Welcome to the post for the Eastern Conference Final between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.
Game 1: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. New York busted things open in the third period as Dan Girardi recorded his second of the postseason, assisted by Chris Kreider and Michael Del Zotto. The Rangers padded the lead with a Kreider power play goal, his third of the playoffs, powered by Artem Anisimov and Girardi. New York iced it with an empty net goal by Anisimov, his third of the postseason, fueled by Brian Boyle and Ruslan Fedotenko. The three stars of the 3-0 game were Lundqvist (21 save shutout), Girardi, and Ryan McDonagh, while Kreider and Anisimov could either take the third slot. New York owns a 1-0 series lead.
Game 2: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. New Jersey opened on an Ilya Kovalchuk power play goal, his sixth of the postseason, powered by Marek Zidlicky and Zach Parise. New York tied it in the second period on a Marc Staal power play goal, his second of the playoffs, made possible by Brad Richards and Dan Girardi. The Rangers took the lead with a Chris Kreider power play goal, coming off of Anton Stralman and Artem Anisimov for his fourth of the postseason. The Devils retied it on a Ryan Carter goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Bryce Salvador and Steve Bernier. New Jersey got the lead in the third period as David Clarkson netted his third of the postseason, thanks to Adam Henrique and Salvador. This made it 3-2, a final for a Devils win, with the three stars being Clarkson, Kreider, and Salvador. The series is tied at 1 as it heads to New Jersey.
Game 3: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Henrik Lundqvist for New York. New York broke a long scoreless tie in the third period with a Dan Girardi power play goal, his third of the postseason, powered by Brad Richards. The Rangers extended the lead on a Chris Kreider goal, his fifth of the playoffs, courtesy of Ryan McDonagh and Ryan Callahan. Callahan iced it with his fourth of the postseason into the empty net, passed from Brian Boyle for a 3-0 final. The three stars were awarded to Lundqvist (36 save shutout), Girardi, and Brodeur (19 for 21 in saves) while Callahan claims the honorable mention.
Game 4: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Henrik Lundqvist for New York. Bryce Salvador got New Jersey on the board first with his third of the postseason, set up by Alexi Ponikarovsky and David Clarkson. The Devils extended the lead on a Travis Zajac goal, his sixth of the playoffs, thanks to Zach Parise and Dainius Zubrus. New Jersey added on in the third period with Parise potting a power play goal, his fifth of the postseason powered by Ilya Kovalchuk and Adam Henrique. New York got on the board late with a Ruslan Fedotenko goal, passed from Brad Richards and Michael Del Zotto. Parise iced it at 4-1 with an empty net goal, his second of the game and sixth of the playoffs, coming off of Salvador and the goalie Brodeur. Parise, Brodeur (27 for 28 in saves), and Salvador got the three stars. Heading back to the city, the series is tied 2-2.
Game 5: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. New Jersey wasted little time in opening the scoring with a Stephen Gionta goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Mark Fayne and Steve Bernier. The Devils added on with a Patrik Elias goal, his fourth of the playoffs, guided in by Adam Henrique and Ilya Kovalchuk. New Jersey rolled along as Travis Zajac netted his seventh of the postseason, with the help of Zach Parise and Bryce Salvador. New York got on the board with a Brandon Prust goal, assisted by Ruslan Fedotenko and Derek Stepan. The Rangers pulled closer in the second period on a Ryan Callahan goal, his fifth of the playoffs, pushed through by Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky. New York tied it in the third period with an unassisted Marian Gaborik goal, his fifth of the postseason. The Devils retook the lead later in the period on a Ryan Carter goal, his third of the playoffs, via Gionta and Marek Zidlicky. New Jersey iced it at 5-3 on a Parise empty net goal, his seventh of the postseason, passed from Kovalchuk and Fayne. The three stars were awarded to Carter, Callahan, and Fedotenko, while Parise, Gionta, Kovalchuk, and Fayne get the honorable mentions. The Devils own a 3-2 series lead.
Game 6: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Henrik Lundqvist for New York. New Jersey started off with a Ryan Carter goal, his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Stephen Gionta and Steve Bernier. The Devils added on with an Ilya Kovalchuk power play goal, his seventh of the playoffs, powered by Dainius Zubrus and David Clarkson. New York got one back in the second period as Ruslan Fedotenko potted his second of the postseason, thanks to Ryan McDonagh and Brad Richards. The Rangers tied it on a Ryan Callahan goal, his sixth of the playoffs, guided in by Dan Girardi and McDonagh. New Jersey won it in the overtime with an Adam Henrique goal, his third of the postseason, set up by Kovalchuk and Alexei Ponikarovsky, for a 3-2 win. The three stars were given to Henrique, Callahan, and Brodeur (33 for 35 in saves), while Kovalchuk and McDonagh get honorable mentions. The Devils win the series 4-2, and play the Los Angeles Kings for the Stanley Cup.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
MLB Day 53 2012
Short slate of seven games today on Travel Day. We begin with a lone matinee from...
Cleveland, as the Indians host the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander opposes a man of a similar moniker, Justin Masterson, as the staff aces take the mound. Cleveland opened with a first inning Shin-Soo Choo solo home run. Detroit tied it in the third inning as Miguel Cabrera grounded out, bringing home Quintin Berry. The Indians took the lead back in the fourth inning on a Jose Lopez single driving in Michael Brantley. This was it for the scoring, giving Cleveland and Masterson a 2-1 win, while Chris Perez picked up the save, and Verlander went the distance but was stuck with the loss.
At the normal time, the Miami Marlins host the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and Anibal Sanchez are the underrated starters. Miami got going in the second inning with a solo home run by Giancarlo Stanton. San Francisco answered in the fourth inning as Angel Pagan singled in Melky Cabrera. The Giants rallied to extend the lead in the sixth inning as Pagan doubled to score both Gregor Blanco and Cabrera, followed by Buster Posey scoring on a wild pitch, and Pagan coming home on a Brandon Belt single. San Francisco added on in the seventh inning with Cabrera's 2-RBI double, scoring both Blanco and Brandon Crawford before coming all the way home after Pagan grounded into a fielder's choice. The Marlins got one back in the bottom of the seventh when Greg Dobbs singled to bring around Jose Reyes, followed by a bases-loaded walk drawn by Logan Morrison to force in Omar Infante. The Giants padded the lead in the eighth inning as Crawford doubled home both Emmanuel Burriss and Brett Pill, before coming home with Blanco on a Cabrera double. Miami shot back in the bottom of the eighth on a Donovan Solano 2-RBI single, bringing in Chris Coghlan and Reyes, before he was knocked in by a Stanton double that also scored Infante. San Francisco, not to be outdone, attacked once again in the ninth inning as Burriss reached on an error to squeeze in Nate Schierholtz, and Pill grounded into a double play to allow Joaquin Arias to dash home. This made the eventual final 14-7, with Vogelsong earning the win and Sanchez taking the loss.
Up in Cincinnati, the Reds host the Atlanta Braves. Randell Delgado and Homer Bailey get the starting nods. Cincinnati began in the fourth inning when Todd Frazier doubled in Chris Heisey. Atlanta took the lead in the fifth inning as Michael Bourn hit a two-run home run, driving in the pitcher Delgado. The Reds replied in the sixth inning on a Devin Mesoraco grand slam, sweeping in all of Brandon Phillips, Heisey, and Frazier. The Braves got one back in the seventh inning as Juan Francisco hit a solo home run. Cincinnati shot back in their half of the inning with a solo shot by Drew Stubbs. This made it 6-3, a final, with Bailey picking up the win, Logan Ondrusek getting a spot save, and Delgado suffering the loss.
East to New York, with the Mets hosting the San Diego Padres. Eric Stults and Jeremy Hefner are the completely unknown pitchers. New York started with a second inning run scored by Vinny Rottino, as he stole third and then dashed home on an error. San Diego rallied to a lead in the third inning when Will Venable doubled in Everth Cabrera, followed by Cameron Maybin singling Venable the rest of the way home before he scored alongside Yonder Alonso on a double by Jesus Guzman. The Padres extended the lead in the fourth inning when Venable doubled Cabrera home again, and Maybin kept the déjà vu going with a single to finish Venable's trip around. The Mets got some back in the sixth inning on a two-run home run by David Wright, also scoring Daniel Murphy. San Diego replied with a seventh inning Chase Headley single, knocking in Maybin before he came home with Guzman on an Andy Parrino single. The Padres padded the lead in the eighth inning as Alonso doubled to drive in Maybin. New York struck back in the bottom of the eighth with Ike Davis singling in both Scott Hairston and Lucas Duda. Not to be outdone, San Diego got a solo shot from Nick Hundley in the ninth inning, making the final 11-5. The win went to Stults while Hefner had the loss.
Westward to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Minnesota Twins. Cole De Vries and Philip Humber are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Chicago led off with a second inning solo home run from A.J. Pierzynski. Minnesota tied it in the third inning on a Jamey Carroll single, scoring Alexi Casilla. The White Sox retook the lead in the bottom of the third as Paul Konerko singled to score Alejandro De Aza before coming home alongside Gordon Beckham on a double by Alex Rios. The Twins pulled back in the fifth inning as Denard Span scored on a wild pitch and Joe Mauer hit a solo shot, and then Brian Dozier singled in both Josh Willingham and Justin Morneau to take a lead. Chicago retook the lead with back-to-back solo home runs in the sixth inning, off the bats of Konerko and Rios, followed by a De Aza grand slam to sweep in all of Dayan Viciedo, Alexei Ramirez, and Orlando Hudson. Minnesota chipped away in the seventh inning as Morneau went yard on a solo shot. The White Sox got it right back with an eighth inning Viciedo solo home run. The Twins only got as close as 11-8 after a ninth inning two-run blast from Morneau, also scoring Mauer. Nate Jones was in line for the win while De Vries was stuck holding the loss.
Down in St. Louis, the Cardinals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton and Jake Westbrook take the hill. Philadelphia took little time in the first inning to establish a sizable lead, rallying on a Shane Victorino fielder's choice to bring in Placido Polanco, followed by Ty Wigginton singling home Hunter Pence and Freddy Galvis hitting a 2-RBI single the knocked in both Victorino and Wigginton. The Phillies added on in the second inning with a 2-RBI double from Victorino, scoring both Pence and Carlos Ruiz. St. Louis got number of them back in the third inning, rallying on a Matt Holliday groundout that scored the pitcher Westbrook, followed by Carlos Beltran singling home Skip Schumaker before dashing home on a David Freese double, and Freese was plated by a Yadier Molina single. Philadelphia shot back in the fifth inning as Polanco singled in Galvis. The Cardinals answered in the bottom of the fifth as Holliday hit a solo home run, and they tied it when Molina went yard on a two-run blast, taking Freese with him. The Phillies took the lead back in the sixth inning as Galvis singled to drive in Victorino and Mike Fontenot did the same for Wigginton. St. Louis kept the ping-pong game up with a Freese solo shot in the seventh inning. Philadelphia shot right back with a Wigginton solo home run in the eighth inning. The Cardinals stayed within reach as Schumaker hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Steven Hill to dash home safely. Philadelphia was able to hold on for a 10-9 win. Raul Valdes was in line for the win, Jonathan Papelbon converted the save, and Fernando Salas took the loss.
Finally, on the abbreviated day, we end with the Seattle Mariners hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren and Jason Vargas are the second-in-command starters playing from the mound. Los Angeles quickly got the lead in the first inning as Albert Pujols hit a two-run home run, also scoring Mike Trout. The Angels added on in the sixth inning as Kendrys Morales singled in Pujols. This produced a 3-0 final, with Haren going the distance for a 4-hit and 14-strikeout complete game shutout and Vargas getting no help in the loss.
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Cleveland, as the Indians host the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander opposes a man of a similar moniker, Justin Masterson, as the staff aces take the mound. Cleveland opened with a first inning Shin-Soo Choo solo home run. Detroit tied it in the third inning as Miguel Cabrera grounded out, bringing home Quintin Berry. The Indians took the lead back in the fourth inning on a Jose Lopez single driving in Michael Brantley. This was it for the scoring, giving Cleveland and Masterson a 2-1 win, while Chris Perez picked up the save, and Verlander went the distance but was stuck with the loss.
At the normal time, the Miami Marlins host the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and Anibal Sanchez are the underrated starters. Miami got going in the second inning with a solo home run by Giancarlo Stanton. San Francisco answered in the fourth inning as Angel Pagan singled in Melky Cabrera. The Giants rallied to extend the lead in the sixth inning as Pagan doubled to score both Gregor Blanco and Cabrera, followed by Buster Posey scoring on a wild pitch, and Pagan coming home on a Brandon Belt single. San Francisco added on in the seventh inning with Cabrera's 2-RBI double, scoring both Blanco and Brandon Crawford before coming all the way home after Pagan grounded into a fielder's choice. The Marlins got one back in the bottom of the seventh when Greg Dobbs singled to bring around Jose Reyes, followed by a bases-loaded walk drawn by Logan Morrison to force in Omar Infante. The Giants padded the lead in the eighth inning as Crawford doubled home both Emmanuel Burriss and Brett Pill, before coming home with Blanco on a Cabrera double. Miami shot back in the bottom of the eighth on a Donovan Solano 2-RBI single, bringing in Chris Coghlan and Reyes, before he was knocked in by a Stanton double that also scored Infante. San Francisco, not to be outdone, attacked once again in the ninth inning as Burriss reached on an error to squeeze in Nate Schierholtz, and Pill grounded into a double play to allow Joaquin Arias to dash home. This made the eventual final 14-7, with Vogelsong earning the win and Sanchez taking the loss.
Up in Cincinnati, the Reds host the Atlanta Braves. Randell Delgado and Homer Bailey get the starting nods. Cincinnati began in the fourth inning when Todd Frazier doubled in Chris Heisey. Atlanta took the lead in the fifth inning as Michael Bourn hit a two-run home run, driving in the pitcher Delgado. The Reds replied in the sixth inning on a Devin Mesoraco grand slam, sweeping in all of Brandon Phillips, Heisey, and Frazier. The Braves got one back in the seventh inning as Juan Francisco hit a solo home run. Cincinnati shot back in their half of the inning with a solo shot by Drew Stubbs. This made it 6-3, a final, with Bailey picking up the win, Logan Ondrusek getting a spot save, and Delgado suffering the loss.
East to New York, with the Mets hosting the San Diego Padres. Eric Stults and Jeremy Hefner are the completely unknown pitchers. New York started with a second inning run scored by Vinny Rottino, as he stole third and then dashed home on an error. San Diego rallied to a lead in the third inning when Will Venable doubled in Everth Cabrera, followed by Cameron Maybin singling Venable the rest of the way home before he scored alongside Yonder Alonso on a double by Jesus Guzman. The Padres extended the lead in the fourth inning when Venable doubled Cabrera home again, and Maybin kept the déjà vu going with a single to finish Venable's trip around. The Mets got some back in the sixth inning on a two-run home run by David Wright, also scoring Daniel Murphy. San Diego replied with a seventh inning Chase Headley single, knocking in Maybin before he came home with Guzman on an Andy Parrino single. The Padres padded the lead in the eighth inning as Alonso doubled to drive in Maybin. New York struck back in the bottom of the eighth with Ike Davis singling in both Scott Hairston and Lucas Duda. Not to be outdone, San Diego got a solo shot from Nick Hundley in the ninth inning, making the final 11-5. The win went to Stults while Hefner had the loss.
Westward to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Minnesota Twins. Cole De Vries and Philip Humber are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Chicago led off with a second inning solo home run from A.J. Pierzynski. Minnesota tied it in the third inning on a Jamey Carroll single, scoring Alexi Casilla. The White Sox retook the lead in the bottom of the third as Paul Konerko singled to score Alejandro De Aza before coming home alongside Gordon Beckham on a double by Alex Rios. The Twins pulled back in the fifth inning as Denard Span scored on a wild pitch and Joe Mauer hit a solo shot, and then Brian Dozier singled in both Josh Willingham and Justin Morneau to take a lead. Chicago retook the lead with back-to-back solo home runs in the sixth inning, off the bats of Konerko and Rios, followed by a De Aza grand slam to sweep in all of Dayan Viciedo, Alexei Ramirez, and Orlando Hudson. Minnesota chipped away in the seventh inning as Morneau went yard on a solo shot. The White Sox got it right back with an eighth inning Viciedo solo home run. The Twins only got as close as 11-8 after a ninth inning two-run blast from Morneau, also scoring Mauer. Nate Jones was in line for the win while De Vries was stuck holding the loss.
Down in St. Louis, the Cardinals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton and Jake Westbrook take the hill. Philadelphia took little time in the first inning to establish a sizable lead, rallying on a Shane Victorino fielder's choice to bring in Placido Polanco, followed by Ty Wigginton singling home Hunter Pence and Freddy Galvis hitting a 2-RBI single the knocked in both Victorino and Wigginton. The Phillies added on in the second inning with a 2-RBI double from Victorino, scoring both Pence and Carlos Ruiz. St. Louis got number of them back in the third inning, rallying on a Matt Holliday groundout that scored the pitcher Westbrook, followed by Carlos Beltran singling home Skip Schumaker before dashing home on a David Freese double, and Freese was plated by a Yadier Molina single. Philadelphia shot back in the fifth inning as Polanco singled in Galvis. The Cardinals answered in the bottom of the fifth as Holliday hit a solo home run, and they tied it when Molina went yard on a two-run blast, taking Freese with him. The Phillies took the lead back in the sixth inning as Galvis singled to drive in Victorino and Mike Fontenot did the same for Wigginton. St. Louis kept the ping-pong game up with a Freese solo shot in the seventh inning. Philadelphia shot right back with a Wigginton solo home run in the eighth inning. The Cardinals stayed within reach as Schumaker hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Steven Hill to dash home safely. Philadelphia was able to hold on for a 10-9 win. Raul Valdes was in line for the win, Jonathan Papelbon converted the save, and Fernando Salas took the loss.
Finally, on the abbreviated day, we end with the Seattle Mariners hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren and Jason Vargas are the second-in-command starters playing from the mound. Los Angeles quickly got the lead in the first inning as Albert Pujols hit a two-run home run, also scoring Mike Trout. The Angels added on in the sixth inning as Kendrys Morales singled in Pujols. This produced a 3-0 final, with Haren going the distance for a 4-hit and 14-strikeout complete game shutout and Vargas getting no help in the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
MLB Day 52 2012
Full slate on getaway day, beginning in...
Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Boston Red Sox. Daniel Bard and Jake Arrieta are the bottom-of-the-rotation starters. Baltimore was first to score with a first inning Chris Davis sacrifice fly bringing in Xavier Avery. Boston tied it in the second inning as Scott Podsednik grounded into a double play to allow Kevin Youkilis to score. The Orioles replied with a Nick Johnson solo home run in the bottom of the second. The Red Sox shot back in the third inning with Will Middlebrooks doubling in Dustin Pedroia. Boston took the lead in the sixth inning with a Daniel Nava solo shot followed by a Kelly Shoppach two-run home run, also scoring Podsednik. Baltimore shot back in their half of the inning on a two-run blast by Johnson, sweeping in Wilson Betemit. The Red Sox added some breathing room in the eighth inning as Podsednik hit a solo home run. The Orioles got it back in the bottom of the eighth as Betemit hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Nick Markakis. They couldn't tie the game, falling 6-5 with Bard getting the win, Alfredo Aceves turning the save, and Arrieta taking the loss.
Into Pittsburgh, where the Pirates host the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and Charlie Morton are sent out to pitch. New York struck first with a first inning Lucas Duda single, scoring Kirk Nieuwenhuis. The Mets added on in the fifth inning as Nieuwenhuis hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Rob Johnson and David Wright doubled in Mike Baxter. Pittsburgh got one back in the sixth inning on an Andrew McCutchen single, scoring Josh Harrison. This made it 3-1, a final, with Niese getting the win, Frank Francisco picking up the save, and Morton suffering the loss.
Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Toronto Blue Jays. Staff aces Ricky Romero and James Shields make the starts. Toronto got going early with a first inning Jose Bautista solo home run. Tampa Bay took the lead in the bottom of the first as Drew Sutton doubled in both Carlos Pena and Matt Joyce. The Rays extended the lead with Joyce grounding out in the third inning, allowing Pena to score, followed by Luke Scott grounding into a fielder's choice to bring in B.J. Upton. The Blue Jays pulled back in the fifth inning as Yan Gomes hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Brett Lawrie. Toronto tied it in the eighth inning as Edwin Encarnacion hit a two-run home run, also scoring Bautista. Tampa Bay won 5-4 in the eleventh inning as Upton's walkoff double plated the winning run, Rich Thompson. Jake McGee was in line for the win while Darren Oliver was pinned with the loss.
Northwest in Milwaukee, the Brewers host the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Marco Estrada were tabbed to start, but both had abbreviated outings. This was in part because of the following. Milwaukee busted open the scoring in the first inning as Aramis Ramirez doubled in Corey Hart, Norichika Aoki, and Ryan Braun, before coming home himself on a Cesar Izturis groundout, followed by Estrada doubling in both Jonathan Lucroy and Rickie Weeks for a 6-run first inning. The Brewers padded the lead in the second inning as Lucroy went yard on a two-run home run, also scoring Aoki. San Francisco got some back as Hector Sanchez hit a 3-RBI double of his own in the third inning, sweeping in Angel Pagan, Brandon Crawford, and Melky Cabrera. The Giants pulled closer in the fourth inning as Crawford singled to score Emmanuel Burriss, and Cabrera doubled in Aburey Huff. But after this, there was no more scoring, leaving Milwaukee with an 8-5 win. Jose Veras got the win, John Axford picked up the save, and Zito was stuck holding the loss.
Out in Oakland, the Athletics host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver and Jarrod Parker are the pitchers of similar monikers. Los Angeles opened with a third inning Maicer Izturis single, scoring Alberto Callaspo. Oakland tied it in the sixth inning on a Seth Smith solo shot. The Angels got the win in the eleventh inning as Callaspo doubled in both Peter Bourjos and Howie Kendrick and they held on for a 3-1 win, earned by Jordan Walden, while Ernesto Frieri got the save and Jordan Norberto took the loss.
Up in Seattle, we end the matinees with the Mariners hosting the Texas Rangers. Scott Feldman and Kevin Millwood are the veteran pitchers. Seattle was first to score with a second inning Michael Saunders sacrifice fly bringing in Kyle Seager. The Mariners extended the lead in the fifth inning on an Alex Liddi grand slam, sweeping in all of Saunders, Mike Carp, and Dustin Ackley. Texas got on the board in the eighth inning as Josh Hamilton doubled in Ian Kinsler before coming home on a two-run Adrian Beltre home run. This made it 5-3, a final, with Millwood getting the win, Brandon League converting the save cleanly, and Feldman holding the loss.
Back east, the Cleveland Indians host the Detroit Tigers. Doug Fister and Zach McAllister are set to start. Detroit got things going in the sixth inning when Andy Dirks doubled home Quintin Berry, before coming home when Prince Fielder reached on a fielder's choice. Cleveland tied it in the bottom of the sixth on a two-run home run by Travis Hafner, also scoring Jason Kipnis. The Indians rallied to a lead in the eighth inning as Hafner reached on an error allowing Kipnis to get home, and Carlos Santana hit a sacrifice fly, knocking in Asdrubal Cabrera. This made it 4-2, a final, with Vinnie Pestano getting the win, Chris Perez tossing his fifteenth save of the season, and Phil Coke being pinned with the loss.
East again to Philadelphia, where the Phillies host the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and Cole Hamels are the reliable starters. Philadelphia got started with a second inning Mike Fontenot single, scoring Carlos Ruiz. The Phillies added on in the third inning as Shane Victorino doubled in Hunter Pence. Philadelphia got another in the seventh inning as Juan Pierre sacrificed to bring home Fontenot. The Phillies struck again in the eighth inning as Victorino hit a solo home run. Washington got on the board in the ninth inning with an Adam LaRoche solo shot. The final stood at 4-1, with Hamels being strong and effective in the win, and Jackson getting neither luck nor run support in the loss.
Into the Bronx, as the New York Yankees host the Kansas City Royals. Will Smith and Andy Pettitte get the starting nods. New York began with a first inning solo home run by Curtis Granderson, followed by a two-run homer from Alex Rodriguez, also scoring Mark Teixeira. The Yankees added on in the third inning as Teixeira grounded into a double play to bring in Derek Jeter and then Rodriguez went yard again on a solo shot. Kansas City got on the board in the fourth inning with a Billy Butler solo home run. The Royals got another one in the fifth inning as Mitch Maier mashed a solo shot. New York fired back in the bottom of the fifth as Teixeira drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Jayson Nix, followed by Robinson Cano grounding into a fielder's choice, allowing safe passage home for Granderson, and another bases-loaded walk drawn by Andruw Jones, squeezing in Teixeira. Kansas City got one back in the ninth inning to make the final 8-3 as Eric Hosmer doubled in Alcides Escobar. The win went to Pettitte, while Smith took a rough loss.
Down in Florida again, the Miami Marlins host the Colorado Rockies. Alex White and Carlos Zambrano will be on the hill. Miami led off in the first inning as Greg Dobbs singled in Hanley Ramirez. The Marlins added on in the second inning on a Zambrano single to knock in Chris Coghlan followed by a Jose Reyes single doing the same for Bryan Petersen. Colorado rallied to tie it in the fourth inning as Troy Tulowitzki doubled in Marco Scutaro, followed by sacrifice flies by Jason Giambi and Michael Cuddyer to plate Carlos Gonzalez and Tulowitzki, respectively. Miami got the lead again in the bottom of the fourth as Reyes singled in Brett Hayes. The Rockies tied it again as Gonzalez singled, scoring Ramon Hernandez, before coming home alongside Scutaro on a Tulowitzki three-run home run to take a lead. Colorado added on in the seventh inning as Gonzalez tripled, forcing in Scutaro. This made it 8-4, a final, with White getting the win and Zambrano taking the loss.
Back in Ohio, the Cincinnati Reds host the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Bronson Arroyo are the veteran starters. Atlanta began in the fourth inning with a Dan Uggla solo home run. Cincinnati tied it in the sixth inning on a Jay Bruce fielder's choice allowing safe passage home for Zack Cozart. The Reds won 2-1 with a walkoff solo shot in the bottom of the ninth by Todd Frazier. This set up Aroldis Chapman for the win, while Cristhian Martinez was dealt the loss.
Down in Houston, the Astros host the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and Wandy Rodriguez are given the green light to start. Chicago opened early with a Reed Johnson solo home run. Houston gained the lead in the fourth inning as J.D. Martinez tripled, forcing in both Carlos Lee and Chris Johnson. The Astros added on in the eighth inning when Martinez singled home Lee, followed by Matt Downs drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Johnson, and Jose Altuve was hit by a pitch also with the bases loaded, which finished Martinez's trip. The final stood from here on at 5-1, with Rodriguez getting the win and Samardzija suffering the loss.
Speaking of Chicago, the White Sox host the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond and Chris Sale are the little-known starting pitchers. Chicago got going on a first inning Adam Dunn single, bringing in Alejandro De Aza. The White Sox added on in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Alex Rios, also scoring Paul Konerko. Chicago got another in the sixth inning as A.J. Pierzynski doubled to score Konerko, followed by Orlando Hudson grounding out to bring home Rios. The White Sox kept going in the seventh inning on a Konerko solo shot. This produced a 6-0 final, with Sale picking up the win and Diamond getting no help in the loss.
A bit south in St. Louis, the Cardinals host the San Diego Padres. Jeff Suppan and Lance Lynn are the young arms pitching. San Diego drew first blood in the first inning with a Will Venable solo home run, followed by Chase Headley singling in Yonder Alonso and Nick Hundley grounding into a fielder's choice to bring home Jesus Guzman. St. Louis shot back just as hard in the bottom of the first, as Skip Schumaker doubled in Rafael Furcal before scoring on a David Freese single, and Freese crossed the plate on a Matt Adams single. The Cardinals retook the lead in the fifth inning as Carlos Beltran lifted a two-run home run, sweeping in Matt Holliday. St. Louis got another in the seventh inning as Freese hit a solo shot. This made it 6-3, a final, with the win going to Lynn, the save converted by Jason Motte, and the loss stuck on Suppan.
Finally, we end the day in Arizona, where the Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ted Lilly and Joe Saunders will play from the mound. Arizona led off with the first inning with a Ryan Roberts solo home run, followed by Aaron Hill singling in Justin Upton. The Diamondbacks added on in the second inning with Willie Bloomquist tripling to force in Henry Blanco before coming home on a Roberts sacrifice fly. Arizona struck again in the third inning on a Gerardo Parra single knocking in Paul Goldschmidt. Los Angeles got on the board in the fourth inning with an A.J. Ellis solo shot. The Diamondbacks answered in their half of the inning on a 2-RBI Jason Kubel triple that knocked in Bloomquist and Roberts, before he came home on a Hill single. Arizona rolled on in the fifth inning as Roberts grounded out to get Saunders across the dish, followed by a two-run home run from Upton, sweeping in Bloomquist. The Dodgers chipped away in the seventh inning as Dee Gordon grounded out to push in Ellis, followed by James Loney singling in Ivan De Jesus and Elian Herrera grounding into a fielder's choice, allowing Adam Kennedy to dash home. This left the score at 11-4, a final, with Saunders getting the win and Lilly getting hit early and often in his short outing for a loss.
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Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Boston Red Sox. Daniel Bard and Jake Arrieta are the bottom-of-the-rotation starters. Baltimore was first to score with a first inning Chris Davis sacrifice fly bringing in Xavier Avery. Boston tied it in the second inning as Scott Podsednik grounded into a double play to allow Kevin Youkilis to score. The Orioles replied with a Nick Johnson solo home run in the bottom of the second. The Red Sox shot back in the third inning with Will Middlebrooks doubling in Dustin Pedroia. Boston took the lead in the sixth inning with a Daniel Nava solo shot followed by a Kelly Shoppach two-run home run, also scoring Podsednik. Baltimore shot back in their half of the inning on a two-run blast by Johnson, sweeping in Wilson Betemit. The Red Sox added some breathing room in the eighth inning as Podsednik hit a solo home run. The Orioles got it back in the bottom of the eighth as Betemit hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Nick Markakis. They couldn't tie the game, falling 6-5 with Bard getting the win, Alfredo Aceves turning the save, and Arrieta taking the loss.
Into Pittsburgh, where the Pirates host the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and Charlie Morton are sent out to pitch. New York struck first with a first inning Lucas Duda single, scoring Kirk Nieuwenhuis. The Mets added on in the fifth inning as Nieuwenhuis hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Rob Johnson and David Wright doubled in Mike Baxter. Pittsburgh got one back in the sixth inning on an Andrew McCutchen single, scoring Josh Harrison. This made it 3-1, a final, with Niese getting the win, Frank Francisco picking up the save, and Morton suffering the loss.
Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Toronto Blue Jays. Staff aces Ricky Romero and James Shields make the starts. Toronto got going early with a first inning Jose Bautista solo home run. Tampa Bay took the lead in the bottom of the first as Drew Sutton doubled in both Carlos Pena and Matt Joyce. The Rays extended the lead with Joyce grounding out in the third inning, allowing Pena to score, followed by Luke Scott grounding into a fielder's choice to bring in B.J. Upton. The Blue Jays pulled back in the fifth inning as Yan Gomes hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Brett Lawrie. Toronto tied it in the eighth inning as Edwin Encarnacion hit a two-run home run, also scoring Bautista. Tampa Bay won 5-4 in the eleventh inning as Upton's walkoff double plated the winning run, Rich Thompson. Jake McGee was in line for the win while Darren Oliver was pinned with the loss.
Northwest in Milwaukee, the Brewers host the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Marco Estrada were tabbed to start, but both had abbreviated outings. This was in part because of the following. Milwaukee busted open the scoring in the first inning as Aramis Ramirez doubled in Corey Hart, Norichika Aoki, and Ryan Braun, before coming home himself on a Cesar Izturis groundout, followed by Estrada doubling in both Jonathan Lucroy and Rickie Weeks for a 6-run first inning. The Brewers padded the lead in the second inning as Lucroy went yard on a two-run home run, also scoring Aoki. San Francisco got some back as Hector Sanchez hit a 3-RBI double of his own in the third inning, sweeping in Angel Pagan, Brandon Crawford, and Melky Cabrera. The Giants pulled closer in the fourth inning as Crawford singled to score Emmanuel Burriss, and Cabrera doubled in Aburey Huff. But after this, there was no more scoring, leaving Milwaukee with an 8-5 win. Jose Veras got the win, John Axford picked up the save, and Zito was stuck holding the loss.
Out in Oakland, the Athletics host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver and Jarrod Parker are the pitchers of similar monikers. Los Angeles opened with a third inning Maicer Izturis single, scoring Alberto Callaspo. Oakland tied it in the sixth inning on a Seth Smith solo shot. The Angels got the win in the eleventh inning as Callaspo doubled in both Peter Bourjos and Howie Kendrick and they held on for a 3-1 win, earned by Jordan Walden, while Ernesto Frieri got the save and Jordan Norberto took the loss.
Up in Seattle, we end the matinees with the Mariners hosting the Texas Rangers. Scott Feldman and Kevin Millwood are the veteran pitchers. Seattle was first to score with a second inning Michael Saunders sacrifice fly bringing in Kyle Seager. The Mariners extended the lead in the fifth inning on an Alex Liddi grand slam, sweeping in all of Saunders, Mike Carp, and Dustin Ackley. Texas got on the board in the eighth inning as Josh Hamilton doubled in Ian Kinsler before coming home on a two-run Adrian Beltre home run. This made it 5-3, a final, with Millwood getting the win, Brandon League converting the save cleanly, and Feldman holding the loss.
Back east, the Cleveland Indians host the Detroit Tigers. Doug Fister and Zach McAllister are set to start. Detroit got things going in the sixth inning when Andy Dirks doubled home Quintin Berry, before coming home when Prince Fielder reached on a fielder's choice. Cleveland tied it in the bottom of the sixth on a two-run home run by Travis Hafner, also scoring Jason Kipnis. The Indians rallied to a lead in the eighth inning as Hafner reached on an error allowing Kipnis to get home, and Carlos Santana hit a sacrifice fly, knocking in Asdrubal Cabrera. This made it 4-2, a final, with Vinnie Pestano getting the win, Chris Perez tossing his fifteenth save of the season, and Phil Coke being pinned with the loss.
East again to Philadelphia, where the Phillies host the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and Cole Hamels are the reliable starters. Philadelphia got started with a second inning Mike Fontenot single, scoring Carlos Ruiz. The Phillies added on in the third inning as Shane Victorino doubled in Hunter Pence. Philadelphia got another in the seventh inning as Juan Pierre sacrificed to bring home Fontenot. The Phillies struck again in the eighth inning as Victorino hit a solo home run. Washington got on the board in the ninth inning with an Adam LaRoche solo shot. The final stood at 4-1, with Hamels being strong and effective in the win, and Jackson getting neither luck nor run support in the loss.
Into the Bronx, as the New York Yankees host the Kansas City Royals. Will Smith and Andy Pettitte get the starting nods. New York began with a first inning solo home run by Curtis Granderson, followed by a two-run homer from Alex Rodriguez, also scoring Mark Teixeira. The Yankees added on in the third inning as Teixeira grounded into a double play to bring in Derek Jeter and then Rodriguez went yard again on a solo shot. Kansas City got on the board in the fourth inning with a Billy Butler solo home run. The Royals got another one in the fifth inning as Mitch Maier mashed a solo shot. New York fired back in the bottom of the fifth as Teixeira drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Jayson Nix, followed by Robinson Cano grounding into a fielder's choice, allowing safe passage home for Granderson, and another bases-loaded walk drawn by Andruw Jones, squeezing in Teixeira. Kansas City got one back in the ninth inning to make the final 8-3 as Eric Hosmer doubled in Alcides Escobar. The win went to Pettitte, while Smith took a rough loss.
Down in Florida again, the Miami Marlins host the Colorado Rockies. Alex White and Carlos Zambrano will be on the hill. Miami led off in the first inning as Greg Dobbs singled in Hanley Ramirez. The Marlins added on in the second inning on a Zambrano single to knock in Chris Coghlan followed by a Jose Reyes single doing the same for Bryan Petersen. Colorado rallied to tie it in the fourth inning as Troy Tulowitzki doubled in Marco Scutaro, followed by sacrifice flies by Jason Giambi and Michael Cuddyer to plate Carlos Gonzalez and Tulowitzki, respectively. Miami got the lead again in the bottom of the fourth as Reyes singled in Brett Hayes. The Rockies tied it again as Gonzalez singled, scoring Ramon Hernandez, before coming home alongside Scutaro on a Tulowitzki three-run home run to take a lead. Colorado added on in the seventh inning as Gonzalez tripled, forcing in Scutaro. This made it 8-4, a final, with White getting the win and Zambrano taking the loss.
Back in Ohio, the Cincinnati Reds host the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Bronson Arroyo are the veteran starters. Atlanta began in the fourth inning with a Dan Uggla solo home run. Cincinnati tied it in the sixth inning on a Jay Bruce fielder's choice allowing safe passage home for Zack Cozart. The Reds won 2-1 with a walkoff solo shot in the bottom of the ninth by Todd Frazier. This set up Aroldis Chapman for the win, while Cristhian Martinez was dealt the loss.
Down in Houston, the Astros host the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and Wandy Rodriguez are given the green light to start. Chicago opened early with a Reed Johnson solo home run. Houston gained the lead in the fourth inning as J.D. Martinez tripled, forcing in both Carlos Lee and Chris Johnson. The Astros added on in the eighth inning when Martinez singled home Lee, followed by Matt Downs drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Johnson, and Jose Altuve was hit by a pitch also with the bases loaded, which finished Martinez's trip. The final stood from here on at 5-1, with Rodriguez getting the win and Samardzija suffering the loss.
Speaking of Chicago, the White Sox host the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond and Chris Sale are the little-known starting pitchers. Chicago got going on a first inning Adam Dunn single, bringing in Alejandro De Aza. The White Sox added on in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Alex Rios, also scoring Paul Konerko. Chicago got another in the sixth inning as A.J. Pierzynski doubled to score Konerko, followed by Orlando Hudson grounding out to bring home Rios. The White Sox kept going in the seventh inning on a Konerko solo shot. This produced a 6-0 final, with Sale picking up the win and Diamond getting no help in the loss.
A bit south in St. Louis, the Cardinals host the San Diego Padres. Jeff Suppan and Lance Lynn are the young arms pitching. San Diego drew first blood in the first inning with a Will Venable solo home run, followed by Chase Headley singling in Yonder Alonso and Nick Hundley grounding into a fielder's choice to bring home Jesus Guzman. St. Louis shot back just as hard in the bottom of the first, as Skip Schumaker doubled in Rafael Furcal before scoring on a David Freese single, and Freese crossed the plate on a Matt Adams single. The Cardinals retook the lead in the fifth inning as Carlos Beltran lifted a two-run home run, sweeping in Matt Holliday. St. Louis got another in the seventh inning as Freese hit a solo shot. This made it 6-3, a final, with the win going to Lynn, the save converted by Jason Motte, and the loss stuck on Suppan.
Finally, we end the day in Arizona, where the Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ted Lilly and Joe Saunders will play from the mound. Arizona led off with the first inning with a Ryan Roberts solo home run, followed by Aaron Hill singling in Justin Upton. The Diamondbacks added on in the second inning with Willie Bloomquist tripling to force in Henry Blanco before coming home on a Roberts sacrifice fly. Arizona struck again in the third inning on a Gerardo Parra single knocking in Paul Goldschmidt. Los Angeles got on the board in the fourth inning with an A.J. Ellis solo shot. The Diamondbacks answered in their half of the inning on a 2-RBI Jason Kubel triple that knocked in Bloomquist and Roberts, before he came home on a Hill single. Arizona rolled on in the fifth inning as Roberts grounded out to get Saunders across the dish, followed by a two-run home run from Upton, sweeping in Bloomquist. The Dodgers chipped away in the seventh inning as Dee Gordon grounded out to push in Ellis, followed by James Loney singling in Ivan De Jesus and Elian Herrera grounding into a fielder's choice, allowing Adam Kennedy to dash home. This left the score at 11-4, a final, with Saunders getting the win and Lilly getting hit early and often in his short outing for a loss.
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Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Western Conference Final: 3) Phoenix Coyotes VS. 8) Los Angeles Kings
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.
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.
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.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
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.
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