Another day ravaged by rain, postponing the Washington Nationals-Miami Marlins game until later and the New York Mets-San Francisco Giants until tomorrow for a twin bill, as well as the marquee game originally scheduled for tonight, between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. First up for the games left...
The Detroit Tigers host the Texas Rangers. C.J. Wilson and Drew Smyly are set to start. Texas led off with a first inning Josh Hamilton solo home run. Detroit tied it in the third inning as Ramon Santiago scored on a wild pitch. The Tigers got the lead in the sixth inning with a Brennan Boesch solo shot. The Rangers tied it with Hamilton hitting a sacrifice fly to bring home Elvis Andrus in the eighth inning. Texas got the lead in the eleventh inning as Alberto Gonzalez laid down a bunt single that provided time to get Nelson Cruz home. This gave them a 3-2 lead, which held for a win to be earned by Robbie Ross, while Joe Nathan converted the save and Thad Weber took the loss.
Over to Pittsburgh, as the Pirates host the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse and Erik Bedard are the designated pitchers. St. Louis started off with a Carlos Beltran groundout into a double play that provided Rafael Furcal time to score. The Cardinals added on in the third inning when David Freese singled in both Furcal and Tyler Greene. Pittsburgh got on the board in the eighth inning as Casey McGehee singled in Michael McKenry. St. Louis padded the lead in the ninth inning as Furcal lined a single to bring in Shane Robinson, followed by Matt Holliday singling to bring home Skip Schumaker. This was it for the scoring, as Lohse earned the the win in the 5-1 game while Bedard got the loss.
Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Minnesota Twins. Francisco Liriano and Jeff Niemann will get to pitch today. Tampa Bay got things going in the third inning when Desmond Jennings and Ben Zobrist hit sacrifice flies, allowing Sean Rodriguez and Chris Gimenez to come home safely. The Rays added on in the fourth inning when B.J. Upton hit a sacrifice fly that brought in Evan Longoria. Tampa Bay struck again as Jennings hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning, also scoring Elliot Johnson. Minnesota got on the board in the second inning with a Ryan Doumit single that scored both Denard Span and Jamey Carroll. The Rays ended up winning 6-2 with an eighth inning Upton sacrifice fly scoring Carlos Pena. The win went to Niemann, while Liriano took the loss.
Westward to Houston, as the Astros host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Wandy Rodriguez are the well known pitchers for today. Houston began in the first inning as Carlos Lee hit a two run home run, knocking in Jed Lowrie. The Astros extended the lead with a second inning Jordan Schafer grand slam, forcing in Chris Johnson, Jason Castro, and Rodriguez. Houston kept the attack up in the fourth inning as Rodriguez reached on an error allowing Castro to score, Lowrie drew a walk and Jose Altuve scored on the wild pitch, and J.D. Martinez grounded into a fielder's choice, providing time for Schafer to get home. The Astros continued the assault in the fifth inning as Castro singled to drive in Johnson. Houston padded the lead with an eighth inning Johnson single to finish a trip around the bases by Matt Downs, and then Altuve singled to get Brian Bogusevic across the plate, for a 12-0 final when all was said and done. Rodriguez got the win and Billingsley suffered a bad loss.
Up to Kansas City, with the Royals hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky Romero and Danny Duffy are the pitchers demonstrating alliteration. Toronto drew first blood in the fifth inning as Yunel Escobar singled in Rajai Davis, followed by a Jose Bautista single to score J.P. Arencibia, and then both hitters came home when Brett Lawrie singled. Kansas City got on the board in their half of the fifth as Alcides Escobar grounded into a fielder's choice that provided Jeff Francoeur time to get home, and Mike Moustakas scored on a subsequent error. The Blue Jays got one back in the eighth as Lawrie showed some guts and stole home safely. The Royals tried to rally in the ninth, beginning with a Moustakas single that scored Yuniesky Betancourt, but this was all they would get as they fell 5-3. Romero was in line for the win, Francisco Cordero converted a sloppy save, and Duffy was stuck with the loss.
Northward to Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the Colorado Rockies. Jeremy Guthrie and Yovani Gallardo are the veterans on the mound. Colorado struck first as Jason Giambi hit a single in the first inning that drove in Tyler Colvin. Milwaukee tied it in the fourth inning as Mat Gamel singled in Ryan Braun. Colorado retook the lead in the eighth when Michael Cuddyer doubled in both Troy Tulowitzki and Giambi. Colorado padded the lead in the ninth as Carlos Gonzalez singled in Dexter Fowler. This made the final stand at 4-1, with Guthrie earning the win, Rafael Betancourt converting the save, and Francisco Rodriguez taking the loss.
Back to the south, as the Chicago Cubs host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Randy Wells will pace the game. Cincinnati opened with a third inning Joey Votto double to knock in Drew Stubbs before coming home on a Scott Rolen single. Chicago got on the board in the fifth inning with Joe Mather scoring on an error, and they tied it as Bryan LaHair singled to drive in Starlin Castro. The Reds regained the lead in the sixth inning when Stubbs grounded into a fielder's choice and Ryan Hanigan darted home safely, followed by Jay Bruce drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in the pitcher Cueto. The Cubs got one back in the ninth inning on a Jeff Baker groundout giving time for Castro to dash home, but they couldn't tie it, falling 4-3. Cueto picked up the win, Sean Marshall converted a sloppy save against his former team, and Rodrigo Lopez was pinned with the loss.
Out to California, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Dan Haren get the starting nods. Los Angeles first dented the scoreboard in the fourth inning as Alberto Callaspo singled Vernon Wells home. Baltimore took the lead in the eighth inning with a 2-RBI single from Nick Markakis, scoring both Robert Andino and Endy Chavez. The Angels retied it in the bottom of the eighth as Howie Kendrick hit a solo home run. Markakis gave the Orioles a lead as he singled Andino home in the tenth inning. This was good for a 3-2 win, with Pedro Strop earning the win, Jim Johnson converting the save, and LaTroy Hawkins taking the loss.
Up in Oakland, the Athletics host the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Tyson Ross take the hill. Cleveland got an early lead with a first inning Travis Hafner double to bring home Shin-Soo Choo. Oakland tied it in the third with a Cliff Pennington double that drove in Jemile Weeks. The Athletics got the lead on a two-run home run by Seth Smith in the fourth inning, also scoring Kila Ka'aihue. Oakland padded the lead in the fifth inning as Kurt Suzuki singled to bring around Ka'aihue. The Athletics struck again in the eighth inning as Pennington singled to drive in Eric Sogard. This made it 5-1, a final, with the win going to Ross and the loss to Masterson.
Back down the the coast, the San Diego Padres host the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton and Anthony Bass are the back end of the rotation pitchers for today. San Diego stared with a Chase Headley first inning double to bring in Will Venable and a Nick Hundley sacrifice fly giving Mark Kotsay time to come around to home. Philadelphia got one back in the second inning as Juan Pierre singled and Venable erred, combining to give Carlos Ruis time to dash home. The Padres extended their lead with a Hundley triple to sweep in Headley before he came home when Yonder Alonso reached on an error in the third inning. San Diego added on again in the sixth inning with a Hundley two-run homer, sweeping in Headley. This held up for a 6-1 win, earned by Bass, while Blanton was dealt the loss.
Up in Washington, the Seattle Mariners host the Chicago White Sox. John Danks and Kevin Millwood are on the mound. Chicago got things going in the third inning as Alexei Ramirez doubled home Brent Lillibridge before crossing the plate himself on an Adam Dunn single. Seattle replied in the bottom of the third as Jesus Montero singled in Chone Figgins and Alex Liddi doubled home Ichiro to tie the game. The Mariners took the lead in the fourth inning as Miguel Olivo came home on a Danks error, and Dustin Ackley reached on a fielder's choice that provided time for Casper Wells to dash home. The White Sox retied it with an Alex Rios triple, forcing in Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski, and they gained the lead with a Kosuke Fukudome sacrifice fly providing time for Rios to come the final 90 feet. Chicago padded their lead in the eighth with a Rios single to give time for Alejandro De Aza to score, followed by a Fukudome single that brought Pierzynski home. The final stood at 7-4, with Danks getting the win, Hector Santiago earning the save, and Millwood taking the loss.
Wrapping up the rain-thinned slate of games, we go to Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the Atlanta Braves. Randall Delgado and Ian Kennedy will play from the mound. Atlanta was first on the board with a Freddie Freeman sacrifice fly giving time for Michael Bourn to score. Arizona took the lead in the second inning, as the pitcher Kennedy drew a walk with the bases loaded to force in Jason Kubel, before Gerardo Parra swept the bases clean with a grand slam, scoring Cody Ransom, John McDonald, and Kennedy as well as himself. The Braves got one back in the third as Martin Prado doubled to bring home Bourn. Atlanta kept chipping away with a fifth inning Freeman single that got the pitcher Delgado around home. The Diamondbacks got one back as Aaron Hill's double gave Parra time to dash home. Juan Francisco tried to help the Braves rally with a solo home run in the ninth, but they fell 6-4 with no more runs scored after his blast. Kennedy took the win, J.J. Putz shakily picked up the save, and Delgado was dealt the loss.
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Sunday, April 22, 2012
Eastern Conference Quarterfinal: 4) Pittsburgh Penguins VS. 5) Philadelphia Flyers
Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers. Please use this post as reference for the entire series.
Game 1: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh; Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia. Pittsburgh started the scoring on a Sidney Crosby goal, set up by Pascal Dupuis and Kris Letang. The Penguins added on as Tyler Kennedy scored, thanks to Jordan Staal and Letang. Pittsburgh extended the lead again with a Dupuis goal, made possible by Steve Sullivan and Crosby. Philadelphia got on the board in the second period with a Danny Briere goal, with a lone Brayden Schenn assist. The Flyers pulled closer in the third period as Briere put down his second of the night, again with Schenn getting the only helper. Philadelphia tied the game on a Schenn power play goal powered by Scott Hartnell and Jaromir Jagr. The Flyers won in the overtime period as Jakub Voracek netted the puck, with the help of Matt Carle and Matt Read. The three stars of the 4-3 game were Schenn, Briere, and Crosby, while Letang and Dupuis get honorable mentions. Philadelphia leads the series 1-0.
Game 2: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh; Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia. Pittsburgh opened fifteen seconds in with a Sidney Crosby goal, his second of the postseason, from Steve Sullivan and Pascal Dupuis. The Penguins added on with a Chris Kunitz power play goal, set up by James Neal and Evgeni Malkin. Max Talbot answered for Philadelphia on a shorthanded goal passed from Claude Giroux. Pittsbrugh replied with a Paul Martin goal, guided in by Crosby and Dupuis. The Flyers went to work in the second period as Giroux scored a power play goal with the help of Jakub Voracek and Kimmo Timonen. Giroux tied it for Philadelphia with a shorthanded goal, his second of the night, with a lone assist by Talbot. The Penguins retook the lead with the second of the game by Kunitz, another power play goal, powered by Neal and Malkin. The Flyers tied it again with three seconds left in the second period as Sean Couturier scored, with assists provided by Braydon Coburn and Nicklas Grossmann. Pittsburgh regained the lead in the third period with a Tyler Kennedy goal, his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Matt Cooke and Jordan Staal. Philadelphia tied it again with another Couturier goal, his second of the game, going down unassisted. The Flyers got the lead on a Jaromir Jagr goal, passed off of Pavel Kubina and Giroux. Couturier finished his hat trick for Philadelphia with his third of the night, via Giroux, who got a sock trick, and Voracek. Giroux also finished a hat trick with an empty net goal, and Couturier picked up the lone helper. The three stars went to Couturier, Giroux, and Kunitz, while Crosby, Talbot, Voracek, Neal, Malkin, and Dupuis get honorable mentions during the 8-5 game. The Flyers own a 2-0 series lead.
Game 3: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia; Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh began when Jordan Staal scored, via Chris Kunitz and Zbynek Michalek. Philadelphia answered on a Max Talbot shorthanded goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by Claude Giroux and Matt Carle. The Flyers took the lead with Danny Briere's third of the playoffs, a power play goal set up by Scott Hartnell and Jaromir Jagr. Briere struck again to add on the Philadelphia with his second of the game and fourth of the postseason, coming off of Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn. The Penguins got one back as James Neal scored, with the help of Matt Niskanen and Evgeni Malkin. The Flyers shot back on a Matt Read goal with a lone Briere assist. Pittsburgh pulled closer in the second period as Neal scored his second of the game from Malkin and Sidney Crosby on the power play. Read answered for Philadelphia with his second of the game, also a power play goal, passed from Jagr and Schenn. Staal shot back and pulled the Penguins back within one with his second of the game, assisted by Neal and Kunitz. The Flyers answered on a Simmonds goal on the power play, with only Braydon Coburn picking up an assist. Brent Johnson relieved Fleury for the third period, mercifully. This did no help as Philadelphia scored when Giroux netted the puck, his fourth of the postseason, guided in by Jagr for a sock trick. Giroux also got a Gordie Howe Hat Trick on his record after his first period fight with Crosby. The Flyers iced it at 8-4 with another Talbot shorthanded goal, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, with assists from Jakub Voracek and Coburn. The three stars were given to Briere, Giroux, and Jagr, while Talbot, Neal, Staal, Read, Simmonds, Schenn, Coburn, Malkin, and Kunitz pick up the honorable mentions. The Flyers lead the series 3-0.
Game 4: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia; Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh. Philadelphia began with the fifth of the postseason for Claude Giroux, assisted by Jaromir Jagr and Wayne Simmonds on the power play. Evgeni Malkin answered for Pittsburgh, with the help of Pascal Dupuis and Richard Park. The Penguins took the lead with a Matt Niskanen power play goal, fueled by Sidney Crosby and Steve Sullivan. The Flyers retied it as Kimmo Timonen scored a power play goal, coming off of Giroux and Danny Briere. Philadelphia gained the lead as Jakub Voracek put down his second of the playoffs, thanks to Simmonds and Scott Hartnell. Pittsburgh tied it once again as Crosby recorded his third of the postseason, guided in by Niskanen and Malkin. The Penguins gained the lead again as Jordan Staal netted his third of the playoffs, pushed through by Eric Tangradi and Matt Cooke. The score was 4-3 after the first intermission, much to my disappointment once again. Pittsburgh kept the momentum up in the second period as Kris Letang scored a power play goal, powered by Crosby and Sullivan. Sergei Bobrovsky came on in relief of Bryzgalov at this time. This did little to stop the bleeding as Staal notched his second of the game and fourth of the postseason for the Penguins, yet another power play goal, with helpers provided by Tyler Kennedy and Letang. Pittsburgh charged onward as Sullivan registered a power play goal with a lone Fleury assist. The Penguins attacked again with a Dupuis goal, his second of the playoffs, passed from Chris Kunitz. Staal later finished his hat trick to keep Pittsburgh roaring on his fifth of the postseason, with a lone Deryk Engelland assist. The Penguins hit double-digits with a Malkin goal, his second of the game, from Kunitz and Kennedy. The final held at 10-3, with Staal, Malkin, and Niskanen getting the three stars, while Sullivan, Crosby, Letang, Dupuis, Kunitz, Cooke, Kennedy, Giroux, and Simmonds get the honorable mentions. Philadelphia still owns a 3-1 series lead.
Game 5: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh; Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia. Philadelphia led off with a Matt Carle power play goal, coming off of Matt Read and Jaromir Jagr. Pittsburgh tied it with a Steve Sullivan power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Kris Letang and James Neal. The Flyers got the lead back with a power play goal off the tape of Scott Hartnell, via Danny Briere and Claude Giroux. The Penguins retied it in the second period as Jordan Staal notched his sixth of the playoffs, with the help of Tyler Kennedy and Letang. Pittsburgh gained a 3-2 lead when Kennedy put down his third of the postseason, guided in by Matt Cooke and Staal. The third period was scoreless (a rare occurrence among these two teams), leaving 3-2 as the final. Fleury (24 for 26 in saves), Staal, and Carle got the three stars while Kennedy and Letang earn the honorable mentions. The Penguins chipped away to give the Flyers a 3-2 series lead.
Game 6: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia; Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh. Philadelphia began with an early Claude Giroux goal just thirty-two seconds into the game, going in unassisted as his sixth of the postseason. The Flyers added on with a Scott Hartnell power play goal, his second of the playoffs guided in by Giroux and Jakub Voracek. Philadelphia extended the lead in the second period on an Erik Gustafsson goal, set up by Braydon Coburn and Giroux. Pittsburgh got one back with an unassisted Evgeni Malkin power play goal, his third of the postseason. The Flyers answered with a Danny Briere goal, his fifth of the playoffs, via Voracek and Matt Carle. Philadelphia iced it at 5-1 in the third period with a Brayden Schenn empty net goal, his second of the postseason, going down unassisted. The three stars were handed to Giroux, Gustafsson, and Bryzgalov (30 for 31 in saves) while Voracek gets an honorable mention. Philadelphia avoided collapse by winning the series 4-2.
Game 1: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh; Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia. Pittsburgh started the scoring on a Sidney Crosby goal, set up by Pascal Dupuis and Kris Letang. The Penguins added on as Tyler Kennedy scored, thanks to Jordan Staal and Letang. Pittsburgh extended the lead again with a Dupuis goal, made possible by Steve Sullivan and Crosby. Philadelphia got on the board in the second period with a Danny Briere goal, with a lone Brayden Schenn assist. The Flyers pulled closer in the third period as Briere put down his second of the night, again with Schenn getting the only helper. Philadelphia tied the game on a Schenn power play goal powered by Scott Hartnell and Jaromir Jagr. The Flyers won in the overtime period as Jakub Voracek netted the puck, with the help of Matt Carle and Matt Read. The three stars of the 4-3 game were Schenn, Briere, and Crosby, while Letang and Dupuis get honorable mentions. Philadelphia leads the series 1-0.
Game 2: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh; Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia. Pittsburgh opened fifteen seconds in with a Sidney Crosby goal, his second of the postseason, from Steve Sullivan and Pascal Dupuis. The Penguins added on with a Chris Kunitz power play goal, set up by James Neal and Evgeni Malkin. Max Talbot answered for Philadelphia on a shorthanded goal passed from Claude Giroux. Pittsbrugh replied with a Paul Martin goal, guided in by Crosby and Dupuis. The Flyers went to work in the second period as Giroux scored a power play goal with the help of Jakub Voracek and Kimmo Timonen. Giroux tied it for Philadelphia with a shorthanded goal, his second of the night, with a lone assist by Talbot. The Penguins retook the lead with the second of the game by Kunitz, another power play goal, powered by Neal and Malkin. The Flyers tied it again with three seconds left in the second period as Sean Couturier scored, with assists provided by Braydon Coburn and Nicklas Grossmann. Pittsburgh regained the lead in the third period with a Tyler Kennedy goal, his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Matt Cooke and Jordan Staal. Philadelphia tied it again with another Couturier goal, his second of the game, going down unassisted. The Flyers got the lead on a Jaromir Jagr goal, passed off of Pavel Kubina and Giroux. Couturier finished his hat trick for Philadelphia with his third of the night, via Giroux, who got a sock trick, and Voracek. Giroux also finished a hat trick with an empty net goal, and Couturier picked up the lone helper. The three stars went to Couturier, Giroux, and Kunitz, while Crosby, Talbot, Voracek, Neal, Malkin, and Dupuis get honorable mentions during the 8-5 game. The Flyers own a 2-0 series lead.
Game 3: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia; Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh began when Jordan Staal scored, via Chris Kunitz and Zbynek Michalek. Philadelphia answered on a Max Talbot shorthanded goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by Claude Giroux and Matt Carle. The Flyers took the lead with Danny Briere's third of the playoffs, a power play goal set up by Scott Hartnell and Jaromir Jagr. Briere struck again to add on the Philadelphia with his second of the game and fourth of the postseason, coming off of Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn. The Penguins got one back as James Neal scored, with the help of Matt Niskanen and Evgeni Malkin. The Flyers shot back on a Matt Read goal with a lone Briere assist. Pittsburgh pulled closer in the second period as Neal scored his second of the game from Malkin and Sidney Crosby on the power play. Read answered for Philadelphia with his second of the game, also a power play goal, passed from Jagr and Schenn. Staal shot back and pulled the Penguins back within one with his second of the game, assisted by Neal and Kunitz. The Flyers answered on a Simmonds goal on the power play, with only Braydon Coburn picking up an assist. Brent Johnson relieved Fleury for the third period, mercifully. This did no help as Philadelphia scored when Giroux netted the puck, his fourth of the postseason, guided in by Jagr for a sock trick. Giroux also got a Gordie Howe Hat Trick on his record after his first period fight with Crosby. The Flyers iced it at 8-4 with another Talbot shorthanded goal, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, with assists from Jakub Voracek and Coburn. The three stars were given to Briere, Giroux, and Jagr, while Talbot, Neal, Staal, Read, Simmonds, Schenn, Coburn, Malkin, and Kunitz pick up the honorable mentions. The Flyers lead the series 3-0.
Game 4: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia; Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh. Philadelphia began with the fifth of the postseason for Claude Giroux, assisted by Jaromir Jagr and Wayne Simmonds on the power play. Evgeni Malkin answered for Pittsburgh, with the help of Pascal Dupuis and Richard Park. The Penguins took the lead with a Matt Niskanen power play goal, fueled by Sidney Crosby and Steve Sullivan. The Flyers retied it as Kimmo Timonen scored a power play goal, coming off of Giroux and Danny Briere. Philadelphia gained the lead as Jakub Voracek put down his second of the playoffs, thanks to Simmonds and Scott Hartnell. Pittsburgh tied it once again as Crosby recorded his third of the postseason, guided in by Niskanen and Malkin. The Penguins gained the lead again as Jordan Staal netted his third of the playoffs, pushed through by Eric Tangradi and Matt Cooke. The score was 4-3 after the first intermission, much to my disappointment once again. Pittsburgh kept the momentum up in the second period as Kris Letang scored a power play goal, powered by Crosby and Sullivan. Sergei Bobrovsky came on in relief of Bryzgalov at this time. This did little to stop the bleeding as Staal notched his second of the game and fourth of the postseason for the Penguins, yet another power play goal, with helpers provided by Tyler Kennedy and Letang. Pittsburgh charged onward as Sullivan registered a power play goal with a lone Fleury assist. The Penguins attacked again with a Dupuis goal, his second of the playoffs, passed from Chris Kunitz. Staal later finished his hat trick to keep Pittsburgh roaring on his fifth of the postseason, with a lone Deryk Engelland assist. The Penguins hit double-digits with a Malkin goal, his second of the game, from Kunitz and Kennedy. The final held at 10-3, with Staal, Malkin, and Niskanen getting the three stars, while Sullivan, Crosby, Letang, Dupuis, Kunitz, Cooke, Kennedy, Giroux, and Simmonds get the honorable mentions. Philadelphia still owns a 3-1 series lead.
Game 5: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh; Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia. Philadelphia led off with a Matt Carle power play goal, coming off of Matt Read and Jaromir Jagr. Pittsburgh tied it with a Steve Sullivan power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Kris Letang and James Neal. The Flyers got the lead back with a power play goal off the tape of Scott Hartnell, via Danny Briere and Claude Giroux. The Penguins retied it in the second period as Jordan Staal notched his sixth of the playoffs, with the help of Tyler Kennedy and Letang. Pittsburgh gained a 3-2 lead when Kennedy put down his third of the postseason, guided in by Matt Cooke and Staal. The third period was scoreless (a rare occurrence among these two teams), leaving 3-2 as the final. Fleury (24 for 26 in saves), Staal, and Carle got the three stars while Kennedy and Letang earn the honorable mentions. The Penguins chipped away to give the Flyers a 3-2 series lead.
Game 6: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia; Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh. Philadelphia began with an early Claude Giroux goal just thirty-two seconds into the game, going in unassisted as his sixth of the postseason. The Flyers added on with a Scott Hartnell power play goal, his second of the playoffs guided in by Giroux and Jakub Voracek. Philadelphia extended the lead in the second period on an Erik Gustafsson goal, set up by Braydon Coburn and Giroux. Pittsburgh got one back with an unassisted Evgeni Malkin power play goal, his third of the postseason. The Flyers answered with a Danny Briere goal, his fifth of the playoffs, via Voracek and Matt Carle. Philadelphia iced it at 5-1 in the third period with a Brayden Schenn empty net goal, his second of the postseason, going down unassisted. The three stars were handed to Giroux, Gustafsson, and Bryzgalov (30 for 31 in saves) while Voracek gets an honorable mention. Philadelphia avoided collapse by winning the series 4-2.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Western Conference Quarterfinal: 2) St. Louis Blues VS. 7) San Jose Sharks
Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between the St. Louis Blues and the San Jose Sharks. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.
Game 1: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Jaroslav Halak for St. Louis; Antti Niemi for San Jose. San Jose began with a Martin Havlat power play goal in the second period, powered by Dan Boyle and Ryane Clowe. St. Louis tied it in the third period as Patrik Berglund scored, with help from Kevin Shattenkirk and Alex Steen. The Blues got the lead with another Berglund goal, his second of the game coming on the power play via Andy McDonald and Kris Russell. The Sharks tied it as Andrew Desjardins scored, thanks to Tommy Wingels and Boyle. San Jose won it in the second overtime with another Havlat goal, his second of the game, assisted by Clowe and Logan Couture. The three stars of the 3-2 game were Berglund, Havlat, and Boyle, while Clowe gets the honorable mention. San Jose leads 1-0 in the series.
Game 2: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Jaroslav Halak for St. Louis; Antti Niemi for San Jose. St. Louis began with an unassisted Vladimir Sobotka goal in the first period. Halak was replaced by Brian Elliott due to a leg injury in the second period. The Blues added on in the second period with a David Backes goal with a lone T.J. Oshie assist. St. Louis iced it at 3-0 in the third period with a power play goal by Andy McDonald, powered by Oshie and Alex Pietrangelo. The three stars were Oshie, Elliott (17 for 17 in saves in relief), and Halak (12 for 12 in saves before injury). The series is tied at 1.
Game 3: HP Pavilion, San Jose, California. In goal: Antti Niemi for San Jose; Brian Elliott for St. Louis. St. Louis started with a Patrik Berglund goal, his third of the postseason coming on the power play from Carlo Colaiacovo and Jason Arnott. San Jose tied it with a Brent Burns goal, also on the power play, made possible by Joe Thornton and Logan Couture. The Blues got the lead back in the second period with the second of the playoffs by Andy McDonald, assisted by Berglund and Colaiacovo. St. Louis added on with a power play goal by Arnott, powered by McDonald and Alex Steen. The Blues extended the lead with a Steen power play goal in the third period, set up by McDonald and Colaiacovo, the latter getting a sock trick. The Sharks pulled back on a Colin White goal passed from Ryane Clowe and Thornton. San Jose got as close as 4-3 with seventeen seconds left, but the Couture goal set up by Thornton, who got a sock trick, and Martin Havlat proved not to be enough. The three stars went to McDonald, Thornton, and Colaiacovo, while Arnott, Couture, Berglund, and Steen get the honorable mentions. St. Louis takes a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4: HP Pavilion, San Jose, California. In goal: Antti Niemi for San Jose; Brian Elliott for St. Louis. St. Louis led off with a B.J. Crombeen goal made possible by Patrik Berglund and David Perron. The Blues extended the lead in the third period with a power play goal from Andy McDonald, his third of the postseason, powered by Berglund and Perron. San Jose got one back but never tied it, losing 2-1 after a Joe Thornton goal set up by Logan Couture and Brent Burns. McDonald, Elliott (24 for 25 in saves), and Berglund got the three stars while Perron gets an honorable mention. St. Louis is within a win of advancing, holding a 3-1 lead in the series.
Game 5: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Brian Elliott for St. Louis; Antti Niemi for San Jose. San Jose opened the scoring in the second period with a Joe Thornton goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Daniel Winnik and Torrey Mitchell. St. Louis tied it in the third period on a Jamie Langenbrunner goal, via Scott Nichol and Vladimir Sobotka. The Blues got the lead forty-five seconds later when David Perron scored, thanks to Alex Pietrangelo and T.J. Oshie. St. Louis iced it at 3-1 with an Andy McDonald empty net goal, his fourth of the playoffs, with a lone Patrik Berglund helper. The three stars of the game were Elliott (26 for 27 in saves), Perron, and Langenbrunner. St. Louis wins the series 4-1.
Game 1: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Jaroslav Halak for St. Louis; Antti Niemi for San Jose. San Jose began with a Martin Havlat power play goal in the second period, powered by Dan Boyle and Ryane Clowe. St. Louis tied it in the third period as Patrik Berglund scored, with help from Kevin Shattenkirk and Alex Steen. The Blues got the lead with another Berglund goal, his second of the game coming on the power play via Andy McDonald and Kris Russell. The Sharks tied it as Andrew Desjardins scored, thanks to Tommy Wingels and Boyle. San Jose won it in the second overtime with another Havlat goal, his second of the game, assisted by Clowe and Logan Couture. The three stars of the 3-2 game were Berglund, Havlat, and Boyle, while Clowe gets the honorable mention. San Jose leads 1-0 in the series.
Game 2: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Jaroslav Halak for St. Louis; Antti Niemi for San Jose. St. Louis began with an unassisted Vladimir Sobotka goal in the first period. Halak was replaced by Brian Elliott due to a leg injury in the second period. The Blues added on in the second period with a David Backes goal with a lone T.J. Oshie assist. St. Louis iced it at 3-0 in the third period with a power play goal by Andy McDonald, powered by Oshie and Alex Pietrangelo. The three stars were Oshie, Elliott (17 for 17 in saves in relief), and Halak (12 for 12 in saves before injury). The series is tied at 1.
Game 3: HP Pavilion, San Jose, California. In goal: Antti Niemi for San Jose; Brian Elliott for St. Louis. St. Louis started with a Patrik Berglund goal, his third of the postseason coming on the power play from Carlo Colaiacovo and Jason Arnott. San Jose tied it with a Brent Burns goal, also on the power play, made possible by Joe Thornton and Logan Couture. The Blues got the lead back in the second period with the second of the playoffs by Andy McDonald, assisted by Berglund and Colaiacovo. St. Louis added on with a power play goal by Arnott, powered by McDonald and Alex Steen. The Blues extended the lead with a Steen power play goal in the third period, set up by McDonald and Colaiacovo, the latter getting a sock trick. The Sharks pulled back on a Colin White goal passed from Ryane Clowe and Thornton. San Jose got as close as 4-3 with seventeen seconds left, but the Couture goal set up by Thornton, who got a sock trick, and Martin Havlat proved not to be enough. The three stars went to McDonald, Thornton, and Colaiacovo, while Arnott, Couture, Berglund, and Steen get the honorable mentions. St. Louis takes a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4: HP Pavilion, San Jose, California. In goal: Antti Niemi for San Jose; Brian Elliott for St. Louis. St. Louis led off with a B.J. Crombeen goal made possible by Patrik Berglund and David Perron. The Blues extended the lead in the third period with a power play goal from Andy McDonald, his third of the postseason, powered by Berglund and Perron. San Jose got one back but never tied it, losing 2-1 after a Joe Thornton goal set up by Logan Couture and Brent Burns. McDonald, Elliott (24 for 25 in saves), and Berglund got the three stars while Perron gets an honorable mention. St. Louis is within a win of advancing, holding a 3-1 lead in the series.
Game 5: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Brian Elliott for St. Louis; Antti Niemi for San Jose. San Jose opened the scoring in the second period with a Joe Thornton goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Daniel Winnik and Torrey Mitchell. St. Louis tied it in the third period on a Jamie Langenbrunner goal, via Scott Nichol and Vladimir Sobotka. The Blues got the lead forty-five seconds later when David Perron scored, thanks to Alex Pietrangelo and T.J. Oshie. St. Louis iced it at 3-1 with an Andy McDonald empty net goal, his fourth of the playoffs, with a lone Patrik Berglund helper. The three stars of the game were Elliott (26 for 27 in saves), Perron, and Langenbrunner. St. Louis wins the series 4-1.
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.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
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.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Friday, April 20, 2012
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
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.
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.
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