of the season is a vicious Battle of California special, with the San Jose Sharks hosting the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Antti Niemi stand 200 feet apart in goal. Los Angeles drew first blood with a Justin Williams power play goal, his twenty-second of the season, powered by Jarret Stoll and Alec Martinez. The Kings added on late in the second period with a Mike Richards power play goal, his eighteenth of the year, courtesy of Williams and Willie Mitchell. San Jose got one back in the third period with a Dan Boyle goal, his eighth of the season, set up by Martin Havlat and Logan Couture. The Sharks tied it with Patrick Marleau recording his thirtieth of the year, a power play goal coming off of Joe Pavelski and Couture. San Jose won it in overtime as Boyle put away his second of the game and ninth of the campaign, assisted by Havlat for a 3-2 win. The three stars were Boyle, Marleau, and Williams, with honorable mention for Couture and Havlat.
Thanks everybody, it has been my pleasure to cover every NHL game the league has had to offer us this season, and I hope you enjoyed reading the recaps. En Español: Gracias a todos, ha sido un placer para cubrir todos los partidos de la liga NHL ha tenido que nos ofrecen en esta temporada, y espero que haya disfrutado de la lectura de los resúmenes. На русском языке: все спасибо, это было мое удовольствие, чтобы охватить все игры NHL лигу должен был предложить нам в этом сезоне, и я надеюсь, вам понравилось читать составы команд. Deutsch: Vielen Dank an alle, es war mir ein Vergnügen, jedem NHL-Spiel die Liga zu bieten hatte uns in dieser Saison hat sich decken, und ich hoffe, Sie hatten Spass die Rückblicke. Melayu: Terima kasih semua orang, telah berbesar hati untuk meliputi setiap permainan NHL liga itu telah menawarkan kami musim ini, dan saya berharap anda seronok membaca ringkasan. Para o Brasil: Obrigado a todos, tem sido o meu prazer de cobrir todos os jogos da liga NHL teve para nos oferecer nesta temporada, e espero que tenha gostado de ler as repescagens. भारत के लिए: धन्यवाद सब लोग, यह मेरी खुशी के लिए हर NHL खेल लीग के लिए हमें इस मौसम की पेशकश करने के लिए किया गया है को कवर किया गया है, और मुझे आशा है कि आप recaps पढ़ने का आनंद लिया. I apologize if any of these translations are tough to read, as I ran them through Google Translate and am not actually fluent in any of the languages above. Playoffs begin Wednesday and the posts will not be by day, but by series, so remember to check the same posts consistently for the information. Also, I will be blogging baseball this season, if any of you would like to check that out. As always, follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
MLB Day 6 2012
First day with a full slate of games, which means the season is really underway now. This is the standard in baseball, and I think it's appropriate to reiterate here that I am hoping to keep up with the workload, but if I can't, I apologize in advance. With that, we'll start the games in...
Cleveland, with the Indians hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Brandon Morrow and Ubaldo Jimenez will pitch. Cleveland began in the fifth inning as Jason Kipnis hit a two-run homer run, also bringing in Casey Kotchman. Toronto tied it in the seventh inning on a Brett Lawrie 2-RBI single, scoring Kelly Johnson and Adam Lind. The Blue Jays took the lead in the ninth with a solo home run by Johnson. The Indians evened it in the bottom of the inning with Asdrubal Cabrera's solo shot. Toronto gained a 5-3 lead in the twelfth inning as Rajai Davis hit a 2-RBI double to score Edwin Encarnacion and Lawrie, followed by Davis coming all the way home with a Colby Rasmus single carving the path, and finishing the rally was a Johnson single to finish the trip for Rasmus. Cleveland attempted a comeback in the bottom of the twelfth as Travis Hafner singled Cabrera home, but they got no farther than 7-4. Casey Janssen picked up the win while Tony Sipp was stuck with the loss.
West a little, the Chicago Cubs host the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Matt Garza get the starts. Chicago struck first in the first inning when Joe Mather darted home on a wild pitch. Washington gained the lead with a two-run homer by Adam LaRoche in the fourth inning, also scoring Ian Desmond. The Cubs answered in the bottom of the inning on Reed Johnson's triple that scored Geovany Soto and Marlon Byrd, and he finished his trip around the bases when Mather hit a single. The Nationals got one back in the eighth inning when Danny Espinosa hit a solo home run, backed it up to take the lead on a Chad Tracy single scoring both Ryan Zimmerman and LaRoche, followed by Roger Bernadina doubling in Jayson Werth, and then Steve Lombardozzi singled to push in pinch runner Brett Carroll for a five-run inning. The final held at 7-4, with Ryan Mattheus getting the win, Henry Rodriguez picked up the save, and Kerry Wood was the losing pitcher.
Farther east, the New York Mets welcome the Atlanta Braves. Jair Jurrjens and R.A. Dickey throw today. New York drew first blood with a David Wright solo home run in the first inning. The Mets added on in the fourth inning with Lucas Duda hitting a solo shot. Atlanta answered in the fifth inning with a two-run blast for Martin Prado, knocking in Michael Bourn as well. New York regained the lead on a Josh Thole single that allowed Ike Davis to score in the bottom of the fifth. The Mets padded their lead with another solo home run by Duda. This made it 4-2, a final, with Dickey getting the win, Frank Francisco converting the save, and Jurrjens taking the loss.
Westward to Detroit, with the Tigers bringing in the Boston Red Sox. Josh Beckett and Doug Fister go head-to-head on the mound. Detroit struck first with a Miguel Cabrera two-run homer, also scoring Austin Jackson. The Tigers added an insurance run in the fourth as Prince Fielder blasted a solo home run, and Alex Avila padded the lead farther with his two-run blast that brought around Delmon Young. Fielder continued the Detroit offensive in the fifth with another home run, this time taking Cabrera with him. The Tigers scored again in the sixth inning as Jackson grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing safe passage for Jhonny Peralta to score. Detroit struck once again with a seventh inning grounding into a fielder's choice by Peralta, eventually resulting in Young scoring as Jarrod Saltalamacchia committed an error, and they followed it up with Andy Dirks' single to score Avila. Detroit would win 10-0, with the win going to Duane Below and the loss to Beckett.
Across the lake, the Milwaukee Brewers host the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and Zack Greinke are given the ball. Milwaukee started the scoring here on a second inning Corey Hart solo shot. The Brewers added a run in the sixth inning as Aramis Ramirez doubled to score Rickie Weeks, and he came all the way home with Hart's second home run of the game. Milwaukee struck again in the eighth with a Weeks solo home run, and a Carlos Gomez double to allow Ryan Braun safe passage home. The final was 6-0, with a win for Greinke and a loss for Wainwright.
On the west coast, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Dan Haren will be pitching. Kansas City started with a Jeff Francouer single to score Lorenzo Cain and Eric Hosmer in the first inning. The Royals struck again in the second inning with Cain hitting a sacrifice fly to allow safe passage home for Humberto Quintero. Kansas City scored again in the fifth when Eric Hosmer went yard with a solo shot. The Royals scored again in the sixth with Mike Moustakas blasting a solo home run of his own. Los Angeles finally got on the board in the seventh when Bobby Abreu doubled to bring home Kendrys Morales, and Vernon Wells followed up with a groundout that allowed Torii Hunter to dart home. Kansas City added insult to injury when Chris Getz darted home on an error in the eighth inning. The Angels only got to 6-3 before falling in the ninth, as Abreu hit a sacrifice fly to get Morales home. Hochevar got the win while Haren had the loss.
Backtracking to the desert, where the Arizona Diamondbacks host the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner and Daniel Hudson get to call to start. Arizona began with a first inning Aaron Hill solo home run, and they backed it up as Chris Young's double brought in Justin Upton. Hill went yard again for the Diamondbacks in the second inning, this time taking the pitcher Hudson home with him. San Francisco started assessing the damage and working on repairs in the fourth with a two-run homer of their own, off Pablo Sandoval's bat, with Melky Cabrera also scoring. Arizona took one back as Young doubled in another run, this time as Miguel Montero crossed home. The Giants charged back with a Brett Pill two-run homer run, also scoring Brandon Belt. They couldn't quite tie it, falling 5-4. Hudson had the win, J.J. Putz picked up a clean save, and Bumgarner was handed the loss.
East again to Houston, with the Astros welcoming the Colorado Rockies. Jamie Moyer and Lucas Harrell take their turns in the rotation. Houston began with a Jordan Schafer lead-off solo home run. The Astros added on in the fourth inning with J.D. Martinez hitting a two-run homer, also scoring Brian Bixler. Houston scored again in the fifth inning as Schafer sacrificed to allow Marwin Gonzalez to cross the plate. In the sixth inning, the Astros added on with a Chris Snyder single that brought in Chris Johnson. Houston continued to put them in one at a time with a seventh inning Martinez single driving in Travis Buck. Colorado broke up the shutout with a solo shot by Michael Cuddyer in the eighth inning. The Astros took it back as Johnson scored on a passed ball. The Rockies tried making a comeback in the ninth inning with Troy Tulowitzki's triple that got Dexter Fowler across the plate before he was brought around by a Todd Helton groundout, leaving the final at 7-3. The win belonged to Harrell, while Moyer suffered the loss.
Up to the second part of the battle of Pennsylvania today, as the Pittsburgh Pirates bring in the Philadelphia Phillies as the Penguins did for the Flyers earlier in the day. Cliff Lee and Jeff Karstens are on the hill. Philadelphia struck first on a Hunter Pence single to bring around Shane Victorino. In the sixth inning, Pittsburgh tied it with a Yamaico Navarro run on a wild pitch. The Pirates won 2-1 in the tenth inning as Alex Presley singled in pinch-runner Michael McKenry. Juan Cruz picked up the win while Joe Blanton was pinned with the loss.
Down the coast, the Baltimore Orioles host the Minnesota Twins. Francisco Liriano will duel with Tommy Hunter. Baltimore drew first blood on a second inning Adam Jones solo shot. The Orioles padded their lead in the third with Robert Andino singling Ronny Paulino home after a Josh Willingham error and J.J. Hardy's groundout into a double play providing ample time for Andino to dash home. Baltimore scored a few more in the fourth inning, beginning with a 2-RBI Andino single that sent Mark Reynolds and Paulino in, followed by Nolan Reimold using a single to get Andino all the way home. The Orioles got back to scoring in the seventh inning with solo home runs by Nick Markakis and Matt Wieters. Minnesota broke up the shutout in the eighth inning when Jamey Carroll grounded into a fielder's choice, paving the way home for Ben Revere, followed by Joe Mauer doing the same for Alexi Casilla. The final stuck at 8-2, with Hunter getting the win while Liriano takes the loss.
Inland a bit, the Cincinnati Reds bring in the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Mat Latos get the manager's approval to start. Miami busted things open with a fourth inning Giancarlo Stanton double to bring around Emilio Bonifacio. Cincinnati shot back in the bottom of the inning with a two-run blast from Joey Votto, also scoring Zack Cozart. The Marlins tied it in the fifth wit ha solo home run from Omar Infante, and took the lead with Stanton's single that allowed Jose Reyes and Bonifacio to score. Miami padded the lead in the seventh inning when Hanley Ramirez went yard, bringing in Bonifacio with him. The Marlins extended the lead in the eighth with a two-run homer for John Buck, knocking in Infante. The Reds got one back as Cozart hit a solo shot in the bottom of the inning. This made the final 8-3, with Nolasco earning the win and Latos taking the loss.
In Florida now, the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda goes up against David Price pitching. Tampa Bay led off with a first inning Luke Scott single to bring around both Desmond Jennings and Matt Joyce. The Rays extended the lead with a second inning Carlos Pena single that scored Jose Lobaton. Tampa Bay added on in the third inning with a solo shot for Joyce. New York found the scoreboard with an Andruw Jones single that knocked in Curtis Granderson, before coming all the way home when Eduardo Nunez singled him in. The Rays replied in the sixth inning with Scott doubling to score Ben Zobrist, and then he came home with a Jennings single helping him get there. Tampa Bay did some more damage in the seventh inning as Joyce singled to bring in both Evan Longoria and Pena. The Yankees tried to make a comeback in the ninth inning with Raul Ibanez hitting a sacrifice fly to drive in Granderson, and Nick Swisher hitting a 3-run home run that also brought in Russell Martin and Eric Chavez, but it still wasn't enough and they lost 8-6. Price earned the win, Fernando Rodney recorded the last out for the save, and Kuroda was given the loss.
West to Texas again, as the Rangers welcome the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy and Derek Holland will be entertaining the batters. Chicago struck early with a Paul Konerko single to score Alejandro De Aza. Texas tied it with a Mike Napoli single that knocked in Michael Young in the second inning. The White Sox broke the tie in the third inning with a Konerko double scoring both Brent Lillibridge and Adam Dunn. The Rangers shot back in their half of the inning with an Elvis Andrus single bringing in Ian Kinsler, and he came home on an Adrian Beltre sacrifice fly. Chicago took a 4-3 lead in the ninth inning as Alex Rios hit a solo home run, which was the decisive run. Matt Thornton had the win, Hector Santiago picked up the save with a clean inning of work, and Joe Nathan took the loss.
Farther to the west, the San Diego Padres host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano and Dustin Moseley will play from the mound. Los Angeles was on the board in the first inning with a Matt Kemp sacrifice fly paving the way for Dee Gordon to come home. The Dodgers added on in the third inning as Kemp singled in Gordon before coming home himself on an Andre Ethier double that also scored Mark Ellis. Los Angeles extended the lead again in the fifth inning on a solo home run for A.J. Ellis. San Diego would tie things up in the fifth inning as Chase Headley, Jesus Guzman, and Nick Hundley walked to force in Jason Bartlett, Cameron Maybin, and Chris Denorfia, followed by Headley coming in on a wild pitch and Orlando Hudson producing the tying run with his single to score Guzman. The Dodgers gained the lead again in the eleventh inning as Gordon hit a single that allowed A.J. Ellis to dart home. This held up for a 6-5 win, with Todd Coffey picking up the W, Javy Guerra notching the save, and Anthony Bass taking the loss.
Finally, we end the day in Oakland, with the Athletics bringing in the Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez and Bartolo Colon are the starting pitchers. Seattle led off with a first inning Dustin Ackley groundout to get Chone Figgins home. The Mariners extended the lead with a fourth inning Ichiro triple to score Ackley, and then he came home when Justin Smoak singled, followed by Miguel Olivo singling in Smoak, Munenori Kawasaki singling in Kyle Seager, and Figgins doubling in both Olivo and Kawasaki, for a 6-run rally. Oakland made a feeble response in their half of the inning, as Seth Smith hit a sacrifice fly to score Coco Crisp. The Athletics got another back in the fifth inning with a solo home run by Jemile Weeks. Seattle replied in the sixth with a solo shot by Michael Saunders. Oakland fired back in their half of the inning as Kurt Suzuki doubled in Josh Reddick and Smith. The Athletics pulled within one on a Yoenis Cespedes three-run homer run in the seventh inning, also scoring Eric Sogard and Crisp. They couldn't find an equalizer though, and the Mariners held on to win 8-7. The win was awarded to Hernandez, Brandon League pitched a clean ninth inning for the save, and Colon was stuck holding the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Cleveland, with the Indians hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Brandon Morrow and Ubaldo Jimenez will pitch. Cleveland began in the fifth inning as Jason Kipnis hit a two-run homer run, also bringing in Casey Kotchman. Toronto tied it in the seventh inning on a Brett Lawrie 2-RBI single, scoring Kelly Johnson and Adam Lind. The Blue Jays took the lead in the ninth with a solo home run by Johnson. The Indians evened it in the bottom of the inning with Asdrubal Cabrera's solo shot. Toronto gained a 5-3 lead in the twelfth inning as Rajai Davis hit a 2-RBI double to score Edwin Encarnacion and Lawrie, followed by Davis coming all the way home with a Colby Rasmus single carving the path, and finishing the rally was a Johnson single to finish the trip for Rasmus. Cleveland attempted a comeback in the bottom of the twelfth as Travis Hafner singled Cabrera home, but they got no farther than 7-4. Casey Janssen picked up the win while Tony Sipp was stuck with the loss.
West a little, the Chicago Cubs host the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Matt Garza get the starts. Chicago struck first in the first inning when Joe Mather darted home on a wild pitch. Washington gained the lead with a two-run homer by Adam LaRoche in the fourth inning, also scoring Ian Desmond. The Cubs answered in the bottom of the inning on Reed Johnson's triple that scored Geovany Soto and Marlon Byrd, and he finished his trip around the bases when Mather hit a single. The Nationals got one back in the eighth inning when Danny Espinosa hit a solo home run, backed it up to take the lead on a Chad Tracy single scoring both Ryan Zimmerman and LaRoche, followed by Roger Bernadina doubling in Jayson Werth, and then Steve Lombardozzi singled to push in pinch runner Brett Carroll for a five-run inning. The final held at 7-4, with Ryan Mattheus getting the win, Henry Rodriguez picked up the save, and Kerry Wood was the losing pitcher.
Farther east, the New York Mets welcome the Atlanta Braves. Jair Jurrjens and R.A. Dickey throw today. New York drew first blood with a David Wright solo home run in the first inning. The Mets added on in the fourth inning with Lucas Duda hitting a solo shot. Atlanta answered in the fifth inning with a two-run blast for Martin Prado, knocking in Michael Bourn as well. New York regained the lead on a Josh Thole single that allowed Ike Davis to score in the bottom of the fifth. The Mets padded their lead with another solo home run by Duda. This made it 4-2, a final, with Dickey getting the win, Frank Francisco converting the save, and Jurrjens taking the loss.
Westward to Detroit, with the Tigers bringing in the Boston Red Sox. Josh Beckett and Doug Fister go head-to-head on the mound. Detroit struck first with a Miguel Cabrera two-run homer, also scoring Austin Jackson. The Tigers added an insurance run in the fourth as Prince Fielder blasted a solo home run, and Alex Avila padded the lead farther with his two-run blast that brought around Delmon Young. Fielder continued the Detroit offensive in the fifth with another home run, this time taking Cabrera with him. The Tigers scored again in the sixth inning as Jackson grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing safe passage for Jhonny Peralta to score. Detroit struck once again with a seventh inning grounding into a fielder's choice by Peralta, eventually resulting in Young scoring as Jarrod Saltalamacchia committed an error, and they followed it up with Andy Dirks' single to score Avila. Detroit would win 10-0, with the win going to Duane Below and the loss to Beckett.
Across the lake, the Milwaukee Brewers host the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and Zack Greinke are given the ball. Milwaukee started the scoring here on a second inning Corey Hart solo shot. The Brewers added a run in the sixth inning as Aramis Ramirez doubled to score Rickie Weeks, and he came all the way home with Hart's second home run of the game. Milwaukee struck again in the eighth with a Weeks solo home run, and a Carlos Gomez double to allow Ryan Braun safe passage home. The final was 6-0, with a win for Greinke and a loss for Wainwright.
On the west coast, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Dan Haren will be pitching. Kansas City started with a Jeff Francouer single to score Lorenzo Cain and Eric Hosmer in the first inning. The Royals struck again in the second inning with Cain hitting a sacrifice fly to allow safe passage home for Humberto Quintero. Kansas City scored again in the fifth when Eric Hosmer went yard with a solo shot. The Royals scored again in the sixth with Mike Moustakas blasting a solo home run of his own. Los Angeles finally got on the board in the seventh when Bobby Abreu doubled to bring home Kendrys Morales, and Vernon Wells followed up with a groundout that allowed Torii Hunter to dart home. Kansas City added insult to injury when Chris Getz darted home on an error in the eighth inning. The Angels only got to 6-3 before falling in the ninth, as Abreu hit a sacrifice fly to get Morales home. Hochevar got the win while Haren had the loss.
Backtracking to the desert, where the Arizona Diamondbacks host the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner and Daniel Hudson get to call to start. Arizona began with a first inning Aaron Hill solo home run, and they backed it up as Chris Young's double brought in Justin Upton. Hill went yard again for the Diamondbacks in the second inning, this time taking the pitcher Hudson home with him. San Francisco started assessing the damage and working on repairs in the fourth with a two-run homer of their own, off Pablo Sandoval's bat, with Melky Cabrera also scoring. Arizona took one back as Young doubled in another run, this time as Miguel Montero crossed home. The Giants charged back with a Brett Pill two-run homer run, also scoring Brandon Belt. They couldn't quite tie it, falling 5-4. Hudson had the win, J.J. Putz picked up a clean save, and Bumgarner was handed the loss.
East again to Houston, with the Astros welcoming the Colorado Rockies. Jamie Moyer and Lucas Harrell take their turns in the rotation. Houston began with a Jordan Schafer lead-off solo home run. The Astros added on in the fourth inning with J.D. Martinez hitting a two-run homer, also scoring Brian Bixler. Houston scored again in the fifth inning as Schafer sacrificed to allow Marwin Gonzalez to cross the plate. In the sixth inning, the Astros added on with a Chris Snyder single that brought in Chris Johnson. Houston continued to put them in one at a time with a seventh inning Martinez single driving in Travis Buck. Colorado broke up the shutout with a solo shot by Michael Cuddyer in the eighth inning. The Astros took it back as Johnson scored on a passed ball. The Rockies tried making a comeback in the ninth inning with Troy Tulowitzki's triple that got Dexter Fowler across the plate before he was brought around by a Todd Helton groundout, leaving the final at 7-3. The win belonged to Harrell, while Moyer suffered the loss.
Up to the second part of the battle of Pennsylvania today, as the Pittsburgh Pirates bring in the Philadelphia Phillies as the Penguins did for the Flyers earlier in the day. Cliff Lee and Jeff Karstens are on the hill. Philadelphia struck first on a Hunter Pence single to bring around Shane Victorino. In the sixth inning, Pittsburgh tied it with a Yamaico Navarro run on a wild pitch. The Pirates won 2-1 in the tenth inning as Alex Presley singled in pinch-runner Michael McKenry. Juan Cruz picked up the win while Joe Blanton was pinned with the loss.
Down the coast, the Baltimore Orioles host the Minnesota Twins. Francisco Liriano will duel with Tommy Hunter. Baltimore drew first blood on a second inning Adam Jones solo shot. The Orioles padded their lead in the third with Robert Andino singling Ronny Paulino home after a Josh Willingham error and J.J. Hardy's groundout into a double play providing ample time for Andino to dash home. Baltimore scored a few more in the fourth inning, beginning with a 2-RBI Andino single that sent Mark Reynolds and Paulino in, followed by Nolan Reimold using a single to get Andino all the way home. The Orioles got back to scoring in the seventh inning with solo home runs by Nick Markakis and Matt Wieters. Minnesota broke up the shutout in the eighth inning when Jamey Carroll grounded into a fielder's choice, paving the way home for Ben Revere, followed by Joe Mauer doing the same for Alexi Casilla. The final stuck at 8-2, with Hunter getting the win while Liriano takes the loss.
Inland a bit, the Cincinnati Reds bring in the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Mat Latos get the manager's approval to start. Miami busted things open with a fourth inning Giancarlo Stanton double to bring around Emilio Bonifacio. Cincinnati shot back in the bottom of the inning with a two-run blast from Joey Votto, also scoring Zack Cozart. The Marlins tied it in the fifth wit ha solo home run from Omar Infante, and took the lead with Stanton's single that allowed Jose Reyes and Bonifacio to score. Miami padded the lead in the seventh inning when Hanley Ramirez went yard, bringing in Bonifacio with him. The Marlins extended the lead in the eighth with a two-run homer for John Buck, knocking in Infante. The Reds got one back as Cozart hit a solo shot in the bottom of the inning. This made the final 8-3, with Nolasco earning the win and Latos taking the loss.
In Florida now, the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda goes up against David Price pitching. Tampa Bay led off with a first inning Luke Scott single to bring around both Desmond Jennings and Matt Joyce. The Rays extended the lead with a second inning Carlos Pena single that scored Jose Lobaton. Tampa Bay added on in the third inning with a solo shot for Joyce. New York found the scoreboard with an Andruw Jones single that knocked in Curtis Granderson, before coming all the way home when Eduardo Nunez singled him in. The Rays replied in the sixth inning with Scott doubling to score Ben Zobrist, and then he came home with a Jennings single helping him get there. Tampa Bay did some more damage in the seventh inning as Joyce singled to bring in both Evan Longoria and Pena. The Yankees tried to make a comeback in the ninth inning with Raul Ibanez hitting a sacrifice fly to drive in Granderson, and Nick Swisher hitting a 3-run home run that also brought in Russell Martin and Eric Chavez, but it still wasn't enough and they lost 8-6. Price earned the win, Fernando Rodney recorded the last out for the save, and Kuroda was given the loss.
West to Texas again, as the Rangers welcome the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy and Derek Holland will be entertaining the batters. Chicago struck early with a Paul Konerko single to score Alejandro De Aza. Texas tied it with a Mike Napoli single that knocked in Michael Young in the second inning. The White Sox broke the tie in the third inning with a Konerko double scoring both Brent Lillibridge and Adam Dunn. The Rangers shot back in their half of the inning with an Elvis Andrus single bringing in Ian Kinsler, and he came home on an Adrian Beltre sacrifice fly. Chicago took a 4-3 lead in the ninth inning as Alex Rios hit a solo home run, which was the decisive run. Matt Thornton had the win, Hector Santiago picked up the save with a clean inning of work, and Joe Nathan took the loss.
Farther to the west, the San Diego Padres host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano and Dustin Moseley will play from the mound. Los Angeles was on the board in the first inning with a Matt Kemp sacrifice fly paving the way for Dee Gordon to come home. The Dodgers added on in the third inning as Kemp singled in Gordon before coming home himself on an Andre Ethier double that also scored Mark Ellis. Los Angeles extended the lead again in the fifth inning on a solo home run for A.J. Ellis. San Diego would tie things up in the fifth inning as Chase Headley, Jesus Guzman, and Nick Hundley walked to force in Jason Bartlett, Cameron Maybin, and Chris Denorfia, followed by Headley coming in on a wild pitch and Orlando Hudson producing the tying run with his single to score Guzman. The Dodgers gained the lead again in the eleventh inning as Gordon hit a single that allowed A.J. Ellis to dart home. This held up for a 6-5 win, with Todd Coffey picking up the W, Javy Guerra notching the save, and Anthony Bass taking the loss.
Finally, we end the day in Oakland, with the Athletics bringing in the Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez and Bartolo Colon are the starting pitchers. Seattle led off with a first inning Dustin Ackley groundout to get Chone Figgins home. The Mariners extended the lead with a fourth inning Ichiro triple to score Ackley, and then he came home when Justin Smoak singled, followed by Miguel Olivo singling in Smoak, Munenori Kawasaki singling in Kyle Seager, and Figgins doubling in both Olivo and Kawasaki, for a 6-run rally. Oakland made a feeble response in their half of the inning, as Seth Smith hit a sacrifice fly to score Coco Crisp. The Athletics got another back in the fifth inning with a solo home run by Jemile Weeks. Seattle replied in the sixth with a solo shot by Michael Saunders. Oakland fired back in their half of the inning as Kurt Suzuki doubled in Josh Reddick and Smith. The Athletics pulled within one on a Yoenis Cespedes three-run homer run in the seventh inning, also scoring Eric Sogard and Crisp. They couldn't find an equalizer though, and the Mariners held on to win 8-7. The win was awarded to Hernandez, Brandon League pitched a clean ninth inning for the save, and Colon was stuck holding the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Friday, April 6, 2012
MLB Day 5 2012
Nine games of baseball today, meaning we're approaching full speed for the season. Our first stop of the day is in...
Arlington, Texas, as the Rangers host the Chicago White Sox. John Danks and Colby Lewis get the ball. Texas started with a Josh Hamilton sacrifice fly in the first inning, bringing in Ian Kinsler. Kinsler added on in the third inning for the Rangers with a solo home run. Chicago took one back with a sixth inning solo shot for Adam Dunn, and they tied the game later in the inning as Alexei Ramirez singled in Alex Rios. Texas answered as Michael Young hit a single to bring in Hamilton. The White Sox never recovered, falling 3-2 at the hands of the Rangers, with the win going to Lewis, the save coming from a close out job by Joe Nathan, and the loss being stuck on Danks.
Northeast of there, the Baltimore Orioles bring in the Minnesota Twins. Carl Pavano and Jake Arrieta will pace the game. Baltimore took little time in opening the scoring with a Nick Markakis two-run homer, also scoring J.J. Hardy in the first inning. The Orioles extended the lead on a Matt Weiters groundout in the fourth that allowed Markakis to score. Baltimore struck again in the sixth inning as Markakis tripled to score Hardy. Minnesota avoided being shut out with a two-run homer in the ninth inning by Josh Willingham, also scoring Joe Mauer, but they didn't tie the game, losing 4-2. Arrieta got the win, Jim Johnson picked up the save, and Pavano took the loss.
Down the coast, the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia and James Shields are the stud pitchers. Tampa Bay struck early with a first inning grand slam by Carlos Pena, helping to bring around Desmond Jennings, Evan Longoria, and Sean Rodriguez. New York started on the comeback trail with a second inning Raul Ibanez groundout allowing Alex Rodriguez safe passage home, followed by Marx Teixeira darting home on a wild pitch. The Yankees continued to claw back with Nick Swisher reaching on a fielder's choice, and Robinson Cano making it home safely, and they gained the lead when Ibanez went yard, scoring Rodriguez and Swisher too. The Rays got one back in the third inning on a solo Longoria home run. Tampa Bay tied it up in the ninth inning as Ben Zobrist tripled and knocked in Jennings, and then he crossed the plate as the winning run when Pena singled him in. The final was 7-6 Tampa Bay, and Fernando Rodney was the winning pitcher, while Mariano Rivera was stuck with the loss.
Towards the Midwest, the Milwaukee Brewers host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jaime Garcia and Yovani Gallardo will take their spots on the mound. Milwaukee began as Carlos Gomez tripled in Rickie Weeks and traveled the final ninety feet on an Aramis Ramirez groundout. St. Louis got one back with a second inning solo home run for Yadier Molina. The Cardinals followed this up with a third inning combo of Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday going yard back to back, a solo shot for each, and the bombing continued as David Freese lifted a two-run special over the left field fence that drove in Lance Berkman as well. St. Louis padded the lead with a Freese single in the fourth inning to bring around Rafael Furcal. The Cardinals extended the lead again with a sixth inning Berkman double that allowed Beltran to score. St. Louis peppered another run on the board with pinch hitter Shane Robinson singling to drive in Jon Jay. The Cardinals stepped up the attack in the ninth inning with pinch hitter Matt Carpenter doubling Molina and Daniel Descalso home before finishing the trip when Furcal did the same. The Brewers showed a sign of life in the bottom of the inning when George Kotteras hit a pinch hit home run, also scoring Mat Gamel and Jonathan Lucroy. This made it 11-5 Cardinals, with the win going to Garcia and the loss to Gallardo.
We return to the state of Texas with the Houston Astros bringing in the Colorado Rockies. Jeremy Guthrie and Wandy Rodriguez will throw tonight. Houston began with a first inning Carlos Lee single to bring in Jose Altuve. Colorado answered in a big way in the third inning as Troy Tulowitzki hit a sacrifice fly to score Marco Scutaro, followed by a Todd Helton double that scored Dexter Fowler before he crossed home plate himself on a Michael Cuddyer single. The Astros pulled back and tied with back to back fourth inning solo shots from Lee and Brian Bogusevic. The Rockies broke the tie when pinch runner Eric Young darted home on a Jason Castro error. Colorado got a little separation with a Tulowitzki solo shot in the ninth inning. They held on from there for a 5-3 win, which was credited to Guthrie, while the save belonged to Rafael Betancourt. Fernando Rodriguez suffered the loss.
Farther west, the Arizona Diamondbacks welcome the San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum and Ian Kennedy have the manager's approval to pitch. Arizona stepped out to an early lead with first inning home runs by Chris Young, who brought in Willie Bloomquist as well, and Paul Goldschmidt's solo shot. San Francisco got two of them back when Melky Cabrera homered and drove in Angel Pagan. The Giants tied it in the sixth inning on a Brandon Crawford groundout that allowed Aubrey Huff to dart home. The Diamondbacks answered in the bottom of the same inning on a Ryan Roberts 2-RBI double, scoring Justin Upton and Goldschmidt. San Francisco attempted a ninth inning comeback as Pablo Sandoval doubled and Cabrera reached home to pull within one, but they never tied it, falling 5-4. Kennedy got the win, J.J. Putz converted a rocky save, and Lincecum was tagged with the loss.
Finally, we'll end the day in California for three games, beginning with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Jered Weaver will be pitching. Los Angeles started scoring in the eighth inning on a Peter Bourjos single scoring Alexi Amarista, followed by an Erick Aybar 3-RBI triple forcing in Mark Trumbo, Chris Iannetta, and Bourjos, and he finished his trip around the bases on a Torii Hunter single. This was it for scoring, leaving the final at 5-0, with Weaver getting the win and Aaron Crow suffering the loss.
North a bit, as the Oakland Athletics take their rivalry with the Seattle Mariners back on American soil. Jason Vargas and Brandon McCarthy pace the game. Seattle got things started as Chone Figgins reached on an error that allowed Brendan Ryan to score, Jesus Montero hit a sacrifice fly to push in Figgins, and Kyle Seager knocked in both Dustin Ackley and Ichiro with a single, all in the third inning. Figgins added on for the Mariners in the fourth by singling in Michael Saunders. Oakland got some back in the bottom of the fourth with Yoenis Cespedes hitting a two run homer, also scoring Jonny Gomes. Seattle got them back as Figgins reached first on a bunt single to allow Saunders to score, followed by Ichiro's sacrifice fly to bring around Brendan Ryan in the sixth inning. The Athletics pulled to 7-3, a final, on an eighth inning Seth Smith single that scored Jemile Weeks. The win was credited to Vargas while McCarthy was stuck with the loss.
Finally, we go down to San Diego, where the Padres welcome the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Cory Luebke are the starting pitchers. Los Angeles started with a 2-RBI double for Andre Ethier, scoring Mark Ellis and Juan Rivera. The Dodgers upped the attack in the third inning as Matt Kemp provided passage for Ellis home before making it on a Rivera single. Los Angeles continued to run up the score when Ethier tripled in the fifth inning to score Kemp and Rivera, making it 6-0, where it would stay through the end of the game. Billingsley earned the win while Luebke was pinned with the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Arlington, Texas, as the Rangers host the Chicago White Sox. John Danks and Colby Lewis get the ball. Texas started with a Josh Hamilton sacrifice fly in the first inning, bringing in Ian Kinsler. Kinsler added on in the third inning for the Rangers with a solo home run. Chicago took one back with a sixth inning solo shot for Adam Dunn, and they tied the game later in the inning as Alexei Ramirez singled in Alex Rios. Texas answered as Michael Young hit a single to bring in Hamilton. The White Sox never recovered, falling 3-2 at the hands of the Rangers, with the win going to Lewis, the save coming from a close out job by Joe Nathan, and the loss being stuck on Danks.
Northeast of there, the Baltimore Orioles bring in the Minnesota Twins. Carl Pavano and Jake Arrieta will pace the game. Baltimore took little time in opening the scoring with a Nick Markakis two-run homer, also scoring J.J. Hardy in the first inning. The Orioles extended the lead on a Matt Weiters groundout in the fourth that allowed Markakis to score. Baltimore struck again in the sixth inning as Markakis tripled to score Hardy. Minnesota avoided being shut out with a two-run homer in the ninth inning by Josh Willingham, also scoring Joe Mauer, but they didn't tie the game, losing 4-2. Arrieta got the win, Jim Johnson picked up the save, and Pavano took the loss.
Down the coast, the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia and James Shields are the stud pitchers. Tampa Bay struck early with a first inning grand slam by Carlos Pena, helping to bring around Desmond Jennings, Evan Longoria, and Sean Rodriguez. New York started on the comeback trail with a second inning Raul Ibanez groundout allowing Alex Rodriguez safe passage home, followed by Marx Teixeira darting home on a wild pitch. The Yankees continued to claw back with Nick Swisher reaching on a fielder's choice, and Robinson Cano making it home safely, and they gained the lead when Ibanez went yard, scoring Rodriguez and Swisher too. The Rays got one back in the third inning on a solo Longoria home run. Tampa Bay tied it up in the ninth inning as Ben Zobrist tripled and knocked in Jennings, and then he crossed the plate as the winning run when Pena singled him in. The final was 7-6 Tampa Bay, and Fernando Rodney was the winning pitcher, while Mariano Rivera was stuck with the loss.
Towards the Midwest, the Milwaukee Brewers host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jaime Garcia and Yovani Gallardo will take their spots on the mound. Milwaukee began as Carlos Gomez tripled in Rickie Weeks and traveled the final ninety feet on an Aramis Ramirez groundout. St. Louis got one back with a second inning solo home run for Yadier Molina. The Cardinals followed this up with a third inning combo of Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday going yard back to back, a solo shot for each, and the bombing continued as David Freese lifted a two-run special over the left field fence that drove in Lance Berkman as well. St. Louis padded the lead with a Freese single in the fourth inning to bring around Rafael Furcal. The Cardinals extended the lead again with a sixth inning Berkman double that allowed Beltran to score. St. Louis peppered another run on the board with pinch hitter Shane Robinson singling to drive in Jon Jay. The Cardinals stepped up the attack in the ninth inning with pinch hitter Matt Carpenter doubling Molina and Daniel Descalso home before finishing the trip when Furcal did the same. The Brewers showed a sign of life in the bottom of the inning when George Kotteras hit a pinch hit home run, also scoring Mat Gamel and Jonathan Lucroy. This made it 11-5 Cardinals, with the win going to Garcia and the loss to Gallardo.
We return to the state of Texas with the Houston Astros bringing in the Colorado Rockies. Jeremy Guthrie and Wandy Rodriguez will throw tonight. Houston began with a first inning Carlos Lee single to bring in Jose Altuve. Colorado answered in a big way in the third inning as Troy Tulowitzki hit a sacrifice fly to score Marco Scutaro, followed by a Todd Helton double that scored Dexter Fowler before he crossed home plate himself on a Michael Cuddyer single. The Astros pulled back and tied with back to back fourth inning solo shots from Lee and Brian Bogusevic. The Rockies broke the tie when pinch runner Eric Young darted home on a Jason Castro error. Colorado got a little separation with a Tulowitzki solo shot in the ninth inning. They held on from there for a 5-3 win, which was credited to Guthrie, while the save belonged to Rafael Betancourt. Fernando Rodriguez suffered the loss.
Farther west, the Arizona Diamondbacks welcome the San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum and Ian Kennedy have the manager's approval to pitch. Arizona stepped out to an early lead with first inning home runs by Chris Young, who brought in Willie Bloomquist as well, and Paul Goldschmidt's solo shot. San Francisco got two of them back when Melky Cabrera homered and drove in Angel Pagan. The Giants tied it in the sixth inning on a Brandon Crawford groundout that allowed Aubrey Huff to dart home. The Diamondbacks answered in the bottom of the same inning on a Ryan Roberts 2-RBI double, scoring Justin Upton and Goldschmidt. San Francisco attempted a ninth inning comeback as Pablo Sandoval doubled and Cabrera reached home to pull within one, but they never tied it, falling 5-4. Kennedy got the win, J.J. Putz converted a rocky save, and Lincecum was tagged with the loss.
Finally, we'll end the day in California for three games, beginning with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Jered Weaver will be pitching. Los Angeles started scoring in the eighth inning on a Peter Bourjos single scoring Alexi Amarista, followed by an Erick Aybar 3-RBI triple forcing in Mark Trumbo, Chris Iannetta, and Bourjos, and he finished his trip around the bases on a Torii Hunter single. This was it for scoring, leaving the final at 5-0, with Weaver getting the win and Aaron Crow suffering the loss.
North a bit, as the Oakland Athletics take their rivalry with the Seattle Mariners back on American soil. Jason Vargas and Brandon McCarthy pace the game. Seattle got things started as Chone Figgins reached on an error that allowed Brendan Ryan to score, Jesus Montero hit a sacrifice fly to push in Figgins, and Kyle Seager knocked in both Dustin Ackley and Ichiro with a single, all in the third inning. Figgins added on for the Mariners in the fourth by singling in Michael Saunders. Oakland got some back in the bottom of the fourth with Yoenis Cespedes hitting a two run homer, also scoring Jonny Gomes. Seattle got them back as Figgins reached first on a bunt single to allow Saunders to score, followed by Ichiro's sacrifice fly to bring around Brendan Ryan in the sixth inning. The Athletics pulled to 7-3, a final, on an eighth inning Seth Smith single that scored Jemile Weeks. The win was credited to Vargas while McCarthy was stuck with the loss.
Finally, we go down to San Diego, where the Padres welcome the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Cory Luebke are the starting pitchers. Los Angeles started with a 2-RBI double for Andre Ethier, scoring Mark Ellis and Juan Rivera. The Dodgers upped the attack in the third inning as Matt Kemp provided passage for Ellis home before making it on a Rivera single. Los Angeles continued to run up the score when Ethier tripled in the fifth inning to score Kemp and Rivera, making it 6-0, where it would stay through the end of the game. Billingsley earned the win while Luebke was pinned with the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)