MLB Day 28 2012

Full slate again as some series come to an end. We begin in...

Cleveland, with the Indians hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Derek Lowe will pitch. Cleveland got on the board in the fifth inning as Asdrubal Cabrera reached on error, providing both Aaron Cunningham and Michael Brantley time to dash home. The Indians added on in the eighth inning as Jack Hannahan reached on an error, allowing Jason Donald to get home, followed by Shelley Duncan's sacrifice fly to bring home Carlos Santana. The final stood at 4-0, with the win going to Lowe and the loss to Santana.

East in the Bronx, the New York Yankees host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and CC Sabathia took the mound. New York got things going in the second inning as Curtis Granderson drew a bases loaded walk, forcing in Raul Ibanez, and Alex Rodriguez singled to bring home Eric Chavez. Detroit got one back in the fourth inning on a solo shot by Prince Fielder. The Yankees replied in the bottom of the fourth as Granderson hit a solo home run. The Tigers pulled back in the sixth inning when Miguel Cabrera doubled, knocking in Brennan Boesch. New York got some back in the eighth inning as Rodriguez reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Chris Stewart to come home, and a Robinson Cano sacrifice fly that gave time for Derek Jeter to dart home. The Yankees struck again in the eighth inning as Andruw Jones hit a solo shot, making the score 6-2, a final. Sabathia picked up the win and Scherzer had the loss.

Up in Toronto, the Blue Jays host the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas starts against Henderson Alvarez. Seattle led off with a first inning Chone Figgins solo home run. Toronto tied it in the fifth inning as Kelly Johnson singled to score Colby Rasmus. The Blue Jays grabbed the lead on an Edwin Encarnacion solo home run in the sixth inning. Toronto padded the lead in the eighth inning when Brett Lawrie doubled Jose Bautista and Encarnacion across the plate, followed by Rajai Davis scoring on a Miguel Olivo error and a Jeff Mathis two-run home run finishing Lawrie's trip around the bases. The Mariners got as close as 7-2 with a solo shot by Olivo in the ninth inning, but they lost after that. Alvarez got the win while Vargas took the loss.

Way to the south, the Miami Marlins hosted the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Josh Johnson got the starting nods. Arizona got started in the third inning when Gerardo Parra singled in the pitcher Miley. The Diamondbacks extended the lead in the fifth inning as Jason Kubel and Miguel Montero each singled, scoring Parra and Justin Upton, respectively. Arizona kept going in the sixth inning as Willie Bloomquist singled, bringing home Aaron Hill, before coming home with Upton on a Kubel double, followed by Cody Ransom doubling in Kubel and Montero. Miami got on the board in the seventh inning as Giancarlo Stanton grounded out and gave time to get Hanley Ramirez home safely. The Marlins struck again in the ninth inning on a Stanton three-run homer, scoring Logan Morrison and Omar Infante, but they only got to 8-4 before falling. Miley picked up the win while Johnson was stuck with the loss.

Back to Ohio, as the Cincinnati Reds hosted the Houston Astros. Jordan Lyles goes against Mat Latos for pitching. Houston began in the first inning as Jed Lowrie singled to score Jose Altuve. The Astros struck again in the second as Lyles sacrificed, providing time for Chris Johnson to come home. Cincinnati got on the board in the fourth inning when Joey Votto hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Zack Cozart. Houston replied in the fifth inning on a two-run blast by Lowrie, sweeping in Altuve. The Reds shot back in their half of the inning as Cozart doubled to bring home Ryan Hanigan. The Astros padded the lead again in the sixth inning when Matt Downs hit a solo home run. Cincinnati tied it in the seventh inning when Votto doubled, pushing in Chris Heisey and Drew Stubbs. The Reds gained the lead in the eighth inning as Jay Bruce lifted a solo home run. This held for a 6-5 win, earned by Logan Ondrusek, while the save went to Sean Marshall and the loss was dealt to Fernando Rodriguez.

East again to Baltimore, with the Orioles hosting the Oakland Athletics. Bartolo Colon pitches against Tommy Hunter this afternoon. Oakland was first on the board in the sixth inning with a Yoenis Cespedes double knocking in Josh Reddick. Seth Smith added on for the Athletics with a solo home run in the seventh inning. Baltimore tied it in the ninth inning as Matt Wieters scored both J.J. Hardy and Adam Jones with a double, and then his pinch-runner Endy Chavez scored alongside Chris Davis when Wilson Betemit hit a three-run home run to win 5-2. Pedro Strop was in line for the win while Grant Balfour blew up in the loss.

Into Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Chicago Cubs. Matt Garza and Kyle Kendrick are tabbed as the starters. Chicago opened with a second inning Ian Stewart groundout giving Bryan LaHair time to come home. The Cubs struck again in the third inning with a Starlin Castro sacrifice fly driving in Tony Campana. Chicago padded the lead with a fourth inning solo shot by Joe Mather. The Cubs got another run in the eighth as Castro reached on a fielder's choice and Campana dashed home to score, followed by a Jeff Baker single to score LaHair. Philadelphia avoided the shutout in the ninth with a bases-loaded walk from Ty Wigginton, forcing in Pete Orr. This made the final 5-1, with the win going to Garza and the loss to Kendrick.

Down in Atlanta, the Braves hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and Tim Hudson are the veteran pitchers. Pittsburgh was first on the board with a second inning Jose Tabata double, driving in Pedro Alvarez and Michael McKenry. Atlanta answered with a third inning Freddie Freeman sacrifice fly to get the pitcher Hudson across the plate. The Braves added on in the fourth inning as Tyler Pastornicky doubled to score Dan Uggla. Atlanta took the lead in the fifth inning when Uggla drew a bases-loaded walk, forcing in Michael Bourn. The Braves got another one in the seventh inning as Martin Prado hit a solo home run. The Pirates got one back in the ninth inning as Tabata scored on a wild pitch, but they didn't tie it, losing 4-3. The win went to Hudson, Craig Kimbrel converted a shaky save, and Correia was stuck holding the loss.

Northwest to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Jason Marquis will throw. Minnesota started in the first inning as Joe Mauer singled in Denard Span before coming home alongside Jamey Carroll when Josh Willingham tripled, and Willingham came the final 90 feet home with a Danny Valencia single. Kansas City got one back in the second inning as Mike Moustakas hit a solo home run. The Twins padded the lead in the third inning with Valencia tripling, forcing in Willingham, before he came home on a Ryan Doumit sacrifice fly. The Royals shot back in the fourth inning as Eric Hosmer grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Alex Gordon, and then he scored when Moustakas singled. Minnesota extended the lead in the seventh inning on a Doumit double, knocking in Justin Morneau. Kansas City tried to rally back in the ninth as Alcides Escobar singled to knock in Jeff Francoeur, but that only made it 7-4, a score in favor of the Twins. Marquis got the win while Chen took the loss.

Southeast to Chicago, with the White Sox hosting the Boston Red Sox. Josh Beckett and Gavin Floyd were the studly starters. Chicago began with a first inning Alex Rios single, scoring Alejandro De Aza, before coming home on a two-run home run by Adam Dunn. Boston got on the board in the seventh inning when Cody Ross singled in Dustin Pedroia. The White Sox answered in the eighth inning as Dayan Viciedo singled to drive in Alexei Ramirez. Floyd pitched strong in the 4-1 win, while Matt Thornton picked up the save and Beckett got little help in the loss.

Into St. Louis, where the Cardinals host the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke and Jaime Garcia got the green light to pitch. St. Louis drew first blood as Rafael Furcal singled home Skip Schumaker in the second inning. Milwaukee took the lead in the seventh inning as Aramis Ramirez singled to score Carlos Gomez, before coming home alongside Corey Hart on a 2-RBI double from Jonathan Lucroy. The Cardinals got one back in the eighth inning as Daniel Descalso grounded into a fielder's choice, providing time for Matt Carpenter to score. They failed to tie it, allowing Greinke to earn the 3-2 win, while John Axford made the save and Garcia was on the hook for the loss.

Out west to Colorado, where the Rockies host the New York Mets. Johan Santana and Jamie Moyer are the well-aged pitchers. New York began in the first inning with a David Wright double to score both Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Ruben Tejada before coming home himself on a Scott Hairston single. The Mets added on with a fifth inning solo home run by Josh Thole. Colorado tied it in the eighth inning as Todd Helton hit a grand slam home run, sweeping in Dexter Fowler, Carlos Gonzalez, and Michael Cuddyer. New York took the lead again in the tenth inning as Nieuwenhuis doubled, allowing Mike Baxter safe passage home. The Rockies tied it again in the bottom of the tenth on a Gonzalez solo shot. The Mets got the lead again in the eleventh inning as Ike Davis lined a single to drive in Wright. This lead didn't go away, giving them a 6-5 win, earned by Frank Francisco, while Ramon Ramirez cleaned up for a save and Matt Belisle took the loss.

Out in California, the San Francisco Giants host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Madison Bumgarner take the hill. San Francisco got on the board in the first inning as Melky Cabrera hit a sacrifice fly, driving in Angel Pagan, followed by a solo shot from Pablo Sandoval. San Diego answered in the fifth inning as Chris Denorfia doubled in Jason Bartlett. The Giants added on in the sixth inning as Joaquin Arias tripled to force in Buster Posey and Brett Pill. San Francisco held on for a 4-1 win, earned by Bumgarner, while Santiago Casilla converted a save and Richard was dealt the loss.

To the south, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Chris Capuano demonstrate alliteration in the pitching spectrum. Los Angeles finally dented the scoreboard in the sixth inning as James Loney doubled in both Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier. This held up for a 2-0 Dodgers win, credited to Capuano, while Kenley Jansen converted the save and Gonzalez was a victim of a lack of run support in the loss.

Finally, we end in Texas, as the Rangers host the Tampa Bay Rays. David Price and Derek Holland are the dueling pitchers. Texas started the scoring in the first inning as Josh Hamilton singled in Elvis Andrus. Tampa Bay answered with a second inning Jeff Keppinger single, scoring Ben Zobrist, followed by a Luke Scott double to drive in Keppinger, and a sacrifice fly by Sean Rodriguez to score B.J. Upton. The Rays added on in the third inning as Zobrist doubled to knock in Carlos Pena. The Rangers chipped away in the fifth inning as Andrus grounded out, allowing safe passage home for Yorvit Torrealba. Tampa Bay extended their lead in the seventh inning as a Desmond Jennings triple forced in Rodriguez. This made it 5-2, a final, with Price getting the win, Fernando Rodney converting the save, and Holland suffering the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 27 2012

Rain claims another game as a victim today, with a postponement for the Minnesota Twins-Kansas City Royals game. As for the rest of the games...

We start in St. Louis, with the Cardinals hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. Marco Estrada and Kyle Lohse will be pitching. St. Louis started in the third inning as Jon Jay singled in the pitcher Lohse, and Matt Holliday grounded into a fielder's choice, providing time for Rafael Furcal to dart home. Milwaukee replied in the fourth inning as Aramis Ramirez hit a solo home run. The Cardinals got it back in the bottom of the fourth with a David Freese solo shot. The Brewers answered with a fifth inning Alex Gonzalez solo shot. Milwaukee tied it as George Kotteras drew a bases loaded walk in the sixth inning, forcing in Ramirez. St. Louis regained the lead as Yadier Molina went yard with a two-run homer, sweeping in Carlos Beltran in the bottom of the sixth. The Cardinals made it 7-3 in the eighth inning as Skip Schumaker doubled in both Molina and Matt Carpenter. This was all for the scoring, giving Lohse a win and Estrada a loss.

Into Cleveland, with the Indians hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren and Jeanmar Gomez were sent out to pitch. Los Angeles struck first with a first inning Kendrys Morales single to drive in Howie Kendrick. The Angels added on in the fourth inning with a Torii Hunter solo home run. Cleveland answered in their half of the fourth with a Jack Hannahan single, giving Jason Kipnis time to get home. This was it for scoring in the game, with Los Angeles winning 2-1. The win went to Haren, Scott Downs converted the save as the newly-named closer, and Gomez was stuck with a hard luck loss.

East to New York, as the Yankees host the Detroit Tigers. Drew Smyly and Freddy Garcia take their turns in the rotation. Detroit led off with a first inning Andy Dirks three-run home run, also scoring Austin Jackson and Prince Fielder. New York replied with a Nick Swisher solo shot in their half of the inning. The Tigers extended the lead in the second inning when Brennan Boesch doubled in Alex Avila before coming home alongside Jackson on a Miguel Cabrera single. The Yankees got one back in the seventh on a Curtis Granderson solo home run. Detroit answered in the eighth inning as Cabrera blasted a solo shot. New York tried to rally back in the ninth beginning when Swisher went yard again, his second solo home run of the game, followed by Granderson singling in Alex Rodriguez, and then coming home on a Raul Ibanez double, but they only got to 7-5 before they fell. Smyly got the win and Garcia was stuck with the loss.

Up north, the Toronto Blue Jays welcome the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Brandon Morrow will be the starting pitchers. Toronto led off in the third inning as Jose Bautista reached on an error that allowed Yunel Escobar to score, followed by a ground rule double from Adam Lind, forcing in Kelly Johnson, and Edwin Encarnacion hitting a sacrifice fly to bring around Bautista. The Blue Jays made it 7-0 in the eighth inning as Encarnacion hit a grand slam, cleaning the bases of Johnson, Bautista, and Lind. This was good for a win, earned by Morrow, while Millwood took the loss.

Back stateside, the Cincinnati Reds host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Johnny Cueto are tabbed as the starting pitchers. Cincinnati was first on the board with a first inning triple off the bat of Brandon Phillips, knocking in Joey Votto, and Phillips came home on a Scott Rolen single. The Reds padded the lead in the third inning as Jay Bruce doubled in both Zack Cozart and Votto. Cincinnati struck again in the fifth inning on a two-run home run by Bruce, also scoring Phillips. This made it 6-0, a final, with the win going to Cueto and the loss to Harrell.

To the east, the Baltimore Orioles host the Oakland Athletics. Tyson Ross and Wei-Yin Chen are the relatively unknown pitchers. Baltimore began in the second inning as Chris Davis singled to bring home Adam Jones, before coming home himself on a Ronny Paulino double that also gave time for Wilson Betemit to score, followed by Robert Andino singling in Paulino and J.J. Hardy hitting a sacrifice fly to give time for Andino to dash home. The Orioles struck again in the third as Betemit doubled, and as he tried to go for three bases, Jones scored while Betemit was unsuccessful. Baltimore kept at it in the fifth inning on a Jones single, knocking in Hardy, followed by a 2-RBI single from the bat of Davis, bringing in Nick Markakis and Jones. Oakland got on the board in the sixth inning as Jonny Gomes hit a solo home run. Davis replied for the Orioles in the seventh inning by hitting a solo shot of his own. This made it 10-1, a final, with the win going to Chen and the loss to Ross.

Into Pennsylvania, as the Philadelphia Phillies host the Chicago Cubs. Randy Wells and Joe Blanton are the veteran starting pitchers. Chicago was first on the board in the first inning with a Bryan LaHair single, scoring Starlin Castro. Philadelphia replied in the fourth inning as Carlos Ruiz singled in both Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino before coming home alongside Laynce Nix on a double from Jimmy Rollins. The Phillies extended the lead in the sixth inning as Ruiz went yard on a solo home run. The Cubs got one back in the eighth inning as Castro grounded into a fielder's choice, giving Tony Campana time to dash home. This made it 5-2, a final, with the win going to Blanton, the save to Jonathan Papelbon, and the loss to Wells.

To the south, the Atlanta Braves host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard and Randall Delgado were given the ball today. Pittsburgh struck first with a first inning Garrett Jones sacrifice fly, giving time to score Alex Presley. The Pirates added on in the second inning with Presley doubling in Rod Barajas before coming home himself when Jose Tabata singled. Atlanta got on the board in the third inning with a Dan Uggla single, driving in Martin Prado. Pittsburgh answered in the fifth inning as Pedro Alvarez knocked in Neil walker with a double. The Braves got one back in the sixth inning as Juan Francisco grounded out, giving time to score Jason Heyward. This was as close as it got, with the Pirates winning 4-2 on the back of Bedard, while Joel Hanrahan converted the save, and Delgado took the loss.

Northwest in Chicago, the White Sox hosted the Boston Red Sox. Jon Lester and Jake Peavy were the pair of aces on the hill. Boston scored first with a fourth inning Adrian Gonzalez single, scoring Ryan Sweeney. This was it for the scoring, giving the Red Sox a 1-0 win, earned by Lester, while Alfredo Aceves pitched a clean ninth for the save, and Peavy went the distance in the loss.

Back southeast, the Miami Marlins host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Anibal Sanchez were given the green light to start. Arizona wasted little time in scoring, as Gerardo Parra doubled home Willie Bloomquist in the first inning, before coming home himself on a Miguel Montero single. Miami answered in the seventh inning as Jose Reyes singled to score Omar Infante. The Marlins tied it in the eighth inning as Logan Morrison lifted a solo home run. Miami completed the comeback in the ninth inning, winning 3-2 as Hanley Ramirez singled in Giancarlo Stanton. Steve Cishek was in line for the win while Brad Ziegler was hung with the loss.

Out west, the Texas Rangers host the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeff Niemann and Colby Lewis are the middle-of-the-rotation starters. Texas drew first blood in the first inning when Josh Hamilton singled in Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus. Tampa Bay answered in the second inning as Matt Joyce crushed a solo home run. The Rangers added on in the sixth inning with Nelson Cruz reaching on an error, providing time for Hamilton to score. Texas padded the lead in the seventh inning as Mitch Moreland scored on an error by catcher Jose Molina, and then Adrian Beltre went yard for a three-run home run, sweeping in Kinsler and Hamilton. The Rays got one back in the eighth inning as Evan Longoria doubled, driving in Desmond Jennings, which made the score 7-2, which was a final. The win went to Lewis, while Niemann suffered the loss.

Up in Colorado, the Rockies host the New York Mets. Dillon Gee and Guillermo Moscoso take to the mound today. Colorado was first to score with a first inning Troy Tulowitzki fielder's choice paving the way for Marco Scutaro to get home. New York answered in the second inning as Lucas Duda hit a two-run home run, also scoring David Wright. Wright added on for the Mets in the third by doubling in Ruben Tejada. The Rockies rallied to a lead in the fourth inning as Todd Helton doubled in Carlos Gonzalez, Michael Cuddyer singled to bring around Tulowitzki, and the pitcher Moscoso singled to finish Cuddyer's trip around. New York retook the lead in the fifth inning as Wright singled to drive in Tejada, before coming home alongside Daniel Murphy when Duda lined a single. The Mets got another one as Mike Baxter scored on a passed ball in the ninth inning. Colorado tried to rally in the bottom of the ninth, but they only got a solo shot off the bat of Dexter Fowler, cutting the eventual loss to a 7-5 score. Gee got the win, Frank Francisco picked up the save, and Moscoso took the loss.

Out in California, the San Francisco Giants host the San Diego Padres. Anthony Bass and Tim Lincecum pace the game. San Diego was first on the board as Nick Hundley's third inning sacrifice fly gave time for Will Venable to score. San Francisco got the lead in the fifth inning when Brandon Belt doubled, knocking in both Melky Cabrera and Nate Schierholtz. The scoring ended here, with the Giants winning 2-1, giving Lincecum a win, Santiago Casilla a save, and Bass throwing a complete-game loss.

Finally, we end in Los Angeles, where the Dodgers host the Washington Nationals. Stephen Strasburg opposes Chad Billingsley on the mound. Washington got on the board in the seventh inning with an Adam LaRoche solo home run. Los Angeles tied it in their half of the inning on an A.J. Ellis single, scoring Jerry Hairston, Jr. The Nationals got the lead back in the ninth inning on a Bryce Harper sacrifice fly, bringing in Rick Ankiel and a Wilson Ramos single that drove in Danny Espinosa. The Dodgers answered in the bottom of the ninth with a ground rule double by Juan Uribe, forcing in Mark Ellis, and then Uribe scored on a wild pitch to tie the game again. Los Angeles claimed victory in the tenth inning with a Kemp solo home run for a 4-3 win. The win went to Jamey Wright while Tom Gorzelanny was pinned with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 26 2012

Back to a full slate today, beginning in...

New York, with the Yankees hosting the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander and Ivan Nova make the starts. New York got started in the first inning on an Alex Rodriguez single that brought in Curtis Granderson. Detroit answered in the second inning with a Brad Eldred triple, sweeping in Don Kelly. The Tigers got the lead in the third inning as Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder singled in Austin Jackson and Brennan Boesch, respectively. The Yankees got one back when Rodriguez hit a fourth inning solo home run. New York took the lead in the fifth inning with a two-run homer by Russell Martin, also scoring Eric Chavez. Detroit reclaimed the lead as Jackson hit a 2-RBI double in the sixth inning, scoring Jhonny Peralta and Ryan Raburn, before he came home on a Fielder single. New York pulled closer in their half of the sixth as Raul Ibanez reached on an error that gave time to bring in Nick Swisher. The Yankees tied it in the eighth inning with a Mark Teixeira sacrifice fly that scored Rodriguez. New York won it as Derek Jeter came home on a passed ball in the ninth inning, for a 7-6 victory. Mariano Rivera got the win while Brayan Villarreal was pinned with the loss.

Into Pennsylvania, as the Philadelphia Phillies host the Chicago Cubs. Paul Maholm has the unfortunate task of pitching against Roy Halladay. Chicago was first on the board when Starlin Castro singled home Tony Campana in the fourth inning. The Cubs padded the lead with an Alfonso Soriano single to bring around Campana in the sixth inning, followed by Ian Stewart doubling in Bryan LaHair. Philadelphia found the scoreboard in the seventh inning with a Ty Wigginton solo shot. Chicago shot back with a ninth inning Reed Johnson triple to score Geovany Soto, before he was pushed in by a David DeJesus single. This made it 5-1, a final, with the win going to Maholm, the save to Rafael Dolis, and the loss to Halladay.

Over in Cleveland, the Indians host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Staff aces Jered Weaver and Justin Masterson will play from the mound. Los Angeles got ahead early with a first inning Torii Hunter single, bringing home Albert Pujols. The Angels padded the lead in the fourth inning with a Hunter solo shot. Cleveland got on the board in the seventh inning as Michael Brantley doubled in Casey Kotchman, before coming home himself on a Jason Kipnis single. The Indians won it in the ninth inning with an Asdrubal Cabrera single giving Aaron Cunningham time to score the winning run in the 3-2 game. Vinnie Pestano was in line for the win while Dave Carpenter was pinned with the loss.

Back to the east coast, the Baltimore Orioles host the Oakland Atheletics. Brandon McCarthy and Jake Arrieta are the underrated pitchers. Baltimore began in the first inning as a Nick Markakis sacrifice fly gave time for Nolan Reimold to score. Oakland answered in the second inning as Kurt Suzuki doubled in Kila Ka'aihue, before coming the rest of the way home on a two-run home run from Eric Sogard. The Athletics added on with a sixth inning Josh Reddick solo shot. The Orioles got one back in the bottom of the sixth when Adam Jones singled in J.J. Hardy. Reddick added on for Oakland in the eighth inning with a single to get Coco Crisp home. This held up for a 5-2 win, with McCarthy earning the win, Grant Balfour picking up the save, and Arrieta suffering the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beaven and Ricky Romero show alliteration in the pitching match up. Toronto drew first blood with a solo shot by Edwin Encarnacion in the second inning. Seattle tied it in the third as Brendan Ryan reached on an error that gave time for Michael Saunders to get home. The Blue Jays got the lead again in the fourth with a Colby Rasmus double scoring both Encarnacion and Eric Thames. The Mariners got one back with a Jesus Montero solo home run in the seventh inning, followed by Casper Wells doubling in Miguel Olivo. Toronto got the lead again in the eighth inning on a Thames solo home run, followed by a J.P. Arencibia sacrifice fly allowing Brett Lawrie to score. Seattle tried a late comeback in the ninth inning as Saunders hit a solo shot, and they tied it with a John Jaso single scoring Munenori Kawasaki. The Mariners stepped out to a large lead in the tenth inning as Saunders torched pitcher Luis Perez on a grand slam that swept in Justin Smoak, Montero, and Alex Liddi.

Back in Ohio, the Cincinnati Reds host the Houston Astros. Wandy Rodriguez and Mike Leake will take the hill. Houston got things started in the third inning when Jose Altuve tripled in Jason Castro before coming the final 90 feet around on a J.D. Martinez single. The Astros struck again in the fourth inning Chris Johnson doubling to bring home Jed Lowrie, Castro grounding out to give time for Brian Bogusevic to dart home, Jordan Schafer singling in Johnson before coming home himself on a Altuve double. Cincinnati got on the board in the fifth inning as Todd Frazier tripled in Jay Bruce. The Reds chipped away in the sixth inning as Joey Votto doubled in Drew Stubbs. Cincinnati pulled closer in the ninth inning with a pair of solo home runs by Bruce and Devin Mesoraco, but this only made it 6-4, the final. Rodriguez picked up the win, Brett Myers finished off the game for a save, and Leake took another loss.

South to Miami as the Marlins host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joe Saunders and Carlos Zambrano take their turns in the rotation. Arizona led off with a first inning Miguel Montero single that scored Justin Upton. The Diamondbacks added on in the second inning as the pitcher Saunders hit a sacrifice fly, allowing safe passage home for Aaron Hill. Arizona struck again in the sixth inning as Hill hit a solo home run. The Diamondbacks extended the lead in the ninth inning as Miguel Montero doubled in both Gerardo Parra and Jason Kubel, making it 5-0. Saunders got the win with a 3-hit, 2-walk complete game shutout, while Zambrano took the loss and wondered where the run support was hiding.

Just a tad north, where the Atlanta Braves host the Pittsburgh Pirates. A.J. Burnett and Tommy Hanson were tabbed as starters. Atlanta got on the board in the third inning with Martin Prado singling in Tyler Pastornicky. Pittsburgh tied it in the fourth when Garrett Jones hit a single to score Andrew McCutchen. The Braves regained the lead with a Pastornicky single to bring in Jason Heyward. Atlanta padded the lead in the seventh as Dan Uggla doubled in both Prado and Freddie Freeman before coming home alongside David Ross on a Chipper Jones single. This made it 6-1, a final, with Hanson getting the win, Kris Medlan pitching three innings of clean baseball for a save, and Burnett being on the hook for the loss.

Westward to Texas, where the Rangers host the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields and Matt Harrison get the starting nods. Tampa Bay began with a three-run Evan Longoria home run in the first inning, sweeping in Desmond Jennings and Carlos Pena, followed by a B.J. Upton single driving in Ben Zobrist. Texas got on the board with a Josh Hamilton groundout, allowing Ian Kinlser to score in the bottom of the first. The Rays got it back in the third as Chris Gimenez singled in Jeff Keppinger. Tampa Bay was at work again in the fourth inning when Longoria singled in Elliot Johnson and then crossed the plate on a Zobrist double. The Rangers got a couple in the fifth as Hamilton lifted a two-run home run, also scoring Elvis Andrus. The Rays answered in the sixth with a Luke Scott solo home run. Texas got one back with a David Murphy solo home run in the bottom of the sixth. The scoring stopped here, with Tampa Bay up 8-4, giving the win to Shields, while Harrison was dealt the loss.

To the north, the Minnesota Twins host the Kansas City Royals. Everett Teaford pitches against Carl Pavano's mustache. Alex Gordon gave Kansas City an early lead with a two-run home run, also scoring Jarrod Dyson. Minnesota tied it with a Joe Mauer triple, forcing in Denard Span, before Mauer came home when Justin Morneau singled in the bottom of the first. The Twins got the lead in the second inning with a Trevor Plouffe solo shot. The Royals retook the lead with a two-run homer in the third, as Billy Butler went yard and took Gordon with him. Minnesota tied it when Span singled in Plouffe. Kansas City got the lead again in the fifth inning as Butler singled in Gordon. The Twins got another equalizer on an Alexi Casilla double, knocking in Ryan Doumit. The Royals retook the lead again in the eighth as Mike Moustakas singled to drive in Jeff Francoeur, followed by an Alcides Escobar single that got Moustakas the rest of the way home. Casilla pulled Minnesota closer with a groundout, giving time for Danny Valencia to dart home. The Twins never tied it again, losing 7-6, with the win going to Jose Mijares, the save being pitched cleanly by Jonathan Broxton, and Brian Duensing taking a tough loss.

Into Illinois, where the Chicago White Sox host the Boston Red Sox. Daniel Bard and John Danks are handed the ball. Chicago was first on the board with an A.J. Pierzynski double, giving Alejandro De Aza time to score. Boston took the lead in the second inning when David Ortiz hit a two-run home run, also scoring Kevin Youkilis. The White Sox evened the score in the third inning as Alexei Ramirez scored on a passed ball. Chicago took the lead with a Paul Konerko solo shot in the fifth inning. The Red Sox tied it again in the sixth inning as Cody Ross singled in Adrian Gonzalez, before Darnell McDonald cleared the bases with a 3-RBI double, scoring Youkilis, Ortiz, and Ross, and then McDonald came home on a Marlon Byrd single. Boston got back to work in the seventh inning as Ross singled to drive in Dustin Pedroia, and Kelly Shoppach did the same for Gonzalez. The Red Sox iced it at 10-3 with a McDonald solo home run in the ninth, paving the way for a Bard win, and Danks took the loss.

South to Missouri, as the St. Louis Cardinals welcome the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and Jake Westbrook will be on the mound. Aramis Ramirez gave Milwaukee a first inning lead by singling home Nyjer Morgan. St. Louis got the lead in the second inning with a Skip Schumaker triple forcing in both Yadier Molina and Matt Carpenter. The Cardinals added on in the third inning as Carlos Beltran's single gave Jon Jay time to score, followed by David Freese singling in Matt Holliday, Carpenter doubling to bring in both Beltran and Freese, Schumaked singling to bring around Molina, Jay hitting a 2-RBI single to score both Carpenter and Schumaker, and Holliday singling in Rafael Furcal, an 8 run outburst. St. Louis went back on attack in the fifth as Jay hit a single to get Schumaker in, and Holliday followed suit for Furcal. The Cardinals padded the lead again in the eighth as Molina ripped a double that gave time for Erik Komatsu to cross the plate. This left the final at 13-1, with Westbrook's pitching leading the drubbing for a win while Gallardo's early exit resulted in a loss.

Westward to Colorado, with the Rockies hosting the New York Mets. Chris Schwinden and Drew Pomeranz are the unknown pitchers. New York began as Kirk Nieuwenhuis darted home before David Wright was picked off. Colorado got the lead in the bottom of the first as Carlos Gonzalez's groundout gave Marco Scutaro time to score and then Troy Tulowitzki hit a solo home run. The Mets tied it with a fourth inning Scott Hairston solo shot. New York gained the lead as Hairston tripled in Ruben Tejada in the fifth inning, before coming home himself on a Lucas Duda single, followed by Mike Nickeas singling in Duda and the pitcher Schwinden doing the same for Zach Lutz. The Rockies got one back in the bottom of the fifth as Jonathan Herrera singled in Eric Young, before he came all the way home alongside Scutaro after a three-run homer from Gonzalez, and then they gained the lead as Ramon Hernandez grounded into a fielder's choice, giving time for Tulowitzki to dash home, before Dexter Fowler hit a three-run bomb to clear the bases of Michael Cuddyer and Hernandez, and the runs kept pouring in when Gonzalez singled for his second hit of the inning to bring around both Young and Scutaro, and also Herrera after an error by Lutz, which was the end of the 11-run blitz. The Mets got a couple back as Hairston completed a cycle (single, double, triple, and home run for the uninformed) by driving in both Tejada and Wright (his single came in the second inning), and then he scored on a Duda single. Colorado finally spoke up again with a seventh inning Todd Helton single, knocking in Scutaro, followed by Hernandez clearing the bases with a grand slam, sweeping home Herrera, Helton, and Cuddyer. This made it 18-9, a final, with the win going to Matt Reynolds and the loss to Manny Acosta.

Out to Los Angeles, where the Dodgers host the Washington Nationals. Ross Detwiler opposes Clayton Kershaw in an uneven pitching duel. Los Angeles opened early with an Andre Ethier two-run home run, also scoring Matt Kemp. The Dodgers added on in the fourth as Juan Uribe singled in Kemp. Washington got on the board in the sixth with a two-run Adam LaRoche home run, sweeping in Jayson Werth. This made it 3-2. but Los Angeles held on for the win, earned by Kershaw, while Kenley Jansen picked up the save and Detwiler took the loss.

North in California, the San Francisco Giants host the San Diego Padres. Cory Luebke and Eric Hacker will pace the game. San Diego was first to score when Nick Hundley doubled in Chase Headley. San Francisco answered with a bottom of the first solo shot by Angel Pagan. The Padres gained the lead in the fourth inning as Orlando Hudson singled in Hundley, before coming home himself on a Cameron Maybin single. The Giants got one back in the fifth as Buster Posey doubled to score Melky Cabrera. San Diego added on in the seventh inning as Headley singled Jesus Guzman home before scoring himself on a wild pitch. San Francisco tried to rally back with a Posey solo home run in the eighth, but they only got as close as 5-3 before losing. Luebke picked up the win, Huston Street converted the save, and Hacker was stuck with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 25 2012

Only eight games on today as it is a heavy day of travel for the ball clubs. We begin in...

Cleveland, with the Indians hosting the Kansas City Royals. Luis Mendoza and Josh Tomlin will play from the mound. Kansas City began with Eric Hosmer grounding into a double play in the first inning, providing time for Yuniesky Betancourt to dash home. Cleveland answered in the third inning as Aaron Cunningham singled home Jose Lopez. The Royals got the lead back in the fifth inning as Jeff Francoeur singled in Alex Gordon, Mike Moustakas did the same for Billy Butler, and Francoeur finished his trip around as Brayan Pena singled. The Indians got one back in the sixth inning as Travis Hafner hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Michael Brantley. The scoring ended here, as Kansas City won 4-2 behind Mendoza's effort, and Jonathan Broxton got a save while Tomlin took the loss.

Staying in Ohio, the Cincinnati Reds hosted the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and Homer Bailey were sent out to pitch. Cincinnati drew first blood as Devin Mesoraco hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Brandon Phillips and Bailey singled, scoring Jay Bruce. San Francisco tied it in the fourth inning as Brandon Belt singled in Pablo Sandoval and Ryan Theriot's sacrifice fly gave time for Buster Posey to dash home. The Reds got the lead back as Bruce hit a two-run home run, also scoring Phillips in the sixth inning. The Giants responded in the seventh inning on a Gregor Blanco sacrifice fly, giving time for Joaquin Arias to score. Cincinnati padded their lead in the bottom of the seventh with a Scott Rolen solo shot. San Francisco was able to gain the lead with a three-run home run in the ninth inning, as Angel Pagan went yard and brought Arias and Theriot home with him. This made it 6-5, a final, with Javier Lopez in line for the win, Santiago Casilla converting the save, and Sean Marshall taking the loss.

Up in Detroit, the Tigers host the Seattle Mariners. Hector Noesi and Rick Porcello are called on for the starts. Seattle started off with a first inning Justin Smoak three-run home run, also scoring Chone Figgins and Ichiro. The Mariners added on in the fourth inning as Miguel Olivo hit a solo home run. Detroit got going with a fifth inning Ryan Raburn single, driving in Don Kelly. The Tigers tied it as Brennan Boesch singled in Andy Dirks in the sixth inning, before being swept in by a two-run Miguel Cabrera homer. Seattle got lead back wit ha seventh inning Figgins double, pushing in Brendan Ryan. This held for a 5-4 win, earned by Charlie Furbush, while Brandon League converted the save, and Porcello was on the hook for the loss.

East to New York, as the Mets host the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Jonathon Niese received the starting nods. New York was first on the board with a Ruben Tejada sacrifice fly providing Kirk Nieuwenhuis time to score in the first inning. Miami tied it in the third inning when Gaby Sanchez lifted a solo home run. Sanchez helped the Marlins take the lead in the fifth inning by grounding into a double play, giving time for Omar Infante to dash home. The Mets grabbed the lead again in the ninth inning, and also the win as Justin Turner drew a bases-loaded walk, forcing in David Wright to tie the game, and then Nieuwenhuis singled in Josh Thole for a 3-2 win. Ramon Ramirez was on the mound for the win, while Heath Bell blew the save and suffered the loss.

Down south in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jerome Williams and Matt Moore pace the game. Tampa Bay got an early first inning lead with a Ben Zobrist double knocking in Desmond Jennings. Los Angeles tied it in the fifth inning as Mark Trumbo hit a solo home run. The Angels gained the lead in the sixth inning when Trumbo doubled in Torii Hunter, before finishing his trip around on a Vernon Wells single. The Rays got one back in the bottom of the sixth, on a Matt Joyce triple that swept in Luke Scott. Tampa Bay stole the game in the ninth inning as Brandon Allen had a two-run pinch hit home run, also scoring B.J. Upton for a 4-3 win. Brandon Gomes got the win while Jordan Walden checked into the heartbreak hotel with his loss and blown save duo.

Up the coastline, the Baltimore Orioles hosted the Toronto Blue Jays. Drew Hutchison and Brian Matusz were on the hill. Baltimore was first on the board with a fifth inning Ryan Flaherty sacrifice fly, giving Chris Davis time to score. Toronto answered with a sixth inning Eric Thames triple, forcing in both Yunel Escobar and Jose Bautista. The Orioles retied it in their half of the sixth as Adam Jones singled, and Escobar erred, aiding Nick Markakis' trip home. Baltimore took the lead again in the eighth with a solo shot by Jones, and they extended their lead as Davis hit a two-run home run, bringing around Matt Wieters. This made it 5-2, an eventual final, with Darren O'Day getting the win, Luis Ayala earning the save, and Casey Janssen suffered the loss.

Westward to Chicago, with the White Sox hosting the Boston Red Sox. Felix Doubront will have the daunting task of pitching against Mr. Perfect, Philip Humber. Boston quickly spoiled the repeat bid with a first inning Adrian Gonzalez double, scoring Mike Aviles, followed by a David Ortiz single driving in Dustin Pedroia. Chicago got one back in the bottom of the first as Paul Konerko singled in Adam Dunn. The Red Sox extended their lead with third inning home runs, a Kevin Youkilis grand slam, sweeping in Ryan Sweeney, Ortiz, and Gonzalez, and a Jarrod Saltalamacchia solo home run. The White Sox got one back in their half of the third as A.J. Pierzynski singled to drive in Alexei Ramirez. Chicago chipped away again in the fourth inning wih a solo shot by Dayan Viciedo. Boston shot back in the fifth inning as Saltalamacchia went yard again, this time with a two-run homer, forcing in Youkilis. The Red Sox got an insurance run in the ninth inning as Sweeney singled home Aviles. The final was 10-3, with Doubront getting the win, Junichi Tazawa pitching three relief innings for the save, and Humber being pinned with the war.

We end the short slate in San Diego, with the Padres welcoming the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and Edinson Volquez take their turns in the rotation. Washington led off with a seventh inning Jayson Werth solo home run. San Diego gained the lead with a 2-RBI double in the eighth inning off the bat of Mark Kotsay, scoring Orlando Hudson and Cameron Maybin. This held for a 2-1 win, which went to Andrew Cashner, while Huston Street converted the save and Tyler Clippard took the loss.

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Eastern Conference Quarterfinal: 3) Florida Panthers VS. 6) New Jersey Devils

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between the Florida Panthers and the New Jersey Devils. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Florida. In goal: Jose Theodore for Florida; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. New Jersey began on a Patrik Elias goal fueled by Dainius Zubrus and Bryce Salvador. The Devils added on as Zubrus struck with a power play goal, powered by David Clarkson and the goalie Brodeur. New Jersey extended the lead again with an unassisted Ryan Carter goal. Florida got going in the second period on a Sean Bergenheim goal from Marcel Goc and Mikael Samuelsson. The Panthers pulled closer with a power play goal by Kris Versteeg, made possible by Samuelsson and Tomas Fleischmann. New Jersey held the third period with no scoring for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Zubrus, Elias, and Bergenheim, while Samuelsson gets an honorable mention. New Jersey owns a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Florida. In goal: Jose Theodore for Florida; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. Florida opened with a power play goal by Stephen Weiss just twenty-three seconds into the game, powered by Mikael Samuelsson and Kris Versteeg. Weiss added on in the second period for the Panthers with his second power play goal of the game, via Marcel Goc and Jason Garrison. Goc extended the Florida lead later on, and his goal was helped by Brian Campbell and Sean Bergenheim. New Jersey got on the board in the third period with a Travis Zajac goal, courtesy of Andy Greene and Alexei Ponikarovsky. The Devils tied it on an Ilya Kovalchuk goal, with a lone Adam Henrique assist. The Panthers iced it at 4-2 with an unassisted empty net goal by Tomas Fleischmann. The three stars were Weiss, Goc, and Kovalchuk. The series heads north tied at 1.

Game 3: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Jose Theodore for Florida. New Jersey struck early with a Zach Parise goal, assisted by Travis Zajac and Ilya Kovalchuk. Stephen Gionta added on for the Devils with a goal of his own, via Marek Zidlicky and Steve Bernier. New Jersey extended the lead with a power play goal by Patrik Elias, his second of the postseason, coming off of Parise and David Clarkson. Scott Clemmensen relieved Theodore at this time. Florida answered with a power play goal of their own, off the tape of Sean Bergenheim, his second of the playoffs, set up by Scottie Upshall and the goalie Clemmensen. The Panthers pulled closer with another power play goal, this time by Jason Garrison, powered by Bergenheim and Brian Campbell. Florida tied it in the second period as Mike Weaver scored, thanks to Jerred Smithson and Upshall. Johan Hedberg took over for Brodeur at this time. The Panthers took the lead with yet another power play goal, this time from Campbell, made possible by Mikael Samuelsson and Tomas Fleischmann. The game was silent for scoring in the third period, so Florida won 4-3, with Campbell, Bergenheim, and Parise picking up the three stars, while Upshall gets the honorable mention. Florida owns a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Scott Clemmensen for Florida. New Jersey busted things open in the second period when Zach Parise netted his second of the postseason, thanks to Travis Zajac and Marek Zidlicky on the power play. The Devils added on in the third period as Steve Bernier scored, with helpers provided by Stephen Gionta and the goalie Brodeur. New Jersey kept going with a Zajac goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by David Clarkson and Bryce Salvador. The Devils extended the lead again with a power play goal off the tape of Ilya Kovalchuk, his second of the postseason, powered by Peter Harrold and Salvador. This made it 4-0, a final, with the three stars being Brodeur (26 save shutout), Parise, and Gionta, while Zajac and Salvador get the honorable mentions. The series is now tied at 2.

Game 5: BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Florida. In goal: Jose Theodore for Florida; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. Florida was first on the board in the second period with a Kris Versteeg goal, his second of the postseason, a power play goal powered by Stephen Weiss and Brian Campbell. The Panthers extended the lead in the third period with a Scottie Upshall goal assisted by Versteeg and Shawn Matthias. Florida iced it at 3-0 with a shorthanded and unassisted empty net goal from Tomas Kopecky. The three stars of the game were Theodore (30 save shutout), Versteeg, and Matthias. Florida takes a 3-2 series lead with the win.

Game 6: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Scott Clemmensen for Florida. New Jersey opened with a Steve Bernier goal, his second of the postseason, fueled by Ryan Carter and Peter Harrold. The Devils struck again in the second period with an Ilya Kovalchuk power play goal, his third of the playoffs, powered by Travis Zajac and Petr Sykora. Florida got one back as Kris Versteeg scored his third of the postseason, thanks to Stephen Weiss and Dmtiry Kulikov. The Panthers tied it on a Sean Bergenheim goal, his third of the playoffs, guided in by Tyson Strachan and Marcel Goc. New Jersey won it 3-2 in overtime with a Zajac goal, his third of the postseason, set up by Kovalchuk and Zach Parise. The three stars were Zajac, Bergenheim, and Bernier, while Kovalchuk gets an honorable mention. The series is tied at 3, forcing a game 7.

Game 7: BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Florida. In goal: Jose Theodore for Florida; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. New Jersey struck early with an Adam Henrique goal, set up by Anton Volchenkov and David Clarkson. The Devils padded the lead in the second period with the second of the postseason by Stephen Gionta, fueled by Peter Harrold and Ryan Carter. Florida got on the board in the third period with a Stephen Weiss power play goal, his third of the playoffs, powered by Brian Campbell and Mikael Samuelsson. The Panthers tied it late with a Marcel Goc power play goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Sean Bergenheim and Jason Garrison. New Jersey won the game in the second overtime on Henrique's second of the game, coming off of Alexei Ponikarovsky and Clarkson, for a 3-2 victory. The three stars were Henrique, Brodeur (43 for 45 in saves), and Theodore (33 for 36 in saves), while Clarkson gets an honorable mention. The Devils advance with a 4-3 series win to play the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round. This concludes the quarterfinals in the 2012 playoffs. 

Eastern Conference Quarterfinal: 1) New York Rangers VS. 8) Ottawa Senators

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between the New York Rangers and the Ottawa Senators. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York; Craig Anderson for Ottawa. New York began with a Ryan Callahan goal, fueled by Anton Stralman and Artem Anisimov. The Rangers added on in the second period with an unassisted Marian Gaborik goal. Brian Boyle kept New York going, as his goal was assisted by Anisimov and Dan Girardi. The Rangers extended the lead again in the third period on a Brad Richards goal with a lone Carl Hagelin assist. Ottawa avoided the shutout with a Daniel Alfredsson goal, made possible by Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek. The Senators got another when Erik Condra scored, thanks to Nick Foligno and Kyle Turris. This made it 4-2, a final, with Lundqvist (30 for 32 in saves), Callahan and Anisimov getting the three stars. New York leads 1-0 in the series.

Game 2: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York; Craig Anderson for Ottawa. Anton Stralman led off for New York with a power play goal, powered by Dan Girardi and Artem Anisimov. Ottawa tied it in the second period as Erik Karlsson scored a power play goal with a lone Filip Kuba assist. The Rangers retook the lead in the third period Brian Boyle's second of the postseason, made possible by Ruslan Fedotenko and Michael Del Zotto. The Senators tied it again with a Nick Foligno goal, guided in by Zenon Konopka and Kyle Turris. Ottawa won 3-2 in the overtime period as Chris Neil scored, thanks to Jared Cowen and Zack Smith. The three stars went to Neil, Boyle, and Daniel Alfredsson, while any point earner can take the third slot. The series is tied at 1.

Game 3: Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, Ontario. In goal: Craig Anderson for Ottawa; Henrik Lundqvist for New York. New York got things started in the third period on a Brian Boyle goal, his third of the postseason, fueled by Dan Girardi and Ryan Callahan. This held up as the only goal, for a 1-0 win. Lundqvist (39 save shutout), Anderson (22 for 23 in saves), and Boyle earned the three stars. The Rangers gain a 2-1 edge in the series.

Game 4: Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, Ontario. In goal: Craig Anderson for Ottawa; Henrik Lundqvist for New York. New York started off with an early power play goal by Anton Stralman, his second of the postseason, powered by Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik. The Rangers added on as Ryan Callahan recorded his second of the playoffs, also a power play goal, set up by Gaborik and Richards. Ottawa got on the board in the second period with a Milan Michalek goal, assisted by Matt Carkner and Jason Spezza. The Senators tied it with a power play goal by Sergei Gonchar, fueled by Nick Foligno and Chris Neil. Ottawa won 3-2 with a Kyle Turris overtime goal, courtesy of Jim O'Brien and Gonchar. The three stars were given to Turris, Anderson (31 for 33 in saves), and Richards, while Gaborik and Gonchar get the honorable mentions. The series is knotted at 2 games apiece.

Game 5: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York; Craig Anderson for Ottawa. Jason Spezza put Ottawa ahead first with a goal made possible by Mark Stone and Filip Kuba. The Senators iced it at 2-0 with another Spezza goal, his second of the game going into the empty net with a lone helper from Zenon Konopka. Anderson (41 save shutout), Lundqvist (28 for 29 in saves), and Spezza got the three stars. Ottawa has New York on the edge with a 3-2 series lead.

Game 6: Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, Ontario. In goal: Craig Anderson for Ottawa; Henrik Lundqvist for New York. Ottawa began with the second of the postseason by Chris Neil, a power play goal made possible by Sergei Gonchar and Nick Foligno. New York tied it in the second period with a Derek Stepan power play goal with assists provided by Brad Richards and Anton Stralman. The Rangers got the lead as Richards netted his second of the playoffs, a power play goal powered by Michael Del Zotto and Stepan. New York extended the lead as Chris Kreider scored, with help from Stepan and Marc Staal. The Senators got one back late in the third period as Jason Spezza put down his third of the postseason, with a lone Colin Greening assist, but they couldn't tie, falling 3-2. The three stars belonged to Stepan, Lundqvist (25 for 27 in saves), and Neil, with an honorable mention for Richards. The series is tied at 3, forcing game 7.

Game 7: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York; Craig Anderson for Ottawa. New York got things started in the second period as Marc Staal scored, with help from Ryan Callahan and Derek Stepan. The Rangers added on as Girardi scored, thanks to Brandon Dubinsky and Brandon Prust. Ottawa got one back with a Daniel Alfredsson power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Chris Phillips and Sergei Gonchar. The scoring was done here, with New York winning 2-1. The three stars ended up being Lundqvist (26 for 27 in saves), Girardi, and Staal. The Rangers win the series 4-3 and play the Washington Capitals in the second round. 

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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