Happy Memorial Day to all the American people visiting here today. It will be quite the memory for me, because today we passed last month's one-month record again, so I appreciate the approximately 1,500 visits I've had to this blog in the past two months. Much thanks to everyone. As for the baseball, it's on all day, and we begin in...
Miami, where the Marlins host the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and Carlos Zambrano are the Z-men on the mound. Washington began in the third inning with a solo home run by the pitcher Zimmermann. Miami tied it in the fourth inning as Logan Morrison hit a solo shot. The Nationals got the lead back in the fifth inning as Ryan Zimmerman doubled in both Steve Lombardozzi and Bryce Harper. The Marlins retied it in the sixth inning with a two-run home run by Giancarlo Stanton, also scoring Hanley Ramirez, and they gained the lead with a sacrifice fly by Chris Coghlan to plate Morrison. Miami added on with a Ramirez sacrifice fly providing Jose Reyes time to get home in the seventh inning. This made it 5-3, a final, with the win going to Zambrano, the save converted by Heath Bell, and the loss pinned on power-hitter Zimmermann.
Up in Atlanta, the Braves host the St. Louis Cardinals. Lance Lynn and Tommy Hanson are the starters. St. Louis rallied to a lead in the third inning with Matt Holliday scoring on a passed ball, followed by Yadier Molina singling in Matt Adams before completing his trip on a two-run homer by Daniel Descalso. The Cardinals got another in the fourth inning with a solo home run by Rafael Furcal, followed by Adams singling to provide Skip Schumaker time to dash home. Atlanta got on the board in their half of the inning as Juan Francisco singled in both Dan Uggla and Jason Heyward. St. Louis extended the lead in the sixth inning on a 2-RBI Adams double scoring both Furcal and Schumaker. This made it 8-2, which was all the scoring in store, allowing Lynn to pick up a win while Hanson had a short outing in the loss.
Farther north, the New York Mets host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels and Jonathon Niese get the ball. Philadelphia struck first with a third inning Ty Wigginton double, scoring both Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino. New York tied it on a two-run Vinny Rottino home run, also scoring Lucas Duda in the fifth inning. The Phillies got the lead again in the sixth inning as John Mayberry hit a two-run homer, sweeping in Wigginton. The Mets pulled even again in the bottom of the sixth with a two-run Scott Hairston homer, bringing in Kirk Nieuwenhuis. Philadelphia took the lead in the seventh inning as Wigginton singled Jimmy Rollins across the plate. The Phillies extended the lead in the ninth inning as Wigginton hit a three-run home run to sweep in Placido Polanco and Pence. Hamels got the win in the 8-4 game, while Bobby Parnell was on the hook for the loss.
Continuing to Boston, with the Red Sox hosting the Detroit Tigers. Doug Fister and Felix Doubront take their turns in the rotation. Boston struck first with a first inning David Ortiz double scoring Adrian Gonzalez. Detroit tied it in the second inning with a Delmon Young solo home run. The Red Sox took the lead back in the bottom of the second as Mike Aviles singled in Ryan Sweeney, followed by Daniel Nava doubling in Aviles and then coming all the way home on a Dustin Pedroia single. Boston got another in the third inning on a Jarrod Saltalamacchia solo shot. The Tigers replied in the fifth inning as Gerald Laird hit a solo home run. The Red Sox answered back in the sixth inning on a Will Middlebrooks single to drive in Saltalamacchia. Boston got another in the eighth inning as Aviles doubled in Sweeney. Detroit got a couple back in the ninth inning on a two-run Jhonny Peralta home run, also knocking in Prince Fielder, but they got no more runs and fell 7-4. Doubront got the win while Fister got hit hard in the loss.
Into Pennsylvania, as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and James McDonald are the reliable starters. Pittsburgh led off in the first inning as Pedro Alvarez doubled home Neil Walker and then scored himself on a Garrett Jones single. The Pirates added on in the second inning as Walker doubled in the pitcher McDonald. Pittsburgh rolled along in the third inning when Rod Barajas singled in Alvarez. Cincinnati got on the board in the ninth inning as Chris Heisey hit a single to bring home Joey Votto, for a 4-1 final. McDonald pitched very well in the win, while Joel Hanrahan picked up a save and Arroyo had little help in the loss.
Further west, the Minnesota Twins host the Oakland Athletics. Travis Blackley and Scott Diamond are the relatively unknown pitchers. Josh Reddick put Oakland up early with a solo home run in the first inning. The Athletics got another one in the second inning as Kila Ka'aihue hit a solo shot. Minnesota got on the board in the fifth inning with a Trevor Plouffe solo home run. Oakland got it back in the bottom of the fifth as Brandon Inge's groundout gave Reddick time to dash home. The Twins pulled even in the sixth inning when Josh Willingham doubled to score Darin Mastroianni before Justin Morneau hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Joe Mauer. The Athletics got the lead again in the eighth inning as Kurt Suzuki singled to score Jonny Gomes. Minnesota got the lead back in the bottom of the eighth as Morneau doubled in Mauer, and Ryan Doumit hit a sacrifice fly to allow safe passage home for Willingham. This was all for the scoring in the 5-4 game, with Alex Burnett getting the win, Matt Capps shutting the door for a save, and Ryan Cook unluckily taking the loss.
Down south a bit, the Chicago Cubs host the San Diego Padres. Jeff Suppan and Travis Wood are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. San Diego struck early with a first inning Carlos Quentin double knocking in Chris Denorfia. Chicago took the lead in the bottom of the first as Starlin Castro singled to score David DeJesus before coming home as Bryan LaHair grounded out. The Cubs got another in the second inning as Darwin Barney hit a solo home run. The Padres pulled back in the third inning on a Will Venable solo shot. San Diego tied it in the fourth inning with a Chase Headley solo home run, before taking the lead on an Everth Cabrera solo long ball. Chicago tied it again in the bottom of the fourth when Alfonso Soriano doubled LaHair in, and then he scored when Ian Stewart hit a two-run home run. The Padres got another equalizer in the fifth inning as Headley hit another home run, this time a two-run bomb that also scored Quentin. San Diego took the lead with a Venable double to drive in Andy Parrino in the sixth inning. The Cubs took the lead once again in the bottom of the sixth as Soriano hit a two-run home run, also driving in LaHair. Chicago extended the lead with a two-run Castro home run, also scoring Reed Johnson, followed by Stewart singling, allowing LaHair to cross the dish. This made it 11-7, an eventual final, allowing Randy Wells the win and Alex Hinshaw was stuck with the loss.
Speaking of Chicago, the White Sox are down in Tampa Bay to visit the Rays. Chris Sale and Matt Moore are the relievers turned starters set to pitch. Tampa finally drew blood in the fourth inning on a Jose Lobaton single to knock in Ben Zobrist. Chicago went ahead in the sixth inning as Adam Dunn hit a two-run home run, also scoring Gordon Beckham. This was all they needed for a 2-1 win, earned by Sale, while Addison Reed turned the save, and Moore pitched strong but still lost.
Now we get a mid-day doubleheader, with the Colorado Rockies hosting the Houston Astros. Wandy Rodriguez and Juan Nicasio are tabbed for starting the first game. Houston got things going with a first inning Jose Altuve groundout scoring Jordan Schafer, followed by a Jed Lowrie solo home run. Colorado got one back in their half of the first as Jordan Pacheco tripled to force in Dexter Fowler, and they tied it when he came the final 90 feet on a wild pitch, followed by Troy Tulowitzki doubling in Carlos Gonzalez to give his team a lead, before he finished his trip on a two-run home run run by Willin Rosario. The Astros pulled back in the third inning as Lowrie grounded out to score Schafer, followed by Carlos Lee singling to allow Altuve to dash home. The Rockies got some breathing room in the bottom of the third inning as DJ LeMahieu doubled in Rosario. Houston tied it in the fifth inning as Chris Johnson singled home Lowrie and then Lee scored on an error for the equalizer. Colorado shot back in their half of the inning with a Tulowitzki solo shot. The Astros retied it in the seventh inning as Altuve singled Schafer home safely. The Rockies took the lead once again in the eighth inning with a 2-RBI Pacheco single, scoring both Jeremy Guthrie and Fowler. This made it 9-7, a final, with Matt Belisle picking up the win, Rafael Betancourt getting the save, and Fernando Rodriguez taking the loss.
In the second game, the pitchers are Jordan Lyles and Alex White. Colorado began on a Dexter Fowler solo home run. Houston got the lead on a third inning two-run home run by Brian Bogusevic, also scoring Lyles. The Rockies retied it in the bottom of the third as Carlos Gonzalez grounded out to score Fowler. The Astros reclaimed the lead in the fourth inning on a Chris Snyder solo shot, followed by Jordan Schafer singling in Marwin Gonzalez. Colorado shot back in the bottom of the fourth as Fowler drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Jordan Pacheco, before Marco Scutaro cleared the bases with a double, knocking in all of Tyler Colvin, Wil Nieves, and Fowler. Houston pulled back in the fifth inning on a Snyder single to bring in Travis Buck. The Astros tied it with a sixth inning Justin Maxwell solo home run. The Rockies won in the tenth inning as Fowler tripled to force in Michael Cuddyer for a 7-6 walkoff win. Josh Roenicke was in line for the win while Brett Myers was on the hook for the loss.
Northeast to Cleveland, as the Indians host the Kansas City Royals. Nate Adcock and Josh Tomlin are handed the ball. Kansas City got on the board in the second inning with a two-run Eric Hosmer home run, also scoring Jeff Francoeur. Cleveland got on the board in the third inning with a Lonnie Chisenhall solo home run, and then they rallied ahead as Jason Kipnis hit a two-RBI single to score Luke Carlin and Shin-Soo Choo, followed by Jose Lopez singling in Michael Brantley and Casey Kotchman lining a single to finish Kipnis' trip around. The Royals got one back in the fifth inning with a Brayan Pena solo shot, followed Jarrod Dyson tripling and then scoring on an error. The Indians answered in the bottom of the fifth as Lopez singled to knock in Kipnis. Kansas City chipped away in the seventh inning as Alcides Escobar singled Dyson across the plate. Cleveland shot back in the bottom of the seventh as Brantley singled, allowing Juan Diaz to come home, followed by Lopez reaching on an error, pushing Brantley all the way home. This made it 8-5, a final, with Tomlin in line for the win, Chris Perez converting the save, and Adcock getting shelled early in the loss.
Out in California, the San Francisco Giants host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Cahill and Barry Zito are the well-known starters. San Francisco got a sizable lead in the first inning beginning with Gregor Blanco stealing home, Hector Sanchez singling to drive in Angel Pagan, and Brandon Belt ripping a triple to finish Sanchez's trip around. The Giants added on in the second inning as Blanco doubled to score Emmanuel Burriss. Arizona got on the board in the third inning with a Justin Upton ground rule double, forcing in the pitcher Cahill. The Diamondbacks chipped away in the eighth inning on a John McDonald solo home run. This made it 4-2, a final, with Zito grabbing the win, Santiago Casilla converting the save, and Cahill taking the loss.
Well to the northeast, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Baltimore Orioles. Tommy Hunter and Drew Hutchison take the hill. Toronto was first to score as Colby Rasmus singled in first inning, knocking in Kelly Johnson. The Blue Jays added on in the second inning when Johnson grounded out to bring in David Cooper. Toronto struck again with a third inning two-run home run by Edwin Encarnacion, also scoring Jose Bautista. The Blue Jays padded the lead in the fourth inning as Johnson went yard on a two-run blast, sweeping in Omar Vizquel. Baltimore got on the board in the ninth inning as Wilson Betemit singled home Adam Jones and Mark Reynolds doubled to drive in Matt Wieters for a 6-2 final. Hutchison was in line for the win, while Casey Janssen got the save, and Hunter was dealt the loss.
Back stateside, the Texas Rangers host the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Matt Harrison are on the mound. Seattle quickly opened with a first inning Jesus Montero single knocking in Ichiro. Texas tied it in the second inning on a Nelson Cruz solo home run. The Rangers got the lead in the sixth inning as Mike Napoli lifted a three-run home run, also scoring Adrian Beltre and David Murphy. The Mariners got one back in the eighth inning when Brendan Ryan tripled to force in Michael Saunders. This was all there was, leaving Texas up 4-2 with the win going to Harrison, the save turned by Joe Nathan, and the loss stuck on Steve Delabar.
Out in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum and Aaron Harang will be pitching. Los Angeles got things going in the first inning as Andre Ethier doubled home Tony Gwynn, Jr. Milwaukee tied it in the fourth inning on a solo home run by Aramis Ramirez. The Brewers went ahead in the sixth inning on a Ramirez single to score Norichika Aoki and a Rickie Weeks sacrifice fly allowing Ryan Braun to come home. The Dodgers got one back in the eighth inning as Jerry Hairston, Jr. singled home Bobby Abreu. They couldn't tie the game, falling 3-2, with Marcum earning the win, John Axford tossing the save, and Harang got stuck holding the loss.
Finally, in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Jered Weaver pace the game. New York struck first in the first inning with Alex Rodriguez reaching on an error, driving in Derek Jeter, followed by a Raul Ibanez sacrifice fly allowing Curtis Granderson to get home and Nick Swisher reaching on an error that brought in Rodriguez. Los Angeles gave as good as they got in the bottom of the first with Kendrys Morales singling in Mike Trout, followed by a ground rule double from Mark Trumbo forcing in Albert Pujols and a 2-RBI Howie Kendrick single, scoring both Morales and Trumbo. The Yankees tied it back up in the second inning on a Granderson solo home run. The Angels got the lead again in the third inning as Kendrick hit a sacrifice fly allowing safe passage home for Trumbo. Los Angeles added on in the fourth inning with a Trout solo shot. Mark Teixeira got it back for New York with a solo home run. The Angels extended their lead in the sixth inning on a 2-RBI Morales double, driving in both Peter Bourjos and Maicer Izturis. The Yankees pulled even in the seventh inning as Swisher hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Robinson Cano, and Russell Martin doubled in both Teixeira and Ibanez. Los Angeles won 9-8 in the ninth inning with a walkoff Trumbo solo shot. The win was credited to Jordan Walden, while Cory Wade was responsible for the loss.
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Monday, May 28, 2012
Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 8 2012
1. Melky Cabrera
2. Paul Konerko
3. R.A. Dickey
4. Giancarlo Stanton
5. C.J. Wilson
6. Alex Rios
7. Gio Gonzalez
8. Jeff Francoeur
9. Mark Teixeira
10. Troy Tulowitzki
2. Paul Konerko
3. R.A. Dickey
4. Giancarlo Stanton
5. C.J. Wilson
6. Alex Rios
7. Gio Gonzalez
8. Jeff Francoeur
9. Mark Teixeira
10. Troy Tulowitzki
Sunday, May 27, 2012
MLB Day 56 2012
Full slate on this Sunday of a holiday weekend. We begin as usual early in the afternoon with...
The Miami Marlins hosting the San Francisco Giants. Matt Cain and Ricky Nolasco are expected to pitch well today. San Francisco led off with a first inning Melky Cabrera solo home run. The Giants added on with a fourth inning Angel Pagan sacrifice fly to bring in Cabrera. Miami got on the board in the fifth inning with a Chris Coghlan single to drive in Giancarlo Stanton. San Francisco replied with a sixth inning Buster Posey double, scoring Cabrera. The Marlins pulled back on a Jose Reyes single, plating Bryan Petersen. This was as close as it would get, with the Giants holding on for a 3-2 win, earned by Cain, while Santiago Casilla converted the save cleanly, and Nolasco was stuck with an unfortunate loss.
Up the Atlantic coast to New York, with the Mets hosting the San Diego Padres. Edinson Volquez and R.A. Dickey are the middle-of-the-rotation starters. New York was first to score with a first inning Daniel Murphy single knocking in David Wright. The Mets struck again in the sixth inning as Mike Baxter dashed home safely on a passed ball. This was it for the scoring, which ended at 2-0 New York, giving Dickey a convincing win, Frank Francisco a clean ninth inning for the save, and Volquez getting no help in the loss.
Inland a bit, the Cincinnati Reds host the Colorado Rockies. Jamie Moyer and Mat Latos take their turns to start. Cincinnati began with a first inning Joey Votto solo home run. Colorado tied it in the second inning on a Troy Tulowitzki solo shot. The Reds took the lead again in the bottom of the second as Jay Bruce hit a solo home run. Cincinnati extended the lead with a three-run third inning Brandon Phillips home run, sweeping in Latos and Votto. The Rockies got one back with a fourth inning Carlos Gonzalez solo shot. The Reds shot back in the bottom of the fourth as Todd Frazier hit a solo home run and Zack Cozart doubled in Ryan Hanigan. Colorado got one back in the fifth inning on a Michael Cuddyer solo shot. The Rockies chipped away in the sixth inning on a Gonzalez solo home run. Colorado pulled closer in the eighth inning on a Dexter Fowler solo shot. This was all they got, losing 7-5, with Latos getting the win, Aroldis Chapman turning the save, and Moyer taking the loss.
Back east, the Baltimore Orioles host the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Brian Matusz are the struggling pitchers. Kansas City quickly started the scoring on a Billy Butler solo home run. Baltimore tied it in their half of the inning as Nick Markakis doubled J.J. Hardy home. The Royals took the lead again as Mitch Maier sacrificed to allow Jeff Francoeur to dart home. The Orioles tied it in the fourth inning with an Xavier Avery single, scoring Robert Andino. Kansas City answered in the sixth inning, taking the lead as Francoeur hit a solo shot, followed by Humberto Quintero doubling in Alcides Escobar. This held up for a 4-2 win, earned by Hochevar, while Jonathan Broxton converted the save, and Matusz was stuck with the loss.
Into Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Chicago Cubs. Matt Garza and Erik Bedard are the solid starters. Pittsburgh established a sizable lead in the first inning with a three-run Pedro Alvarez home run, knocking in Josh Harrison and Andrew McCutchen. The Pirates added on in the fifth inning with a McCutchen solo home run. Pittsburgh went yard again in the sixth inning with a two-run blast off the bat of Garrett Jones, sweeping in Neil Walker, followed by Gorkys Hernandez singling in both Matt Hague and Michael McKenry, Alvarez hitting a sacrifice fly allowing Hernandez to complete his trip around, and Walker singling Harrison home safely. Chicago got some back in the eighth inning as Tony Campana grounded out to bring in Koyie Hill, before Starlin Castro hit a two-run home run, also scoring Blake Lalli. The Cubs got another in the ninth inning as Darwin Barney doubled in Jeff Baker, producing a 10-4 final. Bedard got the win while Garza was pinned with the loss.
Over in Boston, the Red Sox welcome the Tampa Bay Rays. Young guns Jeremy Hellickson and Clay Buchholz will be on the mound. Tampa Bay was first to score in the fourth inning as Ben Zobrist grounded out, allowing Matt Joyce to come home. The Rays added on in the seventh inning when Will Rhymes singled home Sean Rodriguez. Boston took the lead in the bottom of the seventh as Adrian Gonzalez lifted a three-run home run, sweeping in David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis. Tampa Bay got the lead back in the ninth inning on a two-run Rodriguez home run, also scoring Zobrist. This held up for a 4-3 win, which was given to Jake McGee, while Fernando Rodney turned the save, and Alfredo Aceves was tagged in the loss.
Switching our Sox, we head to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and Gavin Floyd are the well-known starters. Chicago rallied to a first inning lead when Paul Konerko grounded into a fielder's choice, bringing in Alejandro De Aza, followed by Alex Rios singling to score Gordon Beckham and Alexei Ramirez's single finishing Konerko's trip around. Cleveland tied it in the second inning as Johnny Damon hit a three-run home run, also scoring Casey Kotchman and Shelley Duncan. The White Sox got the lead again in the third inning when Ramirez singled Rios across the dish. The Indians tied it again in the fourth inning as Michael Brantley singled, plating Juan Diaz. Chicago retook the lead again in the bottom of the fourth with a three-run home run by Konerko, sweeping in Beckham and Adam Dunn. The White Sox added on in the fifth inning as Orlando Hudson tripled to force in both Ramirez and Tyler Flowers, before coming the final 90 feet on a De Aza triple. Cleveland got one back in the sixth inning when Brantley grounded out, providing Diaz time to dash home. Chicago responded in the eighth inning with a 2-RBI Dayan Viciedo single, scoring both De Aza and Beckham. The Indians attempted to claw back in the ninth inning when Jose Lopez doubled Brantley across the dish, making the final 12-6 White Sox. Floyd picked up the win while Jimenez was given the loss.
Up in Minnesota, the Twins host the Detroit Tigers. Rick Porcello and P.J. Walters are handed the ball. Detroit wasted little time in scoring first in the first inning as Miguel Cabrera singled home Quintin Berry, followed by Brennan Boesch grounding into a double play that allowed Andy Dirks to dash home safely. Minnesota got on the board in the fourth inning with an Alexi Casilla single scoring Ryan Doumit. The Twins gained the lead in the fifth inning when Joe Mauer doubled to drive in Ben Revere before he came the rest of the way home on a Josh Willingham single. The Tigers took the lead in the ninth inning as Cabrera hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Berry, and they made it last for a 4-3 win. The win went to Brayan Villarreal, while Jose Valverde turned the save, and Matt Capps was stuck with the loss.
Back south a bit to St. Louis, where the Cardinals welcome the Philadelphia Phillies. Roy Halladay and Adam Wainwright are the staff aces set to start. St. Louis opened in the first inning with a Yadier Molina grand slam, sweeping in all of Skip Schumaker, Matt Holliday, and David Freese. Philadelphia got on the board in the third inning with Juan Pierre singling in Mike Fontenot. The Cardinals extended the lead with a three-run home run in the fifth inning by Carlos Beltran, knocking in Rafael Furcal and Schumaker. St. Louis struck again in the sixth inning on a solo shot from Matt Adams. The Phillies got one back in the eighth inning as Shane Victorino grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing Pierre to get home. Philadelphia attempted a ninth inning rally as Pierre singled to plate Freddy Galvis, but this only made the final 8-3, with Wainwright credited with the win while Halladay suffered the loss.
Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Toronto Blue Jays. Kyle Drabek and Yu Darvish are on the hill. Texas got things going in the second inning as Mitch Moreland drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Michael Young, followed by a 2-RBI Ian Kinsler double, bringing in both David Murphy and Mike Napoli, Elvis Andrus doubling to plate both Moreland and Kinsler, and Adrian Beltre clearing the bases on a two-run home run that also scored Andrus. Toronto got on the board in the third inning as Jose Bautista grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing Yunel Escobar to dash home. The Rangers shot back in the bottom of the third with a two-run home run by Kinsler, also scoring Napoli. The Blue Jays got one back in the fourth inning with a solo home run by J.P. Arencibia. Toronto chipped away in the fifth inning as Edwin Encarnacion singled in Colby Rasmus. Texas shot back in the seventh inning as Nelson Cruz doubled Murphy in, before coming all the way home on a Napoli two-run home run. The Blue Jays got another solo shot from Arencibia in the eighth inning. Toronto got as close as 12-6 before falling in the ninth inning with a Rasmus two-run homer that also knocked in Omar Vizquel. Darvish was in line for the win while Drabek's early exit didn't spare him the loss.
Out in California, the Oakland Athletics host the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Tommy Milone are given the green light to pitch. New York got things going in the second inning on an Andruw Jones solo home run. The Yankees got another in the seventh inning as Mark Teixeira doubled home Curtis Granderson. This was all for the scoring, giving New York a 2-0 win on the arm of Kuroda, while Rafael Soriano closed out the ninth for a save, and Milone got no help in the loss.
Up into Seattle, as the Mariners host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson faces a lesser foe in Hector Noesi pitching. Los Angeles opened as Kendrys Morales singled Mike Trout safely home. The Angels struck again in the fourth inning with a Morales solo home run. Seattle answered in the bottom of the fourth as Justin Smoak singled to score Jesus Montero. Los Angeles added on in the seventh inning on a Mark Trumbo solo shot. The Mariners got one back in the bottom of the seventh when Montero scored on a wile pitch. The Angels answered in the ninth inning as Howie Kendrick hit a sacrifice fly to score Morales. The final stood at 4-2, with the win going to Wilson, the save to Scott Downs, while Noesi was strong in taking the loss.
Back in California, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Houston Astros. J.A. Happ and Chris Capuano pace the game. Houston began with a first inning Jed Lowrie groundout providing time for Jose Altuve to dart home. Los Angeles answered in the second inning as Tony Gwynn, Jr. singled in Matt Treanor. The Dodgers added on in the fourth inning with a Treanor solo home run. Los Angeles extended the lead as Bobby Abreu drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Jerry Hairston, Jr. The Dodgers got another in the eighth inning as Gwynn singled home Dee Gordon, before Hairston finished Gwynn's trip around on a single. This made it 5-1, a final, with the win going to Capuano, and the loss to Happ.
Eastward a bit to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf gets to welcome Daniel Hudson back from the disabled list as they take the mound. Arizona opened the scoring in the fourth inning with a solo home run by Paul Goldschmidt. Milwaukee tied it in the fifth inning as Cody Ransom singled in Taylor Green, followed by Corey Hart's single putting them ahead when Ransom crossed the plate. The Brewers added on in the sixth inning as Green singled home George Kotteras. The Diamondbacks pulled back in the bottom of the sixth as Jason Kubel singled to score Aaron Hill, before he came home on a Ryan Roberts single, and they got the lead on a Henry Blanco single that brought Goldschmidt across the plate. They held on to this 4-3 lead until the end, leaving Bryan Shaw with the win, J.J. Putz picked up the save, and Jose Veras was pinned with the loss.
Finally, we end in Atlanta, with the Braves hosting the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Brandon Beachy show both alliteration with their names and a lot of skill in pitching. Atlanta started in the first inning when Martin Prado grounded out, bringing in Michael Bourn. The Braves struck again in the third inning on a Tyler Pastornicky sacrifice that allowed Bourn to score again. Washington got on the board in the fourth inning as Jesus Flores singled in Adam LaRoche, and they tied it with the pitcher Gonzalez hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Ian Desmond. The Nationals got the lead in the sixth inning on a Flores single driving in Danny Espinosa, followed by Steve Lombardozzi doubling home both Rick Ankiel and Flores, and Ryan Zimmerman singling to finish Lombardozzi's trip around. Washington got another with a solo home run by Bryce Harper in the eighth inning. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 7-2, with Gonzalez solid in the win while Beachy got roughed up a bit in the loss.
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The Miami Marlins hosting the San Francisco Giants. Matt Cain and Ricky Nolasco are expected to pitch well today. San Francisco led off with a first inning Melky Cabrera solo home run. The Giants added on with a fourth inning Angel Pagan sacrifice fly to bring in Cabrera. Miami got on the board in the fifth inning with a Chris Coghlan single to drive in Giancarlo Stanton. San Francisco replied with a sixth inning Buster Posey double, scoring Cabrera. The Marlins pulled back on a Jose Reyes single, plating Bryan Petersen. This was as close as it would get, with the Giants holding on for a 3-2 win, earned by Cain, while Santiago Casilla converted the save cleanly, and Nolasco was stuck with an unfortunate loss.
Up the Atlantic coast to New York, with the Mets hosting the San Diego Padres. Edinson Volquez and R.A. Dickey are the middle-of-the-rotation starters. New York was first to score with a first inning Daniel Murphy single knocking in David Wright. The Mets struck again in the sixth inning as Mike Baxter dashed home safely on a passed ball. This was it for the scoring, which ended at 2-0 New York, giving Dickey a convincing win, Frank Francisco a clean ninth inning for the save, and Volquez getting no help in the loss.
Inland a bit, the Cincinnati Reds host the Colorado Rockies. Jamie Moyer and Mat Latos take their turns to start. Cincinnati began with a first inning Joey Votto solo home run. Colorado tied it in the second inning on a Troy Tulowitzki solo shot. The Reds took the lead again in the bottom of the second as Jay Bruce hit a solo home run. Cincinnati extended the lead with a three-run third inning Brandon Phillips home run, sweeping in Latos and Votto. The Rockies got one back with a fourth inning Carlos Gonzalez solo shot. The Reds shot back in the bottom of the fourth as Todd Frazier hit a solo home run and Zack Cozart doubled in Ryan Hanigan. Colorado got one back in the fifth inning on a Michael Cuddyer solo shot. The Rockies chipped away in the sixth inning on a Gonzalez solo home run. Colorado pulled closer in the eighth inning on a Dexter Fowler solo shot. This was all they got, losing 7-5, with Latos getting the win, Aroldis Chapman turning the save, and Moyer taking the loss.
Back east, the Baltimore Orioles host the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Brian Matusz are the struggling pitchers. Kansas City quickly started the scoring on a Billy Butler solo home run. Baltimore tied it in their half of the inning as Nick Markakis doubled J.J. Hardy home. The Royals took the lead again as Mitch Maier sacrificed to allow Jeff Francoeur to dart home. The Orioles tied it in the fourth inning with an Xavier Avery single, scoring Robert Andino. Kansas City answered in the sixth inning, taking the lead as Francoeur hit a solo shot, followed by Humberto Quintero doubling in Alcides Escobar. This held up for a 4-2 win, earned by Hochevar, while Jonathan Broxton converted the save, and Matusz was stuck with the loss.
Into Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Chicago Cubs. Matt Garza and Erik Bedard are the solid starters. Pittsburgh established a sizable lead in the first inning with a three-run Pedro Alvarez home run, knocking in Josh Harrison and Andrew McCutchen. The Pirates added on in the fifth inning with a McCutchen solo home run. Pittsburgh went yard again in the sixth inning with a two-run blast off the bat of Garrett Jones, sweeping in Neil Walker, followed by Gorkys Hernandez singling in both Matt Hague and Michael McKenry, Alvarez hitting a sacrifice fly allowing Hernandez to complete his trip around, and Walker singling Harrison home safely. Chicago got some back in the eighth inning as Tony Campana grounded out to bring in Koyie Hill, before Starlin Castro hit a two-run home run, also scoring Blake Lalli. The Cubs got another in the ninth inning as Darwin Barney doubled in Jeff Baker, producing a 10-4 final. Bedard got the win while Garza was pinned with the loss.
Over in Boston, the Red Sox welcome the Tampa Bay Rays. Young guns Jeremy Hellickson and Clay Buchholz will be on the mound. Tampa Bay was first to score in the fourth inning as Ben Zobrist grounded out, allowing Matt Joyce to come home. The Rays added on in the seventh inning when Will Rhymes singled home Sean Rodriguez. Boston took the lead in the bottom of the seventh as Adrian Gonzalez lifted a three-run home run, sweeping in David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis. Tampa Bay got the lead back in the ninth inning on a two-run Rodriguez home run, also scoring Zobrist. This held up for a 4-3 win, which was given to Jake McGee, while Fernando Rodney turned the save, and Alfredo Aceves was tagged in the loss.
Switching our Sox, we head to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and Gavin Floyd are the well-known starters. Chicago rallied to a first inning lead when Paul Konerko grounded into a fielder's choice, bringing in Alejandro De Aza, followed by Alex Rios singling to score Gordon Beckham and Alexei Ramirez's single finishing Konerko's trip around. Cleveland tied it in the second inning as Johnny Damon hit a three-run home run, also scoring Casey Kotchman and Shelley Duncan. The White Sox got the lead again in the third inning when Ramirez singled Rios across the dish. The Indians tied it again in the fourth inning as Michael Brantley singled, plating Juan Diaz. Chicago retook the lead again in the bottom of the fourth with a three-run home run by Konerko, sweeping in Beckham and Adam Dunn. The White Sox added on in the fifth inning as Orlando Hudson tripled to force in both Ramirez and Tyler Flowers, before coming the final 90 feet on a De Aza triple. Cleveland got one back in the sixth inning when Brantley grounded out, providing Diaz time to dash home. Chicago responded in the eighth inning with a 2-RBI Dayan Viciedo single, scoring both De Aza and Beckham. The Indians attempted to claw back in the ninth inning when Jose Lopez doubled Brantley across the dish, making the final 12-6 White Sox. Floyd picked up the win while Jimenez was given the loss.
Up in Minnesota, the Twins host the Detroit Tigers. Rick Porcello and P.J. Walters are handed the ball. Detroit wasted little time in scoring first in the first inning as Miguel Cabrera singled home Quintin Berry, followed by Brennan Boesch grounding into a double play that allowed Andy Dirks to dash home safely. Minnesota got on the board in the fourth inning with an Alexi Casilla single scoring Ryan Doumit. The Twins gained the lead in the fifth inning when Joe Mauer doubled to drive in Ben Revere before he came the rest of the way home on a Josh Willingham single. The Tigers took the lead in the ninth inning as Cabrera hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Berry, and they made it last for a 4-3 win. The win went to Brayan Villarreal, while Jose Valverde turned the save, and Matt Capps was stuck with the loss.
Back south a bit to St. Louis, where the Cardinals welcome the Philadelphia Phillies. Roy Halladay and Adam Wainwright are the staff aces set to start. St. Louis opened in the first inning with a Yadier Molina grand slam, sweeping in all of Skip Schumaker, Matt Holliday, and David Freese. Philadelphia got on the board in the third inning with Juan Pierre singling in Mike Fontenot. The Cardinals extended the lead with a three-run home run in the fifth inning by Carlos Beltran, knocking in Rafael Furcal and Schumaker. St. Louis struck again in the sixth inning on a solo shot from Matt Adams. The Phillies got one back in the eighth inning as Shane Victorino grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing Pierre to get home. Philadelphia attempted a ninth inning rally as Pierre singled to plate Freddy Galvis, but this only made the final 8-3, with Wainwright credited with the win while Halladay suffered the loss.
Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Toronto Blue Jays. Kyle Drabek and Yu Darvish are on the hill. Texas got things going in the second inning as Mitch Moreland drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Michael Young, followed by a 2-RBI Ian Kinsler double, bringing in both David Murphy and Mike Napoli, Elvis Andrus doubling to plate both Moreland and Kinsler, and Adrian Beltre clearing the bases on a two-run home run that also scored Andrus. Toronto got on the board in the third inning as Jose Bautista grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing Yunel Escobar to dash home. The Rangers shot back in the bottom of the third with a two-run home run by Kinsler, also scoring Napoli. The Blue Jays got one back in the fourth inning with a solo home run by J.P. Arencibia. Toronto chipped away in the fifth inning as Edwin Encarnacion singled in Colby Rasmus. Texas shot back in the seventh inning as Nelson Cruz doubled Murphy in, before coming all the way home on a Napoli two-run home run. The Blue Jays got another solo shot from Arencibia in the eighth inning. Toronto got as close as 12-6 before falling in the ninth inning with a Rasmus two-run homer that also knocked in Omar Vizquel. Darvish was in line for the win while Drabek's early exit didn't spare him the loss.
Out in California, the Oakland Athletics host the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Tommy Milone are given the green light to pitch. New York got things going in the second inning on an Andruw Jones solo home run. The Yankees got another in the seventh inning as Mark Teixeira doubled home Curtis Granderson. This was all for the scoring, giving New York a 2-0 win on the arm of Kuroda, while Rafael Soriano closed out the ninth for a save, and Milone got no help in the loss.
Up into Seattle, as the Mariners host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson faces a lesser foe in Hector Noesi pitching. Los Angeles opened as Kendrys Morales singled Mike Trout safely home. The Angels struck again in the fourth inning with a Morales solo home run. Seattle answered in the bottom of the fourth as Justin Smoak singled to score Jesus Montero. Los Angeles added on in the seventh inning on a Mark Trumbo solo shot. The Mariners got one back in the bottom of the seventh when Montero scored on a wile pitch. The Angels answered in the ninth inning as Howie Kendrick hit a sacrifice fly to score Morales. The final stood at 4-2, with the win going to Wilson, the save to Scott Downs, while Noesi was strong in taking the loss.
Back in California, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Houston Astros. J.A. Happ and Chris Capuano pace the game. Houston began with a first inning Jed Lowrie groundout providing time for Jose Altuve to dart home. Los Angeles answered in the second inning as Tony Gwynn, Jr. singled in Matt Treanor. The Dodgers added on in the fourth inning with a Treanor solo home run. Los Angeles extended the lead as Bobby Abreu drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Jerry Hairston, Jr. The Dodgers got another in the eighth inning as Gwynn singled home Dee Gordon, before Hairston finished Gwynn's trip around on a single. This made it 5-1, a final, with the win going to Capuano, and the loss to Happ.
Eastward a bit to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf gets to welcome Daniel Hudson back from the disabled list as they take the mound. Arizona opened the scoring in the fourth inning with a solo home run by Paul Goldschmidt. Milwaukee tied it in the fifth inning as Cody Ransom singled in Taylor Green, followed by Corey Hart's single putting them ahead when Ransom crossed the plate. The Brewers added on in the sixth inning as Green singled home George Kotteras. The Diamondbacks pulled back in the bottom of the sixth as Jason Kubel singled to score Aaron Hill, before he came home on a Ryan Roberts single, and they got the lead on a Henry Blanco single that brought Goldschmidt across the plate. They held on to this 4-3 lead until the end, leaving Bryan Shaw with the win, J.J. Putz picked up the save, and Jose Veras was pinned with the loss.
Finally, we end in Atlanta, with the Braves hosting the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Brandon Beachy show both alliteration with their names and a lot of skill in pitching. Atlanta started in the first inning when Martin Prado grounded out, bringing in Michael Bourn. The Braves struck again in the third inning on a Tyler Pastornicky sacrifice that allowed Bourn to score again. Washington got on the board in the fourth inning as Jesus Flores singled in Adam LaRoche, and they tied it with the pitcher Gonzalez hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Ian Desmond. The Nationals got the lead in the sixth inning on a Flores single driving in Danny Espinosa, followed by Steve Lombardozzi doubling home both Rick Ankiel and Flores, and Ryan Zimmerman singling to finish Lombardozzi's trip around. Washington got another with a solo home run by Bryce Harper in the eighth inning. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 7-2, with Gonzalez solid in the win while Beachy got roughed up a bit in the loss.
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Saturday, May 26, 2012
MLB Day 55 2012
Another Saturday full of games. We begin with eight afternoon specials, beginning in...
New York, as the Mets host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Johan Santana are the reliable starters. New York began with a first inning three-run home run by Scott Hairston, sweeping in Andres Torres and David Wright, followed by a Vinny Rottino solo home run. The Mets added on in the eighth inning as Ike Davis doubled home Justin Turner, before Mike Nickeas cleared the bases with a grand slam, sweeping in all of Davis, Rottino, and Kirk Nieuwenhuis. This produced the 9-0 final, with Santana tossing a complete game, four-hit shutout for the win, while Richard got no help in the loss.
West to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Carl Pavano try to right their personal ships today while pitching. Detroit quickly jumped to a first inning lead as Miguel Cabrera doubled in Andy Dirks, before coming home on a Prince Fielder single. Minnesota got one back in their half of the inning when Joe Mauer grounded into a double play, allowing Denard Span to come home. The Twins tied it on a second inning Justin Morneau solo home run. The Tigers rallied ahead in the fifth inning as Quintin Berry singled in Alex Avila, followed by Dirks doubling home both Ramon Santiago and Berry, before he came home on a Cabrera single. Minnesota got one back in the sixth inning on a Span solo shot. This was as close as it got, with the final standing at 6-3 Detroit, allowing Scherzer to get the win, Jose Valverde to convert the save, and Pavano was stuck with the loss.
South to Texas, with the Rangers hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Henderson Alvarez and Colby Lewis play from the mound. Texas was first on the board in the first inning as Josh Hamilton grounded out to bring in Ian Kinsler, followed by an Adrian Beltre sacrifice fly to knock in Elvis Andrus. Toronto tied it in the fifth inning as Colby Rasmus hit a two-run home run, also scoring David Cooper. The Blue Jays went ahead in the sixth inning as Cooper singled Eric Thames in, followed by Omar Vizquel reaching on a bunt that scored Brett Lawrie. The Rangers got the lead in the bottom of the sixth with three solo shots in a row by Nelson Cruz, Yorvit Torrealba, and Mitch Moreland. Toronto retied it in the seventh inning as J.P. Arencibia singled in Jose Bautista. The Blue Jays gained the lead again in the thirteenth inning when Vizquel singled Lawrie home, followed by Yunel Escobar reaching on an error to push in Vizquel. Texas got the last laugh in the bottom of the thirteenth, as Andrus doubled in Kinsler, and then Hamilton went yard to secure the 8-7 victory with a two-run homer to finish Andrus' trip around. Yoshinori Tateyama was in line for the win while Jason Frasor suffered the loss.
Northeast to Baltimore, with the Orioles hosting the Kansas City Royals. Felipe Paulino and Wei-Yin Chen take their turns in the rotation. Baltimore was first to score as Chris Davis hit a second inning solo home run. The Orioles added on in the third inning with a J.J. Hardy solo shot and a Matt Wieters sacrifice fly to score Adam Jones. Kansas City got on the board in the fifth inning with Eric Hosmer singling in Johnny Giavotella. The Royals pulled closer in the sixth inning on a Billy Butler solo home run. Kansas City tied it in the seventh inning as Humberto Quintero doubled Hosmer across the dish. The Royals gained the lead with an eighth inning Hosmer single, scoring Mike Moustakas. This held up for a 4-3 win, earned by Greg Holland, while Jonathan Broxton turned the save, and Pedro Strop was on the hook for the loss.
Down in Atlanta, the Braves welcome the Washington Nationals. Stephen Strasburg and Mike Minor show alliteration in the pitching duel. Washington led off with a first inning Adam LaRoche sacrifice fly to allow Danny Espinosa to score. The Nationals padded the lead in the second inning on a three-run homer from Espinosa, sweeping in Jesus Flores and the pitcher Strasburg. Atlanta got some back in the bottom of the second as Juan Francisco singled in Eric Hinske before J.C. Boscan grounded out to allow Jason Heyward to get home. The Braves tied it in the fifth inning as Dan Uggla hit a two-run home run, also scoring Martin Prado. Washington shot back in the sixth inning as Chad Tracy doubled in Ian Desmond and Rick Ankiel tripled to force in Edwin Jackson. The Nationals extended the lead again in the seventh inning as Bryce Harper lifted a solo shot, and LaRoche doubled Ryan Zimmerman home safely. This made it 8-4, the eventual final, giving Strasburg a win, Tyler Clippard a save, and Kris Medlen the loss.
Out in California, the Oakland Athletics host the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia takes on former teammate Bartolo Colon on the hill. Oakland drew first blood with a first inning Jonny Gomes single to bring home Jemile Weeks. New York tied it in the second inning on a Robinson Cano solo home run. The Yankees got the lead in the third inning on a Derek Jeter single, scoring Eric Chavez. The Athletics retied it in the bottom of the third with a Josh Reddick solo shot. New York took the lead back in the fourth inning on a Mark Teixeira solo home run. The Yankees added on in the fifth inning as Alex Rodriguez hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Chris Stewart to dash home, followed by Teixeira singling in both Jeter and Cano. New York got another in the eighth inning when Jeter was plunked with a pitch, which resulted in Nick Swisher being forced home. The Yankees made it 9-2 in the ninth inning when Teixeira hit a two-run home run, also scoring Cano. Sabathia earned the win while Colon was shelled in the loss.
Back to the Midwest, as the Chicago White Sox bring in the Cleveland Indians. Derek Lowe and Jake Peavy both look to continue their resurgent careers in this match. Chicago was first to score with a first inning Paul Konerko single, bringing home Gordon Beckham, followed by an A.J. Pierzynski double, scoring Adam Dunn and a 2-RBI Dayan Viciedo single, plating both Konerko and Pierzynski. Cleveland pulled close in the third inning as Michael Brantley doubled, sweeping in all of Juan Diaz, Lou Marson, and Shin-Soo Choo, and they took the lead on a two-run home run by Jason Kipnis, also scoring Brantley. The White Sox regained the lead in the bottom of the third on a ground-rule double from Konerko forcing in Dunn, followed by Alex Rios singling to finish his trip around, and then Viciedo hit a two-run home run to plate Rios and himself. The Indians shot back in the fifth inning on a Kipnis two-run blast, sweeping in Choo. Chicago roared away yet again seventh inning on a rally ignited by Rios doubling, which combined with an error to score Konerko, followed by Viciedo singling in Rios, and Alejandro De Aza grounding into a fielder's choice, which gave Pierzynski time to get home, and also Viciedo when an error occurred. The White Sox struck again in the eighth inning as Rios lifted a two-run homer, driving in Brent Lillibridge. This made it 14-7, a final, with Peavy grabbing the win and Lowe taking a tough loss.
Down in Florida, the Miami Marlins wrap up the matinees by hosting the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner and Mark Buehrle are the underrated pitchers. Miami began on a second inning Donovan Solano single to bring in Giancarlo Stanton. San Francisco tied it in the third inning on a Gregor Blanco single to knock in Emmanuel Burriss. The Marlins shot back in the bottom of the third as Hanley Ramirez singled in Jose Reyes, followed by Logan Morrison grounding into a fielder's choice the allowed Omar Infante to score, and a subsequent error getting Ramirez all the way home. Miami extended the lead in the sixth inning as Morrison doubled home Stanton. The Giants got one back in the eighth inning when Melky Cabrera grounded out to bring home Ryan Theriot. San Francisco tried a ninth inning rally as Nate Schierholtz hit a sacrifice fly allowing Angel Pagan to get home, but they still lost 5-3. The win went to Buehrle, while Randy Choate picked up the spot save, and Bumgarner was stuck holding the loss.
Across the country diagonally, we land in Seattle, as the Mariners host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jerome Williams and Felix Hernandez get the starting nods. Los Angeles drew first blood with a fourth inning Albert Pujols solo home run. Seattle answered in the fifth inning as Mike Carp singled in John Jaso and Dustin Ackley did the same for Miguel Olivo. The Angels got the lead back in the sixth inning on a grand slam by Alberto Callaspo, sweeping in all of Mark Trumbo, Howie Kendrick, and Erick Aybar. The Mariners got one back in the bottom of the sixth as Justin Smoak hit a solo shot. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 5-3 Los Angeles. Williams picked up the win, Ernesto Frieri got the save, and Hernandez was dealt the loss.
Back east in Cincinnati, with the Reds hosting the Colorado Rockies. Jeremy Guthrie and Mike Leake are the veteran starters. Colorado quickly opened in the first inning as Tyler Colvin singled Marco Scutaro home. Cincinnati replied in the bottom of the first when Brandon Phillips doubled Zack Cozart home before coming home himself on a Chris Heisey three-run home run that also knocked in Jay Bruce. The Reds extended the lead in the third inning on a Bruce double, providing Joey Votto time to get home. The Rockies answered in the fourth inning with Wil Nieves doubling in Jordan Pacheco before crossing the dish on a Colvin single. Cincinnati replied in the bottom of the fourth as Devin Mesoraco hit a solo home run. The Reds added on in the seventh inning as Phillips singled, driving in Drew Stubbs, followed by a three-run home run from Ryan Ludwick, sweeping in Phillips and Heisey. This was all for the scoring, resulting in a 10-3 final that gave J.J. Hoover the win and Guthrie a rough loss.
West a bit to St. Louis, as the Cardinals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Jaime Garcia are the young arms pitching. Philadelphia was first to score in the fourth inning when Shane Victorino doubled in Hunter Pence. The Phillies struck again in the sixth inning on a John Mayberry double that scored both Placido Polanco and Pence, followed by Freddy Galvis grounding out to knock in Victorino. This was it for the scoring, giving Philadelphia a 4-0 win, earned by Kendrick, who threw a seven-hit complete game shutout for the win, while Garcia was stuck holding the loss.
Farther to the east, the Pittsburgh Pirates welcome the Chicago Cubs. Paul Maholm faces his old team, who fields Kevin Correia at pitcher. Pittsburgh opened in the third inning as Pedro Alvarez singled in Jose Tabata, followed by a Neil Walker sacrifice fly allowing Andrew McCutchen to dash home. Chicago got on the board in the fourth inning with an Alfonso Soriano solo home run. The Cubs tied it in the fifth inning as Starlin Castro tripled to force in David DeJesus. The Pirates won it 3-2 in the ninth inning with a walkoff hit by pitch, as Matt Hague was in the way of an errant ball, and to take his base he forced in the winning run, Tabata. The win was picked up by Joel Hanrahan, while Rafael Dolis was unfortunately lacking control, which led to the loss.
Into Boston, as the Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays. David Price and Josh Beckett are the staff aces sent out to pitch. Boston finally got things going in the sixth inning with a Will Middlebrooks single to score David Ortiz. Tampa Bay took the lead in the seventh inning as Ben Zobrist hit a sacrifice fly, allowing B.J. Upton safe passage home, followed by Luke Scott singling in Matt Joyce. The Red Sox got the last laugh here, as pinch-hitter Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning for a 3-2 win as Daniel Nava also scored. Rich Hill was in line for the win, while Fernando Rodney blew the save and took the loss.
Out in California again, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Chad Billingsley pace the game. Houston got started in the first inning with Carlos Lee singling home Jose Altuve. The Astros added on in the second inning as Jordan Schafer drew a bases-loaded walk, forcing in Brian Bogusevic. Los Angeles got on the board in the third inning when Andre Ethier doubled Elian Herrera across the plate. The Dodgers took the lead in the fourth inning with a 2-RBI single by Tony Gwynn, Jr., scoring both James Loney and Dee Gordon. Houston tied it in the eighth inning as Jason Castro doubled in Bogusevic. Los Angeles won it 6-3 in the ninth inning on a a three-run walkoff home run by A.J. Ellis, also scoring Ethier and Loney. The win went to Kenley Jansen, while Wesley Wright was dealt the loss.
Finally, in Arizona, the Diamondbacks host the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke goes up against a lesser foe in Wade Miley for pitching purposes. Milwaukee struck first with a first inning Jonathan Lucroy single driving in Corey Hart. Arizona took the lead in the bottom of the first as Justin Upton singled in Gerardo Parra and Jason Kubel did the same for Aaron Hill. The Brewers responded in the third inning with Ryan Braun grounding out to score Norichika Aoki, followed by Cody Ransom doubling in both Lucroy and Rickie Weeks, and Edwin Maysonet reaching on an error that allowed Ransom to finish his trip around. The Diamondbacks got some back in the bottom of the third as Ryan Roberts walked with the bases loaded to force in Upton, followed by Konrad Schmidt grounding into a fielder's choice to bring in Kubel, and then John McDonald cleared the bases with a three-run home run, sweeping in Paul Goldschmidt and Schmidt to give them a lead after the 5-run rally. Arizona got another in the seventh inning with Hill singling Parra home. This made it 8-5, a final, with Miley picking up the win, J.J. Putz getting the save, and Greinke getting shelled early in the loss.
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New York, as the Mets host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Johan Santana are the reliable starters. New York began with a first inning three-run home run by Scott Hairston, sweeping in Andres Torres and David Wright, followed by a Vinny Rottino solo home run. The Mets added on in the eighth inning as Ike Davis doubled home Justin Turner, before Mike Nickeas cleared the bases with a grand slam, sweeping in all of Davis, Rottino, and Kirk Nieuwenhuis. This produced the 9-0 final, with Santana tossing a complete game, four-hit shutout for the win, while Richard got no help in the loss.
West to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Carl Pavano try to right their personal ships today while pitching. Detroit quickly jumped to a first inning lead as Miguel Cabrera doubled in Andy Dirks, before coming home on a Prince Fielder single. Minnesota got one back in their half of the inning when Joe Mauer grounded into a double play, allowing Denard Span to come home. The Twins tied it on a second inning Justin Morneau solo home run. The Tigers rallied ahead in the fifth inning as Quintin Berry singled in Alex Avila, followed by Dirks doubling home both Ramon Santiago and Berry, before he came home on a Cabrera single. Minnesota got one back in the sixth inning on a Span solo shot. This was as close as it got, with the final standing at 6-3 Detroit, allowing Scherzer to get the win, Jose Valverde to convert the save, and Pavano was stuck with the loss.
South to Texas, with the Rangers hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Henderson Alvarez and Colby Lewis play from the mound. Texas was first on the board in the first inning as Josh Hamilton grounded out to bring in Ian Kinsler, followed by an Adrian Beltre sacrifice fly to knock in Elvis Andrus. Toronto tied it in the fifth inning as Colby Rasmus hit a two-run home run, also scoring David Cooper. The Blue Jays went ahead in the sixth inning as Cooper singled Eric Thames in, followed by Omar Vizquel reaching on a bunt that scored Brett Lawrie. The Rangers got the lead in the bottom of the sixth with three solo shots in a row by Nelson Cruz, Yorvit Torrealba, and Mitch Moreland. Toronto retied it in the seventh inning as J.P. Arencibia singled in Jose Bautista. The Blue Jays gained the lead again in the thirteenth inning when Vizquel singled Lawrie home, followed by Yunel Escobar reaching on an error to push in Vizquel. Texas got the last laugh in the bottom of the thirteenth, as Andrus doubled in Kinsler, and then Hamilton went yard to secure the 8-7 victory with a two-run homer to finish Andrus' trip around. Yoshinori Tateyama was in line for the win while Jason Frasor suffered the loss.
Northeast to Baltimore, with the Orioles hosting the Kansas City Royals. Felipe Paulino and Wei-Yin Chen take their turns in the rotation. Baltimore was first to score as Chris Davis hit a second inning solo home run. The Orioles added on in the third inning with a J.J. Hardy solo shot and a Matt Wieters sacrifice fly to score Adam Jones. Kansas City got on the board in the fifth inning with Eric Hosmer singling in Johnny Giavotella. The Royals pulled closer in the sixth inning on a Billy Butler solo home run. Kansas City tied it in the seventh inning as Humberto Quintero doubled Hosmer across the dish. The Royals gained the lead with an eighth inning Hosmer single, scoring Mike Moustakas. This held up for a 4-3 win, earned by Greg Holland, while Jonathan Broxton turned the save, and Pedro Strop was on the hook for the loss.
Down in Atlanta, the Braves welcome the Washington Nationals. Stephen Strasburg and Mike Minor show alliteration in the pitching duel. Washington led off with a first inning Adam LaRoche sacrifice fly to allow Danny Espinosa to score. The Nationals padded the lead in the second inning on a three-run homer from Espinosa, sweeping in Jesus Flores and the pitcher Strasburg. Atlanta got some back in the bottom of the second as Juan Francisco singled in Eric Hinske before J.C. Boscan grounded out to allow Jason Heyward to get home. The Braves tied it in the fifth inning as Dan Uggla hit a two-run home run, also scoring Martin Prado. Washington shot back in the sixth inning as Chad Tracy doubled in Ian Desmond and Rick Ankiel tripled to force in Edwin Jackson. The Nationals extended the lead again in the seventh inning as Bryce Harper lifted a solo shot, and LaRoche doubled Ryan Zimmerman home safely. This made it 8-4, the eventual final, giving Strasburg a win, Tyler Clippard a save, and Kris Medlen the loss.
Out in California, the Oakland Athletics host the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia takes on former teammate Bartolo Colon on the hill. Oakland drew first blood with a first inning Jonny Gomes single to bring home Jemile Weeks. New York tied it in the second inning on a Robinson Cano solo home run. The Yankees got the lead in the third inning on a Derek Jeter single, scoring Eric Chavez. The Athletics retied it in the bottom of the third with a Josh Reddick solo shot. New York took the lead back in the fourth inning on a Mark Teixeira solo home run. The Yankees added on in the fifth inning as Alex Rodriguez hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Chris Stewart to dash home, followed by Teixeira singling in both Jeter and Cano. New York got another in the eighth inning when Jeter was plunked with a pitch, which resulted in Nick Swisher being forced home. The Yankees made it 9-2 in the ninth inning when Teixeira hit a two-run home run, also scoring Cano. Sabathia earned the win while Colon was shelled in the loss.
Back to the Midwest, as the Chicago White Sox bring in the Cleveland Indians. Derek Lowe and Jake Peavy both look to continue their resurgent careers in this match. Chicago was first to score with a first inning Paul Konerko single, bringing home Gordon Beckham, followed by an A.J. Pierzynski double, scoring Adam Dunn and a 2-RBI Dayan Viciedo single, plating both Konerko and Pierzynski. Cleveland pulled close in the third inning as Michael Brantley doubled, sweeping in all of Juan Diaz, Lou Marson, and Shin-Soo Choo, and they took the lead on a two-run home run by Jason Kipnis, also scoring Brantley. The White Sox regained the lead in the bottom of the third on a ground-rule double from Konerko forcing in Dunn, followed by Alex Rios singling to finish his trip around, and then Viciedo hit a two-run home run to plate Rios and himself. The Indians shot back in the fifth inning on a Kipnis two-run blast, sweeping in Choo. Chicago roared away yet again seventh inning on a rally ignited by Rios doubling, which combined with an error to score Konerko, followed by Viciedo singling in Rios, and Alejandro De Aza grounding into a fielder's choice, which gave Pierzynski time to get home, and also Viciedo when an error occurred. The White Sox struck again in the eighth inning as Rios lifted a two-run homer, driving in Brent Lillibridge. This made it 14-7, a final, with Peavy grabbing the win and Lowe taking a tough loss.
Down in Florida, the Miami Marlins wrap up the matinees by hosting the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner and Mark Buehrle are the underrated pitchers. Miami began on a second inning Donovan Solano single to bring in Giancarlo Stanton. San Francisco tied it in the third inning on a Gregor Blanco single to knock in Emmanuel Burriss. The Marlins shot back in the bottom of the third as Hanley Ramirez singled in Jose Reyes, followed by Logan Morrison grounding into a fielder's choice the allowed Omar Infante to score, and a subsequent error getting Ramirez all the way home. Miami extended the lead in the sixth inning as Morrison doubled home Stanton. The Giants got one back in the eighth inning when Melky Cabrera grounded out to bring home Ryan Theriot. San Francisco tried a ninth inning rally as Nate Schierholtz hit a sacrifice fly allowing Angel Pagan to get home, but they still lost 5-3. The win went to Buehrle, while Randy Choate picked up the spot save, and Bumgarner was stuck holding the loss.
Across the country diagonally, we land in Seattle, as the Mariners host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jerome Williams and Felix Hernandez get the starting nods. Los Angeles drew first blood with a fourth inning Albert Pujols solo home run. Seattle answered in the fifth inning as Mike Carp singled in John Jaso and Dustin Ackley did the same for Miguel Olivo. The Angels got the lead back in the sixth inning on a grand slam by Alberto Callaspo, sweeping in all of Mark Trumbo, Howie Kendrick, and Erick Aybar. The Mariners got one back in the bottom of the sixth as Justin Smoak hit a solo shot. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 5-3 Los Angeles. Williams picked up the win, Ernesto Frieri got the save, and Hernandez was dealt the loss.
Back east in Cincinnati, with the Reds hosting the Colorado Rockies. Jeremy Guthrie and Mike Leake are the veteran starters. Colorado quickly opened in the first inning as Tyler Colvin singled Marco Scutaro home. Cincinnati replied in the bottom of the first when Brandon Phillips doubled Zack Cozart home before coming home himself on a Chris Heisey three-run home run that also knocked in Jay Bruce. The Reds extended the lead in the third inning on a Bruce double, providing Joey Votto time to get home. The Rockies answered in the fourth inning with Wil Nieves doubling in Jordan Pacheco before crossing the dish on a Colvin single. Cincinnati replied in the bottom of the fourth as Devin Mesoraco hit a solo home run. The Reds added on in the seventh inning as Phillips singled, driving in Drew Stubbs, followed by a three-run home run from Ryan Ludwick, sweeping in Phillips and Heisey. This was all for the scoring, resulting in a 10-3 final that gave J.J. Hoover the win and Guthrie a rough loss.
West a bit to St. Louis, as the Cardinals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Jaime Garcia are the young arms pitching. Philadelphia was first to score in the fourth inning when Shane Victorino doubled in Hunter Pence. The Phillies struck again in the sixth inning on a John Mayberry double that scored both Placido Polanco and Pence, followed by Freddy Galvis grounding out to knock in Victorino. This was it for the scoring, giving Philadelphia a 4-0 win, earned by Kendrick, who threw a seven-hit complete game shutout for the win, while Garcia was stuck holding the loss.
Farther to the east, the Pittsburgh Pirates welcome the Chicago Cubs. Paul Maholm faces his old team, who fields Kevin Correia at pitcher. Pittsburgh opened in the third inning as Pedro Alvarez singled in Jose Tabata, followed by a Neil Walker sacrifice fly allowing Andrew McCutchen to dash home. Chicago got on the board in the fourth inning with an Alfonso Soriano solo home run. The Cubs tied it in the fifth inning as Starlin Castro tripled to force in David DeJesus. The Pirates won it 3-2 in the ninth inning with a walkoff hit by pitch, as Matt Hague was in the way of an errant ball, and to take his base he forced in the winning run, Tabata. The win was picked up by Joel Hanrahan, while Rafael Dolis was unfortunately lacking control, which led to the loss.
Into Boston, as the Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays. David Price and Josh Beckett are the staff aces sent out to pitch. Boston finally got things going in the sixth inning with a Will Middlebrooks single to score David Ortiz. Tampa Bay took the lead in the seventh inning as Ben Zobrist hit a sacrifice fly, allowing B.J. Upton safe passage home, followed by Luke Scott singling in Matt Joyce. The Red Sox got the last laugh here, as pinch-hitter Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning for a 3-2 win as Daniel Nava also scored. Rich Hill was in line for the win, while Fernando Rodney blew the save and took the loss.
Out in California again, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Chad Billingsley pace the game. Houston got started in the first inning with Carlos Lee singling home Jose Altuve. The Astros added on in the second inning as Jordan Schafer drew a bases-loaded walk, forcing in Brian Bogusevic. Los Angeles got on the board in the third inning when Andre Ethier doubled Elian Herrera across the plate. The Dodgers took the lead in the fourth inning with a 2-RBI single by Tony Gwynn, Jr., scoring both James Loney and Dee Gordon. Houston tied it in the eighth inning as Jason Castro doubled in Bogusevic. Los Angeles won it 6-3 in the ninth inning on a a three-run walkoff home run by A.J. Ellis, also scoring Ethier and Loney. The win went to Kenley Jansen, while Wesley Wright was dealt the loss.
Finally, in Arizona, the Diamondbacks host the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke goes up against a lesser foe in Wade Miley for pitching purposes. Milwaukee struck first with a first inning Jonathan Lucroy single driving in Corey Hart. Arizona took the lead in the bottom of the first as Justin Upton singled in Gerardo Parra and Jason Kubel did the same for Aaron Hill. The Brewers responded in the third inning with Ryan Braun grounding out to score Norichika Aoki, followed by Cody Ransom doubling in both Lucroy and Rickie Weeks, and Edwin Maysonet reaching on an error that allowed Ransom to finish his trip around. The Diamondbacks got some back in the bottom of the third as Ryan Roberts walked with the bases loaded to force in Upton, followed by Konrad Schmidt grounding into a fielder's choice to bring in Kubel, and then John McDonald cleared the bases with a three-run home run, sweeping in Paul Goldschmidt and Schmidt to give them a lead after the 5-run rally. Arizona got another in the seventh inning with Hill singling Parra home. This made it 8-5, a final, with Miley picking up the win, J.J. Putz getting the save, and Greinke getting shelled early in the loss.
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Friday, May 25, 2012
MLB Day 54 2012
Back to a full slate heading into the weekend, beginning in...
Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Jason Hammel will be sent out to pitch. Baltimore got going as Adam Jones hit a sacrifice fly in the first inning, knocking in Robert Andino. The Orioles added on in the fifth inning as J.J. Hardy doubled in Xavier Avery and Andino before coming home on a Nick Markakis double, and Markakis crossed the plate when Jones singled, followed by Chris Davis singling to drive in Jones. Baltimore added on in the seventh inning with Davis hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Matt Wieters. Kansas City got on the board in the eighth inning as Jeff Francoeur went yard on a two-run homer, sweeping in Eric Hosmer. This made the final 8-2, with the win going to Hammel and the loss to Chen.
Into Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster and A.J. Burnett are the veteran pitcher. Pittsburgh was first to score in the second inning as Rod Barajas singled home Pedro Alvarez. This was the only run in the game, leaving Burnett with a strong win, Joel Hanrahan picking up the save, and Dempster got little help in the loss.
West a bit to Cincinnati, with the Reds hosting the Colorado Rockies. Christian Friedrich and Johnny Cueto got the starting nods. Colorado busted things open in the second inning as Todd Helton hit a two-run home run, also scoring Troy Tulowitzki. The Rockies added on in the fourth inning when Eric Young singled in Willin Rosario. Cincinnati got some back in the bottom of the fourth as Ryan Ludwick doubled in Joey Votto before coming home alongside Brandon Phillips on a double by Todd Frazier to tie the game. Colorado got the lead back in the fifth inning when Helton singled to score Carlos Gonzalez and Jordan Pacheco doubled in Tulowitzki. The Rockies got another in the ninth inning when Tulowitzki singled Gonzalez home. This made it 6-3, a final, with Friedrich picking up the win, Rafael Betancourt getting the save, and Cueto taking the loss.
Back east, the Boston Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays. Alex Cobb plays the David to Jon Lester's Goliath. Boston got things started in the first inning as Kevin Youkilis singled home Mike Aviles. Tampa Bay replied with a third inning grand slam by Matt Joyce, sweeping in all of Carlos Pena, B.J. Upton, and Ben Zobrist. The Rays added on in the fourth inning when Elliot Johnson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Chris Gimenez, followed by a Pena solo home run. The Red Sox got one back in the fifth as Adrian Gonzalez doubled Scott Podsednik across the dish. Boston pulled closer in the sixth inning as Marlon Byrd singled to score Jarrod Saltalamacchia, followed by a Mike Aviles sacrifice fly to score Daniel Nava. This ended the scoring at 7-4, with Cobb taking the win, Fernando Rodney converting his fifteenth save of the season, and Lester getting pinned with the loss.
Into New York, with the Mets hosting the San Diego Padres. Anthony Bass and Dillon Gee will play from the mound. San Diego struck first with a first inning Jesus Guzman sacrifice fly, allowing Will Venable to score. New York answered in the second inning when Lucas Duda hit a solo home run. The Mets took the lead in the third inning when Mike Baxter doubled home Gee, followed by Kirk Nieuwenhuis singling to finish Baxter's trip around. New York kept going in the fifth inning on a Daniel Murphy double driving in Nieuwenhuis, before he came home alongside Duda when Ike Davis singled. This was it for the scoring, giving the Mets a 6-1 win, earned by Gee, while Bass was stuck holding the loss.
Down to Miami, where the Marlins welcome the San Francisco Giants. Staff aces Tim Lincecum and Josh Johnson are set to start. San Francisco began with a second inning Joaquin Arias double play, allowing Angel Pagan to dash home. The Giants added on in the third inning as Pagan singled in Gregor Blanco. Miami got one back in the fourth inning with a Giancarlo Stanton solo home run. San Francisco answered in the fifth inning as Melky Cabrera hit a solo shot. The Marlins rallied to tie in the sixth inning when Stanton singled in Omar Infante and John Buck hit a sacrifice fly to finish Stanton's trip around, before they gained the lead with a three-run home run by Chris Coghlan, sweeping in Logan Morrison and Bryan Petersen. Miami got another in the seventh inning as Hanley Ramirez singled Infante home. The Giants got one back in the eighth inning as Buster Posey grounded out to bring Cabrera in. San Francisco attempted a ninth inning rally as Brandon Belt singled to score Arias, followed by Brandon Crawford hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Belt, but they didn't tie the game, falling 7-6. The win went to Dan Jennings, while Steve Cishek tossed the save after Heath Bell almost made a mess of it, and Lincecum was not freed from the burden of the loss.
A tad north, the Atlanta Braves host the Washington Nationals. Ross Detwiler and Tim Hudson have the green light to pitch. Washington led off with a first inning rally as Ian Desmond singled in both Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman before Rick Ankiel tripled, forcing in both Desmond and Danny Espinosa. Atlanta got on the board in the third inning with Matt Diaz singling to score Martin Prado. The Braves pulled closer in the fifth inning as Diaz doubled home both Prado and Dan Uggla. The Nationals got some breathing room in the seventh inning on a 3-RBI Zimmerman double, sweeping in all of Chien-Ming Wang, Steve Lombardozzi, and Harper. Atlanta got one back in the eighth inning as Jason Heyward hit a solo home run. The final stood at 7-4 Nationals, with Wang picking up the win, Tyler Clippard turning the save, and Hudson holding the loss.
Westward to Arlington, Texas, where the Rangers host the Toronto Blue Jays. Brandon Morrow and Derek Holland took their turns in the rotation, but Morrow lasted a very short time thanks to Texas exploding in the first inning as Adrian Beltre singled in both Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus, followed by a 3-RBI double off the bat of Nelson Cruz, scoring all of Beltre, Michael Young, and David Murphy, and Cruz finished his trip on a Mitch Moreland single. The Rangers extended the lead in the second inning with a Josh Hamilton solo home run. Texas continued in the third inning when Yorvit Torrealba hit a solo shot. Toronto got on the board in the sixth inning with an Edwin Encarnacion solo home run. The Rangers answered in their half of the inning as Cruz singled to drive in Hamilton, followed by Moreland singling in Young. Texas kept pulling ahead as Cruz hit a seventh inning grand slam to sweep in all of Alberto Gonzalez, Young, and Murphy. The Blue Jays responded in the eighth inning with Jose Bautita singling in both Rajai Davis and Yunel Escobar. This made it 14-3, a final, with Holland pitching unnecessarily strong in the win while Morrow suffered one of the ugliest losses of the season.
Up in Chicago, the White Sox host the Cleveland Indians. Jeanmar Gomez and Jose Quintana are the relatively unknown pitchers. Cleveland drew first blood with a first inning Carlos Santana groundout, bringing in Shin-Soo Choo. Chicago got the lead in the bottom of the first as Adam Dunn hit a two-run home run, also scoring Alejandro De Aza. The White Sox extended the lead with a second inning A.J. Pierzynski solo home run. The Indians got one back in the third inning as Asdrubal Cabrera singled Choo home. Chicago answered in the sixth inning as Alexei Ramirez singled Pierzynski across the dish, followed by De Aza singling in both Dayan Viciedo and Ramirez. The White Sox padded the lead in the seventh inning as Pierzynski tripled to force in Alex Rios before coming the final 90 feet on a two-run home run by Viciedo. Cleveland got one back in the ninth inning with a Shelley Duncan solo shot, for a 9-3 final score. Quintana picked up the win, and Gomez was dealt the loss.
Further north, the Minnesota Twins host the Detroit Tigers. Drew Smyly and Anthony Swarzak are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Minnesota opened in the first inning as Brian Dozier doubled in both Denard Span and Joe Mauer. Detroit answered in the second inning as Brennan Boesch doubled to score Prince Fielder, Alex Avila doubled, knocking in both Delmon Young and Boesch, and Quintin Berry singled to complete Avila's trip around. The Tigers added on in the fourth inning as Avila hit a ground rule double to score Boesch before coming home on a Ryan Raburn single. The Twins got one back in the bottom of the fourth as Jamey Carroll hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Trevor Plouffe to score. Detroit shot back in the fifth inning as Fielder doubled Miguel Cabrera across the plate. Minnesota pulled back in the sixth inning on an Alexi Casilla sacrifice fly scoring Justin Morneau and Carroll singling in Plouffe. The Tigers rallied hard in the seventh inning with Fielder singling to score Berry, Young doubling Cabrera across the plate, and Boesch singling to finish Fielder's trip around. The Twins got one back in the bottom of the seventh as Morneau grounded out to bring in Mauer. This made it 10-6, a final, with Smyly credited for the win while Swarzak was stuck holding the loss.
Down to St. Louis, as the Cardinals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee and Kyle Lohse are the reliable starters. Philadelphia got things going in the second inning as Jimmy Rollins singled in Placido Polanco and Juan Pierre reached on an error that allowed Freddy Galvis to dash home. St. Louis answered in the bottom of the second with Shane Robinson doubling in Matt Adams. The Cardinals tied it in the third inning as Rafael Furcal hit a solo home run. St. Louis got the lead in the fourth inning with a Yadier Molina solo shot. The Phillies tied it when Pierre singled in the pitcher Lee. Philadelphia took the lead in the tenth inning as Hunter Pence hit a two-run home run, also scoring Pierre. This held up for a 5-3 win, with Raul Valdes in line for the win, Jonathan Papelbon successfully converting the save, and Jason Motte getting stuck with the loss.
Southwest to Arizona, where the Diamondbacks host the Milwaukee Brewers. Struggling stars Yovani Gallardo and Ian Kennedy are on the hill. Milwaukee started with a second inning solo home run by Rickie Weeks. The Brewers added on in the fourth inning as Ryan Braun hit a two-run home run, also scoring Nyjer Morgan, before Cesar Izturis singled to score Aramis Ramirez. Arizona got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Jason Kubel hit a solo shot. Milwaukee shot back in the eighth inning with a two-run home run by Corey Hart, sweeping in Cody Ransom. The Brewers got a 7-1 lead in the ninth inning as Travis Ishikawa hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Ramirez. This was a final, giving the win to Gallardo and the loss to Kennedy.
Out in California, the Oakland Athletics host the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Tyson Ross are the struggling starters. New York drew first blood in the third inning as Robinson Cano reached on an error to bring in Curtis Granderson before Mark Teixeira blasted a two-run home run to bring Cano all the way home. Oakland got on the board in the fourth inning with a Josh Reddick solo home run. The Yankees answered in the fifth inning as Cano hit a solo shot, followed by a two-run blast off the bat of Nick Swisher, also scoring Raul Ibanez. The Athletics got one back in the bottom of the fifth as Kurt Suzuki hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Josh Donaldson to dart home. Oakland chipped away in the sixth inning on a Kila Ka'aihue solo shot. This was it for the scoring, handing the Yankees a 6-3 win, with Nova getting the win, Rafael Soriano turning the save, and Ross getting stuck with the loss.
Down in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell is mismatched with Clayton Kershaw pitching. Houston opened in the first inning as Carlos Lee grounding into a fielder's choice that combined with an error to bring home Jose Altuve. The Astros added on in the third inning as J.D. Martinez hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jed Lowrie. Los Angeles got on the board in the eighth inning as Jerry Hairston, Jr. drew a bases loaded walk to force in Elian Herrera, producing the eventual 3-1 final. Harrell was in line for the win, Brett Myers converted the save, and Kershaw was unlucky in taking the loss.
Finally, up in Seattle, the Mariners host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Blake Beaven are handed the ball. Seattle was first on the board in the first inning with a Justin Smoak fielder's choice paving the way home for Michael Saunders. The Mariners scored again in the third inning as Smoak singled Ichiro across the dish. Seattle extended the lead in the fifth inning with a two-run home run by Smoak, sweeping in Kyle Seager. Los Angeles got most of them back in the sixth inning on a three-run home run by Albert Pujols, also scoring John Hester and Maicer Izturis. The Angels tied it in the ninth inning when Erick Aybar reached on an error, allowing Peter Bourjos to score, and they took the lead with a 2-RBI Howie Kendrick single, scoring both Alberto Callaspo and Aybar. They held on for a 6-4 win, picked up by Jason Isringhausen, while Scott Downs got the save and Brandon League again imploded for a loss.
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Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Jason Hammel will be sent out to pitch. Baltimore got going as Adam Jones hit a sacrifice fly in the first inning, knocking in Robert Andino. The Orioles added on in the fifth inning as J.J. Hardy doubled in Xavier Avery and Andino before coming home on a Nick Markakis double, and Markakis crossed the plate when Jones singled, followed by Chris Davis singling to drive in Jones. Baltimore added on in the seventh inning with Davis hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Matt Wieters. Kansas City got on the board in the eighth inning as Jeff Francoeur went yard on a two-run homer, sweeping in Eric Hosmer. This made the final 8-2, with the win going to Hammel and the loss to Chen.
Into Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster and A.J. Burnett are the veteran pitcher. Pittsburgh was first to score in the second inning as Rod Barajas singled home Pedro Alvarez. This was the only run in the game, leaving Burnett with a strong win, Joel Hanrahan picking up the save, and Dempster got little help in the loss.
West a bit to Cincinnati, with the Reds hosting the Colorado Rockies. Christian Friedrich and Johnny Cueto got the starting nods. Colorado busted things open in the second inning as Todd Helton hit a two-run home run, also scoring Troy Tulowitzki. The Rockies added on in the fourth inning when Eric Young singled in Willin Rosario. Cincinnati got some back in the bottom of the fourth as Ryan Ludwick doubled in Joey Votto before coming home alongside Brandon Phillips on a double by Todd Frazier to tie the game. Colorado got the lead back in the fifth inning when Helton singled to score Carlos Gonzalez and Jordan Pacheco doubled in Tulowitzki. The Rockies got another in the ninth inning when Tulowitzki singled Gonzalez home. This made it 6-3, a final, with Friedrich picking up the win, Rafael Betancourt getting the save, and Cueto taking the loss.
Back east, the Boston Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays. Alex Cobb plays the David to Jon Lester's Goliath. Boston got things started in the first inning as Kevin Youkilis singled home Mike Aviles. Tampa Bay replied with a third inning grand slam by Matt Joyce, sweeping in all of Carlos Pena, B.J. Upton, and Ben Zobrist. The Rays added on in the fourth inning when Elliot Johnson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Chris Gimenez, followed by a Pena solo home run. The Red Sox got one back in the fifth as Adrian Gonzalez doubled Scott Podsednik across the dish. Boston pulled closer in the sixth inning as Marlon Byrd singled to score Jarrod Saltalamacchia, followed by a Mike Aviles sacrifice fly to score Daniel Nava. This ended the scoring at 7-4, with Cobb taking the win, Fernando Rodney converting his fifteenth save of the season, and Lester getting pinned with the loss.
Into New York, with the Mets hosting the San Diego Padres. Anthony Bass and Dillon Gee will play from the mound. San Diego struck first with a first inning Jesus Guzman sacrifice fly, allowing Will Venable to score. New York answered in the second inning when Lucas Duda hit a solo home run. The Mets took the lead in the third inning when Mike Baxter doubled home Gee, followed by Kirk Nieuwenhuis singling to finish Baxter's trip around. New York kept going in the fifth inning on a Daniel Murphy double driving in Nieuwenhuis, before he came home alongside Duda when Ike Davis singled. This was it for the scoring, giving the Mets a 6-1 win, earned by Gee, while Bass was stuck holding the loss.
Down to Miami, where the Marlins welcome the San Francisco Giants. Staff aces Tim Lincecum and Josh Johnson are set to start. San Francisco began with a second inning Joaquin Arias double play, allowing Angel Pagan to dash home. The Giants added on in the third inning as Pagan singled in Gregor Blanco. Miami got one back in the fourth inning with a Giancarlo Stanton solo home run. San Francisco answered in the fifth inning as Melky Cabrera hit a solo shot. The Marlins rallied to tie in the sixth inning when Stanton singled in Omar Infante and John Buck hit a sacrifice fly to finish Stanton's trip around, before they gained the lead with a three-run home run by Chris Coghlan, sweeping in Logan Morrison and Bryan Petersen. Miami got another in the seventh inning as Hanley Ramirez singled Infante home. The Giants got one back in the eighth inning as Buster Posey grounded out to bring Cabrera in. San Francisco attempted a ninth inning rally as Brandon Belt singled to score Arias, followed by Brandon Crawford hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Belt, but they didn't tie the game, falling 7-6. The win went to Dan Jennings, while Steve Cishek tossed the save after Heath Bell almost made a mess of it, and Lincecum was not freed from the burden of the loss.
A tad north, the Atlanta Braves host the Washington Nationals. Ross Detwiler and Tim Hudson have the green light to pitch. Washington led off with a first inning rally as Ian Desmond singled in both Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman before Rick Ankiel tripled, forcing in both Desmond and Danny Espinosa. Atlanta got on the board in the third inning with Matt Diaz singling to score Martin Prado. The Braves pulled closer in the fifth inning as Diaz doubled home both Prado and Dan Uggla. The Nationals got some breathing room in the seventh inning on a 3-RBI Zimmerman double, sweeping in all of Chien-Ming Wang, Steve Lombardozzi, and Harper. Atlanta got one back in the eighth inning as Jason Heyward hit a solo home run. The final stood at 7-4 Nationals, with Wang picking up the win, Tyler Clippard turning the save, and Hudson holding the loss.
Westward to Arlington, Texas, where the Rangers host the Toronto Blue Jays. Brandon Morrow and Derek Holland took their turns in the rotation, but Morrow lasted a very short time thanks to Texas exploding in the first inning as Adrian Beltre singled in both Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus, followed by a 3-RBI double off the bat of Nelson Cruz, scoring all of Beltre, Michael Young, and David Murphy, and Cruz finished his trip on a Mitch Moreland single. The Rangers extended the lead in the second inning with a Josh Hamilton solo home run. Texas continued in the third inning when Yorvit Torrealba hit a solo shot. Toronto got on the board in the sixth inning with an Edwin Encarnacion solo home run. The Rangers answered in their half of the inning as Cruz singled to drive in Hamilton, followed by Moreland singling in Young. Texas kept pulling ahead as Cruz hit a seventh inning grand slam to sweep in all of Alberto Gonzalez, Young, and Murphy. The Blue Jays responded in the eighth inning with Jose Bautita singling in both Rajai Davis and Yunel Escobar. This made it 14-3, a final, with Holland pitching unnecessarily strong in the win while Morrow suffered one of the ugliest losses of the season.
Up in Chicago, the White Sox host the Cleveland Indians. Jeanmar Gomez and Jose Quintana are the relatively unknown pitchers. Cleveland drew first blood with a first inning Carlos Santana groundout, bringing in Shin-Soo Choo. Chicago got the lead in the bottom of the first as Adam Dunn hit a two-run home run, also scoring Alejandro De Aza. The White Sox extended the lead with a second inning A.J. Pierzynski solo home run. The Indians got one back in the third inning as Asdrubal Cabrera singled Choo home. Chicago answered in the sixth inning as Alexei Ramirez singled Pierzynski across the dish, followed by De Aza singling in both Dayan Viciedo and Ramirez. The White Sox padded the lead in the seventh inning as Pierzynski tripled to force in Alex Rios before coming the final 90 feet on a two-run home run by Viciedo. Cleveland got one back in the ninth inning with a Shelley Duncan solo shot, for a 9-3 final score. Quintana picked up the win, and Gomez was dealt the loss.
Further north, the Minnesota Twins host the Detroit Tigers. Drew Smyly and Anthony Swarzak are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Minnesota opened in the first inning as Brian Dozier doubled in both Denard Span and Joe Mauer. Detroit answered in the second inning as Brennan Boesch doubled to score Prince Fielder, Alex Avila doubled, knocking in both Delmon Young and Boesch, and Quintin Berry singled to complete Avila's trip around. The Tigers added on in the fourth inning as Avila hit a ground rule double to score Boesch before coming home on a Ryan Raburn single. The Twins got one back in the bottom of the fourth as Jamey Carroll hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Trevor Plouffe to score. Detroit shot back in the fifth inning as Fielder doubled Miguel Cabrera across the plate. Minnesota pulled back in the sixth inning on an Alexi Casilla sacrifice fly scoring Justin Morneau and Carroll singling in Plouffe. The Tigers rallied hard in the seventh inning with Fielder singling to score Berry, Young doubling Cabrera across the plate, and Boesch singling to finish Fielder's trip around. The Twins got one back in the bottom of the seventh as Morneau grounded out to bring in Mauer. This made it 10-6, a final, with Smyly credited for the win while Swarzak was stuck holding the loss.
Down to St. Louis, as the Cardinals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee and Kyle Lohse are the reliable starters. Philadelphia got things going in the second inning as Jimmy Rollins singled in Placido Polanco and Juan Pierre reached on an error that allowed Freddy Galvis to dash home. St. Louis answered in the bottom of the second with Shane Robinson doubling in Matt Adams. The Cardinals tied it in the third inning as Rafael Furcal hit a solo home run. St. Louis got the lead in the fourth inning with a Yadier Molina solo shot. The Phillies tied it when Pierre singled in the pitcher Lee. Philadelphia took the lead in the tenth inning as Hunter Pence hit a two-run home run, also scoring Pierre. This held up for a 5-3 win, with Raul Valdes in line for the win, Jonathan Papelbon successfully converting the save, and Jason Motte getting stuck with the loss.
Southwest to Arizona, where the Diamondbacks host the Milwaukee Brewers. Struggling stars Yovani Gallardo and Ian Kennedy are on the hill. Milwaukee started with a second inning solo home run by Rickie Weeks. The Brewers added on in the fourth inning as Ryan Braun hit a two-run home run, also scoring Nyjer Morgan, before Cesar Izturis singled to score Aramis Ramirez. Arizona got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Jason Kubel hit a solo shot. Milwaukee shot back in the eighth inning with a two-run home run by Corey Hart, sweeping in Cody Ransom. The Brewers got a 7-1 lead in the ninth inning as Travis Ishikawa hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Ramirez. This was a final, giving the win to Gallardo and the loss to Kennedy.
Out in California, the Oakland Athletics host the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Tyson Ross are the struggling starters. New York drew first blood in the third inning as Robinson Cano reached on an error to bring in Curtis Granderson before Mark Teixeira blasted a two-run home run to bring Cano all the way home. Oakland got on the board in the fourth inning with a Josh Reddick solo home run. The Yankees answered in the fifth inning as Cano hit a solo shot, followed by a two-run blast off the bat of Nick Swisher, also scoring Raul Ibanez. The Athletics got one back in the bottom of the fifth as Kurt Suzuki hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Josh Donaldson to dart home. Oakland chipped away in the sixth inning on a Kila Ka'aihue solo shot. This was it for the scoring, handing the Yankees a 6-3 win, with Nova getting the win, Rafael Soriano turning the save, and Ross getting stuck with the loss.
Down in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell is mismatched with Clayton Kershaw pitching. Houston opened in the first inning as Carlos Lee grounding into a fielder's choice that combined with an error to bring home Jose Altuve. The Astros added on in the third inning as J.D. Martinez hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jed Lowrie. Los Angeles got on the board in the eighth inning as Jerry Hairston, Jr. drew a bases loaded walk to force in Elian Herrera, producing the eventual 3-1 final. Harrell was in line for the win, Brett Myers converted the save, and Kershaw was unlucky in taking the loss.
Finally, up in Seattle, the Mariners host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Blake Beaven are handed the ball. Seattle was first on the board in the first inning with a Justin Smoak fielder's choice paving the way home for Michael Saunders. The Mariners scored again in the third inning as Smoak singled Ichiro across the dish. Seattle extended the lead in the fifth inning with a two-run home run by Smoak, sweeping in Kyle Seager. Los Angeles got most of them back in the sixth inning on a three-run home run by Albert Pujols, also scoring John Hester and Maicer Izturis. The Angels tied it in the ninth inning when Erick Aybar reached on an error, allowing Peter Bourjos to score, and they took the lead with a 2-RBI Howie Kendrick single, scoring both Alberto Callaspo and Aybar. They held on for a 6-4 win, picked up by Jason Isringhausen, while Scott Downs got the save and Brandon League again imploded for a loss.
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Eastern Conference Final: 1) New York Rangers VS. 6) New Jersey Devils
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.
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.
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.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
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.
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