MLB Day 23 2012

A true full slate in today's games, beginning in...

Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Colorado Rockies. Jamie Moyer and Kevin Correia will be slated to start. Colorado started as Carlos Gonzalez hit a two-run home run in the first inning, sweeping in Dexter Fowler. Pittsburgh answered with Andrew McCutchen grounding out in the bottom of the first, giving time for Alex Presley to score. The Pirates got the lead in the seventh inning as McCutchen doubled in both Presley and Jose Tabata. The Rockies reclaimed the lead in the eighth as Gonzalez went yard again, another two-run homer, this time scoring Marco Scutaro. Pittsburgh retied it in their half of the inning as Clint Barmes hit a solo home run, followed by Casey McGehee singling in Nate McLouth as the go-ahead run. This held for a 5-4 win, with the win going to Tony Watson, the save to Joel Hanrahan, and the loss being pinned on Matt Belisle.

Westward to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Max Scherzer will pitch. Seattle began with a first inning Jesus Montero single, bringing in Chone Figgins. The Mariners added on with a third inning Kyle Seager single, scoring Dustin Ackley, followed by a Michael Saunders double to drive in Ichiro and Seager. Detroit got on the board in their half of the inning when Brennan Boesch singled, allowing Brandon Inge to get home safely. The Tigers pulled closer with a fourth inning homer by Alex Avila, a two-run shot that brought home Prince Fielder too. Seattle answered in the fifth inning as Miguel Olivo grounded into a fielder's choice, providing safe passage home for Seager. Detroit replied in the bottom of the fifth on a solo home run by Miguel Cabrera. The Mariners re-extended their lead with a seventh inning Alex Liddi solo shot. Seattle tuned up once more in the ninth inning as Saunders doubled, giving Ichiro time to score. This gave them a 7-4 win, earned by Vargas, while Brandon League converted the save, and Scherzer was dealt the loss.

Back to the coast, the Baltimore Orioles host the Toronto Blue Jays. Henderson Alvarez and Tommy Hunter are the back-end starters. Baltimore was first on the board as Adam Jones grounded into a double play in the first inning, giving Endy Chavez time to dart home. Toronto answered with an Eric Thames solo home run in the third inning. The Orioles got the lead back with a Matt Wieters solo shot in the fourth inning. This made it 2-1, an eventual final, with Hunter earning the win, Pedro Strop picking up the save, and Alvarez taking a hard luck loss.

West of there, the Cleveland Indians host the Kansas City Royals. Jonathan Sanchez and Derek Lowe took to the pitching task. Cleveland started off as Carlos Santana hit a sacrifice fly in the first inning, allowing Jason Kipnis to come home. Kansas City tied it in the fourth inning when Mitch Maier singled to bring home Mike Moustakas (so many M's). The Indians got the lead back in the fifth as Shelley Duncan hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Asdrubal Cabrera, followed by a Jack Hannahan double that scored both Santana and Travis Hafner. The Royals got one back as Maier doubled in Eric Hosmer in the eighth inning. Kansas City pulled closer in the ninth inning with a Billy Butler groundout giving Chris Getz time to get home safely, but they never tied it, losing 4-3. The win went to Lowe, while Chris Perez picked up a rocky save, and Sanchez suffered a tough loss.

East again, with the New York Mets welcoming the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson and Johan Santana are the pair of aces throwing tonight. Miami was first on the board with a seventh inning double by Gaby Sanchez, knocking in Giancarlo Stanton. New York tied it with a Josh Thole bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the seventh, forcing in Lucas Duda. The Mets gained the lead in the eighth inning, as Duda singled, bringing in Kirk Nieuwenhuis. This gave New York a 2-1 win, with Jon Rauch standing in line for the win, Frank Francisco cleanly converting the save, and Edward Mujica suffering the loss.

To Ohio again, with the Cincinnati Reds hosting the San Francisco Giants. Matt Cain and Mat Latos are the anything-but-doormat(t) type pitchers set to start. Cincinnati led off with a first inning two-run home run off the bat of Brandon Phillips, knocking in Drew Stubbs. The Reds added on in the seventh inning as Ryan Ludwick hit a solo home run, followed by a Phillips bases-loaded walk that forced in Willie Harris, Jay Bruce doubling Stubbs and Joey Votto home, and a Scott Rolen double that brought Phillips and Bruce across the plate. Cincinnati padded the lead in the eighth as Stubbs singled to score Ryan Hanigan. San Francisco got on the board in the ninth inning as Buster Posey hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Pablo Sandoval. This made it 9-2, with Latos picking up the win and Cain taking a tough loss.

Down in Florida, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana opposes David Price on the mound. Tampa Bay began with a first inning solo home run by Desmond Jennings. The Rays added on with a fourth inning solo shot from Luke Scott. Tampa Bay struck again in the fifth inning when B.J. Upton went yard, another solo home run. The Rays continued the homer spree as Carlos Pena hit a sixth inning solo home run, followed by Upton's sacrifice fly, providing time for Evan Longoria to get home safely. The final stood at 5-0, with Price throwing a 5-hit, 1-walk shutout for the win, while Santana had no support in the loss.

Northwest to Chicago, as the Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright goes up against a less well-known pitcher, Jeff Samardzija. Chicago struck first with a Starlin Castro sacrifice fly in the first inning, giving David DeJesus time to get home. St. Louis took the lead in the eighth inning as Matt Holliday hit a two-run home run, forcing in Rafael Furcal. The Cubs tied it with a Bryan LaHair solo shot in the ninth inning. Chicago won it with a tenth inning Alfonso Soriano single, knocking in Tony Campana, for a 3-2 victory, which went to James Russell, while Fernando Salas took the loss.

South again, this time to Texas, with the Rangers hosting the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Yu Darvish are the Japanese pitchers. Texas opened with a first inning Ian Kinsler solo shot. The Rangers struck again in the third inning as Josh Hamilton singled to bring around Elvis Andrus. Texas held on for a 2-0 win, with a dominant Darvish getting the W, Joe Nathan mopping up for a save, and Kuroda looking around wondering why he couldn't get any help out there during the loss.

Way north to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Boston Red Sox. Josh Beckett duels with Nick Blackburn in pitching. Boston led off with a first inning Ryan Sweeney single, knocking in Mike Aviles, followed by David Ortiz singling in Dustin Pedroia, and Cody Ross' groundout giving Adrian Gonzalez time to dash home. Minnesota got on the board in the bottom of the first when Justin Morneau drew a bases loaded walk that forced in Jamey Carroll. The Red Sox added on in the third with an Ortiz two-run home run, also scoring Gonzalez. Boston padded the lead with an Aviles solo shot in the fourth inning, followed by Gonzalez singling in Sweeney. The Red Sox were back at work in the fifth inning as Aviles doubled to score Marlon Byrd, before he came home on a Pedroia double, and Pedroia got home with a Gonzalez double. The Twins got one back in their half of the fifth as Josh Willingham doubled Carroll across the plate. Boston struck again in the eighth inning as Darnell McDonald grounded into a fielder's choice that sent Lars Anderson home. This made it 11-2, with Beckett earning the win and Blackburn taking an ugly loss.

Over in Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Brewers welcome the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Randy Wolf will pace the game. Houston opened as Jose Altuve hit a solo home run. Milwaukee got on the board in the fifth with a Travis Ishikawa two-run home run, also sweeping in Alex Gonzalez. The Astros tied it with a Carlos Lee double in the sixth inning, bringing home J.D. Martinez. The Brewers gained the lead as Corey Hart went yard, his two-run homer scoring himself and Aramis Ramirez in the bottom of the sixth, followed by a Rickie Weeks three-run blast that knocked in George Kotteras and Gonzalez. Houston got one back with a seventh inning Martinez groundout, giving time for Chris Johnson to get home. Milwaukee responded in the bottom of the seventh with a Gonzalez single to drive in Hart. The Astros got one back when Johnson singled Altuve home safely in the eighth, followed by Jordan Schafer's sacrifice fly to give Kyle Weiland time to score, and Jed Lowrie singling in Johnson. The Brewers shot back again in their half of the inning as Carlos Gomez hit a solo home run. They held from here for a 9-6 win, with Wolf getting the win, John Axford converting the save, and Norris taking a heavy loss.

Out to Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. Vance Worley and Josh Collmenter are the young starters. Philadelphia began the scoring with a fourth inning Hunter Pence two-run home run, knocking in Jimmy Rollins, followed by another two-run blast, this time from Laynce Nix to clear the bases of Ty Wigginton. Arizona got on the board in the fifth with a Cody Ransom solo shot. The Phillies extended the lead in the seventh inning with a Pete Orr triple, clearing the bases of Nix, Brian Schneider, and Juan Pierre. The Diamondbacks got one back in the bottom of the seventh as Ryan Roberts doubled in Willie Bloomquist, before completing his trip around on a Gerardo Parra double, and Parra came home on a groundout by Justin Upton. Philadelphia got one back as Shane Victorino launched a solo shot in the eighth inning. Arizona shot back with a solo home run off the bat of Jason Kubel in the bottom of the eighth. The final was 8-5, with Worley getting the win, Jonathan Papelbon picking up the save and Collmenter taking the loss.

Into California, as the San Diego Padres hot the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Clayton Richard get the starting nods. Washington was first on the board with a seventh inning Chad Tracy single, scoring both Xavier Nady and Wilson Ramos. San Diego got on the board in the bottom of the seventh on an Andy Parrino single that combined with an error to bring home Cameron Maybin. The Nationals answered in the ninth with Rick Ankiel singling to score Ramos for a 3-1 victory. The win went to Gonzalez, the save was converted by Henry Rodriguez, and Richard took the loss.

North to Oakland, as the Athletics host the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Tommy Milone get the ball tonight. Oakland got things going in the eighth inning as Kurt Suzuki doubled to score Daric Barton and Eric Sogard singled to drive in Suzuki. This accounted for all the runs in the game, giving Milone a win, Grant Balfour a save, and Floyd a loss in the 2-0 game.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor and Aaron Harang are on the hill. Los Angeles started off with a two-run home run by Juan Rivera in the first inning, scoring Mark Ellis. Atlanta got on the board in the fifth inning as Chipper Jones hit a solo home run, and then they tied it as Martin Prado grounded out to score Jason Heyward. The Braves got the lead in the sixth as Brian McCann darted home on a wild pitch. The Dodgers retied it in the bottom of the sixth with Matt Kemp grounding into a fielder's choice, which combined with an error to get Dee Gordon home safely. Atlanta took the lead in the ninth as Prado tripled, forcing in Tyler Pastornicky, and they wouldn't let go in the 4-3 game. Eric O'Flaherty got the win, Craig Kimbrel converted the save, and Javy Guerra was pinned with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 22 2012

Ten games being played today as the Pittsburgh Pirates game against the Colorado Rockies was a victim of rain. The first two in this post come in a doubleheader from...

New York, as the Mets make up their missed game from yesterday with the San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum and Miguel Batista are the game one starters. San Francisco got going with a Pablo Sandoval single to bring in Melky Cabrera, followed by a Buster Posey solo home run in the first inning. New York answered in the second inning with a Mike Baxter double that scored Ruben Tejada. The Giants extended the lead with a three-run home run in the third inning off the bat of Nate Schierhotlz, sweeping in Sandoval and Posey. San Francisco struck again as Brandon Crawford hit a fourth inning double to get Emmanuel Burriss home safely. This held up for a 6-1 win, with Lincecum picking up the win while Batista took the loss.

In the nightcap, the pitchers are Madison Bumgarner and Dillon Gee. San Francisco struck first again with a first inning Pablo Sandoval two-run home run, also scoring Gregor Blanco, followed by a Hector Sanchez sacrifice fly that brought in Nate Schierholtz. The Giants struck again in the fourth inning as Blanco hit a 2-RBI double to bring home Brett Pill and Emmanuel Burriss. New York got one back in the bottom of the fourth as Justin Turner singling in David Wright. San Francisco struck again in the seventh inning on a Sanchez two-run home run, sweeping in Sandoval. The Mets got one back in the eighth inning as Daniel Murphy's sacrifice fly gave Lucas Duda time to dash home. The final held at 7-2, with Bumgarner getting the win and Gee suffering the loss.

Down in Texas now, with the Rangers hosting the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia and Derek Holland take their turns in the rotation. New York was first to score with a first inning 2-RBI single by Curtis Granderson, pushing in Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano. Texas got one back when Josh Hamilton grounded into a double play in the bottom of the first, allowing Ian Kinsler to come home. The Yankees replied in the fifth inning as Nick Swisher hit a sacrifice fly to bring around Chris Stewart before Alex Rodriguez cleared the bases with a three-run home run, knocking in Jeter and Cano. New York struck again in the sixth inning as Jeter doubled in Stewart. The Rangers got one back with Hamilton hitting a solo shot in the bottom of the sixth. Texas pulled closer in the seventh inning as Craig Gentry doubled in Nelson Cruz and Brandon Snyder. They couldn't muster anymore, losing 7-4, with the win going to Sabathia, Mariano Rivera converting the save, and Holland taking the loss.

Up in Chicago, the Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jaime Garcia and Matt Garza are the opposing pitchers. Chicago led off with a first inning Alfonso Soriano sacrifice fly, scoring Darwin Barney. St. Louis tied it in the fourth as Carlos Beltran grounded out, providing time for Skip Schumaker to get home, followed by a Yadier Molina sacrifice fly to give time for Matt Holliday to score. The Cubs won it in the ninth with a 2-RBI single from Joe Mather giving time to bring in both Bryan LaHair and Geovany Soto for a 3-2 win. Rafael Dolis was in line for the win while Jason Motte blew the save and suffered the loss.

Into Missouri, as the Kansas City Royals host the Toronto Blue Jays. Brandon Morrow and Bruce Chen will play from the mound. Toronto was first on the board with a solo shot by Kelly Johnson in the first inning. Kansas City tied it on an Eric Hosmer solo home run in the second inning. The Blue Jays took the lead in the sixth as Jose Bautista hit a two run home run, forcing in Johnson. Toronto padded the lead with a Rajai David single in the ninth inning, bringing in Brett Lawrie. This made it 4-1, with the win going to Morrow, the save to Francisco Cordero, and the loss to Chen.

North to Minnesota, where the Twins welcome the Boston Red Sox. Jon Lester and Jason Marquis get the starting nods. Boston dented the scoreboard in the first inning with an Adrian Gonzalez sacrifice fly that brought home Mike Aviles. The Red Sox padded the lead with a second inning two-run home run by Jarrod Saltalamacchia, also scoring Kevin Youkilis. Minnesota got two back with a Ryan Doumit double, knocking in both Joe Mauer and Josh Willingham, and then they took the lead as Danny Valencia went yard for a two-run home run, completing the trip around for Doumit. The Twins extended their lead with Jamey Carroll grounding into a double play that gave time for Trevor Plouffe to cross home in the fifth inning. Boston tied it in the seventh inning as Cody Ross hit a two-run home run, forcing in Saltalamacchia. The Red Sox snagged the lead in the ninth inning as Ross hit another home run, this time going yard to score only himself. This held for a 6-5 win, with Daniel Bard getting the W, Alfredo Aceves getting the save, and Matt Capps taking the loss.

A tad to the east, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Zack Grienke were sent out to pitch. Houston was first on the board with a solo home run by Jed Lowrie in the first inning. Milwaukee answered in the bottom of the first when Ryan Braun singled in Norichika Aoki, before he was forced in by an Aramis Ramirez triple, and Ramirez came home safely on a Corey Hart sacrifice fly. The Brewers struck again in the fourth inning as Mat Gamel's sacrifice fly gave time for Hart to dash home. The Astros got one back with a bases-loaded walk in the fifth, drawn by Brian Bogusevic to force in the pitcher Harrell. Milwaukee replied with a solo home run by Braun in the bottom of the fifth. The Brewers got another one as Hart scored on a wild pitch in the sixth inning. Houston pulled back as Bogusevic tripled, clearing the bases of Lowrie and Carlos Lee, before he was pushed in by a Chris Johnson single. They couldn't tie it, losing 6-5, with Greinke getting the win, John Axford converting the save, and Harrell taking the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Wade Miley will throw tonight. Arizona was first to score with an Aaron Hill ground rule double in the first inning, knocking in Gerardo Parra, before he came home on a Justin Upton sacrifice fly, followed by Jason Kubel doubling in Miguel Montero and then coming home himself on a John McDonald single. The Diamondbacks added on in the second inning when Cody Ransom doubled Hill and Upton home. Arizona kept going with solo home runs by Upton and Kubel in the fourth inning. The Diamondbacks extended their lead with a seventh inning Parra sacrifice fly to score McDonald. Philadelphia got on the board in a big way in the ninth as Laynce Nix doubled in Placido Polanco, followed by a three-run home run by Shane Victorino, also scoring Nix and Ty Wigginton, and a Carlos Ruiz solo shot. They got as far as 9-5, but fell here with Miley taking the win while Kendrick was dealt an ugly loss.

Out in Oakland, the Athletics host the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy and Bartolo Colon are the staff aces pacing the game. Chicago began the scoring with back to back solo home runs by Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko in the fourth inning. The White Sox added on in the ninth inning with a Gordon Beckham single, driving in Brent Morel, before he came home on an A.J. Pierzynski single. This made it a 4-0 final, with Peavy getting the win and Colon getting absolutely no help in the loss.

Finally, we finish down in Chavez Ravine, with the Los Angeles Dodgers welcoming the Atlanta Braves. Jair Jurrjens demonstrate alliteration in the pitching duel while taking the mound. Los Angeles started off with a first inning Andre Ethier single that drove in Dee Gordon. Atlanta replied in the second inning on a David Ross solo home run. The Dodgers got the lead back in the second inning as Juan Uribe singled in James Loney before coming home himself when A.J. Ellis singled. Los Angeles padded the lead in the fourth with an Ellis single that scored Loney, followed by a Gordon sacrifice fly to drive in Uribe. The Braves got one back in the top of the eighth on a Dan Uggla solo home run. The Dodgers iced it at 7-2 in the bottom of the inning, as Uribe singled in both Matt Kemp and Ethier. The win went to Capuano, while Jurrjens took the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Western Conference Quarterfinal: 3) Phoenix Coyotes VS. 6) Chicago Blackhawks

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.

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

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.

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.

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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.