MLB Day 60 2012

Welcome to the 700th post on this blog in a little more than a year and a half, and it's a travel day in baseball. With 44 views tomorrow, we could break 1,000 for the monthly numbers, which would mean a lot to me, and I've greatly appreciated the recent surge in visitation. As for the games, there's only three of them, and we start in...

Boston, as the Red Sox host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Josh Beckett pace the game. Boston got going in the second inning with a Jarrod Saltalamacchia solo home run followed by Scott Podsednik doubling to score Ryan Sweeney. Detroit rallied ahead in the third inning as Quintin Berry singled in Don Kelly, followed by a Brennan Boesch sacrifice fly to allow safe passage home for Danny Worth, and a single by Prince Fielder driving in Berry. The Red Sox retied it in the bottom of the third with a Saltalamacchia single knocking in Kevin Youkilis. The Tigers took the lead back in the fifth inning as Miguel Cabrera singled to score Berry. Detroit got another in the eighth inning on a Delmon Young solo home run. The Tigers made it 7-3 in the ninth inning as Fielder tripled to force in Cabrera, before he came the final 90 feet home on a Young single. Scherzer picked up the win by that score, while Beckett was pinned with the loss.

Out west, the Colorado Rockies host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Jeremy Guthrie are on the mound. Colorado busted out to an early lead with a first inning three-run home run by Carlos Gonzalez, also scoring Dexter Fowler and Marco Scutaro, followed by Todd Helton doubling in Michael Cuddyer and Jordan Pacheco hitting a ground rule double to force in Helton. Houston got on the board in the second inning with a J.D. Martinez solo home run. The Rockies shot back in the bottom of the second as Cuddyer doubled, scoring both Scutaro and Gonzalez, before he came home on a Willin Rosario single, and then Pacheco singled to finish Rosario's trip around. The Astros pulled back a bit in the fourth inning with a Jason Castro triple forcing in Brian Bogusevic before he scored on a double by Justin Maxwell, who then came home on a Jose Altuve single. Colorado answered in the bottom of the fourth as Cuddyer singled to drive in Gonzalez. The Rockies continued their dominance in the sixth inning with a Scutaro solo shot. Houston got one back in the seventh inning as Carlos Lee grounded into a double play that allowed Jordan Schafer to dart home. This was as close as it got, with the final standing at 11-5. Guthrie cruised to the win while Norris exited early from the loss.

Finally, we end in Los Angeles as the Dodgers welcome the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke and Chad Billingsley are on the hill. Milwaukee led off in the second inning with a Rickie Weeks single knocking in Aramis Ramirez and a Martin Maldonado fielder's choice allowing Taylor Green to score. Los Angeles answered in their half of the inning as Billingsley singled in Adam Kennedy. The Brewers added on in the third inning with a two-run home run by Ramirez, also scoring Nyjer Morgan. Milwaukee struck again in the ninth inning as Carlos Gomez hit a two-run homer, sweeping in Norichika Aoki. The Dodgers tried to rally back in the bottom of the ninth as James Loney singled, driving in Ivan De Jesus, but they still lost 6-2. Greinke was in line for the win while Billingsley was dealt the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 59 2012

Full, regular slate for today's games, including four matinees. We begin in...

Cleveland, as the Indians host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Jeanmar Gomez will take their turns in the rotation. Cleveland busted things open in the second inning as Casey Kotchman singled in Shelley Duncan, followed by Luke Carlin grounding into a fielder's choice to bring home Michael Brantley, and Shin-Soo Choo singling to finish Carlin's trip around. Kansas City shot back in the third inning as Mike Moustakas doubled in Johnny Giavotella before coming home on a Jeff Francoeur single. The Royals took the lead in the fourth inning when Alex Gordon doubled to score Alcides Escobar and then crossed the plate himself when Giavotella singled. Kansas City struck again in the fifth inning with a Brayan Pena single allowing Francoeur to score. The Royals made it 6-3 in the eighth inning as Billy Butler grounded out, providing Escobar time to cross the dish. This was it for the scoring, with Chen getting the win, Jonathan Broxton working out of a jam for the save, and Gomez getting stuck with the loss.

Southeast to Tampa Bay, as the Rays host the Chicago White Sox. Jose Quintana and Alex Cobb are the relatively unknown starters. Chicago got going in the first inning as Alex Rios singled to score Gordon Beckham. Tampa Bay tied it in the second inning on a Luke Scott solo home run. The White Sox gained the lead back in the third inning when Dayan Viciedo singled, driving in Rios, followed by Alexei Ramirez's sacrifice fly allowing safe passage home for A.J. Pierzynski. Chicago added on in the fifth inning with a Ramirez double paving the way for Viciedo to come home. The Rays pulled back in the sixth inning with a two-run home run by Carlos Pena, also scoring Jose Molina. This made it 4-3, which lasted for a final, with Nate Jones in line for the win, Addison Reed picking up the save, and Cobb suffering the loss.

Up in Minnesota, the Twins host the Oakland Athletics. Tyson Ross and Francisco Liriano were on the hill. Minnesota opened in the first inning as Josh Willingham singled in Denard Span, followed by Brian Dozier doing the same for Joe Mauer. The Twins added on in the fifth inning as Willingham lifted a two-run home run, sweeping in Mauer. This was all the scoring in the game, resulting in a 4-0 final, with Liriano pitching well for the win while Ross had little help in the loss.

Down in Chicago, the Cubs host the San Diego Padres. Anthony Bass and Ryan Dempster got the starting nods. San Diego led off in the second inning with a two-run home run by Chris Denorfia, also scoring Chase Headley. Chicago answered in the bottom of the second with Steve Clevenger singling in Darwin Barney, before coming all the way home on a Dempster single. The Padres got the lead back in the third inning with a two-run blast by Carlos Quentin, knocking in Everth Cabrera. The Cubs shot back with a fourth inning Clevenger double to drive in Barney. San Diego took off again with another Quentin two-run homer in the fifth inning, this time bringing in Yonder Alonso. Chicago got them back in the bottom of the fifth as Ian Stewart and Barney drew bases-loaded walks to force in David DeJesus and Starlin Castro. The Cubs tied it in the eighth inning as Castro singled home Tony Campana. Chicago took the game 8-6 with a walkoff two-run home run by Barney, sweeping in Bryan LaHair. James Russell was in line for the win while Dale Thayer was pinned with the loss.

East into Pittsburgh, where the Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and A.J. Burnett are tabbed for the starts. Cincinnati struck first with a first inning Brandon Phillips sacrifice fly to score Zack Cozart. Pittsburgh got the lead in the sixth inning as Matt Hague hit a two-RBI double to knock in both Neil Walker and Garrett Jones. This was good enough to earn them a 2-1 win on the arm of Burnett, while Joel Hanrahan picked up the save and Cueto took a hard-luck loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel and Brandon Morrow will be handling the pitching duties. Baltimore was first to score in the second inning with a Ryan Flaherty single bringing in Mark Reynolds. Toronto tied the game in the bottom of the second with an Edwin Encarnacion solo home run. The Blue Jays got the lead in the third inning with a Rajai Davis solo shot. Toronto extended the lead in the fourth inning with a Brett Lawrie solo home run. The Blue Jays added on again in the fifth inning as Colby Rasmus hit a solo shot. This was all in the scoring, with Morrow credited for a win, Casey Janssen getting the save, and Hammel taking the loss.

Back stateside, the New York Mets host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee rhymes with and pitches against Dillon Gee. New York wasted little time in denting the scoreboard with a first inning David Wright double to bring in Daniel Murphy. Philadelphia tied it with a second inning Ty Wigginton solo home run. The Mets pulled back ahead in the sixth inning as Lucas Duda hit a two-run home run, also scoring Scott Hairston. The Phillies tied it again in the seventh inning on a two-run homer from Carlos Ruiz, sweeping in Brian Schneider. Philadelphia got the lead in the eighth inning on a Shane Victorino sacrifice fly allowing Juan Pierre to dash home. The Phillies extended the lead in the ninth inning as Jimmy Rollins hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Freddy Galvis and John Mayberry, followed by a Wigginton double to plate Pierre, and a 2-RBI Victorino single to pave the ways home for Hunter Pence and Wigginton. New York took one back in the bottom of the ninth on a Duda solo shot, followed by Andres Torres doubling in Kirk Nieuwenhuis, and Murphy singling in Torres for a 10-6 final. Antonio Bastardo was in line for the win while Jon Rauch was on the hook for the loss.

Back in Florida, the Miami Marlins host the Washington Nationals. Chien-Ming Wang and Josh Johnson were sent out to pitch. Miami started with a first inning Giancarlo Stanton single to knock in Omar Infante. Washington tied it in the second inning as Roger Bernadina hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Danny Espinosa to get home. The Nationals took the lead in the fourth inning with Espinosa singling in Adam LaRoche before coming home himself on a Bernadina double. The Marlins answered in their half of the inning as Chris Coghlan hit a sacrifice fly to score Logan Morrison, followed by a single by the pitcher Johnson to bring in Bryan Petersen. Miami gained the lead in the fifth inning as John Buck reached on a fielder's choice, providing Hanley Ramirez time to get home. The Marlins extended the lead in the seventh inning as Stanton hit a solo shot. This produced a 5-3 final score, with the win going to Johnson, the save turned by Heath Bell his tenth of the season, and the loss tagged on Wang.

Up in Atlanta, the Braves host the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse and Tim Hudson are the reliable starters. Atlanta struck early in the first inning as Brian McCann hit a two-run home run, also scoring Martin Prado, followed by a Freddie Freeman solo home run. The Braves were back at work in the third inning as Freeman doubled in Dan Uggla, before coming home himself on a Jose Constanza single. St. Louis got on the board in the fourth inning as Matt Holliday singled in Rafael Furcal. The Cardinals chipped away in the sixth inning when Holliday singled to score Furcal, before coming home alongside Skip Schumaker as Tyler Greene singled, and then Daniel Descalso lined a single to drive in Matt Adams. Atlanta responded in their half of the inning with Jack Wilson doubling to drive in Constanza, followed by McCann singling in both Michael Bourn and Prado. St. Louis chipped away in the eighth inning as Shane Robinson hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Yadier Molina and Carlos Beltran singled to knock in Greene. The Braves got some breathing room in the bottom of the eighth as Uggla hit a sacrifice fly scoring Tyler Pastornicky and Freeman singled to knock in Bourn. This made it 10-7, a final, with the win going to Jonny Venters, while Craig Kimbrel gets the save and Marc Rzepczynski takes the loss.

Farther north, the Boston Red Sox host the Detroit Tigers. Drew Smyly and Jon Lester will take the mound. Detroit was first on the board with a first inning Delmon Young fielder's choice allowing Danny Worth to dash home. The Tigers added on in the third inning with Worth's sacrifice fly to score Quintin Berry and Prince Fielder grounding out to bring in Miguel Cabrera. Boston roared ahead in the fourth inning with a pair of two-run home runs, as David Ortiz hit a long ball to score Adrian Gonzalez and Will Middlebrooks went yard and brought Kevin Youkilis with him. Detroit retied it in the seventh inning as Cabrera doubled in Gerald Laird. The Red Sox got the lead back in the bottom of the seventh as Gonzalez hit a ground rule double, forcing in Daniel Nava. Boston struck again in the eighth inning with a Youkilis solo home run. This was good enough to make it a 6-4 win, earned by Matt Albers, while Alfredo Aceves notched the save and Octavio Dotel was in line for the loss.

Southwest to Texas, where the Rangers host the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beaven and Derek Holland were sent out to pitch. Seattle ripped the game open in the second inning with a rally sparked by Miguel Olivo singling in Jesus Montero and Justin Smoak, followed by a three-run Dustin Ackley home run to score Olivo and Brendan Ryan, and then Kyle Seager singled in Chone Figgins before coming home on a two-run home run by Montero, ending the 8-run outburst. The Mariners were back at work in the third inning with Ryan reaching on an error that allowed Michael Saunders to dash home, followed by a 2-RBI double from Montero to bring home Ryan and Figgins, a three-run Smoak homer sweeping in Seager and Montero, a Saunders doubled driving in Alex Liddi, and Ryan grounding out to provide Olivo time to get home safely, capping off another 8-run burst. Seattle got another in the fourth inning with a Liddi sacrifice fly knocking in Seager. Texas found the scoreboard in the sixth inning with an Ian Kinsler sacrifice fly allowing safe passage home for Alberto Gonzalez, followed by Adrian Beltre singling in Michael Young, David Murphy doing the same for Josh Hamilton, and Mike Napoli hitting a double to finish Beltre's and Murphy's trips around.The Rangers got some more in the seventh inning as Young grounded out, scoring Gonzalez and Hamilton doubled to knock in Kinsler. The Mariners got one back as Seager doubled to bring home Ackley in the eighth inning, before Smoak cleared the bases with another three-run bomb, sweeping in Seager and Montero. Texas responded in the ninth inning with Young singling Gonzalez home for a 21-8 final (do not adjust your monitors, you are reading that score correctly). Beaven got the win with copious amounts of run support and Hisashi Iwakuma pitched three innings to collect the save, while Holland was shelled for the loss, not to mention the work of those who came after him as well.

Up to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Christian Friedrich will be given the ball. Colorado got going early in the first inning with a Michael Cuddyer grand slam, sweeping in all of Marco Scutaro, Troy Tulowitzki, and Todd Helton in the first inning. Houston got on the board in the second inning with a Harrell single, knocking in Justin Maxwell. The Rockies replied in their half of the inning as Scutaro singled in Dexter Fowler. The Astros rallied to tie in the third inning with Maxwell singling to score Jose Altuve, followed by a Chris Johnson sacrifice fly allowing Jed Lowrie to score, and Chris Snyder doubling to drive in both J.D. Martinez and Maxwell. Colorado took the lead back in the fifth inning with a Carlos Gonzalez solo home run. The Rockies rallied to extend lead in the sixth inning with Jordan Pacheco singling in Willin Rosario before finishing his trip on a three-run home run by Fowler, also scoring Eric Young, and then Gonzalez hit a two-run homer to sweep in Scutaro. Colorado got another in the eighth inning with the third homer of the game for Gonzalez, another solo shot. This made it 13-5, a final, with Friedrich picking up the win and Harrell suffering the loss.

Out in California, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Ervin Santana try to right the ships on their seasons with the starts. Los Angeles began with a first inning Mark Trumbo sacrifice fly allowing Mike Trout to come home. New York took the lead with a third inning Curtis Granderson three-run home run, sweeping in Russell Martin and Derek Jeter, followed by a two-run bomb from Robinson Cano, also scoring Alex Rodriguez. The Angels pulled back in the fourth inning as Trumbo hit a two-run homer, knocking in Kendrys Morales, and then tied it on a 2-RBI Trout double, scoring both Erick Aybar and Bobby Wilson. The Yankees got the lead again in the sixth inning on a Nick Swisher sacrifice fly to bring home Raul Ibanez. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 6-5 final, with Nova grabbing the win, Rafael Soriano turning the save, and Hisanori Takahashi being nailed with the loss.

Up in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and Clayton Kershaw are the staff aces pacing the game. Los Angeles got going with a first inning Andre Ethier double to knock in Matt Kemp. Milwaukee took the lead in the fourth inning with a 2-RBI Carlos Gomez singled, scoring both Aramis Ramirez and Rickie Weeks. The Brewers rallied to extend the lead in the sixth inning as Martin Maldonado sacrifice to bring in Weeks, followed by a Gallardo single to drive in Gomez, before he came home on a single by Norichika Aoki. The Dodgers got a couple back in the seventh inning on an Elian Herrera 2-RBI single, bringing home both A.J. Ellis and Dee Gordon. Milwaukee shot back in the eighth inning with a Ramirez fielder's choice providing Nyjer Morgan time to get home. This made it 6-3, a final, with Gallardo earning the win, John Axford converting his tenth save of the season, and Kershaw getting stuck with the loss.

Finally, we end in San Francisco as the Giants host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Tim Lincecum are the under-performing stars on the mound. Arizona was first on the board with a second inning Ryan Roberts flyout that combined with an error to bring home Miguel Montero. San Francisco tied it with a fourth inning Ryan Theriot single driving in Gregor Blanco. The Diamondbacks took the lead back in the sixth inning with a Paul Goldschmidt solo home run. Arizona padded the lead in the eighth inning as Goldschmidt singled in Justin Upton and Roberts did the same for Montero. This produced a 4-1 final, where Kennedy picked up the win, David Hernandez got the spot save, and Lincecum was on the hook for the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 58 2012

Only fourteen games on today, beginning in...

Chicago, as the Cubs host the San Diego Padres. Eric Stults and Jeff Samardzija are the back-of-the-rotation starters. San Diego got things going in the fifth inning as Carlos Quentin hit a solo home run. Chicago answered in their half of the inning as Darwin Barney doubled in Reed Johnson before coming home on a single by the pitcher Samardzija. The Cubs added on in the sixth inning with a solo shot by Alfonso Soriano. The Padres got one back in the seventh inning as John Baker singled home Quentin. Chicago answered in the bottom of the seventh as Barney scored on a passed ball. San Diego shot back in the eighth inning as Will Venable tripled to force in Andy Parrino. The Cubs got it back in their half of the inning as Jeff Baker singled in Joe Mather. This was it for the scoring, with a 5-3 final in Chicago's favor. Samardzija got the win, James Russell got the save, and Stults took the loss.

Over in Cleveland, the Indians host the Kansas City Royals. Will Smith and Justin Masterson get the starting nods. Kansas City began in the first inning as Mike Moustakas hit a two-run home run, also scoring Johnny Giavotella. Cleveland answered in their half of the inning as Jose Lopez singled in Shin-Soo Choo before Michael Brantley grounded into a fielder's choice to bring home Jason Kipnis. The Royals fired back in the second inning as Humberto Quintero reached on a fielder's choice allowing Eric Hosmer to score, followed by Alex Gordon, Giavotella, and Moustakas singling, plating Alcides Escobar and Quintero on the first two before the first two single hitters came home on the last one (a 5-run rally for those getting confused by my verbatim). Kansas City got another in the sixth inning as Quintero singled home Jarrod Dyson. This made it 8-2, a final, with Smith getting the win and Masterson suffering the loss.

East to Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Cincinnati Reds and a lot of rain. Homer Bailey and Charlie Morton are the uninspiring pitchers set to duel. Cincinnati was first on the board after the rain with a second inning Jay Bruce double scoring Brandon Phillips, and a Todd Frazier double finishing Bruce's trip around. The Reds added on in the fourth as Frazier tripled to force in Bruce before coming home on an error. Pittsburgh got going in the fifth inning as Casey McGehee singled in Matt Hague. Cincinnati shot back in the sixth inning as Bailey singled to drive in Bruce. The Reds went to work in the seventh inning with singles by Phillips, Bruce, and Ryan Ludwick bringing in Drew Stubbs, Joey Votto, and Phillips. This produced the 8-1 final, which after an extensive rain delay allowed Bailey the win after he went the distance, while Morton took a loss with a relatively short outing.

North to Canada, as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Baltimore Orioles. Jake Arrieta and Ricky Romero will play from the mound. Baltimore was first to score in the second inning with an Adam Jones solo home run. Toronto answered in the third inning when Rajai Davis reached on a bunt single and then an error occurred to bring in Brett Lawrie, followed by Yunel Escobar grounding out to score David Cooper. The Blue Jays added on in the fourth inning when Lawrie doubled in both Colby Rasmus and J.P. Arencibia, before scoring on Davis single. Toronto rolled along in the fifth inning as Lawrie singled in Jose Bautista, Cooper did the same for Edwin Encarnacion, and Davis brought Lawrie home again on a single. The Orioles got some back in the sixth inning with Mark Reynolds grounding out to score Jones before Chris Davis hit a two-run home run, also scoring Ronny Paulino. Baltimore tried a ninth inning rally as Jones hit a two-run home run, sweeping in J.J. Hardy, but they couldn't pull even and lost 8-6. Romero was credited with the win while Arrieta suffered the loss.

Way south, the Miami Marlins host the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and Anibal Sanchez are the well-known pitchers. Washington struck first in the fifth inning as Corey Brown sacrificed to bring in Ian Desmond. Miami tied it in the sixth inning on a Giancarlo Stanton double to knock in Omar Infante. The Marlins pulled ahead in the seventh inning with a Greg Dobbs sacrifice fly scoring Chris Coghlan. Miami padded the lead with an eighth inning Hanley Ramirez solo home run. This made it 3-1, which held up as a final, with Sanchez getting the win, Heath Bell converting the save, and Jackson taking a hard-luck loss.

Back north, the New York Mets host the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton opposes a lesser for in Jeremy Hefner. Philadelphia started off in the first inning with Jimmy Rollins scoring on a wild pitch. New York got the lead in their half of the inning as David Wright hit a single to bring in Mike Baxter and Ike Davis singled home Kirk Nieuwenhuis. The Phillies tied it in the second inning on a Brian Schneider solo home run. The Mets got the lead back in the bottom of the second as Baxter doubled, driving in Omar Quintanilla. New York added on in the fourth inning as the pitcher Hefner hit a solo shot. Philadelphia got one back in the sixth inning with a Hunter Pence double and subsequent error allowed Juan Pierre to get home. The Mets extended the lead again in the bottom of the sixth as Scott Hairston hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Quintanilla. This stood for a 6-3 win, as Hefner picked up a win to go with his power display, while Frank Francisco turned the save and Blanton was pinned with the loss.

Over in Boston, the Red Sox host the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander and Daniel Bard will take the hill. Boston opened in the second inning as Mike Aviles grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing David Ortiz to dash home. The Red Sox added on with a 3-RBI Daniel Nava double, sweeping in all of Kevin Youkilis, Aviles, and Scott Podsednik in the fourth inning. Detroit got one back in the fifth inning with a Jhonny Peralta solo home run. Boston shot back in the bottom of the fifth as Ortiz doubled home Adrian Gonzalez. The Tigers clawed back with a sixth inning Prince Fielder solo shot. Detroit chipped away in the seventh inning when Fielder singled home Miguel Cabrera. The Red Sox got some breathing room in the bottom of the seventh on an Ortiz solo home run. This held up for a 6-3 win, with Bard picking up the victory, Alfredo Aceves turning the save, and Verlander taking a rare loss.

Back in Florida, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Chicago White Sox. Philip Humber (Mr. Perfect) goes up against James Shields (Big Game James) for pitching purposes. Tampa Bay led off in the fourth inning with a two-run Hideki Matsui home run, also scoring Matt Joyce. Chicago got one back in the fifth inning as Alexei Ramirez singled in Dayan Viciedo. The White Sox rallied ahead in the sixth inning as A.J. Pierzynski singled in Adam Dunn, Viciedo hit a single to score Alex Rios, Ramirez doubled to bring in Pierzynski, Orlando Hudson hit a single that knocked in Viciedo, and Alejandro De Aza grounded into a fielder's choice allowing safe passage home for Ramirez. Chicago got another in the eighth inning on a Viciedo solo home run. This made it 7-2, a final, with the win going to Humber and the loss pinned on Shields.

A touch to the north, the Atlanta Braves host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jake Westbrook and Randall Delgado took their turns in the rotation. Atlanta was quick to open the scoring with a first inning Michael Bourn solo home run. The Braves added on in the third inning with a three-run Dan Uggla home run, also scoring Bourn and Martin Prado. St. Louis got going in the fourth inning as Yadier Molina singled in Matt Holliday, followed by Tyler Greene grounding out to knock in Carlos Beltran. Atlanta answered in the fifth inning as Jose Constanza scoring on a wild pitch. The Cardinals shot back with a sixth inning Molina solo shot. St. Louis chipped away in the seventh inning with Molina singling to drive in Holliday. The final stood at 5-4 Braves, which left the win with Delgado, the save with Craig Kimbrel, and Westbrook was stuck holding the loss.

Westward to Texas, with the Rangers hosting the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Scott Feldman have the green light to pitch. Texas opened with Josh Hamilton grounding out in the first inning, providing time for Elvis Andrus to come home. Seattle got the lead in the second inning with a two-run John Jaso home run, also scoring Justin Smoak. The Mariners added on in the fifth inning as Jesus Montero reached on an error, allowing both Brendan Ryan and Dustin Ackley to come home. The Rangers pulled back with a sixth inning Hamilton two-run homer, also scoring Andrus. Seattle answered in the eighth inning as Jaso singled Kyle Seager across the dish, followed by Ryan reaching on an error to bring in Smoak, Ackley singling to finish Jaso's trip around, Mike Carp singling to score Michael Saunders, Ichiro hitting a sacrifice fly to knock in Ryan, and Ackley scoring on a wild pitch for a 6-run rally. This made it 10-3, a final, with Vargas getting the win while Feldman took the loss.

North to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Oakland Athletics. Jarrod Parker and Cole De Vries are the relatively unknown pitchers. Oakland finally busted things open in the seventh inning as Collin Cowgill singled in Kurt Suzuki. The Athletics got another in the eighth inning as Coco Crisp singled home Seth Smith. Minnesota got the lead in the ninth inning with a walkoff three-run Josh Willingham home run, also scoring Jamey Carroll and Joe Mauer for a 3-2 win. Glen Perkins got the win while Brian Fuentes was on the hook for the collapse.

Southwest to California, with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the New York Yankees. Andy Pettitte and Dan Haren pace the game. Los Angeles got things going in the third inning with Mike Trout tripling to force in Peter Bourjos and Albert Pujols hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Maicer Izturis. New York answered in the fourth inning as Nick Swisher singled in Raul Ibanez. The Angels added on in the sixth inning on a Mark Trumbo solo home run. Los Angeles extended the lead in the eighth inning with Howie Kendrick singling to score Pujols. This was it for the scoring in the 5-1 game, with Haren earning the win and Pettitte having the loss

Into Los Angeles proper, as the Dodgers welcome the Milwaukee Brewers. Michael Fiers and Nathan Eovaldi are the completely unknown starters. Milwaukee struck first with a first inning two-run Ryan Braun home run, also scoring Nyjer Morgan. Los Angeles got on the board in the sixth inning as Andre Ethier doubled in Ivan De Jesus. They were unable to pull even, losing 2-1, with Fiers getting a win, John Axford tossing the save, and Eovaldi being stuck with the loss.

Finally, we end in San Francisco, with the Giants welcoming the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joe Saunders and Ryan Vogelsong are the reliable starters. Arizona began on a Josh Bell single, scoring Chris Young. San Francisco tied it in the sixth inning with a Buster Posey double to score Melky Cabrera. The Giants gained the lead in the eighth inning as Posey hit a sacrifice fly to score Ryan Theriot, followed by Joaquin Arias grounding into a fielder's choice to bring home. This held for a 3-1 win, earned by Clay Hensley, while Santiago Casilla turned the save and Bryan Shaw was stuck with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 57 2012

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.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

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

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.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

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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