MLB Day 31 2012

Full slate on getaway day, beginning north of the border in...

Toronto, with the Blue Jays hosting the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Ricky Romero rise and shine to pitch. Texas started off with a Brandon Snyder solo home run in the second inning. Toronto answered in the third inning as Kelly Johnson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Rajai Davis. The Blue Jays extended their lead in the fourth inning when J.P. Arencibia doubled in Ben Francisco and Eric Thames, followed by a 3-RBI triple from Yunel Escobar, clearing the bases of Arencibia, Davis, and Johnson, before he came home on a Jose Bautista sacrifice fly. The Rangers shot back with a few runs of their own in the fifth inning, starting as Elvis Andrus doubled in both Snyder and Craig Gentry, followed by Michael Young's single driving in Ian Kinsler, and Andrus coming home on a sacrifice fly by Mike Napoli. Toronto added on in the sixth inning when Edwin Encarncion hit a three-run home run, knocking in Escobar and Bautista. Romero got the win in the 11-5 game while Harrison suffered an ugly loss.

Down in Detroit, the Tigers host the Kansas City Royals. The well known pitchers were Jonathan Sanchez and Justin Verlander. Kansas City led off with a first inning Eric Hosmer double, knocking in Jarrod Dyson. The Royals padded the lead in the sixth inning when Jeff Francoeur grounded out, giving time for Alex Gordon to get home. Detroit tied it with an eighth inning two-run home run by Brennan Boesch, sweeping in Austin Jackson. Kansas City gained the lead again in the ninth inning when Chris Getz singled to score Mike Moustakas, and they wouldn't lose this 3-2 lead. Tim Collins got the win, Jonathan Broxton converted the save, and Joaquin Benoit had the loss.

South to Houston, as the Astros host the New York Mets. Chris Schwinden and Wandy Rodriguez made the starts. Houston began with a second inning Chris Johnson home run, a three-run blast knocking in Jed Lowrie and Brian Bogusevic. The Astros added on in the third inning as Johnson went yard again, this time only scoring Lowrie in the two-run shot. New York got on the board in the fourth inning when Andres Torres singled in David Wright. Houston answered in the fifth inning when Bogusevic doubled home Carlos Lee, Johnson singled to score Lowrie, and Jason Castro singled, allowing Bogusevic to finish his trip around. This made it 8-1, a final, with Rodriguez getting the win and Schwinden taking the loss.

Northwest to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw pitches against a lesser foe in Drew Pomeranz. Los Angeles got going in the third inning as Mark Ellis singled to score A.J. Ellis. Colorado tied it in the fourth inning with a Carlos Gonzalez solo home run. The Rockies gained the lead in the fifth inning with a Willin Rosario solo shot. The Dodgers got the lead back in the eighth inning when Jerry Hairston, Jr. doubled both Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier across the plate. Colorado regained the lead in the bottom of the inning as Dexter Fowler singled to score Marco Scutaro before coming home on another Gonzalez long ball, a two-run blast. Los Angeles tied it on a 2-RBI Dee Gordon double, scoring both Adam Kennedy and Kemp. The Rockies won it with a walkoff three-run home run by Jason Giambi, forcing in Eric Young and Scutaro. Rafael Betancourt was bailed out, getting the win despite blowing the save, while Jamey Wright was not as lucky in taking the brutal loss.

Out in San Diego, the Padres host the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and Jeff Suppan are tabbed as the starters. San Diego led off with a third inning Mark Kotsay double, scoring Will Venable, followed by Cameron Maybin singling in both Kotsay and Chase Headley. The Padres made it 5-0 in the eighth inning as Jesus Guzman doubled, forcing in Maybin and Andy Parrino. Suppan picked up an easy win while Gallardo got no run support in the loss.

To the nation's capital, as the Washington Nationals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joe Saunders faces a fairly equal Edwin Jackson from the mound. Washington was first on the board as Steve Lombardozzi hit a third inning double to get Wilson Ramos home. Arizona replied in the fourth inning when Justin Upton hit a solo home run and Ryan Roberts hit a sacrifice fly to allow time for Jason Kubel to score. The Nationals retook the lead in their half of the inning as Bryce Harper doubled in Danny Espinosa before coming home on a Ramos single combined with a Miguel Montero error. The Diamondbacks retook the lead themselves in the sixth inning as Paul Goldschmidt doubled to score Upton, and Roberts singled to complete Goldschmidt's trip around. Washington won 5-4 with a walkoff two-run home run from Ian Desmond in the ninth inning, also scoring Harper. Henry Rodriguez was in line for the win while J.J. Putz was victimized by the long ball.

Into the Bronx, as the New York Yankees host the Baltimore Orioles. Jake Arrieta and Ivan Nova will get the ball. Baltimore opened with a Matt Wieters solo home run in the fourth inning. The Orioles added on in the sixth inning as Robert Andino singled to score Chris Davis. Baltimore made it 5-0 after a seventh inning rally including a solo shot from Nick Markakis, a Wieters double to drive in Adam Jones, and a Nick Johnson single that completed Wieters trip around the bases. This was all for the scoring, with Arrieta picking up a solid win and Nova taking a loss with no offensive help to speak of.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beaven and James Shields get the starting nods. Seattle struck early with a three-run home run by Kyle Seager in the first inning, knocking in Ichiro and Jesus Montero. Tampa Bay answered in the third inning when Sean Rodriguez hit a two run blast, also scoring Jose Molina. The Rays gained the lead with a fourth inning double by Molina, scoring both Luke Scott and Will Rhymes. Seager tied it for the Mariners in the sixth inning on a solo home run. Tampa Bay got the lead back by a 5-4 margin when Scott went yard on a solo shot in the bottom of the sixth. This held as a final, with the win going to Shields, the save being converted by Joel Peralta, and the loss to Beaven.

Up a bit to Atlanta where the Braves host the Philadelphia Phillies. Roy Halladay and Tommy Hanson are the staff aces pitching. Philadelphia began in the third inning as Shane Victorino singled in Jimmy Rollins before Laynce Nix cleared the bases with a 3-RBI double, knocking in Placido Polanco, Victorino, and Hunter Pence. The Phillies padded the lead in the fifth inning as Carlos Ruiz doubled in Ty Wigginton before coming home himself on a double by Freddy Galvis. Atlanta pulled back in the bottom of the fifth with Michael Bourn and Martin Prado singling in Chipper Jones and Eric Hinske, respectively, before a grand slam blast by Brian McCann cleared the bases, scoring all of Tyler Pastornicky, Bourn, and Prado. The Braves took the lead in the sixth inning on a 2-RBI single from Jason Heyward, scoring Hinske and Pastornicky. Philadelphia regained the lead with a seventh inning three-run long ball from Ruiz, sweeping in Wigginton and John Mayberry. Ruiz extended the Phillies lead in the eighth inning by doubling home Pence, Wigginton, and Mayberry. Atlanta took the lead again in the bottom of the eighth with a rally including Pastornicky singling to drive in Dan Uggla, Bourn drawing a bases loaded walk to force in Jones, Prado singling in both Pastornicky and Heyward, and Freddie Freeman hitting a sacrifice fly to bring around Bourn. Philadelphia got an equalizer in the ninth inning as Victorino singled, allowing Juan Pierre to dash home. The Braves claimed a win in the eleventh inning as Jones hit a two-run homer, also scoring Uggla for a 15-13 win (fingers beg for mercy). Chad Durbin was in line for the win while Brian Sanches was stuck with the loss.

Into Ohio, as the Cincinnati Reds host the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and Bronson Arroyo are the pitchers with distinctive names. Chicago struck first with a second inning Bryan LaHair solo home run. Ian Stewart added on for the Cubs in the fourth inning with a solo shot of his own. Cincinnati got one back in the bottom of the fourth as Jay Bruce grounded into a double play, allowing Joey Votto safe passage home. Chicago replied in the sixth inning with a Geovany Soto single that drove in Alfonso Soriano. This made it 3-1, with Samardzija getting the win, Carlos Marmol cleanly converting the save, and Arroyo holding the loss.

Northeast to Boston, as the Red Sox host the Oakland Athletics. Brandon McCarthy and Daniel Bard will take the hill. Oakland got things going in the fourth inning with a Seth Smith single, scoring Yoenis Cespedes (holy alliteration!). Smith struck in the sixth for the Athletics with a double, knocking in Josh Reddick, before coming home himself on a Kila Ka'aihue double, who in turn crossed home when Brandon Inge doubled. Boston got on the board in the seventh inning as Marlon Byrd hit a sacrifice fly to get Jarrod Saltalamacchia home. The Red Sox attempted a ninth inning rally as Dustin Pedroia doubled, driving in Mike Aviles, but that's all they got, losing 4-2. McCarthy earned the win, Brian Fuentes picked up a spot save, and Bard was dealt the loss.

As we head west to Chicago, our sox turn from red to white with the White Sox hosting the Cleveland Indians. Josh Tomlin and Philip Humber take their turns in the rotation. Chicago had the first lead with a fourth inning Adam Dunn solo home run. Cleveland took the lead with a three-run home run by Carlos Santana in the fifth inning, forcing in Asdrubal Cabrera and Travis Hafner. The White Sox tied it in the bottom of the fifth when Alexei Ramirez hit a 2-RBI single, scoring both Dayan Viciedo and Gordon Beckham. The Indians reclaimed the lead in the eighth on a Jack Hannahan double that brought around Michael Brantley. Cleveland made it 6-3 in the ninth inning as Hafner went yard with a two-run homer, also scoring Cabrera. This was a final, with the win going to Joe Smith, the save to Chris Perez, and the loss to Will Ohman.

Into Missouri, as the St. Louis Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. A.J. Burnett and Lance Lynn will pace the game. St. Louis started off with a Matt Holliday single that scored Rafael Furcal, before Holliday came home alongside Jon Jay when Carlos Beltran lifted a three-run homer. Pittsburgh got one back in the second inning when Clint Barmes doubled to drive in Pedro Alvarez. The Cardinals added on in the bottom of the second as Holliday singled in Furcal, Beltran did the same for Jay, and David Freese grounded into a double play that provided time for Holliday to get home. St. Louis padded the lead some more in the third inning as Daniel Descalso tripled to force in Matt Carpenter, Furcal hit a sacrifice fly to finish Descalso's trip around, and then Beltran went yard again, another three run home run, again scoring Jay and Holliday. The Pirates futilely got one back in the seventh inning as Josh Harrison singled Alvarez across the plate. Pittsburgh pulled a little closer in the ninth inning as Harrison again singled in Alvarez, making it 12-3 as a final. Lynn picked up an easy win while Burnett was yanked early from the punishing loss.

Well to the west, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Minnesota Twins. Liam Hendriks and Jered Weaver will play from the mound tonight. Los Angeles began with a first inning Kendrys Morales double to score Vernon Wells. The Angels added on in the second as Mark Trumbo doubled in Howie Kendrick, followed by Erick Aybar's single being good enough to finish Trumbo's trip around. Los Angeles was back to work in the third inning as Morales hit a solo home run, followed by Trumbo singling to score Torii Hunter and Peter Bourjos doubling in Kendrick. The Angels kept going in the fourth inning as Kendrick blasted a three-run home run, also scoring Albert Pujols and Hunter. This concluded the scoring, but not the action in the 9-0 game. Weaver was able to complete a no-hitter, allowing just one walk and one passed ball strikeout to spoil perfection in his extremely dominant win, while Hendriks was stuck with an equal and opposite performance for the loss.

Finally, to the north, the San Francisco Giants host the Miami Marlins. The big Z's on the mound are Carlos Zambrano and Barry Zito. Miami was first on the board Omar Infante grounded into a fielder's choice in the first inning, allowing Emilio Bonifacio to come home. The Marlins added on in the second inning as Bonifacio reached on an error, giving Gaby Sanchez time to dash home. San Francisco rallied in the ninth to tie a Joaquin Arias singled in Brandon Belt before coming home himself when Gregor Blanco reached on a bunt single. Miami claimed a 3-2 win with a Giancarlo Stanton solo shot in the tenth inning. Steve Cishek picked up the win while Santiago Casilla was pinned with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 30 2012

Fourteen games on today as the storms in the Great Lakes region claim a victim in the Cincinnati Reds-Chicago Cubs game. Elsewhere, we begin with...

The Detroit Tigers hosting the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Rick Porcello got the starts. Detroit rallied to an early lead in the first inning, beginning with Miguel Cabrera doubling in Austin Jackson, followed by Prince Fielder reaching on an error, allowing Brennan Boesch and Cabrera to score, Andy Dirks singling and Fielder coming home on an error by Jarrod Dyson, and Jhonny Peralta singling to drive in Dirks. The Tigers struck again in the third inning when Don Kelly singled to bring around Peralta before coming home alongside Ramon Santiago when Jackson doubled. Detroit added on the in the fourth inning as Peralta singled, knocking in Brad Eldred. Kansas City got on the board in the fifth on a Humberto Quintero groundout, giving time for Jeff Francoeur to dash home. The Royals got another back in the sixth inning as Alex Gordon's double gave time to get Dyson safely home. Gordon scored Dyson again in the eighth inning on a groundout, producing the final at 9-3. Porcello got the win while Hochevar took an ugly loss.

Over in D.C., the Washington Nationals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Cahill and Jordan Zimmermann are handed the ball. Arizona got things going in the fifth inning with a John McDonald single, driving in Paul Goldschmidt. The Diamondbacks padded the lead in the sixth inning as Miguel Montero doubled home Justin Upton. Arizona extended the lead again in the seventh inning when Aaron Hill was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in Cody Ransom, followed by a sacrifice fly by Upton, giving McDonald time to cross home. Washington found the scoreboard in the eighth inning as Ian Desmond singled to score roger Bernadina. The Diamondbacks answered in the ninth inning, making it 5-1 with a Upton single that brought around Gerardo Parra. This was a final score, with the win going to Cahill and the loss to Zimmermann.

Into New York, where the Yankees host the Baltimore Orioles. Brian Matusz and Phil Hughes take their turns in the rotation. New York began with a Curtis Granderson solo shot. Baltimore answered in the second inning when Chris Davis hit a solo home run. The Orioles added on in the third inning when J.J. Hardy went yard for a two-run home run, bringing Robert Andino with him. Baltimore padded the lead in the sixth inning as Wilson Betemit singled in Matt Wieters and Nick Johnson reached on an error that provided both Davis and Betemit time to come home safely. The Orioles kept going in the eighth when Johnson doubled Davis across the plate. The final stuck at 7-1, with Matusz getting the win and Hughes taking the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Texas Rangers. Neftali Feliz and Drew Hutchison are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Texas began as Alberto Gonzalez his a second inning single, scoring David Murphy, followed by Craig Gentry grounding into a fielder's choice that gave time for Mike Napoli to score, and Ian Kinsler doubling in both Mitch Moreland and Gentry before coming home himself on a Elvis Andrus single. Toronto got most of them back in the third inning as Kelly Johnson hit a three run home run, sweeping in Colby Rasmus and Jeff Mathis before Jose Bautista lifted a solo home run. The Rangers shot back in the fourth inning as Kinsler grounded into a fielder's choice, giving time for Gonzalez to get home. The Blue Jays rallied back in the seventh inning, taking the lead after Mathis and Yunel Escobar grounded into fielder's choices, giving time to safely score Eric Thames and Brett Lawrie, respectively, before Escobar scored the go-ahead run on a Johnson single. Michael Yonug provided Texas with a ninth inning equalizer in the form of his single that drove in Kinsler. Toronto answered with a winning run in the bottom of the ninth as Lawrie went yard on a solo shot for an 8-7 victory. The win went to Francisco Cordero while the loss went to Mike Adams.

Down to the south, as the Tampa Bay Rays host the Seattle Mariners. Hector Noesi and Matt Moore are tabbed to start. Tampa Bay started in the first inning as Matt Joyce tripled to force in Ben Zobrist before coming home on a Luke Scott sacrifice fly. Seattle got one back in the third inning as Michael Saunders hit a solo home run. The Rays answered with a Joyce solo shot in the bottom of the third. This made it 3-1, a final, with Moore getting the win, Fernando Rodney converting the save, and Noesi taking a tough loss.

A bit to the north, the Atlanta Braves hosted the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels and Brandon Beachy earned the starts. Philadelphia led off with a fourth inning Ty Wigginton single, scoring both Placido Polanco and Hunter Pence. Atlanta got one back in the bottom of the fourth as Brian McCann hit a solo home run. The Braves tied it as Juan Francisco hit a sacrifice fly, giving time for Freddie Freeman to score in the sixth inning. The Phillies regained the lead in the eighth as Polanco struck out, but the pitch went wild and john Mayberry darted home safely, followed by Pence singling in Jimmy Rollins to make it 4-2, the eventual final. Antonio Bastardo got the win, Jonathan Papelbon converted the save, and Jonny Venters was stuck holding the loss.

Up in Boston, the Red Sox hosted the Oakland Athletics. Jarrod Parker and Felix Doubront are the relatively unknown starting pitchers. Oakland began in the first inning as Yoenis Cespedes singled in Jemile Weeks. The Athletics added on in the fourth inning as Cliff Pennington doubled to score Kurt Suzuki, followed by Weeks singling in both Kila Ka'aihue and Pennington, before coming home himself on a wild pitch. Boston got going in their half of the inning as David Ortiz grounded out, giving Dustin Pedroia time to score. The Red Sox tried to rally in the ninth inning as Mike Aviles drove in both Cody Ross and Marlon Byrd with a single, but this only made it 5-3, which was a final. Parker picked up the win, Jordan Norberto picked up a spot save, and Doubront suffered the loss.

Southwest to Houston, as the Astros welcomed the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and J.A. Happ received the green light to start. Houston was first on the board as Jed Lowrie launched a two-run home run in the first inning, also scoring Jose Altuve. The Astros added on in the second inning as Chris Snyder went yard on a three-run homer, sweeping in Brian Bogusevic and Justin Maxwell. New York got going in the fourth inning as both Andres Torres and Josh Thole singled, scoring Justin Turner and Scott Hairston, respectively. The Mets pulled closer in the fifth when Hairston singled Turner across the plate. Houston replied in the sixth inning when J.D. Martinez drew a bases-loaded walk, forcing in Happ. This made it a 6-3 game, which was the final, with Happ getting the win, Brett Myers successfully getting the save, and Niese taking the loss.

Up in Chicago, the White Sox hosted the Cleveland Indians after a rain delay. Ubaldo Jimenez and Chris Sale both made their starts. Cleveland busted things open with a second inning double from Jason Kipnis, giving Shelley Duncan time to score. Chicago tied it with an A.J. Pierzynski solo home run in the bottom of the second. The White Sox assembled a rally in the third inning as Gordon Beckham hit a solo shot, followed by a bases loaded walk drawn by Paul Konerko, forcing in Alejandro De Aza, an Alex Rios fielder's choice that gave time for Alexei Ramirez to come home, and a Dayan Viciedo single that brought in Adam Dunn. Chicago kept going in the fourth inning as Ramirez singled to drive in De Aza. The White Sox extended the lead again in the fifth with a Beckham single, scoring Brent Morel. The Indians got one back in the seventh inning as Duncan went yard for a solo home run. This was as close as it got, with the final at 7-2. The win went to Sale, while Jimenez was stuck with the loss.

Into Missouri, as the St. Louis Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Charlie Morton opposes Adam Wainwright on the hill. St. Louis was first to score with Matt Holliday's first inning single that brought around Rafael Furcal. Pittsburgh gained the lead in the third inning on a Jose Tabata two-run home run, also scoring Rod Barajas. The Cardinals retied it in the fourth inning when Wainwright reached on an error, allowing Yadier Molina to dash home. St. Louis took the lead in the fifth inning when David Freese launched a three-run home run, sweeping in Holliday and Carlos Beltran, followed by Allen Craig singling in Molina. The Cardinals added on with a solo shot by Holliday in the sixth inning. The Pirates replied in the seventh inning as Pedro Alvarez went yard with a two-run home run, knocking in Neil Walker. St. Louis shot back in their half of the inning as Molina and Craig did a double steal, and a subsequent error gave Molina time to cross home, before Furcal hit a two-run homer to finish the trip around for Craig. Pittsburgh got as close as 10-7 with an eighth inning rally including Garrett Jones hitting a 2-RBI single, scoring both Tabata and Andrew McCutchen, and an Alvarez single that brought home Jones. The win went to Wainwright, the save to Jason Motte, and the loss to Morton.

Westward to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ted Lilly and Jhoulys Chacin are the veteran pitchers. Los Angeles started early with a pair of first inning home runs, as Dee Gordon hit a solo shot before Andre Ethier's three-run blast, also scoring Mark Ellis and Matt Kemp. The Dodgers added on in the third inning as A.J. Ellis doubled in Tony Gwynn, Jr. Los Angeles extended the lead with a two-run homer from A.J. Ellis in the fifth inning, again scoring Gwynn, Jr. Colorado got going in the sixth inning as Carlos Gonzalez lifted a two-run home run, sweeping in Eric Young. The Rockies pulled closer in the seventh inning when Chris Nelson doubled home Ramon Hernandez before coming home on a two-run home run from Tyler Colvin. Colorado chipped away in the eighth inning as Todd Helton hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Troy Tulowitzki. The Dodgers held on to win 7-6, with the win going to Lilly, while Javy Guerra worked his way through the save, and Chacin was stuck with the loss.

Into California, as the San Diego Padres host the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum and Edinson Volquez are the well known pitchers. San Diego took a 2-0 lead in the eighth inning on a Mark Kotsay two-run home run, also scoring Will Venable. This was all for the game's offense, with the win going to Andrew Cashner, the save being converted by Huston Street, and the loss went to Francisco Rodriguez.

A bit to the north, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Minnesota Twins. Francisco Liriano and Jerome Williams are on the mound. Los Angeles got started with two second inning home runs, solo shots by Torii Hunter and Howie Kendrick. The Angels extended the lead with an Albert Pujols groundout in the third inning, allowing Chris Iannetta to come home, followed by a Hunter single driving in Mike Trout. This was all for the scoring, giving the Angels a 4-0 win, earned by a complete game shutout from Williams, allowing just 3 hits and a walk, while Liriano took a loss.

Finally, we end in San Francisco with the Giants hosting the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Matt Cain pace the game. Miami opened with a fourth inning Hanley Ramirez single, scoring Jose Reyes. Giancarlo Stanton added on for the Marlins with a fifth inning solo home run. San Francisco got it back with a solo home run by Pablo Sandoval in the sixth inning. Miami held on from here for a 2-1 win, earned by Nolasco, while Heath Bell converted the save, and Cain was stuck wondering where the run support was in the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 29 2012

Eleven games on today after a rainout for the Detroit Tigers game against the Kansas City Royals. The first game today was early, in...

Miami, as the Marlins host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Patrick Corbin and Mark Buehrle will throw this morning. Arizona started off with a second inning Cody Ransom two-run home run, also scoring Paul Goldschmidt. The Diamondbacks struck again in the fourth inning as Willie Bloomquist doubled in both Gerardo Parra and A.J. Pollock, followed by Ryan Roberts hitting a sacrifice fly to score the pitcher Corbin, and a Justin Upton two-run homer, finishing Bloomquist's trip around. Miami got on the board with a two-run blast from Donnie Murphy in the fifth inning, knocking in John Buck. The Marlins pulled closer in the sixth inning as Gaby Sanchez hit a sacrifice fly, providing time for Omar Infante to score. Miami struck again in the seventh inning as Austin Kearns lifted a two run home run, forcing in Hanley Ramirez. Arizona secured victory by a 9-5 margin in the ninth inning on a Parra groundout to bring in Upton and a Pollock sacrifice fly to give time for Goldschmidt to score. Corbin got the win while Buehrle was handed the loss.

Up in Philadelphia a few hours later, the Phillies hosted the Chicago Cubs. Chris Volstad and Vance Worley are set to pitch. Philadelphia rallied to an early first inning lead when Hunter Pence singled in Jimmy Rollins, Carlos Ruiz scored both Shane Victorino and Pence with a single of his own, and Pete Orr dropped a single to get Laynce Nix home. Chicago finally got on the board in the seventh inning as Geovany Soto grounded into a double play that gave time for Alfonso Soriaon to dart home. The Cubs pulled closer with an eighth inning Starlin Castro single, scoring Tony Campana, before he came home on a two-run home run by Bryan LaHair. The Phillies took their lead back in the bottom of the eighth as Placido Polanco doubled in Juan Pierre and Rollins, and they held on for a 6-4 win. The win went to Chad Qualls, while Jonathan Papelbon picked up the save and Scott Maine was stuck with the loss.

Into New York, as the Yankees host the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel opposes Hiroki Kuroda from the mound. Baltimore drew first blood with a Chris Davis sacrifice fly to drive in Adam Jones in the second inning. New York answered in their half of the inning as Eric Chavez hit a two-run home run, also scoring Mark Teixeira. This held through the rest of the game for a 2-1 win, with Kuroda earning the win, Mariano Rivera converting the save, and Hammel wondering where the run support was in the loss.

In Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Texas Rangers. Yu Darvish opposes Kyle Drabek pitching. Texas began with a second inning Nelson Cruz double, scoring Adrian Beltre. The Rangers added on in the third inning as Elvis Andrus doubled, bringing around Ian Kinsler. Toronto got on the board with a fourth inning Edwin Encarnacion solo home run. Texas extended the lead in the seventh inning with back to back solo shots by Mitch Moreland and Craig Gentry. This held up for a 4-1 win, earned by a studly Darvish, while Joe Nathan successfully converted the save and Drabek was pinned with the loss.

Back stateside, the Boston Red Sox host the Oakland Athletics. Tommy Milone and Clay Buchholz are the middle-rotation starters. Oakland was first on the board with a second inning Cliff Pennington single that brought in Kurt Suzuki. Boston rallied to a bottom of the second lead beginning with a David Ortiz solo home run, followed by Marlon Byrd and Mike Aviles singling in Darnell McDonald and Byrd, respectively, before Adrian Gonzalez reached on an error that gave time to bring home Aviles. The Red Sox added on in the third inning as McDonald hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Ortiz. Boston struck again with another Ortiz solo shot in the fifth inning, followed by Byrd doubling in McDonald before coming home alongside Nick Punto when Aviles lifted a three-run home run. The Athletics rallied in the seventh inning as Coco Crisp singled in both Anthony Recker and Pennington before coming home alongside Jemile Weeks when Josh Reddick went yard with a three run blast. This was as close as it got, giving the Red Sox an 11-6 victory, with the win going to Buchholz and the loss to Milone.

To the south, the Atlanta Braves host the Pittsburgh Pirates. James McDonald and Mike Minor take their turns in the rotation. Atlanta was first to score with a Freddie Freeman first inning two-run home run, also scoring Martin Prado. Pittsburgh answered in the third as Josh Harrison singled in Rod Barajas and Andrew McCutchen tied it on a sacrifice fly that brought home Jose Tabata. The Pirates grabbed the lead when Pedro Alvarez hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning, sweeping in Yamaico Navarro. The Braves replied in the bottom of the fourth with Eric Hinske's single, giving Dan Uggla time to score. Pittsburgh extended the lead with a sixth inning Navarro two-run bomb, forcing in Neil Walker. The Pirates struck again in the seventh inning with Tabata scoring on a passed ball, Walker singling McCutchen across the plate, and Navarro grounding into a fielder's choice that allowed Casey McGehee safe passage home. This concluded the scoring, leaving McDonald with the win in the 9-3 Pittsburgh win, while Minor was dealt the loss.

In Florida, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Seattle Mariners. Aces Felix Hernandez and Jeremy Hellickson were given the ball. Seattle opened with a second inning Miguel Olivo solo shot. Tampa Bay tied it in the bottom of the second as Sean Rodriguez singled in Brandon Allen. The Mariners got the lead again in the eleventh inning as Jesus Montero hit a solo home run. The Rays retied it in their half of the eleventh as B.J. Upton singled to drive in Jeff Keppinger. Tampa Bay won it in the twelfth inning as Elliot Johnson singled to score Ben Zobrist. J.P. Howell got the win in the 3-2 game, while Brandon League choked for a loss.

Westward to Houston, where the Astros host the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and Bud Norris are the pitchers with awesome monikers. Houston broke open the scoring in the sixth inning as Travis Buck grounded into a fielder's choice, providing time for Jordan Schafer to score, before Matt Downs knocked in Buck with a two-run home run. New York answered in the seventh inning as Andres Torres singled in David Wright before coming home alongside Ike Davis after a Kirk Nieuwenhuis single. The Astros reclaimed the lead in the eighth inning as Jed Lowrie singled Schafer across the plate. This held for a 4-3 win, earned by Fernando Rodriguez, while Brett Myers picked up the save and Manny Acosta was stuck with the loss.

Up in Colorado, the Rockies host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Juan Nicasio take the hill. Los Angeles wasted little time in scoring, with a first inning solo home run by Matt Kemp. Colorado tied it in their half of the inning as Carlos Gonzalez grounded out, giving time for Marco Scutaro to get home. The Rockies got the lead in the fourth inning when Troy Tulowitzki doubled in both Jonathan Herrera and Gonzalez before coming home himself on a Ramon Hernandez sacrifice fly. The Dodgers got one back in the sixth inning as Juan Uribe singled, driving in James Loney. Colorado shot back in the bottom of the sixth as Hernandez doubled, knocking in Gonzalez. The Rockies extended the lead in the seventh with a Gonzalez single, giving time for Michael Cuddyer to get home safely. The final stuck at 6-2, with Nicasio earning the win and Harang taking the loss.

Southwest to San Diego, with the Padres hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf and Joe Wieland received the starting nods. San Diego got things going in the second inning as Yonder Alonso singled in Cameron Maybin. Milwaukee answered in the fourth inning on a Ryan Braun solo home run and an Alex Gonzalez double that scored both Aramis Ramirez and Mat Gamel. The Padres got one back in their half of the fourth as Jason Bartlett doubled, driving in Orlando Hudson. The Brewers extended the lead again in the fifth with a two-run home run by Braun, sweeping in Rickie Weeks. San Diego got another back as Bartlett grounded into a double play that gave time for Maybin to come home in the sixth inning. Milwaukee replied as Braun went yard for the third time tonight, another solo shot in the seventh inning. The Brewers iced it at 8-3 with a Braun triple in the ninth inning, forcing in Weeks and Nyjer Morgan. Wolf got the win while Wieland was stuck with the loss.

Up a tad to the finishing point in Anaheim, where the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Minnesota Twins. Nick Blackburn and C.J. Wilson pace the game. Los Angeles began with a Torii Hunter first inning single, pushing in Albert Pujols. The Angels added on as Hunter went yard in the fourth inning, also scoring Kendrys Morales with the two-run homer. Los Angeles padded the lead as Chris Iannetta lifted a solo home run in the seventh inning. Minnesota got some back in the eighth inning when Alexi Casilla doubled in Chris Parmelee and then came home on a Denard Span single, followed by Danny Valencia singling in Jamey Carroll. This was as close as it got, with the Angels holding on to win 4-3, with the W going to Wilson, the save to Scott Downs, and loss to Blackburn.

Thanks for the 4,000th view today, and as always, followed me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Fantasy Baseball All-Stars Week 4 2012

1. Jay Bruce, 7 R, 10 H, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 2 SB, .476 AVG, .542 OBP
2. Carlos Gonzalez, 7 R, 9 H, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 2 SB, .391 AVG, .481 OBP
3. Wade Miley, 12.1 IP, 2 W, 13 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.49 WHIP
4. Jose Altuve, 8 R, 13 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 SB, .481 AVG, .500 OBP
5. Jake Peavy, 18 IP, 1 W, 12 K, 0.50 ERA, 0.56 WHIP

Honorable mentions: David Wright, Chris Davis, Edwin Encarnacion, Mike Aviles, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Alfredo Aceves.

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.