Wednesday, April 25, 2012

MLB Day 24 2012

A heavier than full slate for games throughout the day, beginning with a doubleheader in...

Pittsburgh, where the Pirates host the Colorado Rockies. Game one saw Juan Nicasio and James McDonald take the mound. Colorado got things started in the seventh inning with a Jason Giambi sacrifice fly bringing in Carlos Gonzalez. Pittsburgh tied it in the bottom of the seventh with a solo home run by Pedro Alvarez. The Rockies got the lead back in the eighth inning when Tyler Colvin hit a sacrifice fly, giving Eric Young time to get home. This held up for a 2-1 win, with Matt Reynolds picking up the win, Rafael Betancourt pitching a clean ninth for the save, and Chris Resop suffering the loss while throwing McDonald's strong effort away.

In game two, Jhoulys Chacin and Charlie Morton got the starting nods. Pittsburgh started things here in the fifth inning as Nate McLouth doubled in Alex Presley before coming home on an Andrew McCutchen single, followed by McCutchen being swept in on a Garrett Jones two run homer, and Pedro Alvarez also hit a solo shot to back it up. Colorado got as close as 5-1 with a seventh inning Ramon Hernandez solo home run. Morton was in line for the win, while Chacin was stuck with the loss.

Westward to Milwaukee, with the Brewers hosting the Houston Astros. J.A. Happ and Shaun Marcum were given the ball. Houston led off with a first inning as J.D. Martinez doubled Jose Altuve across the plate. Milwaukee got the lead back in their half of the first, as Ryan Braun launched a two-run home run, also scoring Carlos Gomez. The Astros answered in the second inning as Altuve singled in Chris Snyder before coming home on a Carlos Lee single, and then Martinez darted home to score on a wild pitch. The Brewers got one back in the bottom of the second as Travis Ishikawa hit a solo home run. Milwaukee tied it in the third inning as Braun dashed home on a wild pitch, safely scoring. Houston got the lead back in the seventh inning as Snyder singled in Brian Bogusevic. The Astros padded the lead with a 2-RBI single from Martinez in the eighth, knocking in Jordan Schafer and Altuve. The Brewers got one back with a Corey Hart solo shot in the bottom of the eighth, making the game 7-5, as far as it would get. Wilton Lopez was in line for the win, Brett Myers successfully converted the save, while Jose Veras took the loss.

Down in Chicago, the Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals. Lance Lynn and Chris Volstad were tabbed to start. St. Louis got going in the third inning as Matt Carpenter singled Daniel Descalso home. Chicago tied it in the fourth inning with Bryan LaHair hitting a solo home run. The Cardinals got the lead back in the sixth inning as Carlos Beltran doubled in Rafael Furcal before being swept home by a two-run homer from David Freese. St. Louis made it 5-1 in the eighth, an eventual final, as Freese doubled to score Beltran. Lynn earned the win and Volstad got the loss.

Out west, the Oakland Athletics hosted the Chicago White Sox. The relatively unknown starters were Jarrod Parker and Chris Sale. Oakland busted the scoring open in the sixth inning as Josh Reddick doubled to score Jemile Weeks, and then he came home on a Yoenis Cespedes single. Chicago got one back in the seventh inning as Kosuke Fukudome doubled to score Alex Rios. The White Sox tied it wit ha solo shot off the bat of Paul Konerko in the ninth inning. Chicago took a lead in the fourteenth inning when Alexei Ramirez doubled in both Dayan Viciedo and Alejandro De Aza. The Athletics tied it up again in the bottom of the fourteenth as Cespedes blasted a two-run homer, also scoring Reddick, before Kila Ka'aihue singled Seth Smith home for a 5-4 victory. Jim Miller was in position for the win, while Hector Santiago suffered a blown save and heartbreaking loss.

Southeast of there, the Arizona Diamondbacks hosted the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels and Trevor Cahill earned the starts. Philadelphia opened with a first inning Hunter Pence single, bringing in Placido Polanco. The Phillies rallied to extend their lead in the sixth inning beginning with Juan Pierre dashing home on a wild pitch, followed by Pence singling Polanco home, Carlos Ruiz singling Pence home, and Hamels hitting a 2-RBI single to drive in Ty Wigginton and Ruiz. Arizona got on the board in the seventh inning as Jason Kubel singled in Aaron Hill and Justin Upton scored when Paul Goldschmidt reached on an error. Philadelphia iced it in the ninth inning at 7-2 as Polanco doubled to knock in Pierre. Hamels earned the win and Cahill suffered the loss.

Back in California, the San Diego Padres hosted the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and Joe Wieland were set to start. Washington began with a second inning Rick Ankiel double, scoring Adam LaRoche, before he came home on Zimmermann single. San Diego got on the board in the fifth inning as Orlando Hudson hit a solo home run. The Nationals added on in the seventh inning when LaRoche singled in Ian Desmond, followed by a Jayson Werth bases loaded walk to force in Danny Espinosa, and Wilson Ramos singling in both Mark DeRosa and LaRoche. Washington scored again in the eighth as relief pitcher Tom Gorzelanny singled in Desmond. The Padres got as close as 7-2 with a ninth inning Cameron Maybin groundout giving time for Mark Kotsay to dash home. Zimmermann picked up the win, Gorzelanny converted the save, and Wieland took the loss.

Way to the northeast, the Baltimore Orioles hosted the Toronto Blue Jays. Kyle Drabek and Jason Hammel were summoned to start. Baltimore cut open the scoring in the second inning with a solo home run by Wilson Betemit. The Orioles added on in the fourth with a solo shot from Chris Davis. Baltimore struck again with an eighth inning Adam Jones double driving in Nick Markakis. This made it 3-0, a final, with Hammel getting the win, Pedro Strop shakily converting the save, and Drabek getting victimized by no run support in the loss.

West to Detroit, with the Tigers hosting the Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez and Adam Wilk paced the game. Seattle started early with a first inning Jesus Montero single allowing Dustin Ackley to score. The Mariners added on in the second inning with an Ackley single, knocking in both Miguel Olivo and Michael Saunders, before a Brendan Ryan sacrifice fly that gave time for Casper Wells to dart home. Seattle padded the lead with a third inning two-run home run by Alex Liddi, sweeping in Montero. Detroit got one back in the bottom of the third as Brennan Boesch lifted a solo shot. The Mariners padded the lead in the fifth inning when Ackley doubled in Wells. Seattle struck again in the sixth inning as Montero singled to drive in Ichiro, followed by a Saunders walk with the bases loaded that forced in Justin Smoak. The scoring ended here, with Seattle owning a 9-1 win, credited to Hernandez, while Wilk suffered a brutal loss.

Into Ohio, as the Cleveland Indians host the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar opposes Ubaldo Jimenez from the mound. Kansas City was first to score with a first inning two-run home run by Billy Butler, also scoring Chris Getz. The Royals extended the lead in the fifth inning as Eric Hosmer hit a two-run homer, sweeping in Alex Gordon. Cleveland got on the board in the sixth as Travis Hafner grounded into a fielder's choice that gave time for Michale Brantley to dart home. The Indians chipped away in the seventh as Aaron Cunningham singled in Jason Kipnis. Kansas City made it 8-2 with a three-run Gordon home run in the ninth inning, knocking in Alcides Escobar and Getz and a Butler solo shot. Hochevar got the win while Jimenez took the loss.

Over to New York, with the Mets hosting the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and R.A. Dickey are the solid starting pitchers. Miami began with a fifth inning Omar Infante solo home run. New York grabbed the lead with a two-run home run by David Wright in the sixth inning, also scoring Daniel Murphy. The Mets extended the lead in the eighth inning as Lucas Duda singled in Ruben Tejada, followed by Mike Baxter doubling in Wright and Duda. This was it for the scoring, making the final 5-1, with Dickey picking up the win and Buehrle taking the loss.

Back to Ohio, where the Cincinnati Reds hosted the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Bronson Arroyo were the veteran pitchers. San Francisco was first on the board as Angel Pagan launched a solo home run in the third inning. The Giants added on with a fourth inning Brandon Crawford single to drive in Hector Sanchez. Cincinnati rallied to a lead in the seventh inning as Scott Rolen hit a solo home run, Wilson Valdez hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Ryan Ludwick, Ryan Hanigan darted home safely on a wild pitch, and Joey Votto doubled to knock in Drew Stubbs. The final here stood at 4-2, with Jose Arredondo standing in line for the win, Sean Marshall converting the save, and Clay Hensley taking the loss.

Down in Florida, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson and Jeremy Hellickson are the talented young arms designated to pitch. Tampa Bay began in the third inning with a Ben Zobrist solo shot, followed by a Jeff Keppinger double that brought home Carlos Pena. Los Angeles got one back in the fourth inning as Vernon Wells hit a solo home run. The Rays added on in the eighth as Brandon Allen walked with the bases loaded, forcing in Evan Longoria. The Angels pulled closer in the ninth as Erick Aybar reached on an error, providing time for Torii Hunter to dash home safely. Tampa Bay held on to win 3-2, with Hellickson getting the win, Fernando Rodney shutting down his former team for the save, and Wilson suffering the loss.

Out in Texas, the Rangers host the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Scott Feldman were the starters. Texas began with a second inning Adrian Beltre solo home run. The Rangers extended their lead in the third inning as Elvis Andrus grounded out to bring in Mitch Moreland, followed by Beltre singling in Ian Kinsler and Michael Young doubling to bring around Josh Hamilton. New York got on the board in the fourth inning as Raul Ibanez hit a ground rule double that forced in Robinson Cano, before Eric Chavez hit a sacrifice fly, providing time for Mark Teixeira to dash home. Texas extended their lead in the bottom of the fourth on a solo shot by Mike Napoli. The Rangers struck again in the sixth inning as Mitch Moreland lifted a solo home run, and Beltre singled Kinsler home again. The Yankees shot back with a seventh inning Ibanez solo shot.  This was as close as it would get, with Texas winning 7-3, and Robbie Ross was in line for the win while Hughes was stuck with the loss.

Up north, the Minnesota Twins host the Boston Red Sox. Clay Buchholz and Liam Hendriks pace the game. Boston started things in the second inning as Cody Ross singled in David Ortiz, before Mike Aviles hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Kevin Youkilis and Ross. Minnesota got one back as Alexi Casilla singled home Ben Revere. The Red Sox answered in the third with a Jarrod Saltalamacchia single to bring home both Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez. Boston padded the lead in the fifth inning as Gonzalez singled Pedroia in. The Twins rallied close in the sixth inning as Denard Span doubled in Revere, followed by Joe Mauer's 2-RBI single, scoring Casilla and Span, Justin Morneau doubling to knock in Jamey Carroll, and Trevor Plouffe singling to complete Mauer's trip around the bases. Boston held on to win 7-6, with Buchholz getting the win, Alfredo Aceves converting a shaky save, and Hendriks taking the loss.

Finally, way to the southwest, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Atlanta Braves. Brandon Beachy and Ted Lilly will take the hill tonight. Atlanta got on the board in the fourth inning as Dan Uggla singled in Freddie Freeman. Los Angeles tied it in the fifth as Dee Gordon grounded out to provide time for Tony Gwynn, Jr. to score. The Dodgers grabbed the lead as Matt Kemp hit a solo home run in the sixth. The Braves rallied in the ninth inning as Uggla, Chipper Jones, and Jason Heyward all hit singles, scoring Freeman, Jack Wilson, and Uggla, respectively. This gave them a 4-2 lead, which was a final, with the win going to Jonny Venters, the save to Craig Kimbrel, and the loss to Javy Guerra.

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Eastern Conference Quarterfinal: 2) Boston Bruins VS. 7) Washington Capitals

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between the Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Tim Thomas for Boston; Braden Holtby for Washington. The game was scoreless until Chris Kelly put Boston on the board in overtime with a goal set up by Benoit Pouliot and Brian Rolston. Kelly, Holtby (29 for 30 in saves), and Thomas (17 save shutout) got the three stars. Boston leads 1-0 in the series.

Game 2: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Tim Thomas for Boston; Braden Holtby for Washington. Troy Brouwer got things started for Washington in the second period, with the help of Alex Ovechkin and Karl Alzner. Boston tied it in the third period on a Benoit Pouliot goal, fueled by Brian Rolston and Chris Kelly. The game went to a second overtime, with a Nicklas Backstrom goal giving the Capitals a 2-1 win, with a lone Marcus Johansson assist. The three stars were Johansson, Alzner, and Pouliot. The series is tied at 1.

Game 3: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia. In goal: Braden Holtby for Washington; Tim Thomas for Boston. Washington struck first on an Alexander Semin goal, assisted by Brooks Laich and Alex Ovechkin on the power play. Boston tied it early in the second period on a Rich Peverley goal, coming off of Zdeno Chara and Andrew Ference. Ovechkin got the lead back for the Capitals thirteen seconds later, and his goal was helped along by Laich and Roman Hamrlik. The Bruins retied it on a Daniel Paille tally, via Greg Zanon and Gregory Campbell. Boston gained the lead in the third period as Brian Rolston scored, thanks to Chris Kelly and Chara. Laich tied it back up for Washington, and the assists on his goal were provided by Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green. The Bruins retook the lead late as Chara scored, courtesy of Patrice Bergeron and Dennis Seidenberg. This held up for a 4-3 win, with the three stars going to Laich, Chara, and Ovechkin. Boston now holds a 2-1 series win.

Game 4: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia. In goal: Braden Holtby for Washington; Tim Thomas for Boston. Washington started off with a Marcus Johansson goal, assisted by Brooks Laich. Boston tied it on a Rich Peverley goal, his second of the postseason, fueled by Gregory Campbell. The Capitals got the lead back late in the second period with the second of the playoffs for Alexander Semin, a power play goal powered by Keith Aucoin and Alex Ovechkin. There was no scoring in the third period, so the final favored Washington 2-1, with the three stars awarded to Holtby (44 for 45 in saves), Semin, and Dennis Seidenberg, while any point-earner may take the third slot. The series is tied at 2 games apiece.

Game 5: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Tim Thomas for Boston; Braden Holtby for Washington. Washington started things in the second period as Alexander Semin netted his third of the postseason, thanks to Dennis Wideman and Marcus Johansson. The Capitals added on with a Jay Beagle goal, an unassisted tally. Boston got one back as Dennis Seidenberg scored with help from Milan Lucic and David Krejci. The Bruins evened it on a Brad Marchand goal, via Rich Peverley and Johnny Boychuk. Washington got the lead back in the third period as Mike Knuble scored thanks to Joel Ward and John Erskine. Boston retied it with a Boychuk power play goal set up by Seidenberg and Marchand. The Capitals secured a 4-3 victory late with a Troy Brouwer power play goal, his second of the playoffs, powered by John Carlson. The three stars were Brouwer, Seidenberg, and Marchand, while Boychuk picks up an honorable mention. The Capitals took a 3-2 series lead with the win.

Game 6: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia. In goal: Braden Holtby for Washington; Tim Thomas for Boston. Boston began with a Rich Peverley goal, his third of the postseason, with help from Andrew Ference and Patrice Bergeron. Washington tied it with a Mike Green goal, via Joel Ward and Roman Hamrlik. The Bruins got the lead back as David Krejci scored a power play goal, thanks to Milan Lucic and Peverley. The Capitals tied it late in the second period on a Jason Chimera goal, assisted by Nicklas Backstrom and Hamrlik. Boston got the lead in the third period on a Ference goal, guided in by Tyler Seguin. Washington tied it again with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his second of the playoffs, with a lone Backstrom assist. The Bruins won it with an overtime tally from Seguin, pushed through by Lucic and Krejci for the 4-3 victory. The three stars ended up with Seguin, Backstrom, and Ference, while Lucic, Krejci, Peverley, and Hamrlik get the honorable mentions. The series is tied 3-3, forcing a game 7.

Game 7: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Tim Thomas for Boston; Braden Holtby for Washington. Washington started off with a Matt Hendricks goal, fueled by John Carlson and Jason Chimera. Boston tied it in the second period with the second of the postseason by Tyler Seguin, assisted by Johnny Boychuk and Andrew Ference. The Capitals iced it at 2-1 in the overtime period on a Joel Ward goal with a Mike Knuble assist. The three stars were given to Ward, Seguin, and Dennis Seidenberg, while Holtby (31 for 32 in saves) gets an honorable mention. The Capitals took the series 4-3, eliminating the Bruins from their title defense. 

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

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.

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Monday, April 23, 2012

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.

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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

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.