Again switching the style of these things. Will list a top 10, the stats are on you if you want to know them.
1. Carlos Gonzalez
2. Hunter Pence
3. Jason Kipnis
4. Freddie Freeman
5. Felix Hernandez
6. Chipper Jones
7. Matt Holliday
8. Pedro Alvarez
9. Jered Weaver
10. Ryan Braun
Monday, May 7, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
MLB Day 35 2012
Looks like a full slate of games today, with the first game coming in...
Detroit, as the Tigers host the Chicago White Sox. Dylan Axelrod and Rick Porcello are the interestingly named pitchers. Chicago was first on the board with an Adam Dunn solo home run in the first inning. Detroit tied it in the bottom of the first as Austin Jackson hit a solo home run. The Tigers took the lead in the third inning as Prince Fielder went yard for a solo shot. Detroit padded their lead in the eighth inning on an Andy Dirks solo shot. The final stood at 3-1, with Porcello getting the win, Jose Valverde working out of a jam for the save, and Axelrod taking the loss.
Down in Cleveland, the Indians host the Texas Rangers. The well hyped Yu Darvish pitches against the formerly hyped Ubaldo Jimenez. Cleveland got going in the third inning on an Asdrubal Cabrera double scoring both Johnny Damon and Jason Kipnis, followed by Shin-Soo Choo singling, which combined with an error gave time for Cabrera to get home. The Indians extended the lead in the fifth inning with a Kipnis solo home run. Texas got going in the eighth inning as Josh Hamilton grounded out, giving time for Ian Kinsler to score, followed by Michael Young singling in Elvis Andrus. This was all they got, falling 4-2, with Jimenez earning the win, Chris Perez converting another save, and Darvish finally taking a loss.
East to New York, as the Mets host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Cahill and R.A. Dickey are the well known starters. New York began in the first inning with a 2-RBI Daniel Murphy single, scoring Andres Torres and David Wright. The Mets added on in the fourth inning as Josh Thole singled to drive in Ike Davis. Arizona got on the board in the ninth inning as Justin Upton doubled home Gerardo Parra, but they got no closer and fell 3-1. Dickey picked up the win, Frank Francisco cleaned up for the save, and Cahill had little support in the loss.
Into Pennsylvania, as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds. Mat Latos and Charlie Morton will take the mound. Cincinnati started off with a Joey Votto single to bring around Drew Stubbs. The Reds added on in the second inning with a Todd Frazier solo home run. Cincinnati kept going in the third inning on a two-run homer by Stubbs, also scoring Zack Cozart. The Reds padded their lead in the fifth inning as Brandon Phillips hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Stubbs. This made it 5-0, a final, with Latos getting an easy win and Morton getting no help to avoid a loss.
Over in Boston, the Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Tommy Hunter and Clay Buchholz were given the starting nods. Baltimore struck early with a J.J. Hardy solo home run in the first inning. Hardy hit another solo shot in the third inning to add on for the Orioles. Baltimore padded the lead in the fourth inning as Robert Andino hit a three-run blast, also scoring Matt Wieters and Mark Reynolds. Boston got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Ryan Sweeney singled to score Mike Aviles. The Red Sox tied it with a Will Middlebrooks grand slam in the fifth inning, knocking in David Ortiz, Cody Ross, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Orioles retook the lead in the eighth inning as Reynolds doubled and Adam Jones came home. Boston retied it in the bottom of the eighth with a Saltalamacchia sacrifice fly, allowing Darnell McDonald to dart home. Baltimore took the game in the seventeenth inning on a three-run home run by Adam Jones, forcing in Hardy and Nick Markakis. Starting designated hitter Chris Davis picked up the win in the 9-6 game, while McDonald took the mound but also a loss.
Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Oakland Athletics. Tommy Milone and Matt Moore are called on for the starts. Tampa Bay was first to score with a first inning rally including Jeff Keppinger hitting a sacrifice fly to bring home Desmond Jennings, Sean Rodriguez singling in B.J. Upton, and Matt Joyce's single driving in Carlos Pena and Luke Scott. Oakland answered with a third inning blitz starting with Yoenis Cespedes singling in Cliff Pennington, Jonny Gomes doing the same for Josh Reddick, and then both Cespedes and Gomes came home when Brandon Inge hit a three-run home run. The Athletics added onto their lead in the fifth inning as Gomes doubled to bring home Michael Taylor, before coming home with Inge as Daric Barton ripped a double. The Rays got one back in the bottom of the fifth with an Upton solo shot. Oakland extended their lead in the seventh inning on an Inge sacrifice fly that gave time for Reddick to come home. The final stuck at 9-5 for Oakland, with the win going to Milone and the loss to Moore.
West into Texas, with the Houston Astros hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and J.A. Happ get the ball today. St. Louis opened with a first inning Allen Craig two-run home run, also scoring Matt Holliday. The Cardinals added on in the second inning as Tyler Greene doubled home Yadier Molina. St. Louis kept going in the third inning with Craig hitting a double to knock in Holliday. The Cardinals struck again in the fourth inning as Greene went yard on a two-run home run, sweeping in Jon Jay. Houston got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Carlos Lee dashed home on a wild pitch. St. Louis answered in the sixth inning when Rafael Furcal single Greene across the plate. The Cardinals extended the lead in the eighth inning when Greene hit a solo home run. This made it an 8-1 final, with the win going to Wainwright and the loss to Happ.
Up in Kansas City, the Royals host the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Luke Hochevar took their turns in the rotation. Kansas City started off with a Billy Butler double to bring around Alex Gordon in the first inning. New York tied it in the second inning as Raul Ibanez singled home Mark Teixeira. The Yankees added on with a third inning rally including Curtis Granderson singling in Dewayne Wise, Robinson Cano hitting a grand slam to clear the bases of Derek Jeter, Granderson, and Alex Rodriguez, and a solo shot by Nick Swisher. The Royals got one back in the fifth as Gordon singled, and Irving Falu dashed home safely. Kansas City struck again with a Humberto Quintero seventh inning solo home run. New York extended their lead in the eighth inning on a Rodriguez three-run homer, forcing in Wise and Jeter. The Royals made it 10-4 with a ninth inning Jarrod Dyson single that brought around Brayan Pena. Hughes was in line for the win while Hochevar was humiliated in the loss.
After a long delay up a bit north, the Chicago Cubs host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Travis Wood will be pitching as scheduled. Los Angeles led off with Harang grounding into a fielder's choice that provided time for Adam Kennedy to get home in the second inning. The Dodgers added on in the third inning with a two-run homer from Juan Rivera, also scoring Mark Ellis. Chicago got some back in the bottom of the third as Starlin Castro singled in both Wood and David DeJesus. The Cubs tied it in the ninth inning when Tony Campana doubled in Ian Stewart. Chicago completed the comeback in the eleventh inning as DeJesus drew the infamous walkoff walk with loaded bases, forcing in Darwin Barney. Rafael Dolis was in line for the win, while Jamey Wright was on the hook for the loss.
Out west, the Colorado Rockies host the Atlanta Braves. Brandon Beachy and Juan Nicasio are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Atlanta got started with a third inning three-run homer by Freddie Freeman, sweeping in Michael Bourn and Martin Prado. The Braves got another one in the fourth inning as Tyler Pastornicky grounded into a fielder's choice, providing Jason Heyward time to get home. Atlanta added on in the sixth inning when Dan Uggla singled home Freeman before coming home himself when Juan Francisco singled. Colorado got on the board in the seventh inning when Michael Cuddyer singled to bring home Troy Tulowitzki, before coming home himself as Tyler Colvin grounded into a fielder's choice. The Braves replied in the eighth inning when Uggla hit a solo shot. The final stood at 7-2 Atlanta, with the win credited to Beachy, the save to Cristhian Martinez, and Nicasio was stuck with the loss.
Farther west, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Toronto Blue Jays. Drew Hutchison and Jerome Williams will be throwing. Toronto was first on the board with a third inning Eric Thames single to drive in J.P. Arencibia. Los Angeles gained the lead in the fourth inning as Maicer Izturis was singled in by Mark Trumbo and Alberto Callaspo also hit a single, driving in Kendrys Morales. The Angels added on in the fifth as Albert Pujols lifted a two-run home run, sweeping in Mike Trout. The Blue Jays took one back as Edwin Encarnacion hit a sacrifice fly to allow safe passage home for Jose Bautista. Toronto pulled closer as Kelly Johnson singled, giving Arencibia time to dash home. They couldn't tie it, allowing Williams to pick up the 3-2 win, while LaTroy Hawkins converted the save and Hutchison was dealt the loss.
Down in San Diego, the Padres host the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Joe Wieland are slated for the starts. San Diego drew first blood with a fifth inning Wieland double that knocked in Cameron Maybin and Andy Parrino. Miami got on the board with Hanley Ramirez grounding into a fielder's choice, scoring the pitcher Nolasco, before being forced in by a Logan Morrison triple. The Marlins rallied to an eighth inning lead with Giancarlo Stanton's bases-loaded walk forcing in Jose Reyes, followed by a passed ball that got Emilio Bonifacio safely home, a Gaby Sanchez single driving in Morrison, and Stanton finishing the long trip around by coming home on a passed ball. The Padres got one back in the bottom of the eighth as Yonder Alonso grounded into a fielder's choice and Chris Denorfia eventually came home after an error provided the time. They couldn't manage a tying rally, falling 6-3 to the winner, Nolasco, while Edward Mujica backed it up with a save and Andrew Cashner was pinned with the loss.
A bit to the north, the San Francisco Giants host the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum and Matt Cain pace the game. Milwaukee opened early with a first inning Aramis Ramirez single to drive in Nyjer Morgan. San Francisco answered in the bottom of the first as Conor Gillaspie doubled in Gregor Blanco before coming home himself on an Angel Pagan fielder's choice. The Giants padded the lead in the fourth inning when Ryan Theriot singling in Pagan. The Brewers got one back in the sixth inning as Ramirez hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Rickie Weeks. Milwaukee tied it in the ninth inning when Travis Ishikawa doubled to bring in Corey Hart. San Francisco won the game with an eleventh inning Hector Sanchez single, allowing Emmanuel Burriss to score for a 4-3 win. Javier Lopez was in line for the win, while Tim Dillard was stuck with the loss.
North again to Seattle, as the Mariners welcome the Minnesota Twins. Nick Blackburn and Hector Noesi have the green light to start. Seattle began with a first inning Jesus Montero double, driving in Dustin Ackley and Brendan Ryan before he came home himself on a Kyle Seager single. The Mariners added on in the second inning as Mike Carp hit a solo home run. Seattle kept going with a fourth inning Ryan sacrifice fly, providing time for Ackley to dash home. Minnesota got on the board in the seventh inning with a solo shot by Ryan Doumit. The Twins attempted a ninth inning rally as Doumit hit another solo home run, but they only got as close as 5-2, with Noesi in line for the win while Blackburn suffers the loss.
Finally, we go to the other Washington, as the Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels and Jordan Zimmermann will be on the hill. Washington began with a first inning Bryce Harper stealing of home plate (or 4th base as the box scores will list it). Philadelphia answered with a two-run home run by Hunter Pence in the fourth inning, also scoring Shane Victorino, followed by Placido Polanco singling in Laynce Nix. The Phillies extended the lead in the ninth inning as Juan Pierre singled to drive in Jimmy Rollins, before being forced in on a Victorino triple, then Pence went yard again to finish Victorino's trip around on another two-run blast, and they refilled the bases so Freddy Galvis could single in both Carlos Ruiz and Polanco. The Nationlas attempted a rally in the bottom of the ninth as Roger Bernadina doubled to allow time for Rick Ankiel to get home, followed by Ian Desmond singling in Wilson Ramos making it a 9-3 game, which was a final. The win went to Hamels, while Zimmermann was stuck with the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Detroit, as the Tigers host the Chicago White Sox. Dylan Axelrod and Rick Porcello are the interestingly named pitchers. Chicago was first on the board with an Adam Dunn solo home run in the first inning. Detroit tied it in the bottom of the first as Austin Jackson hit a solo home run. The Tigers took the lead in the third inning as Prince Fielder went yard for a solo shot. Detroit padded their lead in the eighth inning on an Andy Dirks solo shot. The final stood at 3-1, with Porcello getting the win, Jose Valverde working out of a jam for the save, and Axelrod taking the loss.
Down in Cleveland, the Indians host the Texas Rangers. The well hyped Yu Darvish pitches against the formerly hyped Ubaldo Jimenez. Cleveland got going in the third inning on an Asdrubal Cabrera double scoring both Johnny Damon and Jason Kipnis, followed by Shin-Soo Choo singling, which combined with an error gave time for Cabrera to get home. The Indians extended the lead in the fifth inning with a Kipnis solo home run. Texas got going in the eighth inning as Josh Hamilton grounded out, giving time for Ian Kinsler to score, followed by Michael Young singling in Elvis Andrus. This was all they got, falling 4-2, with Jimenez earning the win, Chris Perez converting another save, and Darvish finally taking a loss.
East to New York, as the Mets host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Cahill and R.A. Dickey are the well known starters. New York began in the first inning with a 2-RBI Daniel Murphy single, scoring Andres Torres and David Wright. The Mets added on in the fourth inning as Josh Thole singled to drive in Ike Davis. Arizona got on the board in the ninth inning as Justin Upton doubled home Gerardo Parra, but they got no closer and fell 3-1. Dickey picked up the win, Frank Francisco cleaned up for the save, and Cahill had little support in the loss.
Into Pennsylvania, as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds. Mat Latos and Charlie Morton will take the mound. Cincinnati started off with a Joey Votto single to bring around Drew Stubbs. The Reds added on in the second inning with a Todd Frazier solo home run. Cincinnati kept going in the third inning on a two-run homer by Stubbs, also scoring Zack Cozart. The Reds padded their lead in the fifth inning as Brandon Phillips hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Stubbs. This made it 5-0, a final, with Latos getting an easy win and Morton getting no help to avoid a loss.
Over in Boston, the Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Tommy Hunter and Clay Buchholz were given the starting nods. Baltimore struck early with a J.J. Hardy solo home run in the first inning. Hardy hit another solo shot in the third inning to add on for the Orioles. Baltimore padded the lead in the fourth inning as Robert Andino hit a three-run blast, also scoring Matt Wieters and Mark Reynolds. Boston got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Ryan Sweeney singled to score Mike Aviles. The Red Sox tied it with a Will Middlebrooks grand slam in the fifth inning, knocking in David Ortiz, Cody Ross, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Orioles retook the lead in the eighth inning as Reynolds doubled and Adam Jones came home. Boston retied it in the bottom of the eighth with a Saltalamacchia sacrifice fly, allowing Darnell McDonald to dart home. Baltimore took the game in the seventeenth inning on a three-run home run by Adam Jones, forcing in Hardy and Nick Markakis. Starting designated hitter Chris Davis picked up the win in the 9-6 game, while McDonald took the mound but also a loss.
Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Oakland Athletics. Tommy Milone and Matt Moore are called on for the starts. Tampa Bay was first to score with a first inning rally including Jeff Keppinger hitting a sacrifice fly to bring home Desmond Jennings, Sean Rodriguez singling in B.J. Upton, and Matt Joyce's single driving in Carlos Pena and Luke Scott. Oakland answered with a third inning blitz starting with Yoenis Cespedes singling in Cliff Pennington, Jonny Gomes doing the same for Josh Reddick, and then both Cespedes and Gomes came home when Brandon Inge hit a three-run home run. The Athletics added onto their lead in the fifth inning as Gomes doubled to bring home Michael Taylor, before coming home with Inge as Daric Barton ripped a double. The Rays got one back in the bottom of the fifth with an Upton solo shot. Oakland extended their lead in the seventh inning on an Inge sacrifice fly that gave time for Reddick to come home. The final stuck at 9-5 for Oakland, with the win going to Milone and the loss to Moore.
West into Texas, with the Houston Astros hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and J.A. Happ get the ball today. St. Louis opened with a first inning Allen Craig two-run home run, also scoring Matt Holliday. The Cardinals added on in the second inning as Tyler Greene doubled home Yadier Molina. St. Louis kept going in the third inning with Craig hitting a double to knock in Holliday. The Cardinals struck again in the fourth inning as Greene went yard on a two-run home run, sweeping in Jon Jay. Houston got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Carlos Lee dashed home on a wild pitch. St. Louis answered in the sixth inning when Rafael Furcal single Greene across the plate. The Cardinals extended the lead in the eighth inning when Greene hit a solo home run. This made it an 8-1 final, with the win going to Wainwright and the loss to Happ.
Up in Kansas City, the Royals host the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Luke Hochevar took their turns in the rotation. Kansas City started off with a Billy Butler double to bring around Alex Gordon in the first inning. New York tied it in the second inning as Raul Ibanez singled home Mark Teixeira. The Yankees added on with a third inning rally including Curtis Granderson singling in Dewayne Wise, Robinson Cano hitting a grand slam to clear the bases of Derek Jeter, Granderson, and Alex Rodriguez, and a solo shot by Nick Swisher. The Royals got one back in the fifth as Gordon singled, and Irving Falu dashed home safely. Kansas City struck again with a Humberto Quintero seventh inning solo home run. New York extended their lead in the eighth inning on a Rodriguez three-run homer, forcing in Wise and Jeter. The Royals made it 10-4 with a ninth inning Jarrod Dyson single that brought around Brayan Pena. Hughes was in line for the win while Hochevar was humiliated in the loss.
After a long delay up a bit north, the Chicago Cubs host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Travis Wood will be pitching as scheduled. Los Angeles led off with Harang grounding into a fielder's choice that provided time for Adam Kennedy to get home in the second inning. The Dodgers added on in the third inning with a two-run homer from Juan Rivera, also scoring Mark Ellis. Chicago got some back in the bottom of the third as Starlin Castro singled in both Wood and David DeJesus. The Cubs tied it in the ninth inning when Tony Campana doubled in Ian Stewart. Chicago completed the comeback in the eleventh inning as DeJesus drew the infamous walkoff walk with loaded bases, forcing in Darwin Barney. Rafael Dolis was in line for the win, while Jamey Wright was on the hook for the loss.
Out west, the Colorado Rockies host the Atlanta Braves. Brandon Beachy and Juan Nicasio are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Atlanta got started with a third inning three-run homer by Freddie Freeman, sweeping in Michael Bourn and Martin Prado. The Braves got another one in the fourth inning as Tyler Pastornicky grounded into a fielder's choice, providing Jason Heyward time to get home. Atlanta added on in the sixth inning when Dan Uggla singled home Freeman before coming home himself when Juan Francisco singled. Colorado got on the board in the seventh inning when Michael Cuddyer singled to bring home Troy Tulowitzki, before coming home himself as Tyler Colvin grounded into a fielder's choice. The Braves replied in the eighth inning when Uggla hit a solo shot. The final stood at 7-2 Atlanta, with the win credited to Beachy, the save to Cristhian Martinez, and Nicasio was stuck with the loss.
Farther west, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Toronto Blue Jays. Drew Hutchison and Jerome Williams will be throwing. Toronto was first on the board with a third inning Eric Thames single to drive in J.P. Arencibia. Los Angeles gained the lead in the fourth inning as Maicer Izturis was singled in by Mark Trumbo and Alberto Callaspo also hit a single, driving in Kendrys Morales. The Angels added on in the fifth as Albert Pujols lifted a two-run home run, sweeping in Mike Trout. The Blue Jays took one back as Edwin Encarnacion hit a sacrifice fly to allow safe passage home for Jose Bautista. Toronto pulled closer as Kelly Johnson singled, giving Arencibia time to dash home. They couldn't tie it, allowing Williams to pick up the 3-2 win, while LaTroy Hawkins converted the save and Hutchison was dealt the loss.
Down in San Diego, the Padres host the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Joe Wieland are slated for the starts. San Diego drew first blood with a fifth inning Wieland double that knocked in Cameron Maybin and Andy Parrino. Miami got on the board with Hanley Ramirez grounding into a fielder's choice, scoring the pitcher Nolasco, before being forced in by a Logan Morrison triple. The Marlins rallied to an eighth inning lead with Giancarlo Stanton's bases-loaded walk forcing in Jose Reyes, followed by a passed ball that got Emilio Bonifacio safely home, a Gaby Sanchez single driving in Morrison, and Stanton finishing the long trip around by coming home on a passed ball. The Padres got one back in the bottom of the eighth as Yonder Alonso grounded into a fielder's choice and Chris Denorfia eventually came home after an error provided the time. They couldn't manage a tying rally, falling 6-3 to the winner, Nolasco, while Edward Mujica backed it up with a save and Andrew Cashner was pinned with the loss.
A bit to the north, the San Francisco Giants host the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum and Matt Cain pace the game. Milwaukee opened early with a first inning Aramis Ramirez single to drive in Nyjer Morgan. San Francisco answered in the bottom of the first as Conor Gillaspie doubled in Gregor Blanco before coming home himself on an Angel Pagan fielder's choice. The Giants padded the lead in the fourth inning when Ryan Theriot singling in Pagan. The Brewers got one back in the sixth inning as Ramirez hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Rickie Weeks. Milwaukee tied it in the ninth inning when Travis Ishikawa doubled to bring in Corey Hart. San Francisco won the game with an eleventh inning Hector Sanchez single, allowing Emmanuel Burriss to score for a 4-3 win. Javier Lopez was in line for the win, while Tim Dillard was stuck with the loss.
North again to Seattle, as the Mariners welcome the Minnesota Twins. Nick Blackburn and Hector Noesi have the green light to start. Seattle began with a first inning Jesus Montero double, driving in Dustin Ackley and Brendan Ryan before he came home himself on a Kyle Seager single. The Mariners added on in the second inning as Mike Carp hit a solo home run. Seattle kept going with a fourth inning Ryan sacrifice fly, providing time for Ackley to dash home. Minnesota got on the board in the seventh inning with a solo shot by Ryan Doumit. The Twins attempted a ninth inning rally as Doumit hit another solo home run, but they only got as close as 5-2, with Noesi in line for the win while Blackburn suffers the loss.
Finally, we go to the other Washington, as the Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels and Jordan Zimmermann will be on the hill. Washington began with a first inning Bryce Harper stealing of home plate (or 4th base as the box scores will list it). Philadelphia answered with a two-run home run by Hunter Pence in the fourth inning, also scoring Shane Victorino, followed by Placido Polanco singling in Laynce Nix. The Phillies extended the lead in the ninth inning as Juan Pierre singled to drive in Jimmy Rollins, before being forced in on a Victorino triple, then Pence went yard again to finish Victorino's trip around on another two-run blast, and they refilled the bases so Freddy Galvis could single in both Carlos Ruiz and Polanco. The Nationlas attempted a rally in the bottom of the ninth as Roger Bernadina doubled to allow time for Rick Ankiel to get home, followed by Ian Desmond singling in Wilson Ramos making it a 9-3 game, which was a final. The win went to Hamels, while Zimmermann was stuck with the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Western Conference Semifinal: 2) St. Louis Blues VS. 8) Los Angeles Kings
Welcome to the post for the semifinal series between the St. Louis Blues and the Los Angeles Kings. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.
Game 1: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Brian Elliott for St. Louis; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. St. Louis began with a David Backes goal, his second of the postseason, coming off of David Perron and Alex Pietrangelo. Los Angeles tied it on a Slava Voynov goal, via Dustin Penner and Mike Richards. The Kings scored again in the second period on a Matt Greene shorthanded goal with a lone Dustin Brown assist. Los Angeles made it 3-1 in the third period as Penner scored an empty net goal, his second of the playoffs, helped along by Rob Scuderi. The three stars were awarded to Quick (28 for 29 in saves), Elliott (26 for 28 in saves), and Brown, with honorable mention for Penner. Los Angeles leads 1-0 in the series.
Game 2: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Brian Elliott for St. Louis; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Mike Richards put Los Angeles up early with his second of the postseason, thanks to Dustin Penner. The Kings added on with an Anze Kopitar shorthanded goal, his second of the playoffs, passed from Dustin Brown. Los Angeles struck again with a Jeff Carter goal, assisted by Penner and Richards. Shortly after that, Kopitar scored again, his second of the game and third of the postseason for the Kings, helped along by Justin Williams and Brown. St. Louis got on the board in the second period, as Andy McDonald scored eighteen seconds in with his fifth of the playoffs, courtesy of David Backes and Kris Russell. Williams shot back for Los Angeles just over a minute later, with a goal guided in by Brown, who gets a sock trick, and Matt Greene. The Blues got one back in the third period as Matt D'Agostini scored, coming off of Backes. The final was 5-2 Kings, with the three stars named as Kopitar, Brown, and T.J. Oshie, while Richards, Williams, or Penner could take the third slot. Los Angeles has a 2-0 series lead.
Game 3: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Brian Elliott for St. Louis. The first action of this game was a fight, between Mike Richards and Jamie Langenbrunner. Justin Williams opened things for Los Angeles with his second of the postseason, made possible by Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar. St. Louis tied it in the second period on a Chris Stewart goal, via Kris Russell. The Kings took the lead back with a Dwight King goal, with a lone assist from Matt Greene. Los Angeles extended the lead with a power play goal by Richards, his third of the playoffs, powered by Kopitar and Doughty. The Blues pulled back in the third period on Stewart's second of the game, via Alex Pietrangelo and David Perron. Doughty shot back for the Kings with a goal, set up by Richards, who completed the Gordie Howe Hat Trick, and Jeff Carter. This made it 4-2, a final, with the three stars going to Doughty, Richards, and Stewart, and Kopitar gets the honorable mention. Los Angeles pushes the Blues on the brink with a 3-0 series lead.
Game 4: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Brian Elliott for St. Louis. Los Angeles was first to score with a Jordan Nolan goal, set up by Dustin Penner. St. Louis tied it on a Kevin Shattenkirk goal, passed from Barret Jackman. The Kings got the lead later in the period as Dustin Brown scored his fifth of the postseason, thanks to Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. Los Angeles iced it at 3-1 in the third period with a Brown empty net goal, his second of the game and sixth of the playoffs, passed from Kopitar and Matt Greene. The three stars went to Quick (23 for 24 in saves), Brown, and Shattenkirk, while Kopitar gets an honorable mention. The Kings win the series 4-0 and await an opponent in the Western Conference Finals.
Game 1: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Brian Elliott for St. Louis; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. St. Louis began with a David Backes goal, his second of the postseason, coming off of David Perron and Alex Pietrangelo. Los Angeles tied it on a Slava Voynov goal, via Dustin Penner and Mike Richards. The Kings scored again in the second period on a Matt Greene shorthanded goal with a lone Dustin Brown assist. Los Angeles made it 3-1 in the third period as Penner scored an empty net goal, his second of the playoffs, helped along by Rob Scuderi. The three stars were awarded to Quick (28 for 29 in saves), Elliott (26 for 28 in saves), and Brown, with honorable mention for Penner. Los Angeles leads 1-0 in the series.
Game 2: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Brian Elliott for St. Louis; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Mike Richards put Los Angeles up early with his second of the postseason, thanks to Dustin Penner. The Kings added on with an Anze Kopitar shorthanded goal, his second of the playoffs, passed from Dustin Brown. Los Angeles struck again with a Jeff Carter goal, assisted by Penner and Richards. Shortly after that, Kopitar scored again, his second of the game and third of the postseason for the Kings, helped along by Justin Williams and Brown. St. Louis got on the board in the second period, as Andy McDonald scored eighteen seconds in with his fifth of the playoffs, courtesy of David Backes and Kris Russell. Williams shot back for Los Angeles just over a minute later, with a goal guided in by Brown, who gets a sock trick, and Matt Greene. The Blues got one back in the third period as Matt D'Agostini scored, coming off of Backes. The final was 5-2 Kings, with the three stars named as Kopitar, Brown, and T.J. Oshie, while Richards, Williams, or Penner could take the third slot. Los Angeles has a 2-0 series lead.
Game 3: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Brian Elliott for St. Louis. The first action of this game was a fight, between Mike Richards and Jamie Langenbrunner. Justin Williams opened things for Los Angeles with his second of the postseason, made possible by Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar. St. Louis tied it in the second period on a Chris Stewart goal, via Kris Russell. The Kings took the lead back with a Dwight King goal, with a lone assist from Matt Greene. Los Angeles extended the lead with a power play goal by Richards, his third of the playoffs, powered by Kopitar and Doughty. The Blues pulled back in the third period on Stewart's second of the game, via Alex Pietrangelo and David Perron. Doughty shot back for the Kings with a goal, set up by Richards, who completed the Gordie Howe Hat Trick, and Jeff Carter. This made it 4-2, a final, with the three stars going to Doughty, Richards, and Stewart, and Kopitar gets the honorable mention. Los Angeles pushes the Blues on the brink with a 3-0 series lead.
Game 4: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Brian Elliott for St. Louis. Los Angeles was first to score with a Jordan Nolan goal, set up by Dustin Penner. St. Louis tied it on a Kevin Shattenkirk goal, passed from Barret Jackman. The Kings got the lead later in the period as Dustin Brown scored his fifth of the postseason, thanks to Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. Los Angeles iced it at 3-1 in the third period with a Brown empty net goal, his second of the game and sixth of the playoffs, passed from Kopitar and Matt Greene. The three stars went to Quick (23 for 24 in saves), Brown, and Shattenkirk, while Kopitar gets an honorable mention. The Kings win the series 4-0 and await an opponent in the Western Conference Finals.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
MLB Day 34 2012
Full slate on today as it is Saturday. We have a few afternoon games on today, starting in...
Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano opposes fellow Chris, Mr. Volstad. Los Angeles started in the second inning as Matt Treanor hit a sacrifice fly to score Andre Ethier, and the pitcher Capuano doubled in both Bobby Abreu and James Loney. The Dodgers extended the lead in the fifth inning as Dee Gordon doubled to drive in Treanor before coming home on a Matt Kemp sacrifice fly. Chicago avoided getting shut out in the ninth inning as Ian Stewart lined a single to bring home Starlin Castro, for a 5-1 final. The win went to Capuano while Volstad was stuck with the loss and little run support.
East to D.C., as the Washington Nationals welcomed the Philadelphia Phillies. Vance Worley and Gio Gonzalez were tabbed to start. Philadelphia got things going in the fourth inning as Carlos Ruiz hit a sacrifice fly, driving in Shane Victorino. Washington answered in the fifth inning on a three-run Jayson Werth home run, also scoring the pitcher Gonzalez and Steve Lombardozzi, followed by Rick Ankiel doubling in Chad Tracy. The Nationals padded the lead with an Ian Desmond solo shot in the sixth inning. Washington made it 7-1 in the seventh inning as Tracy hit a two-run homer, sweeping in Werth. This was a final, with Gonzalez getting the win and Vorley suffering the loss.
Into Boston, as the Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel and Aaron Cook are the relatively unknown starters. Baltimore opened with a second inning run scored on a passed ball as Chris Davis scored. The Orioles added on in the third inning as Nick Markakis singled in J.J. Hardy before coming home on a two-run homer by Adam Jones, followed by Wilson Betemit singling to score Matt Wieters and then he got swept in with Davis on a three-run home run by Mark Reynolds. Boston got on the board in the seventh inning as Ryan Sweeney doubled home Adrian Gonzalez and then crossed the plate himself when Cody Ross singled. This made it 8-2, a final, with Hammel picking up the win and Cook taking an ugly loss.
Out in San Francisco, the Giants host the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf and Madison Bumgarner were handed the ball. Milwaukee led off with a second inning Alex Gonzalez single that brought in Aramis Ramirez. San Francisco tied it in the fifth inning when the pitcher Bumgarner doubled in Hector Sanchez. The Giants took the lead in the sixth inning when Buster Posey singled to score Melky Cabrera before coming home on a Brett Pill double, and Pill crossed home as Conor Gillaspie grounded into a fielder's choice. The Brewers got one back in the eighth inning as Ryan Braun hit a solo home run. San Francisco replied in their half of the inning on a Sanchez double, knocking in Joaquin Arias for a 5-2 lead and win. The win went to Bumgarner, while Santiago Casilla got the save and Wolf was stuck with the loss.
Back to the east coast, as the New York Mets host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Patrick Corbin was mismatched with Johan Santana for the pitching. Arizona was first to score with a Ryan Roberts second inning solo home run. New York grabbed the lead with a fourth inning rally including Mike Nickeas single scoring both Daniel Murphy and Justin Turner, before he came home alongside Kirk Nieuwenhuis on a 2-RBI single from Andres Torres. The Diamondbacks pulled back in the fifth inning on a Paul Goldschmidt double that knocked in A.J. Pollock and Justin Upton, but they never got an equalizer and took a 4-3 loss. Santana was in line for the win, Frank Francisco handled the save with ease, and Corbin was stuck holding the loss
Northwest to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Max Scherzer are the middle-rotation starters. Detroit began with a second inning Andy Dirks single to score Alex Avila, and an Austin Jackson single doing the same for Jhonny Peralta. Chicago got on the board with a seventh inning Paul Konerko solo home run. The White Sox won the game 3-2 in the ninth inning as Adam Dunn lifted a two-run home run, also scoring Alejandro De Aza. Nate Jones picked up the win, Addison Reed got the save, and Jose Valverde blew up for a loss.
Into Cleveland, as the Indians host the Texas Rangers. We have a pair of Dereks pitching, as the visiting Holland goes against the hosting Lowe. Texas got things going in the second inning as Ian Kinsler singled in Mike Napoli. The Rangers added on in the fourth inning when Mitch Moreland doubled in Nelson Cruz. Cleveland tied it in the eighth inning as Asdrubal Cabrera doubled to score Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis darted home on a passed ball. Texas took a 5-2 lead in the eleventh inning as Adrian Beltre hit a three-run home run, also scoring Cruz and Moreland. They held on to win 5-2, with the win going to Alexi Ogando, the save to Joe Nathan, and Joe Smith was victim of a poorly timed pitch resulting in a loss.
East to Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Mike Leake and James McDonald are the back-of-the-rotation starting pitchers. Pittsburgh opened with a third inning two-run home run by Neil Walker, sweeping in Jose Tabata. Cincinnati got one back in the seventh inning as Scott Rolen singled, driving in Jay Bruce. The Pirates re-extended the lead in the bottom of the seventh with an Alex Presley solo shot. The Reds tried to tie it in the eighth as Zack Cozart doubled to knock in Devin Mesoraco, but they only made it to 3-2 before falling. McDonald earned the win, Joel Hanrahan turned the save opportunity, and Leake was stuck with the loss.
Well to the south, the Houston Astros host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jaime Garcia and Bud Norris took the mound today. St. Louis got started with a first inning Carlos Beltran single that scored Rafael Furcal. Houston grabbed a commanding lead in their half of the inning as Chris Johnson hit a grand slam, clearing the bases of Brian Bogusevic, Carlos Lee, and Jed Lowrie. The Astros added on in the fourth inning as Justin Maxwell doubled to score Johnson, before coming home on a Norris sacrifice fly. The Cardinals got one back in the eighth inning when Matt Holliday's single gave Jon Jay time to get home. Houston made it 8-2 in the bottom of the eighth as Johnson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Lee. Norris got the win while Garcia was pinned with the loss.
To the Atlantic, as the Tampa Bay Rays host the Oakland Athletics. Bartolo Colon and Jeremy Hellickson were given the green light to start. Oakland began early with a first inning Josh Reddick solo home run. The Athletics added on in the third inning as Kila Ka'aihue singled home Cliff Pennington. Tampa Bay got one back with an Elliot Johnson solo shot in the bottom of the third. Oakland replied in the fourth as Reddick singled to knock in Daric Barton. The Rays chipped away with a Ben Zobrist solo home run in their half of the fourth inning. Tampa Bay tied it when Carlos Pena went yard on a solo shot in the fifth inning. The Athletics claimed the lead in the twelfth inning as Jonny Gomes hit a solo home run of his own. This stood for a 4-3 win, with Brian Fuentes in line to pick up the victory, Grant Balfour converted the save, and Joel Peralta took the loss.
Northwest to Kansas City, as the Royals host the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Felipe Paulino were set to start. Kansas City led off with a first inning Billy Butler double, scoring both Jarrod Dyson and Alex Gordon. The Royals extended the lead in the fifth as Butler doubled again, knocking in Gordon. Kansas City struck again in the sixth inning with a Dyson sacrifice fly giving time for Chris Getz to score and a Gordon double that drove in Alcides Escobar. New York got on the board in the seventh inning with a Russell Martin solo home run. This made it 5-1, a final, with the win going to Paulino and the loss to Kuroda.
Out west, the Colorado Rockies host the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor and Jamie Moyer took the hill today. Colorado struck early with a first inning Michael Cuddyer grand slam, sweeping in Dexter Fowler, Troy Tulowitzki, and Todd Helton. The Rockies added on in the second inning as Carlos Gonzalez doubled in both the pitcher Moyer and Marco Scutaro. Atlanta got on the board in the third inning with Freddie Freeman reaching on an error, giving time for Michael Bourn to get home. The Braves pulled closer in the fifth inning as Chipper Jones doubled in the pitcher Minor, and then came home on a Brian McCann single. Colorado answered in their half of the inning when Willin Rosario hit a two run home run, also scoring Cuddyer. Atlanta tied it in the sixth inning on a rally starting with solo shots from Matt Diaz and Jason Heyward, followed by Jones hitting a 2-RBI single to drive in Tyler Pastornicky and Juan Francisco, and a Freeman groundout that gave time for Bourn to dash home. The Braves got the lead in the seventh inning when Bourn drew a bases-loaded walk that forced in Diaz, followed by Jones singling to bring around Heyward and Martin Prado, and Freeman hitting a sacrifice fly that finished Bourn's trip around. The Rockies got one back as Rosario hit a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh. Atlanta finished the game up 13-9 as Bourn reached on an error to give time for Prado to get home safely in the ninth inning. The win went to Cristhian Martinez, while Livan Hernandez got the save and Esmil Rogers was stuck with the loss.
Out in California, the San Diego Padres hosted the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Clayton Richard were given the manager's approval to start. Miami started off with an Omar Infante double in the fourth inning, scoring Austin Kearns. San Diego tied it in the sixth inning as Chase Headley singled home Jesus Guzman. The Marlins got the lead back in the eighth inning on a Greg Dobbs single that knocked in Jose Reyes, and an Infante sacrifice fly giving Hanley Ramirez time to get home. Miami iced it at 4-1 with a Giancarlo Stanton solo shot in the ninth inning. Buehrle tossed the complete game for the win, while Richard was far less fortunate in the loss.
Up a little to Anaheim, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Toronto Blue Jays. Kyle Drabek and C.J. Wilson took the mound tonight. Los Angeles got going in the second inning as Bobby Wilson singled in Vernon Wells. Toronto answered in the fourth inning as Jose Bautista hit a single that allowed Kelly Johnson to score. The Angels got the lead back in the fifth inning on a Mike Trout solo shot. Los Angeles extended the lead in the sixth inning when Mark Trumbo hit a sole home run, followed by Trout hitting a sacrifice fly that gave Wells time to come home and Alberto Callaspo reaching on an error that allowed Erick Aybar to dash home. The Blue Jays took one back in the seventh inning with an Adam Lind solo home run. The Angels shot back in the eighth inning as Kendrys Morales singled home Trout, making the score 6-2, a final. The win went to Wilson while Drabek was dealt the loss.
Finally, up in Seattle, the Mariners host the Minnesota Twins. Jason Marquis and Felix Hernandez paced the game. Seattle led off in the sixth inning as Kyle Seager singled in both Dustin Ackley and Ichiro. The Mariners extended the lead with a seventh inning rally including Brendan Ryan hitting a sacrifice fly to bring home Casper Wells, Ichiro tripling to force in Michael Saunders and Ackley, and Seager lifting a two-run homer to finish Ichiro's trip. This made it a 7-0 game, a final, with Hernandez getting the win with 8 innings of 1-hit and 2-walk ball, and Marquis getting very little help in the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano opposes fellow Chris, Mr. Volstad. Los Angeles started in the second inning as Matt Treanor hit a sacrifice fly to score Andre Ethier, and the pitcher Capuano doubled in both Bobby Abreu and James Loney. The Dodgers extended the lead in the fifth inning as Dee Gordon doubled to drive in Treanor before coming home on a Matt Kemp sacrifice fly. Chicago avoided getting shut out in the ninth inning as Ian Stewart lined a single to bring home Starlin Castro, for a 5-1 final. The win went to Capuano while Volstad was stuck with the loss and little run support.
East to D.C., as the Washington Nationals welcomed the Philadelphia Phillies. Vance Worley and Gio Gonzalez were tabbed to start. Philadelphia got things going in the fourth inning as Carlos Ruiz hit a sacrifice fly, driving in Shane Victorino. Washington answered in the fifth inning on a three-run Jayson Werth home run, also scoring the pitcher Gonzalez and Steve Lombardozzi, followed by Rick Ankiel doubling in Chad Tracy. The Nationals padded the lead with an Ian Desmond solo shot in the sixth inning. Washington made it 7-1 in the seventh inning as Tracy hit a two-run homer, sweeping in Werth. This was a final, with Gonzalez getting the win and Vorley suffering the loss.
Into Boston, as the Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel and Aaron Cook are the relatively unknown starters. Baltimore opened with a second inning run scored on a passed ball as Chris Davis scored. The Orioles added on in the third inning as Nick Markakis singled in J.J. Hardy before coming home on a two-run homer by Adam Jones, followed by Wilson Betemit singling to score Matt Wieters and then he got swept in with Davis on a three-run home run by Mark Reynolds. Boston got on the board in the seventh inning as Ryan Sweeney doubled home Adrian Gonzalez and then crossed the plate himself when Cody Ross singled. This made it 8-2, a final, with Hammel picking up the win and Cook taking an ugly loss.
Out in San Francisco, the Giants host the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf and Madison Bumgarner were handed the ball. Milwaukee led off with a second inning Alex Gonzalez single that brought in Aramis Ramirez. San Francisco tied it in the fifth inning when the pitcher Bumgarner doubled in Hector Sanchez. The Giants took the lead in the sixth inning when Buster Posey singled to score Melky Cabrera before coming home on a Brett Pill double, and Pill crossed home as Conor Gillaspie grounded into a fielder's choice. The Brewers got one back in the eighth inning as Ryan Braun hit a solo home run. San Francisco replied in their half of the inning on a Sanchez double, knocking in Joaquin Arias for a 5-2 lead and win. The win went to Bumgarner, while Santiago Casilla got the save and Wolf was stuck with the loss.
Back to the east coast, as the New York Mets host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Patrick Corbin was mismatched with Johan Santana for the pitching. Arizona was first to score with a Ryan Roberts second inning solo home run. New York grabbed the lead with a fourth inning rally including Mike Nickeas single scoring both Daniel Murphy and Justin Turner, before he came home alongside Kirk Nieuwenhuis on a 2-RBI single from Andres Torres. The Diamondbacks pulled back in the fifth inning on a Paul Goldschmidt double that knocked in A.J. Pollock and Justin Upton, but they never got an equalizer and took a 4-3 loss. Santana was in line for the win, Frank Francisco handled the save with ease, and Corbin was stuck holding the loss
Northwest to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Max Scherzer are the middle-rotation starters. Detroit began with a second inning Andy Dirks single to score Alex Avila, and an Austin Jackson single doing the same for Jhonny Peralta. Chicago got on the board with a seventh inning Paul Konerko solo home run. The White Sox won the game 3-2 in the ninth inning as Adam Dunn lifted a two-run home run, also scoring Alejandro De Aza. Nate Jones picked up the win, Addison Reed got the save, and Jose Valverde blew up for a loss.
Into Cleveland, as the Indians host the Texas Rangers. We have a pair of Dereks pitching, as the visiting Holland goes against the hosting Lowe. Texas got things going in the second inning as Ian Kinsler singled in Mike Napoli. The Rangers added on in the fourth inning when Mitch Moreland doubled in Nelson Cruz. Cleveland tied it in the eighth inning as Asdrubal Cabrera doubled to score Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis darted home on a passed ball. Texas took a 5-2 lead in the eleventh inning as Adrian Beltre hit a three-run home run, also scoring Cruz and Moreland. They held on to win 5-2, with the win going to Alexi Ogando, the save to Joe Nathan, and Joe Smith was victim of a poorly timed pitch resulting in a loss.
East to Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Mike Leake and James McDonald are the back-of-the-rotation starting pitchers. Pittsburgh opened with a third inning two-run home run by Neil Walker, sweeping in Jose Tabata. Cincinnati got one back in the seventh inning as Scott Rolen singled, driving in Jay Bruce. The Pirates re-extended the lead in the bottom of the seventh with an Alex Presley solo shot. The Reds tried to tie it in the eighth as Zack Cozart doubled to knock in Devin Mesoraco, but they only made it to 3-2 before falling. McDonald earned the win, Joel Hanrahan turned the save opportunity, and Leake was stuck with the loss.
Well to the south, the Houston Astros host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jaime Garcia and Bud Norris took the mound today. St. Louis got started with a first inning Carlos Beltran single that scored Rafael Furcal. Houston grabbed a commanding lead in their half of the inning as Chris Johnson hit a grand slam, clearing the bases of Brian Bogusevic, Carlos Lee, and Jed Lowrie. The Astros added on in the fourth inning as Justin Maxwell doubled to score Johnson, before coming home on a Norris sacrifice fly. The Cardinals got one back in the eighth inning when Matt Holliday's single gave Jon Jay time to get home. Houston made it 8-2 in the bottom of the eighth as Johnson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Lee. Norris got the win while Garcia was pinned with the loss.
To the Atlantic, as the Tampa Bay Rays host the Oakland Athletics. Bartolo Colon and Jeremy Hellickson were given the green light to start. Oakland began early with a first inning Josh Reddick solo home run. The Athletics added on in the third inning as Kila Ka'aihue singled home Cliff Pennington. Tampa Bay got one back with an Elliot Johnson solo shot in the bottom of the third. Oakland replied in the fourth as Reddick singled to knock in Daric Barton. The Rays chipped away with a Ben Zobrist solo home run in their half of the fourth inning. Tampa Bay tied it when Carlos Pena went yard on a solo shot in the fifth inning. The Athletics claimed the lead in the twelfth inning as Jonny Gomes hit a solo home run of his own. This stood for a 4-3 win, with Brian Fuentes in line to pick up the victory, Grant Balfour converted the save, and Joel Peralta took the loss.
Northwest to Kansas City, as the Royals host the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Felipe Paulino were set to start. Kansas City led off with a first inning Billy Butler double, scoring both Jarrod Dyson and Alex Gordon. The Royals extended the lead in the fifth as Butler doubled again, knocking in Gordon. Kansas City struck again in the sixth inning with a Dyson sacrifice fly giving time for Chris Getz to score and a Gordon double that drove in Alcides Escobar. New York got on the board in the seventh inning with a Russell Martin solo home run. This made it 5-1, a final, with the win going to Paulino and the loss to Kuroda.
Out west, the Colorado Rockies host the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor and Jamie Moyer took the hill today. Colorado struck early with a first inning Michael Cuddyer grand slam, sweeping in Dexter Fowler, Troy Tulowitzki, and Todd Helton. The Rockies added on in the second inning as Carlos Gonzalez doubled in both the pitcher Moyer and Marco Scutaro. Atlanta got on the board in the third inning with Freddie Freeman reaching on an error, giving time for Michael Bourn to get home. The Braves pulled closer in the fifth inning as Chipper Jones doubled in the pitcher Minor, and then came home on a Brian McCann single. Colorado answered in their half of the inning when Willin Rosario hit a two run home run, also scoring Cuddyer. Atlanta tied it in the sixth inning on a rally starting with solo shots from Matt Diaz and Jason Heyward, followed by Jones hitting a 2-RBI single to drive in Tyler Pastornicky and Juan Francisco, and a Freeman groundout that gave time for Bourn to dash home. The Braves got the lead in the seventh inning when Bourn drew a bases-loaded walk that forced in Diaz, followed by Jones singling to bring around Heyward and Martin Prado, and Freeman hitting a sacrifice fly that finished Bourn's trip around. The Rockies got one back as Rosario hit a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh. Atlanta finished the game up 13-9 as Bourn reached on an error to give time for Prado to get home safely in the ninth inning. The win went to Cristhian Martinez, while Livan Hernandez got the save and Esmil Rogers was stuck with the loss.
Out in California, the San Diego Padres hosted the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Clayton Richard were given the manager's approval to start. Miami started off with an Omar Infante double in the fourth inning, scoring Austin Kearns. San Diego tied it in the sixth inning as Chase Headley singled home Jesus Guzman. The Marlins got the lead back in the eighth inning on a Greg Dobbs single that knocked in Jose Reyes, and an Infante sacrifice fly giving Hanley Ramirez time to get home. Miami iced it at 4-1 with a Giancarlo Stanton solo shot in the ninth inning. Buehrle tossed the complete game for the win, while Richard was far less fortunate in the loss.
Up a little to Anaheim, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Toronto Blue Jays. Kyle Drabek and C.J. Wilson took the mound tonight. Los Angeles got going in the second inning as Bobby Wilson singled in Vernon Wells. Toronto answered in the fourth inning as Jose Bautista hit a single that allowed Kelly Johnson to score. The Angels got the lead back in the fifth inning on a Mike Trout solo shot. Los Angeles extended the lead in the sixth inning when Mark Trumbo hit a sole home run, followed by Trout hitting a sacrifice fly that gave Wells time to come home and Alberto Callaspo reaching on an error that allowed Erick Aybar to dash home. The Blue Jays took one back in the seventh inning with an Adam Lind solo home run. The Angels shot back in the eighth inning as Kendrys Morales singled home Trout, making the score 6-2, a final. The win went to Wilson while Drabek was dealt the loss.
Finally, up in Seattle, the Mariners host the Minnesota Twins. Jason Marquis and Felix Hernandez paced the game. Seattle led off in the sixth inning as Kyle Seager singled in both Dustin Ackley and Ichiro. The Mariners extended the lead with a seventh inning rally including Brendan Ryan hitting a sacrifice fly to bring home Casper Wells, Ichiro tripling to force in Michael Saunders and Ackley, and Seager lifting a two-run homer to finish Ichiro's trip. This made it a 7-0 game, a final, with Hernandez getting the win with 8 innings of 1-hit and 2-walk ball, and Marquis getting very little help in the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Friday, May 4, 2012
MLB Day 33 2012
Full slate with just one matinee this Friday. We begin in...
Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Paul Maholm will make the starts. Chicago began on a first inning Starlin Castro single to score David DeJesus, followed by Alfonso Soriano finishing Castro's trip around the bases. Los Angeles got one back in the third inning with a solo home run by Jerry Hairston, Jr. The Cubs shot back with a DeJesus triple in the fourth inning, forcing in Darwin Barney. Chicago got another one as Joe Mather hit a solo home run in the sixth inning. The Dodgers answered with a seventh inning Hairston triple, pushing home Andre Ethier. The Cubs responded in their half of the seventh as Soriano doubled to score Castro. Los Angeles pulled closer in the eighth inning on a Matt Kemp triple that knocked in Mark Ellis, before he came the final 90 feet on an Ethier sacrifice fly, but they only made it 5-4 before losing. Maholm grabbed the win, Rafael Dolis cleanly pitched the ninth for the save, and Billingsley took the loss.
Over to Pittsburgh, as the Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Kevin Correia got the starting nods. Cincinnati led off in the second inning as Chris Heisey reached on a bunt single, giving Jay Bruce time to dart home. The Reds added on with a Ryan Hanigan double in fourth, knocking in Heisey. Pittsburgh got on the board in the bottom of the fourth when Pedro Alvarez hit a sacrifice fly, giving time for Nate McLouth to get home. Cincinnati shot back in the fifth when Brandon Phillips singled in Zack Cozart. The Reds extended the lead in the seventh with solo home runs by Cozart and Drew Stubbs. Bruce made it 6-1 Cincinnati in the eighth inning with a solo shot of his own. Cueto pitched a complete game for the win, while Correia took a rough loss.
A tad west, the Cleveland Indians host the Texas Rangers. Colby Lewis and Jeanmar Gomez were pitching this evening. Cleveland got things going with a second inning two-run home run from Shin-Soo Choo, also scoring Carlos Santana. Texas got one back in the third inning on an Ian Kinsler sacrifice fly, allowing Mitch Moreland to dash home. The Indians replied in their half of the inning when Jack Hannahan hit a solo home run. The Rangers answered themselves in the fourth inning when David Murphy doubled to score Michael Young. Texas got closer in the sixth inning on a Nelson Cruz single, driving in Young. Cleveland padded their lead again in the bottom of the sixth as Travis Hafner hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Jason Kipnis. The Indians made it 6-3 on a 2-RBI triple in the seventh inning from Johnny Damon, forcing in both Casey Kotchman and Hannahan. This was a final, with the win going to Gomez, the save going to Chris Perez, hit tenth of the season, and the loss to Lewis.
Back east, the Washington Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Stephen Strasburg demonstrate alliteration in the pitching match. Philadelphia started with a two-run home run by Hunter Pence in the fourth inning, sweeping in Juan Pierre. Washington got one back on a solo home run by Chad Tracy in the bottom of the fourth. The Phillies got it back as Carlos Ruiz lifted a solo shot in the fifth inning. The Nationals pulled closer in the sixth inning as Jesus Flores hit a sacrifice fly that drove in Danny Espinosa. Washington tied it with a double from Flores, scoring Tracy in the eighth inning. The Nationals completed the comeback in the eleventh inning on a Wilson Ramos single that forced in Steve Lombardozzi for a 4-3 victory. Ryan Perry was in line for the win, while Michael Schwimer was pinned with the loss.
Up in Detroit, the Tigers hosted the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy and Drew Smyly took the hill. Detroit got things started in the second inning with a Ryan Raburn sacrifice fly, allowing Alex Avila to arrive at the plate (I'll stop with the alliteration now). Chicago answered with a third inning Gordon Beckham double, knocking in Dayan Viciedo. The Tigers got the lead back with an Avila solo home run in the fourth inning. The White Sox retied it in the sixth inning as Adam Dunn hit a sacrifice fly, giving time for Alexei Ramirez to dash home. Chicago took a lead in the seventh inning on a two-run home run by Beckham, also scoring Brent Morel. Detroit got one back in the eighth inning as Miguel Cabrera singled home Don Kelly. The Tigers claimed the game with a ninth inning two-run home run off the bat of Jhonny Peralta, sweeping in Gerald Laird for a 5-4 win. The win went to Jose Valverde, while Matt Thornton was stuck with the loss.
Back to the east coast, as the Boston Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Jon Lester got the green light to start. Boston was first to score as Cody Ross dashed home on a passed ball in the second inning. Baltimore tied it with a third inning Mark Reynolds home run. The Red Sox shot back in the bottom of the third when David Ortiz grounded out to bring home Adrian Gonzalez, followed by a Ross sacrifice fly that allowed Dustin Pedroia safe passage home. The Orioles got another equalizing rally in the fourth, as Matt Wieters tripled in Adam Jones and then came home himself on a Wilson Betemit single. Boston regained the lead in the fifth inning when Pedroia singled to drive in Will Middlebrooks. Baltimore again tied the game as J.J. Hardy grounded into a double play that brought in Reynolds in the seventh inning. The Orioles gained the lead in the thirteenth inning with Chris Davis singling to score Wieters, before Reynolds hit a sacrifice fly that brought around Betemit. This was good for a 6-4 win, earned by Troy Patton, while Jim Johnson cleanly finished the game for the save, and Franklin Morales was dealt the loss.
Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Oakland Athletics. Tyson Ross was highly mismatched against David Price. Oakland began in the second inning as Kurt Suzuki doubled in Jonny Gomes. Tampa Bay got going in the third inning as B.J. Upton doubled to score Sean Rodriguez before coming home alongside Matt Joyce on a Luke Scott single. The Rays extended the lead as Jose Molina hit a fourth inning two-run home run, also scoring Will Rhymes, followed by an Upton double that knocked in Desmond Jennings, and Upton crossed home when Joyce singled. The Athletics got just one back in the ninth as Cliff Pennington hit a solo home run to make the final 7-2. Price picked up the win, Joel Peralta punched out the last batter for a save, and Ross was stuck with the loss.
North to New York, as the Mets host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Dillon Gee are the relatively unknown starters. Arizona was first to score with a second inning Cody Ransom home run, a two-run shot also scoring Miguel Montero. New York grabbed the lead in the third inning as Scott Hairston doubled in both Ruben Tejada and Daniel Murphy, followed by Ike Davis grounding out to give David Wright time to get home, and then Hairston crossed home with an Andres Torres single. The Diamondbacks got the lead back in the eighth inning as Paul Goldschmidt tied it with a double that scored Justin Upton and Jason Kubel, before the go-ahead run came across as Ransom singled Goldschmidt the rest of the way around. This held on to be a 5-4 final, with Brad Ziegler in line for the win, J.J. Putz converting the save cleanly, and Jon Rauch taking a tough loss.
Southwest to Houston, as the Astros welcome the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse and Lucas Harrell will play from the mound. St. Louis opened things early with Allen Craig reaching on a first inning error, allowing Rafael Furcal to get home safely. Houston shot back in the bottom of the first with Carlos Lee and Jed Lowrie singling in Jordan Schafer and Jose Altuve, respectively. The Cardinals retied it in the second inning as Matt Carpenter scored on a balk. The Astros retook the lead in their half of the inning as Altuve lifted a three-run homer, also scoring the pitcher Harrell and Schafer. St. Louis pulled back in the third inning as Matt Holliday tripled, forcing in Jon Jay, and then he came home on a Craig sacrifice fly. The scoring ended here, with Houston staying in command for a 5-4 win, credited to Harrell, while Brett Myers picked up a save, and Lohse took a tough loss.
Up to Kansas City, where the Royals host the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia and Bruce Chen will pace the game. New York wasted little time in opening the scoring as Mark Teixeira lifted a two-run home run in the first inning, also scoring Derek Jeter. Kansas City tied it in the bottom of the first when Alex Gordon doubled in Jarrod Dyson, and then came the rest of the way home on a Jeff Francoeur double. The Yankees retook the lead in the seventh inning as Eduardo Nunez tripled to force in Robinson Cano, before coming the final 90 feet as Chris Stewart singled, and then Jeter cleared Stewart to get home with a two-run home run. This gave them a 6-2 win, with Sabathia getting the win and Chen taking the loss.
Westward to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Atlanta Braves. Tum Hudson and Guillermo Moscoso will throw. Colorado led off with a first inning Todd Helton single, scoring Jonathan Herrera and Carlos Gonzalez, followed by Michael Cuddyer singling in Troy Tulowitzki, and Dexter Fowler doing the game to get both Helton and Cuddyer across the plate. Atlanta got some back in the third inning with a two-run home run by Freddie Freeman, also scoring Chipper Jones. The Braves gained the lead with a fifth inning rally as Jones singled to drive in Michael Bourn, and then he came home alongside Freeman when Brian McCann singled, followed by an Eric Hinske double that provided time for Dan Uggla to dash home. The Rockies retied it with a Herrera solo home run in the bottom of the fifth. Atlanta grabbed the lead again in the sixth inning as Jones lifted a solo shot. Colorado retied it in their half of the sixth as Tyler Colvin grounded into a fielder's choice that gave Helton time to get home safely. The Braves took the lead in the eleventh inning as Hinske hit a two-run home run, also scoring Tyler Pastornicky. The Rockies tried to rally back in the bottom of the eleventh as Helton grounded out to give Herrera time to get home, but they didn't get another run, falling 9-8. Chad Durbin was in line for the win, Craig Kimbrel converted a messy save, and Edgmer Escalona was stuck with the loss.
Southwest to San Diego, as the Padres host the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson and Anthony Bass get the manager's approval to start. Miami rallied to an early lead with a pair of first inning home runs, a three-run shot from Hanley Ramirez to score Jose Reyes and Emilio Bonifacio, and a two-run homer from the bat of Giancarlo Stanton, also scoring Omar Infante. San Diego rallied and gained the lead with a third inning sequence beginning as Chase Headley doubled in Will Venable and then came home on a Nick hundley double, followed by Hundley getting home as Orlando Hudson singled, and then the pitcher Bass tripled to force in Hudson, Cameron Maybin, and Jason Bartlett. The Padres retook the lead in the fifth as Mark Kotsay singled in Bass. Miami retook the lead in the seventh inning as Greg Dobbs singled to drive in Bonifacio before coming home himself when Infante dropped a single. San Diego got an equalizer in the ninth on a Maybin double to knock in Jesus Guzman. The Marlins took the game in the twelfth inning a Infante doubled and Ramirez made it 9-8 by touching home. Steve Cishek got credit for the win while Josh Spence was stuck with the loss.
A bit to the north, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim welcome the Toronto Blue Jays. Henderson Alvarez and Ervin Santana are the mid-rotation pitchers. Toronto drew first blood with a third inning single from Yunel Escobar, scoring Jeff Mathis, before coming home himself on a two-run Jose Bautista home run. The Blue Jays extended the lead in the ninth inning as Brett Lawrie grounded into a fielder's choice, providing time for Edwin Encarnacion to dash home. This produced a 4-0 final, with Alvarez throwing a complete game shutout allowing only 6 hits and a walk, while Santana was relatively strong in his loss.
Up in Washington, the Seattle Mariners host the Minnesota Twins. Carl Pavano and Jason Vargas are on the mound. Seattle was first on the board with a fifth inning Kyle Seager doubled in Jesus Montero, and then came the rest of the way home on a Mike Carp double. Minnesota got on the board in the seventh inning when Denard Span reached on an error, allowing time for Chris Parmelee to get home, followed by Jamey Carroll grounding into a fielder's choice, which brought around Alexi Casilla and Joe Mauer singling, scoring Trevor Plouffe. This was all the Twins needed to win 3-2, with the win going to Pavano, the save to Matt Capps, and the loss to Tom Wilhelmsen.
Back south a bit, we end in San Francisco, where the Giants host the Milwaukee Brewers. Staff aces Zack Greinke and Tim Lincecum pace the game. Milwaukee struck early as Carlos Gomez scored on a wild pitch in the first inning, before Jonathan Lucroy singled in both Corey Hart and Aramis Ramirez. San Francisco got one back in the fifth inning as Joaquin Arias singled to drive in Angel Pagan. The Brewers added on in the sixth inning as Travis Ishikawa sacrificed, giving time to get Lucroy across the plate. The Giants pulled back in the bottom of the sixth as Melky Cabrera tripled, forcing in Conor Gillaspie, and then Buster Posey singled to finish Cabrera's trip around, followed by Brandon Belt reaching on an error to bring home Posey. Milwaukee broke the tie in the seventh inning as Ramirez hit a 2-RBI single to score both Norichika Aoki and Rickie Weeks. This held up for a 6-4 win, earned by Kameron Loe, while John Axford converted the save and Clay Hensley was pinned with the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Paul Maholm will make the starts. Chicago began on a first inning Starlin Castro single to score David DeJesus, followed by Alfonso Soriano finishing Castro's trip around the bases. Los Angeles got one back in the third inning with a solo home run by Jerry Hairston, Jr. The Cubs shot back with a DeJesus triple in the fourth inning, forcing in Darwin Barney. Chicago got another one as Joe Mather hit a solo home run in the sixth inning. The Dodgers answered with a seventh inning Hairston triple, pushing home Andre Ethier. The Cubs responded in their half of the seventh as Soriano doubled to score Castro. Los Angeles pulled closer in the eighth inning on a Matt Kemp triple that knocked in Mark Ellis, before he came the final 90 feet on an Ethier sacrifice fly, but they only made it 5-4 before losing. Maholm grabbed the win, Rafael Dolis cleanly pitched the ninth for the save, and Billingsley took the loss.
Over to Pittsburgh, as the Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Kevin Correia got the starting nods. Cincinnati led off in the second inning as Chris Heisey reached on a bunt single, giving Jay Bruce time to dart home. The Reds added on with a Ryan Hanigan double in fourth, knocking in Heisey. Pittsburgh got on the board in the bottom of the fourth when Pedro Alvarez hit a sacrifice fly, giving time for Nate McLouth to get home. Cincinnati shot back in the fifth when Brandon Phillips singled in Zack Cozart. The Reds extended the lead in the seventh with solo home runs by Cozart and Drew Stubbs. Bruce made it 6-1 Cincinnati in the eighth inning with a solo shot of his own. Cueto pitched a complete game for the win, while Correia took a rough loss.
A tad west, the Cleveland Indians host the Texas Rangers. Colby Lewis and Jeanmar Gomez were pitching this evening. Cleveland got things going with a second inning two-run home run from Shin-Soo Choo, also scoring Carlos Santana. Texas got one back in the third inning on an Ian Kinsler sacrifice fly, allowing Mitch Moreland to dash home. The Indians replied in their half of the inning when Jack Hannahan hit a solo home run. The Rangers answered themselves in the fourth inning when David Murphy doubled to score Michael Young. Texas got closer in the sixth inning on a Nelson Cruz single, driving in Young. Cleveland padded their lead again in the bottom of the sixth as Travis Hafner hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Jason Kipnis. The Indians made it 6-3 on a 2-RBI triple in the seventh inning from Johnny Damon, forcing in both Casey Kotchman and Hannahan. This was a final, with the win going to Gomez, the save going to Chris Perez, hit tenth of the season, and the loss to Lewis.
Back east, the Washington Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Stephen Strasburg demonstrate alliteration in the pitching match. Philadelphia started with a two-run home run by Hunter Pence in the fourth inning, sweeping in Juan Pierre. Washington got one back on a solo home run by Chad Tracy in the bottom of the fourth. The Phillies got it back as Carlos Ruiz lifted a solo shot in the fifth inning. The Nationals pulled closer in the sixth inning as Jesus Flores hit a sacrifice fly that drove in Danny Espinosa. Washington tied it with a double from Flores, scoring Tracy in the eighth inning. The Nationals completed the comeback in the eleventh inning on a Wilson Ramos single that forced in Steve Lombardozzi for a 4-3 victory. Ryan Perry was in line for the win, while Michael Schwimer was pinned with the loss.
Up in Detroit, the Tigers hosted the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy and Drew Smyly took the hill. Detroit got things started in the second inning with a Ryan Raburn sacrifice fly, allowing Alex Avila to arrive at the plate (I'll stop with the alliteration now). Chicago answered with a third inning Gordon Beckham double, knocking in Dayan Viciedo. The Tigers got the lead back with an Avila solo home run in the fourth inning. The White Sox retied it in the sixth inning as Adam Dunn hit a sacrifice fly, giving time for Alexei Ramirez to dash home. Chicago took a lead in the seventh inning on a two-run home run by Beckham, also scoring Brent Morel. Detroit got one back in the eighth inning as Miguel Cabrera singled home Don Kelly. The Tigers claimed the game with a ninth inning two-run home run off the bat of Jhonny Peralta, sweeping in Gerald Laird for a 5-4 win. The win went to Jose Valverde, while Matt Thornton was stuck with the loss.
Back to the east coast, as the Boston Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Jon Lester got the green light to start. Boston was first to score as Cody Ross dashed home on a passed ball in the second inning. Baltimore tied it with a third inning Mark Reynolds home run. The Red Sox shot back in the bottom of the third when David Ortiz grounded out to bring home Adrian Gonzalez, followed by a Ross sacrifice fly that allowed Dustin Pedroia safe passage home. The Orioles got another equalizing rally in the fourth, as Matt Wieters tripled in Adam Jones and then came home himself on a Wilson Betemit single. Boston regained the lead in the fifth inning when Pedroia singled to drive in Will Middlebrooks. Baltimore again tied the game as J.J. Hardy grounded into a double play that brought in Reynolds in the seventh inning. The Orioles gained the lead in the thirteenth inning with Chris Davis singling to score Wieters, before Reynolds hit a sacrifice fly that brought around Betemit. This was good for a 6-4 win, earned by Troy Patton, while Jim Johnson cleanly finished the game for the save, and Franklin Morales was dealt the loss.
Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Oakland Athletics. Tyson Ross was highly mismatched against David Price. Oakland began in the second inning as Kurt Suzuki doubled in Jonny Gomes. Tampa Bay got going in the third inning as B.J. Upton doubled to score Sean Rodriguez before coming home alongside Matt Joyce on a Luke Scott single. The Rays extended the lead as Jose Molina hit a fourth inning two-run home run, also scoring Will Rhymes, followed by an Upton double that knocked in Desmond Jennings, and Upton crossed home when Joyce singled. The Athletics got just one back in the ninth as Cliff Pennington hit a solo home run to make the final 7-2. Price picked up the win, Joel Peralta punched out the last batter for a save, and Ross was stuck with the loss.
North to New York, as the Mets host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Dillon Gee are the relatively unknown starters. Arizona was first to score with a second inning Cody Ransom home run, a two-run shot also scoring Miguel Montero. New York grabbed the lead in the third inning as Scott Hairston doubled in both Ruben Tejada and Daniel Murphy, followed by Ike Davis grounding out to give David Wright time to get home, and then Hairston crossed home with an Andres Torres single. The Diamondbacks got the lead back in the eighth inning as Paul Goldschmidt tied it with a double that scored Justin Upton and Jason Kubel, before the go-ahead run came across as Ransom singled Goldschmidt the rest of the way around. This held on to be a 5-4 final, with Brad Ziegler in line for the win, J.J. Putz converting the save cleanly, and Jon Rauch taking a tough loss.
Southwest to Houston, as the Astros welcome the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse and Lucas Harrell will play from the mound. St. Louis opened things early with Allen Craig reaching on a first inning error, allowing Rafael Furcal to get home safely. Houston shot back in the bottom of the first with Carlos Lee and Jed Lowrie singling in Jordan Schafer and Jose Altuve, respectively. The Cardinals retied it in the second inning as Matt Carpenter scored on a balk. The Astros retook the lead in their half of the inning as Altuve lifted a three-run homer, also scoring the pitcher Harrell and Schafer. St. Louis pulled back in the third inning as Matt Holliday tripled, forcing in Jon Jay, and then he came home on a Craig sacrifice fly. The scoring ended here, with Houston staying in command for a 5-4 win, credited to Harrell, while Brett Myers picked up a save, and Lohse took a tough loss.
Up to Kansas City, where the Royals host the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia and Bruce Chen will pace the game. New York wasted little time in opening the scoring as Mark Teixeira lifted a two-run home run in the first inning, also scoring Derek Jeter. Kansas City tied it in the bottom of the first when Alex Gordon doubled in Jarrod Dyson, and then came the rest of the way home on a Jeff Francoeur double. The Yankees retook the lead in the seventh inning as Eduardo Nunez tripled to force in Robinson Cano, before coming the final 90 feet as Chris Stewart singled, and then Jeter cleared Stewart to get home with a two-run home run. This gave them a 6-2 win, with Sabathia getting the win and Chen taking the loss.
Westward to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Atlanta Braves. Tum Hudson and Guillermo Moscoso will throw. Colorado led off with a first inning Todd Helton single, scoring Jonathan Herrera and Carlos Gonzalez, followed by Michael Cuddyer singling in Troy Tulowitzki, and Dexter Fowler doing the game to get both Helton and Cuddyer across the plate. Atlanta got some back in the third inning with a two-run home run by Freddie Freeman, also scoring Chipper Jones. The Braves gained the lead with a fifth inning rally as Jones singled to drive in Michael Bourn, and then he came home alongside Freeman when Brian McCann singled, followed by an Eric Hinske double that provided time for Dan Uggla to dash home. The Rockies retied it with a Herrera solo home run in the bottom of the fifth. Atlanta grabbed the lead again in the sixth inning as Jones lifted a solo shot. Colorado retied it in their half of the sixth as Tyler Colvin grounded into a fielder's choice that gave Helton time to get home safely. The Braves took the lead in the eleventh inning as Hinske hit a two-run home run, also scoring Tyler Pastornicky. The Rockies tried to rally back in the bottom of the eleventh as Helton grounded out to give Herrera time to get home, but they didn't get another run, falling 9-8. Chad Durbin was in line for the win, Craig Kimbrel converted a messy save, and Edgmer Escalona was stuck with the loss.
Southwest to San Diego, as the Padres host the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson and Anthony Bass get the manager's approval to start. Miami rallied to an early lead with a pair of first inning home runs, a three-run shot from Hanley Ramirez to score Jose Reyes and Emilio Bonifacio, and a two-run homer from the bat of Giancarlo Stanton, also scoring Omar Infante. San Diego rallied and gained the lead with a third inning sequence beginning as Chase Headley doubled in Will Venable and then came home on a Nick hundley double, followed by Hundley getting home as Orlando Hudson singled, and then the pitcher Bass tripled to force in Hudson, Cameron Maybin, and Jason Bartlett. The Padres retook the lead in the fifth as Mark Kotsay singled in Bass. Miami retook the lead in the seventh inning as Greg Dobbs singled to drive in Bonifacio before coming home himself when Infante dropped a single. San Diego got an equalizer in the ninth on a Maybin double to knock in Jesus Guzman. The Marlins took the game in the twelfth inning a Infante doubled and Ramirez made it 9-8 by touching home. Steve Cishek got credit for the win while Josh Spence was stuck with the loss.
A bit to the north, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim welcome the Toronto Blue Jays. Henderson Alvarez and Ervin Santana are the mid-rotation pitchers. Toronto drew first blood with a third inning single from Yunel Escobar, scoring Jeff Mathis, before coming home himself on a two-run Jose Bautista home run. The Blue Jays extended the lead in the ninth inning as Brett Lawrie grounded into a fielder's choice, providing time for Edwin Encarnacion to dash home. This produced a 4-0 final, with Alvarez throwing a complete game shutout allowing only 6 hits and a walk, while Santana was relatively strong in his loss.
Up in Washington, the Seattle Mariners host the Minnesota Twins. Carl Pavano and Jason Vargas are on the mound. Seattle was first on the board with a fifth inning Kyle Seager doubled in Jesus Montero, and then came the rest of the way home on a Mike Carp double. Minnesota got on the board in the seventh inning when Denard Span reached on an error, allowing time for Chris Parmelee to get home, followed by Jamey Carroll grounding into a fielder's choice, which brought around Alexi Casilla and Joe Mauer singling, scoring Trevor Plouffe. This was all the Twins needed to win 3-2, with the win going to Pavano, the save to Matt Capps, and the loss to Tom Wilhelmsen.
Back south a bit, we end in San Francisco, where the Giants host the Milwaukee Brewers. Staff aces Zack Greinke and Tim Lincecum pace the game. Milwaukee struck early as Carlos Gomez scored on a wild pitch in the first inning, before Jonathan Lucroy singled in both Corey Hart and Aramis Ramirez. San Francisco got one back in the fifth inning as Joaquin Arias singled to drive in Angel Pagan. The Brewers added on in the sixth inning as Travis Ishikawa sacrificed, giving time to get Lucroy across the plate. The Giants pulled back in the bottom of the sixth as Melky Cabrera tripled, forcing in Conor Gillaspie, and then Buster Posey singled to finish Cabrera's trip around, followed by Brandon Belt reaching on an error to bring home Posey. Milwaukee broke the tie in the seventh inning as Ramirez hit a 2-RBI single to score both Norichika Aoki and Rickie Weeks. This held up for a 6-4 win, earned by Kameron Loe, while John Axford converted the save and Clay Hensley was pinned with the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
MLB Day 32 2012
Travel day shortens the schedule and puts a lot of games in the morning today. We begin in...
Atlanta,with my fingers fearing for their life if yesterday's efforts are repeated where the Braves host the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton and Randall Delgado are on the hill. Philadelphia started as Hunter Pence hit a first inning sacrifice fly to get Jimmy Rollins across home. The Phillies extended the lead in the seventh inning with a Laynce Nix solo shot. Philadelphia iced it at 4-0 in the ninth inning as Shane Victorino hit a two-run homer, also scoring Juan Pierre. Blanton picked up a 3-hit win, while Delgado got little help in the loss.
Northwest to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster and Homer Bailey get the starting nods. Chicago led off with a first inning rarity, as Starlin Castro hit a solo home run. The Cubs added on in the fourth inning as Bryan LaHair hit a solo shot. Chicago struck again in the fifth inning as Geovany went yard on a solo home run of his own. Cincinnati tied it up with a ninth inning rally including Brandon Phillips reaching on an error that allowed Willie Harris to score, a bases loaded Ryan Ludwick walk forcing in Joey Votto, and a Devin Mesoraco groundout into a double play that gave time for Phillips to get home safely. The Reds claimed the game with a walkoff sacrifice fly by Scott Rolen in the tenth inning, knocking in Zack Cozart for a 4-3 win. Logan Ondrusek was in line for the win, while Rafael Dolis was stuck with the loss.
Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Jeff Niemann are the middle-of-the-rotation starters. Seattle began in the second inning as Mike Carp grounded out to give time to score Kyle Seager before Justin Smoak singled in John Jaso. Tampa Bay took the lead in the bottom of the second as Jeff Keppinger hit a two-run home run, also scoring Will Rhymes, followed by a Desmond Jennings triple that forced in Chris Gimenez and Sean Rodriguez. The Mariners got one back in the fifth inning when Ichiro doubled, bringing home Dustin Ackley. This was as close as it got, with the final being 4-3 Rays, allowing Niemann the win, Fernando Rodney the save, and dealing the loss to Millwood.
Northwest again, into St. Louis, as the Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard and Jake Westbrook were called on to pitch. St. Louis got the first runs as David Freese lined a first inning double to knock in Rafael Furcal before coming home himself on an Allen Craig double. Pittsburgh got on the board in the fourth inning when Clint Barmes doubled to score Pedro Alvarez. Alvarez gave the Pirates the lead in the sixth inning with a two-run home run, also scoring Neil Walker. Pittsburgh struck again in the seventh inning when Alex Presley grounded out to give Jose Tabata time to dash home. The Pirates extended the lead in the eighth inning on a Barmes double, driving in Garrett Jones. Pittsburgh added on in the ninth inning as Nate McLouth singled in Tabata. The Cardinals tried a bottom of the ninth rally when Craig doubled in Jon Jay, but they only got to 6-3 before falling. Bedard earned the win while Westbrook suffered the loss.
Out to San Francisco, where the Giants host the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and Ryan Vogelsong are the underrated pitchers. Miami got things going with a first inning Hanley Ramirez groundout, providing time for Jose Reyes to dash home. The Marlins added on in the second inning when Ramirez grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing safe passage home for Brett Hayes. San Francisco got one back in the sixth inning when Melky Cabrera grounded into a double play that scored Gregor Blanco. Miami answered in the eighth inning as Reyes singled home Hayes. The Giants shot back with a bottom of the eighth Cabrera groundout that gave Blanco time to dash home. They couldn't tie the game, falling 3-2, with Sanchez earning the will, Edward Mujica converting the save, and Vogelsong taking the loss.
Back east, the Washington Nationals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Ross Detwiler will play from the mound. Washington was first on the board with a second inning Rick Ankiel groundout, giving time for Jayson Werth to get home. Arizona tied it in the sixth inning when Aaron Hill doubled in Willie Bloomquist. The Nationals got the lead back in the bottom of the sixth as Bryce Harper doubled, scoring Ian Desmond. This held up for a 2-1 win, earned by Detwiler, while Henry Rodriguez made the save and Kennedy got little support in the loss.
Westward to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Cleveland Indians and the rain a bit as well. Justin Masterson and John Danks are the reasonably good starters. Cleveland drew first blood in the second inning as Casey Kotchman singled home Michael Brantley. The Indians added on in the third inning as Jason Kipnis tripled in Johnny Damon, before coming home on an Asdrubal Cabrera single. Chicago got a pair back in the fifth as Alejandro De Aza singled in both Kosuke Fukudome and Gordon Beckham. Cleveland replied in the sixth inning as Cabrera hit a solo home run. The White Sox answered in the bottom of the inning when Alex Rios singled, driving in A.J. Pierzynski. The Indians extended their lead in the seventh inning with a Kipnis three-run home run, sweeping in Kotchman and Jack Hannahan. Chicago tried a ninth inning rally as Adam Dunn hit a two-run homer, also scoring De Aza, but this made it only 7-5, a final. Masterson picked up the win, Chris Perez came on for the save, and Danks suffered the loss.
Down into Kansas City, as the Royals host the New York Yankees. David Phelps and Danny Duffy are the relatively unknown starters. Kansas City opened with a second inning Mike Moustakas solo home run. New York tied it in the third inning as Mark Teixeira doubled, scoring Derek Jeter. The Royals shot back in the third inning on an Eric Hosmer single, scoring Jarrod Dyson. Kansas City added on with a fifth inning 2-RBI single for Moustakas, scoring both Alex Gordon and Hosmer. The Yankees got one back in the sixth inning as Eduardo Nunez hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Robinson Cano time to get home safely. New York pulled closer in the seventh inning on a Teixeira sacrifice fly, giving Jeter time to cross home. They couldn't tie it, losing 4-3, with Duffy taking the win, Jonathan Broxton converting the save, and Phelps being handed the loss.
Finally, in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Toronto Blue Jays. Staff studs Brandon Morrow and Dan Haren pace the game tonight. Toronto got on the board with a third inning three-run home run by J.P. Arencibia, also scoring Brett Lawrie and Colby Rasmus. The Blue Jays added on in the sixth as Edwin Encarnacion reached on an error, giving time for both Kelly Johnson and Yunel Escobar to come home. This made it 5-0, a final, with Morrow throwing a 3-hit complete game shutout for the win, while Haren suffered the loss for the team with last night's no hitter.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Atlanta,
Northwest to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster and Homer Bailey get the starting nods. Chicago led off with a first inning rarity, as Starlin Castro hit a solo home run. The Cubs added on in the fourth inning as Bryan LaHair hit a solo shot. Chicago struck again in the fifth inning as Geovany went yard on a solo home run of his own. Cincinnati tied it up with a ninth inning rally including Brandon Phillips reaching on an error that allowed Willie Harris to score, a bases loaded Ryan Ludwick walk forcing in Joey Votto, and a Devin Mesoraco groundout into a double play that gave time for Phillips to get home safely. The Reds claimed the game with a walkoff sacrifice fly by Scott Rolen in the tenth inning, knocking in Zack Cozart for a 4-3 win. Logan Ondrusek was in line for the win, while Rafael Dolis was stuck with the loss.
Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Jeff Niemann are the middle-of-the-rotation starters. Seattle began in the second inning as Mike Carp grounded out to give time to score Kyle Seager before Justin Smoak singled in John Jaso. Tampa Bay took the lead in the bottom of the second as Jeff Keppinger hit a two-run home run, also scoring Will Rhymes, followed by a Desmond Jennings triple that forced in Chris Gimenez and Sean Rodriguez. The Mariners got one back in the fifth inning when Ichiro doubled, bringing home Dustin Ackley. This was as close as it got, with the final being 4-3 Rays, allowing Niemann the win, Fernando Rodney the save, and dealing the loss to Millwood.
Northwest again, into St. Louis, as the Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard and Jake Westbrook were called on to pitch. St. Louis got the first runs as David Freese lined a first inning double to knock in Rafael Furcal before coming home himself on an Allen Craig double. Pittsburgh got on the board in the fourth inning when Clint Barmes doubled to score Pedro Alvarez. Alvarez gave the Pirates the lead in the sixth inning with a two-run home run, also scoring Neil Walker. Pittsburgh struck again in the seventh inning when Alex Presley grounded out to give Jose Tabata time to dash home. The Pirates extended the lead in the eighth inning on a Barmes double, driving in Garrett Jones. Pittsburgh added on in the ninth inning as Nate McLouth singled in Tabata. The Cardinals tried a bottom of the ninth rally when Craig doubled in Jon Jay, but they only got to 6-3 before falling. Bedard earned the win while Westbrook suffered the loss.
Out to San Francisco, where the Giants host the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and Ryan Vogelsong are the underrated pitchers. Miami got things going with a first inning Hanley Ramirez groundout, providing time for Jose Reyes to dash home. The Marlins added on in the second inning when Ramirez grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing safe passage home for Brett Hayes. San Francisco got one back in the sixth inning when Melky Cabrera grounded into a double play that scored Gregor Blanco. Miami answered in the eighth inning as Reyes singled home Hayes. The Giants shot back with a bottom of the eighth Cabrera groundout that gave Blanco time to dash home. They couldn't tie the game, falling 3-2, with Sanchez earning the will, Edward Mujica converting the save, and Vogelsong taking the loss.
Back east, the Washington Nationals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Ross Detwiler will play from the mound. Washington was first on the board with a second inning Rick Ankiel groundout, giving time for Jayson Werth to get home. Arizona tied it in the sixth inning when Aaron Hill doubled in Willie Bloomquist. The Nationals got the lead back in the bottom of the sixth as Bryce Harper doubled, scoring Ian Desmond. This held up for a 2-1 win, earned by Detwiler, while Henry Rodriguez made the save and Kennedy got little support in the loss.
Westward to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Cleveland Indians and the rain a bit as well. Justin Masterson and John Danks are the reasonably good starters. Cleveland drew first blood in the second inning as Casey Kotchman singled home Michael Brantley. The Indians added on in the third inning as Jason Kipnis tripled in Johnny Damon, before coming home on an Asdrubal Cabrera single. Chicago got a pair back in the fifth as Alejandro De Aza singled in both Kosuke Fukudome and Gordon Beckham. Cleveland replied in the sixth inning as Cabrera hit a solo home run. The White Sox answered in the bottom of the inning when Alex Rios singled, driving in A.J. Pierzynski. The Indians extended their lead in the seventh inning with a Kipnis three-run home run, sweeping in Kotchman and Jack Hannahan. Chicago tried a ninth inning rally as Adam Dunn hit a two-run homer, also scoring De Aza, but this made it only 7-5, a final. Masterson picked up the win, Chris Perez came on for the save, and Danks suffered the loss.
Down into Kansas City, as the Royals host the New York Yankees. David Phelps and Danny Duffy are the relatively unknown starters. Kansas City opened with a second inning Mike Moustakas solo home run. New York tied it in the third inning as Mark Teixeira doubled, scoring Derek Jeter. The Royals shot back in the third inning on an Eric Hosmer single, scoring Jarrod Dyson. Kansas City added on with a fifth inning 2-RBI single for Moustakas, scoring both Alex Gordon and Hosmer. The Yankees got one back in the sixth inning as Eduardo Nunez hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Robinson Cano time to get home safely. New York pulled closer in the seventh inning on a Teixeira sacrifice fly, giving Jeter time to cross home. They couldn't tie it, losing 4-3, with Duffy taking the win, Jonathan Broxton converting the save, and Phelps being handed the loss.
Finally, in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Toronto Blue Jays. Staff studs Brandon Morrow and Dan Haren pace the game tonight. Toronto got on the board with a third inning three-run home run by J.P. Arencibia, also scoring Brett Lawrie and Colby Rasmus. The Blue Jays added on in the sixth as Edwin Encarnacion reached on an error, giving time for both Kelly Johnson and Yunel Escobar to come home. This made it 5-0, a final, with Morrow throwing a 3-hit complete game shutout for the win, while Haren suffered the loss for the team with last night's no hitter.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
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.
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.
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