Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between the Phoenix Coyotes and the Chicago Blackhawks. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.
Game 1: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix; Corey Crawford for Chicago. Chicago led off with a Jonathan Toews goal, assisted by Patrick Kane and Johnny Oduya. Phoenix tied it with a second period Taylor Pyatt goal, set up by Daymond Langkow. The Coyotes gained the lead with an Antoine Vermette goal, guided in by Raffi Torres and Keith Yandle. The Blackhawks tied it late in the third period as Brent Seabrook scored, with help from Toews and Kane. Phoenix won 3-2 in overtime on a Martin Hanzal goal, fueled by Adrian Aucoin and Rostislav Klesla. Smith (43 for 45 in saves), Hanzal, and Vermette got the three stars, while Toews and Kane get honorable mentions. Phoenix leads 1-0 in the series.
Game 2: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix; Corey Crawford for Chicago. Chicago busted things open with a Bryan Bickell goal, a power play goal from Dave Bolland and Johnny Oduya. Phoenix answered on a Raffi Torres goal with a lone Shane Doan helper. The Coyotes took the lead with an Antoine Vermette power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Keith Yandle and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Blackhawks retied it on a second period Brandon Bollig goal, helped along by Nick Leddy and Duncan Keith. Phoenix retook the lead with another Vermette power play goal, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, coming off of Yandle and Derek Morris. Chicago tied it with six seconds left in the third period with a Patrick Sharp goal, via Brent Seabrook and Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks completed the comeback with an overtime goal by Bickell, his second of the game, made possible by Viktor Stalberg. Bickell, Vermette, and Torres got the three stars for the 4-3 game. The series is now tied at 1.
Game 3: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Corey Crawford for Chicago; Mike Smith for Phoenix. Chicago began with an Andrew Brunette goal, helped along by Patrick Kane and Nick Leddy. Phoenix tied it in the third period on a Rostislav Klesla goal set up by Mikkel Boedker and Boyd Gordon in the third period. The Blackhawks got the lead back thirty-three seconds later with a Michael Frolik goal, from Brent Seabrook and Dave Bolland. The Coyotes retied it on a Ray Whitney goal, coming via Klesla just thirty-two seconds later. Phoenix ended up winning 3-2 in overtime with a Boedker goal, from Taylor Pyatt and Klesla. The three stars were given to Boedker, Kane, and Whitney, while Klesla gets the honorable mention. Phoenix now carries a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Corey Crawford for Chicago; Mike Smith for Phoenix. The game was scoreless until Shane Doan scored in the third period, with help from Ray Whitney. The Coyotes extended the lead on a Taylor Pyatt goal, his second of the postseason, fueled by Antoine Vermette and Radim Vrbata. Chicago got one back as Brendan Morrison scored, guided in by Jonathan Toews and Niklas Hjalmarsson. The Blackhawks tied it as Michael Frolik netted his second of the playoffs, thanks to Dave Bolland and Johny Oduya. Phoenix won it with a Mikkel Boedker overtime goal (sounds familiar?), his second of the postseason, pushed through by Boyd Gordon and Keith Yandle. The three stars belonged to Boedker, Doan, and Morrison. The Coyotes pushed Chicago the brink as they now hold a 3-1 lead.
Game 5: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix; Corey Crawford for Chicago. Phoenix opened with a second period Gilbert Brule goal, with assists by Marc-Antoine Pouliot and the goalie Smith. Chicago tied it with a Nick Leddy third period goal, set up by Michael Frolik and Brandon Saad. The Blackhawks took the game 2-1 with a Jonathan Toews goal in overtime, his second of the postseason with a lone assist from Viktor Stalberg. Toews, Smith (36 for 38 in saves), and Brule earned the three stars. Phoenix now has a 3-2 series lead.
Game 6: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Corey Crawford for Chicago; Mike Smith for Phoenix. Phoenix led off with a second period Oliver Ekman-Larsson power play goal powered by Keith Yandle and Ray Whitney. The Coyotes added on in the third period with a Gilbert Brule goal, coming off of Kyle Chipchura as his second of the postseason. Phoenix extended the lead with an Antoine Vermette power play goal, his fourth of the playoffs, guided in by Mikkel Boedker and Ekman-Larsson. The Coyotes struck again on a Chipchura goal, going in from Brule and Daymond Langkow. This made it 4-0, a final, with the three stars being Smith (39 save shutout), Ekman-Larsson, and Brule, while Chipchura gets an honorable mention. Phoenix wins the series 4-2 and will play Nashville in the next round, while Los Angeles and St. Louis go head to head. This concludes the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Fantasy Baseball All-Stars Week 3 2012
Here's the tops at every position, no stats this week because I am in a hurry for awhile.
C Mike Napoli
1B Freddie Freeman
2B Michael Young
3B Chase Headley and Evan Longoria
SS Derek Jeter
LF Josh Hamilton
CF Michael Bourn and Curtis Granderson
RF Nelson Cruz
SP Philip "Perfect" Humber, James Shields, and Cory Luebke
RP Chris Perez
C Mike Napoli
1B Freddie Freeman
2B Michael Young
3B Chase Headley and Evan Longoria
SS Derek Jeter
LF Josh Hamilton
CF Michael Bourn and Curtis Granderson
RF Nelson Cruz
SP Philip "Perfect" Humber, James Shields, and Cory Luebke
RP Chris Perez
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Western Conference Quarterfinal: 1) Vancouver Canucks VS. 8) Los Angeles Kings
Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between the Vancouver Canucks and the Los Angeles Kings. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.
Game 1: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia. In goal: Roberto Luongo for Vancouver; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Alexandre Burrows put Vancouver on the board first, helped along by Henrik Sedin and Ryan Kesler. Mike Richard tied it on a power play goal powered by Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. The Kings gained the lead with a Willie Mitchell goal, via Alec Martinez and Justin Williams. The Canucks retied it late in the period on an Alexander Edler goal, coming off of Maxim Lapierre and Kesler. Los Angeles retook the lead in the third period when Dustin Penner scored, courtesy of Jeff Carter and Richards. The Kings iced it at 4-2 with an empty netter by Dustin Brown, assisted by Richards and Carter. The three stars went to Richards, Luongo (35 for 38 in saves), and Brown, with honorable mentions for Carter and Kesler. Los Angeles leads 1-0 in the series.
Game 2: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia. In goal: Roberto Luongo for Vancouver; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles scored with nine seconds left in the first period as Dustin Brown netted the puck with help from Anze Kopitar on his shorthanded second of the postseason. Vancouver tied it on a Jannik Hansen goal with a lone Henrik Sedin assist. Brown shot back with another shorthanded goal, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, going in unassisted to put the Kings back in front. Los Angeles extended the lead in the third period with a Jarret Stoll power play goal powered by Justin Williams and Brown. The Kings added on with a Trevor Lewis goal, with a lone helper from Dustin Penner. The Canucks cut the final deficit to 4-2 with a Samuel Pahlsson goal, pushed through by Keith Ballard and Mason Raymond. The three stars went to Brown, Ryan Kesler, and Quick (46 for 48 in saves), while any point earner may take the second slot. The Kings lead the series 2-0.
Game 3: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Cory Schneider for Vancouver. Los Angeles busted things open in the third period on Dustin Brown's fourth of the postseason, assisted by Justin Williams and Anze Kopitar. This was the only goal tonight, giving them a 1-0 win, with Quick (41 save shutout), Brown, and Dan Hamhuis getting the three stars. Los Angeles has Vancouver on the brink with a 3-0 series lead.
Game 4: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Cory Schneider for Vancouver. Anze Kopitar put Los Angeles on the board first with a goal set up by Justin Williams and Willie Mitchell. Vancouver tied it in the second period with an Alexander Edler power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Dan Hamhuis and Ryan Kesler. The Canucks got the lead on a Kevin Bieksa goal, from David Booth. Vancouver iced it at 3-1 with a Henrik Sedin power play goal in the third period, fueled by Hamhuis and Daniel Sedin. The three stars were handed to Schneider (43 for 44 in saves), Bieksa, and Brad Richardson, with honorable mention for Hamhuis. The Canucks staved off elimination, making the series 3-1 Los Angeles.
Game 5: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia. In goal: Cory Schneider for Vancouver, Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Vancouver was first to score with a Henrik Sedin power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Daniel Sedin and Dan Hamhuis. Los Angeles tied it when Brad Richardson scored, with the help of Drew Doughty in the third period. The Kings completed the comeback with an overtime goal from Jarret Stoll, his second of the playoffs, with a lone assist by Trevor Lewis. The three stars were Stoll, Quick (26 for 27 in saves), and Schneider (35 for 37 in saves). Los Angeles advances to the next round after a 4-1 series win over the President's Trophy winners, a huge upset.
Game 1: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia. In goal: Roberto Luongo for Vancouver; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Alexandre Burrows put Vancouver on the board first, helped along by Henrik Sedin and Ryan Kesler. Mike Richard tied it on a power play goal powered by Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. The Kings gained the lead with a Willie Mitchell goal, via Alec Martinez and Justin Williams. The Canucks retied it late in the period on an Alexander Edler goal, coming off of Maxim Lapierre and Kesler. Los Angeles retook the lead in the third period when Dustin Penner scored, courtesy of Jeff Carter and Richards. The Kings iced it at 4-2 with an empty netter by Dustin Brown, assisted by Richards and Carter. The three stars went to Richards, Luongo (35 for 38 in saves), and Brown, with honorable mentions for Carter and Kesler. Los Angeles leads 1-0 in the series.
Game 2: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia. In goal: Roberto Luongo for Vancouver; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles scored with nine seconds left in the first period as Dustin Brown netted the puck with help from Anze Kopitar on his shorthanded second of the postseason. Vancouver tied it on a Jannik Hansen goal with a lone Henrik Sedin assist. Brown shot back with another shorthanded goal, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, going in unassisted to put the Kings back in front. Los Angeles extended the lead in the third period with a Jarret Stoll power play goal powered by Justin Williams and Brown. The Kings added on with a Trevor Lewis goal, with a lone helper from Dustin Penner. The Canucks cut the final deficit to 4-2 with a Samuel Pahlsson goal, pushed through by Keith Ballard and Mason Raymond. The three stars went to Brown, Ryan Kesler, and Quick (46 for 48 in saves), while any point earner may take the second slot. The Kings lead the series 2-0.
Game 3: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Cory Schneider for Vancouver. Los Angeles busted things open in the third period on Dustin Brown's fourth of the postseason, assisted by Justin Williams and Anze Kopitar. This was the only goal tonight, giving them a 1-0 win, with Quick (41 save shutout), Brown, and Dan Hamhuis getting the three stars. Los Angeles has Vancouver on the brink with a 3-0 series lead.
Game 4: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Cory Schneider for Vancouver. Anze Kopitar put Los Angeles on the board first with a goal set up by Justin Williams and Willie Mitchell. Vancouver tied it in the second period with an Alexander Edler power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Dan Hamhuis and Ryan Kesler. The Canucks got the lead on a Kevin Bieksa goal, from David Booth. Vancouver iced it at 3-1 with a Henrik Sedin power play goal in the third period, fueled by Hamhuis and Daniel Sedin. The three stars were handed to Schneider (43 for 44 in saves), Bieksa, and Brad Richardson, with honorable mention for Hamhuis. The Canucks staved off elimination, making the series 3-1 Los Angeles.
Game 5: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia. In goal: Cory Schneider for Vancouver, Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Vancouver was first to score with a Henrik Sedin power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Daniel Sedin and Dan Hamhuis. Los Angeles tied it when Brad Richardson scored, with the help of Drew Doughty in the third period. The Kings completed the comeback with an overtime goal from Jarret Stoll, his second of the playoffs, with a lone assist by Trevor Lewis. The three stars were Stoll, Quick (26 for 27 in saves), and Schneider (35 for 37 in saves). Los Angeles advances to the next round after a 4-1 series win over the President's Trophy winners, a huge upset.
MLB Day 21 2012
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.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
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.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
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.
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