MLB Day 46 2012

Full slate on the last day of regular games for awhile. Over half of the day's games came in the morning or afternoon. We begin with...

The Cleveland Indians hosting the Seattle Mariners. Hector Noesi and Zach McAllister are the relatively unknown pitchers. Seattle started in the third inning as Michael Saunders grounded out to score Brendan Ryan. The Mariners added on in the fifth inning as John Jaso darted safely home on a passed ball. Seattle padded the lead in the sixth inning with Jaso doubling to score Kyle Seager before coming home on a Ryan single. Cleveland got on the board in the seventh inning as Asdrubal Cabrera singled home Casey Kotchman. The Indians tied it in the eighth inning as Jose Lopez hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Carlos Santana and Kotchman. The Mariners retook the lead in the eleventh inning on a Saunders double to knock in Dustin Ackley. Cleveland rallied to 6-5 win in the bottom of the eleventh as Cabrera singled home Lopez to tie the game and Santana singled to drive in Jason Kipnis for the win. Joe Smith was in line for the win while Brandon League blew up in the loss.

Up in Detroit, the Tigers host the Minnesota Twins. P.J. Walters and Doug Fister wake up early to start. Minnesota drew first blood with a third inning Justin Morneau two-run home run, also scoring Josh Willingham, followed by a solo home run by Trevor Plouffe. The Twins added on in the fifth inning as Morneau grounded out, providing Willingham time to get home. Detroit got on the board in the bottom of the fifth with a Brennan Boesch solo home run. The Tigers pulled closer in the sixth with both Andy Dirks and Prince Fielder hitting solo shots. They never tied it up, falling 4-3, with Walters earning the win, Matt Capps turning the save, and Fister suffering the loss.

East into New York, where the Mets host the Cincinnati Reds. Mat Latos and R.A. Dickey are the reliable starters. Cincinati got started with a fourth inning Joey Votto solo home run. The Reds rallied to extend the lead in the fifth inning when Ryan Hanigan doubled in Ryan Ludwick, Latos hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Todd Frazier, and Hanigan completed his trip by scoring on a passed ball. New York got on the board in the bottom of the fifth with Lucas Duda doubling to score both Andres Torres and David Wright. The Mets pulled closer in the sixth inning when Mike Baxter hit a sacrifice fly, allowing safe passage home for Ike Davis. New York tied it in the seventh inning on a Justin Turner sacrifice fly to bring around Wright. The Mets rallied in the eighth inning to a large lead as Wright doubled, knocking in Rob Johnson, Turner singling to finish Wright's trip around the bases, and Ronny Cedeno lifting a three-run home run, also scoring Daniel Murphy and Turner. This made it 9-4, a final, with Bobby Parnell earning the win and Logan Ondrusek taking the loss.

Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Oakland Athletics. Brandon McCarthy and Matt Harrison are the young arms taking the mound. Oakland quickly opened in the first inning when Jonny Gomes doubled to score Cliff Pennington before coming home alongside Josh Reddick on a Kurt Suzuki double. Texas got some back in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Mitch Moreland, also scoring Mike Napoli. The Rangers took the lead in the sixth inning with a Moreland solo home run followed by Elvis Andrus reaching on a fielder's choice, allowing Craig Gentry to dart home. The Athletics tied it in the seventh inning as Reddick hit a solo shot. Oakland won 5-4 in the tenth inning on a Kile Ka'aihue single, driving in Gomes. Ryan Cook was in line for the win, Brian Fuentes converted the save, and Mike Adams was stuck with the loss.

Up to Kansas City, with the Royals hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Struggling pitchers Brian Matusz and Luke Hochevar will be given another turn. Kansas City scored first in the third inning as Humberto Quintero doubled in both Alcides Escobar and Irving Falu before coming home on a Johnny Giavotella single. Baltimore pulled back in the fourth inning as Adam Jones hit a two-run home run, also scoring Nick Markakis. The Orioles gained the lead in the seventh inning on a Chris Davis single, which combined with an error brought in Wilson Betemit, before Davis came home alongside Luis Exposito on a J.J. Hardy single. This held up for a 5-3 win, with Matusz picking up the victory, Jim Johnson turning the save, and Hochevar getting pinned with the loss.

Westward to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Cahill and Juan Nicasio will take the hill. Colorado began in the first inning when Troy Tulowitzki hit a two-run home run, also scoring Marco Scutaro. The Rockies added on with a second inning triple by Dexter Fowler, forcing in Tyler Colvin. Arizona got on the board in the fifth inning when Willie Bloomquist singled Aaron Hill across the plate. Colorado answered in their half of the inning as Jordan Pacheco hit a solo home run. The Diamondbacks got some back in the sixth inning when Lyle Overbay singled in Paul Goldschmidt. Arizona chipped away in the seventh inning as Ryan Roberts singled to drive in Jason Kubel. The Diamondbacks gained the lead in the eighth inning when Bloomquist, Kubel, Goldschmidt, and Roberts all singled, scoring in the following order: Gerardo Parra, Bloomquist, Justin Upton, and Kubel. The Rockies tied it in their half of the eighth inning as Fowler drew a bases-loaded walk, squeezing in Carlos Gonzalez, Michael Cuddyer reached on an error to bring around Todd Helton, and Scutaro also walked with the bases loaded to force in Eric Young. Arizona got the last laugh, taking a 9-7 lead in the ninth inning with Upton's two run long ball, also scoring Parra. This held up for a victory, with the win going to Brad Ziegler, the save converted by J.J. Putz, and the loss handed to Rafael Betancourt.

Into California, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Chicago White Sox. Chris Sale and C.J. Wilson were handed the ball. Chicago got going in the third inning as A.J. Pierzynski singled in Paul Konerko. The White Sox extended the lead in the fourth inning on an Adam Dun single, knocking in both Dayan Viciedo and Brent Morel, followed by Konerko singling to score Alejandro De Aza. Los Angeles got on the board with a sixth inning solo home run by Albert Pujols. Chicago answered in the eighth inning as Viciedo hit a solo shot. The White Sox made it 6-1, an eventual final, in the ninth inning as Pierzynski singled home Eduardo Escobar. Sale earned the win while Wilson suffered the loss.

Up in San Francisco, the Giants host the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and Matt Cain are the pair of aces pitching. St. Louis began with a pair of first inning sacrifice flies, as Matt Holliday and David Freese popped up to allow Skip Schumaker and Matt Carpenter to get home. San Francisco shot back in the bottom of the first as Buster Posey singled in Brandon Crawford. The Giants grabbed the lead in the second inning on a Crawford single, scoring both Emmanuel Burriss and Gregor Blanco. The Cardinals reclaimed the lead in the third inning on a two-run home run by Holliday, also scoring Carpenter. San Francisco answered back in the sixth inning when Burriss hit a sacrifice fly, providing time for Angel Pagan to come home, followed by Aubrey Huff reaching on an error, which got Brandon Belt home. The Giants padded the lead with a seventh inning Belt double, scoring Posey, followed by Charlie Culberson grounding into a fielder's choice to score Pagan. St. Louis got one back with an eighth inning Yadier Molina solo home run, but it wasn't enough to save them from a 7-5 defeat. Cain was in line for the win, Santiago Casilla picked up the save, and Wainwright took the loss.

Back to the east coast, as the Washington Nationals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. James McDonald and Jordan Zimmermann were tabbed to start. Pittsburgh quickly opened the scoring with a first inning Andrew McCutchen solo home run. The Pirates added on in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Rod Barajas, also scoring Casey McGehee. Pittsburgh padded the lead as McCutchen hit another solo shot in the sixth inning. Washington got on the board in bottom of the sixth as Ryan Zimmerman singled in both Jesus Flores and Steve Lombardozzi, before coming home on an Adam LaRoche triple. The Pirates replied in the seventh inning as Neil Walker hit a fielder's choice providing Josh Harrison time to dash home. The final here stood at 5-3, with McDonald picking up the win, Joel Hanrahan converting the save, and Zimmermann suffering the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Drew Hutchison take their turns in the rotation. New York was first on the board in the first inning as Robinson Cano doubled in Curtis Granderson. Toronto answered and took the lead in the third inning with a two-run Jose Bautista home run, sweeping in Yunel Escobar. The Blue Jays extended the lead in the seventh inning as J.P. Arencibia hit a two-run home run, also scoring Bautista. This made it 4-1, a final, where Hutchison picked up the win, Casey Janssen earned the save, and Hughes had little support in the loss.

South to Atlanta, where the Braves host the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Brandon Beachy pace the game. Atlanta got going early in the first inning as Martin Prado tripled to force in Michael Bourn. The Braves extended the lead in the third inning on a Freddie Freeman solo home run followed by a Brian McCann double, knocking in Dan Uggla. Atlanta padded the lead in the fourth inning as Bourn singled to score Tyler Pastornicky. The Braves rallied to add on again in the fifth inning with three singles by Chipper Jones, Jason Heyward, and the pitcher Beachy to bring home Freeman, Uggla, and Jones, respectively. This made it 7-0, which was a final score. Beachy went the distance, throwing a 5-hit complete game shutout, while Nolasco was far less fortunate in the loss.

Down to Florida, where the Tampa Bay Rays host the Boston Red Sox. Felix Doubront and Matt Moore are the young pitchers. Boston opened with a bases-loaded walk drawn by Cody Ross, forcing in Mike Aviles in the first inning. The Red Sox added on in the second inning with a Marlon Byrd solo home run. Ross extended the Boston lead with a solo shot of his own in the third inning. Tampa Bay got on the board in the bottom of the third as Jeff Keppinger singled B.J. Upton across the plate. The Rays pulled closer in the fourth inning as Rich Thompson singled to score Sean Rodriguez. The Red Sox answered in the eighth inning when Ross singled home both Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz. Tampa Bay shot back in their half of the inning as Upton singled, knocking in Matt Joyce. The final stood at 5-3 Boston, with Doubront getting the win, Alfredo Aceves turning the save, and Moore taking another loss.

Westward to Houston, where the Astros host the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum and J.A. Happ are the veteran pitchers. Houston busted things open in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Jed Lowrie, also scoring Carlos Lee, followed by Chris Snyder singling in Brian Bogusevic and Jordan Schafer hitting a single to finish Snyder's trip around. This little outburst proved to be the only scoring in the game, lifting the Astros to a 4-0 win, earned by Happ, while Marcum had no run support in the loss.

Up in Chicago, the Cubs host the Philadelphia Phillies. Roy Halladay opposes a lesser foe in Chris Volstad. Philadelphia wasted little time in scoring in the first inning as Carlos Ruiz singled in Jimmy Rollins. Chicago answered in their half of the inning as Starlin Castro hit a sacrifice fly to bring home David DeJesus. The Phillies got the lead back in the second inning on a Shane Victorino groundout that allowed safe passage home for Halladay, followed by a 2-RBI single by Hunter Pence, finishing the trips of Rollins and Juan Pierre. Philadelphia struck again in the fifth inning as Ruiz singled to drive in Pence. The Cubs got one back in the seventh inning on a Castro solo home run. The Phillies padded the lead in the eighth inning as both Halladay and Rollins scored while Pence reached first base on an error. Chicago chipped away in the bottom of the eighth as Welington Castillo hit a solo shot. The Cubs attempted a ninth inning rally as Castillo doubled in all of Tony Campana, Jeff Baker, and Ian Stewart, before he came home on a Darwin Barney single, but Jonathan Papelbon closed the door there and preserved an 8-7 win, while Halladay got the win and Volstad suffered the loss.

Finally, we end in Southern California, with the San Diego Padres welcoming the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Edinson Volquez will take the mound. Los Angeles led off in the first inning with a Bobby Abreu triple forcing in Dee Gordon before he came home the final 90 feet on an Andre Ethier single. The Dodgers added on in the second inning with Gordon hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in A.J. Ellis. Los Angeles kept going in the fifth inning when Ethier reached on an error, allowing Abreu to dash home and then James Loney doubled to finish Ethier's trip around. The Dodgers padded the lead in the seventh inning as Ellis singled Ethier across the plate followed by the pitcher Harang singling in Adam Kennedy. Los Angeles struck once more in the ninth inning as Ellis singled to score Kennedy. San Diego avoided the shutout in the bottom of the ninth with a Chris Denorfia single bringing home Chase Headley for an 8-1 final. Harang picked up the win while Volquez was stuck with the loss.

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MLB Day 45 2012

Another full slate with mostly typical game times. We start on the West Coast...

As the San Diego Padres host their northern neighbors, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano and Clayton Richard make the starts. Los Angeles started off with a first inning double by Elian Herrera, knocking in Tony Gwynn, Jr., before he came home on a sacrifice fly by Andre Ethier. San Diego got one back in their half of the inning as Chase Headley hit a solo home run. The Padres took the lead in the sixth inning as Headley doubled home Cameron Maybin and Chris Denorfia. San Diego added on in the seventh inning as Maybin drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Orlando Hudson. This made it 4-2, which stood as a final, with the win going to Richard, the save to Dale Thayer, and the loss was stuck upon Capuano.

Eastward to Cleveland, with the Indians hosting the Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez and Ubaldo Jimenez are the well-known starters. Seattle began in the first inning as Ichiro grounded out to score Dustin Ackley. Cleveland rallied to answer in the bottom of the first, beginning with Shin-Soo Choo scoring on a passed ball, Travis Hafner grounding out to bring home Jason Kipnis, and Asdrubal Cabrera and Carlos Santana both scoring on errors during the same play. The Mariners got some back in the third inning with a two-run Ackley home run, sweeping in Brendan Ryan. The Indians answered in the fourth inning as Kipnis doubled, driving in Choo, before he completed his trip on a Hafner double, and Hafner came home as Santana ripped a double, followed by a Michael Brantley single finishing Santana's trip. Cleveland padded the lead with a Hafner solo shot in the sixth inning. This made it 9-3, which was a final, with Jimenez getting the win while Hernandez took an ugly loss.

Further east, the Washington Nationals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard and Gio Gonzalez are the AL-West defectors as starting pitchers. Washington opened with a first inning Ryan Zimmerman groundout, scoring Bryce Harper. The Nationals padded the lead with a third inning Ian Desmond solo home run. Pittsburgh got on the board with a fifth inning Josh Harrison single, driving in Yamaico Navarro. Washington responded in the sixth inning with a pair of solo shots by Adam LaRoche and Xavier Nady. The Pirates pulled closer in the seventh inning as Harrison hit a two-run home run, also scoring Rod Barajas. The Nationals sped away with a 3-RBI double in the bottom of the seventh off the bat of LaRoche, forcing in Jesus Flores, Harper, and Zimmerman. Pittsburgh answered in the eighth inning on a Casey McGehee sacrifice fly, allowing Jose Tabata to dart home safely. They couldn't get closer, falling 7-4 at the hands of winning pitcher Gonzalez, while Henry Rodriguez turned the save cleanly, and Bedard was stuck holding the loss.

Northwest to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Minnesota Twins. Nick Blackburn and Rick Porcello are the mid-rotation starters. Minnesota quickly got a lead in the first inning with Joe Mauer doubling in Brian Dozier before coming in on a Josh Willingham double. Detroit got one back in the bottom of the first as Prince Fielder hit a sacrifice fly allowing Austin Jackson to dash home. The Twins padded the lead in the second inning with a three-run home run by Dozier, sweeping in Jamey Carroll and Erik Komatsu. The Tigers took the lead eventually in the bottom of the second with a rally starting with four singles by Ramon Santiago, Jackson, Andy Dirks, and Miguel Cabrera, plating Ryan Raburn, Brennan Boesch, Santiago, and Jackson in that order, before Fielder hit another sacrifice fly to bring in Dirks as the go-ahead run. Minnesota retied it in the third inning when Ryan Doumit singled, allowing Willingham to score. Detroit got the lead back in the fifth inning with Cabrera doubling home Dirks. The Twins retook the lead in the sixth inning with a 2-RBI Carroll double, scoring both Doumit and Alexi Casilla. Minnesota struck again in the seventh inning as Casilla singled Willingham across the plate. The Twins padded the lead with a two-run homer in the ninth inning off the bat of Trevor Plouffe, forcing in Drew Butera, making the eventual final 11-7, with the win going to Alex Burnett while the loss went to Duane Below.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Kyle Drabek take their turns in the rotation. Toronto got things going in the second inning as J.P. Arencibia hit a two-run home run, also scoring Brett Lawrie. The Blue Jays padded the lead in the third inning with a three-run homer from Edwin Encarnacion, sweeping in Eric Thames and Jose Bautista. Toronto kept going in the fourth inning when Kelly Johnson singled to knock in Arencibia. The Blue Jays got another in the fifth inning as Bautista went yard for a solo shot. New York got on the board in the sixth inning as Mark Teixeira singled in Robinson Cano. Toronto responded in the seventh inning as Johnson hit a solo home run. This made it 8-1, which was a final, with the win going to Drabek and the loss to Kuroda.

Back stateside, the Atlanta Braves host the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Mike Minor were tabed the starters. Atlanta wasted little time in scoring first in the first inning as Freddie Freeman grounded out to bring home Tyler Pastornicky. Miami gained the lead in the fourth inning as Austin Kearns doubled in both Omar Infante and Hanley Ramirez before coming home on a Emilio Bonifacio single. The Marlins struck again in the fifth inning as Jose Reyes stole home, Gaby Sanchez singled to score Infante, and Bonifacio did the same for Giancarlo Stanton. The Braves got some back in the sixth inning when Dan Uggla singled to drive in Martin Prado, Brian McCann grounded out to score Freeman, and Uggla crossed home safely on a Matt Diaz groundout. Miami replied in the seventh inning as Stanton hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Bryan Petersen. This stood for an 8-4 victory, with the win going to Buehrle and the loss to Minor.

North again, as the New York Mets host the Cincinnati Reds. Mike Leake and Johan Santana are on the hill. Cincinnati was first on the board with a third inning Zack Cozart double to score the pitcher Leake. New York tied it on a Lucas Duda single, driving in Mike Baxter in the bottom of the third. The Mets gained the lead in the sixth inning as Ike Davis doubled home Duda and Mike Nickeas sacrificed to bring home Daniel Murphy. The Reds got one back in the seventh inning as Todd Frazier hit a solo home run. Cincinnati rallied to a lead in the eighth inning as Brandon Phillips singled in Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce hit a sacrifice fly to get Joey Votto home safely, followed by a two-run Frazier long ball, also scoring Phillips. The final stuck at 6-3, with the win going to Jose Arredondo, the save being converted by Sean Marshall, and the loss being dealt to Jon Rauch.

South to Tampa Bay, where the Rays host the Boston Red Sox. Clay Buchholz and Jeremy Hellickson are the young pitchers. Tampa Bay struck first with a second inning walk by Will Rhymes that coupled with a balk to get Carlos Pena across the plate. Boston tied it in the fourth inning as Daniel Nava singled in Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Rays got the lead in the sixth inning as Luke Scott hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Matt Joyce safe passage home. This stood for a 2-1 win, with Hellickson earning the victory, Fernando Rodney converting the save, and Buchholz taking a hard-luck loss.

Down to Houston, as the Astros host the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf and Bud Norris received the starting nods. Houston began in the second inning when Jed Lowrie doubled in Carlos Lee before scoring on a Justin Maxwell single. The Astros added on in the third inning with Lee singling in both Norris and Jose Altuve, followed by Lowrie reaching on an error to bring home J.D. Martinez. Milwaukee got on the board in the fourth inning with Corey Hart hitting a solo home run. Houston replied in their half of the inning when Jordan Schafer singled in Jason Castro and then came home on a Martinez sacrifice fly. The Astros added on in the seventh inning with a Lee solo shot. The Brewers attempted a late rally in the ninth inning with Jonathan Lucroy tripling to force in both Aramis Ramirez and Hart, but they still lost by an 8-3 margin. The win belonged to Norris while Wolf was pinned with the loss.

Staying in the state, we head to Arlington, with the Texas Rangers hosting the Oakland Athletics. Tommy Milone opposes Yu Darvish pitching. Oakland opened in the first inning when Josh Reddick hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Jemile Weeks. Texas rallied to a lead in the fourth inning as Adrian Beltre hit a two-run home run, also scoring Josh Hamilton, followed by Craig Gentry singling in Nelson Cruz and Elvis Andrus knocking in Yorbit Torrealba with a single.This held up throughout the rest of the game for a Rangers 4-1 win. The win was earned by Darvish, while Joe Nathan threw the ninth for a save, and Milone suffered the loss.

North a bit to Chicago, as the Cubs host the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Matt Garza were handed the ball. Philadelphia started with a second inning Freddy Galvis double, knocking in Carlos Ruiz. Chicago took the lead in the fourth inning on a two-run home run by Alfonso Soriano, also scoring Bryan LaHair. The Phillies tied it again in the fifth inning as Shane Victorino singled in the pitcher Kendrick. Philadelphia got the lead in the eighth inning as Ruiz hit a solo home run. The Phillies struck again in the ninth inning as Ty Wigginton singled in both Galvis and Mike Fontenot, followed by a Hector Luna grand slam that swept in all of Jimmy Rollins, Wigginton, and Ruiz, for a 9-2 win, credited to Jose Contreras and the loss going to Shawn Camp.

Back down in Missouri, the Kansas City Royals host the Baltimore Orioles. Tommy Hunter and Felipe Paulino are sent out to pitch. Kansas City led off with a fifth inning Humberto Quintero single, scoring both Jeff Francoeur and Alcides Escobar. Baltimore got one back in the eighth inning as Nick Markakis doubled home J.J. Hardy. The Royals answered in their half of the inning with Alex Gordon doubling to drive in Mitch Maier. The Orioles attempted a rally in the ninth inning as Wilson Betemit hit a solo home run, followed by the tying run, Ryan Flaherty, coming home on a Hardy single. Baltimore got the lead in the fifteenth inning as Adam Jones lifted a solo home run, which would be the deciding run for a 4-3 win. Kevin Gregg got the win, Jim Johnson cleanly converted the save, and Nathan Adcock was stuck holding the loss.

Westward to Colorado, with the Rockies hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Patrick Corbin and Jamie Moyer are the dueling pitchers. Colorado began with a second inning single from Jordan Pacheco, knocking in Troy Tulowitzki, before he came home alongside Willin Rosario on a Dexter Fowler triple. The Rockies added on in the fourth with the pitcher Moyer singling in both Pacheco and Fowler. Colorado kept going in the fifth inning when Carlos Gonzalez singled, driving in Tyler Colvin. Arizona got one back in the seventh inning as Cody Ransom doubled home John McDonald. This made it 6-1 for Colorado, an eventual final, with Moyer picking up the win and Corbin taking the loss.

Back into California, with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Jerome Williams take the mound. Los Angeles was first to score in the second inning with Erick Aybar doubling home Vernon Wells. Chicago got the lead in the third inning with a Dayan Viciedo solo home run followed by Gordon Beckham doubling to score Alejandro De Aza. The Angels regained the lead with a three-run home run by Albert Pujols, sweeping in Mike Trout and Alberto Callaspo. Los Angeles extended the lead in the sixth inning when Howie Kendrick hit a sacrifice fly to allow Kendrys Morales to score, before Wells went yard on a two-run home run, sweeping in Mark Trumbo. This made it 7-2, a final, with Williams getting the win while Floyd was dealt the loss.

North a tad to finish in San Francisco, as the Giants host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jaime Garcia and Madison Bumgarner pace the game. St. Louis started with a fielder's choice from Allen Craig, allowing safe passage home for Rafael Furcal in the first inning. San Francisco tied it in the sixth inning when Buster Posey singled in Gregor Blanco. The Cardinals got the lead back on a David Freese solo home run in the seventh inning. St. Louis padded the lead in the eighth inning with Skip Schumaker doubling in both Garcia and Furcal. This gave them a 4-1 victory, with the win going to Garcia, the save converted by Jason Motte, and the loss given to Bumgarner.

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MLB Day 44 2012

Six matinee games for a random Tuesday slate. We begin in...

Washington, D.C., as the Nationals host the San Diego Padres. Anthony Bass and Stephen Strasburg will get up early to pitch. San Diego began with a pair of singles in the first inning, as Yonder Alonso hit one to score Will Venable before coming home with Chase Headley on John Baker's single. The Padres added on with a James Darnell solo home run in the third inning. San Diego struck again in the fifth inning as Baker singled, driving in Orlando Hudson. Washington got on the board in the bottom of the fifth as Bryce Harper hit a solo home run. The Padres made it 6-1 in the eighth inning as Venable singled home Baker. This was a final, allowing Bass the win while Strasburg lasted a short time in the loss.

Over to Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Houston Astros. Jordan Lyles is mismatched against Cliff Lee. Philadelphia struck early as Brian Schneider hit a second inning two-run home run, also scoring John Mayberry. The Phillies added on as Hunter Pence hit a solo home run in the sixth inning. Houston shot back with Matt Downs' solo shot in the seventh inning. The Astros rallied to tie in the ninth inning when Carlos Lee singled in Jordan Schafer and J.D. Martinez singled, which combined with an error, led to Brian Bogusevic scoring. Philadelphia won 4-3 in the tenth inning with a walkoff solo shot by Pence. Jake Diekman was in line for the win while Brett Myers was hung on the loss.

Out to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Cleveland Indians. Derek Lowe and Jason Marquis were sent out to start. Cleveland got going in the second inning as Casey Kotchman singled in Carlos Santana. The Indians added on in the third inning with Asdrubal Cabrera hitting a single to knock in Shin-Soo Choo. Cleveland padded the lead in the fifth inning as Choo, Cabrera, and Santana all went yard for solo shots. This made it 5-0, a final, with Lowe going the distance for a 6-hit and 4-walk complete game shutout, while Marquis did far less in the loss.

Down in St. Louis, the Cardinals host the Chicago Cubs. Paul Maholm and Kyle Lohse will make the starts as scheduled. Chicago quickly opened in the first inning with Starlin Castro singling to score David DeJesus, Bryan LaHair grounding into a double play providing Tony Campana time to score, and Ian Stewart singling in Alfonso Soriano. St. Louis answered in their half of the inning as Allen Craig doubled home Skip Schumaker and David Freese grounded out to allow safe passage home for Matt Holliday. The Cardinals tied it in the second inning when Rafael Furcal grounded out, bringing home Tyler Greene. St. Louis took the lead in the fifth inning on a Holliday solo home run. The Cubs answered with LaHair hitting a solo shot in the sixth inning. Chicago pulled ahead in the seventh inning as Reed Johnson singled, driving in Darwin Barney. The Cardinals tied it again in the bottom of the seventh as Craig singled to provide Furcal time to score. Matt Carpenter hit a solo shot in the eighth inning, giving St. Louis the lead once again. The Cubs got an equalizer in the ninth inning as Soriano went yard for a solo home run. The Cardinals would win 7-6 in the bottom of the ninth as Yadier Molina singled, and Holliday came home as the winning run. Jason Motte was in line for the win while Rafael Dolis took the loss.

Speaking of Chicago, we head there with the White Sox hosting the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Jake Peavy are the equally-matched starters. Chicago busted things open in the first inning as A.J. Pierzynski singled in Alejandro De Aza, and then Gordon Beckham scored on an error. The White Sox padded the lead in the third inning with a solo home run by Paul Konerko, followed by Dayan Viciedo singling Pierzynski across the plate. Chicago added on in the fifth inning when Pierzynski hit a 2-RBI single, scoring both ADam Dunn and Konerko. Detroit gained the lead in the sixth inning as Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run home run that also scored Andy Dirks, Ryan Raburn lifted a three-run home run, sweeping in Prince Fielder and Brennan Boesch, and Austin Jackson went yard on a three-run home run as well, knocking in Jhonny Peralta and Delmon Young for an 8-run inning. The Tigers extended the lead in the seventh with Raburn singling in Alex Avila and Peralta doing the same for Boesch. Chicago attempted a rally in the ninth inning with Alexei Ramirez doubling to plate both Konerko and Pierzynski, but they couldn't tie, losing 10-8. Collin Balester was in line for the win, Octavio Dotel picked up a spot save, and Will Ohman was pinned with the loss.

Back east, the Boston Red Sox hosted the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beaven and Josh Beckett are handed the ball. Boston led off with a third inning David Ortiz solo home run. The Red Sox added on in the fourth inning when Mike Aviles doubled to score Cody Ross and Ryan Sweeney grounded out to bring in Daniel Nava. Boston padded the lead again in the fifth inning as Will Middlebrooks singled, driving in Ortiz. The Red Sox made it 5-0 in the eighth inning as Aviles doubled, scoring Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Beckett earned the win with a very solid performance, and Beaven took the loss with very little run support.

At the normal times, the Baltimore Orioles host the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia and Wei-Yin Chen are the reliable starters. Baltimore began as Adam Jones hit a second inning solo home run. The Orioles added on in the third inning as J.J. Hardy grounded into a double play, allowing Steve Tolleson to get home safely. Baltimore struck again in the fifth inning with Hardy's doubled providing Xavier Avery time to dash home. Hardy went to work again in the sixth inning by singling in Bill Hall for the Orioles.. New York got some back in the seventh inning as Curtis Granderson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Robinson Cano. Baltimore answered as Jones scored on a passed ball in the bottom of the seventh. This produced a 5-2 Orioles final, allowing Chen the win, Jim Johnson the save, and Sabathia took the loss.

Way to the west, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Oakland Athletics early. Bartolo Colon and Ervin Santana take the hill. Los Angeles was first to score in the third inning when Alberto Callaspo doubled in Mike Trout before coming home on an Albert Pujols single. The Angels added on in the fifth inning as Pujols singled Trout across the plate. Los Angeles padded the lead as Trout hit a solo home run in the seventh inning. This made it 4-0, a final, with Santana picking up the win and Colon suffering a loss with no run support.

Far northeast, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Tampa Bay Rays. David Price and Henderson Alvarez are assigned to this game. Toronto opened in the third inning with Jose Bautista singling in Rajai Davis before Edwin Encarnacion went yard for a two-run home run to finish Bautista's trip around. Tampa Bay got on the board in the fifth inning when Ben Zobrist doubled Will Rhymes home. The Rays rallied to a lead in the seventh inning beginning with Sean Rodriguez hitting a solo shot, followed by Elliot Johnson singling, which combined with an error to get Rhymes home safely, and the go-ahead run was scored as B.J. Upton grounded into a double play, providing time for Jose Molina to dash home. This was good for a 4-3 win, with the victory picked up by Price, the save converted by Fernando Rodney, and the loss being dealt to Alvarez.

Back stateside, the Miami Marlins host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and Josh Johnson play from the mound. Pittsburgh quickly established a lead with a first inning Garrett Jones single knocking in Andrew McCutchen. Miami tied it in the bottom of the first as Hanley Ramirez doubled in Omar Infante. The Marlins rallied to a lead in the fourth inning beginning as John Buck singled both Giancarlo Stanton and Greg Dobbs home, before scoring alongside Emilio Bonifacio when Infante singled, and Ramirez then doubled Jose Reyes across the dish. The Pirates got one back in the seventh inning with a Michael McKenry solo home run.This produced a 6-2 final for the Marlins, with the win going to Johnson while Correia was stuck with the loss.

Just a bit to the north, the Atlanta Braves hosted the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Tim Hudson are the underrated pitchers. Atlanta began with a second inning Brian McCann solo home run. The Braves rallied to extend the lead in the third inning as Martin Prado singled in Hudson, followed by Chipper Jones doing the same for Michael Bourn, Dan Uggla hitting a sacrifice fly to finish Prado's trip around, and Jason Heyward doubling to score Jones. Atlanta added on in the fourth inning with Prado singling, and combined with an error, Bourn was allowed to safely get home. Cincinnati got some back in the seventh inning as Ryan Hanigan doubled in Todd Frazier before being swept home on a Drew Stubbs single. This made it 6-2, a final, with Hudson getting the win and Cueto taking an ugly loss.

Farther to the north, the New York Mets hosted the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke and Dillon Gee were called on for the starts. Milwaukee got going in the second inning with Travis Ishikawa grounding out to provide Aramis Ramirez time to score before Cesar Izturis singled home Jonathan Lucroy. The Brewers padded the lead in the fifth as Ishikawa hit a solo home run. Milwaukee added on in the sixth inning with Lucroy singling to drive in Ryan Braun before he was swept in alongside Ramirez on a three-run long ball by Ishikawa. Rickie Weeks provided a solo shot to extend the Brewers lead in the seventh inning, producing the 8-0 final. Greinke showed dominance in the win while Gee was anything but in the loss.

Southwest to Texas, where the Rangers host the Kansas City Royals. Vin Mazzaro and Colby Lewis are tabbed to start. Kansas City rallied to an early lead in the first inning as Billy Butler grounded into a fielder's choice to get Jarrod Dyson home, Brayan Pena singled scoring both Butler and Jeff Francoeur, and Chris Getz singled home Mike Moustakas. The Royals extended the lead in the second inning as Butler doubled Dyson across the plate. Kansas City kept going in the third inning when Moustakas hit a solo home run. Texas got on the board in the fourth inning as David Murphy doubled to score Josh Hamilton before coming home on a Mitch Moreland single. The Rangers got another back in the fifth inning with Hamilton hitting a sacrifice fly to provide Ian Kinsler time to dash home. The Royals answered in the sixth inning with Eric Hosmer doubling, which again scored Dyson. Texas tried a ninth inning rally as Brandon Snyder hit a solo home run, but this only made it 7-4 in the end. Mazzaro earned the win while Lewis had the loss.

Out west, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Chad Billingsley pace the game. Arizona began with a second inning bases-loaded walk drawn by Gerardo Parra, forcing in Jason Kubel. The Diamondbacks added on in the fifth inning as Justin Upton singled in the pitcher Miley, followed by Miguel Montero singling in Parra, and Kubel singling to score Willie Bloomquist. Los Angeles got on the board in the sixth inning with a Mark Ellis solo home run. Arizona answered in the seventh inning as Lyle Overbay hit a sacrifice fly, providing time for Montero to dash home. This made it 5-1, a final, where Miley got the win while Billingsley took the loss.

Finally, in San Francisco, the Giants host the Colorado Rockies. Jeremy Guthrie and Tim Lincecum are the veteran pitchers. San Francisco was first on the board with a third inning Brandon Belt sacrifice fly allowing Gregor Blanco. Colorado tied it as Troy Tulowitzki singled home Carlos Gonzalez. The Rockies gained the lead in the sixth inning as Michael Cuddyer doubled to score Tulowitzki, before Jordan Pacheco hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Todd Helton. Colorado padded the lead in the seventh inning when Gonzalez singled, knocking in Tyler Colvin. The Giants tied it in the bottom of the seventh when Melky Cabrera doubled in both Aubrey Huff and Gregor Blanco before scoring on a Angel Pagan single. The Rockies got the lead again in the ninth inning with a Marco Scutaro solo home run. This made it 5-4, which held up for the win, earned by Rex Brothers, while Rafael Betancourt turned the save and Santiago Casilla was dealt the loss

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 43 2012

Full slate rarity on a Monday, beginning in...

Philadelphia, where the Phillies host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Joe Blanton were set to make the starts. Philadelphia led off with a fifth inning Freddy Galvis single, driving in Placido Polanco. The Phillies added on in the sixth inning as Carlos Ruiz singled in Shane Victorino, followed by Galvis doing the same for Polanco again. Houston got on the board in the eighth inning on a Marwin Gonzalez solo home run. Philadelphia replied in the bottom of the eighth as Polanco hit a two-run home run, also scoring Ruiz. This made it 5-1, with the win going to Blanton, while Harrell suffered the loss.

Onward to Washington, D.C., where the Nationals host the San Diego Padres. Tim Stauffer and Ross Detwiler will be pitching tonight. Washington got things going in the first inning as Adam LaRoche grounded out, giving time for Ian Desmond to get home. San Diego answered as Orlando Hudson reached on an error, providing Yonder Alonso time to reach home. The Nationals rallied to a lead in the third inning as Ryan Zimmerman singled to score Desmond, Roger Bernadina scored on an error, and Bryce Harper hit a solo home run. The Padres pulled back in the fourth inning when Hudson singled in both Alonso and Chase Headley before coming all the way home when Stauffer sacrificed. San Diego got the lead in the fifth inning on a Headley single, driving in Jesus Guzman. Washington took the lead in the sixth inning as Desmond doubled in both Rick Ankiel and Jesus Flores. The Nationals added on in the eighth inning as Chad Tracy and Xavier Nady hit solo shots. Washington weathered a late but scoreless ninth inning storm to win 8-5, with the win going to Craig Stammen, the save converted by Sean Burnett, and the loss stuck on Miles Mikolas.

In the same area, the Baltimore Orioles host the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Jason Hammel are the dependable starters. Baltimore got going in the first inning as J.J. Hardy singled in Xavier Avery before coming home on an Adam Jones double. New York tied it in the fourth inning as Nick Swisher doubled to score both Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano. The Yankees got the lead in the fifth inning as Curtis Granderson hit a solo shot. The Orioles got an equalizer in the bottom of the fifth when Avery tripled to force in Robert Andino before coming the final 90 feet as Hardy lifted a two-run home run to take the lead. New York tied it in the sixth inning as Raul Ibanez reached on an error that allowed both Cano and Mark Teixeira to score. The Yankees took the lead in the seventh inning as Teixeira went yard for a two-run home run, sweeping in Rodriguez. New York made it 8-5 in the ninth inning when Eric Chavez hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Teixeira. David Phelps was credited with the win, while Rafael Soriano made the save and Luis Ayala was stuck with the loss.

Out west, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster and Jake Westbrook take the mound. Chicago busted things open in the fifth inning when Starlin Castro singled home Tony Campana, before coming home on a Bryan LaHair two-run home run, and then Geovany Soto later singled to score Ian Stewart. St. Louis answered in the sixth inning as Lance Berkman singled home Jon Jay, before coming home with Matt Holliday on a Yadier Molina double, and Molina crossed home on a Skip Schumaker single to tie the game. The Cubs took the lead again in the eighth inning when Alfonso Soriano singled Campana home. Chicago extended the lead in the ninth inning as Joe Mather grounded into a fielder's choice that eventually got Darwin Barney home, for a 6-4 lead and victory. The win was awarded to Shawn Camp, the save turned by Rafael Dolis, and the loss dealt to Mitchell Boggs.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeff Niemann and Brandon Morrow received the starting nods. Toronto was first on the board in the second inning as Kelly Johnson singled in Colby Rasmus. Tampa Bay rallied to a lead in the fifth inning beginning as Elliot Johnson singled in Will Rhymes, followed by Matt Joyce reaching on an error that got Ben Zobrist home, before he came home alongside B.J. Upton on a Luke Scott single, and the rally ended with a Sean Rodriguez double scoring both Carlos Pena and Scott. The Rays got another with a Zobrist solo home run in the ninth inning. This made it 7-1, a final, with the win going to Cesar Ramos, while Morrow had the loss.

Way to the south, the Miami Marlins host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Brad Lincoln and Anibal Sanchez will take their turns in the rotation. Pittsburgh struck early in the first inning as Andrew McCutchen hit a sacrifice fly to get Jose Tabata home. Miami tied it in their half of the inning as Hanley Ramirez hit a solo home run. The Pirates took the lead with a second inning solo shot from the bat of Rod Barajas. The Marlins retied it on a fourth inning Emilio Bonifacio single, scoring Logan Morrison. Pittsburgh took the lead once again in the sixth inning when Pedro Alvarez doubled home McCutchen. This stood up for a 3-2 Pirates win, with Lincoln picking up the win, Joel Hanrahan converting the save, and Sanchez taking the loss.

North again to New York, as the Mets host the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and Miguel Batista are handed the ball. New York opened with a first inning Daniel Murphy single, driving in Kirk Nieuwenhuis. The Mets added on in the sixth inning as Ronny Cedeno sacrificed, allowing Murphy to come home. New York struck again in the eighth inning as Murphy reached on a fielder's choice that provided time for David Wright to cross the plate. Milwaukee avoided the shutout in the ninth inning as Corey Hart singled to score Ryan Braun, but they couldn't muster anymore to avoid a 3-1 loss. The win went to Batista, the save was converted by Frank Francisco, and Gallardo was stuck with the loss.

South to Atlanta, where the Braves welcome the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and Randall Delgado are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Cincinnati began with Todd Frazier reaching on an error in the fourth inning, allowing safe passage home for Jay Bruce. Atlanta tied it in the fifth inning when Martin Prado hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Michael Bourn. The Reds got the lead in the eighth inning as Brandon Phillips hit a double that knocked in Drew Stubbs, before he came home on a Chris Heisey double. This made the final score 3-1, with Logan Ondrusek picking up the win, Sean Marshall turning the save, and Jonny Venters being dealt the loss.

North once again as the Boston Red Sox host the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Jon Lester are the solid starting pitchers. Boston quickly gained a first inning lead as David Ortiz doubled in Dustin Pedroia before coming home on a Adrian Gonzalez double. The Red Sox padded the lead in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Daniel Nava, also scoring Cody Ross, followed by Kelly Shoppach hitting a solo home run. Boston extended the lead in the eighth inning as Marlon Byrd hit a sacrifice fly that scored Will Middlebrooks. Seattle avoided a shutout in the ninth inning with Kyle Seager grounding out to get Ichiro across the plate. The final was 6-1 Red Sox, with Lester going the distance for the win while Vargas had no help in the loss.

Southwest to Texas, where the Rangers host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Scott Feldman are on the hill. Texas was first on the board with a fourth inning Nelson Cruz solo home run. Kansas City gained the lead in the fifth inning with a 2-RBI single from Alcides Escobar, scoring both Jeff Francoeur and Chris Getz. The Royals extended the lead in the seventh inning as Brayan Pena grounded into a double play, allowing Francoeur to dart home. This made it a 3-1 score, eventually the final, with Chen picking up the win, Jonathan Broxton picking up the save, and Feldman taking a loss with little run support.

Well to the north, the Minnesota Twins host the Cleveland Indians. Jeanmar Gomez and Carl Pavano will be pitching. Minnesota was led off with a third inning run scored by Darin Mastroianni as he scored on a combination of a passed ball and an error. Cleveland took the lead in the fourth inning on a Travis Hafner groundout, allowing Jason Kipnis to score, followed by Carlos Santana's sacrifice fly bringing in the go-ahead run, Asdrubal Cabrera. The Indians added on in the fifth inning when Casey Kotchman hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jose Lopez. The Twins tied it in the eighth inning when Josh Willingham doubled in Denard Span before coming home on a two-run long ball off the bat of Ryan Doumit. Cleveland reclaimed the lead in the ninth inning when Shin-Soo Choo hit a single to knock in Lou Marson. This made it 5-4, a final, with Joe Smith in line for the win, Chris Perez making another save, and Matt Capps being stuck with the loss.

Southeast to Chicago, with the White Sox hosting the Detroit Tigers. Drew Smyly and John Danks receive the manager's approval to start. Detroit opened with a first inning 2-RBI double from Prince Fielder, scoring both Andy Dirks and Miguel Cabrera before Delmon Young doubled to finish Fielder's trip around. Chicago answered in the bottom of the first with a two-run home run by Adam Dunn, sweeping in Alejandro De Aza. The Tigers padded their lead with a bases-loaded walk drawn by Jhonny Peralta in the third inning, forcing in Young before Gerald Laird hit a sacrifice fly allowing Ryan Raburn to dash home. The White Sox pulled back in the fifth inning with a two-run home run by Dayan Viciedo, also scoring Alexei Ramirez. Chicago rallied to a lead in the sixth inning when Viciedo singled in both Alex Rios and A.J. Pierzynski, followed by Brent Morel singling to score Ramirez. This stood for a 7-5 win, earned by Zach Stewart and Addison Reed picked up the save, while Luke Putkonen was pinned with the loss.

Out in California, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host their northern neighbors, the Oakland Athletics. Tyson Ross and Dan Haren were sent out to start. Oakland got going in the first inning as Josh Reddick hit a solo home run. The Athletics added on in the fourth inning when Josh Donaldson hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Seth Smith. Oakland struck again in the fifth inning as Smith doubled, driving in Cliff Pennington and Reddick. The Athletics made it 5-0 in the eighth inning when Kurt Suzuki singled in Donaldson. Ross picked up the easy win while Haren got no help at all in the loss.

Up the freeway, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Clayton Kershaw are the pair of aces on the mound. Los Angeles began with Mark Ellis grounding out to score Dee Gordon in the first inning. The Dodgers added on in the sixth inning with Andre Ethier hitting a solo home run, followed by an Adam Kennedy sacrifice fly allowing A.J. Ellis to cross home. Arizona avoided a shutout with an eighth inning solo shot by Aaron Hill, making the final 3-1. Kershaw grabbed the win, Kenley Jansen turned the save, and Kennedy took a tough loss.

Finally, up in San Francisco, the Giants host the Colorado Rockies. Christian Friedrich and Ryan Vogelsong pace the game. Colorado started in the fourth inning with a Willin Rosario solo home run. San Francisco tied it with a sixth inning Gregor Blanco solo shot. The Giants gained the lead in the eighth inning when Buster Posey singled to drive in Blanco before Brett Pill did the same for Joaquin Arias. The Rockies tried to rally back in the ninth as Marco Scutaro reached on an error that allowed Jonathan Herrera to come home, but they didn't tie the game, falling 3-2. Sergio Romo was in line for the win, Santiago Casilla converted the save, and Rex Brothers was on the hook for the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Fantasy Baseball All Stars week 6 2012

1. Josh Hamilton
2. Carlos Beltran
3. Nelson Cruz
4. Josh Reddick
5. Joey Votto
6. Dustin Pedroia
7. Scott Diamond
8. Carlos Zambrano
9. Andrew McCutchen
10. Rafael Furcal

MLB Day 42 2012

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. Baseball celebrates with a full slate today, beginning with a much-anticipated game in...

New York, as the Yankees host the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood pitches against the un-retired Andy Pettitte. Seattle was first on the board with a two-run home run by Justin Smoak in the fourth inning, also scoring Jesus Montero. New York got one back with a bases-loaded walk drawn by Russell Martin in the fifth inning, forcing in Mark Teixeira. The Mariners replied in the sixth inning as Casper Wells lifted a two-run homer, sweeping in Dustin Ackley. The Yankees answered in the eighth inning as Robinson Cano drew a bases loaded walk, squeezing in Eric Chavez. Seattle shot back in the ninth inning as Wells singled in Alex Liddi and Brendan Ryan was able to score on subsequent error. This made it 6-2, a final, with Millwood picking up the win and Pettitte being welcomed back with a loss.

Over in Cincinnati, the Reds host the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and Bronson Arroyo are set to start when the rain clears. Cincinnati started with a first inning Joey Votto solo home run. Washington answered in the second inning on a Jesus Flores sacrifice fly allowing Bryce Harper to score. The Nationals took the lead in the third inning on a Roger Bernadina double, scoring Ian Desmond. Votto got it back for the Reds in the fourth inning with another solo shot. Washington shot back in the fifth as Danny Espinosa hit a 2-RBI double, plating both Adam LaRoche and Harper. Cincinnati got one back in their half of the inning when Mike Costanzo's sacrifice fly brought in Ryan Hanigan. The Nationals answered in the seventh inning when Chad Tracy singled to bring in Espinosa. Washington extended the lead in the eighth inning on a LaRoche single, allowing Bernadina safe passage home. The Reds pulled back in the bottom of the eighth with a 2-RBI Jay Bruce double, forcing in Drew Stubbs and Votto. Cincinnati took the game 9-6 in the ninth inning as Votto hit a walkoff grand slam, sweeping in Devin Mesoraco, Stubbs, and Chris Heisey. The win ended up with Sean Marshall, while Henry Rodriguez was on the hook for the loss.

Down in Florida, the Miami Marlins host the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and Carlos Zambrano make the starts. New York was first to score in the fourth inning when Lucas Duda grounded out to bring in Kirk Nieuwenhuis before Daniel Murphy singled home David Wright. Miami tied it in the seventh inning with a two-run home run by John Buck, also scoring Emilio Bonifacio. The Mets got the lead in the ninth inning on a Justin Turner 2-RBI double, scoring both Murphy and Ronny Cedeno. The Marlins rallied in the bottom of the ninth as Greg Dobbs singled in Bonifacio, Jose Reyes hit a sacrifice fly to allow Brett Hayes to come home as the tying run, and then Giancarlo Stanton unleashed the beast for an 8-4 win with a grand slam that swept home Dobbs, Hanley Ramirez, and Austin Kearns. Heath Bell was in line for the win, while Frank Francisco was stuck with the loss.

North again to Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields and Jake Arrieta will be on the mound. Tampa Bay drew first blood in the second inning when Elliot Johnson singled in Jeff Keppinger, followed by a 2-RBI double from Ben Zobrist, paving the way for Chris Gimenez and Johnson to come home. Baltimore got one back in their half of the inning as Chris Davis singled in Matt Wieters. The Rays added on in the third inning as Will Rhymes singled to drive in Carlos Pena. Tampa Bay extended the lead in the fourth inning when Matt Joyce singled to bring around Johnson before coming home alongside Zobrist on a Pena double. The Orioles pulled back in the sixth inning as Nick Markakis doubled in J.J. Hardy, before coming home on a two-run blast by Wieters. Baltimore got closer in the seventh inning as Markakis doubled in both Robert Andino and Hardy. The Rays answered in the seventh inning with a pair of solo shots by Johnson and Zobrist. The Orioles shot back in their half of the inning as Nick Johnson went yard for a solo home run of his own. Baltimore tried a ninth inning rally as Adam Jones singled and Hardy scored on an error, but the rally fell short at 9-8, with the win going to Shields, the save to Fernando Rodney, and the loss to Arrieta.

Into Pennsylvania, where the Philadelphia Phillies welcome the San Diego Padres. Jeff Suppan is mismatched with Cole Hamels. Philadelphia quickly started with a first inning Jimmy Rollins solo home run. The Phillies added on in the second inning as Brian Schneider hit a single to knock in Ty Wigginton. San Diego got one back in the third inning as Jesus Guzman grounded out, bringing in Chris Denorfia. Philadelphia shot back in the fifth inning as Juan Pierre doubled, allowing Schneider to get home. The Padres answered on a Nick Hundley groundout, providing time for Guzman to cross the plate. They couldn't tie the game, falling 3-2, with the win going to Hamels, the save to Jonathan Papelbon as his tenth of the year, and the loss to Suppan.

Across the state, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Houston Astros. Wandy Rodriguez and A.J. Burnett are the veteran pitchers. Pittsburgh began with a first inning Andrew McCutchen double to drive in Neil Walker. Houston tied it in the fifth inning as Jason Castro singled home Carlos Lee. The Astros got the lead in the seventh inning as Chris Johnson singled to knock in Lee. The Pirates tied it in the ninth inning with a sacrifice fly by Pedro Alvarez allowing Jose Tabata safe passage home. Pittsburgh won 3-2 in the twelfth inning when Josh Harrison singled in Clint Barmes. Tony Watson was in line for the win while Fernando Rodriguez took the loss.

Back east, the Boston Red Sox host the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Daniel Bard are the young starters. Boston rallied to a first inning lead as Will Middlebrooks singled home David Ortiz, Daniel Nava doubled home Adrian Gonzalez, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia singled to finish Middlebrooks and Nava's trips around. Cleveland got on the board in the third inning when Asdrubal Cabrera drew a bases-loaded walk, forcing in Jack Hannahan. The Red Sox answered on a Middlebrooks solo shot in the bottom of the third. Boston extended the lead in the sixth inning when Saltalamacchia singled, allowing Nava safe passage home. The Red Sox kept going in the seventh inning with Ortiz singling to provide Dustin Pedroia time to get home, followed by a Middlebrooks walk coupled with a wild pitch to allow Oritz to come home, and then Nava doubled in both Gonzalez and Middlebrooks, followed by Saltalamacchia hitting a two-run home run, knocking in Nava. This 6-run outburst made it 12-1, which was eventually the final, as Bard earned the win and Masterson was roughed up in the loss.

Northwest to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky Romero and Scott Diamond are handed the ball. Brian Dozier put Minnesota ahead in the third inning with a solo home run. The Twins added on in the fifth inning with a bases-loaded Josh Willingham walk forcing in Denard span, followed by a 2-RBI Ryan Doumit single, scoring both Dozier and Joe Mauer. Toronto rallied in the eighth inning as Yunel Escobar singled to score Rajai Davis, Eric Thames grounded out to allow Kelly Johnson to get home, and then Escobar came all the way home on a wild pitch. They never tied it tough, falling 4-3, with Diamond picking up the win, Matt Capps turning the save, and Romero suffering the loss.

Over in Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and Marco Estrada are the relatively unknown pitchers. Milwaukee started off with a Taylor Green sacrifice fly to get Ryan Braun home in the fourth inning. Chicago tied it as Ian Stewart hit a solo home run in the fifth inning. The Cubs got the lead in the sixth inning as Reed Johnson hit a solo shot. The Brewers tied it in the bottom of the sixth as Green singled home Aramis Ramirez. Chicago gained the lead again in the seventh inning as Darwin Barney reached on an error to get Stewart home safely. The Cubs added on in the eighth inning as Tony Campana scored on a wild pitch and then Alfonso Soriano doubled in Brian LaHair. Chicago padded the lead again in the ninth inning as Barney doubled in Geovany Soto before scoring on a Campana single, and a Starlin Castro single to score David DeJesus produced the 8-2 final. Shawn Camp was in line for the win while Kameron Loe got stuck with the loss.

Speaking of Chicago, the White Sox host the Kansas City Royals at US Cellular Field. Danny Duffy and Philip Humber are tabbed for the starts. Chicago opened in the third inning as Paul Konerko singled to drive in Brent Lillibridge. Kansas City took the lead in the seventh inning on a Johnny Giavotella double, scoring both Alcides Escobar and Jarrod Dyson. The Royals added on in the eighth inning with a Jeff Francouer solo shot. Kansas City rallied in the ninth inning as Escobar scored on a passed ball, Billy Butler was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in Humberto Quintero, Francoeur singled in Dyson, Eric Hosmer grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Alex Gordon to come home, Irving Falu singled to finish Butler's trip around, and Escobar singled to get Hosmer across the plate. This made it 9-1 after a six-run outburst, with the win credited to Luis Mendoza, while Matt Thornton was blitzed in the loss.

Down in Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Lance Lynn are the dueling pitchers. Atlanta led off with a third inning 3-RBI double by Jason Heyward, sweeping in Martin Prado, Freddie Freeman, and Dan Uggla. St. Louis got on the board in the sixth inning with a Carlos Beltran solo home run. The Braves added on in the seventh inning as Prado singled home Tyler Pastornicky, before coming home on a Freeman double, and Freeman came home as Uggla doubled him in. Atlanta struck again in the eighth inning when Michael Bourn singled in David Ross. The Cardinals got some back in the ninth inning with a three-run home run by Allen Craig, knocking in Matt Carpenter and Beltran. This made it 7-4, a final in which Hanson picked up the win and Lynn was dealt the loss.

Out to California, where the Oakland Athletics host the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander opposes a lesser foe in Jarrod Parker. Detroit got things going in the fifth inning when Miguel Cabrera singled to score Austin Jackson. Oakland tied it in the bottom of the fifth with a Seth Smith solo home run. The Tigers got the lead again in the sixth inning when Jackson drew a bases-loaded walk, forcing in Brennan Boesch. Detroit made it 3-1 in the ninth inning as Cabrera singled Jackson home again. Verlander easily picked up the win, Jose Valverde converted the save, and Parker had little help in the loss.

Southeast to Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Joe Saunders receive the starting nods. Arizona started off in the second inning as Jason Kubel singled in Ryan Roberts. San Francisco answered in the third inning with a Gregor Blanco single to knock in Brandon Crawford before he came all the way around on a Melky Cabrera single. The Giants added on with a 2-RBI single by Blanco in the fourth inning, scoring both Hector Sanchez and Crawford. The Diamondbacks shot back with an A.J. Pollock double in the bottom of the fourth, knocking in Roberts before he came home himself on a Kubel double. San Francisco added on again in the fifth inning with a two-run Brett Pill home run, also scoring Cabrera. The Giants padded the lead in the seventh inning as Sanchez singled Cabrera across the dish. Zito got the win in the 7-3 game while Saunders was stuck with the loss.

West in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the Colorado Rockies. Alex White and Ted Lilly are on the hill. Colorado drew first blood with a first inning rally including Carlos Gonzalez singling in Marco Scutaro, Michael Cuddyer doing the same for Tyler Colvin, and Gonzalez coming the rest of the way home on a Ramon Hernandez groundout. Los Angeles got one back when Matt Kemp grounded out to provide a way home for Tony Gwynn, Jr. The Dodgers pulled closer in the second inning on an A.J. Ellis single driving in James Loney. The Rockies answered with Scutaro singling home Dexter Fowler in the fourth inning. Los Angeles took the lead in the fifth inning as Bobby Abreu hit a 3-RBI double to clear the bases of Justin Sellers, Gwynn, and Mark Ellis, followed by A.J. Ellis hitting a three-run homer to finish Abreu's trip around as well as knock in Loney. Colorado answered in the seventh inning on a Gonzalez groundout paving the way for Scutaro to get home. The Dodgers replied as Adam Kennedy sacrifice to bring home Scott Van Slyke. Los Angeles extended the lead in the eighth inning with Van Slyke doubling in both Juan Uribe and Mark Ellis, making the score 11-5. Lilly picked up the win while White was torched in the loss.

Finally, in Texas, the Rangers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver and Neftali Feliz pace the game. Texas led off as Adrian Beltre hit a sacrifice fly to bring around Ian Kinsler. Los Angeles took the lead in the second inning with a two-run home run by Mark Trumbo, also scoring Kendrys Morales. The Ranger shot back in the third inning as Beltre singled home Elvis Andrus before coming home on a grand slam that gave the Rangers a lead as Nelson Cruz went yard, bringing Beltre, Michael Young, and David Murphy with him. Texas added on in the fourth inning as Josh Hamilton hit a 2-RBI double, also scoring Mitch Moreland and Kinsler. The Rangers extended the lead in the fifth inning when Mike Napoli doubled to score Cruz before coming home on an Andrus single. The Angels finally answered in the seventh inning as Vernon Wells hit a solo home run, followed by Maicer Izturis singling home Bobby Wilson and Albert Pujols doing the same for Mike Trout. Texas replied in their half of the inning as Moreland singled, driving in Cruz, followed by Kinsler grounding out to bring home Napoli and Hamilton singling to finish Moreland's trip around the bases. Los Angeles feebly tried a ninth inning rally as Morales hit a solo shot, making it 13-6, with the win going to Feliz and the loss to Weaver.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 41 2012

Four matinees followed by eleven normal games today. We start in...

Milwaukee, with the Brewers hosting the Chicago Cubs. Chris Volstad and Shaun Marcum have the pitching duties today. Chicago opened early with a Starlin Castro double play that allowed David DeJesus to come home. Milwaukee tied it as Nyjer Morgan quickly darted home while Ryan Braun was caught stealing. The Brewers gained the lead in the sixth inning when Aramis Ramirez grounded into a fielder's choice to bring home Jonathan Lucroy before Edwin Maysonet blasted a grand slam, clearing the bases of Ramirez, Corey Hart, and Travis Ishikawa. The Cubs got one back in the eighth inning on a Tony Campana double, knocking in Adrian Cardenas. Milwaukee answered in the bottom of the eighth with a Norichika Aoki sacrifice that gave time to get Ishikawa home, followed by Lucroy singling which gave Cesar Izturis time to cross the plate. This made it 8-2, a final, with the win going to Marcum and the loss to Volstad.

Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson gets another oppotunity to start after a rain-shortened outing yesterday, going against Matt Harrison. Los Angeles got going in the fourth inning when Mark Trumbo hit a two-run home run, also scoring Torii Hunter. Texas got one back as Craig Gentry singled in the fifth inning to drive in Mike Napoli. The Rangers tied it with a sixth inning Josh Hamilton solo home run. The Angels took the lead back in the seventh inning as Kendrys Morales hit a sacrifice fly to score Trumbo and Mike Trout followed suit to bring in How Kendrick. Los Angeles held on for a 4-2 win, which was handed to David Carpenter, while Scott Downs converted the save and Harrison was stuck with the loss.

East to Florida, as the Miami Marlins host the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and Ricky Nolasco are handed the ball. New York got started with a first inning David Wright single to bring home Andres Torres. Miami answered in the second inning on a Gaby Sanchez single that scored Logan Morrison. The Mets got the lead back in the third inning on a Wright solo home run. New York added on in the fourth inning when Kirk Nieuwenhuis singled in Ronny Cedeno. The Mets padded the lead in the fifth inning as Dickey was hit by a pitch, forcing in Daniel Murphy, and Torres singled to score both Cedeno and Mike Nickeas. New York extended the lead in the sixth inning when Murphy singled to push Wright across the plate. The Marlins got one back in the bottom of the sixth as Giancarlo Stanton doubled and Morrison got home safely. Miami got another in the seventh as Hanley Ramirez doubled in Jose Reyes. The Mets answered in the eighth inning when Cedeno grounded out, providing time for Murphy to score. New York added on in the ninth inning with Wright singling to get Mike Baxter home. This made it 9-3, a final, with the win going to Dickey and the loss was served to Nolasco.

Speaking of New York, we head north for the Yankees hosting the Seattle Mariners in the last of the matinees. Hector Noesi and Phil Hughes take their turns in the rotation. New York was first on the board with second inning doubles, as Raul Ibanez doubled in Mark Teixeira and came home on a Russell Martin double, followed by Jayson Nix hitting a two-run home run to finish Martin's trip around. The Yankees struck again in the fourth inning as Ibanez hit a solo shot. Seattle got on the board in the seventh inning with a Mike Carp solo home run. New York answered in the eighth inning as Robinson Cano singled in Derek Jeter. The Mariners tried a ninth inning rally as Carp hit a ground rule double to knock in Kyle Seager, but fell 6-2, with Hughes earning the win, Boone Logan coming on for a save, and Noesi taking the loss.

At the normal times, we begin in Pittsburgh where the Pirates host the Houston Astros. J.A. Happ and Charlie Morton will make the starts. Pittsburgh opened on a first inning Neil Walker sacrifice fly providing Jose Tabata time to dash home. The Pirates added on in the third inning with an Andrew McCutchen solo home run. Houston got on the board in the fifth inning as Jordan Schafer doubled in Chris Snyder. Pittsburgh extended their lead in the bottom of the fifth as Tabata hit a solo shot. The Astros answered in the sixth inning as Justin Maxwell grounded into a fielder's choice that provided time for Jose Altuve to dart home. The Pirates shot back in the bottom of the sixth as Clint Barmes hit a sacrifice fly to bring around Pedro Alvarez, followed by Casey McGehee scoring on a wild pitch. This made it 5-2, a final, with the win going to Morton, the save to Juan Cruz, and the loss to Happ.

Into Baltimore, as the Orioles welcome the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore and Brian Matusz try to right the ships on a poor start of the season pitching. Tampa Bay busted things open with a second inning Brandon Guyer solo home run. Baltimore answered as Steve Tolleson doubled to get Adam Jones home, and then Matt Wieters was also able to score on an ensuing error. The Orioles extended the lead in the fifth inning when Jones singled to drive in both Luis Exposito and J.J. Hardy. The Rays got some back in the sixth inning when Luke Scott hit a 2-RBI single, scoring both Jeff Keppinger and Guyer. Baltimore added on again in the eighth inning with a solo shot from Bill Hall. This made it 5-3, a final, with the win earned by Matusz, the save cleanly converted by Jim Johnson, and the loss stuck on Moore.

Back in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Phillies host the San Diego Padres. Edinson Volquez duels with Roy Halladay pitching. Philadelphia started with a second inning Freddy Galvis double, knocking in John Mayberry. San Diego tied it in the third inning as Will Venable doubled home Jason Bartlett. The Padres took the lead in the seventh inning as Jesus Guzman hit a sacrifice fly to provide time for Cameron Maybin to get home. This held up for a 2-1 victory, earned by Volquez, while Dale Thayer turned the save and Halladay had little help in the loss.

West to Ohio, as the Cincinnati Reds host the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and Mat Latos take the mound. Cincinnati struck early as Brandon Phillips grounded out in the first inning, giving time for Zack Cozart to get home. Washington tied it in the fifth inning as Wilson Ramos hit a solo home run. The Nationals took the lead in the sixth inning on a Danny Espinosa solo shot. This stood for a 2-1 win, with Zimmermann getting the win, Henry Rodriguez picking up the save, and Jose Arredondo suffering a lack of run support in the loss.

Up in Minnesota, the Twins host the Toronto Blue Jays. Drew Hutchison and P.J. Walters are the relatively unknown pitchers. Minnesota was first to score with a fourth inning bases-loaded walk drawn by Trevor Plouffe, forcing in Brian Dozier. Toronto tied it in the fifth inning as Adam Lind singled to score Colby Rasmus. The Blue Jays got the lead in the sixth inning on a Jose Bautista solo home run. This was all they needed to win 2-1, with Hutchison earning the win, Casey Janssen getting the save, and Walters suffering the loss.

Down to Chicago, where the White Sox host the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Chris Sale are the young pitchers. Kansas City began on a first inning Billy Butler single, driving in Jarrod Dyson, followed by Jeff Francoeur grounding into a fielder's choice, allowing Johnny Giavotella to get home, and Alex Gordon also scored on an error by Gordon Beckham. The Royals extended the lead in the eighth inning as Alcides Escobar doubled to score Irving Falu before coming home himself on a Humberto Quintero single. This made it 5-0, a final, with Hochevar turning in a solid winning effort while Sale did significantly worse in the loss.

Back east, the Boston Red Sox host the Cleveland Indians. Zach McAllister and Felix Doubront are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Boston got going on a third inning Dustin Pedroia double that scored Mike Aviles, and then Pedroia scored when David Ortiz doubled him in. The Red Sox added on in the fourth inning with an Aviles sacrifice fly providing time for Daniel Nava to score. Cleveland got on the board in the sixth inning as Jason Kipnis singled home Lou Marson. Boston added on in the bottom of the sixth when Cody Ross hit a solo home run. This held up for a 4-1 win, earned by Doubront, while Alfredo Aceves cleanly converted the save and McAllister was stuck holding the loss.

Westward again, as the St. Louis Cardinals host the Atlanta Braves. Brandon Beachy will pitch against Adam Wainwright. Atlanta dented the scoreboard in the first inning with a pair of bases loaded walks drawn by Dan Uggla and Brian McCann, forcing in Michael Bourn and Martin Prado, respectively. McCann extended the Braves lead in the third inning with a single that brought home Uggla. Atlanta added on in the fifth inning with singles by Tyler Pastornicky and the pitcher Beachy resulting in runs scored by Uggla and McCann. St. Louis got on the board in the sixth inning when Allen Craig hit a sacrifice fly, allowing safe passage home for Rafael Furcal. The Braves padded the lead in the eighth inning as Bourn hit a solo home run. The Cardinals got it back in the bottom of the eighth as Furcal singled, driving in Daniel Descalso. Atlanta extended the lead in the ninth inning when Bourn doubled, plating Pastornicky. This made it a 7-2 game, with Beachy getting the win while Wainwright was pinned with the loss.

Out on the Pacific Coast, the Oakland Athletics host the Detroit Tigers. Doug Fister and Brandon McCarthy get the starting nods. Oakland drew first blood with a first inning Jonny Gomes single, scoring Jemile Weeks. The Athletics added on as Cliff Pennington tripled to force in Collin Cowgill in the seventh inning, before coming the rest of the way home on a single by Daric Barton. Detroit got on the board in the ninth inning as Alex Avila's sacrifice fly allowed Delmon Young to dart home, but they couldn't pull even, losing 3-1. The win went to McCarthy, the save was shakily converted by Brian Fuentes, and the loss was stuck on Fister.

Back southeast a tad, the Arizona Diamondbacks host the San Francisco Giants. Matt Cain and Trevor Cahill pace the game. San Francisco quickly scored first with Brandon Belt grounding out to get Gregor Blanco home. Arizona tied it in the third inning when Willie Bloomquist hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Aaron Hill to come home. The Giants added on in the fifth inning as Melky Cabrera hit a ground rule double to force in Blanco. San Francisco kept going in the sixth inning as the pitcher Cain doubled in both Emmanuel Burriss and Brandon Crawford. The Diamondbacks pulled back in the seventh inning as Paul Goldschmidt reached on an error, providing time for Jason Kubel to dash home. The Giants added on again as Cabrera doubled to knock in Belt. This made it 5-2, a final, with the win going to Cain, the save converted by Santiago Casilla, and the loss dealt to Cahill.

Finally, we end in Los Angeles, as the Dodgers host the Colorado Rockies. Juan Nicasio and Aaron Harang have the manager's approval to start. Los Angeles started with a Juan Uribe single to score Andre Ethier in the fifth inning. Colorado tied it with a seventh inning Tyler Colvin solo home run. The Dodgers got the lead back in the eighth inning with Tony Gwynn, Jr. hitting a single that brought in James Loney. This held up for a 2-1 win, with Harang earning the victory, Kenley Jansen picking up the save, and Josh Outman suffering the loss.

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