Very busy day in baseball, as we got a couple of morning games to hold us over before the teams involved hit the road to the next venue. As a prelude, I would like to thank Russia for their 1000th view on the blog. It means a lot to me. As for the baseball, we begin in...
Atlanta, as the Braves host the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and Jair Jurrjens got the starts. New York began with a second inning Ike Davis solo home run. Atlanta answered in the bottom of the second as Juan Francisco hit a two-run homer, also scoring Freddie Freeman. The Mets answered in the third with David Wright doubling in Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Daniel Murphy. The Braves retook the lead in the bottom of the third on a Martin Prado double that brought in both Jurrjens and Michael Bourn, before he came all the way home as Dan Uggla hit a two-run homer. New York tied it up as Wright hit a single that gave Nieuwenhuis time to get home safely in the fifth inning. Atlanta responded as Freeman hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Uggla. The Mets replied in the sixth with Nieuwenhuis singling in Josh Thole. The Braves shot back with a Chipper Jones double driving in Tyler Pastornicky in their half of the sixth, followed by Jones crossing the plate when Bourn singled. Atlanta padded the lead in the seventh as Matt Diaz and Bourn each hit singles that brought in David Ross and Pastornicky. New York tried to get one back in the eighth inning as Murphy singled to score Nieuwenhuis. This proved futile in the bottom of the eighth as the Braves made it a 14-6 game when Freeman hit a sacrifice fly to get Jason Heyward home, followed by Ross doubling to knock in Francisco. The win went to Christhian Martinez, while Dickey suffered the brutal loss.
Westward to Arizona, where the Diamondbacks welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates. James McDonald and Daniel Hudson were set to pitch. Arizona led off with a first inning Jason Kubel single to bring around Willie Bloomquist. Pittsburgh answered in the seventh inning on a solo shot by Pedro Alvarez. The Pirates took a 2-1 lead in the eighth inning as Neil Walker ripped a single to get Clint Barmes home safely. This was all there was for scoring, with the win going to Brad Lincoln, the save to Juan Cruz, and the loss to Daniel Hudson.
At the normal times, the New York Yankees hosted the Minnesota Twins. Jason Marquis and Hiroki Kuroda took to the pitching. Minnesota started off with a Jamey Carroll double giving time for Denard Span to score, followed by a Joe Mauer ground rule double, forcing in Carroll, and he came all the way home as Justin Morneau launched a two-run home run. New York got most of them back in the bottom of the first as Robinson Cano doubled in Derek Jeter before crossing the plate alongside Curtis Granderson on a Nick Swisher single. The Twins replied in the third with a Sean Burroughs single to score Morneau. The Yankees replied with a solo home run by Cano. Minnesota answered in the fifth with Morneau hitting a solo shot. New York almost rallied in the ninth as Jeter launched a ninth inning solo home run, but they couldn't tie it, losing 6-5. Marquis was in line for the win, Matt Capps converted a rocky save, and Kuroda was stuck with the loss.
Onward to Washington, as the Nationals bring in the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Jordan Zimmermann were given the ball. Houston opened the scoring with a fourth inning groundout by Travis Buck to give time for Jordan Schafer to score. Washington tied it in the seventh inning when Roger Bernadina hit a double to knock in Rick Ankiel. The Astros gained the lead again in the eighth inning as Schafer singled in Jason Castro. The Nationals took the lead themselves in the bottom of the eighth as Jayson Werth drew a bases loaded walk that forced in Danny Espinosa and Wilson Ramos hit a sacrifice fly to score Adam LaRoche. They held on for a 3-2 win, which was credited to Ryan Mattheus, while Henry Rodriguez picked up the save, and Fernando Rodriguez was stuck holding the loss.
North of the border, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Tampa Bay Rays. David Price opposes fellow ace Brandon Morrow from the mound. Tampa Bay was first to score with a first inning Ben Zobrist two-run homer, also scoring Desmond Jennings. Toronto answered with a Jose Bautista single in the bottom of the first that knocked in Yunel Escobar. The Rays answered in the second inning on a Sean Rodriguez sacrifice fly, allowing Matt Joyce to score. Jeff Mathis shot back for the Blue Jays with a solo shot in the bottom of the second. Tampa Bay padded the lead in the fourth as Jose Molina singled Joyce home. The Rays extended the lead with a pair of solo home runs in the sixth inning, as both Joyce and Rodriguez went yard. Tampa Bay pumped their lead in the ninth as Carlos Pena drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Rodriguez, followed by an Evan Longoria single driving in Jennings before Luke Scott blasted a grand slam, scoring Zobrist, Pena, and Longoria as well as himself for a 12-2 final. Price coasted for a win, while Morrow was stuck with the loss.
Back stateside, the Boston Red Sox host the Texas Rangers. Derek Holland and Josh Beckett take the hill. Boston began with a second inning two-run homer by Kevin Youkilis, also scoring David Ortiz. Texas got one back in the third when Josh Hamilton singled in Ian Kinsler. The Rangers took the lead with a two-run home run by Mike Napoli in the fourth inning, sweeping in David Murphy. Texas padded their lead in the eighth inning when Craig Gentry was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in Hamilton, and then Napoli doubled to score both Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz. The Red Sox got one back in the ninth as Ryan Sweeney singled in Cody Ross for a 6-3 final. Holland picked up the win while Beckett took another loss.
Down in Florida, the Miami Marlins hosted the Chicago Cubs. Matt Garza and Mark Buehrle earned the starts. Miami dented the scoreboard first with a Donnie Murphy two-run home run, also scoring John Buck in the third inning. The Marlins padded the lead in the fifth with another two-run homer, this time off the bat of Hanley Ramirez, sweeping in Emilio Bonifacio. Miami added on in the sixth as Gaby Sanchez doubled in Giancarlo Stanton before coming all the way home on a Buehrle single, followed by a Jose Reyes sacrifice fly giving Murphy time for safe passage home. Chicago got on the board in the seventh inning when Ian Stewart grounded out to give time for Jeff Baker to come home. The Marlins answered in the bottom of the seventh on a Murphy sacrifice fly, allowing safe passage for Chris Coghlan. Miami made it 9-1 in the eighth inning, an eventual final, as Coghlan grounded into a fielder's choice to give time for Reyes to cross the plate. Buehrle was in line for the win while Garza suffered a tough loss.
Speaking of Chicago, we head northwest as the White Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Tommy Hunter and Jake Peavy will be playing from the mound. Baltimore started off with an Endy Chavez double to score Adam Jones in the second inning. Chicago answered in the bottom of the second as A.J. Pierzynski hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Paul Konerko. The White Sox added on with a third inning Alex Rios sacrifice fly, allowing time for Adam Dunn to dart home. Chicago extended the lead in the fourth inning as Alejandro De Aza hit a solo shot. The White Sox struck again with Gordon Beckham knocking Rios in with a single in the sixth inning, followed by Dunn's 3-RBI double, forcing in Alexei Ramirez, Beckham, and De Aza. This made it 8-1, with Peavy earning the win and Hunter taking a brutal loss.
North of there, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano and Zack Greinke get the manager's approval to start. Los Angeles led off with a first inning Matt Kemp single, driving in Mark Ellis. Mat Gamel answered for Milwaukee with a single of his own in the second inning, pushing in Corey Hart. The Dodgers got the lead back when A.J. Ellis grounded into a fielder's choice in the fifth inning, giving time for Jerry Hairston, Jr. to score. Milwaukee won it with a Ryan Braun sacrifice fly in the tenth inning, driving in Nyjer Morgan for a 3-2 victory. Kameron Loe was in line for the win while Matt Guerrier was stuck with the loss.
Back to the south, as the Kansas City Royals host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Jonathan Sanchez are the much-maligned starting pitchers. Detroit began with a second inning Jhonny Peralta single, scoring Ryan Raburn. Kansas City took the lead in the third inning as Alcides Escobar hit a two-run homer, also scoring Mitch Maier. The Royals padded the lead with a Humberto Quintero double, knocking in Billy Butler. The Tigers replied in the fifth inning on a Prince Fielder double, giving Miguel Cabrera plenty of time to come home. Detroit gained the lead in the seventh inning as Gerald Laird scored on a wild pitch and Fielder then singled Cabrera across the plate again. They held on from here to win 4-3, with the win going to Scherzer, Jose Valverde converted the save, and Jose Mijares was responsible for the loss.
Across the state, the St. Louis Cardinals welcome the Cincinnati Reds. Mat Latos and Jaime Garcia will be the dueling pitchers. St. Louis struck early with a Lance Berkman single to score Rafael Furcal in the first inning, before he came home alongside Carlos Beltran as David Freese doubled. The Cardinals extended the lead in the second inning when Beltran hit a two-run home run, also scoring Tyler Greene. Cincinnati got on the board with a fifth inning Devin Mesoraco single allowing Chris Heisey to score. St. Louis fired back as the pitcher Garcia tripled (you read that correctly, tripled) Freese and Jon Jay home before coming home himself on a Furcal single. The Cardinals scored some more for good measure in the eighth as Greene lifted a two-run homer, bringing Yadier Molina too, followed by Furcal singling to drive in Shane Robinson. This made it 11-1, with Garcia earning the win and Latos being pinned with the loss.
Out to Colorado, where the Rockies host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Juan Nicasio were sent out to pitch. San Diego struck first with a Chase Headley solo home run in the first inning. Colorado answered in the second inning on a Chris Nelson double that brought in both Todd Helton and Willin Roasio, followed by Jonathan Herrera hitting a two-run home run that completed Nelson's trip around the bases and a Dexter Fowler double that allowed Marco Scutaro to score. The Rockies padded the lead in the fifth inning on a Michael Cuddyer two-run homer, also scoring Carlos Gonzalez. The Padres got some back as Headley went yard again in the sixth inning, this time sweeping in Will Venable as well. Colorado shot back with a Nicasio single in the bottom of the sixth, giving time for Nelson to cross home. This was all for scoring, giving the Rockies an 8-4 win, with Nicasio getting the W and Richard being dealt the loss.
Westward farther to Anaheim, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Oakland Athletics. Bartolo Colon and Ervin Santana earned the starts. Oakland busted things opened with a first inning three-run homer by Yoenis Cespedes, forcing in Cliff Pennington and Josh Reddick. The Athletics added on with a sixth inning solo home run by Jonny Gomes. Oakland extended the lead in the ninth with a Jemile Weeks double, knocking in Eric Sogard, before coming home as Gomes drew a bases loaded walk. This made it 6-0, a final, with Colon getting the win and Santana being a victim of a lack of run support in the loss.
North to Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Cleveland Indians. Derek Lowe and Jason Vargas are the under-appreciated pitchers. Seattle started off with a pair of solo home runs, as both Chone Figgins and Ichiro went yard. The Mariners padded the lead in the second inning when Jesus Montero drew a bases-loaded walk, forcing in Brendan Ryan. Jason Kipnis got Cleveland got on the board in the third inning with a sacrifice fly to bring home Aaron Cunningham. Seattle answered with a fourth inning Dustin Ackley single, knocking in Ryan. This made it 4-1, a score that held through the rest of the game, with Vargas getting the win, Brandon League cleanly converting the save, and Lowe taking a hard-luck loss.
Finally, we end the day in San Francisco, as the Giants host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee and Matt Cain are the pair of aces on the mound. San Francisco got the game's only run in the eleventh inning as Melky Cabrera singled in Brandon Belt. Clay Hensley was in line for the win, while Antonio Bastardo was stuck with the loss. Major props to starters Lee (10 scoreless innings, 7 hits, and 7 strikeouts) and Cain (9 scoreless innings, 2 hits, 1 walk, and 4 strikeouts) for the stunning pitcher's duel. Great game here.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
MLB Day 16 2012
Back to a full slate of games now, beginning in...
Washington, D.C., with the Nationals hosting the Houston Astros. Wandy Rodriguez and Gio Gonzalez earned the starts. Washington began with a fourth inning Adam LaRoche single, scoring Jayson Werth. This held up for a 1-0 Nationals victory in short time, with Gonzalez earning the win, Brad Lidge picking up a semi-sloppy save, and Rodriguez taking a very hard-luck loss.
Into the Bronx, with the New York Yankees hosting the Minnesota Twins. Francisco Liriano will duel with CC Sabathia. Minnesota began with a second inning solo home run by Josh Willingham. New York answered in their half of the inning on a Brett Gardner ground rule double to force in Curtis Granderson. The Twins replied in the third inning when Clete Thomas doubled Alexi Casilla in before coming home on a Jamey Carroll single. The Yankees got the lead in the bottom of the third as Eduardo Nunez singled in Andruw Jones, followed by Chris Stewart's two-RBI single that drove in Granderson and Nunez and Derek Jeter's sacrifice fly to bring in Gardner. New York padded the lead in the fourth with a solo shot from Jones. The Yankees kept going in the fifth inning as Jeter singled in Gardner. New York struck again in the seventh as Stewart hit a single, giving time for Gardner to cross home. This put the final at 8-3, with Sabathia picking up the win and Liriano getting dealt the loss.
Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeff Niemann and Ricky Romero will be pitching. Toronto began with a first inning solo shot by Jose Bautista. The Blue Jays added on in the third inning as Bautista hit a sacrifice fly to allow J.P. Arencibia to score, followed by Adam Lind's two run homer to score Kelly Johnson. Tampa Bay got going in the fifth inning as Reid Brignac hit a single to bring around Matt Joyce and Chris Gimenez did the same for Sean Rodriguez. Toronto extended the lead in the sixth when Eric Thames singled, and combined with an error, Bautista was able to get home safely. The Rays got one back with a seventh inning Joyce solo home run. The Blue Jays answered with a bottom of the seventh Lind single, driving in Yunel Escobar. Toronto padded the lead as Brett Lawrie launched a solo shot in the eighth inning. This made it 7-3, a final, where Romero got the win and Niemann took the loss.
Back stateside, the Boston Red Sox welcome the Texas Rangers. Colby Lewis and Jon Lester are the pair of aces pitching. Boston was first on the board with a two-run Dustin Pedroia homer, also scoring Mike Aviles in the first inning. Texas took the lead in the second inning, starting with a two-run home run by Miek Napoli that also scored Nelson Cruz, followed by Elvis Andrus singling in Yorvit Torrealba, and Josh Hamilton grounding into a fielder's choice that allowed time for Craig Gentry to cross the plate. The Rangers added on with Gentry reaching on a fielder's choice that provided time for Cruz to score, followed by an Andrus sacrifice fly to get Torrealba home safely and Hamilton singling in Gentry. Texas extended the lead again with a Michael Young solo shot in the sixth inning. The Rangers padded the lead with eighth inning homers by Hamilton, a three-run blast sweeping in Ian Kinsler and Andrus, a solo shot from Adrian Beltre, and a two-run blast from Cruz, also bringing in David Murphy, before Alberto Gonzalez grounded out to get Napoli home and Andrus doubled to do the same for Gentry for an 8-run rally. The Red Sox got one back as Adrian Gonzalez his a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth. Texas shot back as Napoli lifted a two-run homer, sweeping in Murphy. This was it for the merciless 18-3 slaughter by Texas, with the win going to Lewis and the loss to lack-Lester.
Down in Florida, the Miami Marlins host the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster and Josh Johnson are starting tonight. Chicago first dented the scoreboard in the fourth inning as Alfonso Soriano grounded out to give Darwin Barney time to score. Miami tied it when the pitcher Johnson reached on an error, giving Gaby Sanchez time to dash home, and they took the lead as Emilio Bonifacio singled Johnson all the way home. The Cubs tied it on a Bryan LaHair single, bringing in Steve Clevenger in the seventh inning. The Marlins broke the tie in the eighth inning as Hanley Ramirez hit a three-run homer, also scoring Jose Reyes and Bonifacio. This held up for a 5-2 win, which was credited to Steve Cishek, while Heath Bell cleanly converted the save, and Rafael Dolis was stuck holding the loss.
Just a bit north of there, the Atlanta Braves bring in the New York Mets. Johan Santana and Randall Delgado will make the starts. Atlanta started off with a first inning Chipper Jones sacrifice fly, providing time for Michael Bourn to dart home. The Braves added on in the second inning with Freddie Freeman's double sparking a rally when Dan Uggla scored, followed by Tyler Pastornicky doubling in both Matt Diaz and Freeman, before coming home himself when the pitcher Delgado reached on a fielder's choice, combined with an error, and wrapping up the rally was Heyward singling in Delgado. New York got on the board in the fourth inning with Josh Thole singling to score Jason Bay and Mike Baxter hitting a single to complete Thole's trip around the bases. Atlanta padded the lead with a Diaz sacrifice fly, scoring Jones, before Freeman singled in McCann in the fifth inning. The Mets answered on a Daniel Murphy single, giving Kirk Nieuwenhuis time to score. The Braves struck again with a Juan Francisco solo home run in the eighth inning. This made it 9-3, a final, with the win going to Delgado, while Santana's short outing was pinned with a loss.
To the northwest, the Chicago White Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and John Danks take their turns in the rotation. Baltimore finally broke the silence with a pair of home runs in the sixth inning, as Nolan Reimold went yard for two runs, also scoring Robert Andino, and J.J. Hardy lifted a solo shot. Chicago shot back on a two-RBI double from A.J. Pierzynski, scoring both Brent Morel and Paul Konerko. Baltimore held on from here, winning 3-2, with Chen in line to pick up the win, Jim Johnson sloppily converting the save, and Danks taking the loss.
Up in Milwaukee, the Brewers host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Yovani Gallardo are the solid starting pitchers. Milwaukee began with a solo home run by Mat Gamel in the second inning, and a Cesar Izturis singled to drive in Jonathan Lucroy. Los Angeles got on the board in the fifth inning as Juan Uribe popped out and Juan Rivera was able to score on an error. The Dodgers tied it as James Loney doubled in Andre Ethier. The Brewers got the lead back on a Norichika Aoki sacrifice, allowing Gamel time to cross the plate. Los Angeles leapfrogged Milwaukee with a two-run blast by Ethier, sweeping in Mark Ellis for a 4-3 lead in the eighth. The Brewers got the last laugh, taking the game in the ninth with a George Kotteras double to bring in Carlos Gomez as the tying run and Gamel as the game-winner. Jose Veras earned the win in the 5-4 win, while Javy Guerra blew the save and took the loss.
Back to the south a bit, as the Kansas City Royals host the Detroit Tigers. Drew Smyly and Bruce Chen will throw. Detroit got things going with a second inning Ramon Santiago sacrifice fly, allowing Delmon Young to score. Kansas City tied it in the third inning when Alex Gordon singled in Alcides Escobar. The Tigers reclaimed the lead with a Miguel Cabrera single that gave Andy Dirks time to cross home in the eighth inning, followed by a Prince Fielder single that forced in Brennan Boesch. This was good enough for a 3-1 win, with Octavio Dotel getting the win, Jose Valverde earning the save, and Chen being stuck with the loss.
Across the state of Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Kyle Lohse are the underrated starting pitchers. St. Louis got on the board first with a solo home run from Carlos Beltran in the first inning. Cincinnati tied it in the eighth as Zack Cozart singled to bring in Devin Mesoraco. The Cardinals won it in the twelfth inning as Matt Carpenter hit a sacrifice fly to allow time for Tyler Greene to score. Jason Motte picked up the win while Sam LeCure took the loss.
Westward to Colorado, as the Rockies welcome the San Diego Padres. Anthony Bass and Jamie Moyer will be pitching. Colorado was first on the board with a two-run Dexter Fowler home run in the third inning, also scoring Marco Scutaro. The Rockies added on as Willin Rosario doubled in Michael Cuddyer in the fourth inning. San Diego got one the board in the seventh as Andy Parrino reached on an error, giving time for Jesus Guzman to score, and pulled closer with a Jason Bartlett sacrifice fly, also scoring Chris Denorfia. Colorado extended the lead with an eighth inning Cuddyer double, knocking in Troy Tulowitzki, followed by Rosario hitting a sacrifice fly to get Todd Helton across the plate. The Padres got one back as Nick Hundley hit a solo home run in the ninth inning, but failed to rally further, losing 5-3. Moyer got the win, Rafael Betancourt converted a rocky (pun intended) save, and Bass was the losing pitcher.
Down in Arizona, the Diamondbacks hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jeff Karstens and Ian Kennedy are on the hill. Pittsburgh led off with a first inning Garrett Jones single, bringing around Andrew McCutchen. Arizona tied it when Miguel Montero hit a single to drive in Chris Young, followed by a Jason Kubel double to bring Montero all the way home. The Diamondbacks added on in the second inning when Willie Bloomquist doubled to score Aaron Hill. The Pirates retied it in the third as Neil Walker singled in McCutchen before crossing the plate himself when Jones doubled him in. Pittsburgh took the lead with Jones hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning. Arizona got an equalizer in the eighth inning when John McDonald hit a solo shot. The Pirates took the lead for good in the ninth inning as McCutchen singled in Alex Presley for a 5-4 win, which was given to Jason Grilli, while Juan Cruz converted the save and Bryan Shaw took the loss.
West to Anaheim, where the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim welcome the Oakland Athletics. Tyson Ross and Dan Haren get the manager's approval to start. Oakland started the scoring in the fifth with a Daric Barton solo home run. Los Angeles tied it with a bottom of the fifth Peter Bourjos groundout, giving time for Vernon Wells to come home. The Angels tied it in the sixth as Torii Hunter singled in Kendrys Morales. The Athletics took the lead in the eighth inning as Coco Crisp singled to drive in Cliff Pennington, followed by Josh Reddick hitting a go-ahead ground rule double to knock in Jemile Weeks, and Yoenis Cespedes hitting a 2-RBI single to finish both Crisp's and Reddick's trips around the bases. Los Angeles pulled as close as 5-3 with a solo home run by Vernon Wells in the ninth inning. The win went to Brian Fuentes, the save to Grant Balfour, and the loss to Kevin Jepsen.
Up in Seattle, the Mariners host the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Kevin Millwood take the mound. Cleveland opened with a first inning Travis Hafner single, driving in Michael Brantley. Seattle took the lead on a third inning John Jaso two-run home run, also scoring Brendan Ryan. The Mariners extended the lead in the fourth as Brendan Ryan drew a bases-loaded walk and Jaso was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in Justin Smoak and Kyle Seager, followed by Chone Figgins sacrifice fly that allowed Michael Saunders time to score, Ichiro singling to finish Ryan's and Jaso's trips around, and Smoak singling in Dustin Ackley. The Indians evaluated the damage and started chipping away as Brantley reached on an error that gave Jack Hannahan time to get home safely, followed by Shin-Soo Choo singling in both Jason Donald and Brantley before Carlos Santana cleared the bases with a three-run home run, driving in Jason Kipnis and Choo as well as himself, and they later tied the game on a Donald sacrifice fly that gave Shelley Duncan time to reach home. Cleveland got the eventual game winner in the seventh as Donald singled to drive in Hafner for a 9-8 victory. Rafael Perez picked up the win, the unrelated Chris Perez converted the save, and Charlie Furbush took the loss.
Finally we head to the city by the bay, as the San Francisco Giants host the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton and Madison Bumgarner will play from the mound. San Francisco dented the scoreboard in the first with a Melky Cabrera triple that drove in Angel Pagan before he came all the way home on a Pablo Sandoval groundout. Philadelphia got one back in the fourth inning on a solo shot by Hunter Pence. The Giants answered in the fifth with a Nate Schierholtz single to score Sandoval and Brandon Crawford grounding into a fielder's choice to give time for Buster Posey to dash home. The Phillies got one back as Carlos Ruiz hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Jimmy Rollins. They couldn't tie the game, losing 4-2, with Bumgarner getting the win, Santiago Casilla converting the save, and Blanton suffering the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Washington, D.C., with the Nationals hosting the Houston Astros. Wandy Rodriguez and Gio Gonzalez earned the starts. Washington began with a fourth inning Adam LaRoche single, scoring Jayson Werth. This held up for a 1-0 Nationals victory in short time, with Gonzalez earning the win, Brad Lidge picking up a semi-sloppy save, and Rodriguez taking a very hard-luck loss.
Into the Bronx, with the New York Yankees hosting the Minnesota Twins. Francisco Liriano will duel with CC Sabathia. Minnesota began with a second inning solo home run by Josh Willingham. New York answered in their half of the inning on a Brett Gardner ground rule double to force in Curtis Granderson. The Twins replied in the third inning when Clete Thomas doubled Alexi Casilla in before coming home on a Jamey Carroll single. The Yankees got the lead in the bottom of the third as Eduardo Nunez singled in Andruw Jones, followed by Chris Stewart's two-RBI single that drove in Granderson and Nunez and Derek Jeter's sacrifice fly to bring in Gardner. New York padded the lead in the fourth with a solo shot from Jones. The Yankees kept going in the fifth inning as Jeter singled in Gardner. New York struck again in the seventh as Stewart hit a single, giving time for Gardner to cross home. This put the final at 8-3, with Sabathia picking up the win and Liriano getting dealt the loss.
Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeff Niemann and Ricky Romero will be pitching. Toronto began with a first inning solo shot by Jose Bautista. The Blue Jays added on in the third inning as Bautista hit a sacrifice fly to allow J.P. Arencibia to score, followed by Adam Lind's two run homer to score Kelly Johnson. Tampa Bay got going in the fifth inning as Reid Brignac hit a single to bring around Matt Joyce and Chris Gimenez did the same for Sean Rodriguez. Toronto extended the lead in the sixth when Eric Thames singled, and combined with an error, Bautista was able to get home safely. The Rays got one back with a seventh inning Joyce solo home run. The Blue Jays answered with a bottom of the seventh Lind single, driving in Yunel Escobar. Toronto padded the lead as Brett Lawrie launched a solo shot in the eighth inning. This made it 7-3, a final, where Romero got the win and Niemann took the loss.
Back stateside, the Boston Red Sox welcome the Texas Rangers. Colby Lewis and Jon Lester are the pair of aces pitching. Boston was first on the board with a two-run Dustin Pedroia homer, also scoring Mike Aviles in the first inning. Texas took the lead in the second inning, starting with a two-run home run by Miek Napoli that also scored Nelson Cruz, followed by Elvis Andrus singling in Yorvit Torrealba, and Josh Hamilton grounding into a fielder's choice that allowed time for Craig Gentry to cross the plate. The Rangers added on with Gentry reaching on a fielder's choice that provided time for Cruz to score, followed by an Andrus sacrifice fly to get Torrealba home safely and Hamilton singling in Gentry. Texas extended the lead again with a Michael Young solo shot in the sixth inning. The Rangers padded the lead with eighth inning homers by Hamilton, a three-run blast sweeping in Ian Kinsler and Andrus, a solo shot from Adrian Beltre, and a two-run blast from Cruz, also bringing in David Murphy, before Alberto Gonzalez grounded out to get Napoli home and Andrus doubled to do the same for Gentry for an 8-run rally. The Red Sox got one back as Adrian Gonzalez his a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth. Texas shot back as Napoli lifted a two-run homer, sweeping in Murphy. This was it for the merciless 18-3 slaughter by Texas, with the win going to Lewis and the loss to lack-Lester.
Down in Florida, the Miami Marlins host the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster and Josh Johnson are starting tonight. Chicago first dented the scoreboard in the fourth inning as Alfonso Soriano grounded out to give Darwin Barney time to score. Miami tied it when the pitcher Johnson reached on an error, giving Gaby Sanchez time to dash home, and they took the lead as Emilio Bonifacio singled Johnson all the way home. The Cubs tied it on a Bryan LaHair single, bringing in Steve Clevenger in the seventh inning. The Marlins broke the tie in the eighth inning as Hanley Ramirez hit a three-run homer, also scoring Jose Reyes and Bonifacio. This held up for a 5-2 win, which was credited to Steve Cishek, while Heath Bell cleanly converted the save, and Rafael Dolis was stuck holding the loss.
Just a bit north of there, the Atlanta Braves bring in the New York Mets. Johan Santana and Randall Delgado will make the starts. Atlanta started off with a first inning Chipper Jones sacrifice fly, providing time for Michael Bourn to dart home. The Braves added on in the second inning with Freddie Freeman's double sparking a rally when Dan Uggla scored, followed by Tyler Pastornicky doubling in both Matt Diaz and Freeman, before coming home himself when the pitcher Delgado reached on a fielder's choice, combined with an error, and wrapping up the rally was Heyward singling in Delgado. New York got on the board in the fourth inning with Josh Thole singling to score Jason Bay and Mike Baxter hitting a single to complete Thole's trip around the bases. Atlanta padded the lead with a Diaz sacrifice fly, scoring Jones, before Freeman singled in McCann in the fifth inning. The Mets answered on a Daniel Murphy single, giving Kirk Nieuwenhuis time to score. The Braves struck again with a Juan Francisco solo home run in the eighth inning. This made it 9-3, a final, with the win going to Delgado, while Santana's short outing was pinned with a loss.
To the northwest, the Chicago White Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and John Danks take their turns in the rotation. Baltimore finally broke the silence with a pair of home runs in the sixth inning, as Nolan Reimold went yard for two runs, also scoring Robert Andino, and J.J. Hardy lifted a solo shot. Chicago shot back on a two-RBI double from A.J. Pierzynski, scoring both Brent Morel and Paul Konerko. Baltimore held on from here, winning 3-2, with Chen in line to pick up the win, Jim Johnson sloppily converting the save, and Danks taking the loss.
Up in Milwaukee, the Brewers host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Yovani Gallardo are the solid starting pitchers. Milwaukee began with a solo home run by Mat Gamel in the second inning, and a Cesar Izturis singled to drive in Jonathan Lucroy. Los Angeles got on the board in the fifth inning as Juan Uribe popped out and Juan Rivera was able to score on an error. The Dodgers tied it as James Loney doubled in Andre Ethier. The Brewers got the lead back on a Norichika Aoki sacrifice, allowing Gamel time to cross the plate. Los Angeles leapfrogged Milwaukee with a two-run blast by Ethier, sweeping in Mark Ellis for a 4-3 lead in the eighth. The Brewers got the last laugh, taking the game in the ninth with a George Kotteras double to bring in Carlos Gomez as the tying run and Gamel as the game-winner. Jose Veras earned the win in the 5-4 win, while Javy Guerra blew the save and took the loss.
Back to the south a bit, as the Kansas City Royals host the Detroit Tigers. Drew Smyly and Bruce Chen will throw. Detroit got things going with a second inning Ramon Santiago sacrifice fly, allowing Delmon Young to score. Kansas City tied it in the third inning when Alex Gordon singled in Alcides Escobar. The Tigers reclaimed the lead with a Miguel Cabrera single that gave Andy Dirks time to cross home in the eighth inning, followed by a Prince Fielder single that forced in Brennan Boesch. This was good enough for a 3-1 win, with Octavio Dotel getting the win, Jose Valverde earning the save, and Chen being stuck with the loss.
Across the state of Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Kyle Lohse are the underrated starting pitchers. St. Louis got on the board first with a solo home run from Carlos Beltran in the first inning. Cincinnati tied it in the eighth as Zack Cozart singled to bring in Devin Mesoraco. The Cardinals won it in the twelfth inning as Matt Carpenter hit a sacrifice fly to allow time for Tyler Greene to score. Jason Motte picked up the win while Sam LeCure took the loss.
Westward to Colorado, as the Rockies welcome the San Diego Padres. Anthony Bass and Jamie Moyer will be pitching. Colorado was first on the board with a two-run Dexter Fowler home run in the third inning, also scoring Marco Scutaro. The Rockies added on as Willin Rosario doubled in Michael Cuddyer in the fourth inning. San Diego got one the board in the seventh as Andy Parrino reached on an error, giving time for Jesus Guzman to score, and pulled closer with a Jason Bartlett sacrifice fly, also scoring Chris Denorfia. Colorado extended the lead with an eighth inning Cuddyer double, knocking in Troy Tulowitzki, followed by Rosario hitting a sacrifice fly to get Todd Helton across the plate. The Padres got one back as Nick Hundley hit a solo home run in the ninth inning, but failed to rally further, losing 5-3. Moyer got the win, Rafael Betancourt converted a rocky (pun intended) save, and Bass was the losing pitcher.
Down in Arizona, the Diamondbacks hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jeff Karstens and Ian Kennedy are on the hill. Pittsburgh led off with a first inning Garrett Jones single, bringing around Andrew McCutchen. Arizona tied it when Miguel Montero hit a single to drive in Chris Young, followed by a Jason Kubel double to bring Montero all the way home. The Diamondbacks added on in the second inning when Willie Bloomquist doubled to score Aaron Hill. The Pirates retied it in the third as Neil Walker singled in McCutchen before crossing the plate himself when Jones doubled him in. Pittsburgh took the lead with Jones hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning. Arizona got an equalizer in the eighth inning when John McDonald hit a solo shot. The Pirates took the lead for good in the ninth inning as McCutchen singled in Alex Presley for a 5-4 win, which was given to Jason Grilli, while Juan Cruz converted the save and Bryan Shaw took the loss.
West to Anaheim, where the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim welcome the Oakland Athletics. Tyson Ross and Dan Haren get the manager's approval to start. Oakland started the scoring in the fifth with a Daric Barton solo home run. Los Angeles tied it with a bottom of the fifth Peter Bourjos groundout, giving time for Vernon Wells to come home. The Angels tied it in the sixth as Torii Hunter singled in Kendrys Morales. The Athletics took the lead in the eighth inning as Coco Crisp singled to drive in Cliff Pennington, followed by Josh Reddick hitting a go-ahead ground rule double to knock in Jemile Weeks, and Yoenis Cespedes hitting a 2-RBI single to finish both Crisp's and Reddick's trips around the bases. Los Angeles pulled as close as 5-3 with a solo home run by Vernon Wells in the ninth inning. The win went to Brian Fuentes, the save to Grant Balfour, and the loss to Kevin Jepsen.
Up in Seattle, the Mariners host the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Kevin Millwood take the mound. Cleveland opened with a first inning Travis Hafner single, driving in Michael Brantley. Seattle took the lead on a third inning John Jaso two-run home run, also scoring Brendan Ryan. The Mariners extended the lead in the fourth as Brendan Ryan drew a bases-loaded walk and Jaso was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in Justin Smoak and Kyle Seager, followed by Chone Figgins sacrifice fly that allowed Michael Saunders time to score, Ichiro singling to finish Ryan's and Jaso's trips around, and Smoak singling in Dustin Ackley. The Indians evaluated the damage and started chipping away as Brantley reached on an error that gave Jack Hannahan time to get home safely, followed by Shin-Soo Choo singling in both Jason Donald and Brantley before Carlos Santana cleared the bases with a three-run home run, driving in Jason Kipnis and Choo as well as himself, and they later tied the game on a Donald sacrifice fly that gave Shelley Duncan time to reach home. Cleveland got the eventual game winner in the seventh as Donald singled to drive in Hafner for a 9-8 victory. Rafael Perez picked up the win, the unrelated Chris Perez converted the save, and Charlie Furbush took the loss.
Finally we head to the city by the bay, as the San Francisco Giants host the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton and Madison Bumgarner will play from the mound. San Francisco dented the scoreboard in the first with a Melky Cabrera triple that drove in Angel Pagan before he came all the way home on a Pablo Sandoval groundout. Philadelphia got one back in the fourth inning on a solo shot by Hunter Pence. The Giants answered in the fifth with a Nate Schierholtz single to score Sandoval and Brandon Crawford grounding into a fielder's choice to give time for Buster Posey to dash home. The Phillies got one back as Carlos Ruiz hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Jimmy Rollins. They couldn't tie the game, losing 4-2, with Bumgarner getting the win, Santiago Casilla converting the save, and Blanton suffering the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Monday, April 16, 2012
MLB Day 15 2012
Happy Travel Day everybody! There are only ten games on today, with the first happening very early. We begin in...
Boston, where the Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays before the marathon. James Shields and Daniel Bard will pitch in the early morning game. Tampa Bay opened things in the seventh inning as Evan Longoria drew a bases loaded walk, forcing in Sean Rodriguez. This held as the only run, giving Shields a convincing win, Fernando Rodney a clean save, and Bard a very hard-luck loss without run support.
At the normal times, the Washington Nationals hosted the Houston Astros. Kyle Weiland and Stephen Strasburg were pitching tonight. Washington began with a Steve Lombardozzi bunt single, combined with an error to bring in Ian Desmond in the third inning. The Nationals added with a solo home run from Wilson Ramos in the fourth inning. Houston got on the board with a sixth inning Chris Johnson singled, scoring both Jed Lowrie and Jordan Schafer. Washington replied in their half of the inning on a Lombardozzi double to knock in Rick Ankiel and Roger Bernadina, followed by a Ryan Zimmerman single to finish trips around by Desmond and Lombardozzi. The Astros cut it to 6-3 in the eighth when Johnson reached on an error, allowing Travis Buck time to cross the plate. This was the final run, giving Strasburg the win, Henry Rodriguez picked up the save, and Weiland taking a loss.
Into New York, with the Yankees hosting the Minnesota Twins. Carl Pavano and Freddy Garcia took the hill. Minnesota wasted little time scoring the first runs in the first inning as Josh Willingham singled in Joe Mauer before coming home himself on a Ryan Doumit single. New York answered in the bottom of the first with back to back Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson home runs, both solo shots, followed by Mark Teixeira singling in Alex Rodriguez. The Twins retook the lead in the fifth inning on a Jamey Carroll single to bring around Alexi Casilla, followed by a Mauer double that pushed Carroll the rest of the way home. Minnesota extended the lead in the sixth with a solo home run from the bat of Justin Morneau. The Twins iced it at 7-3 with an eighth inning rally that included Danny Valencia doubling in Doumit and coming the rest of the way around on a Clete Thomas single. Pavano picked up the win while Garcia was stuck with the loss.
Down the coast, the Atlanta Braves welcome the other New York team, the Mets. Dillon Gee and Tommy Hanson took their turns in the rotation today. Atlanta began as Jack Wilson grounded out to score Brian McCann in the second inning. New York got going in the third inning as Ruben Tejada grounded out, providing time for Kirk Nieuwenhuis to come home. The Mets got the lead in the sixth inning with a three-run homer from Ike Davis, forcing in Tejada and David Wright as well. New York struck again in the seventh inning as Josh Thole scored on a wild pitch. The Mets made it a 6-1 victory in the ninth inning as Jason Bay lifted a solo home run.
Northwest of there, the Chicago White Sox bring in the Baltimore Orioles. Jake Arrieta and Philip Humber get the starting nods. Chicago started with a solo home run from A.J. Pierzynski in the second inning. Baltimore tied it in the fourth when Mark Reynolds hit a double to score Adam Jones. The White Sox answered on a sixth inning Paul Konerko double, scoring both Alejandro De Aza and Brent Morel. Chicago added in the seventh inning when De Aza hit a sacrifice fly to bring Brent Lillibridge across the plate. The Orioles got one back in the eighth inning when Matt Wieters hit a solo home run. Baltimore pulled closer with a ninth inning solo shot from Nolan Reimold, and then they tied it with a Jones solo home run. The Orioles went on the attack in the tenth inning as Chris David doubled to score Reynolds before Reimold pushed him the rest of the way home, and then Wieters lifted a grand slam, sweeping in Reimold, J.J. Hardy, and Nick Markakis. They held on for a 10-4 win, which belonged to Pedro Strop, while Zach Stewart took the loss.
Down in Kansas City, the Royals welcome the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander opposes Danny Duffy on the mound. Detroit led off with a solo shot from Austin Jackson. Kansas City answered with a Billy Butler single in the bottom of the first, knocking in Alex Gordon. The Tigers retook the lead in the fifth as Brandon Inge launched a two-run homer, also scoring Jhonny Peralta. The Royals attempted a comeback in the ninth inning on a Humberto Quintero single, bringing around Jason Bourgeois, but they couldn't tie it, losing 3-2 to Verlander's complete game win, while Duffy was stuck holding the loss.
Westward to Colorado, with the Rockies hosting the San Diego Padres. Cory Luebke and Jeremy Guthrie were handed the ball. San Diego started with a Chase Headley double to score Will Venable before coming all the way home on a Nick Hundley double in the first inning. The Padres added on in the second inning as Cameron hit a sacrifice fly to bring around Andy Parrino. Colorado got one back in the bottom of the second as Tyler Colvin lined a single, providing time for Michael Cuddyer to get home. San Diego answered in the fourth as Luebke reached on an error, allowing safe passage for Yonder Alonso to come home, and then Maybin singled in Jason Bartlett. The Padres extended the lead in the seventh inning as Hundley hit a single to give Headley time to cross the plate. San Diego won 7-1 with a ninth inning Hundley single to drive in Headley (it's dé jà vu all over again isn't it?). Luebke picked up the win while Guthrie was pinned with the loss.
Down in Arizona, the Diamondbacks welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard and Joe Saunders earned the starts. Pittsburgh dented the scoreboard in the first as Neil Walker singled to give Andrew McCutchen time to score. Arizona answered with a solo shot from Aaron Hill in the bottom of the first inning. The Diamondbacks took the lead in the fourth inning on a Ryan Roberts single, knocking in Paul Goldschmidt. Arizona struck again with a sixth inning Chris Young two-run homer, also scoring Miguel Montero. The Diamondback padded the lead with a seventh inning Gerardo Parra solo home run. This made it a 5-1 win, credited to Saunders, while Bedard had the loss.
Out to Anaheim, with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the Oakland Athletics. Brandon McCarthy and Jered Weaver take the hill. Los Angeles began with a first inning three-run homer by Kendrys Morales, sweeping in Howie Kendrick and Albert Pujols as well. The Angels padded the lead in the eighth as Morales doubled in Pujols, followed by Chris Iannetta drawing a bases loaded walk to force in pinch-runner Mark Trumbo, and then Vernon Wells came home on a wild pitch. This made it 6-0, a final, with Weaver earning the win and McCarthy being dealt the loss.
Finally, we end up north in San Francisco, with the Giants hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. Roy Halladay and Tim Lincecum are the pair of aces on the mound tonight. Philadelphia rallied early in the first inning to a large lead as Hunter Pence singled in Placido Polanco, Shane Victorino singled in Jimmy Rollins, and Laynce Nix ripped a double to get both Pence and Victorino home. San Francisco started chipping away with an Aubrey Huff sacrifice fly, allowing Angel Pagan to score. The Phillies replied with a fourth inning Halladay single, giving time for Freddy Galvis to score. The Giants answered back with a bottom of the fourth Lincecum groundout, which allowed Brandon Belt safe passage home. The scoring ceased from here, leaving the Phillies ahead 5-2, with Halladay getting the win, Jonathan Papelbon converting the save, and Lincecum held the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Boston, where the Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays before the marathon. James Shields and Daniel Bard will pitch in the early morning game. Tampa Bay opened things in the seventh inning as Evan Longoria drew a bases loaded walk, forcing in Sean Rodriguez. This held as the only run, giving Shields a convincing win, Fernando Rodney a clean save, and Bard a very hard-luck loss without run support.
At the normal times, the Washington Nationals hosted the Houston Astros. Kyle Weiland and Stephen Strasburg were pitching tonight. Washington began with a Steve Lombardozzi bunt single, combined with an error to bring in Ian Desmond in the third inning. The Nationals added with a solo home run from Wilson Ramos in the fourth inning. Houston got on the board with a sixth inning Chris Johnson singled, scoring both Jed Lowrie and Jordan Schafer. Washington replied in their half of the inning on a Lombardozzi double to knock in Rick Ankiel and Roger Bernadina, followed by a Ryan Zimmerman single to finish trips around by Desmond and Lombardozzi. The Astros cut it to 6-3 in the eighth when Johnson reached on an error, allowing Travis Buck time to cross the plate. This was the final run, giving Strasburg the win, Henry Rodriguez picked up the save, and Weiland taking a loss.
Into New York, with the Yankees hosting the Minnesota Twins. Carl Pavano and Freddy Garcia took the hill. Minnesota wasted little time scoring the first runs in the first inning as Josh Willingham singled in Joe Mauer before coming home himself on a Ryan Doumit single. New York answered in the bottom of the first with back to back Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson home runs, both solo shots, followed by Mark Teixeira singling in Alex Rodriguez. The Twins retook the lead in the fifth inning on a Jamey Carroll single to bring around Alexi Casilla, followed by a Mauer double that pushed Carroll the rest of the way home. Minnesota extended the lead in the sixth with a solo home run from the bat of Justin Morneau. The Twins iced it at 7-3 with an eighth inning rally that included Danny Valencia doubling in Doumit and coming the rest of the way around on a Clete Thomas single. Pavano picked up the win while Garcia was stuck with the loss.
Down the coast, the Atlanta Braves welcome the other New York team, the Mets. Dillon Gee and Tommy Hanson took their turns in the rotation today. Atlanta began as Jack Wilson grounded out to score Brian McCann in the second inning. New York got going in the third inning as Ruben Tejada grounded out, providing time for Kirk Nieuwenhuis to come home. The Mets got the lead in the sixth inning with a three-run homer from Ike Davis, forcing in Tejada and David Wright as well. New York struck again in the seventh inning as Josh Thole scored on a wild pitch. The Mets made it a 6-1 victory in the ninth inning as Jason Bay lifted a solo home run.
Northwest of there, the Chicago White Sox bring in the Baltimore Orioles. Jake Arrieta and Philip Humber get the starting nods. Chicago started with a solo home run from A.J. Pierzynski in the second inning. Baltimore tied it in the fourth when Mark Reynolds hit a double to score Adam Jones. The White Sox answered on a sixth inning Paul Konerko double, scoring both Alejandro De Aza and Brent Morel. Chicago added in the seventh inning when De Aza hit a sacrifice fly to bring Brent Lillibridge across the plate. The Orioles got one back in the eighth inning when Matt Wieters hit a solo home run. Baltimore pulled closer with a ninth inning solo shot from Nolan Reimold, and then they tied it with a Jones solo home run. The Orioles went on the attack in the tenth inning as Chris David doubled to score Reynolds before Reimold pushed him the rest of the way home, and then Wieters lifted a grand slam, sweeping in Reimold, J.J. Hardy, and Nick Markakis. They held on for a 10-4 win, which belonged to Pedro Strop, while Zach Stewart took the loss.
Down in Kansas City, the Royals welcome the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander opposes Danny Duffy on the mound. Detroit led off with a solo shot from Austin Jackson. Kansas City answered with a Billy Butler single in the bottom of the first, knocking in Alex Gordon. The Tigers retook the lead in the fifth as Brandon Inge launched a two-run homer, also scoring Jhonny Peralta. The Royals attempted a comeback in the ninth inning on a Humberto Quintero single, bringing around Jason Bourgeois, but they couldn't tie it, losing 3-2 to Verlander's complete game win, while Duffy was stuck holding the loss.
Westward to Colorado, with the Rockies hosting the San Diego Padres. Cory Luebke and Jeremy Guthrie were handed the ball. San Diego started with a Chase Headley double to score Will Venable before coming all the way home on a Nick Hundley double in the first inning. The Padres added on in the second inning as Cameron hit a sacrifice fly to bring around Andy Parrino. Colorado got one back in the bottom of the second as Tyler Colvin lined a single, providing time for Michael Cuddyer to get home. San Diego answered in the fourth as Luebke reached on an error, allowing safe passage for Yonder Alonso to come home, and then Maybin singled in Jason Bartlett. The Padres extended the lead in the seventh inning as Hundley hit a single to give Headley time to cross the plate. San Diego won 7-1 with a ninth inning Hundley single to drive in Headley (it's dé jà vu all over again isn't it?). Luebke picked up the win while Guthrie was pinned with the loss.
Down in Arizona, the Diamondbacks welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard and Joe Saunders earned the starts. Pittsburgh dented the scoreboard in the first as Neil Walker singled to give Andrew McCutchen time to score. Arizona answered with a solo shot from Aaron Hill in the bottom of the first inning. The Diamondbacks took the lead in the fourth inning on a Ryan Roberts single, knocking in Paul Goldschmidt. Arizona struck again with a sixth inning Chris Young two-run homer, also scoring Miguel Montero. The Diamondback padded the lead with a seventh inning Gerardo Parra solo home run. This made it a 5-1 win, credited to Saunders, while Bedard had the loss.
Out to Anaheim, with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the Oakland Athletics. Brandon McCarthy and Jered Weaver take the hill. Los Angeles began with a first inning three-run homer by Kendrys Morales, sweeping in Howie Kendrick and Albert Pujols as well. The Angels padded the lead in the eighth as Morales doubled in Pujols, followed by Chris Iannetta drawing a bases loaded walk to force in pinch-runner Mark Trumbo, and then Vernon Wells came home on a wild pitch. This made it 6-0, a final, with Weaver earning the win and McCarthy being dealt the loss.
Finally, we end up north in San Francisco, with the Giants hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. Roy Halladay and Tim Lincecum are the pair of aces on the mound tonight. Philadelphia rallied early in the first inning to a large lead as Hunter Pence singled in Placido Polanco, Shane Victorino singled in Jimmy Rollins, and Laynce Nix ripped a double to get both Pence and Victorino home. San Francisco started chipping away with an Aubrey Huff sacrifice fly, allowing Angel Pagan to score. The Phillies replied with a fourth inning Halladay single, giving time for Freddy Galvis to score. The Giants answered back with a bottom of the fourth Lincecum groundout, which allowed Brandon Belt safe passage home. The scoring ceased from here, leaving the Phillies ahead 5-2, with Halladay getting the win, Jonathan Papelbon converting the save, and Lincecum held the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
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.
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.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
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.
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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.
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Saturday, April 14, 2012
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.
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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.
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Friday, April 13, 2012
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.
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.
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