Thin slate today everyone, with a majority of the games coming in the morning/afternoon period as well. We begin with the...
Washington Nationals hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Mat Latos and Gio Gonzalez were tabbed to start today. Washington began with a fifth inning Adam LaRoche single, scoring both Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa. Cincinnati tied it in the ninth with a 2-RBI single by Ryan Ludwick, knocking in Joey Votto and Scott Rolen. The Nationals won it 3-2 in the tenth inning as Ryan Zimmerman scored on a wild pitch. Craig Stammen was in line for the win while the errant throw by Alfredo Simon produced his loss.
Over to Detroit, where the Tigers welcome the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeff Niemann and Drew Smyly were the opposing pitchers. Tampa Bay opened the scoring with a solo shot by Carlos Pena in the third inning. Detroit gained the lead in the fifth inning as Andy Dirks ripped a triple to score Alex Avila before he came home alongside Austin Jackson on a Brennan Boesch single. The Rays took one back as Evan Longoria lined a single to bring home Desmond Jennings. Boesch padded the Tigers lead in the bottom of the seventh with a 2-RBI single, knocking in both Jhonny Peralta and Dirks. Detroit made it 7-2 when Avila tripled in the eighth inning to score Prince Fielder and then ran the final 90 feet home on a wild pitch. This was a final, with Collin Balester getting the win and Niemann taking the loss.
Westward farther to Minnesota, with the Twins hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren and Francisco Liriano were given the ball. Los Angeles got things going in the second inning with a solo home run by Mark Trumbo, a Peter Bourjos double to bring in Alberto Callaspo, a 2-RBI single by Maicer Izturis that scored Bobby Wilson and Bourjos, and Izturis darting home on a Joe Mauer error. The Angels added on in the fifth inning as Vernon Wells hit a ground rule double that forced in Trumbo. Minnesota answered in the bottom of the fifth as Joe Mauer lifted a three-run homer, also scoring Denard Span and Jamey Carroll. The Twins tied it with a seventh inning rally as Josh Willingham hit a solo shot, Luke Hughes hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Chris Parmelee, and Span singled in Danny Valencia. Los Angeles retook the lead in the eighth on a Bourjos single that allowed Wells to score. Minnesota responded with Justin Morneau's two-run homer, also scoring Mauer, Valencia doubling to get Willingham across the plate and then he crossed home himself on a Hughes single. The Angels made an attempt to rally and tie in the ninth as Trumbo singled to score Albert Pujols and Callaspo grounded out to allow Torii Hunter to dash home, but they fell short losing 10-9. Jeff Gray got the win, Matt Capps pitched a rocky ninth for the save, and Rich Thompson was dealt the loss.
Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Derek Holland paced the game. Texas led off in the first inning as Michael Young lined a single to bring home Ian Kinsler. Young struck again for the Rangers in the fifth with a two-run homer, again bringing in Kinsler. Seattle got on the board in the sixth inning as Alex Liddi singled in Brendan Ryan. The Mariners pulled closer with a solo shot by Kyle Seager in the seventh inning. Texas took it back in the bottom of the seventh when Kinsler doubled to allow Yorvit Torrealba to score before coming the rest of the way home on a Young single. Seattle got as close as 5-3 in the ninth inning with a Miguel Olivo double that knocked in Jesus Montero. The win went to Holland, Mike Adams pitched a rocky ninth for the save, and Vargas was stuck with the loss.
Up north a tad, the Chicago Cubs host the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke and Matt Garza are on the hill. Chicago rallied to a large lead in the third inning as Reed Johnson singled in Steve Clevenger, followed by Darwin Barney's single to score Johnson, Starlin Castro's single doing the same for David DeJesus, Alfonso Soriano also singling to bring home Barney and Castro, before he came all the way home on an Ian Stewart single. The Cubs blitzed again in the fourth inning as DeJesus singled, and combined with an error by Alex Gonzalez, brought in Clevenger, before DeJesus made it all the way around with a Castro single. The scoring ended here, with Chicago winning 8-0, as Garza pitched 8 and 2/3 innings of 3 hit and 2 walk ball for the win, while Grienke was given mercy early in his loss.
Out in Colorado, the Rockies welcome the San Francisco Giants (spoiler: much lower score today than yesterday). The young Madison Bumgarner went up against the old Jamie Moyer on the mound. San Francisco began with a third inning Brett Pill single, scoring Pablo Sandoval. The Giants extended the lead in the fourth inning as Melky Cabrera singled to bring in Brandon Crawford. San Francisco padded the lead in the sixth inning as Angel Pagan singled to knock in Ryan Theriot before finishing his trip around on a Cabrera double. Colorado got going in the bottom of the sixth with a Dexter Fowler single that allowed Tyler Colvin. The Rockies tried to rally in the ninth with a bases-loaded Colvin walk that forced in Troy Tulowitzki, but this was all they could muster in a 4-2 loss. Bumgarner got the win, Brian Wilson had a slightly messy save, and Moyer took the loss.
Eastward to Philadelphia, where the Phillies host the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Joe Blanton were given the ball today. Philadelphia began with a fourth inning solo home run by Shane Victorino, followed by a John Mayberry single to drive in Hunter Pence. Miami got one back in the fifth inning as John buck singled to score Omar Infante. The Phillies padded their lead in the seventh inning with a solo shot by Ty Wigginton. This made it 3-1, a final, where Blanton picked up the win, Jonathan Papelbon earned the save, and Buehrle was a victim of a lack of run support in the loss.
Far to the west, the San Diego Padres bring in the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Anthony Bass receive the manager's approval to start. San Diego opened with a first inning single by Will Venable, scoring Cameron Maybin. Arizona tied it in the fifth inning as Aaron Hill hit a single that brought in Lyle Overbay. The Diamondbacks gained the lead in the sixth inning on a Jason Kubel double that scored Willie Bloomquist. Chris Young made it 3-1 Arizona in the eighth inning with a solo home run. This was good enough to win, as Kennedy earned the W, J.J. Putz converted the save cleanly, and Micah Owings was stuck with the loss.
Finally, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jeff Karstens and Chris Capuano will throw tonight. Los Angeles began with a first inning Juan Rivera sacrifice fly to allow Mark Ellis time to come home, followed by a James Loney single bringing home Matt Kemp and a Juan Uribe single allowing Andre Ethier time to score. Pittsburgh got one back as Michael McKenry hit a solo home run in the fifth inning. The Pirates pulled closer in the sixth inning on a Yamaico Navarro sacrifice fly that provided time for Andrew McCutchen to score. They never got an equalizer, falling 3-2, with Capuano getting the win, Javy Guerra converting the save, and Karstens holding the loss.
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Thursday, April 12, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
MLB Day 10 2012
All teams are in action today pending weather issues, and almost half played before the usual time. We begin
With the Cleveland Indians hosting the Chicago White Sox. John Danks and Justin Masterson got the starts today. Chicago began with a first inning rally sparked by Adam Dunn singling in Alejandro De Aza, followed by Brent Morel coming home with a Paul Konerko double, Dunn scoring on a wild pitch, and A.J. Pierzynski hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Konerko to score. Cleveland got one back as Asdrubal Cabrera scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the first. Travis Hafner pulled the Indians closer with a solo home run in the fourth inning. The White Sox got it back with a fifth inning Konerko single that brought around Morel. Cleveland replied in the bottom of the fifth with a 2-RBI double by Hafner, knocking in Shin-Soo Choo and Carlos Santana. Chicago boosted their lead with homers in the sixth inning, including a two-run De Aza blast to bring around Gordon Beckham and a three-run shot from Pierzynski that also scored Morel and Konerko. The Indians got a couple back in the seventh inning as Shelley Duncan lifted a two-run homer, forcing in Hafner. This made it 10-6, a final, with Danks earning the win and Masterson suffering the loss.
Staying in Ohio, the Cincinnati Reds host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jaime Garcia and Johnny Cueto were the pitchers. St. Louis opened the scoring in the third inning as Rafael Furcal tripled in the pitcher Garcia before finishing his trip on a two-run Jon Jay homer. Cincinnati replied in the bottom of the inning as Joey Votto's double gave Drew Stubbs time to score. The Reds tied it in the fifth as Jay Bruce hit a sacrifice fly to score Zack Cozart and Wilson Valdez laid down a bunt single to get Votto across the plate. Cincinnati won it with Chris Heisey's ninth inning single, bringing in Votto for a 4-3 win. Aroldis Chapman was the winning pitcher while Marc Rzepczynski was stuck with the loss and a lack of vowels.
Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays hosted the Boston Red Sox. Jon Lester and Ricky Romero were the aces pitching. Boston began as Jacoby Ellsbury singled to score Mike Aviles in the third inning. Toronto gained the lead in the bottom of the third as Rajai Davis tripled, forcing in Eric Thames, and then he crossed home on a Yunel Escobar sacrifice fly. The Blue Jays made it 3-1 in the eighth inning as Escobar hit a single that knocked in Davis. This was a final score, with Romero getting the win, Sergio Santos picking up the save, and Lester taking the loss.
Just stateside again, the Detroit Tigers hosted the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields and Justin Verlander were the stud pitchers. Detroit began as Miguel Cabrera hit a single to push in Austin Jackson in the first inning. The Tigers added on in the fifth when Andy Dirks scored on a balk. Tampa Bay rallied in the ninth as Carlos Pena walked and Jeff Keppinger came in due to the wild pitch, Evan Longoria singled to bring home Desmond Jennings, and Ben Zobrist used a 2-RBI single to finish Pena's and Longoria's trips around the bases. They held from here for a 4-2 win, credited to Shields, while Fernando Rodney converted the save, and Verlander was struck with the loss.
Over to New York, as the Mets welcome the Washington Nationals. Stephen Strasburg and Johan Santana were on the mound. Washington led off with a second inning Mark DeRosa dash home on a wild pitch. The Nationals added on with a seventh inning DeRosa bases loaded walk, forcing in Ian Desmond. Washington extended the lead with an eighth inning Chad Tracy groundout, allowing Xavier Nady to dart home. The Nationals made it a 4-0 game in the ninth with a Jesus Flores bases loaded walk, pushing in Ryan Zimmerman. Strasburg picked up the win, while Santana was the victim of a lack of run support in the loss.
Westward to Chicago, as the Cubs host the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and Ryan Dempster were tabbed as the starters today. Chicago got an early first inning lead when Starlin Castro hit a sacrifice fly to bring in David DeJesus. Milwaukee took the lead in the seventh with a two-run homer run by George Kotteras, also scoring Mat Gamel. This made it 2-1, a final, with Gallardo collecting the win, John Axford earning a save, and Dempster suffering a tough loss.
Out west further to Oakland, as the Athletics host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Brandon McCarthy were given the ball. Oakland began with Yoenis Cespedes scoring on an error by Brayan Pena in the second inning. Kansas City tied it when Alex Gordon singled Pena in during the third inning. The Royals gained the lead in the fourth inning with a solo home run by Billy Butler. The Athletics answered and took the lead with a two-run blast from Jonny Gomes, also scoring Cespedes. Kansas City retied it in the seventh inning with Gordon's solo shot. The Royals took the lead in the twelfth inning with a Butler double knocking in Eric Hosmer. Oakland ended up winning 5-4 with a bottom of the twelfth rally as Coco Crisp grounded out, providing time for Seth Smith to score before Gomes was hit by a pitch, which forced in Jemile Weeks as the winning run. Andrew Carignan was in line for the win, while Jonathan Broxton blew the save and took the loss.
South to San Diego, where the Padres brought in the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joe Saunders and Cory Luebke were on the hill. Arizona began with a first inning bases loaded walk drawn by Jason Kubel, forcing in Willie Bloomquist. San Diego gained the lead in the eighth as Chris Denorfia hit a two-run homer run, knocking in Cameron Maybin. They held on to win 2-1, with Ernesto Frieri getting the win, Huston Street pitching a clean ninth for the save, and David Hernandez being dealt the loss.
Way northeast, the Baltimore Orioles hosted the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia and Jake Arrieta paced the game. New York began with a first inning two-run home run by Curtis Granderson, also scoring Derek Jeter. Baltimore answered in the second inning as Robert Andino lined a single that allowed both Matt Wieters and Mark Reynolds to cross the dish. The Yankees retook the lead in the fifth when Jeter grounded out to allow safe passage home for Raul Ibanez. The Orioles gained the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Reynolds hit a 2-RBI double to knock in J.J. Hardy and Adam Jones. New York tied it again with a seventh inning Granderson single, scoring Russell Martin. The Yankees gained the lead in the tenth on a two-run homer by Nick Swisher, sweeping in Mark Teixeira. This made it 6-4, a final, with Rafael Soriano getting the win, Mariano Rivera picking up the win, and Kevin Gregg taking the loss.
Up in Philadelphia, the Phillies welcome the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson opposes Roy Halladay on the mound. Miami began with a second inning Johnson groundout, giving time for Omar Infante to score. Philadelphia rallied in the third inning, beginning with Placido Polanco singling in Juan Pierre, followed by Jimmy Rollins finishing Polanco's trip with a single, Hunter Pence doing the same for Rollins, and Freddy Galvis doubling Pence and Shane Victorino across the plate for a 5-run outburst. The Phillies extended the lead in the fourth inning as Victorino singled Rollins home. Philadelphia padded the lead with a Carlos Ruiz solo shot in the seventh inning. This made it 7-1, a final, with Halladay earning the win and Johnson being dealt the loss.
Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Colby Lewis received the manager's approval to start. Texas began with a first inning Michael Young single, driving in Josh Hamilton. The Rangers struck again with back to back solo shots in the seventh inning, as both Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus went yard. Seattle got on the board with an eighth inning Dustin Ackley single, knocking in John Jaso. The Mariners pulled closer with a Jesus Montero sacrifice fly in the ninth inning, allowing time for Justin smoak to come home, tied it on a Michael Saunders double to bring in Munenori Kawasaki, and they gained the lead as Jaso hit a single to finish the trip around for Saunders. Seattle held on for a 4-3 win, with Lucas Luetge getting the win, Brandon League converting the save, and Joe Nathan taking a tough loss.
Staying in the state, the Houston Texans host the Atlanta Braves. Randall Delgado and Wandy Rodriguez will be throwing. Houston scored first in the first inning with a J.D. Martinez solo home run. Atlanta tied it in the second inning as Jason Heyward singled in Dan Uggla. The Braves took the lead in the fourth inning with David Ross hitting a 2-RBI double, scoring both Chipper Jones and Uggla, and a Jack Wilson sacrifice that gave Heyward time to dash home. The Astros got one back as Martinez grounded out in the fifth inning, allowing safe passage home for Jordan Schafer. Houston pulled closer on a Carlos Lee bases-loaded walk, forcing in Marwin Gonzalez. Atlanta replied with an eighth inning solo shot by Heyward. The Braves padded their lead in the ninth inning as Jones hit a single that, combined with an error, gave Martin Prado time to dart home. This was it for scoring, leaving the final at 6-3, with Delgado picking up the win, Craig Kimbrel converting the save, and Rodriguez being stuck with the loss.
Northward to Minnesota, with the Twins welcoming the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver and Carl Pavano were sent out to pitch today. Los Angeles began the scoring in the fourth inning as Albert Pujols hit a single, allowing Howie Kendrick to score. Minnesota answered in the bottom of the fourth on a Joe Mauer single, pushing in Jamey Carroll before he came all the way home on Josh Willingham's two-run home run. The Angels regained the lead as Peter Bourjos hit an inside-the-park home run in the fifth inning, knocking in Vernon Wells and Chris Iannetta. Los Angeles extended the lead as Iannetta lined a double that provided Torii Hunter time to score in the seventh inning. The Twins took the lead back in the bottom of the seventh on Chris Parmelee's 2-RBI triple, scoring Ryan Doumit and Danny Valencia, and a Carroll single finishing Parmelee's trip around the bases. The final held at 6-5, with Jeff Gray getting the win, Matt Capps picking up the save, and Hisanori Takahashi taking the loss.
Southwest to Colorado, as the Rockies host the San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum and Jeremy Guthrie will pace the game. Colorado busted things open with a Carlos Gonzalez triple to score Marco Scutaro before he came home on a Troy Tulowitzki groundout in the first inning. The Rockies went back to work with a second inning Chris Nelson single, allowing Michael Cuddyer to come home. Colorado extended the lead in the third inning when Gonzalez tripled again, knocking in Dexter Fowler and then coming home on a wild pitch, followed by Ramon Hernandez singling in Tulowitzki. San Francisco got going in the fourth inning with back-to-back solo home runs from Nate Schierholtz and Brandon Crawford, followed by Melky Cabrera singling in Emmanuel Burriss, Pablo Sandoval doubling to force in Angel Pagan, Hector Sanchez singling in both Cabrera and Sandoval, and Schierholtz hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Gregor Blanco to cross the dish. The Rockies regained control after this seven run outburst with three of their own as Gonzalez hit a groundout to get Scutaro in, Tulowitzki lined a single to bring home Fowler, and Cuddyer's double finished Tulowitzki's trip around the bases. Colorado kept going in the fifth inning as Scutaro doubled in Eric Young before Gonzalez singled him the rest of the way home, who was then pushed across the plate on a Todd Helton double, who then came around with a Hernandez single, which also produced a Cuddyer run when an error by Brett Pill occurred, followed by Nelson doubling to get Hernandez home and Young tripling to bring Nelson across the plate. The Giants got one back in the seventh with a Schierholtz solo shot. The Rockies added one more for good measure in the eighth inning when Cuddyer ripped a double and Gonzalez crossed home on it. The final here was a walloping 17-8, with Matt Reynolds picking up a sloppy win, Tyler Chatwood pitching three innings to get a less-conventional save, and Guillermo Mota being stuck with the loss.
Finally, we end in Los Angeles with the Dodgers bringing in the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard and Chad Billingsley take their turns in the rotation. Pittsburgh was first on the board with a third inning solo home run by Clint Barmes. Los Angeles answered with a Juan Rivera single, driving in Mark Ellis. The Dodgers took the lead in the sixth inning as Andre Ethier singled to bring home Matt Kemp. Los Angeles added on in the seventh inning as Rivera singled in Dee Gordon before Tony Gwynn, Jr. brought him all the way in. The final held up at 4-1 with the win going to Billingsley, the save being converted by Javy Guerra, and Bedard suffering the loss.
With the Cleveland Indians hosting the Chicago White Sox. John Danks and Justin Masterson got the starts today. Chicago began with a first inning rally sparked by Adam Dunn singling in Alejandro De Aza, followed by Brent Morel coming home with a Paul Konerko double, Dunn scoring on a wild pitch, and A.J. Pierzynski hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Konerko to score. Cleveland got one back as Asdrubal Cabrera scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the first. Travis Hafner pulled the Indians closer with a solo home run in the fourth inning. The White Sox got it back with a fifth inning Konerko single that brought around Morel. Cleveland replied in the bottom of the fifth with a 2-RBI double by Hafner, knocking in Shin-Soo Choo and Carlos Santana. Chicago boosted their lead with homers in the sixth inning, including a two-run De Aza blast to bring around Gordon Beckham and a three-run shot from Pierzynski that also scored Morel and Konerko. The Indians got a couple back in the seventh inning as Shelley Duncan lifted a two-run homer, forcing in Hafner. This made it 10-6, a final, with Danks earning the win and Masterson suffering the loss.
Staying in Ohio, the Cincinnati Reds host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jaime Garcia and Johnny Cueto were the pitchers. St. Louis opened the scoring in the third inning as Rafael Furcal tripled in the pitcher Garcia before finishing his trip on a two-run Jon Jay homer. Cincinnati replied in the bottom of the inning as Joey Votto's double gave Drew Stubbs time to score. The Reds tied it in the fifth as Jay Bruce hit a sacrifice fly to score Zack Cozart and Wilson Valdez laid down a bunt single to get Votto across the plate. Cincinnati won it with Chris Heisey's ninth inning single, bringing in Votto for a 4-3 win. Aroldis Chapman was the winning pitcher while Marc Rzepczynski was stuck with the loss and a lack of vowels.
Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays hosted the Boston Red Sox. Jon Lester and Ricky Romero were the aces pitching. Boston began as Jacoby Ellsbury singled to score Mike Aviles in the third inning. Toronto gained the lead in the bottom of the third as Rajai Davis tripled, forcing in Eric Thames, and then he crossed home on a Yunel Escobar sacrifice fly. The Blue Jays made it 3-1 in the eighth inning as Escobar hit a single that knocked in Davis. This was a final score, with Romero getting the win, Sergio Santos picking up the save, and Lester taking the loss.
Just stateside again, the Detroit Tigers hosted the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields and Justin Verlander were the stud pitchers. Detroit began as Miguel Cabrera hit a single to push in Austin Jackson in the first inning. The Tigers added on in the fifth when Andy Dirks scored on a balk. Tampa Bay rallied in the ninth as Carlos Pena walked and Jeff Keppinger came in due to the wild pitch, Evan Longoria singled to bring home Desmond Jennings, and Ben Zobrist used a 2-RBI single to finish Pena's and Longoria's trips around the bases. They held from here for a 4-2 win, credited to Shields, while Fernando Rodney converted the save, and Verlander was struck with the loss.
Over to New York, as the Mets welcome the Washington Nationals. Stephen Strasburg and Johan Santana were on the mound. Washington led off with a second inning Mark DeRosa dash home on a wild pitch. The Nationals added on with a seventh inning DeRosa bases loaded walk, forcing in Ian Desmond. Washington extended the lead with an eighth inning Chad Tracy groundout, allowing Xavier Nady to dart home. The Nationals made it a 4-0 game in the ninth with a Jesus Flores bases loaded walk, pushing in Ryan Zimmerman. Strasburg picked up the win, while Santana was the victim of a lack of run support in the loss.
Westward to Chicago, as the Cubs host the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and Ryan Dempster were tabbed as the starters today. Chicago got an early first inning lead when Starlin Castro hit a sacrifice fly to bring in David DeJesus. Milwaukee took the lead in the seventh with a two-run homer run by George Kotteras, also scoring Mat Gamel. This made it 2-1, a final, with Gallardo collecting the win, John Axford earning a save, and Dempster suffering a tough loss.
Out west further to Oakland, as the Athletics host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Brandon McCarthy were given the ball. Oakland began with Yoenis Cespedes scoring on an error by Brayan Pena in the second inning. Kansas City tied it when Alex Gordon singled Pena in during the third inning. The Royals gained the lead in the fourth inning with a solo home run by Billy Butler. The Athletics answered and took the lead with a two-run blast from Jonny Gomes, also scoring Cespedes. Kansas City retied it in the seventh inning with Gordon's solo shot. The Royals took the lead in the twelfth inning with a Butler double knocking in Eric Hosmer. Oakland ended up winning 5-4 with a bottom of the twelfth rally as Coco Crisp grounded out, providing time for Seth Smith to score before Gomes was hit by a pitch, which forced in Jemile Weeks as the winning run. Andrew Carignan was in line for the win, while Jonathan Broxton blew the save and took the loss.
South to San Diego, where the Padres brought in the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joe Saunders and Cory Luebke were on the hill. Arizona began with a first inning bases loaded walk drawn by Jason Kubel, forcing in Willie Bloomquist. San Diego gained the lead in the eighth as Chris Denorfia hit a two-run homer run, knocking in Cameron Maybin. They held on to win 2-1, with Ernesto Frieri getting the win, Huston Street pitching a clean ninth for the save, and David Hernandez being dealt the loss.
Way northeast, the Baltimore Orioles hosted the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia and Jake Arrieta paced the game. New York began with a first inning two-run home run by Curtis Granderson, also scoring Derek Jeter. Baltimore answered in the second inning as Robert Andino lined a single that allowed both Matt Wieters and Mark Reynolds to cross the dish. The Yankees retook the lead in the fifth when Jeter grounded out to allow safe passage home for Raul Ibanez. The Orioles gained the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Reynolds hit a 2-RBI double to knock in J.J. Hardy and Adam Jones. New York tied it again with a seventh inning Granderson single, scoring Russell Martin. The Yankees gained the lead in the tenth on a two-run homer by Nick Swisher, sweeping in Mark Teixeira. This made it 6-4, a final, with Rafael Soriano getting the win, Mariano Rivera picking up the win, and Kevin Gregg taking the loss.
Up in Philadelphia, the Phillies welcome the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson opposes Roy Halladay on the mound. Miami began with a second inning Johnson groundout, giving time for Omar Infante to score. Philadelphia rallied in the third inning, beginning with Placido Polanco singling in Juan Pierre, followed by Jimmy Rollins finishing Polanco's trip with a single, Hunter Pence doing the same for Rollins, and Freddy Galvis doubling Pence and Shane Victorino across the plate for a 5-run outburst. The Phillies extended the lead in the fourth inning as Victorino singled Rollins home. Philadelphia padded the lead with a Carlos Ruiz solo shot in the seventh inning. This made it 7-1, a final, with Halladay earning the win and Johnson being dealt the loss.
Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Colby Lewis received the manager's approval to start. Texas began with a first inning Michael Young single, driving in Josh Hamilton. The Rangers struck again with back to back solo shots in the seventh inning, as both Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus went yard. Seattle got on the board with an eighth inning Dustin Ackley single, knocking in John Jaso. The Mariners pulled closer with a Jesus Montero sacrifice fly in the ninth inning, allowing time for Justin smoak to come home, tied it on a Michael Saunders double to bring in Munenori Kawasaki, and they gained the lead as Jaso hit a single to finish the trip around for Saunders. Seattle held on for a 4-3 win, with Lucas Luetge getting the win, Brandon League converting the save, and Joe Nathan taking a tough loss.
Staying in the state, the Houston Texans host the Atlanta Braves. Randall Delgado and Wandy Rodriguez will be throwing. Houston scored first in the first inning with a J.D. Martinez solo home run. Atlanta tied it in the second inning as Jason Heyward singled in Dan Uggla. The Braves took the lead in the fourth inning with David Ross hitting a 2-RBI double, scoring both Chipper Jones and Uggla, and a Jack Wilson sacrifice that gave Heyward time to dash home. The Astros got one back as Martinez grounded out in the fifth inning, allowing safe passage home for Jordan Schafer. Houston pulled closer on a Carlos Lee bases-loaded walk, forcing in Marwin Gonzalez. Atlanta replied with an eighth inning solo shot by Heyward. The Braves padded their lead in the ninth inning as Jones hit a single that, combined with an error, gave Martin Prado time to dart home. This was it for scoring, leaving the final at 6-3, with Delgado picking up the win, Craig Kimbrel converting the save, and Rodriguez being stuck with the loss.
Northward to Minnesota, with the Twins welcoming the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver and Carl Pavano were sent out to pitch today. Los Angeles began the scoring in the fourth inning as Albert Pujols hit a single, allowing Howie Kendrick to score. Minnesota answered in the bottom of the fourth on a Joe Mauer single, pushing in Jamey Carroll before he came all the way home on Josh Willingham's two-run home run. The Angels regained the lead as Peter Bourjos hit an inside-the-park home run in the fifth inning, knocking in Vernon Wells and Chris Iannetta. Los Angeles extended the lead as Iannetta lined a double that provided Torii Hunter time to score in the seventh inning. The Twins took the lead back in the bottom of the seventh on Chris Parmelee's 2-RBI triple, scoring Ryan Doumit and Danny Valencia, and a Carroll single finishing Parmelee's trip around the bases. The final held at 6-5, with Jeff Gray getting the win, Matt Capps picking up the save, and Hisanori Takahashi taking the loss.
Southwest to Colorado, as the Rockies host the San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum and Jeremy Guthrie will pace the game. Colorado busted things open with a Carlos Gonzalez triple to score Marco Scutaro before he came home on a Troy Tulowitzki groundout in the first inning. The Rockies went back to work with a second inning Chris Nelson single, allowing Michael Cuddyer to come home. Colorado extended the lead in the third inning when Gonzalez tripled again, knocking in Dexter Fowler and then coming home on a wild pitch, followed by Ramon Hernandez singling in Tulowitzki. San Francisco got going in the fourth inning with back-to-back solo home runs from Nate Schierholtz and Brandon Crawford, followed by Melky Cabrera singling in Emmanuel Burriss, Pablo Sandoval doubling to force in Angel Pagan, Hector Sanchez singling in both Cabrera and Sandoval, and Schierholtz hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Gregor Blanco to cross the dish. The Rockies regained control after this seven run outburst with three of their own as Gonzalez hit a groundout to get Scutaro in, Tulowitzki lined a single to bring home Fowler, and Cuddyer's double finished Tulowitzki's trip around the bases. Colorado kept going in the fifth inning as Scutaro doubled in Eric Young before Gonzalez singled him the rest of the way home, who was then pushed across the plate on a Todd Helton double, who then came around with a Hernandez single, which also produced a Cuddyer run when an error by Brett Pill occurred, followed by Nelson doubling to get Hernandez home and Young tripling to bring Nelson across the plate. The Giants got one back in the seventh with a Schierholtz solo shot. The Rockies added one more for good measure in the eighth inning when Cuddyer ripped a double and Gonzalez crossed home on it. The final here was a walloping 17-8, with Matt Reynolds picking up a sloppy win, Tyler Chatwood pitching three innings to get a less-conventional save, and Guillermo Mota being stuck with the loss.
Finally, we end in Los Angeles with the Dodgers bringing in the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard and Chad Billingsley take their turns in the rotation. Pittsburgh was first on the board with a third inning solo home run by Clint Barmes. Los Angeles answered with a Juan Rivera single, driving in Mark Ellis. The Dodgers took the lead in the sixth inning as Andre Ethier singled to bring home Matt Kemp. Los Angeles added on in the seventh inning as Rivera singled in Dee Gordon before Tony Gwynn, Jr. brought him all the way in. The final held up at 4-1 with the win going to Billingsley, the save being converted by Javy Guerra, and Bedard suffering the loss.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
MLB Day 9 2012
Originally we were scheduled for twelve games today, but rain in Cleveland postponed the Indians-Chicago White Sox game until a later date. Other games on the schedule begin with the...
Detroit Tigers hosting the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore and Rick Porcello were the starters. Tampa Bay began with a third inning walk drawn by Evan Longoria to force in Reid Brignac. Detroit answered in the bottom of the inning as Austin Jackson darted home on a wild pitch. The Rays got back to work in the seventh as Desmond Jennings singled to score Jose Molina. The Tigers retied it in the bottom of the seventh when Austin Jackson belted a solo home run. Detroit gained the lead in the eighth inning as Prince Fielder singled Miguel Cabrera home, then came across the plate himself on a Jhonny Peralta sacrifice fly, followed by Gerald Laird singling to score Clete Thomas. They held on from here to win 5-2, with Phil Coke getting the win, Jose Valverde converting the save with a clean ninth inning, and Jake McGee suffering the loss.
Out west, the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and Clayton Kershaw took their turns to pitch. Los Angeles began with a Matt Kemp groundout in the first inning, allowing Dee Gordon to dart home. Pittsburgh tied it in the seventh when Matt Hague grounded out, giving Alex Presley time to cross the plate. The Dodgers made it 2-1 in the eighth with an Andre Ethier solo shot. This was a lead they held, with Kenley Jansen earning the win, Javy Guerra picking up the save, and Jason Grilli being pinned with the loss.
Back on the east coast, the Baltimore Orioles welcomed in the New York Yankees. Freddy Garcia and Wei-Yin Chen got the starts. New York struck first with a lead off solo home run by Derek Jeter in the first inning. Baltimore tied the game with a J.J. Hardy solo shot in the bottom of the first, and they gained the lead as Nick Markakis came home on a wild pitch. The Orioles extended the lead in the fourth a Nick Johnson singled to bring home Adam Jones. Baltimore struck again in the fifth inning as Robert Andino dashed home to score on a wild pitch. The Yankees went on a rally in the sixth inning as Andruw Jones hit a sacrifice fly to score Robinson Cano, followed by Russell Martin reaching first on an error that allowed safe passage home for Mark Teixeira, and Brett Gardner singling Curtis Granderson across the plate. New York broke the tie in the twelfth inning with a Raul Ibanez double to knock in Cano for a 5-4 lead, which held after Mariano Rivera converted the save to go with the win for Clay Rapada. Pedro Strop took the loss.
Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays hosted the Boston Red Sox. Daniel Bard and Kyle Drabek make their first starts of the season. Toronto began as Edwin Encarnacion singled in the first inning, scoring Yunel Escobar. The Blue Jays added on as Adam Lind singled Escobar home again in the third, and later in the inning Kelly Johnson came across the plate as Brett Lawrie singled. Boston got on the board in the sixth inning as Adrian Gonzalez hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Jacoby Ellsbury to score. Toronto went back to work in the bottom of the sixth as J.P. Arencibia hit a 2-RBI single, knocking in Encarnacion and Lawrie, followed by a Colby Rasmus sacrifice fly to get Eric Thames home. The Blue Jays extended the lead again in the seventh inning as Encarnacion hit a solo home run. The Red Sox pulled back in the ninth as Gonzalez hit a ground rule double to force in Nick Punto and Ellsbury, but only got to 7-3 before falling. Drabek picked up the win and Bard suffered the loss.
Back in the states, the New York Mets host the Washington Nationals. Ross Detwiler and Dillon Gee will be on the mound. Washington was first to score with an Ian Desmond lead off solo home run in the first inning. The Nationals added on with a sixth inning Jayson Werth single to bring in Ryan Zimmerman, followed by Roger Bernadina reaching on an error that gave Werth time to finish his trip around the bases and Wilson Ramos doubling in Xavier Nady. Washington struck again in the seventh inning as Werth singled Zimmerman home again. In the bottom of the seventh, New York finally found a run as Justin Turner's single paved the way for Jason Bay to score. The Nationals answered in the eighth inning as Zimmerman's sacrifice fly provided Ramos time to cross the plate. The Mets replied with a Ronny Cedeño double, allowing Ruben Tejada to come home. This made it 6-2, a final, with Detwiler getting the win and Gee taking the loss.
Westward to Cincinnati, as the Reds bring in the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse and Mike Leake pace the game. St. Louis was first to score as Carlos Beltran hit a solo home run in the first inning. The Cardinals extended the lead in the sixth inning as David Freese went yard on a two-run homer, also scoring Lance Berkman. Cincinnati got on the board in their half of the sixth with a Joey Votto sacrifice fly providing Zack Cozart time to run home. They didn't score again, losing 3-1, with Lohse earning the win, Jason Motte pitching a clean ninth for the save, and Leake getting a hard-luck loss.
Southwest of there, the Houston Astros hosted the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Kyle Weiland were tabbed to start tonight. Houston got on the board in the second inning as Marwin Gonzalez singled home Chris Johnson. Atlanta got going in the third inning as Dan Uggla doubled in Brian McCann before finishing his trip on a two-run homer by Chipper Jones. The Braves extended the lead in the fourth inning with a solo home run by Tyler Pastornicky. The Astros got one back in the fifth inning as Carlos Lee singled to score Jordan Schafer. Atlanta got it back with a seventh inning Freddie Freeman fielder's choice that scored Michael Bourn. Houston pulled back in the bottom of the seventh as Lee lined a single to allow Schafer time to score, followed by Johnson's single forcing in J.D. Martinez. The Braves replied with an eighth inning Eric Hinske single, scoring Jason Heyward. This made it 6-4, a final, with the win going to Hanson, Craig Kimbrel picking up the save, and Weiland being dealt with the loss.
Up to Illinois, with the Chicago Cubs hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. Chris Narveson opposed Paul Maholm in pitching. Milwaukee busted out an early rally in the first inning, as Ryan Bruan hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Rickie Weeks, Aramis Ramirez reached on a fielder's choice that allowed Carlos Gomez to dart home, and then Alex Gonzalez cleared the bases on a three-run home run, sweeping in Ramirez and Corey Hart. The Brewers scored again in the third inning with a solo shot by Jonathan Lucroy. Chicago got on the board in the bottom of the third as Alfonso Soriano hit a 2-RBI single, bringing around David DeJesus and Darwin Barney home, followed by Jeff Baker's sacrifice fly to get Starlin Castro home safely. Milwaukee scored again in the seventh as Lucroy singled in Ramirez. The Cubs got one back in the ninth on a solo home run by Geovany Soto. The final held at 7-4 with Narveson earning the win, Francisco Rodriguez getting a spot save, and Maholm taking the loss.
Back south to Texas, as the Rangers welcome the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beaven and Neftali Feliz are on the hill. Texas got things going in the second inning with a David Murphy single that brought Michael Young home. This was it for the scoring, with Feliz getting the win, Joe Nathan pitching a clean ninth for the save, and Beaven suffering a very unlucky loss.
Out to California again, with the San Diego Padres hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Cahill and Edinson Volquez pace the game. Arizona opened early with a first inning Paul Goldschmidt double to score both Willie Bloomquist and Miguel Montero. San Diego got one back as Jesus Guzman grounded out to allow Chase Headley time to score in the third inning. The Padres tied it in the seventh inning on a Jason Bartlett single, scoring Orlando Hudson. The Diamondbacks gained a 4-2 lead with an eleventh inning two-run homer by Chris Young, knocking in Gerardo Parra as well, and they held on for the win, which went to Craig Breslow, while J.J. Putz got the save and Micah Owings took the loss.
Finally, up in Oakland, the Athletics host the Kansas City Royals. Danny Duffy and Graham Godfrey are the alliterate starting pitchers. Kansas City led off with a fourth inning Mike Moustakas double to score Billy Butler and a Humberto Quintero sacrifice fly that allowed Jeff Francoeur to make it across the plate. The Royals made it 3-0 in the seventh on a solo shot by Mitch Maier. The game was played through 8 innings before being called on account of rain. Duffy got the win, Aaron Crow converted the save, and Godfrey was pinned with the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Detroit Tigers hosting the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore and Rick Porcello were the starters. Tampa Bay began with a third inning walk drawn by Evan Longoria to force in Reid Brignac. Detroit answered in the bottom of the inning as Austin Jackson darted home on a wild pitch. The Rays got back to work in the seventh as Desmond Jennings singled to score Jose Molina. The Tigers retied it in the bottom of the seventh when Austin Jackson belted a solo home run. Detroit gained the lead in the eighth inning as Prince Fielder singled Miguel Cabrera home, then came across the plate himself on a Jhonny Peralta sacrifice fly, followed by Gerald Laird singling to score Clete Thomas. They held on from here to win 5-2, with Phil Coke getting the win, Jose Valverde converting the save with a clean ninth inning, and Jake McGee suffering the loss.
Out west, the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and Clayton Kershaw took their turns to pitch. Los Angeles began with a Matt Kemp groundout in the first inning, allowing Dee Gordon to dart home. Pittsburgh tied it in the seventh when Matt Hague grounded out, giving Alex Presley time to cross the plate. The Dodgers made it 2-1 in the eighth with an Andre Ethier solo shot. This was a lead they held, with Kenley Jansen earning the win, Javy Guerra picking up the save, and Jason Grilli being pinned with the loss.
Back on the east coast, the Baltimore Orioles welcomed in the New York Yankees. Freddy Garcia and Wei-Yin Chen got the starts. New York struck first with a lead off solo home run by Derek Jeter in the first inning. Baltimore tied the game with a J.J. Hardy solo shot in the bottom of the first, and they gained the lead as Nick Markakis came home on a wild pitch. The Orioles extended the lead in the fourth a Nick Johnson singled to bring home Adam Jones. Baltimore struck again in the fifth inning as Robert Andino dashed home to score on a wild pitch. The Yankees went on a rally in the sixth inning as Andruw Jones hit a sacrifice fly to score Robinson Cano, followed by Russell Martin reaching first on an error that allowed safe passage home for Mark Teixeira, and Brett Gardner singling Curtis Granderson across the plate. New York broke the tie in the twelfth inning with a Raul Ibanez double to knock in Cano for a 5-4 lead, which held after Mariano Rivera converted the save to go with the win for Clay Rapada. Pedro Strop took the loss.
Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays hosted the Boston Red Sox. Daniel Bard and Kyle Drabek make their first starts of the season. Toronto began as Edwin Encarnacion singled in the first inning, scoring Yunel Escobar. The Blue Jays added on as Adam Lind singled Escobar home again in the third, and later in the inning Kelly Johnson came across the plate as Brett Lawrie singled. Boston got on the board in the sixth inning as Adrian Gonzalez hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Jacoby Ellsbury to score. Toronto went back to work in the bottom of the sixth as J.P. Arencibia hit a 2-RBI single, knocking in Encarnacion and Lawrie, followed by a Colby Rasmus sacrifice fly to get Eric Thames home. The Blue Jays extended the lead again in the seventh inning as Encarnacion hit a solo home run. The Red Sox pulled back in the ninth as Gonzalez hit a ground rule double to force in Nick Punto and Ellsbury, but only got to 7-3 before falling. Drabek picked up the win and Bard suffered the loss.
Back in the states, the New York Mets host the Washington Nationals. Ross Detwiler and Dillon Gee will be on the mound. Washington was first to score with an Ian Desmond lead off solo home run in the first inning. The Nationals added on with a sixth inning Jayson Werth single to bring in Ryan Zimmerman, followed by Roger Bernadina reaching on an error that gave Werth time to finish his trip around the bases and Wilson Ramos doubling in Xavier Nady. Washington struck again in the seventh inning as Werth singled Zimmerman home again. In the bottom of the seventh, New York finally found a run as Justin Turner's single paved the way for Jason Bay to score. The Nationals answered in the eighth inning as Zimmerman's sacrifice fly provided Ramos time to cross the plate. The Mets replied with a Ronny Cedeño double, allowing Ruben Tejada to come home. This made it 6-2, a final, with Detwiler getting the win and Gee taking the loss.
Westward to Cincinnati, as the Reds bring in the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse and Mike Leake pace the game. St. Louis was first to score as Carlos Beltran hit a solo home run in the first inning. The Cardinals extended the lead in the sixth inning as David Freese went yard on a two-run homer, also scoring Lance Berkman. Cincinnati got on the board in their half of the sixth with a Joey Votto sacrifice fly providing Zack Cozart time to run home. They didn't score again, losing 3-1, with Lohse earning the win, Jason Motte pitching a clean ninth for the save, and Leake getting a hard-luck loss.
Southwest of there, the Houston Astros hosted the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Kyle Weiland were tabbed to start tonight. Houston got on the board in the second inning as Marwin Gonzalez singled home Chris Johnson. Atlanta got going in the third inning as Dan Uggla doubled in Brian McCann before finishing his trip on a two-run homer by Chipper Jones. The Braves extended the lead in the fourth inning with a solo home run by Tyler Pastornicky. The Astros got one back in the fifth inning as Carlos Lee singled to score Jordan Schafer. Atlanta got it back with a seventh inning Freddie Freeman fielder's choice that scored Michael Bourn. Houston pulled back in the bottom of the seventh as Lee lined a single to allow Schafer time to score, followed by Johnson's single forcing in J.D. Martinez. The Braves replied with an eighth inning Eric Hinske single, scoring Jason Heyward. This made it 6-4, a final, with the win going to Hanson, Craig Kimbrel picking up the save, and Weiland being dealt with the loss.
Up to Illinois, with the Chicago Cubs hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. Chris Narveson opposed Paul Maholm in pitching. Milwaukee busted out an early rally in the first inning, as Ryan Bruan hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Rickie Weeks, Aramis Ramirez reached on a fielder's choice that allowed Carlos Gomez to dart home, and then Alex Gonzalez cleared the bases on a three-run home run, sweeping in Ramirez and Corey Hart. The Brewers scored again in the third inning with a solo shot by Jonathan Lucroy. Chicago got on the board in the bottom of the third as Alfonso Soriano hit a 2-RBI single, bringing around David DeJesus and Darwin Barney home, followed by Jeff Baker's sacrifice fly to get Starlin Castro home safely. Milwaukee scored again in the seventh as Lucroy singled in Ramirez. The Cubs got one back in the ninth on a solo home run by Geovany Soto. The final held at 7-4 with Narveson earning the win, Francisco Rodriguez getting a spot save, and Maholm taking the loss.
Back south to Texas, as the Rangers welcome the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beaven and Neftali Feliz are on the hill. Texas got things going in the second inning with a David Murphy single that brought Michael Young home. This was it for the scoring, with Feliz getting the win, Joe Nathan pitching a clean ninth for the save, and Beaven suffering a very unlucky loss.
Out to California again, with the San Diego Padres hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Cahill and Edinson Volquez pace the game. Arizona opened early with a first inning Paul Goldschmidt double to score both Willie Bloomquist and Miguel Montero. San Diego got one back as Jesus Guzman grounded out to allow Chase Headley time to score in the third inning. The Padres tied it in the seventh inning on a Jason Bartlett single, scoring Orlando Hudson. The Diamondbacks gained a 4-2 lead with an eleventh inning two-run homer by Chris Young, knocking in Gerardo Parra as well, and they held on for the win, which went to Craig Breslow, while J.J. Putz got the save and Micah Owings took the loss.
Finally, up in Oakland, the Athletics host the Kansas City Royals. Danny Duffy and Graham Godfrey are the alliterate starting pitchers. Kansas City led off with a fourth inning Mike Moustakas double to score Billy Butler and a Humberto Quintero sacrifice fly that allowed Jeff Francoeur to make it across the plate. The Royals made it 3-0 in the seventh on a solo shot by Mitch Maier. The game was played through 8 innings before being called on account of rain. Duffy got the win, Aaron Crow converted the save, and Godfrey was pinned with the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Monday, April 9, 2012
MLB Day 8 2012
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.
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.
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.
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