MLB Day 20 2012

More than a full slate today as we make up yesterday's missed game. As such, the first two paragraphs here have the...

Detroit Tigers hosting the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Rick Porcello got the starts in Game 1. Texas started with a huge first inning rally, beginning as Josh Hamilton homered, a three-run bomb also scoring Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus, followed by Nelson Cruz singling in Adrian Beltre, Mitch Moreland hitting a 2-RBI single to drive in Young and Cruz, and Kinsler sweeping the bases of David Murphy and Moreland with a triple for an 8 run outburst. The Rangers added on with a Cruz single in the second inning, scoring pinch-runner Alberto Gonzalez. Detroit got on the board in the fourth as Austin Jackson hit a solo home run and Delmon Young lined a single to bring home Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers pulled closer in the eighth inning when Cabrera hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Brennan Boesch. Texas ended up winning 10-4 when Mike Napoli lifted a solo shot in the ninth inning. The winning pitcher was Harrison while the losing pitcher was Porcello.

In the second game, Neftali Feliz and Justin Verlander were given the right to start. Texas was first on the board with a David Murphy sacrifice fly, allowing Michael Young time to score in the fourth inning. Detroit answered in the bottom of the fourth as Delmon Young singled in Brennan Boesch, before being pushed in with a Ramon Santiago single that also scored Prince Fielder. The Rangers got one back with Murphy singling to score Young in the eighth, but they still fell 3-2. Verlander got the win, Jose Valverde shakily converted the save, and Feliz pitched a complete game loss.

Down to Chicago, as the Cubs host the Cincinnati Reds. Mike Leake and Paul Maholm were tabbed to start this afternoon. Cincinnati started off with a Brandon Phillips single, allowing Zack Cozart to score in the first inning. Chicago tied it in the bottom of the first with a Bryan LaHair sacrifice fly that gave time for David DeJesus to come home. The Cubs gained the lead in the second inning as Joe Mather doubled in Steve Clevenger before coming home on a DeJesus single, who then scored as Darwin Barney doubled, and he was swept in with a Starlin Castro triple. Chicago struck again with a seventh inning Clevenger single, knocking Barney in. They would go on for a 6-1 win, earned by Maholm, while Leake took a tough loss.

Over in D.C., the Washington Nationals hosted the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and Stephen Strasburg got the starting nods. Washington got things going in the sixth inning as Ian Desmond hit a solo home run. The Nationals extended the lead with a solo shot by Jayson Werth in the seventh inning. Miami tied it in the ninth inning as Logan Morrison launched a two-run home run, also scoring Hanley Ramirez. Washington won 3-2 with a tenth inning Desmond sacrifice fly, allowing time for Wilson Ramos to safely cross home. Tom Gorzelanny was in line for the win while Edward Mujica took the loss.

Into New York City, with the Mets hosting the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and Mike Pelfrey took the mound. San Francisco cut things open in the third inning as Pablo Sandoval singled in Angel Pagan. New York tied it in the fifth inning as Ruben Tejada grounded into a fielder's choice that gave time for Lucas Duda to come home. The Mets got the lead in the seventh inning as Tejada doubled in both Jason Bay and Duda. New York kept going with an eighth inning Ike Davis single, scoring Daniel Murphy. The Giants retied the game in the ninth inning when Emmanuel Burriss singled in Buster Posey, before coming home as the tying run alongside Nate Schierhotlz when Brandon Belt doubled them home. The Mets salvaged a win as Kirk Nieuwenhuis grounded into a fielder's choice, with Scott Hairston being thrown out at home, but a Posey error gave time for Tejada to dash home and win the game 5-4. Jon Rauch got the win despite blowing the save, while Clay Hensley suffered the dramatic loss.

Up into Boston, as the Red Sox welcome the New York Yankees. Freddy Garcia and Felix Doubront were the dueling bottom of the rotation pitchers. Boston began as Adrian Gonzalez hit a ground rule double that forced in Ryan Sweeney before coming home on a traditional double by David Ortiz. The Red Sox extended the lead in the second inning as Aviles singled in Cody Ross, Sweeney hit a sacrifice fly that provided time for Darnell McDonald to get home, and Dustin Pedroia brought Aviles the rest of the way home with a single.Boston struck again in the third inning as McDonald hit a sacrifice fly in the third inning, providing time for Oritz to score and then Aviles singled in Kevin Youkilis. The Red Sox padded the lead in the fifth with a Cody Ross two-run home run, also scoring Jarrod Saltalamacchia. New York got on the board in the sixth as Mark Teixeira blasted a solo home run. The Yankees roared close in the seventh inning with pair of home runs, as Nick Swisher blasted a grand slam to force in Russell Martin, Eduardo Nunez, and Derek Jeter before Teixeira went yard again, sweeping in himself and two others, Robinson Cano and Alex Rodriguez. New York took the lead in dramatic fashion in the eighth, as Swisher doubled in both Nunez and Jeter, Teixeira hit a ground rule double to push in Swisher and Cano, Martin doubled Rodridguez and Teixeira in, and Jeter singled Martin the rest of the way home. When the dust settled, New York had grabbed a 15-9 victory after trailing by 9 at one point, with Rafael Soriano gaining the win and Alfredo Aceves throwing a stinky series of pitchers for a much-deserved loss (I do happen to be a bit ticked with that, how did you guess?).

Taking a trip on I-90 to Seattle, as the Mariners host the Chicago White Sox. Philip Humber and Blake Beaven were called on to start. Chicago began with a second inning Paul Konerko solo home run. The White Sox added on in the third inning as Konerko singled in Gordon Beckham and A.J. Pierzynski did the same for Brent Morel. Chicago iced it at 4-0 in the ninth inning with an Alejandro De Aza single that got Brent Lillibridge home. Humber pitched the 21st Perfect Game in baseball history, while Beaven took the loss as the most severe victim of a lack of run support.

Back east, the Pittsburgh Pirates hosted the St. Louis Cardinals. Jake Westbrook and A.J. Burnett were sent out to start. Pittsburgh was first to score with a fourth inning Pedro Alvarez single, scoring Andrew McCutchen. The Pirates decided to add on with the same thing as Alvarez singled in McCutchen again in the sixth inning. This held up for a 2-0 win, earned by Burnett, with Joel Hanrahan shakily converting the save, and Westbrook getting no help in the loss.

Way southwest, the Houston Astros host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw is mismatched with Kyle Weiland in the pitching sphere. Los Angeles started off with a second inning James Loney solo home run. The Dodgers added on in the sixth inning as Matt Kemp blasted a two-run home run, also scoring Dee Gordon. Los Angeles struck again with an eighth inning Andre Ethier single knocking in both Gordon and Adam Kennedy. Houston avoided the shutout as J.D. Martinez drew a bases loaded walk, forcing in Justin Maxwell. The final here was 5-1, with Kershawn grabbing the win and Weiland taking a tough loss.

To the north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Colorado Rockies. Drew Pomeranz and Marco Estrada are the relatively unknown pitchers. Colorado began with a fourth inning solo home run by Troy Tulowitzki. Milwaukee replied in the fifth inning, taking the lead after Aramis Ramirez scored on a wild pitch and Alex Gonzalez doubled in Corey Hart. The Rockies shot back with a sixth inning grounding into a fielder's choice by Dexter Fowler that provided safe passage home for Eric Young, followed by a Tulowitzki single that brought home Carlos Gonzalez. The Brewers tied it with a Ryan Braun solo shot in the bottom of the sixth. Milwaukee paced themselves to a large lead after an equally big rally in the seventh, beginning as Rickie Weeks tripled in Jonathan Lucroy before coming the final 90 feet when Carlos Gomez singled, and he was swept in as Braun tripled, who then was cleared off the bases alongside Hart when Gonzalez sent a three-run home run ball over the fence. Colorado cut the final to 9-4 as Todd Helton hit a solo home run in the ninth inning. Jose Veras got the win while Esmil Rogers was pinned with the loss.

Down in Missouri, the Kansas City Royals hosted the Toronto Blue Jays. Drew Hutchison and Luis Mendoza are the low-rotation pitchers. Kansas City started with a first inning Alex Gordon solo home run. Toronto got going in the fourth inning as Edwin Encarnacion sparked a rally with a single that drove in Adam Lind, followed by Colby Rasmus, J.P. Arencibia, and Yunel Escobar all singling to score Encarnacion, Brett Lawrie, and Rasmus, respectively. The Royals shot back in the fifth inning as Mitch Maier tripled in Alcides Escobar, before coming the final 90 feet went Yuniesky Betancourt singled, and the Eric Hosmer went yard with a two-run home run that forced in Gordon. The Blue Jays replied again in the sixth as Rasmus went yard, a two-run homer, which forced in Lawrie. Toronto got another pair of home runs in the seventh inning as Encarnacion hit a two-run home run that swept in Eric Thames and then Rasmus put another ball over the fence. This made it 9-5, a final, with the win going to Hutchison and the loss to Everett Teaford.

Southeast to Tampa Bay, as the Rays host the Minnesota Twins. Carl Pavano duels with James Shields on the mound. Tampa Bay drew first blood in the sixth as B.J. Upton singled in both Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria, and on a subsequent error, Matt Joyce also came home. The Rays padded the lead in the seventh as Longoria reached on an error that gave time for Desmond Jennings to dart home. Minnesota avoided the shutout in the ninth inning as Ryan Doumit hit a sacrifice fly that scored Josh Willingham for a 4-1 loss. Shields earned the win, Fernando Rodney successfully converted the save and Pavano was dealt the loss.

Out to Arizona as the Diamondbacks welcomed the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Joe Saunders were given the ball tonight. Atlanta led off with a first inning bases-loaded walk drawn by Chipper Jones that forced in Michael Bourn. Arizona answered in the bottom of the first as Miguel Montero grounded out to give Gerardo Parra time to score. The Braves regained the lead in the second inning as Martin Prado singled in Jack Wilson. The Diamondbacks retied it in their half of the second inning on a Jason Kubel solo home run. Atlanta gained the lead once again in the third inning with a Dan Uggla solo shot. This stood as the winning run, giving Hanson the win, Craig Kimbrel a save, and Saunders took the loss.

Into California, with the San Diego Padres hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. Roy Halladay and Cory Luebke paced the game. San Diego cut the game open in the second inning as Orlando Hudson grounded out to bring Yonder Alonso home. The Padres extended the lead in the third inning when Alonso doubled in Chase Headley. San Diego added on with an eighth inning rally consisting of Jason Bartlett doubling in Cameron Maybin, Hudson tripling in Bartlett, and Jesus Guzman's single completing the trip around for Hudson. Philadelphia avoided the shutout with a Ty Wigginton double to knock in Jimmy Rollins for a 5-1 loss. Luebke picked up the win while Halladay took a rare loss.

Farther north, the Oakland Athletics host the Cleveland Indians. Jeanmar Gomez and Brandon McCarthy will take the hill tonight. Cleveland dented the scoreboard with a first inning Travis Hafner groundout that provided Jason Kipnis time to score. The Indians got another one in the sixth inning as Kipnis singled in Jason Donald. Oakland got one back in their half of the sixth, as Yoenis Cespedes hit a sacrifice fly allowing Cliff Pennington to come in. Cleveland extended the lead in the eighth inning as Kipnis tripled, clearing the bases of Donald and Michael Brantley, before he scored on a wild pitch. This made it 5-1, with Gomez earning the win, Chris Perez converting the save, and McCarthy taking the loss.

Finally, we end in Anaheim, with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Jake Arrieta and Jered Weaver received the starting nods. Things got started with a Matt Wieters home run for Baltimore in the fifth inning, a two-run blast that knocked in Adam Jones. Los Angeles rallied in the bottom of the fifth to take control as Mark Trumbo singled in Torii Hunter, before coming home himself on an Erick Aybar single, followed by Bobby Abreu's 2-RBI single that scored both Maicer Izturis and Peter Bourjos, and a Kendrys Morales single to allow Aybar time to score. The Orioles got one back in the seventh inning as Wieters grounded out to allow Jones time to come home. The Angels replied in the bottom of the seventh as Hunter grounded out to allow safe passage home for Albert Pujols. This made it 6-3, a final, where Weaver pitched a complete game for the win while Arrieta pitched significantly less innings in the loss.

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MLB Day 19 2012

Not quite a full slate because of a postponement for the Detroit Tigers game against the Texas Rangers on the official birthday of Fenway Park (more on that in a moment). We begin in...

Chicago, as the Cubs host the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and Chris Volstad got the starting nods. Cincinnati led off with a first inning Joey Votto single, driving in Drew Stubbs, before he came home alongside Jay Bruce on a Chris Heisey single, followed by Willie Harris grounding out and giving Scott Rolen time to score. Chicago got some back in the third inning when Starlin Castro reached on an error, allowing David DeJesus to score before he came home on a Bryan LaHair single. The Reds answered in the fourth inning on a Stubbs double, knocking in both Devin Mesoraco and Zack Cozart. The Cubs replied in the fifth inning when Darwin Barney grounded out, giving Blake DeWitt time to cross the plate. Cincinnati struck again in the sixth inning as Bailey grounded into a fielder's choice that gave time for Harris to safely get home. Chicago replied in the bottom of the sixth when Alfonso Soriano grounding out, bringing in LaHair. The Reds answered again in the eighth as Stubbs singled in Mesoraco. Cincinnati made it 9-4 with a ninth inning triple by Todd Frazier, pushing in Bruce. Bailey picked up the win while Volstad took the loss.

Eastward to an afternoon game in Boston, as Fenway Park celebrates its centennial by bringing in their original opponents, when the Red Sox host the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Clay Buchholz take their place in history with the starts. New York started off with a first inning Alex Rodriguez single, driving in Derek Jeter. The Yankees added on in the second inning with solo home runs by Nick Swisher and Eric Chavez. Boston got one back as David Ortiz lifted a solo home run in the bottom of the second. New York shot back as Chavez went yard again in the fourth inning, another solo home run. The Yankees padded the lead with a solo home run from Rodriguez in the fifth inning. The Red Sox got another run back in the bottom of the fifth as Mike Aviles lined a double to bring around Cody Ross. New York made it 6-2 in the sixth with a solo home run by Russell Martin. This was a final, with Nova picking up the win and Buchholz taking the loss.

Over to Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Lance Lynn and Charlie Morton got the starts. Pittsburgh opened with an Alex Presley inside the park solo home run. St. Louis tied it in the second inning on a Yadier Molina double, knocking in Carlos Beltran. Beltran helped the Cardinals grab the lead in the fifth with a single, scoring the pitcher Lynn. St. Louis secured victory in the ninth as Daniel Descalso lifted a solo home run, followed by a Rafael Furcal double driving in Shane Robinson. Lynn picked up the win in the 4-1 game, with Jason Motte closing out for the save, and Morton suffering the loss.

Back to D.C., with the Washington Nationals welcoming the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano and Ross Detwiler took to the mound. Washington got things going with a solo shot from Rick Ankiel in the third inning. The Nationals would win 2-0 after an eighth inning Ian Desmond single brought Ankiel home. Detwiler earned the win, Henry Rodriguez successfully converted the save, and Zambrano was a victim of a lack of offense in the loss.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Minnesota Twins. Liam Hendriks and Matt Moore earned the right to pitch. Minnesota grabbed an early lead with a first inning Joe Mauer single allowing Jamey Carroll to score. The Twins added on with Mauer hitting a fifth inning single, bringing in Denard Span. Tampa Bay got one back as Matt Joyce lifted a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth. The Rays got the lead in the sixth inning as Carlos Pena grounded into a double play that allowed Sean Rodriguez to come home, before Evan Longoria went yard for a two-run home run, also scoring Desmond Jennings. Minnesota got the lead back in the seventh inning as Josh Willingham doubled in three runs in the form of Alexi Casilla, Span, and Carroll. This gave them a 5-4 lead, lasting until the end for a win, with Matt Maloney being in line to earn the win, Matt Capps converting a rocky save, and Brandon Gomes being pinned with the loss.

Back north to New York, as the Mets host the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Jonathon Niese were the starting pitchers. San Francisco began with a third inning solo home run by Angel Pagan, followed by a Buster Posey double to knock in Melky Cabrera and Pablo Sandoval darting home to score on a wild pitch. New York got one back in the fourth inning as Jason Bay hit a solo shot. The Mets pulled closer in the fifth inning on a Kirk Nieuwenhuis solo home run. New York tied it in the ninth as Josh Thole singled Bay around home. The Giants got the lead back in the tenth on a Hector Sanchez single that allowed Cabrera time to dash home. They held on for a 4-3 victory, with Sergio Romo picking up the win, Clay Hensley converting the save, and Frank Francisco taking the loss.

Southwest to Houston, as the Astros welcome in the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ted Lilly and J.A. Happ paced the game today. Los Angeles opened with a first inning Matt Kemp home run, also scoring Justin Sellers. The Dodgers added on with an Andre Ethier third inning single to drive in Mark Ellis. Houston got on the board in the fourth inning as Chris Snyder hit a single to bring in Brian Bogusevic. Los Angeles held on for a 3-1 victory, with Lilly picking up the win, Javy Guerra cleanly converting the save, and Happ being dealt the loss.

Up in Milwaukee, the Brewers hosted the Colorado Rockies. Jhoulys Chacin and Shaun Marcum were handed the ball. Colorado drew first blood as Troy Tulowitzki doubled in Carlos Gonzalez in the first inning. The Rockies added on as Chacin singled in the fourth inning to bring home Tulowitzki. Milwaukee got on the board in the bottom of the fourth with a Norichika Aoki inside the park solo home run. Colorado replied in the sixth inning on a solo shot by Todd Helton. The Brewers tied it in the bottom of the sixth when Corey Hart singled Aoki in, followed by Mat Gamel doing the same for Ryan Braun. The Rockies got the lead back in the ninth inning as Michael Cuddyer singled to knock in Eric Young. This was all they needed for a 4-3 win, which was credited to Matt Belisle, while Rafael Betancout got the save and John Axford suffered the loss.

South to Kansas City, with the Royals hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Kyle Drabek opposed Luke Hochevar from the mound. Kansas City got on the board first with a second inning Mike Moustakas solo home run. The Royals added on in the fourth as Jeff Francoeur darted home on a wild pitch. Toronto got going in the fifth as J.P. Arencibia laced a single to bring around Eric Thames. The Blue Jays rallied to a lead in the eighth inning beginning with another Arencibia single, driving in Colby Rasmus, followed by Jose Bautista's single to knock in Rajai Davis and an Edwin Encarnacion sacrifice fly allowing time for Kelly Johnson to score. Kansas City got as close as 4-3 when Yuniesky Betancourt hit a ninth inning single to allow Alcides Escobar safe passage home, but they couldn't get the equalizer. Luis Perez was in line for the win, Sergio Santos converted a shaky save, and Greg Holland took the loss.

Out to Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the Atlanta Braves. Brandon Beachy and Trevor Cahill were given the green light to start. Atlanta busted the scoring open in the third as Freddie Freeman ripped a double to knock in Martin Prado. The Braves padded the lead with a two-run Brian McCann home run in the fifth, forcing in Freeman. Atlanta rallied to a larger lead in the sixth inning as Beachy reached on a fielder's choice that provided Chipper Jones time to dash home, followed by Michael Bourn doubling in Tyler Pastornicky, Prado hitting a sacrifice fly to get Beachy the rest of the way home, and Freeman doubling to push in Bourn. The Braves padded the lead with a Dan Uggla singled, bringing Freeman home before McCann scored on a wild pitch. Arizona avoided being shut out as Paul Goldschmidt grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Aaron Hill to score, making it a 9-1 final in Atlanta's favor. The win went to Beachy, while Cahill took the ugly loss.

Farther west, the San Diego Padres host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels and Edinson Volquez were tabbed as starters tonight. San Diego was first to score in the fifth inning as Jesus Guzman grounded out to provide Cameron Maybin time to come home safely. Philadelphia tied it in the seventh inning as Brian Schneider singled in Shane Victorino, and they gained the lead on a Juan Pierre single, scoring both Ty Wigginton and Freddy Galvis. Victorino hit a solo home run for the Phillies in the eighth inning. This made it 4-1, a final, with Hamels earning the win, Jonathan Papelbon converting the save, and Volquez taking a tough loss.

Just a bit north, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Baltimore Orioles. Brian Matusz and Jerome Williams will be on the hill. Los Angeles got on the board with a pair of doubles in the first inning, as Torii Hunter hit his to get Howie Kendrick home before coming home himself on Mark Trumbo's double. The Angels added on in the second inning when Kendrick singled in Alberto Callaspo. Baltimore got on the board with a third inning J.J. Hardy single, driving in Nolan Reimold. Los Angeles extended the lead as Kendrick hit a 2-RBI double in the sixth inning, driving in Chris Iannetta and Callaspo, and Erick Aybar crossed home on an error by Adam Jones. The Orioles got some runs back as Reimold hit a two-run homer in the seventh, also scoring Chris Davis. This is as close as they got, as the Angels would wind up winning 6-3, with the win being credited to Williams, Jordan Walden converted the save, and Matusz was in line for the loss.

Working up the California coast to Oakland, where the Athletics welcome the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and Graham Godfrey will throw tonight. Cleveland began as Jack Hannahan hit a sacrifice fly to allow time for Carlos Santana to score in the second inning. Oakland tied it with a third inning Josh Reddick solo shot. The Indians got the lead back with a fourth inning Hannahan 2-RBI double, forcing in Travis Hafner and Shelley Duncan. The Athletics pulled back with a fifth inning Yoenis Cespedes single, providing Reddick time to get home. Oakland got another one back in the seventh as Cespedes singled to bring home Jemile Weeks, but they couldn't tie the game after this and lost 4-3. Jimenez got the win, Chris Perez converted the save cleanly, and Godfrey was stuck holding the loss.

Continuing north to the endpoint of today's trip, as the Seattle Mariners host the Chicago White Sox. Chris Sale and Hector Noesi made the starts. Chicago started with an Adam Dunn double, bringing in Alejandro De Aza and an Alex Rios sacrifice fly allowing Brent Morel to score. The White Sox extended the lead with Morel singling in Gordon Beckham before Dunn hit a three-run homer to clear the bases of De Aza and Morel. Seattle got on the board in the third inning as Ichiro doubled home Dustin Ackley. The Mariners got another back in the sixth with a solo shot by Jesus Montero. Seattle chipped away in the seventh as Ichiro singled to score Brendan Ryan. Chicago iced it at 7-3 with a Dunn solo shot in the eighth inning. Sale picked up the win while Noesi exited early from the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Western Conference Quarterfinal: 4) Nashville Predators VS. 5) Detroit Red Wings

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between the Nashville Predators and the Detroit Red Wings. Please use this post as reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Pekka Rinne for Nashville; Jimmy Howard for Detroit. Paul Gaustad opened the scoring for Nashville, assisted by Brandon Yip and Francis Bouillon. Detroit tied it in the second period when Henrik Zetterberg scored an unassisted power play goal. The Predators regained the lead with a Gabriel Bourque goal, fueled by Matt Halischuk. Nashville added on in the third period with the second of the night for Bourque, coming off of Nick Spaling and Patric Hornqvist. The Red Wings made it close later on in the frame as Tomas Holmstrom scored a power play goal powered by Kyle Quincey and Valtteri Filppula. They never tied it, falling 3-2. The three stars were given to Bourque, Rinne (35 for 37 in saves), and Gaustad. Nashville leads 1-0 in the series.

Game 2: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Pekka Rinne for Nashville; Jimmy Howard for Detroit. Detroit began with an Ian White goal made possible by Tomas Holmstrom and Drew Miller. Cory Emmerton added on for the Red Wings with an unassisted goal. Nashville got one back in the second period as Andrei Kostitsyn scored with the help of Alexander Radulov and David Legwand. Detroit answered with a Johan Franzen goal, pushed through by Brad Stuart and Pavel Datsyuk. The Predators tried to rally in the third period on a Shea Weber goal, helped along by Paul Gaustad and Nick Spaling, but they didn't tie it and lost 3-2. The three stars were awarded to Howard (24 for 26 in saves), Franzen, and Emmerton. The series is tied at 1.

Game 3: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In goal: Jimmy Howard for Detroit; Pekka Rinne for Nashville. Nashville started with a Shea Weber power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Andrei Kostitsyn and Alexander Radulov. The Predators added on in the second period as Kevin Klein scored with a lone Martin Erat assist. Detroit got one back as Pavel Datsyuk scored an unassisted goal. Nashville padded the lead in the third period with a Sergei Kostitsyn goal, helped along by Mike Fisher and Klein. The Red Wings tried to rally back but never got a tying goal after Henrik Zetterberg made it 3-2 with a power play goal, his second of the playoffs, via Datsyuk and Niklas Kronwall. The three stars went to Weber, Datsyuk, and Rinne (41 for 43 in saves), while Klein gets an honorable mention. Nashville leads the series 2-1.

Game 4: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In goal: Jimmy Howard for Detroit; Pekka Rinne for Nashville. Nashville started things in the third period with the third of the postseason by Gabriel Bourque, assisted by Alexander Radulov. Detroit tied it with a Jiri Hudler power play goal, powered by Niklas Kronwall and Kyle Quincey. The Predators took the lead again as Kevin Klein scored his second of the playoffs, thanks to Martin Erat. Nashville iced it at 3-1 with a David Legwand unassisted power play goal. The three stars were handed out to Rinne (40 for 41 in saves), Klein, and Quincey. Nashville pushed Detroit to the brink, now leading the series 3-1.

Game 5: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Pekka Rinne for Nashville; Jimmy Howard for Detroit. Nashville led off with an Alexander Radulov goal, fueled by David Legwand. Detroit tied the game in the second period with a Jiri Hudler goal, his second of the postseason, set up by Valtteri Filppula and Henrik Zetterberg. Legwand gave the Predators a 2-1 lead in the third period with his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Gabriel Bourque and Radulov just thirteen seconds into the frame. This held up as a final, with Legwand, Radulov, and Rinne (21 for 22 in saves) getting the three stars. Nashville won the series and became the first teams to clinch for the second round by a 4-1 margin. 

MLB Day 18 2012

Travel Thursday for the Major Leagues. That means less games and some afternoon frolicking around the ballparks. We begin in...

Miami, as the Marlins host a matinee with the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and Ricky Nolasco will be throwing today. Miami led off with a first inning Logan Morrison single to score Emilio Bonifacio and a Giancarlo Stanton groundout giving time for Hanley Ramirez to score. Chicago gained the lead in the second inning as  Darwin Barney ripped a triple, knocking in Bryan LaHair, Geovany Soto, and David DeJesus. The Marlins answered with a Greg Dobbs double, driving in Ramirez and Morrison, followed by a Nolasco single to finish Dobbs' trip around. The scoring ceased here, so Miami won 5-3, with Nolasco earning the win, Heath Bell converting the save cleanly, and Samardzija taking a loss.

Northwest to Milwaukee, as the Brewers welcome in the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Randy Wolf were given the ball. Los Angeles started off with a second inning Matt Treanor sacrifice fly, giving Andre Ethier time to score. Milwaukee replied in their half of the inning on a Travis Ishikawa double to bring home George Kotteras, and they gained the lead as Wolf hit a sacrifice fly to give Alex Gonzalez time to dart home. The Dodgers got it back in the third inning when Juan Rivera and Ethier singled in Mark Ellis and Matt Kemp home, respectively. Los Angeles padded the lead in the fifth inning as Kemp hit a solo home run. The Brewers tried to rally back with a sixth inning Ishikawa single that knocked in Aramis Ramirez, but this was all they would get, losing 4-3. Harang earned the win, Javy Guerra converted a clean save, and Wolf was dealt the loss.

Down in St. Louis, the Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Adam Wainwright took the hill. Cincinnati got things going with a pair of home runs in the fourth inning, a solo shot from Brandon Phillips and a two-run blast by Ryan Ludwick that swept in Jay Bruce as well. The Reds added on in the fifth inning as Phillips singled to bring around Zack Cozart. St. Louis got most of them back in the sixth inning when Matt Holliday lifted a three-run home run, scoring himself, Rafael Furcal, and Jon Jay. Cincinnati shot back on a Drew Stubbs solo home run in the seventh inning. The Reds made it 6-3 in the ninth inning when Joey Votto singled in Ryan Hanigan. This was a final, with Arroyo getting the win, Sean Marshall picking up the save, and Wainwright suffering the loss.

Up in Chicago, the White Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel and Gavin Floyd were picked to start. Baltimore struck first in the first inning as Adam Jones doubled in Endy Chavez, followed by a groundout from Nick Johnson, providing time for Nick Markakis to cross the plate. Chicago shot back in the third inning Adam Dunn doubled in Alejandro De Aza before finishing his trip around on an Alex Rios single. The Orioles shot back with a J.J. Hardy sacrifice fly in the fifth, giving time for Robert Andino to cross home, followed by a two-run homer from the bat of Jones, also scoring Chavez. The White Sox got one back as Alexei Ramirez grounded out to get Paul Konerko home safely, but they fell 5-3 as the offense stalled from here. Hammel picked up the win, Jim Johnson converted a rocky save, and Floyd took the loss.

East to New York, where the Yankees host the Minnesota Twins. Anthony Swarzak and Phil Hughes were tabbed to start. Minnesota started with a first inning Ryan Doumit single, bringing in Jamey Carroll and Joe Mauer before Danny Valencia doubled to score Justin Morneau and Doumit. New York answered in their half of the inning as Curtis Granderson hit a solo home run and Mark Teixeira went yard with a two-run bomb, also scoring Alex Rodriguez. The Yankees gained the lead in the second inning as Derek Jeter singled in Eduardo Nunez, before coming home on another Granderson homer. New York added on with a fourth inning Granderson solo home run, his third bomb of the game. The Twins pulled back as Doumit lifted a two-run home run in the sixth inning, sweeping in Morneau. This was it for the scoring, leaving the Yankees with a 7-6 win, earned by Hughes, while Mariano Rivera threw a clean ninth inning for the save, and Swarzak was dealt the loss.

Into Washington, with the Nationals welcoming the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Edwin Jackson will play from the mound. Houston rallied to a sizable lead in the first inning as J.D. Martinez singled home Jose Altuve, followed by a Brian Bogusevic triple to bring in both Martinez and Carlos Lee, before coming home when Matt Downs tripled him in, and ending the blitz with a Jason Castro to bring Downs the final 90 feet home. Washington got one back in the second inning with a Wilson Ramos single, allowing Adam LaRoche to score. The Nationals pulled closer in the third inning when Ryan Zimmerman launched a three-run home run, also scoring Steve Lombardozzi and Danny Espinosa. The Astros padded their lead again with a single by the pitcher Norris, driving in both Downs and Castro, before he came home alongside Marwin Gonzalez when Altuve doubled, and wrapping up the rally was a Martinez groundout that allowed Jordan Schafer time to score. Houston kept going in the seventh with a Castro single to knock in Downs. This produced an 11-4 win, with Norris getting credited with the win while Jackson was stuck with the loss.

Northwest of there, the Detroit Tigers brought in the Texas Rangers. Yu Darvish and Adam Wilk take to the hill today. Texas began with a first inning Michael Young single, scoring Ian Kinsler. The Rangers added on with a solo shot by Mike Napoli in the second inning. Detroit got one back with a Don Kelly groundout to allow time for Prince Fielder to score. Texas answered with a fifth inning Josh Hamilton run as Nelson Cruz reached on an error, followed by a Yorvit Torrealba sacrifice fly that allowed Adrian Beltre to cross home. The Rangers extended the lead in the sixth inning as Young grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing time for Elvis Andrus to get home safely. Texas pounded away with an eighth inning rally, beginning with Cruz doubling in Young, Torrealba doubling in Cruz, Kinsler using a double to score both Napoli and Torrealba, and Andrus hitting a single to complete Kinsler's trip around. The Tigers answered in the bottom of the eighth when Kelly singled, scoring both Miguel Cabrera and Fielder. This made it a 10-3 game, the eventual final, with Darvish getting the win and Wilk taking the loss.

Crossing into Canada, as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeremy Hellickson and Henderson Alvarez are the starting pitchers with long names. Tampa Bay started off with a first inning Evan Longoria single, knocking in Ben Zobrist. Toronto tied it in the bottom of the first as Adam Lind doubled to bring around Yunel Escobar. The Rays gained the lead again as Matt Joyce scored on an error, followed by Sean Rodriguez coming home when Desmond Jennings singled him in. The Blue Jays tied the game in the fourth as J.P. Arencibia doubled to bring home Colby Rasmus, before coming home when Escobar reached on an error. Tampa Bay got the lead back in the fifth inning on a Jennings solo home run, and they added on when Longoria went yard, sweeping in Zobrist. The Rays extended their lead in the ninth as Longoria doubled to bring home Jennings, followed by a Luke Scott double driving in Carlos Pena and Longoria. Toronto cut the final to 9-4 when Brett Lawrie grounded out in the ninth inning, giving Jose Bautista time to come around. Hellickson picked up the win, while Alvarez suffered the loss.

Down to Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor and Josh Collmenter are the opposing pitchers. Atlanta began with a two-run Freddie Freeman first inning home run, knocking in Martin Prado. Arizona got one back in the third inning when the pitcher Collmenter grounded out to give Gerardo Parra time to get home. The Diamondbacks tied it as A.J. Pollock hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Henry Blanco. The Braves took the lead as Jason Heyward doubled in Brian McCann and Juan Francisco singled in both Dan Uggla and Heyward in the sixth inning. Atlanta extended the lead when Freeman went yard again in the seventh inning, another two-run homer, also scoring Prado. The Braves padded the lead on an eighth inning Prado double that forced in both the pitcher Minor and Michael Bourn, before he came home on a Freeman double.This gave Atlanta a 10-2 win, which was earned by Minor, while Collmenter suffered the loss.

Out in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Oakland Athletics. Tommy Milone and C.J. Wilson get the starting nods. Oakland opened with a second inning Kurt Suzuki double, allowing Seth Smith to score. The Athletics added on in the fourth inning as Smith reached on an error that gave both Yoenis Cespedes and Jonny Gomes time to come home, followed by a Kila Ka'aihue single to finish Smith's trip around. Los Angeles got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Vernon Wells doubled in Albert Pujols before being singled in by Mark Trumbo. This was it for the scoring, giving Oakland a 4-2 win. Milone picked up the win, Grant Balfour converted the save, and Wilson took a hard luck loss.

Down in San Diego, the Padres host the Philadelphia Phillies. Vance Worley and Joe Wieland are the under-the-radar starters. Philadelphia led off with a first inning sacrifice fly by Jimmy Rollins, providing Juan Pierre time to dart home. The Phillies extended the lead when Hunter Pence scored on a passed ball in the ninth inning. Philadelphia held on for a 2-0 win, earned by Worley, with Jonathan Papelbon picking up the save, and Wieland being a victim of run support.

Finally, we end in Seattle, with the Mariners welcoming the Cleveland Indians. Josh Tomlin and Felix Hernandez are the dueling pitchers. Seattle was the first to score when John Jaso reached on an error in the fifth inning, allowing time for Michael Saunders to dart home. Cleveland gained the lead with a 2-RBI single by Jack Hannahan, scoring both Carlos Santana and Aaron Cunningham. They held on to win 2-1, which was credited to Tomlin, and Chris Perez got the save while Brandon League blew his save chance and took the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 17 2012

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.

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.

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.

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