Welcome to the post for the Western Conference Final between the Phoenix Coyotes and the Los Angeles King. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.
Game 1: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles opened on an Anze Kopitar goal, his fourth of the postseason, fueled by Dustin Brown and Drew Doughty. Phoenix tied it as Derek Morris scored from center ice on his second of the playoffs, thanks to Daymond Langkow. The Kings got the lead back in the second period as Dwight King notched his second of the postseason, with the help of Mike Richards and Trevor Lewis. The Coyotes tied it again on a Mikkel Boedker goal, his fourth of the playoffs, coming off of Shane Doan and Morris. Los Angeles took the lead once more in the third period as Brown potted his seventh of the postseason, guided in by Slava Voynov and Justin Williams. The Kings iced it at 4-2 with King's second of the game and third of the playoffs going into an empty net after being passed from Lewis and Jarret Stoll. The three stars were awarded to Quick (25 for 27 in saves), Smith (44 for 47 in saves), and Brown, while Morris, King, and Lewis get honorable mentions. Los Angeles has a 1-0 series lead.
Game 2: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles began with a Dwight King goal, his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Drew Doughty and Trevor Lewis. The Kings added on in the second period as Jeff Carter recorded his second of the playoffs, coming off of Dustin Penner and Mike Richards. Los Angeles padded the lead with Carter's second of the game and third of the postseason, a power play goal powered by Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams. Carter finished his hat trick in the third period with his fourth of the playoffs, a power play goal made possible by Dustin Brown and Kopitar. The final stuck at 4-0, with Carter, Quick (24 save shutout), and Kopitar. The Kings head home with a 2-0 series lead.
Game 3: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Mike Smith for Phoenix. Phoenix started with a second period Daymond Langkow goal, fueled by Keith Yandle and Derek Morris. Los Angeles tied it with the fifth of the postseason by Anze Kopitar, helped along by Dustin Brown and Justin Williams. The Kings took the lead in the third period on a Dwight King goal, his fifth of the playoffs, coming off of Trevor Lewis and Jarret Stoll. This produced a 2-1 final, with King, Kopitar, and Morris taking the three stars. Los Angeles has pushed Phoenix to the brink with a 3-0 series lead.
Game 4: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Mike Smith for Phoenix. Phoenix struck early with the fourth of the postseason by Shane Doan, a power play goal powered by Ray Whitney. Doan added on for the Coyotes in the second period, his second of the game and fifth of the playoffs, courtesy of Antoine Vermette. This was it for the scoring with a silent third period, with Phoenix winning 2-0. The three stars were given to Doan, Smith (36 save shutout), and Trevor Lewis, while either Whitney or Vermette could take the third slot. The Coyotes avoid elimination and now trail in the series 3-1.
Game 5: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Phoenix got things going with a Taylor Pyatt goal, his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Martin Hanzal and Radim Vrbata on the power play. Los Angeles tied it with a shorthanded Anze Kopitar goal, his sixth of the playoffs, passed from Drew Doughty and Dustin Brown. The Coyotes got the lead back in the second period on a Marc-Antoine Pouliot tally, set up by Rostislav Klesla and Kyle Chipchura. Drew Doughty retied it for the Kings with his second of the postseason, courtesy of Colin Fraser and Justin Williams. Los Angeles took the lead with a Mike Richards goal, his fourth of the playoffs, thanks to Dustin Penner and Jeff Carter. Phoenix got an equalizer when Keith Yandle scored, with a lone assist by Pyatt. The tie lasted until late in overtime, when Penner scored his third of the postseason, with the help of Carter and Slava Voynov for a 4-3 Kings win. The three stars were Penner, Doughty, and Richards, while Carter and Pyatt get the honorable mentions. After their 4-1 series win, Los Angeles goes to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
MLB Day 51 2012
Full slate once again, beginning in...
Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and James McDonald are the underrated starters. New York began with a second inning Mike Nickeas single scoring Daniel Murphy. Pittsburgh tied it in the sixth inning on an Andrew McCutchen sacrifice fly, allowing safe passage home for Josh Harrison. The Mets got the lead back in the eighth inning as Lucas Duda singled Mike Baxter across the plate, and Murphy reached on a fielder's choice that combined with an error, scored Kirk Nieuwenhuis. The Pirates pulled back a little in the bottom of the eighth with a McCutchen single scoring Jose Tabata. They couldn't tie the game, falling 3-2, with the win belonging to Dickey, the save going to Frank Francisco, and Juan Cruz took the loss.
West into Cleveland, where the Indians host the Detroit Tigers. Rick Porcello and Ubaldo Jimenez get the starting nods. Cleveland was first on the board with a first inning Asdrubal Cabrera double knocking in Jason Kipnis. Detroit took the lead in the second inning on a three-run Alex Avila home run, sweeping in Brennan Boesch and Jhonny Peralta. The Indians got one back in the third inning when Travis Hafner singled in Shin-Soo Choo. Cleveland tied it in the fifth inning as Hafner hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Choo to come home. The Indians took the lead in the sixth inning on a Casey Kotchman single, driving in Michael Brantley, before coming home on a Jose Lopez double. This made it 5-3, a final, with Jimenez getting the win, Chris Perez getting out of a jam for a save, and Porcello was dealt the loss.
Back in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and Roy Halladay pace the game. Philadelphia opened the scoring in the second inning with a Hector Luna ground rule double scoring Hunter Pence. Washington rallied to a lead in the third inning as Bryce Harper tripled in both Zimmermann and Steve Lombardozzi before coming the final 90 feet on an Adam LaRoche sacrifice fly, followed by an Ian Desmond solo home run. The Nationals got another in the fourth inning with Rick Ankiel going yard for a solo shot. The Phillies got one back in the eighth inning as Erik Kratz hit a solo home run. This made it 5-2, a final, with the win going to Zimmermann, the save turned by Tyler Clippard, and the loss pinned on Halladay.
Down in New York, the Yankees welcome the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Phil Hughes are the struggling pitchers. Kansas City struck first with Humberto Quintero doubling in Irving Falu in the third inning. The Royals added on with a fourth inning Jeff Francoeur solo home run. New York got on the board with a Robinson Cano solo shot in the bottom of the fourth. The Yankees got to work in the fifth inning as Derek Jeter singled in Mark Teixeira, followed by Curtis Granderson grounding out to bring in Russell Martin. They held on from here for a 3-2 win, earned by Hughes, while Rafael Soriano converted the save and Hochevar held the loss.
Near the Chesapeake, the Baltimore Orioles host the Boston Red Sox. Felix Doubront and Brian Matusz will take their turns in the rotation. Baltimore busted things open in the second inning with a two-run Steve Tolleson home run, also scoring Chris Davis. Boston got one back in the fourth inning on a Kevin Youkilis solo home run. The Orioles extended the lead with an eighth inning two-run home run by Wilson Betemit, sweeping in Matt Wieters. This held up for a 4-1 win, earned by Matusz, while Jim Johnson easily converted the save and Doubront had little help in the loss.
Down in Miami, the Marlins host the Colorado Rockies. Juan Nicasio and Ricky Nolasco are tabbed to start. Colorado rallied to an early lead in the first inning with a pair of singles by Todd Helton and Michael Cuddyer paving the way for Jonathan Herrera and Jordan Pacheco to come home, before a sacrifice fly from Willin Rosario got Troy Tulowitzki home safely. Miami got some back in their half of the first, with Bryan Petersen tripling to force in Jose Reyes before finishing his trip on a Hanley Ramirez single. The Marlins took the lead in the third inning as Giancarlo Stanton doubled home Austin Kearns before coming home alongside Donnie Murphy when the pitcher Nolasco hit a double. Miami got another one in the fourth inning as Chris Coghlan singled in Ramirez. The Rockies replied in the fifth inning as Tulowitzki singled home Carlos Gonzalez. The Marlins answered in the sixth inning as Ramirez singled to score Petersen. Colorado shot back in the seventh inning on a Rosario single to bring Helton home safely, followed by Cuddyer scoring on an error. Miami was able to hold on for a 7-6 win. Nolasco was in line for the win, Heath Bell turned the save, and Nicasio was stuck with the loss.
Staying in Florida, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Toronto Blue Jays. Drew Hutchison and Matt Moore are called on to pitch. Tampa Bay led off with a second inning Luke Scott solo home run. The Rays added on in the fourth inning when Drew Sutton doubled in Scott, and then scored on a fielder's choice from Chris Gimenez, followed by Carlos Pena lifting a three-run home run to score Gimenez and Elliot Johnson, as well as himself. Toronto got on the board in the fifth inning as Jose Bautista singled in both Rajai Davis and Kelly Johnson, before he came home alongside Yunel Escobar when Edwin Encarncaion reached on an error. Tampa Bay shot back in their half of the inning as Gimenez singled in Ben Zobrist. The Blue Jays chipped away in the sixth inning as Yan Gomes hit a solo shot. The Rays continued the ping-pong game as B.J. Upton went yard on a solo home run. They ended up on top by an 8-5 score, allowing the win to go to Burke Badenhop, the save to Fernando Rodney, and the loss to Hutchison.
Up to Cincinnati as the Reds welcome the Atlanta Braves. Brandon Beachy and Mat Latos are the talented young pitchers. Atlanta got things going in the first inning with a Michael Bourn solo home run. Cincinnati responded in their half of the inning as Brandon Phillips hit a two-run home run, also scoring Drew Stubbs. The Reds added on in the third inning with a Zack Cozart solo shot. The Braves replied with a fourth inning Jason Heyward double, driving in Dan Uggla. Cincinnati shot back in the bottom of the fourth when Phillips went yard again, this time as a solo home run. Atlanta got one back in the eighth inning with another Bourn solo shot. This wouldn't be enough to avoid a 4-3 loss, leaving the win with Latos, while Aroldis Chapman converted the save, and Beachy had the loss.
Down in Houston, the Astros host the Chicago Cubs. Travis Wood and J.A. Happ are the relatively unknown starters. Houston began with a first inning Jose Altuve solo home run. Chicago tied it in the fourth inning with an Alfonso Soriano solo shot. The Astros got the lead again in the sixth inning when J.D. Martinez singled to score Justin Maxwell. Houston held on to win 2-1, with the win earned by Happ, while Brett Myers converted the save, and Wood took the loss.
North to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Minnesota Twins. P.J. Walters is mismatched with Gavin Floyd. Chicago started with a first inning Gordon Beckham solo home run. Minnesota rallied to a lead in the second inning as Alexi Casilla doubled to score both Justin Morneau and Ryan Doumit before coming home on a Jamey Carroll single, and Carroll crossed the plate on a Denard Span single. The Twins extended the lead in the fourth inning with a 2-RBI single by Josh Willingham, knocking in Span and Carroll, followed by a three-run home run from Morneau, sweeping in Joe Mauer and Willingham. The White Sox got one back in the ninth inning as Paul Konerko grounded out, giving time for Orlando Hudson to score, producing a 9-2 final, with Walters going the distance for the win while Floyd was stuck with the loss.
Further to the north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the San Francisco Giants. Matt Cain and Shaun Marcum pace the game. San Francisco opened with a first inning Buster Posey ground rule double scoring Brandon Crawford and an Angel Pagan sacrifice fly bringing home Melky Cabrera. The Giants padded the lead in the fourth inning as Joaquin Arias hit a two-run home run, also scoring Aubrey Huff. Milwaukee got on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning as Rickie Weeks doubled in both Aramis Ramirez and Jonathan Lucroy. San Francisco added on in the sixth inning with a two-run home run by Posey, sweeping in Cabrera. The Brewers got one back in the seventh inning as Norichika Aoki doubled George Kotteras home, before he finished his trip on a Ryan Braun single. They couldn't pull closer, losing 6-4 at the hands of Cain, while Santiago Casilla converted the save and Marcum was dealt the loss.
Back to the south, the St. Louis Cardinals host the San Diego Padres. Edinson Volquez and Adam Wainwright are the staff aces pitching. St. Louis wasted little time in scoring first in the first inning as Carlos Beltran singled Daniel Descalso across the plate. The Cardinals got another in the sixth inning as Beltran reached on a fielder's choice, again bringing in Descalso, followed by Tyler Greene grounding into a fielder's choice to score Matt Holliday. St. Louis struck again in the seventh inning as Holliday doubled in Rafael Furcal. This held up for a 4-0 win, with Wainwright tossing a complete game shutout while only giving up 4 hits and a walk, while Volquez had almost no support whatsoever in the loss.
Southwest to Arizona, where the Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Trevor Cahill have the green light to start. Josh Bell got Arizona going with a two-run home run in the second inning, also scoring Lyle Overbay. The Diamondbacks added on in the third inning with a Justin Upton single providing Ryan Roberts time to dash home. Arizona struck again in the fifth inning on an Upton double driving in Willie Bloomquist and a Jason Kubel sacrifice fly allowing Upton to cross the plate. Los Angeles got on the board in the sixth inning with an Andre Ethier sacrifice fly, scoring Tony Gwynn, Jr. The Diamondbacks shot back in the bottom of the sixth as Henry Blanco doubled Overbay across the plate. The Dodgers shot back in the seventh inning as Jerry Sands doubled A.J. Ellis home safely, before coming home alongside Dee Gordon on a Gwynn single, and Gwynn finished his trip on a Bobby Abreu single, before the rally closed on an Ivan De Jesus sacrifice fly to bring home the tying run Elian Herrera. Arizona got the lead again in the eighth inning with Overbay hitting a solo shot. Los Angeles won in the ninth inning as De Jesus doubled in Herrera and Abreu for an 8-7 lead and win. Josh Lindblom picked up the win, Kenley Jansen converted the save, and J.J. Putz choked once again for a blown save and loss.
Northwest to Oakland, as the Athletics bring in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson and Graham Godfrey take to the pitching duties. Los Angeles rallied for a first inning lead beginning with an Albert Pujols sacrifice fly to knock in Mike Trout, followed by Mark Trumbo singling in Maicer Izturis and Howie Kendrick singling to score Kendrys Morales. The Angels extended the lead in the third inning as Pujols hit a solo home run. Los Angeles struck again in the seventh inning when Erick Aybar was hit by a pitch with the bases-loaded to force in Morales. This made it 5-0, a final, with Wilson allowing just a hit and two walks in eight innings for the win, while Godfrey obviously had no help in the loss.
Finally, in Seattle, the Mariners host the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Hector Noesi play from the mound. Seattle began with a first inning Justin Smoak single, scoring Alex Liddi. Texas rallied to a lead in the third inning when Elvis Andrus tripled to force in both Nelson Cruz and Mitch Moreland, before coming the final 90 feet on a Josh Hamilton ground rule double. This was all for the scoring, giving the Rangers a 3-1 win, earned by Matt Harrison, while Joe Nathan picked up his tenth save of the season, and Noesi was stuck holding the loss.
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Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and James McDonald are the underrated starters. New York began with a second inning Mike Nickeas single scoring Daniel Murphy. Pittsburgh tied it in the sixth inning on an Andrew McCutchen sacrifice fly, allowing safe passage home for Josh Harrison. The Mets got the lead back in the eighth inning as Lucas Duda singled Mike Baxter across the plate, and Murphy reached on a fielder's choice that combined with an error, scored Kirk Nieuwenhuis. The Pirates pulled back a little in the bottom of the eighth with a McCutchen single scoring Jose Tabata. They couldn't tie the game, falling 3-2, with the win belonging to Dickey, the save going to Frank Francisco, and Juan Cruz took the loss.
West into Cleveland, where the Indians host the Detroit Tigers. Rick Porcello and Ubaldo Jimenez get the starting nods. Cleveland was first on the board with a first inning Asdrubal Cabrera double knocking in Jason Kipnis. Detroit took the lead in the second inning on a three-run Alex Avila home run, sweeping in Brennan Boesch and Jhonny Peralta. The Indians got one back in the third inning when Travis Hafner singled in Shin-Soo Choo. Cleveland tied it in the fifth inning as Hafner hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Choo to come home. The Indians took the lead in the sixth inning on a Casey Kotchman single, driving in Michael Brantley, before coming home on a Jose Lopez double. This made it 5-3, a final, with Jimenez getting the win, Chris Perez getting out of a jam for a save, and Porcello was dealt the loss.
Back in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and Roy Halladay pace the game. Philadelphia opened the scoring in the second inning with a Hector Luna ground rule double scoring Hunter Pence. Washington rallied to a lead in the third inning as Bryce Harper tripled in both Zimmermann and Steve Lombardozzi before coming the final 90 feet on an Adam LaRoche sacrifice fly, followed by an Ian Desmond solo home run. The Nationals got another in the fourth inning with Rick Ankiel going yard for a solo shot. The Phillies got one back in the eighth inning as Erik Kratz hit a solo home run. This made it 5-2, a final, with the win going to Zimmermann, the save turned by Tyler Clippard, and the loss pinned on Halladay.
Down in New York, the Yankees welcome the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Phil Hughes are the struggling pitchers. Kansas City struck first with Humberto Quintero doubling in Irving Falu in the third inning. The Royals added on with a fourth inning Jeff Francoeur solo home run. New York got on the board with a Robinson Cano solo shot in the bottom of the fourth. The Yankees got to work in the fifth inning as Derek Jeter singled in Mark Teixeira, followed by Curtis Granderson grounding out to bring in Russell Martin. They held on from here for a 3-2 win, earned by Hughes, while Rafael Soriano converted the save and Hochevar held the loss.
Near the Chesapeake, the Baltimore Orioles host the Boston Red Sox. Felix Doubront and Brian Matusz will take their turns in the rotation. Baltimore busted things open in the second inning with a two-run Steve Tolleson home run, also scoring Chris Davis. Boston got one back in the fourth inning on a Kevin Youkilis solo home run. The Orioles extended the lead with an eighth inning two-run home run by Wilson Betemit, sweeping in Matt Wieters. This held up for a 4-1 win, earned by Matusz, while Jim Johnson easily converted the save and Doubront had little help in the loss.
Down in Miami, the Marlins host the Colorado Rockies. Juan Nicasio and Ricky Nolasco are tabbed to start. Colorado rallied to an early lead in the first inning with a pair of singles by Todd Helton and Michael Cuddyer paving the way for Jonathan Herrera and Jordan Pacheco to come home, before a sacrifice fly from Willin Rosario got Troy Tulowitzki home safely. Miami got some back in their half of the first, with Bryan Petersen tripling to force in Jose Reyes before finishing his trip on a Hanley Ramirez single. The Marlins took the lead in the third inning as Giancarlo Stanton doubled home Austin Kearns before coming home alongside Donnie Murphy when the pitcher Nolasco hit a double. Miami got another one in the fourth inning as Chris Coghlan singled in Ramirez. The Rockies replied in the fifth inning as Tulowitzki singled home Carlos Gonzalez. The Marlins answered in the sixth inning as Ramirez singled to score Petersen. Colorado shot back in the seventh inning on a Rosario single to bring Helton home safely, followed by Cuddyer scoring on an error. Miami was able to hold on for a 7-6 win. Nolasco was in line for the win, Heath Bell turned the save, and Nicasio was stuck with the loss.
Staying in Florida, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Toronto Blue Jays. Drew Hutchison and Matt Moore are called on to pitch. Tampa Bay led off with a second inning Luke Scott solo home run. The Rays added on in the fourth inning when Drew Sutton doubled in Scott, and then scored on a fielder's choice from Chris Gimenez, followed by Carlos Pena lifting a three-run home run to score Gimenez and Elliot Johnson, as well as himself. Toronto got on the board in the fifth inning as Jose Bautista singled in both Rajai Davis and Kelly Johnson, before he came home alongside Yunel Escobar when Edwin Encarncaion reached on an error. Tampa Bay shot back in their half of the inning as Gimenez singled in Ben Zobrist. The Blue Jays chipped away in the sixth inning as Yan Gomes hit a solo shot. The Rays continued the ping-pong game as B.J. Upton went yard on a solo home run. They ended up on top by an 8-5 score, allowing the win to go to Burke Badenhop, the save to Fernando Rodney, and the loss to Hutchison.
Up to Cincinnati as the Reds welcome the Atlanta Braves. Brandon Beachy and Mat Latos are the talented young pitchers. Atlanta got things going in the first inning with a Michael Bourn solo home run. Cincinnati responded in their half of the inning as Brandon Phillips hit a two-run home run, also scoring Drew Stubbs. The Reds added on in the third inning with a Zack Cozart solo shot. The Braves replied with a fourth inning Jason Heyward double, driving in Dan Uggla. Cincinnati shot back in the bottom of the fourth when Phillips went yard again, this time as a solo home run. Atlanta got one back in the eighth inning with another Bourn solo shot. This wouldn't be enough to avoid a 4-3 loss, leaving the win with Latos, while Aroldis Chapman converted the save, and Beachy had the loss.
Down in Houston, the Astros host the Chicago Cubs. Travis Wood and J.A. Happ are the relatively unknown starters. Houston began with a first inning Jose Altuve solo home run. Chicago tied it in the fourth inning with an Alfonso Soriano solo shot. The Astros got the lead again in the sixth inning when J.D. Martinez singled to score Justin Maxwell. Houston held on to win 2-1, with the win earned by Happ, while Brett Myers converted the save, and Wood took the loss.
North to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Minnesota Twins. P.J. Walters is mismatched with Gavin Floyd. Chicago started with a first inning Gordon Beckham solo home run. Minnesota rallied to a lead in the second inning as Alexi Casilla doubled to score both Justin Morneau and Ryan Doumit before coming home on a Jamey Carroll single, and Carroll crossed the plate on a Denard Span single. The Twins extended the lead in the fourth inning with a 2-RBI single by Josh Willingham, knocking in Span and Carroll, followed by a three-run home run from Morneau, sweeping in Joe Mauer and Willingham. The White Sox got one back in the ninth inning as Paul Konerko grounded out, giving time for Orlando Hudson to score, producing a 9-2 final, with Walters going the distance for the win while Floyd was stuck with the loss.
Further to the north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the San Francisco Giants. Matt Cain and Shaun Marcum pace the game. San Francisco opened with a first inning Buster Posey ground rule double scoring Brandon Crawford and an Angel Pagan sacrifice fly bringing home Melky Cabrera. The Giants padded the lead in the fourth inning as Joaquin Arias hit a two-run home run, also scoring Aubrey Huff. Milwaukee got on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning as Rickie Weeks doubled in both Aramis Ramirez and Jonathan Lucroy. San Francisco added on in the sixth inning with a two-run home run by Posey, sweeping in Cabrera. The Brewers got one back in the seventh inning as Norichika Aoki doubled George Kotteras home, before he finished his trip on a Ryan Braun single. They couldn't pull closer, losing 6-4 at the hands of Cain, while Santiago Casilla converted the save and Marcum was dealt the loss.
Back to the south, the St. Louis Cardinals host the San Diego Padres. Edinson Volquez and Adam Wainwright are the staff aces pitching. St. Louis wasted little time in scoring first in the first inning as Carlos Beltran singled Daniel Descalso across the plate. The Cardinals got another in the sixth inning as Beltran reached on a fielder's choice, again bringing in Descalso, followed by Tyler Greene grounding into a fielder's choice to score Matt Holliday. St. Louis struck again in the seventh inning as Holliday doubled in Rafael Furcal. This held up for a 4-0 win, with Wainwright tossing a complete game shutout while only giving up 4 hits and a walk, while Volquez had almost no support whatsoever in the loss.
Southwest to Arizona, where the Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Trevor Cahill have the green light to start. Josh Bell got Arizona going with a two-run home run in the second inning, also scoring Lyle Overbay. The Diamondbacks added on in the third inning with a Justin Upton single providing Ryan Roberts time to dash home. Arizona struck again in the fifth inning on an Upton double driving in Willie Bloomquist and a Jason Kubel sacrifice fly allowing Upton to cross the plate. Los Angeles got on the board in the sixth inning with an Andre Ethier sacrifice fly, scoring Tony Gwynn, Jr. The Diamondbacks shot back in the bottom of the sixth as Henry Blanco doubled Overbay across the plate. The Dodgers shot back in the seventh inning as Jerry Sands doubled A.J. Ellis home safely, before coming home alongside Dee Gordon on a Gwynn single, and Gwynn finished his trip on a Bobby Abreu single, before the rally closed on an Ivan De Jesus sacrifice fly to bring home the tying run Elian Herrera. Arizona got the lead again in the eighth inning with Overbay hitting a solo shot. Los Angeles won in the ninth inning as De Jesus doubled in Herrera and Abreu for an 8-7 lead and win. Josh Lindblom picked up the win, Kenley Jansen converted the save, and J.J. Putz choked once again for a blown save and loss.
Northwest to Oakland, as the Athletics bring in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson and Graham Godfrey take to the pitching duties. Los Angeles rallied for a first inning lead beginning with an Albert Pujols sacrifice fly to knock in Mike Trout, followed by Mark Trumbo singling in Maicer Izturis and Howie Kendrick singling to score Kendrys Morales. The Angels extended the lead in the third inning as Pujols hit a solo home run. Los Angeles struck again in the seventh inning when Erick Aybar was hit by a pitch with the bases-loaded to force in Morales. This made it 5-0, a final, with Wilson allowing just a hit and two walks in eight innings for the win, while Godfrey obviously had no help in the loss.
Finally, in Seattle, the Mariners host the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Hector Noesi play from the mound. Seattle began with a first inning Justin Smoak single, scoring Alex Liddi. Texas rallied to a lead in the third inning when Elvis Andrus tripled to force in both Nelson Cruz and Mitch Moreland, before coming the final 90 feet on a Josh Hamilton ground rule double. This was all for the scoring, giving the Rangers a 3-1 win, earned by Matt Harrison, while Joe Nathan picked up his tenth save of the season, and Noesi was stuck holding the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Monday, May 21, 2012
MLB Day 50 2012
Thirteen games as teams return to their respective leagues. We begin in...
Philadelphia, with the Phillies hosting the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Kyle Kendrick show alliteration in the pitching match. Washington started with a second inning solo shot by Ian Desmond. The Nationals added on in the fourth inning when Desmond singled to score Bryce Harper. Philadelphia attempted a ninth inning rally as Ty Wigginton hit a sacrifice fly to score John Mayberry, but they couldn't avoid a 2-1 loss in the end. Gonzalez picked up the win, Sean Burnett turned the save, and Kendrick had little help in the loss.
Into New York, with the Yankees hosting the Kansas City Royals. Felipe Paulino and Hiroki Kuroda get the starting nods. Kansas City quickly opened with a first inning two-run Mike Moustakas home run, also scoring Billy Butler. The Royals added on in the third inning with Eric Hosmer doubling in Jarrod Dyson. The Royals padded the lead in the seventh inning with a two-run blast by Jeff Francoeur, sweeping in Butler. Kansas City struck again with an eighth inning wild pitch bringing in Irving Falu. This was all for the scoring producing a 6-0 final, with Paulino pitching effectively for the win while Kuroda got no help in the loss.
South a bit to Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Boston Red Sox. Clay Buchholz and Tommy Hunter are the struggling starters. Boston was first on the board in the third inning when Mike Aviles singled in Daniel Nava, followed by a Dustin Pedroia sacrifice fly to score Marlon Byrd. Baltimore answered in the bottom of the third as Xavier Avery walked with the bases load to knock in Wilson Betemit, followed by J.J. Hardy singling to score Nick Johnson, Nick Markakis drawing a bases loaded walk to force in Robert Andino, and Avery dashed home to finish his trip as Adam Jones grounded into a double play. The Orioles added on in the fourth inning when Chris Davis hit a solo home run. The Red Sox got it back in the sixth inning on a David Ortiz solo shot, followed by Nava's sacrifice fly allowing safe passage home for Adrian Gonzalez and Will Middlebrooks scoring on a balk. Boston got the lead in the seventh inning with Gonzalez's sacrifice fly allowing Aviles to cross the plate, and they extended it with Middlebrooks singling Pedroia home safely. The Red Sox got another in the eighth inning as Pedroia singled in Che-Hsuan Lin. Baltimore finally got one back in the bottom of the eighth as Matt Wieters singled home Markakis. They got no further, falling 8-6, with Andrew Miller getting the win, Alfredo Aceves cleanly tossing the save, his tenth of the season, and Kevin Gregg was on the hook for the loss.
Back in Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the New York Mets. Johan Santana and Erik Bedard are the veteran pitchers. New York rallied to a lead in the second inning when Ronny Cedeno doubled home Vinny Rottino, before coming home alongside Mike Nickeas on a Justin Turned single, and then David Wright singled in Andres Torres. Pittsburgh shot back in the fourth inning when Andrew McCutchen doubled in Josh Harrison before finishing his trip around on a double by Pedro Alvarez. The Pirates tied it in the seventh inning on a Michael McKenry two-run home run, also scoring Clint Barmes. Pittsburgh got the lead in the eighth inning as Barmes hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Neil Walker to dash home safely. This proved to be the decisive run, leading the Pirates to a 5-4 win, earned by Jared Hughes, while Joel Hanrahan converted the save cleanly for his tenth of the season and Jon Rauch was stuck holding the loss.
West a tad to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor opposes a man of a similar moniker, Mike Leake, in pitching. Cincinnati struck first with a first inning Drew Stubbs solo home run. Atlanta answered in the second inning with a solo home run by Juan Francisco. The Reds gained the lead in the fourth inning with back-to-back-to-back solo shots by the pitcher Leake, Zack Cozart, and Stubbs. This power show proved to be all there was for scoring, with Cincinnati getting a 4-1 win on the arm of Leake, and Sean Marshall picked up the save while Minor was stuck seeing gophers in the loss.
Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Toronto Blue Jays. Kyle Drabek and Jeremy Hellickson are on the mound. Tampa Bay was first on the board with a first inning B.J. Upton solo home run. Toronto got on the board with a second inning Eric Thames single, bringing in J.P. Arencibia. The Blue Jays added on in the third inning as Kelly Johnson hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Colby Rasmus to dash home. The Rays retied it in the bottom of the third as Sean Rodriguez singled Matt Joyce across the plate. Toronto grabbed the lead again in the sixth inning as Yunel Escobar hit a solo shot. The Blue Jays padded the lead in the eighth inning as Jose Bautista reached on an error to score both Rasmus and Johnson, followed by Edwin Encarnacion grounding into a fielder's choice to give Escobar time to cross the plate. This produced the eventual final, 6-2, with Drabek earning the win and Hellickson taking the loss.
Staying in Florida, the Miami Marlins host the Colorado Rockies. Jamie Moyer and Mark Buehrle are the grizzled veteran pitchers. Colorado rallied to an early lead in the first inning as Michael Cuddyer doubled in both Jordan Pacheco and Carlos Gonzalez before coming all the way home on a two-run home run by Troy Tulowitzki. Miami got one back in the third inning as Austin Kearns singled, allowing Hanley Ramirez to get home. The Marlins chipped away in the fourth inning on a Jose Reyes single that combined with an error to get the pitcher Buehrle across the dish, and then they blasted their way to a lead with a grand slam by Giancarlo Stanton that swept in all of Reyes, Ramirez, and Kearns. Miami was back at work in the seventh inning with Kearns' single giving Ramirez time to dash home. This made it 7-4, a final, with Buehrle getting the win, Heath Bell tossing the save, and Moyer suffering a rough loss.
Westward to Houston, where the Astros welcome the Chicago Cubs. Matt Garza and Bud Norris are handed the ball. Houston led off with a second inning three-run home run by Jason Castro, sweeping in Chris Johnson and J.D. Martinez. The Astros padded the lead with a third inning Carlos Lee single, scoring Jed Lowrie, before coming home on a three-run homer by Johnson that also scored Brian Bogusevic. Houston struck again in the seventh inning with a Lowrie solo shot. Chicago got on the board in the ninth inning as Reed Johnson singled to bring home Adrian Cardenas, followed by David DeJesus doing the same for Koyie Hill and Blake Lalli singled in Johnson for a 8-3 final. Norris was given credit for the win while Garza got lit up in the loss.
Up in Milwaukee, the Brewers host the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner and Randy Wolf are the well known starters. San Francisco staked an early lead on a three-run home run by Buster Posey in the first inning, also scoring Brandon Crawford and Melky Cabrera. Milwaukee got on the board in the sixth inning as Aramis Ramirez doubled, bringing in Ryan Braun. The Brewers tied it in the eighth inning as Braun went yard with a two-run home run, sweeping in Norichika Aoki. The Giants took the lead in the fourteenth inning on a Hector Sanchez solo shot. This stood for a 4-3 win, with Santiago Casilla picking up the W while Juan Perez was stuck with the loss.
South a tad, the St. Louis Cardinals host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard (of recent pinch-hitting fame) and Jaime Garcia are the reliable starters. San Diego got things going in the second inning with a Nick Hundley sacrifice fly allowing Yonder Alonso to get home. St. Louis tied it in the seventh inning when Rafael Furcal singled home Tyler Greene, followed by a Matt Carpenter groundout to score the pitcher Garcia to take a lead. The Padres reclaimed the lead in the eighth inning with a 2-RBI double by Jesus Guzman, driving in both Chris Denorfia and Alonso. The Cardinals took the lead back in the bottom of the eighth as Greene hit a two-run home run, knocking in Yadier Molina. This made it 4-3, a final, with Jason Motte in line for the win while Andrew Cashner was pinned with the loss.
Southwest to Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano and Patrick Corbin are handed the ball. Los Angeles opened with a second inning two-run Matt Treanor home run, also scoring Jerry Sands. Arizona got on the board with a fourth inning Aaron Hill single bringing in Willie Bloomquist. The Dodgers answered in the seventh inning as Andre Ethier hit a solo home run. Los Angeles extended the lead in the eighth inning on a Justin Sellers triple, forcing in Ivan De Jesus, before a two-run home run by James Loney brought him the final 90 feet home. This made it 6-1, a final, with Capuano earning the win and Corbin being dealt the loss.
Up to Oakland, as the Athletics host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jerome Williams and Tommy Milone are the relatively unknown starters. Oakland drew first blood in the second inning when Kurt Suzuki grounded into a double play to bring in Seth Smith. The Athletics added on in the third inning with a Kila Ka'aihue single driving in Coco Crisp. Los Angeles got on the board in the fifth inning as Mike Trout doubled to score Howie Kendrick. This was as close as it got, with Oakland winning 2-1 on the arm of Milone, while Brian Fuentes got the save and Williams suffered the loss.
Up in Seattle, the Mariners close out the day hosting the Texas Rangers. Yu Darvish and Felix Hernandez are the staff aces pacing the game. Seattle busted things open in the first inning as Ichiro tripled to force in Michael Saunders. The Mariners added on in the third inning as Ichiro singled in Dustin Ackley, and also Saunders after an error, and then Jesus Montero hit a sacrifice fly to finish Ichiro's trip around. Seattle struck again in the fourth inning as Ackley singled John Jaso across the dish. The Mariners got another in the seventh inning as Montero doubled in Seager. Texas got on the board in the eighth inning with a Mitch Moreland solo home run, producing a 6-1 final. Hernandez picked up an easy win while Darvish was rocked hard in the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Philadelphia, with the Phillies hosting the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Kyle Kendrick show alliteration in the pitching match. Washington started with a second inning solo shot by Ian Desmond. The Nationals added on in the fourth inning when Desmond singled to score Bryce Harper. Philadelphia attempted a ninth inning rally as Ty Wigginton hit a sacrifice fly to score John Mayberry, but they couldn't avoid a 2-1 loss in the end. Gonzalez picked up the win, Sean Burnett turned the save, and Kendrick had little help in the loss.
Into New York, with the Yankees hosting the Kansas City Royals. Felipe Paulino and Hiroki Kuroda get the starting nods. Kansas City quickly opened with a first inning two-run Mike Moustakas home run, also scoring Billy Butler. The Royals added on in the third inning with Eric Hosmer doubling in Jarrod Dyson. The Royals padded the lead in the seventh inning with a two-run blast by Jeff Francoeur, sweeping in Butler. Kansas City struck again with an eighth inning wild pitch bringing in Irving Falu. This was all for the scoring producing a 6-0 final, with Paulino pitching effectively for the win while Kuroda got no help in the loss.
South a bit to Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Boston Red Sox. Clay Buchholz and Tommy Hunter are the struggling starters. Boston was first on the board in the third inning when Mike Aviles singled in Daniel Nava, followed by a Dustin Pedroia sacrifice fly to score Marlon Byrd. Baltimore answered in the bottom of the third as Xavier Avery walked with the bases load to knock in Wilson Betemit, followed by J.J. Hardy singling to score Nick Johnson, Nick Markakis drawing a bases loaded walk to force in Robert Andino, and Avery dashed home to finish his trip as Adam Jones grounded into a double play. The Orioles added on in the fourth inning when Chris Davis hit a solo home run. The Red Sox got it back in the sixth inning on a David Ortiz solo shot, followed by Nava's sacrifice fly allowing safe passage home for Adrian Gonzalez and Will Middlebrooks scoring on a balk. Boston got the lead in the seventh inning with Gonzalez's sacrifice fly allowing Aviles to cross the plate, and they extended it with Middlebrooks singling Pedroia home safely. The Red Sox got another in the eighth inning as Pedroia singled in Che-Hsuan Lin. Baltimore finally got one back in the bottom of the eighth as Matt Wieters singled home Markakis. They got no further, falling 8-6, with Andrew Miller getting the win, Alfredo Aceves cleanly tossing the save, his tenth of the season, and Kevin Gregg was on the hook for the loss.
Back in Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the New York Mets. Johan Santana and Erik Bedard are the veteran pitchers. New York rallied to a lead in the second inning when Ronny Cedeno doubled home Vinny Rottino, before coming home alongside Mike Nickeas on a Justin Turned single, and then David Wright singled in Andres Torres. Pittsburgh shot back in the fourth inning when Andrew McCutchen doubled in Josh Harrison before finishing his trip around on a double by Pedro Alvarez. The Pirates tied it in the seventh inning on a Michael McKenry two-run home run, also scoring Clint Barmes. Pittsburgh got the lead in the eighth inning as Barmes hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Neil Walker to dash home safely. This proved to be the decisive run, leading the Pirates to a 5-4 win, earned by Jared Hughes, while Joel Hanrahan converted the save cleanly for his tenth of the season and Jon Rauch was stuck holding the loss.
West a tad to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor opposes a man of a similar moniker, Mike Leake, in pitching. Cincinnati struck first with a first inning Drew Stubbs solo home run. Atlanta answered in the second inning with a solo home run by Juan Francisco. The Reds gained the lead in the fourth inning with back-to-back-to-back solo shots by the pitcher Leake, Zack Cozart, and Stubbs. This power show proved to be all there was for scoring, with Cincinnati getting a 4-1 win on the arm of Leake, and Sean Marshall picked up the save while Minor was stuck seeing gophers in the loss.
Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Toronto Blue Jays. Kyle Drabek and Jeremy Hellickson are on the mound. Tampa Bay was first on the board with a first inning B.J. Upton solo home run. Toronto got on the board with a second inning Eric Thames single, bringing in J.P. Arencibia. The Blue Jays added on in the third inning as Kelly Johnson hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Colby Rasmus to dash home. The Rays retied it in the bottom of the third as Sean Rodriguez singled Matt Joyce across the plate. Toronto grabbed the lead again in the sixth inning as Yunel Escobar hit a solo shot. The Blue Jays padded the lead in the eighth inning as Jose Bautista reached on an error to score both Rasmus and Johnson, followed by Edwin Encarnacion grounding into a fielder's choice to give Escobar time to cross the plate. This produced the eventual final, 6-2, with Drabek earning the win and Hellickson taking the loss.
Staying in Florida, the Miami Marlins host the Colorado Rockies. Jamie Moyer and Mark Buehrle are the grizzled veteran pitchers. Colorado rallied to an early lead in the first inning as Michael Cuddyer doubled in both Jordan Pacheco and Carlos Gonzalez before coming all the way home on a two-run home run by Troy Tulowitzki. Miami got one back in the third inning as Austin Kearns singled, allowing Hanley Ramirez to get home. The Marlins chipped away in the fourth inning on a Jose Reyes single that combined with an error to get the pitcher Buehrle across the dish, and then they blasted their way to a lead with a grand slam by Giancarlo Stanton that swept in all of Reyes, Ramirez, and Kearns. Miami was back at work in the seventh inning with Kearns' single giving Ramirez time to dash home. This made it 7-4, a final, with Buehrle getting the win, Heath Bell tossing the save, and Moyer suffering a rough loss.
Westward to Houston, where the Astros welcome the Chicago Cubs. Matt Garza and Bud Norris are handed the ball. Houston led off with a second inning three-run home run by Jason Castro, sweeping in Chris Johnson and J.D. Martinez. The Astros padded the lead with a third inning Carlos Lee single, scoring Jed Lowrie, before coming home on a three-run homer by Johnson that also scored Brian Bogusevic. Houston struck again in the seventh inning with a Lowrie solo shot. Chicago got on the board in the ninth inning as Reed Johnson singled to bring home Adrian Cardenas, followed by David DeJesus doing the same for Koyie Hill and Blake Lalli singled in Johnson for a 8-3 final. Norris was given credit for the win while Garza got lit up in the loss.
Up in Milwaukee, the Brewers host the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner and Randy Wolf are the well known starters. San Francisco staked an early lead on a three-run home run by Buster Posey in the first inning, also scoring Brandon Crawford and Melky Cabrera. Milwaukee got on the board in the sixth inning as Aramis Ramirez doubled, bringing in Ryan Braun. The Brewers tied it in the eighth inning as Braun went yard with a two-run home run, sweeping in Norichika Aoki. The Giants took the lead in the fourteenth inning on a Hector Sanchez solo shot. This stood for a 4-3 win, with Santiago Casilla picking up the W while Juan Perez was stuck with the loss.
South a tad, the St. Louis Cardinals host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard (of recent pinch-hitting fame) and Jaime Garcia are the reliable starters. San Diego got things going in the second inning with a Nick Hundley sacrifice fly allowing Yonder Alonso to get home. St. Louis tied it in the seventh inning when Rafael Furcal singled home Tyler Greene, followed by a Matt Carpenter groundout to score the pitcher Garcia to take a lead. The Padres reclaimed the lead in the eighth inning with a 2-RBI double by Jesus Guzman, driving in both Chris Denorfia and Alonso. The Cardinals took the lead back in the bottom of the eighth as Greene hit a two-run home run, knocking in Yadier Molina. This made it 4-3, a final, with Jason Motte in line for the win while Andrew Cashner was pinned with the loss.
Southwest to Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano and Patrick Corbin are handed the ball. Los Angeles opened with a second inning two-run Matt Treanor home run, also scoring Jerry Sands. Arizona got on the board with a fourth inning Aaron Hill single bringing in Willie Bloomquist. The Dodgers answered in the seventh inning as Andre Ethier hit a solo home run. Los Angeles extended the lead in the eighth inning on a Justin Sellers triple, forcing in Ivan De Jesus, before a two-run home run by James Loney brought him the final 90 feet home. This made it 6-1, a final, with Capuano earning the win and Corbin being dealt the loss.
Up to Oakland, as the Athletics host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jerome Williams and Tommy Milone are the relatively unknown starters. Oakland drew first blood in the second inning when Kurt Suzuki grounded into a double play to bring in Seth Smith. The Athletics added on in the third inning with a Kila Ka'aihue single driving in Coco Crisp. Los Angeles got on the board in the fifth inning as Mike Trout doubled to score Howie Kendrick. This was as close as it got, with Oakland winning 2-1 on the arm of Milone, while Brian Fuentes got the save and Williams suffered the loss.
Up in Seattle, the Mariners close out the day hosting the Texas Rangers. Yu Darvish and Felix Hernandez are the staff aces pacing the game. Seattle busted things open in the first inning as Ichiro tripled to force in Michael Saunders. The Mariners added on in the third inning as Ichiro singled in Dustin Ackley, and also Saunders after an error, and then Jesus Montero hit a sacrifice fly to finish Ichiro's trip around. Seattle struck again in the fourth inning as Ackley singled John Jaso across the dish. The Mariners got another in the seventh inning as Montero doubled in Seager. Texas got on the board in the eighth inning with a Mitch Moreland solo home run, producing a 6-1 final. Hernandez picked up an easy win while Darvish was rocked hard in the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 7 2012
1: Mike Trout
2: J.P. Arencibia
3: Dayan Viciedo
4: Jonathan Lucroy
5: Adam Jones
6: Ryan Braun
7: Clayton Kershaw
8: Andrew McCutchen
9: Carlos Ruiz
10: Prince Fielder
Some interesting names in the top 5, don't you think? Glad to see the bottom half of the top 10 have well known superstars to complement the waiver wire guys up top.
2: J.P. Arencibia
3: Dayan Viciedo
4: Jonathan Lucroy
5: Adam Jones
6: Ryan Braun
7: Clayton Kershaw
8: Andrew McCutchen
9: Carlos Ruiz
10: Prince Fielder
Some interesting names in the top 5, don't you think? Glad to see the bottom half of the top 10 have well known superstars to complement the waiver wire guys up top.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
MLB Day 49 2012
The final day of interleague play for awhile, and we begin in...
Cleveland, with the Indians hosting the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson and Derek Lowe are the staff aces on the mound. Miami began with a groundout by Hanley Ramirez to bring in Jose Reyes in the first inning. The Marlins added on in the third inning when Greg Dobbs doubled Ramirez home safely. Cleveland got one back in the fifth inning as Jose Lopez hit a single, driving in Michael Brantley. Miami got some breathing room in the eighth inning as Logan Morrison doubled Dobbs home and Brett Hayes singled, knocking in Giancarlo Stanton, followed by a Chris Coghlan fielder's choice providing Morrison time to finish his trip around. The Indians attempted a ninth inning comeback as Lopez doubled and Brantley crossed home, followed by Casey Kotchman grounding out to give Johnny Damon time to dash home, but they never tied it and fell 5-3. The win went to Johnson, while Heath Bell sloppily converted the save, and Lowe was stuck holding the loss.
Up to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and Max Scherzer are the veteran pitchers. Pittsburgh opened in the fifth inning on a Rod Barajas solo home run. Detroit tied it in the bottom of the fifth as Jhonny Peralta went yard on a solo home run of his own. The Pirates got the lead back in the sixth inning with a Neil Walker solo shot. The Tigers tied it again in the seventh inning as Delmon Young singled home Prince Fielder, and they took the lead on a 2-RBI Alex Avila single, plating both Young and Peralta. Pittsburgh attempted a rally in the ninth inning with a Barajas sacrifice fly allowing safe passage home for Josh Harrison, but they failed to get the equalizer, falling 4-3 at the hands of winning pitcher Scherzer, while Joaquin Benoit converted a rocky save, and Correia was dealt the loss.
East to New York, where the Yankees host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and CC Sabathia pace the game. New York busted things open in the sixth inning as Raul Ibanez hit a two-run home run, also scoring Robinson Cano. Cincinnati tied it in the seventh inning with Ryan Ludwick and Ryan Hanigan hitting solo shots, and they took the lead as Brandon Phillips drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Zack Cozart. The Reds added on in the ninth inning when Ludwick doubled in both Phillips and Jay Bruce. This proved plenty for a 5-2 win, with Cueto picking up the win, Aroldis Chapman converting his first save cleanly, and Sabathia got pinned with the loss.
Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the New York Mets. Dillon Gee and Henderson Alvarez are the relatively unknown starters. New York quickly took a first inning lead when David Wright doubled in both Andres Torres and Mike Baxter, before coming the rest of the way home as Kirk Nieuwenhuis doubled. The Mets padded the lead in the second inning with Baxter tripling to force in Ronny Cedeno. Toronto got on the board in the bottom of the second with a Yan Gomes single knocking in Ben Francisco. The Blue Jays got another in the third inning as Jose Bautista hit a solo home run. New York shot back in the fifth inning when Daniel Murphy singled home Baxter, followed by Ike Davis hitting a fielder's choice that allowed Lucas Duda to score. Toronto got one back in the seventh inning on a Bautista single, knocking in Gomes. The Blue Jays chipped away in the eighth inning when Eric Thames doubled to score J.P. Arencibia, before finishing his trip around on a Colby Rasmus single. They couldn't tie the game, falling 6-5, with the win going to Gee, the save turned by Frank Francisco, and the loss was served to Alvarez.
Back stateside, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Boston Red Sox. Josh Beckett and Cliff Lee are on the hill. Boston began with a solo home run in the first inning by Mike Aviles. The Red Sox got another in the second inning with Aviles singling, allowing Marlon Byrd to dash home. Boston extended the lead with a three-run home run by Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the third inning, sweeping in Adrian Gonzalez and Will Middlebrooks. Philadelphia got on the board in the eighth inning as Juan Pierre hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Pete Orr. Boston was able to hold on from there and win 5-1, with Beckett earning the win and Lee getting little help in the loss.
Into the nation's capital, with the Washington Nationals hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Stephen Strasburg get the starting nods. Baltimore was first on the board with a first inning Nick Markakis single to drive in Xavier Avery. The Orioles padded the lead in the second inning as Robert Andino grounded out to provide Wilson Betemit time to get home, followed by Avery singling in Chris Davis. Washington tied it in the third inning when Bryce Harper tripled, forcing in both Strasburg and Danny Espinosa, before coming all the way home on an Ian Desmond fielder's choice. The Nationals took the lead in the fourth inning with solo home runs by Jesus Flores and Strasburg. Washington added on in the fifth inning as Desmond singled Harper across the plate. The Nationals padded the lead in the eighth inning as Espinosa hit a two-run home run, also scoring Steve Lombardozzi, followed by an Adam LaRoche sacrifice fly that gave Harper time to cross the dish. This made it 9-3, a final, with the win going to Strasburg and the loss to Chen.
Down in Tampa Bay,the Rays host the Atlanta Braves. Tim Hudson and David Price are the pair of aces on the mound. Atlanta led off with a third inning David Ross solo home run. The Braves added on in the sixth inning as Jason Heyward singled home Freddie Freeman. This was all they needed for a 2-0 win, earned by Hudson, while Craig Kimbrel cleanly pitched the ninth inning for a save, and Price had no help in the loss.
Westward to Houston, with the Astros hosting their in-state rivals, the Texas Rangers. Colby Lewis and Jordan Lyles take their turns in the rotation. Texas jumped to an early lead with a first inning rally including Josh Hamilton hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz singling to score Elvis Andrus and Michael Young, and Cruz coming home alongside David Murphy on a single by the pitcher Lewis. The Rangers got another in the fifth inning on a Murphy solo home run. Houston got on the board in the ninth inning with a solo shot by Jed Lowrie, making it a 6-1 loss. Lewis was strong in the win while Lyles was not so much so in the loss.
Well north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Minnesota Twins. Jason Marquis and Zack Greinke got the starting nods. Minnesota struck first as Josh Willingham singled in Ben Revere. Milwaukee took the lead in the bottom of the first with solo home runs by Corey Hart and Jonathan Lucroy. The Brewers went batty in the second inning, with a rally started by Hart singling in Travis Ishikawa, followed by Ryan Braun doubling in both Greinke and Hart, Lucroy singling to score Nyjer Mogan and Braun, and Ishikawa singling to finish Lucroy's trip around. Milwaukee fired the engines up again in the fourth inning when Braun doubled home Morgan, followed by a Taylor Green sacrifice fly to finish Braun's trip around the bases. The Brewers kept going with a fifth inning Braun single scoring the pitcher Greinke. Milwaukee struck once again in the seventh inning on a Norichika Aoki single to knock in Carlos Gomez, followed by Lucroy clearing the bases on a grand slam, forcing in Hart, Morgan, and Aoki. The Twins got one back in the eighth inning on a Brian Dozier single to score Joe Mauer. Minnesota got as close as 16-4 in the ninth inning when Darin Mastroianni reached on an error to bring in Alexi Casilla and Drew Butera drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Revere, allowing Greinke an easy win in the beatdown, while Marquis was chased early after taking a good portion of the attack for a loss.
South again to Kansas City, where the Royals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Nathan Adcock are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Arizona got things going in the fifth inning when John McDonald reached on an error to bring in Paul Goldschmidt. The Diamondbacks added on in the eighth inning when Justin Upton hit a sacrifice fly to score Gerardo Parra. This was good for a 2-0 win, earned by Miley, while J.J. Putz effectively converted the save, and Adcock was stuck holding the loss.
A tad north, the Chicago Cubs host their same-city rivals, the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy opposes a lesser foe in Paul Maholm. The White Sox were first on the board with fourth inning Gordon Beckham and Adam Dunn solo home runs. The White Sox got another solo shot in the fifth inning from Tyler Flowers' bat. The White Sox struck again in the seventh inning as Peavy grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing Flowers to dash home, before Peavy came home on a Beckham sacrifice fly. The White Sox added on in the ninth inning when Alex Rios doubled home Brent Lillibridge. This made it 6-0, a final, with Peavy pitchingly strongly in the win while Maholm got no help in the loss.
Out west, the Colorado Rockies host the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beaven and Jeremy Guthrie are the struggling starters. Seattle busted things open in the first inning when Dustin Ackley stole home, followed by Justin Smoak singling to score Kyle Seager. Colorado got on the board in their half of the inning with a solo home run by Carlos Gonzalez. The Mariners replied in the third inning with a two-run home run by Jesus Montero, also scoring Ichiro, followed by a Smoak solo shot. The Rockies pulled closer in the fourth inning as Jordan Pacheco singled in Michael Cuddyer. Seattle shot back in the sixth inning as Mike Carp hit a solo home run. Colorado attempted a ninth inning rally beginning on a Dexter Fowler solo shot, followed by Gonzalez singling to drive in Eric Young, but they only got to 6-4 before losing. Beaven picked up the win while Guthrie was pinned with the loss.
On the Pacific coast, the San Francisco Giants host the Oakland Athletics. Bartolo Colon and Tim Lincecum are the staff aces preparing to pitch. San Francisco got on the board in the second inning as Joaquin Arias hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Angel Pagan. The Giants got another in the third inning as Buster Posey hit a sacrifice fly that scored Brandon Crawford. Oakland took the lead in the fourth inning when Kurt Suzuki singled in Seth Smith before Collin Cowgill singled in both Josh Donaldson and Daric Barton, and then Cowgill darted home on a wild pitch. The Athletics padded the lead with a two-run Josh Reddick home run in the seventh inning, also scoring Cliff Pennington. This made it 6-2, which lasted to be a final, earning Colon the win and handing Lincecum the loss.
Down the coast, the San Diego Padres host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Anthony Bass are the serviceable pitchers. Los Angeles opened with a first inning Mark Trumbo double knocking in Mike Trout. The Angels extended the lead in the fifth inning with a Trout solo home run. San Diego tied it in the bottom of the fifth with a 2-RBI Yonder Alonso double scoring both Will Venable and Cameron Maybin. The Padres completed the comeback with a thirteenth inning Venable single scoring pinch-hitter and usual pitcher, Clayton Richard as a game-winning run. In the 3-2 game, Miles Mikolas was in line for the win while David Pauley was pinned with the loss.
Finally, we end in Los Angeles as the Dodgers host the St. Louis Cardinals for the National League game to close out the weekend of interleague play. Kyle Lohse and Chad Billingsley take the mound tonight. Los Angeles began with a first inning Andre Ethier single scoring Elian Herrera. The Dodgers added on in the fourth inning as James Loney grounded into a double play, allowing Bobby Abreu to get home. St. Louis tied it in the fifth inning as Skip Schumaker tripled, forcing in Daniel Descalso and Rafael Furcal, and they got the lead with Carlos Beltran grounding into a fielder's choice, bringing in Schumaker. The Cardinals extended the lead in the sixth inning when Furcal singled to score both Matt Adams and Descalso. Los Angeles replied in their half of the sixth as Loney singled, driving in Adam Kennedy. The Dodgers got the lead again in the seventh inning with a three-run home run by Scott Van Slyke, sweeping in Herrera and Abreu. This held up for a 6-5 win, picked up by Javy Guerra, while Kenley Jansen pitched a clean ninth inning for the save, and Marc Rzepczynski was on the hook for the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Cleveland, with the Indians hosting the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson and Derek Lowe are the staff aces on the mound. Miami began with a groundout by Hanley Ramirez to bring in Jose Reyes in the first inning. The Marlins added on in the third inning when Greg Dobbs doubled Ramirez home safely. Cleveland got one back in the fifth inning as Jose Lopez hit a single, driving in Michael Brantley. Miami got some breathing room in the eighth inning as Logan Morrison doubled Dobbs home and Brett Hayes singled, knocking in Giancarlo Stanton, followed by a Chris Coghlan fielder's choice providing Morrison time to finish his trip around. The Indians attempted a ninth inning comeback as Lopez doubled and Brantley crossed home, followed by Casey Kotchman grounding out to give Johnny Damon time to dash home, but they never tied it and fell 5-3. The win went to Johnson, while Heath Bell sloppily converted the save, and Lowe was stuck holding the loss.
Up to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and Max Scherzer are the veteran pitchers. Pittsburgh opened in the fifth inning on a Rod Barajas solo home run. Detroit tied it in the bottom of the fifth as Jhonny Peralta went yard on a solo home run of his own. The Pirates got the lead back in the sixth inning with a Neil Walker solo shot. The Tigers tied it again in the seventh inning as Delmon Young singled home Prince Fielder, and they took the lead on a 2-RBI Alex Avila single, plating both Young and Peralta. Pittsburgh attempted a rally in the ninth inning with a Barajas sacrifice fly allowing safe passage home for Josh Harrison, but they failed to get the equalizer, falling 4-3 at the hands of winning pitcher Scherzer, while Joaquin Benoit converted a rocky save, and Correia was dealt the loss.
East to New York, where the Yankees host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and CC Sabathia pace the game. New York busted things open in the sixth inning as Raul Ibanez hit a two-run home run, also scoring Robinson Cano. Cincinnati tied it in the seventh inning with Ryan Ludwick and Ryan Hanigan hitting solo shots, and they took the lead as Brandon Phillips drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Zack Cozart. The Reds added on in the ninth inning when Ludwick doubled in both Phillips and Jay Bruce. This proved plenty for a 5-2 win, with Cueto picking up the win, Aroldis Chapman converting his first save cleanly, and Sabathia got pinned with the loss.
Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the New York Mets. Dillon Gee and Henderson Alvarez are the relatively unknown starters. New York quickly took a first inning lead when David Wright doubled in both Andres Torres and Mike Baxter, before coming the rest of the way home as Kirk Nieuwenhuis doubled. The Mets padded the lead in the second inning with Baxter tripling to force in Ronny Cedeno. Toronto got on the board in the bottom of the second with a Yan Gomes single knocking in Ben Francisco. The Blue Jays got another in the third inning as Jose Bautista hit a solo home run. New York shot back in the fifth inning when Daniel Murphy singled home Baxter, followed by Ike Davis hitting a fielder's choice that allowed Lucas Duda to score. Toronto got one back in the seventh inning on a Bautista single, knocking in Gomes. The Blue Jays chipped away in the eighth inning when Eric Thames doubled to score J.P. Arencibia, before finishing his trip around on a Colby Rasmus single. They couldn't tie the game, falling 6-5, with the win going to Gee, the save turned by Frank Francisco, and the loss was served to Alvarez.
Back stateside, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Boston Red Sox. Josh Beckett and Cliff Lee are on the hill. Boston began with a solo home run in the first inning by Mike Aviles. The Red Sox got another in the second inning with Aviles singling, allowing Marlon Byrd to dash home. Boston extended the lead with a three-run home run by Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the third inning, sweeping in Adrian Gonzalez and Will Middlebrooks. Philadelphia got on the board in the eighth inning as Juan Pierre hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Pete Orr. Boston was able to hold on from there and win 5-1, with Beckett earning the win and Lee getting little help in the loss.
Into the nation's capital, with the Washington Nationals hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Stephen Strasburg get the starting nods. Baltimore was first on the board with a first inning Nick Markakis single to drive in Xavier Avery. The Orioles padded the lead in the second inning as Robert Andino grounded out to provide Wilson Betemit time to get home, followed by Avery singling in Chris Davis. Washington tied it in the third inning when Bryce Harper tripled, forcing in both Strasburg and Danny Espinosa, before coming all the way home on an Ian Desmond fielder's choice. The Nationals took the lead in the fourth inning with solo home runs by Jesus Flores and Strasburg. Washington added on in the fifth inning as Desmond singled Harper across the plate. The Nationals padded the lead in the eighth inning as Espinosa hit a two-run home run, also scoring Steve Lombardozzi, followed by an Adam LaRoche sacrifice fly that gave Harper time to cross the dish. This made it 9-3, a final, with the win going to Strasburg and the loss to Chen.
Down in Tampa Bay,the Rays host the Atlanta Braves. Tim Hudson and David Price are the pair of aces on the mound. Atlanta led off with a third inning David Ross solo home run. The Braves added on in the sixth inning as Jason Heyward singled home Freddie Freeman. This was all they needed for a 2-0 win, earned by Hudson, while Craig Kimbrel cleanly pitched the ninth inning for a save, and Price had no help in the loss.
Westward to Houston, with the Astros hosting their in-state rivals, the Texas Rangers. Colby Lewis and Jordan Lyles take their turns in the rotation. Texas jumped to an early lead with a first inning rally including Josh Hamilton hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz singling to score Elvis Andrus and Michael Young, and Cruz coming home alongside David Murphy on a single by the pitcher Lewis. The Rangers got another in the fifth inning on a Murphy solo home run. Houston got on the board in the ninth inning with a solo shot by Jed Lowrie, making it a 6-1 loss. Lewis was strong in the win while Lyles was not so much so in the loss.
Well north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Minnesota Twins. Jason Marquis and Zack Greinke got the starting nods. Minnesota struck first as Josh Willingham singled in Ben Revere. Milwaukee took the lead in the bottom of the first with solo home runs by Corey Hart and Jonathan Lucroy. The Brewers went batty in the second inning, with a rally started by Hart singling in Travis Ishikawa, followed by Ryan Braun doubling in both Greinke and Hart, Lucroy singling to score Nyjer Mogan and Braun, and Ishikawa singling to finish Lucroy's trip around. Milwaukee fired the engines up again in the fourth inning when Braun doubled home Morgan, followed by a Taylor Green sacrifice fly to finish Braun's trip around the bases. The Brewers kept going with a fifth inning Braun single scoring the pitcher Greinke. Milwaukee struck once again in the seventh inning on a Norichika Aoki single to knock in Carlos Gomez, followed by Lucroy clearing the bases on a grand slam, forcing in Hart, Morgan, and Aoki. The Twins got one back in the eighth inning on a Brian Dozier single to score Joe Mauer. Minnesota got as close as 16-4 in the ninth inning when Darin Mastroianni reached on an error to bring in Alexi Casilla and Drew Butera drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Revere, allowing Greinke an easy win in the beatdown, while Marquis was chased early after taking a good portion of the attack for a loss.
South again to Kansas City, where the Royals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Nathan Adcock are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Arizona got things going in the fifth inning when John McDonald reached on an error to bring in Paul Goldschmidt. The Diamondbacks added on in the eighth inning when Justin Upton hit a sacrifice fly to score Gerardo Parra. This was good for a 2-0 win, earned by Miley, while J.J. Putz effectively converted the save, and Adcock was stuck holding the loss.
A tad north, the Chicago Cubs host their same-city rivals, the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy opposes a lesser foe in Paul Maholm. The White Sox were first on the board with fourth inning Gordon Beckham and Adam Dunn solo home runs. The White Sox got another solo shot in the fifth inning from Tyler Flowers' bat. The White Sox struck again in the seventh inning as Peavy grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing Flowers to dash home, before Peavy came home on a Beckham sacrifice fly. The White Sox added on in the ninth inning when Alex Rios doubled home Brent Lillibridge. This made it 6-0, a final, with Peavy pitchingly strongly in the win while Maholm got no help in the loss.
Out west, the Colorado Rockies host the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beaven and Jeremy Guthrie are the struggling starters. Seattle busted things open in the first inning when Dustin Ackley stole home, followed by Justin Smoak singling to score Kyle Seager. Colorado got on the board in their half of the inning with a solo home run by Carlos Gonzalez. The Mariners replied in the third inning with a two-run home run by Jesus Montero, also scoring Ichiro, followed by a Smoak solo shot. The Rockies pulled closer in the fourth inning as Jordan Pacheco singled in Michael Cuddyer. Seattle shot back in the sixth inning as Mike Carp hit a solo home run. Colorado attempted a ninth inning rally beginning on a Dexter Fowler solo shot, followed by Gonzalez singling to drive in Eric Young, but they only got to 6-4 before losing. Beaven picked up the win while Guthrie was pinned with the loss.
On the Pacific coast, the San Francisco Giants host the Oakland Athletics. Bartolo Colon and Tim Lincecum are the staff aces preparing to pitch. San Francisco got on the board in the second inning as Joaquin Arias hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Angel Pagan. The Giants got another in the third inning as Buster Posey hit a sacrifice fly that scored Brandon Crawford. Oakland took the lead in the fourth inning when Kurt Suzuki singled in Seth Smith before Collin Cowgill singled in both Josh Donaldson and Daric Barton, and then Cowgill darted home on a wild pitch. The Athletics padded the lead with a two-run Josh Reddick home run in the seventh inning, also scoring Cliff Pennington. This made it 6-2, which lasted to be a final, earning Colon the win and handing Lincecum the loss.
Down the coast, the San Diego Padres host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Anthony Bass are the serviceable pitchers. Los Angeles opened with a first inning Mark Trumbo double knocking in Mike Trout. The Angels extended the lead in the fifth inning with a Trout solo home run. San Diego tied it in the bottom of the fifth with a 2-RBI Yonder Alonso double scoring both Will Venable and Cameron Maybin. The Padres completed the comeback with a thirteenth inning Venable single scoring pinch-hitter and usual pitcher, Clayton Richard as a game-winning run. In the 3-2 game, Miles Mikolas was in line for the win while David Pauley was pinned with the loss.
Finally, we end in Los Angeles as the Dodgers host the St. Louis Cardinals for the National League game to close out the weekend of interleague play. Kyle Lohse and Chad Billingsley take the mound tonight. Los Angeles began with a first inning Andre Ethier single scoring Elian Herrera. The Dodgers added on in the fourth inning as James Loney grounded into a double play, allowing Bobby Abreu to get home. St. Louis tied it in the fifth inning as Skip Schumaker tripled, forcing in Daniel Descalso and Rafael Furcal, and they got the lead with Carlos Beltran grounding into a fielder's choice, bringing in Schumaker. The Cardinals extended the lead in the sixth inning when Furcal singled to score both Matt Adams and Descalso. Los Angeles replied in their half of the sixth as Loney singled, driving in Adam Kennedy. The Dodgers got the lead again in the seventh inning with a three-run home run by Scott Van Slyke, sweeping in Herrera and Abreu. This held up for a 6-5 win, picked up by Javy Guerra, while Kenley Jansen pitched a clean ninth inning for the save, and Marc Rzepczynski was on the hook for the loss.
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Saturday, May 19, 2012
MLB Day 48 2012
Saturday baseball, interleague play, what more can we ask for? We begin in an American League ballpark this time as...
The New York Yankees host the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and Ivan Nova are the underrated starters. Cincinnati quickly took a lead in the first inning as Brandon Phillips singled in Drew Stubbs. The Reds added on in the second inning as Chris Heisey doubled to score Devin Mesoraco. New York got on the board in the third inning with a Russell Martin solo home run. The Yankees tied it in the fourth inning as Raul Ibanez doubled, driving in Robinson Cano. Cincinnati took the lead back in the fifth inning when Joey Votto launched a three-run home run, also scoring Wilson Valdez and Stubbs. New York answered in their half of the inning with a solo shot by Jayson Nix. The Reds shot back in the eighth inning as mike Costanzo hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Phillips. The Yankees attempted a ninth inning rally as Nick Swisher singled, scoring Ibanez, before he finishing his trip on a Nix single, but they couldn't obtain an equalizer, falling 6-5. Bailey got the win, Jose Arredondo turned the save, and Nova was strong but inefficient in taking the loss.
North of the border, the Toronto Blue Jays host the other New York team, the Mets. Miguel Batista and Brandon Morrow take their turns in the rotation. Toronto got going in the fifth inning as Kelly Johnson doubled in Jeff Mathis, followed by Yunel Escobar singling to finish Johnson's trip around. This stood throughout as a 2-0 win, with Morrow going the distance and only allowing 3 hits and a walk for a complete game shutout, while Jeremy Hefner was stuck with the loss after spelling Batista's abbreviated start.
Back stateside, the Detroit Tigers host the Pittsburgh Pirates. A.J. Burnett and Drew Smyly will be sent out to pitch. Pittsburgh started quickly with a two-run home run by Andrew McCutchen in the first inning, also scoring Josh Harrison. Detroit tied it in the third inning as Prince Fielder hit a two-run home run of his own, sweeping in Andy Dirks. The Pirates got the lead back as McCutchen hit another two run homer in the fifth inning, scoring Harrison again. The Tigers took one back in the seventh inning as Miguel Cabrera scored on a passed ball. This was it for the scoring, leaving Burnett with the win while Joel Hanrahan turned the save and Smyly was on the hook for the loss.
Down in Ohio, the Cleveland Indians host the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and Jeanmar Gomez get the starting nods. Cleveland opened with a fourth inning solo home run by Asdrubal Cabrera. The Indians added on as Jason Kipnis hit a fifth inning sacrifice fly to knock in Shelley Duncan. The final stood from here at 2-0, with Gomez getting the win, Chris Perez converting the save, and Sanchez getting no run support in the loss.
Out west, the San Francisco Giants host the Oakland Athletics. Tyson Ross and Ryan Vogelsong will be throwing. San Francisco finally opened the scoring in the seventh inning on a Melky Cabrera sacrifice fly that allowed Emmanuel Burriss to dart home, followed by a Buster Posey ground rule double that got Vogelsong across the plate, and then an Angel Pagan 2-RBI single scoring both Gregor Blanco and Posey. The final stood at 4-0 for the Giants, with Vogelsong dominant over seven innings allowing just one hit and 1 walk, while Ross got no help in the loss.
Eastward again to Colorado, as the Rockies welcome the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Christian Friedrich are the relatively unknown starters. Seattle led off with a second inning Kyle Seager two-run home run, also scoring Jesus Montero. The Mariners extended the lead in the third inning as Montero singled to drive in Casper Wells, followed by Seager singling in Ichiro. Seattle added on in the fourth inning as the pitcher Vargas singled to score Brendan Ryan. The Mariners kept going in the sixth inning when Dustin Ackley doubled in both Michael Saunders and Ryan, followed by Wells singling home Vargas and Ackley. Colorado got on the board in the seventh inning with a Jordan Pacheco single knocking in Jason Giambi, before he came home on a Willin Rosario two-run home run. Ichiro answered for Seattle in the eighth inning by scoring on a passed ball. This made the score 10-3, with the Mariners holding on to win. Vargas picked up the win while Friedrich took the loss.
Way to the southeast, the Tampa Bay Rays bring in the Atlanta Braves. Randall Delgado and Alex Cobb and the young pitchers. Atlanta was first on the board with a second inning Juan Francisco single to drive in Brian McCann, followed by Eric Hinske's sacrifice fly allowing Jason Heyward to score. Matt Joyce gave Tampa Bay a lead in the third inning with a grand slam, sweeping in Elliot Johnson, Chris Gimenez, and B.J. Upton. Sean Rodriguez added on for the Rays with a solo home run by Sean Rodriguez in the sixth inning. This made it 5-2, a final, with the win going to Cobb, Fernando Rodney converted the save, and Delgado suffered the loss.
Northwest to Milwaukee, with the Brewers hosting the Minnesota Twins. Carl Pavano and Yovani Gallardo are as close as it gets to rhyming in the pitching match. Minnesota struck first with a fourth inning Brian Dozier sacrifice fly in the fourth inning, scoring Ben Revere. Milwaukee tied it in the bottom of the fourth as Jonathan Lucroy singled to drive in Nyjer Morgan. The Twins retook the lead in the sixth inning on another Dozier sacrifice fly, allowing safe passage home for Denard Span. The Brewers tied it again on a Ryan Braun single that gave time for Morgan to dash home. Minnesota got the lead back in the seventh inning as Revere was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in Drew Butera. The Twins added on in the eighth inning as Jamey Carroll hit a single to bring home Alexi Casilla. Milwaukee tied it in the bottom of the eighth with a two-run home run by Aramis Ramirez, also scoring Morgan. Minnesota won it with an eleventh inning solo shot by Trevor Plouffe, making it 5-4 and giving the win to Jeff Gray, while Matt Capps picked up the save and Manny Parra had the loss.
Down in Kansas City, the Royals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Bruce Chen have the green light to start. Kansas City began in the second inning as Chris Getz singled in Mike Moustakas. The Royals padded the lead in the third inning with a two-run Billy Butler home run, also scoring Alcides Escobar. Kansas City struck again in the fourth inning as Moustakas hit a solo home run. The Royals kept going in the fifth inning when Eric Hosmer singled, allowing Escobar safe passage home before Butler hit a sacrifice fly to bring around Jarrod Dyson. Kansas City stayed at it in the sixth inning as Dyson's sacrifice fly gave Moustakas time to dash home. Arizona got on the board in the seventh inning with Ryan Roberts doubling to drive in Paul Goldschmidt, before coming the rest of the way home as Willie Bloomquist singled. The Diamondbacks chipped away in the eighth inning with a Jason Kubel sacrifice fly to score Justin Upton. The final would stand from here at 7-3, with the win going to Chen and the loss was dealt to Kennedy.
Northeast to Philadelphia, with the Phillies hosting the Boston Red Sox. Jon Lester and Joe Blanton will play from the mound. Boston wasted little time in scoring first in the first inning with a Mike Aviles solo home run. The Red Sox added on in the second inning when Daniel Nava reached on an error to allow Jarrod Saltalamacchia to get home before Lester grounded into a double play to bring in Ryan Sweeney. Philadelphia got on the board in the third inning as Shane Victorino doubled to score John Mayberry. Boston shot back in the fourth inning with solo home runs by both Will Middlebrooks and Saltalamacchia. The Phillies got them back and then some in the bottom of the fourth as Hector Luna singled in Carlos Ruiz before finishing his trip around on a two-run home run by Freddy Galvis. The Red Sox extended the lead in the fifth as David Ortiz hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Dustin Pedroia. Philadelphia got one back in the eighth inning with Jimmy Rollins singling in Ty Wigginton. They couldn't manage to tie it, falling 7-5, with Lester collecting the win, Alfredo Aceves turning the save, and Blanton taking the loss.
Over to the battle of Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the White Sox. John Danks and Ryan Dempster pace the game. The White Sox were first on the board with a Dayan Viciedo single in the first inning, scoring Alejandro De Aza. The White Sox added on in the third inning with Viciedo hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Adam Dunn, followed by a solo shot from A.J. Pierzynski. The White Sox got another in the eighth inning as Dunn hit a solo home run, followed by Alexei Ramirez singling in Pierzynski, De Aza drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Alex Rios. The Cubs got on the board in the ninth inning as Alfonso Soriano hit a two-run home run, knocking in Darwin Barney, followed by another two-run blast from Joe Mather to sweep in Jeff Baker, making the final sit at 7-4, with the win going to Danks while Dempster took the loss.
Another regional battle rages in Texas, with the Houston Astros hosting the Texas Rangers. Derek Holland and Lucas Harrell have the pitching duties. Texas opened things up in the third inning as Adrian Beltre singled in Elvis Andrus before David Murphy hit an inside the park three-run home run, sweeping in Beltre and Michael Young. Houston answered in the bottom of the third with a Chris Snyder solo home run. The Astros pulled closer in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Carlos Lee, also scoring Justin Maxwell. Houston took the lead as Maxwell hit a two-run long ball in the fifth inning, knocking in Jose Altuve. The Astros added on in the sixth inning on a Travis Buck double, bringing in J.D. Martinez. The Rangers got one back in the seventh inning as John Hamilton hit a sacrifice fly to allow safe passage home for Andrus. They never tied it, falling 6-5 to Harrell, who had the win, while Brett Myers tossed the save as his tenth of the season, and Holland was stuck holding the loss.
Into the nation's capital, as the Washington Nationals host their close American League neighbors, the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel and Ross Detwiler will be pitching. Baltimore started in the second inning as Robert Andino singled, scoring both Wilson Betemit and Xavier Avery. The Orioles added on in the third inning with a two-run home run by Adam Jones, also scoring Nick Markakis. Baltimore padded the lead in the fifth inning as Markakis went yard with a two-run homer, sweeping in Andino. Washington got on the board in the bottom of the fifth when Steve Lombardozzi singled, scoring Roger Bernadina. The Nationals chipped away in the sixth inning as Rick Ankiel doubled in Ryan Zimmerman, followed by a Carlos Maldonado groundout that allowed Adam LaRoche to cross the plate, and then Bernadina singled to finish Ankiel's trip around. The final came here, at 6-4, with Hammel earning the win, Jim Johnson recording his fifteenth save of the season, and Detwiler getting pinned with the loss.
Out in California, the San Diego Padres host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren opposes a lesser foe in Eric Stults for pitching. Los Angeles was first on the board as Erick Aybar tripled in the second inning, forcing in Howie Kendrick. San Diego got on the board in the third inning with a Cameron Maybin sacrifice fly providing time for Alexi Amarista to dash home. The Angels got the lead back in the fifth inning as Mike Trout grounded out to give Aybar time to cross the plate. The Padres retied it in their half of the fifth, as Maybin singled, driving in Amarista. San Diego took the lead in the seventh inning on an Amarista double knocking in Nick Hundley. This made it 3-2, which stood as a final, with Luke Gregerson in line for the win, Dale Thayer picking up the save, and Haren taking the loss.
Up to our finale today, as the only National League game features the Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Jake Westbrook and Clayton Kershaw are the talented young arms. Los Angeles led off in the fourth inning when Adam Kennedy reached on an error to bring in both Bobby Abreu and Andre Ethier. The Dodgers extended the lead in the seventh inning on a Justin Sellers solo home run followed by Tony Gwynn, Jr. singling in the pitcher Kershaw, before he finished his trip on a wild pitch, and then Ethier singled home Abreu. The final was 6-0, with Kershaw allowing only six hits for a complete game shutout, while Westbrook had little help in the loss.
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The New York Yankees host the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and Ivan Nova are the underrated starters. Cincinnati quickly took a lead in the first inning as Brandon Phillips singled in Drew Stubbs. The Reds added on in the second inning as Chris Heisey doubled to score Devin Mesoraco. New York got on the board in the third inning with a Russell Martin solo home run. The Yankees tied it in the fourth inning as Raul Ibanez doubled, driving in Robinson Cano. Cincinnati took the lead back in the fifth inning when Joey Votto launched a three-run home run, also scoring Wilson Valdez and Stubbs. New York answered in their half of the inning with a solo shot by Jayson Nix. The Reds shot back in the eighth inning as mike Costanzo hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Phillips. The Yankees attempted a ninth inning rally as Nick Swisher singled, scoring Ibanez, before he finishing his trip on a Nix single, but they couldn't obtain an equalizer, falling 6-5. Bailey got the win, Jose Arredondo turned the save, and Nova was strong but inefficient in taking the loss.
North of the border, the Toronto Blue Jays host the other New York team, the Mets. Miguel Batista and Brandon Morrow take their turns in the rotation. Toronto got going in the fifth inning as Kelly Johnson doubled in Jeff Mathis, followed by Yunel Escobar singling to finish Johnson's trip around. This stood throughout as a 2-0 win, with Morrow going the distance and only allowing 3 hits and a walk for a complete game shutout, while Jeremy Hefner was stuck with the loss after spelling Batista's abbreviated start.
Back stateside, the Detroit Tigers host the Pittsburgh Pirates. A.J. Burnett and Drew Smyly will be sent out to pitch. Pittsburgh started quickly with a two-run home run by Andrew McCutchen in the first inning, also scoring Josh Harrison. Detroit tied it in the third inning as Prince Fielder hit a two-run home run of his own, sweeping in Andy Dirks. The Pirates got the lead back as McCutchen hit another two run homer in the fifth inning, scoring Harrison again. The Tigers took one back in the seventh inning as Miguel Cabrera scored on a passed ball. This was it for the scoring, leaving Burnett with the win while Joel Hanrahan turned the save and Smyly was on the hook for the loss.
Down in Ohio, the Cleveland Indians host the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and Jeanmar Gomez get the starting nods. Cleveland opened with a fourth inning solo home run by Asdrubal Cabrera. The Indians added on as Jason Kipnis hit a fifth inning sacrifice fly to knock in Shelley Duncan. The final stood from here at 2-0, with Gomez getting the win, Chris Perez converting the save, and Sanchez getting no run support in the loss.
Out west, the San Francisco Giants host the Oakland Athletics. Tyson Ross and Ryan Vogelsong will be throwing. San Francisco finally opened the scoring in the seventh inning on a Melky Cabrera sacrifice fly that allowed Emmanuel Burriss to dart home, followed by a Buster Posey ground rule double that got Vogelsong across the plate, and then an Angel Pagan 2-RBI single scoring both Gregor Blanco and Posey. The final stood at 4-0 for the Giants, with Vogelsong dominant over seven innings allowing just one hit and 1 walk, while Ross got no help in the loss.
Eastward again to Colorado, as the Rockies welcome the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Christian Friedrich are the relatively unknown starters. Seattle led off with a second inning Kyle Seager two-run home run, also scoring Jesus Montero. The Mariners extended the lead in the third inning as Montero singled to drive in Casper Wells, followed by Seager singling in Ichiro. Seattle added on in the fourth inning as the pitcher Vargas singled to score Brendan Ryan. The Mariners kept going in the sixth inning when Dustin Ackley doubled in both Michael Saunders and Ryan, followed by Wells singling home Vargas and Ackley. Colorado got on the board in the seventh inning with a Jordan Pacheco single knocking in Jason Giambi, before he came home on a Willin Rosario two-run home run. Ichiro answered for Seattle in the eighth inning by scoring on a passed ball. This made the score 10-3, with the Mariners holding on to win. Vargas picked up the win while Friedrich took the loss.
Way to the southeast, the Tampa Bay Rays bring in the Atlanta Braves. Randall Delgado and Alex Cobb and the young pitchers. Atlanta was first on the board with a second inning Juan Francisco single to drive in Brian McCann, followed by Eric Hinske's sacrifice fly allowing Jason Heyward to score. Matt Joyce gave Tampa Bay a lead in the third inning with a grand slam, sweeping in Elliot Johnson, Chris Gimenez, and B.J. Upton. Sean Rodriguez added on for the Rays with a solo home run by Sean Rodriguez in the sixth inning. This made it 5-2, a final, with the win going to Cobb, Fernando Rodney converted the save, and Delgado suffered the loss.
Northwest to Milwaukee, with the Brewers hosting the Minnesota Twins. Carl Pavano and Yovani Gallardo are as close as it gets to rhyming in the pitching match. Minnesota struck first with a fourth inning Brian Dozier sacrifice fly in the fourth inning, scoring Ben Revere. Milwaukee tied it in the bottom of the fourth as Jonathan Lucroy singled to drive in Nyjer Morgan. The Twins retook the lead in the sixth inning on another Dozier sacrifice fly, allowing safe passage home for Denard Span. The Brewers tied it again on a Ryan Braun single that gave time for Morgan to dash home. Minnesota got the lead back in the seventh inning as Revere was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in Drew Butera. The Twins added on in the eighth inning as Jamey Carroll hit a single to bring home Alexi Casilla. Milwaukee tied it in the bottom of the eighth with a two-run home run by Aramis Ramirez, also scoring Morgan. Minnesota won it with an eleventh inning solo shot by Trevor Plouffe, making it 5-4 and giving the win to Jeff Gray, while Matt Capps picked up the save and Manny Parra had the loss.
Down in Kansas City, the Royals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Bruce Chen have the green light to start. Kansas City began in the second inning as Chris Getz singled in Mike Moustakas. The Royals padded the lead in the third inning with a two-run Billy Butler home run, also scoring Alcides Escobar. Kansas City struck again in the fourth inning as Moustakas hit a solo home run. The Royals kept going in the fifth inning when Eric Hosmer singled, allowing Escobar safe passage home before Butler hit a sacrifice fly to bring around Jarrod Dyson. Kansas City stayed at it in the sixth inning as Dyson's sacrifice fly gave Moustakas time to dash home. Arizona got on the board in the seventh inning with Ryan Roberts doubling to drive in Paul Goldschmidt, before coming the rest of the way home as Willie Bloomquist singled. The Diamondbacks chipped away in the eighth inning with a Jason Kubel sacrifice fly to score Justin Upton. The final would stand from here at 7-3, with the win going to Chen and the loss was dealt to Kennedy.
Northeast to Philadelphia, with the Phillies hosting the Boston Red Sox. Jon Lester and Joe Blanton will play from the mound. Boston wasted little time in scoring first in the first inning with a Mike Aviles solo home run. The Red Sox added on in the second inning when Daniel Nava reached on an error to allow Jarrod Saltalamacchia to get home before Lester grounded into a double play to bring in Ryan Sweeney. Philadelphia got on the board in the third inning as Shane Victorino doubled to score John Mayberry. Boston shot back in the fourth inning with solo home runs by both Will Middlebrooks and Saltalamacchia. The Phillies got them back and then some in the bottom of the fourth as Hector Luna singled in Carlos Ruiz before finishing his trip around on a two-run home run by Freddy Galvis. The Red Sox extended the lead in the fifth as David Ortiz hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Dustin Pedroia. Philadelphia got one back in the eighth inning with Jimmy Rollins singling in Ty Wigginton. They couldn't manage to tie it, falling 7-5, with Lester collecting the win, Alfredo Aceves turning the save, and Blanton taking the loss.
Over to the battle of Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the White Sox. John Danks and Ryan Dempster pace the game. The White Sox were first on the board with a Dayan Viciedo single in the first inning, scoring Alejandro De Aza. The White Sox added on in the third inning with Viciedo hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Adam Dunn, followed by a solo shot from A.J. Pierzynski. The White Sox got another in the eighth inning as Dunn hit a solo home run, followed by Alexei Ramirez singling in Pierzynski, De Aza drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Alex Rios. The Cubs got on the board in the ninth inning as Alfonso Soriano hit a two-run home run, knocking in Darwin Barney, followed by another two-run blast from Joe Mather to sweep in Jeff Baker, making the final sit at 7-4, with the win going to Danks while Dempster took the loss.
Another regional battle rages in Texas, with the Houston Astros hosting the Texas Rangers. Derek Holland and Lucas Harrell have the pitching duties. Texas opened things up in the third inning as Adrian Beltre singled in Elvis Andrus before David Murphy hit an inside the park three-run home run, sweeping in Beltre and Michael Young. Houston answered in the bottom of the third with a Chris Snyder solo home run. The Astros pulled closer in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Carlos Lee, also scoring Justin Maxwell. Houston took the lead as Maxwell hit a two-run long ball in the fifth inning, knocking in Jose Altuve. The Astros added on in the sixth inning on a Travis Buck double, bringing in J.D. Martinez. The Rangers got one back in the seventh inning as John Hamilton hit a sacrifice fly to allow safe passage home for Andrus. They never tied it, falling 6-5 to Harrell, who had the win, while Brett Myers tossed the save as his tenth of the season, and Holland was stuck holding the loss.
Into the nation's capital, as the Washington Nationals host their close American League neighbors, the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel and Ross Detwiler will be pitching. Baltimore started in the second inning as Robert Andino singled, scoring both Wilson Betemit and Xavier Avery. The Orioles added on in the third inning with a two-run home run by Adam Jones, also scoring Nick Markakis. Baltimore padded the lead in the fifth inning as Markakis went yard with a two-run homer, sweeping in Andino. Washington got on the board in the bottom of the fifth when Steve Lombardozzi singled, scoring Roger Bernadina. The Nationals chipped away in the sixth inning as Rick Ankiel doubled in Ryan Zimmerman, followed by a Carlos Maldonado groundout that allowed Adam LaRoche to cross the plate, and then Bernadina singled to finish Ankiel's trip around. The final came here, at 6-4, with Hammel earning the win, Jim Johnson recording his fifteenth save of the season, and Detwiler getting pinned with the loss.
Out in California, the San Diego Padres host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren opposes a lesser foe in Eric Stults for pitching. Los Angeles was first on the board as Erick Aybar tripled in the second inning, forcing in Howie Kendrick. San Diego got on the board in the third inning with a Cameron Maybin sacrifice fly providing time for Alexi Amarista to dash home. The Angels got the lead back in the fifth inning as Mike Trout grounded out to give Aybar time to cross the plate. The Padres retied it in their half of the fifth, as Maybin singled, driving in Amarista. San Diego took the lead in the seventh inning on an Amarista double knocking in Nick Hundley. This made it 3-2, which stood as a final, with Luke Gregerson in line for the win, Dale Thayer picking up the save, and Haren taking the loss.
Up to our finale today, as the only National League game features the Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Jake Westbrook and Clayton Kershaw are the talented young arms. Los Angeles led off in the fourth inning when Adam Kennedy reached on an error to bring in both Bobby Abreu and Andre Ethier. The Dodgers extended the lead in the seventh inning on a Justin Sellers solo home run followed by Tony Gwynn, Jr. singling in the pitcher Kershaw, before he finished his trip on a wild pitch, and then Ethier singled home Abreu. The final was 6-0, with Kershaw allowing only six hits for a complete game shutout, while Westbrook had little help in the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Friday, May 18, 2012
MLB Day 47 2012
Welcome to interleague play for the weekend. We begin in a National League ballpark...
As the Chicago Cubs host their south Chicago neighbors, the White Sox. Philip Humber and Jeff Samardzija were given the starts. The White Sox started in the first inning as Paul Konerko hit a two-run home run, also scoring Gordon Beckham. The Cubs pulled back in their half of the inning when Starlin Castro hit a sacrifice fly, allowing David DeJesus to get home. The Cubs tied it in the seventh inning on a single by the pitcher Samardzija, scoring Ian Stewart. The White Sox got the lead back in the eighth inning when Beckham hit a solo shot. This made it 3-2, a final, giving Humber a win, while Addison Reed turned the save and Samardzija took a tough loss.
Over in Philadelphia, the Phillies host the Boston Red Sox. Daniel Bard opposes Cole Hamels on the mound. Philadelphia rallied to a first inning lead as Carlos Ruiz singled in both Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino, followed by a Ty Wigginton sacrifice fly to bring in Hunter Pence and a John Mayberry doubling finishing Ruiz's trip. Boston got on the board in the third inning with a solo home run by Mike Aviles. The Red Sox got another back in the fourth inning with a Daniel Nava sacrifice fly allowing Cody Ross to dart home. The Phillies answered in the fifth inning with a Pence solo home run. Boston struck again in the sixth inning as Ross hit a solo shot. The Red Sox pulled closer with an eighth inning Adrian Gonzalez solo home run. Philadelphia shot back in the bottom of the eighth when Freddy Galvis hit a solo shot. This made it 6-4, allowing Hamels getting the win, Jonathan Papelbon throwing the save against his old team, and Bard stuck with the loss.
Down in New York, the Yankees host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Andy Pettitte play from the mound. New York was first to score as Alex Rodriguez grounded out in the fourth inning, giving time to get Curtis Granderson home safely. The Yankees added on in the eighth inning as Robinson Cano hit a solo home run, followed by a two-run long ball by Raul Ibanez, also scoring Rodriguez. This made it 4-0, with the win going to Pettitte and the loss to Arroyo.
Back west, the Cleveland Indians host the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano and Justin Masterson receive the starting nods. Cleveland opened in the second inning as Casey Kotchman doubled in Johnny Damon and Shin-Soo Choo singled to finish Kotchman's trip around. Miami got one back in the third inning as Omar Infante grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing safe passage home for Bryan Petersen. The Marlins tied it in the sixth inning as Greg Dobbs hit a sacrifice fly, bringing in Infante. Miami took the lead in the eighth inning on Hanley Ramirez's sacrifice fly, scoring Petersen. This stood as a 3-2 lead, going to the end to give Zambrano the win, Heath Bell the save, and Tony Sipp took the loss.
Up in Detroit, the Tigers host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Charlie Morton has the unenviable task of pitching against Justin Verlander. Detroit quickly gained a lead in the first inning when Miguel Cabrera doubled in Andy Dirks before finishing his trip on a Prince Fielder double. The Tigers added on in the fourth inning as Delmon Young hit a solo home run, followed by Don Kelly singling to score Alex Avila. Detroit extended the lead in the seventh inning as Young doubled, driving in both Kelly and Fielder. This was all they needed to win 6-0, with Verlander allowing just one hit and two walks while going the distance for a complete game shutout, and Morton doing not nearly as well in the loss.
Into another geographic rivalry, as the Washington Nationals host their American League neighbors, the Baltimore Orioles. Jake Arrieta and Edwin Jackson are tabbed to start. Baltimore began with a first inning Adam Jones single, scoring Xavier Avery. Washington tied it in the sixth inning as Ian Desmond hit a solo home run. The Orioles took the lead in the eleventh inning on a Nick Markakis solo shot, and this stood for a 2-1 final. Kevin Gregg was in line for the win, Pedro Strop converted the save, and Ryan Mattheus got stuck holding the loss.
Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays welcome the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and Ricky Romero are handed the ball. Toronto established an early lead with a three-run home run in the first inning off the bat of J.P. Arencibia, sweeping in Kelly Johnson and Yunel Escobar. New York got one back in the second inning as Rob Johnson grounded out, bringing home Daniel Murphy. The Blue Jays shot back in the bottom of the second with a solo home run by Yan Gomes, followed by a Jose Bautista single to score Johnson. Toronto added on again in the fourth inning as Arencibia hit a solo shot and Rajai Davis hit a two-run home run, also scoring Eric Thames. The Blue Jays padded the lead in the fifth inning with another two-run homer by Davis, forcing in Gomes. Toronto kept going in the sixth inning with a 2-RBI single by Arencibia, scoring both Escobar and Bautista, followed by Thames singling in Edwin Encarnacion and Gomes hitting a sacrifice fly, finishing off Arencibia's trip around. The Mets pulled back in the eighth inning as Murphy grounded out to get Andres Torres home before Scott Hairston hit a three-run home run, clearing the bases of Justin Turner and Lucas Duda. The final stood at 14-5 Blue Jays, giving Romero the win, while Niese had an ugly loss.
Back stateside, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Atlanta Braves. Staff aces Tommy Hanson and James Shields make the starts. Atlanta began in the first inning when Freddie Freeman singled home Martin Prado. The Braves added on in the second inning as Chipper Jones scored on a wild pitch. Tampa Bay got it back in the bottom of the second as Elliot Johnson laid down a successful bunt single, allowing Luke Scott to get home. The Rays tied it in the third inning when Scott's sacrifice fly brought in B.J. Upton. Atlanta retook the lead in the fifth inning as Freeman doubled, knocking in Prado followed by Brian McCann singling to finish Freeman's trip around. The Braves got another in the seventh inning as Prado hit a solo home run. Tampa Bay pulled closer in the eighth inning as Scott singled to score Sean Rodriguez. Atlanta held on for a 5-3 win, earned by Hanson, while Craig Kimbrel got the save and Shields suffered the loss.
Westward to the Battle of Texas, as the Houston Astros host the Texas Rangers. Neftali Feliz and Wandy Rodriguez are the reliable starters. Texas busted things open in the third inning on an Adrian Beltre sacrifice fly that scored Ian Kinsler, followed by Nelson Cruz singling to score Josh Hamilton. Houston got on the board in bottom of the third as Jed Lowrie singled in Jose Altuve. The Rangers answered in the fifth inning when Michael Young doubled Beltre across the plate. Texas added on in the seventh inning with a Beltre solo shot. This made it 4-1, a final, with Robbie Ross picking up the win after Feliz had a short outing, Joe Nathan tossed the ninth inning for a save, and Rodriguez was dealt the loss.
North to Kansas City, as the Royals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joe Saunders and Luis Mendoza will pitch. Arizona wasted little time in scoring first with a first inning Miguel Montero double knocking in Justin Upton. Kansas City got the lead in the second inning when Humberto Quintero doubled home both Johnny Giavotella and Mitch Maier. The Royals struck again with a third inning solo home run by Billy Butler. The Diamondbacks pulled closer in the sixth inning with Upton singling Gerardo Parra home safely, before taking the lead on a 2-RBI Chris Young double, scoring both Willie Bloomquist and Upton. Kansas City retied it in the seventh inning as Alex Gordon singled, driving in Irving Falu. Arizona answered to take a lead in the eighth inning with a 2-RBI double from Montero, pushing Bloomquist and Upton home. This made it 6-4, a final, with the win belonging to Brad Ziegler, the save being thrown by J.J. Putz, and the loss pinned on Kelvin Herrera.
Further north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond and Marco Estrada are the relatively unknown pitchers. Minnesota led off with a two-run home run by Josh Willingham, also scoring Denard Span. Milwaukee got one back in their half of the inning with a Ryan Braun fielder's choice, allowing safe passage home for Corey Hart. The Brewers tied it in the third inning as Norichika Aoki doubled to bring Hart home. The Twins retook the lead with a fifth inning Joe Mauer double scoring both Diamond and Span. Minnesota extended the lead in the sixth inning as Span singled in both Justin Morneau and Alexi Casilla. Milwaukee shot back in the bottom of the sixth with Braun hitting a solo home run. The Twins answered with a seventh inning Morneau sacrifice fly allowing Mauer to dash home. Minnesota made the lead comfortable in the eighth inning as Span singled to drive in Ben Revere, Mauer doubled to finish Span's trip around, and Morneau hit a 2-RBI single that scored both Brian Dozier and Mauer. This made it an 11-3 final, with the win going to Diamond, while Estrada was on the hook for the loss.
Southwest to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Alex White are the struggling pitchers. Seattle got things going in the first inning as Kyle Seager singled in Michael Saunders. The Mariners added on with a second inning Mike Carp solo home run. Seattle struck again in the sixth inning as Seager hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Ichiro to dash home. This made it 4-0, which held up for a win, earned by Millwood, who allowed only two hits and a walk in the complete game shutout, while White took the loss.
Out in California, the San Diego Padres host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver goes against a lesser foe in Jeff Suppan on the hill. Los Angeles got on the board as Bobby Wilson grounded into a double play, allowing Vernon Wells to dart home in the second inning. The Angels added on in the fifth inning as Mike Trout tripled home the pitcher Weaver, before coming the final 90 feet on a Mark Trumbo double, and then Wells grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Albert Pujols. San Diego got on the board with a sixth inning Will Venable solo home run. The Padres chipped away in the seventh inning on a fielder's choice by Alexi Amarista that gave time for Jesus Guzman to get home. Los Angeles iced it in the ninth inning as Howie Kendrick singled Maicer Izturis in before coming home alongside Pujols on an Erick Aybar double for a 7-2 final. Weaver notched the win while Suppan had the loss.
Just a bit to the north, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the St. Louis Cardinals for the only National League series this weekend. Lance Lynn and Ted Lilly pace the game. Los Angeles was first to score as James Loney doubled in Adam Kennedy, before he came home on an A.J. Ellis single, and A.J. Ellis was forced in when Tony Gwynn, Jr. tripled. St. Louis got on the board in the third inning with Rafael Furcal hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Tyler Greene, followed by Matt Carpenter singling to drive in Shane Robinson before coming home a two-run home run by Matt Holliday. The Dodgers retied it in the bottom of the third as Kennedy singled Mark Ellis across the dish. Los Angeles struck again in the seventh inning when Loney singled in Andre Ethier. The Cardinals tied it in the ninth inning as Lance Berkman hit a solo home run. The Dodgers got the last laugh, winning in the bottom of the ninth on an A.J. Ellis walkoff walk, forcing in Elian Herrera for the 6-5 victory. Kenley Jansen was in line for the win after blowing the save, and Fernando Salas' lack of control led to the loss.
Finally, in Northern California, the San Francisco Giants host their cross-bay rivals, the Oakland Athletics. Jarrod Parker and Barry Zito take their turns in the rotation. San Francisco drew first blood in the second inning as Brandon Belt singled Angel Pagan home before crossing the plate after a Joaquin Arias sacrifice fly. Oakland got one back in the third inning as Josh Donaldson hit a solo home run. The Giants answered in their half of the inning on a Brandon Crawford double to knock in Gregor Blanco, followed by being Crawford forced in when Belt drew a bases-loaded walk, Hector Sanchez hitting a sacrifice fly to plate Melky Cabrera, and Zito walking with the bases loaded, requiring Pagan to cross home. San Francisco padded the lead in the fourth inning as Belt lifted a sacrifice fly to get Cabrera home and Sanchez doubled to knock in Pagan. The Athletics got one back in the fifth inning when Donaldson doubled Daric Barton in. Oakland chipped away in the sixth inning as Cliff Pennington singled to drive in Jemile Weeks, before Donaldson cleared the bases with a double, sweeping in all of Pennington, Kurt Suzuki, and Barton. They never tied it, losing 8-6, with Zito getting the win, Santiago converting his tenth save of the season, and Parker took an ugly loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
As the Chicago Cubs host their south Chicago neighbors, the White Sox. Philip Humber and Jeff Samardzija were given the starts. The White Sox started in the first inning as Paul Konerko hit a two-run home run, also scoring Gordon Beckham. The Cubs pulled back in their half of the inning when Starlin Castro hit a sacrifice fly, allowing David DeJesus to get home. The Cubs tied it in the seventh inning on a single by the pitcher Samardzija, scoring Ian Stewart. The White Sox got the lead back in the eighth inning when Beckham hit a solo shot. This made it 3-2, a final, giving Humber a win, while Addison Reed turned the save and Samardzija took a tough loss.
Over in Philadelphia, the Phillies host the Boston Red Sox. Daniel Bard opposes Cole Hamels on the mound. Philadelphia rallied to a first inning lead as Carlos Ruiz singled in both Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino, followed by a Ty Wigginton sacrifice fly to bring in Hunter Pence and a John Mayberry doubling finishing Ruiz's trip. Boston got on the board in the third inning with a solo home run by Mike Aviles. The Red Sox got another back in the fourth inning with a Daniel Nava sacrifice fly allowing Cody Ross to dart home. The Phillies answered in the fifth inning with a Pence solo home run. Boston struck again in the sixth inning as Ross hit a solo shot. The Red Sox pulled closer with an eighth inning Adrian Gonzalez solo home run. Philadelphia shot back in the bottom of the eighth when Freddy Galvis hit a solo shot. This made it 6-4, allowing Hamels getting the win, Jonathan Papelbon throwing the save against his old team, and Bard stuck with the loss.
Down in New York, the Yankees host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Andy Pettitte play from the mound. New York was first to score as Alex Rodriguez grounded out in the fourth inning, giving time to get Curtis Granderson home safely. The Yankees added on in the eighth inning as Robinson Cano hit a solo home run, followed by a two-run long ball by Raul Ibanez, also scoring Rodriguez. This made it 4-0, with the win going to Pettitte and the loss to Arroyo.
Back west, the Cleveland Indians host the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano and Justin Masterson receive the starting nods. Cleveland opened in the second inning as Casey Kotchman doubled in Johnny Damon and Shin-Soo Choo singled to finish Kotchman's trip around. Miami got one back in the third inning as Omar Infante grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing safe passage home for Bryan Petersen. The Marlins tied it in the sixth inning as Greg Dobbs hit a sacrifice fly, bringing in Infante. Miami took the lead in the eighth inning on Hanley Ramirez's sacrifice fly, scoring Petersen. This stood as a 3-2 lead, going to the end to give Zambrano the win, Heath Bell the save, and Tony Sipp took the loss.
Up in Detroit, the Tigers host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Charlie Morton has the unenviable task of pitching against Justin Verlander. Detroit quickly gained a lead in the first inning when Miguel Cabrera doubled in Andy Dirks before finishing his trip on a Prince Fielder double. The Tigers added on in the fourth inning as Delmon Young hit a solo home run, followed by Don Kelly singling to score Alex Avila. Detroit extended the lead in the seventh inning as Young doubled, driving in both Kelly and Fielder. This was all they needed to win 6-0, with Verlander allowing just one hit and two walks while going the distance for a complete game shutout, and Morton doing not nearly as well in the loss.
Into another geographic rivalry, as the Washington Nationals host their American League neighbors, the Baltimore Orioles. Jake Arrieta and Edwin Jackson are tabbed to start. Baltimore began with a first inning Adam Jones single, scoring Xavier Avery. Washington tied it in the sixth inning as Ian Desmond hit a solo home run. The Orioles took the lead in the eleventh inning on a Nick Markakis solo shot, and this stood for a 2-1 final. Kevin Gregg was in line for the win, Pedro Strop converted the save, and Ryan Mattheus got stuck holding the loss.
Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays welcome the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and Ricky Romero are handed the ball. Toronto established an early lead with a three-run home run in the first inning off the bat of J.P. Arencibia, sweeping in Kelly Johnson and Yunel Escobar. New York got one back in the second inning as Rob Johnson grounded out, bringing home Daniel Murphy. The Blue Jays shot back in the bottom of the second with a solo home run by Yan Gomes, followed by a Jose Bautista single to score Johnson. Toronto added on again in the fourth inning as Arencibia hit a solo shot and Rajai Davis hit a two-run home run, also scoring Eric Thames. The Blue Jays padded the lead in the fifth inning with another two-run homer by Davis, forcing in Gomes. Toronto kept going in the sixth inning with a 2-RBI single by Arencibia, scoring both Escobar and Bautista, followed by Thames singling in Edwin Encarnacion and Gomes hitting a sacrifice fly, finishing off Arencibia's trip around. The Mets pulled back in the eighth inning as Murphy grounded out to get Andres Torres home before Scott Hairston hit a three-run home run, clearing the bases of Justin Turner and Lucas Duda. The final stood at 14-5 Blue Jays, giving Romero the win, while Niese had an ugly loss.
Back stateside, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Atlanta Braves. Staff aces Tommy Hanson and James Shields make the starts. Atlanta began in the first inning when Freddie Freeman singled home Martin Prado. The Braves added on in the second inning as Chipper Jones scored on a wild pitch. Tampa Bay got it back in the bottom of the second as Elliot Johnson laid down a successful bunt single, allowing Luke Scott to get home. The Rays tied it in the third inning when Scott's sacrifice fly brought in B.J. Upton. Atlanta retook the lead in the fifth inning as Freeman doubled, knocking in Prado followed by Brian McCann singling to finish Freeman's trip around. The Braves got another in the seventh inning as Prado hit a solo home run. Tampa Bay pulled closer in the eighth inning as Scott singled to score Sean Rodriguez. Atlanta held on for a 5-3 win, earned by Hanson, while Craig Kimbrel got the save and Shields suffered the loss.
Westward to the Battle of Texas, as the Houston Astros host the Texas Rangers. Neftali Feliz and Wandy Rodriguez are the reliable starters. Texas busted things open in the third inning on an Adrian Beltre sacrifice fly that scored Ian Kinsler, followed by Nelson Cruz singling to score Josh Hamilton. Houston got on the board in bottom of the third as Jed Lowrie singled in Jose Altuve. The Rangers answered in the fifth inning when Michael Young doubled Beltre across the plate. Texas added on in the seventh inning with a Beltre solo shot. This made it 4-1, a final, with Robbie Ross picking up the win after Feliz had a short outing, Joe Nathan tossed the ninth inning for a save, and Rodriguez was dealt the loss.
North to Kansas City, as the Royals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joe Saunders and Luis Mendoza will pitch. Arizona wasted little time in scoring first with a first inning Miguel Montero double knocking in Justin Upton. Kansas City got the lead in the second inning when Humberto Quintero doubled home both Johnny Giavotella and Mitch Maier. The Royals struck again with a third inning solo home run by Billy Butler. The Diamondbacks pulled closer in the sixth inning with Upton singling Gerardo Parra home safely, before taking the lead on a 2-RBI Chris Young double, scoring both Willie Bloomquist and Upton. Kansas City retied it in the seventh inning as Alex Gordon singled, driving in Irving Falu. Arizona answered to take a lead in the eighth inning with a 2-RBI double from Montero, pushing Bloomquist and Upton home. This made it 6-4, a final, with the win belonging to Brad Ziegler, the save being thrown by J.J. Putz, and the loss pinned on Kelvin Herrera.
Further north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond and Marco Estrada are the relatively unknown pitchers. Minnesota led off with a two-run home run by Josh Willingham, also scoring Denard Span. Milwaukee got one back in their half of the inning with a Ryan Braun fielder's choice, allowing safe passage home for Corey Hart. The Brewers tied it in the third inning as Norichika Aoki doubled to bring Hart home. The Twins retook the lead with a fifth inning Joe Mauer double scoring both Diamond and Span. Minnesota extended the lead in the sixth inning as Span singled in both Justin Morneau and Alexi Casilla. Milwaukee shot back in the bottom of the sixth with Braun hitting a solo home run. The Twins answered with a seventh inning Morneau sacrifice fly allowing Mauer to dash home. Minnesota made the lead comfortable in the eighth inning as Span singled to drive in Ben Revere, Mauer doubled to finish Span's trip around, and Morneau hit a 2-RBI single that scored both Brian Dozier and Mauer. This made it an 11-3 final, with the win going to Diamond, while Estrada was on the hook for the loss.
Southwest to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Alex White are the struggling pitchers. Seattle got things going in the first inning as Kyle Seager singled in Michael Saunders. The Mariners added on with a second inning Mike Carp solo home run. Seattle struck again in the sixth inning as Seager hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Ichiro to dash home. This made it 4-0, which held up for a win, earned by Millwood, who allowed only two hits and a walk in the complete game shutout, while White took the loss.
Out in California, the San Diego Padres host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver goes against a lesser foe in Jeff Suppan on the hill. Los Angeles got on the board as Bobby Wilson grounded into a double play, allowing Vernon Wells to dart home in the second inning. The Angels added on in the fifth inning as Mike Trout tripled home the pitcher Weaver, before coming the final 90 feet on a Mark Trumbo double, and then Wells grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Albert Pujols. San Diego got on the board with a sixth inning Will Venable solo home run. The Padres chipped away in the seventh inning on a fielder's choice by Alexi Amarista that gave time for Jesus Guzman to get home. Los Angeles iced it in the ninth inning as Howie Kendrick singled Maicer Izturis in before coming home alongside Pujols on an Erick Aybar double for a 7-2 final. Weaver notched the win while Suppan had the loss.
Just a bit to the north, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the St. Louis Cardinals for the only National League series this weekend. Lance Lynn and Ted Lilly pace the game. Los Angeles was first to score as James Loney doubled in Adam Kennedy, before he came home on an A.J. Ellis single, and A.J. Ellis was forced in when Tony Gwynn, Jr. tripled. St. Louis got on the board in the third inning with Rafael Furcal hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Tyler Greene, followed by Matt Carpenter singling to drive in Shane Robinson before coming home a two-run home run by Matt Holliday. The Dodgers retied it in the bottom of the third as Kennedy singled Mark Ellis across the dish. Los Angeles struck again in the seventh inning when Loney singled in Andre Ethier. The Cardinals tied it in the ninth inning as Lance Berkman hit a solo home run. The Dodgers got the last laugh, winning in the bottom of the ninth on an A.J. Ellis walkoff walk, forcing in Elian Herrera for the 6-5 victory. Kenley Jansen was in line for the win after blowing the save, and Fernando Salas' lack of control led to the loss.
Finally, in Northern California, the San Francisco Giants host their cross-bay rivals, the Oakland Athletics. Jarrod Parker and Barry Zito take their turns in the rotation. San Francisco drew first blood in the second inning as Brandon Belt singled Angel Pagan home before crossing the plate after a Joaquin Arias sacrifice fly. Oakland got one back in the third inning as Josh Donaldson hit a solo home run. The Giants answered in their half of the inning on a Brandon Crawford double to knock in Gregor Blanco, followed by being Crawford forced in when Belt drew a bases-loaded walk, Hector Sanchez hitting a sacrifice fly to plate Melky Cabrera, and Zito walking with the bases loaded, requiring Pagan to cross home. San Francisco padded the lead in the fourth inning as Belt lifted a sacrifice fly to get Cabrera home and Sanchez doubled to knock in Pagan. The Athletics got one back in the fifth inning when Donaldson doubled Daric Barton in. Oakland chipped away in the sixth inning as Cliff Pennington singled to drive in Jemile Weeks, before Donaldson cleared the bases with a double, sweeping in all of Pennington, Kurt Suzuki, and Barton. They never tied it, losing 8-6, with Zito getting the win, Santiago converting his tenth save of the season, and Parker took an ugly loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
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