Fantasy Baseball All-Stars Week 2 2012

As we start seeing full slates of games, the stats balance out nicely. Here's your top 5 + best at position players of the week.

1. Matt Kemp, 7 R, 12 H, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 0 SB, .545 AVG, .615 OBP
2. Yadier Molina, 7 R, 8 H, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 1 SB, .381 AVG, .458 OBP
3. Edwin Encarnacion, 6 R, 7 H, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 2 SB, .318 AVG, .375 OBP
4. Chis Young, 4 R, 8 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 2 SB, .364 AVG, .500 OBP
5. Josh Willingham, 6 R, 10 H, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 1 SB, .455 AVG, .538 OBP

As well as them, the following led at their positions: Ian Kinsler, Derek Jeter, Casey Kotchman, David Ortiz, Matt Cain, and Javy Guerra. Congratulations to all on the impressive week and we will run this again next Monday.

MLB Day 14 2012

Full slate as we head to afternoon games. We'll begin up in...

Canada, as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Baltimore Orioles. Brian Matusz and Kyle Drabek are pitching. Baltimore started with a second inning Ronny Paulino groundout that gave Wilson Betemit time to score. Toronto tied it in the fourth inning with a solo home run from Brett Lawrie's bat. The Orioles retook the lead on a solo shot by Adam Jones in the sixth inning. The Blue Jays answered in the bottom of the sixth with a large rally, starting as Edwin Encarnacion ripped a two-run homer to bring in Jose Bautista, followed by Jeff Mathis singling in Ben Francisco, Yunel Escobar hitting a 2-RBI double to drive in Rajai David and Mathis, Kelly Johnson lining a double to finish Johnson's trip around, and Johnson coming home when Lawrie was hit by a pitch. Toronto padded the lead with a Lawrie single to give Encarnacion time to dash home. This made it 9-2, a final, with Drabek earning the win and Matusz taking the loss.

Down to Miami, where the Marlins hosted the Houston Astros. J.A. Happ goes up against Anibal Sanchez in pitching. Miami started on a solo home run in the second inning by Omar Infante. Houston answered in the third as J.D. Martinez singled to bring around the pitcher Happ. The Astros gained the lead in the fourth inning as Jason Castro reached on an error, allowing Brian Bogusevic to score, followed by Jose Altuve grounding into a fielder's choice that gave time for Chris Johnson to dart home. The Marlins got one back as Logan Morrison hit a single to provide Giancarlo Stanton time to score in the fourth inning. Houston replied in the eighth inning as Altuve doubled in Bogusevic. Miami tied it in the eighth inning with a two-run homer from Hanley Ramirez, knocking in Emilio Bonifacio. The Marlins won it with a Ramirez single in the eleventh inning that drove in Brett Hayes for a 5-4 win. Chad Gaudin was in line to pick up the win, while David Carpenter choked up the final run in the loss.

North again in Philadelphia, where the Phillies host the New York Mets. Mike Pelfrey and Cole Hamels will be throwing. New York began in the first inning as Ike Davis hit a two-run homer, also scoring David Wright. Philadelphia got on the board as Jimmy Rollins singled in Juan Pierre in the bottom of the first. The Phillies tied it in the seventh inning as Ty Wigginton hit a sacrifice fly to score Rollins, and they took the lead with a Laynce Nix double to bring around Hunter Pence. Philadelphia added on with an eighth inning Pence walk with the bases loaded, forcing in Pete Orr, followed by a Wigginton double driving in Placido Polanco, Rollins, and Pence before John Mayberry brought Wigginton home with a single. This made it 8-2, giving Hamels a win and Ramon Ramirez a loss.

South to Atlanta, with the Braves hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. Chris Narveson and Brandon Beachy will play from the mound. Atlanta started with a first inning Brian McCann sacrifice fly to score Michael Bourn. Milwaukee tied it in the second inning as Jonathan Lucroy's single gave Aramis Ramirez time to dart home. The Braves got the lead back with a third inning three-run homer from Chipper Jones, sweeping in the pitcher Beachy and Martin Prado. Jason Heyward added on for Atlanta in the fourth with a solo home run. The Braves struck again in the eighth inning when Eric Hinske's single pushed in both Dan Uggla and Freddie Freeman. The Brewers got one back as Corey Hart ripped a double to score Ryan Braun in the ninth inning, before Lucroy hit a two-run homer to finish his trip around. They held from here for a 7-4 Atlanta win, with Beachy earning it while Narveson took the loss.

Continuing the zigzag pattern, we go north again to Washington, D.C., with the Nationals hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Mike Leake and Ross Detwiler are tabbed to start. Cincinnati began with a Ryan Ludwick grand slam home run in the first inning, sweeping in Zack Cozart, Scott Rolen, and Jay Bruce. The Reds added one more in the fourth inning as Ryan Hanigan singled to get Ludwick across the plate. Washington answered in the bottom of the fourth with an Adam LaRoche 2-RBI single, knocking in both Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa, followed by a Mark DeRosa groundout that gave time for Ryan Zimmerman to dash home. The Nationals pulled closer in the fifth inning when Desmond doubled to bring around Roger Bernadina. Washington tied it as Desmond singled Rick Ankiel home. Cincinnati gained the lead in the eleventh inning as Joey Votto doubled in both Drew Stubbs and Cozart, followed by a Rolen single that completed Votto's trip around, pacing them to an 8-5 win, with Jose Arredondo in line for the win, Sean Marshall converting the save, and Tyler Clippard being dealt the loss.

A bit farther north, the Boston Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore and Felix Doubront will oppose each other in pitching. Boston drew first blood with a three-run homer by Cody Ross, also scoring Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz. The Red Sox added on in the fourth inning as Kelly Shoppach doubled in Ortiz. Tampa Bay got going in the fifth inning on a Carlos Pena double to score both Chris Gimenez and Desmond Jennings before he came all the way home on an Evan Longoria ground rule double. Luke Scott tied it for the Rays with a solo shot in the sixth inning. Boston got the lead back with an Ortiz double in the sixth, driving in Youkilis. The Red Sox continued with a seventh inning solo shot from Mike Aviles. Boston held on to win 6-4, with Vicente Padilla getting the win, Alfredo Aceves converting the save, and Moore suffering the loss.

Westward to Kansas City, as the Royals host the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and Luis Mendoza take to the mounds. Kansas City got things going in the second inning on an Alcides Escobar double to knock in Mike Moustakas before he came home alongside Brayan Pena when Chris Getz singled. Cleveland answered, taking the lead with a rally that saw Shin-Soo Choo double to score Michael Brantley and Asdrubal Cabrera, a Shelley Duncan three-run homer that finished Choo and Travis Hafner's trips around the bases, and a Jack Hannahan single to force in Casey Kotchman. The Royals got one back in the fourth inning when Eric Hosmer grounded out, giving Getz time to get home. The Indians got it back in the fifth inning as Hafner hit a solo shot, followed by a Lou Marson double giving Duncan time to get home safely, and a Brantley double to score both Kotchman and Marson. Kansas City got one back in the sixth as Billy Butler singled Alex Gordon home. Cleveland responded with eighth inning home runs by Kotchman, also forcing in Duncan, and Kipnis, a solo shot. The Royals tried a ninth inning rally when Moustakas singled in Hosmer and then came the rest of the way home on a Pena single, but no more came of the run, and they lost 13-7. The win belonged to Jimenez while the loss went to Mendoza.

North to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Detroit Tigers. Rick Porcello and Chris Sale are in line to start. Detroit began as Gerald Laird hit a third inning solo home run. The Tigers added on in the fifth when Austin Jackson drew a walk and Jhonny Peralta scored on a wild pitch during the same play. Detroit extended the lead in the sixth inning when Prince Fielder scored on a wild pitch. Chicago got on the board with a Dayan Viciedo solo shot in the eighth inning. The Tigers padded the lead in the ninth with a Ramon Santiago single, driving in Laird, followed by a Fielder single to get Austin Jackson across the plate. The White Sox made it a 5-2 game in the ninth inning when A.J. Pierzynski's single poked in Adam Dunn. The win went to Porcello while Sale took the loss.

Northwest of there, the Minnesota Twins welcome the Texas Rangers. Neftali Feliz and Liam Hendriks take their turns to pitch. Texas busted things open with a fifth inning Mike Napoli solo home run. Minnesota took the lead with a bottom of the fifth two-run home run by Clete Thomas, also scoring Josh Willingham. The Twins added on as Jamey Carroll hit a sixth inning single that allowed time for Denard Span to score. The Rangers took the lead in the eighth inning as Elvis Andrus tripled in Ian Kinsler before coming the final 90 feet when Josh Hamilton hit a two-run homer. The final was 4-3 Texas, with Robbie Ross earning the win, Joe Nathan cleanly converting the save, and Glen Perkins getting hit hard in the loss.

Back to Missouri, as the St. Louis Cardinals host the Chicago Cubs. Paul Maholm and Jake Westbrook take the hill. St. Louis first dented the scoreboard in the second inning when Matt Carpenter singled in Carlos Beltran and Shane Robinson grounded into a fielder's choice that gave Yadier Molina time to come home. The Cardinals extended the lead in the third inning on a Matt Holliday single that brought around Rafael Furcal, followed by a Molina three-run home run to finish Holliday's and Beltran's trips around the bases. Chicago got on the board in the fourth inning when Reed Johnson scored on a wild pitch. The Cubs got another back in the fifth inning as Johnson grounded out to give Geovany Soto time to cross the plate. St. Louis replied with a Carpenter two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth, sweeping in Beltran as well. The Cardinals kept going when Carpenter tripled in Erik Komatsu and Molina. Chicago took one back as Starlin Castro lined a single to bring in Johnson. This cut it to 10-3, the final, with the win going to Westbrook and the loss to Maholm.

West from here, the Colorado Rockies hosted the Arizona Diamondbacks. On the hill we have Trevor Cahill and Drew Pomeranz. Arizona began with a two-run home run from Chris Young, also scoring Justin Upton. Young struck again for the Diamondbacks with a single in the third inning, bringing in Gerardo Parra. Arizona added on in the fifth inning as Aaron Hill singled in both Parra and Upton. Colorado avoided the shutout in the eighth inning with Tyler Colvin grounding into a fielder's choice to provide Jonathan Herrera time to score, and Troy Tulowitzki singling in Dexter Fowler. This made it a 5-2 final, with Cahill getting the win, Bryan Shaw converting the save, and Pomeranz suffering the loss.

Out to the coast, as the San Francisco Giants host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and Ryan Vogelsong make the starts. Pittsburgh opened with a second inning Garrett Jones solo home run and an Alex Presley single to score Neil Walker. San Francisco got on the board as Emmanuel Burriss hit a ground out to bring home Brandon Belt. The Pirates added on in the eighth inning when Walker laid down a bunt single, and combined with a fielding error, gave Andrew McCutchen time to get home safely, followed by Josh Harrison sacrificing to get Casey McGehee across the plate. This made it a 4-1 game, which was a final, where Correia got the win, Joel Hanrahan converted the save, and Vogelsong took a hard-luck loss.

Up in Seattle, the Mariners hosted the Oakland Athletics. Graham Godfrey and Blake Beaven take the mound. Seattle started with a second inning Brendan Ryan home run, also scoring Kyle Seager. The Mariners extended the lead in the third inning with Justin Smoak's solo home run. Oakland tied it in the fifth inning with a three-run home run by Eric Sogard, sweeping in Kila Ka'aihue and Anthony Recker. Seattle retook the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Ichiro doubled in Chone Figgins and Smoak grounded out to bring home Dustin Ackley. This made it 5-3, which held up the rest of the way, putting Beaven in the win column, giving Brandon League a save, and sticking Godfrey with the loss.

Southward to Los Angeles, as the Dodgers bring in the San Diego Padres. Edinson Volquez and Clayton Kershaw are the staff aces pitching today. Los Angeles began with Andre Ethier grounding into a fielder's choice to provide time for Dee Gordon to come home and Juan Rivera hitting a sacrifice fly to score Mark Ellis in the first inning. San Diego shot back on a third inning Chris Denorfia double, allowing Cameron Maybin to score. The Dodgers extended their lead in the bottom of the third as Matt Kemp hit a solo home run and Rivera singled to bring around Ethier. The Padres tied it with a sixth inning Orlando Hudson single to drive in Guzman and a Jeremy Hermida single that knocked in both Nick Hundley and Andy Parrino as the tying run. Los Angeles had none of it, winning in the bottom of the ninth as Gordon ripped a single to give Rivera time to score, winning it 5-4. The win went to Javy Guerra, while the loss belonged to Brad Brach.

Finally, we go to New York, with the Yankees hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jerome Williams and Ivan Nova were called on for the start. Los Angeles began with a second inning Mark Trumbo solo home run. New York tied it in their half of the inning as Raul Ibanez singled to bring around Robinson Cano. The Yankees rallied to a larger lead with Curtis Granderson's groundout allowing Brett Gardner to score, followed by Alex Rodriguez singling in Derek Jeter and then coming home on a Mark Teixeira double, and finally a Nick Swisher sacrifice fly to give Cano time to dart home. New York extended the lead in the fourth inning as Jeter went yard with a three-run home run, sweeping in Russell Martin and Gardner. The Angels got a couple back in the fifth as Chris Iannetta hit a two-run homer, also scoring Maicer Izturis. Los Angeles struck again in the sixth inning on an Izturis double bringing around Trumbo. The Angels kept chipping away as Albert Pujols hit a single to give Erick Aybar time to score in the seventh inning. The Yankees cooled the fire with a Swisher single to give Cano time to dash home, before coming home on a two-run homer by Ibanez. The final was 11-5 at this point, with Nova gaining a win and Williams taking a loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 13 2012

Another loaded slate of games as the teams hit the mid-series point for this weekend. We begin in Missouri...

As the St. Louis Cardinals host the Chicago Cubs. Chris Volstad and Lance Lynn will be pitching. St. Louis began with a fourth inning Yadier Molina single, knocking in both Matt Holliday and Matt Carpenter, before he came home on a Daniel Descalso triple, and Descalso crossed the plate on a Tyler Greene single. Chicago got on the board in the sixth inning when Starlin Castro's single provided David DeJesus time to come home. Jon Jay replied for the Cardinals in the seventh inning with a solo home run. This made it 5-1, a final, with Lynn earning the win and Volstad taking the loss.

To the east, as the New York Yankees host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson and Phil Hughes will take to the pitching. Los Angeles struck in the second inning with a two-run home run by Chris Iannetta, sweeping in Vernon Wells as well. The Angels added on with a third inning Albert Pujols double, knocking in Howie Kendrick. Los Angeles extended the lead in the fourth as Kendrick lifted a three-run home run, also scoring Iannetta and Erick Aybar. The Angels padded the lead with Wells hitting a solo home run in the fifth. New York got on the board in the bottom of the fifth with a Robinson Cano single driving in Eduardo Nunez. This was it for the scoring, leaving the Angels on top 7-1, with Wilson earning the win while Hughes suffered the loss.

Back west a bit, the Minnesota Twins host the Texas Rangers. Yu Darvish opposes Nick Blackburn. Texas got things going in the second inning with a Mike Napoli sacrifice fly to bring around Nelson Cruz. Minnesota tied it in the bottom of the second when Alexi Casilla reached on an error, giving Danny Valencia time to reach home. The Rangers took the lead again in the third inning with a solo home run by Josh Hamilton. The Twins tied it again with a sixth inning Denard Span double, bringing home Valencia. Texas regained the lead in the seventh inning as Adrian Beltre singled in Brandon Snyder and Michael Young did the same for Hamilton. The Rangers padded the lead in the ninth as Beltre pushed Hamilton home again with a double, before coming home as Young reached on an error to make the score 6-2 in the end. The win went to Robbie Ross, and the loss belonged to Brian Duensing.

East again as the Washington Nationals host the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and Edwin Jackson were called on for the starts. Cincinnati began with a Drew Stubbs single to score Miguel Cairo. Washington tied it with a Jesus Flores single that brought in Jayson Werth. The Nationals added on as Adam LaRoche knocked in both Danny Espinosa and Ryan Zimmerman with a third inning double. Washington struck again in the seventh inning as Werth hit a double to bring in Espinosa. This gave them a 4-1 lead, which was the final, giving Jackson a 2-hit and 1-walk win while Bailey suffered from a lack of offense behind him in the loss.

Up in Philadelphia, the Phillies hosted the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and Vance Worley took to the pitching. New York opened with a David Wright solo home run in the first inning. The Mets added on in the fourth inning when Jason Bay grounded into a double play that allowed Daniel Murphy time to score, followed by a two-run homer from Lucas Duda that swept in Wright. New York made it 5-0 in the ninth inning as Ruben Tejada singled in Mike Baxter. This was a final, with Niese getting the win and Vorley taking the loss while scowling at the offense.

Into Massachusetts, where the Boston Red Sox welcome the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeremy Hellickson and Clay Buchholz were on the hill today. Tampa Bay struck first with a first inning double by Carlos Pena to bring around Desmond Jennings, before coming home alongside Ben Zobrist on a Luke Scott three-run home run. Boston got going with a second inning two-run home run by Jarrod Saltalamacchia, also scoring Ryan Sweeney. The Rays extended the lead as Scott doubled to allow Matt Joyce time to come home. The Red Sox answered in the bottom of the third when Dustin Pedroia hit a solo shot. Boston tied it up in the fifth inning with a David Ortiz home run, also scoring Kevin Youkilis. The Red Sox gained the lead in the seventh inning as Mike Aviles launched a solo home run, followed by a Cody Ross double to bring home Adrian Gonzalez and Youkilis. Boston padded the lead in the eighth inning as Ortiz ripped a 3-RBI double to knock in Aviles, Pedroia, and Youkilis, and then Ross launched a two-run homer to finish Ortiz's trip around the bases. This made it a 13-5 win for the Red Sox, with the credit going to Buchholz for the win, and Burke Badenhop for the loss.

North of the border, the Toronto Blue Jays hosted the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel of near no-no fame and Henderson Alvarez took the mound today. Baltimore began as Matt Wieters grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing J.J. Hardy to reach home. Toronto tied it with a Kelly Johnson solo home run in the bottom of the first. The Blue Jays got the lead in the second inning when Colby Rasmus singled in Eric Thames. The Orioles got the lead back with a Chris Davis two-run home run in the fourth inning, also scoring Mark Reynolds. Toronto regained the lead in the sixth on a Thames sacrifice fly to bring around Adam Lind and a Rasmus single that gave Edwin Encarnacion time to score. Baltimore tied it in the eighth inning as Wilson Betemit hit a solo shot. The Orioles gained a 6-4 lead they would hold onto in the ninth inning as Nolan Reimold ripped a two-run homer, sweeping in Ryan Flaherty as well. The win went to Luis Ayala, Jim Johnson picked up the save, and Francisco Cordero was pinned with the loss.

Into Chicago, as the White Sox host the Detroit Tigers. Adam Wilk and Gavin Floyd got the manager's approval to pitch. Chicago began on an Alexei Ramirez solo home run in the second inning. The White Sox added on in the fifth inning with a solo shot from Tyler Flowers. Chicago struck again with a sixth inning Adam Dunn double to bring around Brent Morel. The White Sox put another one on the board as Flowers came home on an Alejandro De Aza triple. Detroit avoided the shutout in the eighth inning when Brennan Boesch launched a solo home run. Chicago took it back and made it a 5-1 final with a Paul Konerko solo shot in the bottom of the eighth. Floyd got the win while Wilk took the loss.

Onward to Kansas City, as the Royals host the Cleveland Indians. Jeanmar Gomez and Jonathan Sanchez throw tonight. Cleveland rallied to a large third inning lead with Asdrubal Cabrera singling in Michael Brantley and then scoring when Carlos Santana doubled, followed by Jose Lopez doubling in both Shin-Soo Choo and Santana, and lastly a Jason Donald sacrifice fly to bring around Shelley Duncan. Kansas City answered in the bottom of the third on an Alcides Escobar triple that forced in Mike Moustakas before he came all the way home on a Jarrod Dyson sacrifice fly. The Indians went back to work in the fourth with a Santana single that scored Cabrera. Cleveland added on with a pair of fifth inning homers as Casey Kotchman hit a solo home run and Jason Kipnis went yard for a two-run homer, also scoring Donald. The Royals replied in their half of the inning on a Moustakas double that gave Yuniesky Betancourt time to score, and he came all the way home when Escobar grounded into a double play. Kansas City pulled closer with a pair of RBI doubles in the sixth, as Billy Butler knocked in Jeff Francoeur and was scored by Moustakas later on. The Royals stayed on the attack in the seventh as Eric Hosmer doubled to bring home Dyson, and then came around when Butler provided ample time with a single. Kansas City tied it in the eighth with a Betancourt solo home run, making it 9 all. The Indians saved the meltdown with a tenth inning Choo 2-RBI double, sweeping in both Kipnis and Brantley, and holding on to win 11-9. The win went to Jairo Asencio, Chris Perez converted the save, and Greg Holland blew up to get stuck with the loss.

Southeast to Miami, where the Marlins host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Carlos Zambrano took their turns in the rotation. Houston began in the first inning when Carlos Lee singled in Jordan Schafer. Miami tied it with a Logan Morrison single in the first inning, providing Emilio Bonifacio time to score. The Marlins staked a sizable lead in the third inning when Hanley Ramirez singled to bring around Jose Reyes, Morrison hit a sacrifice fly allowing Bonifacio to cross the plate, and Gaby Sanchez singled to finish Ramirez's trip around. The Astros gained the lead with a fierce ninth inning rally beginning with Travis Buck singling Jose Altuve home and then coming home on a J.D. Martinez single, followed by Lee singling Schafer home and Brian Bogusevic reaching on an error that gave Justin Maxwell time to dart home as the go-ahead 5-4 run. This lead held up, giving the win to Rhiner Cruz, while Brett Myers converted the save, and Heath Bells imploded for a blown save and loss.

Up a tad to Atlanta, with the Braves hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum and Mike Minor were on the mound tonight. Atlanta began with a second inning single by Jason Heyward, which combined with an error allowed Brian McCann to score, and Juan Francisco singling to complete Heyward's trip around. Milwaukee got on the board in the eighth when Norichika Aoki singled and Mat Gamel scored after a subsequent error in the field. They never the equalizer though, and the Brewers fell 2-1 to the Braves. Minor earned the win, Craig Kimbrel picked up another save, and Marcum threw well in the loss.

Out west, the Colorado Rockies host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Josh Collmenter and Jhoulys Chacin pitched until the fourth inning rain delay. Arizona started with a first inning Chris Young single, bringing in Ryan Roberts. Colorado gained a lead with a pair of homers in the second inning as Tyler Colvin launched a two-run home run, also scoring Michael Cuddyer, followed by a solo shot from Ramon Hernandez. The Rockies padded the lead in the third with Cuddyer's single, bringing around Dexter Fowler. Colorado extended the lead in the fourth with a Chacin groundout that gave Jordan Pacheco time to score. The Diamondbacks pulled back after the delay with a fifth inning, three-run home run by Miguel Montero, forcing in Roberts and Justin Upton as well. Arizona tied it in the sixth inning as John McDonald doubled to score Aaron Hill. The Diamondbacks gained the lead with a seventh inning Paul Goldschmidt sacrifice fly giving Upton time to dash home. Arizona kept going when Gerardo Parra reached on an error in the eighth inning, allowing McDonald to finish his trip around the bases. Colorado pulled back with Eric Young's bottom of the eighth double to push in Colvin. The Rockies won it in the bottom of the ninth as Todd Helton launched a two-run homer, also scoring Marco Scutaro for a walk-off 8-7 win. Tyler Chatwood picked up the win, and J.J. Putz was stuck holding the loss.

Into California, where the San Francisco Giants welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates. Charlie Morton and Barry Zito get the starting nods. Pittsburgh got things going in the first inning as Neil Walker singled in both Andrew McCutchen and Casey McGehee. San Francisco answered in the second inning when Nate Schierholtz tripled in Hector Sanchez before coming the final 90 feet on an Emmanuel Burriss single. The Pirates got it back with Jose Tabata reaching on an error in the fifth, giving time for Alex Presley to dart home and score. The Giants retied it in their half of the inning when Pablo Sandoval singled, scoring Angel Pagan. San Francisco took a 4-3 lead and victory in the ninth inning as Melky Cabrera reached on an error, allowing Burriss to dash home as the winning run. The winning pitcher was Javier Lopez, while Chris Resop was dealt the loss.

Down the coast, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the San Diego Padres. Joe Wieland and Ted Lilly were sent out to pitch tonight. San Diego struck first in the first inning on a Jesus Guzman single to score Cameron Maybin. Los Angeles answered in the bottom of the first with a two-run homer by Matt Kemp, also scoring Dee Gordon, an Andre Ethier solo shot, and a sacrifice fly by Adam Kennedy to bring in James Loney. The Dodgers made it 6-1 in the second inning, with Kemp going yard again, this time taking Tony Gwynn, Jr. with him, which concluded the scoring in this game. Lilly got the win and Wieland took the loss.

Finally, we're in Washington state as the Seattle Mariners bring in the Oakland Athletics. Tommy Milone and Hector Noesi are the relatively unknown pitchers. Seattle began with a second inning solo home run by Jesus Montero. The Mariners added on in the sixth inning as Justin Smoak drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Brendan Ryan, and then Montero doubled in Chone Figgins and Dustin Ackley. Noesi was in line for the win while Milone was victimized by the lack of offense around him in the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion. 

MLB Day 12 2012

More morning and afternoon games today, beginning in New York, with the Yankees hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Hiroki Kuroda were handed the ball today. New York began with a 3-RBI double in the first inning off the bat of Nick Swisher, knocking in Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano, and Mark Teixeira. Rodriguez added on for the Yankees in the third inning with a solo home run. Curtis Granderson extended the New York lead with a solo shot in the fifth inning. This made it 5-0, a final, with Kuroda earning the win and Santana taking the loss.

Up to Massachusetts, as the Boston Red Sox begin the 100th season in Fenway Park by hosting the Tampa Bay Rays. David Price and Josh Beckett make the starts. Tampa Bay began with a second inning Jeff Keppinger double that allowed Ben Zobrist to score. Boston answered in the third inning when Adrian Gonzalez singled in Kelly Shoppach, followed by a Kevin Youkilis sacrifice fly to score Jacoby Ellsbury and a David Ortiz single allowing Dustin Pedroia safe passage home. The Red Sox added on with a fourth inning Ellsbury single, providing Shoppach time to get home. Boston rallied in the eighth inning to extend the lead by far as Shoppach doubled in both Darnell McDonald and Cody Ross, Ryan Sweeney singled to bring in Mike Aviles and Shoppach, Youkilis singled to knock in Sweeney and Pedroia, Ortiz doubled in Gonzalez, and Ross hit a sacrifice fly giving Youkilis time to dash home to conclude an 8-run rally. The Rays got one back in the ninth as Zobrist hit a solo home run, making it 12-2, a final. Beckett got a convincing win, while Price suffered an ugly loss.

Switching our Sox as we head to Chicago, where the White Sox host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Jake Peavy were in control of the pitching. Chicago started in the fifth inning as Dayan Viciedo hit a solo home run. The White Sox added on in the sixth inning when Paul Konerko singled to score Alejandro De Aza before coming home on an A.J. Pierzynski triple. Detroit got some back as Delmon Young lifted a two-run homer in the seventh inning, also scoring Miguel Cabrera. Chicago got them back as Brent Morel singled to drive in De Aza before eventually coming home on a wild pitch later in the eighth inning. This made it 5-2, which was a final. Peavy picked up the win, Hector Santiago earned the save, and Scherzer was dealt the loss.

Speaking of Chicago, the Cubs are down south a bit visiting the St. Louis Cardinals. Jeff Samardzija and Adam Wainwright were given the starting nods. Chicago began with a first inning Starlin Castro single, driving in David DeJesus, before coming home alongside Darwin Barney when Ian Stewart unleashed a three-run home run. The Cubs padded the lead as Bryan LaHair launched a grand slam in the third inning, forcing in Castro, Alfonso Soriano, and Stewart. Chicago got another one in the fourth inning as Soriano grounded into a double play that provided DeJesus time to dash home. St. Louis got going in the fifth inning when Jon Jay singled in Shane Robinson, followed by David Freese doing the same for Jay, Yadier Molina doing likewise for Carlos Beltran, and Freese and Molina both crossing the plate when Matt Carpenter tripled. They couldn't rally again to tie it, falling 9-5. Samardzija got the win while Wainwright took the loss.

Also in Missouri, the Kansas City Royals welcome the Cleveland Indians. Derek Lowe and Luke Hochevar were the starting pitchers. Cleveland began with a large first inning scoring spree, as Shin-Soo Choo hit a 2-RBI single to score Michael Brantley and Asdrubal Cabrera before coming home on a Shelley Duncan single, followed by Jason Kipnis tripling in both Duncan and Casey Kotchman before he crossed the plate when Jack Hannahan singled, and the rally concluded when Hannahan scored on a Brantley double. Kansas City got one back in the bottom of the first with an Eric Hosmer single to bring home Jarrod Dyson. The Royals clawed closer with Alex Gordon singling in Billy Butler in the fourth inning, followed by Mike Moustakas doubling to score Yuniesky Betancourt. The Indians boosted the lead with a ninth inning solo shot by Cabrera. This made it 8-3, a final, where Lowe picked up the win while Hochevar was stung with the loss.

Out in California, the San Francisco Giants hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates. James McDonald and Matt Cain took their turns in the rotation. San Francisco started with a first inning Buster Posey double to bring in Melky Cabrera before finishing his trip on an Aubrey Huff single. The Giants padded the lead in the sixth inning as Nate Schierholtz singled in Pablo Sandoval. San Francisco extended the lead in the eighth inning on a Huff two-run homer, also scoring Cabrera. This was it here, with the Giants winning 5-0. Cain threw a 1-hitter for the win while McDonald did far worse in the loss.

Back east, the Washington Nationals host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Jordan Zimmermann will throw. Cincinnati began with a fifth inning Arroyo sacrifice fly to bring in Willie Harris. Washington tied it in the eighth inning with a Xavier Nady solo home run. The Nationals won it in the thirteenth inning as Jayson Werth's single drove in Danny Espinosa. Craig Stammen was in line for the win while Sean Marshall took the loss.

In Philadelphia, the Phillies welcome the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and Cliff Lee are the studly #2 pitchers on the mound. New York started in the first inning with Daniel Murphy doubling to score Ruben Tejada, before he came all the way around on a two-run homer by Jason Bay. Philadelphia got one back when Freddy Galvis hit a solo home run in the third inning. The Mets replied with a Scott Hairston solo shot in the fifth inning. New York padded the lead in the ninth as Lucas Duda hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Justin Turner. The Phillies got one back with as Juan Pierre reached on an error that allowed Carlos Ruiz to come home, making it a 5-2 final. Dickey earned the win while Lee suffered the loss despite his perfect day at the plate.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Baltimore Orioles. Tommy Hunter and Brandon Morrow pace the game tonight. Baltimore led off with a first inning Nick Markakis sacrifice fly, allowing Nolan Reimold to score. Toronto tied it in the bottom of the first as Kelly Johnson lifted a solo home run. The Orioles took the lead back in the fourth inning as Adam Jones singled in Markakis. The Blue Jays retied it in their half of the inning as Adam Lind reached on an error, which provided Jose Bautista time to dart home. Baltimore went back to work in the fifth inning with a Robert Andino solo home run. Toronto gained the lead in the bottom of the fifth with solo shots from the bats of Colby Rasmus and Yunel Escobar. The Orioles tied it in the sixth inning with a solo home run by Jones. Edwin Encarnacion restored the lead in the bottom of the sixth by lifting his own solo home run. Baltimore took the lead with a 2-RBI single from Wilson Betemit, forcing in Reimold and Markakis. The Orioles added on with a Reimold solo shot in the ninth inning. This made it 7-5, which was a final, with the win going to Darren O'Day, Jim Johnson picking up a nearly rocky save, and Darren Oliver suffering the loss.

Down in Florida, the Miami Marlins host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Ricky Nolasco are tabbed to pitch. Houston began with a Jed Lowrie single that gave Jordan Schafer time to score. Miami replied in the bottom of the first on Giancarlo Stanton's double to score Jose Reyes before coming all the way home on an Omar Infante single. The Marlins padded the lead when the pitcher Nolasco scored on a wild pitch in the second inning. Miami struck again in the third inning with a Chris Coghlan groundout that eventually scored Infante when Carlos Lee made a fielding error. The Astros got one back in the fourth with a Jason Castro single to bring around J.D. Martinez. Houston tied it with a two-run homer by Martinez in the eighth inning, also scoring Lowrie. The Marlins won it in the eleventh with a Gaby Sanchez double that brought home Coghlan as the decisive run in a 5-4 game. Ryan Webb was in line for the win while Brandon Lyon was stuck with the loss.

Just to the north in Georgia, the Atlanta Braves bring in the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf and Jair Jurrjens earned the starts. Atlanta started with a first inning Brian McCann double to knock in Michael Bourn. Milwaukee replied in the second inning with Alex Gonzalez hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Mat Gamel, followed by a solo shot from George Kotteras. The Braves got one back in the third inning as Dan Uggla doubled to bring around Freddie Freeman. Atlanta retook the lead in the fifth inning on a three-run homer by McCann, also scoring Bourn and Freeman, and they added on as Matt Diaz launched a two-run homer that swept in Uggla, followed by a Bourn single that drove in Jason Heyward. The Brewers answered in the sixth inning as Corey Hart hit a 2-RBI double to score Ryan Braun and Aramis Ramirez. Milwaukee tied it in the seventh inning when Braun hit a 2-RBI single to push in Rickie Weeks and Carlos Gomez, followed by a Hart solo home run. The Braves regained the lead on an Uggla single, scoring both Martin Prado and Freeman. This 10-8 lead held, with Jonny Venters laying claim to the win, Craig Kimbrel converting the save, and Francisco Rodriguez taking the loss.

Northwest of there, the Minnesota Twins host the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Anthony Swarzak will be on the hill. Minnesota led off with a second inning Danny Valencia sacrifice fly, giving Josh Willingham time to score. Texas took the lead in the fourth when Adrian Beltre ripped a single to bring home Elvis Andrus, followed by Michael Young singling Josh Hamilton in and David Murphy hitting a sacrifice fly to finish Beltre's trip around. The Rangers added on with a solo shot by Ian Kinsler in the seventh inning. This was it for scoring in the 4-1 game, with Harrison getting the win, Alexi Ogando converting the save, and Swarzak taking the loss.

Southwest to Colorado, as the Rockies welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks. Daniel Hudson and Juan Nicasio will be pitching. Arizona got things going with a first inning 2-RBI single from Paul Goldschmidt, scoring both Justin Upton and Miguel Montero. Colorado got one back with a solo home run by Dexter Fowler. The Rockies tied it in the second inning with a solo shot by Ramon Hernandez. The Diamondbacks got the lead back with a two-run homer from Montero in the fourth inning, also scoring Upton, followed by Geoff Blum sacrifice fly to provide time for Chris Young to score and Ryan Roberts doubling in Goldschmidt. Colorado answered when Hernandez hit a double to drive in both Troy Tulowitzki and Michael Cuddyer. The Rockies retied the game with Todd Helton singling in both Carlos Gonzalez and Tulowitzki. Colorado grabbed the lead with a Helton double that knocked in Gonzalez as a go-ahead run. The final stuck at 7-6, with Rex Brothers getting the win, Rafael Betancourt converting the save, and Bryan Shaw being dealt the loss.

Out to California, as the Los Angeles Dodgers host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Aaron Harang will play from the mound tonight. Los Angeles got going with a third inning Mark Ellis single to score both Justin Sellers and A.J. Ellis, before he came home alongside Matt Kemp when Andre Ethier singled. San Diego answered with a fourth inning Will Venable solo shot, followed by Yonder Alonso doubling in Chase Headley before finishing his trip around the bases on an Orlando Hudson groundout. The Dodgers padded their lead with an A.J. Ellis double to push in Sellers, before Tony Gwynn, Jr. hit a single to complete A.J.'s trip around, and then he was swept in by a Kemp two-run home run. The Padres got one back with a seventh inning Chris Denorfia double to bring home John Baker, followed by Jesus Guzman drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Jason Bartlett and Chase Headley hitting a sacrifice fly to being Denorfia the rest of the way home. San Diego tied it in the ninth inning with a two-run homer by Headley, bringing around Denorfia. Los Angeles got the last laugh though, as Ethier walked in the bottom of the ninth with the bases-loaded to force in Mark Ellis for a 9-8 victory. Kenley Jansen earned the win while Andrew Cashner was stuck with a heart-breaking loss.

Finally, in Seattle, the Mariners host the Oakland Athletics. Bartolo Colon and Felix Hernandez get the starts tonight. Oakland opened the scoring with a third inning Cliff Pennington double, knocking in Daric Barton before he came home himself on a Coco Crisp single. The Athletics padded the lead in the eighth inning as Kurt Suzuki hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Josh Reddick. Oakland iced it at 4-0 in the ninth inning on a solo shot by Jemile Weeks. Colon claimed the win while Hernandez was victim to a lack of run support in the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 11 2012

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.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

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.

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.