More interleague play, with one matinee in...
Toronto, as the Blue Jays of the American League host the Washington Nationals. Stephen Strasburg opposes a lesser foe in Kyle Drabek. Washington started in the second inning when Tyler Moore hit a ground rule double to force in Michael Morse and Ian Desmond. Toronto tied it in the third inning as Brett Lawrie grounded out to drive in Rajai Davis, followed by a Jose Bautista solo home run. The Nationals shot back in the fourth as Moore hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Danny Espinosa. Washington got another as Moore hit a solo shot in the sixth inning. The Nationals padded the lead in the eighth inning on a Desmond solo home run. This was all for the scoring, as Strasburg picked up the win while Drabek was handed the loss.
Down in the states, the AL Baltimore Orioles host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and Jake Arrieta get the starting nods. Baltimore opened in the first inning as Chris Davis doubled home J.J. Hardy. The Orioles added on in the second inning as Wilson Betemit doubled to score Mark Reynolds before coming home on a Steve Pearce single. Baltimore struck again in the fourth inning as Betemit hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Reynolds. The Orioles padded the lead in the sixth inning when Betemit hit a solo home run. Pittsburgh got on the board in the seventh inning as Neil Walker grounded out to give Jose Tabata time to dash home. Baltimore shot back in the bottom of the seventh with a two-run home run by Davis, sweeping in Hardy. This made it 7-1, a final, with Arrieta getting the win and Correia taking the loss.
South to a National League park, with the Miami Marlins hosting the Boston Red Sox. Felix Doubront and Ricky Nolasco take their turns in the rotation. Boston began in the third inning as Scott Podsednik grounded out to bring home Mike Aviles. The Red Sox added on in the fourth inning with a David Ortiz solo home run. Boston kept going in the sixth inning with Adrian Gonzalez singling in Podsednik before Ortiz hit a sacrifice fly to plate Dustin Pedroia. Miami got one back in the bottom of the sixth with a Jose Reyes solo home run. The Marlins got another in the seventh inning as Justin Ruggiano grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Hanley Ramirez to dash home. The Red Sox extended the lead in the eighth inning with Pedroia singling Nick Punto across the dish, followed by Gonzalez doing the same for Podsednik, and then Ortiz singled to complete Pedroia's trip around, Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a sacrifice fly to finish Gonzalez's trip around, and Punto hit a 2-RBI single that knocked in both Darnell McDonald and Will Middlebrooks. This outburst made it 10-2, a final, with Doubront getting the win, while Nolasco was not excused from the loss.
North and staying in the NL for the Battle of Ohio, where the Cincinnati Reds host the Cleveland Indians. Derek Lowe and Mat Latos are the reliable starters. Cincinnati quickly got a first inning lead with Brandon Phillips singling to score Wilson Valdez. Cleveland tied it in the fourth inning when Casey Kotchman grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing Jason Kipnis to dash home. The Reds got the lead back in the bottom of the fourth as Ryan Ludwick hit a sacrifice fly to plate Phillips. Cincinnati added on in the fifth inning when Jay Bruce hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Chris Heisey. The Indians got one back in the sixth inning as Johnny Damon's groundout provided time for Carlos Santana to get home safely. The Reds extended their lead in the seventh inning on a two-run Phillips home run, sweeping in Joey Votto. Cleveland tried to rally in the ninth inning as Jose Lopez hit a solo shot, but this only made it a 5-3 final. Latos picked up the win, Aroldis Chapman converted a rough save, and Lowe was stuck holding the loss.
Down in Atlanta, we stay again in the NL with the Atlanta Braves hosting the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Tim Hudson are the well-known starters. New York was first on the board in the first inning with an Alex Rodriguez single to drive in Derek Jeter. Atlanta took the lead in the fifth inning with a two-run home run from Brian McCann, also scoring Martin Prado. The Yankees shot back, gaining the lead in the sixth inning with a two-run Curtis Granderson homer, sweeping in Jeter. This stood up for a 3-2 win, with Kuroda earning the win, Rafael Soriano turning the save, and Hudson taking a hard-luck loss.
South into an AL park, as the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and David Price are the very successful starters. New York struck first with a fifth inning Mike Nickeas single to drive in Ike Davis, before he came home alongside Andres Torres on a 2-RBI Daniel Murphy single. The Mets got another in the sixth inning when Vinny Rottino doubled in Scott Hairston, followed by Davis singling to score Jason Bay, before both Rottino and Davis were pushed across the plate by a Omar Quintanilla single. New York struck again in the ninth inning as David Wright doubled in both Torres and Murphy. Tampa Bay avoided the shutout in the bottom of the ninth as Desmond Jennings grounded out to get Elliot Johnson home safely for a 9-1 final. Dickey earned the win by going the distance, allowing just one hit and an unearned run, while Price was unusually off in the loss.
Westward and still in the AL, the Texas Rangers host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Matt Harrison are the middle-of-the-rotation starters. Texas finally opened the scoring in the eighth inning with Craig Gentry singing in Mike Napoli. This was good enough to win 1-0, with Mike Adams in line for the win, Joe Nathan converting the save, and Miley got no run support in the loss.
Up in Chicago, the Cubs of the NL host the Detroit Tigers. Rick Porcello and Matt Garza are called on for the starts. Detroit got going with a second inning Ramon Santiago groundout to bring home Delmon Young. Chicago rallied ahead in the bottom of the second as Joe Mather singled in Steve Clevenger, followed by Tony Campana grounding out to plate Darwin Barney. The Cubs got another in the fifth inning as Alfonso Soriano doubled to drive in Starlin Castro before coming home on a Bryan LaHair double. The Tigers roared ahead in the seventh inning when Young singled home Brennan Boesch, Jhonny Peralta doubled to plate both Miguel Cabrera and Young, and Santiago grounded out to get Peralta home as the go-ahead run. Detroit got another in the seventh inning as Boesch hit a solo home run. The Tigers extended the lead in the eighth inning with Quintin Berry singling to get Peralta home, followed by Boesch doing the same for Gerald Laird. This made it 8-4, a final, with the win going to Porcello and the loss to Garza.
South again and back to the AL, the Kansas City Royals host the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf and Jonathan Sanchez will try to fix their season stats tonight. For an in-depth look at this game, check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com to read about the Game of the Day. Kansas City opened with a first inning Billy Butler groundout to bring home Alex Gordon. Milwaukee tied it in the third inning when Aramis Ramirez singled to score Edwin Maysonet. The Brewers took the lead in the seventh inning on a Ryan Braun single to knock in Maysonet. Milwaukee got another in the ninth inning when Carlos Gomez reached on an error to bring in Norichika Aoki. The Royals tied it in the bottom of the ninth as Alcides Escobar tripled in both Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas. Kansas City picked up the win with an eleventh inning walkoff walk by Moustakas, forcing in Butler for the 4-3 win. Tim Collins was in line for the win while Kameron Loe was responsible for the loss.
North to Minnesota, where we stay in the AL as the Twins host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels and P.J. Walters will be sent out to pitch. Philadelphia busted things open with a first inning rally including a 2-RBI Jim Thome single to drive in both Jimmy Rollins and Juan Pierre, followed by Carlos Ruiz singling in Hunter Pence, before the bases were cleared by John Mayberry's three-run home run, finishing Thome and Ruiz's trips around. Minnesota got on the board in the second inning with a Trevor Plouffe solo home run. The Phillies shot back in the third inning as Mayberry doubled to plate Ruiz. The Twins answered in the bottom of the third as Joe Mauer reached on a fielder's choice to allow time for Jamey Carroll to score, followed by Josh Willingham grounding out to drive in Ben Revere. Philadelphia wreaked more havoc in the fourth inning on a two-run Thome home run, also scoring Pence. Minnesota shot back in the sixth inning on a Willingham solo shot. The Twins kept chipping away in the seventh inning with a Denard Span double providing Brian Dozier a way home, followed by Revere singling Carroll in, Mauer singling to finish Span's trip around, and Justin Morneau finally grounded out to get Revere home to end the rally. They couldn't tie the game, losing 9-8, with the win going to Hamels, the save to Jonathan Papelbon, and the loss pinned on Walters.
Back down to Missouri, we switch to the NL with the St. Louis Cardinals hosting the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy and Lance Lynn are the surprisingly good pitchers. St. Louis started in the third inning as Carlos Beltran hit a solo home run. This was all the scoring for the game, with the Cardinals winning 1-0 on the arm of Lynn, while Jason Motte closed out for the save, and Peavy had no help in the loss.
Westward but still in the NL, the Colorado Rockies host the Oakland Athletics. Tommy Milone and Josh Outman are the unknown starters. Oakland led off with a first inning two-run home run by Seth Smith, also scoring Collin Cowgill. Colorado took the lead in the bottom of the first as Todd Helton hit a grand slam, sweeping in all of Dexter Fowler, Marco Scutaro, and Michael Cuddyer, followed by the pitcher Outman singling to score Jordan Pacheco. The Rockies added on in the second inning with a Cuddyer solo home run. The Athletics got one back in the fourth inning when Brandon Inge singled to drive in Jonny Gomes, followed by a two-run home run from Brandon Moss, also scoring Josh Donaldson. Colorado took the lead back in the bottom of the fourth as Cuddyer lifted a two-run homer, bringing in Scutaro. Oakland got another back in the sixth inning on a Gomes solo shot. The Athletics got within striking distance in the seventh inning as Cowgill singled home Cliff Pennington. Oakland finally got an equalizer in the ninth inning when Cowgill's sacrifice fly gave time for Coco Crisp to dash home, before Inge gave them the lead with a 2-RBI double scoring Smith and Josh Reddick. This stood for a 10-8 victory, with Jerry Blevins picking up the win, Ryan Cook turning the save, and Rafael Betancourt blowing his save chance and taking the loss.
Still under NL rules, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson and Nathan Eovaldi will take to the pitching duties. The Dodgers opened with a first inning Andre Ethier double to knock in Elian Herrera. The Angels tied it in the second inning on an Alberto Callaspo solo home run. The Angels took the lead in the ninth inning as Erick Aybar hit a solo shot. This held up for a 2-1 win, with LaTroy Hawkins getting credited with the win, Ernesto Frieri turning the save, and Kenley Jansen suffered the loss.
North into Seattle, as the Mariners of the AL host the San Diego Padres. Jason Marquis and Hector Noesi are the uninspiring pitchers. San Diego got on the board with a seventh inning Yonder Alonso solo home run. This was the only run, with the Padres winning 1-0 as Marquis picked up the win, Huston Street converted the save, and Noesi had no run support in the loss.
Finally, the NL-only game in San Francisco, with the Giants hosting the Houston Astros. J.A. Happ and Matt Cain pace the game. San Francisco established a first inning lead on a two-run Melky Cabrera home run, also scoring Ryan Theriot. The Giants added on in the second inning with a two-run homer from Brandon Belt, sweeping in Pablo Sandoval, followed by Gregor Blanco grounding out to bring in Joaquin Arias. San Francisco padded the lead in the third inning as Sandoval singled in Cabrera before Belt did the same for Buster Posey. The Giants kept it up in the fourth inning as Sandoval grounded into a fielder's choice to score Theriot. San Francisco continued to score in the fifth inning as Blanco lifted a two-run home run, sweeping in the pitcher Cain. This was all Cain needed in run support, as he did the rest by throwing a perfect game with fourteen strikeouts, the 22nd perfect game in the history of the majors. His counterpart Happ took a brutal loss with literally no help from the offense.
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Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
MLB Day 72 2012
Back to a full slate today, as all teams have arrived for a new series. We begin in an American League ballpark in...
Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Brad Lincoln and Wei-Yin Chen are the relatively unknown starters. Pittsburgh struck first in the first inning as Matt Hague singled in Andrew McCutchen. Baltimore took the lead in the second inning with a two-run home run by Mark Reynolds, also scoring Adam Jones. The Orioles added on in the third inning as Jones singled to score J.J. Hardy. Baltimore padded the lead with a fifth inning Jones solo home run. The Pirates pulled back with a sixth inning Casey McGehee solo shot. The Orioles responded in their half of the inning as Brian Roberts hit a sacrifice fly to plate Steve Pearce, followed by Hardy singling in Ryan Flaherty and Chris Davis wiping the bases clean with a two-run home run, sweeping in Hardy. Pittsburgh answered in the seventh inning as Neil Walker grounded out to bring in Clint Barmes, followed by a McCutchen sacrifice fly that allowed Alex Presley to come home. The Pirates chipped away in the ninth inning as Walker hit a two-run homer, also scoring Presley, but they couldn't tie it up, losing 8-6. Chen picked up the win, Jim Johnson mopped up for the save, and Lincoln was on the hook for the loss.
Up in Canada, we stay in an AL park, as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Washington Nationals. Chien-Ming Wang and Henderson Alvarez receive the starting nods. Washington opened in the third inning with a solo home run by Bryce Harper. The Nationals added on in the fourth inning when Danny Espinosa hit a two-run home run, also scoring Adam LaRoche. Toronto got on the board in the fifth inning with a two-run homer by Jose Bautista, plating Brett Lawrie. Washington got some space back as Jhonatan Solano hit a solo shot. This was it for the scoring in the power display of a game, with Wang earning the win, Tyler Clippard throwing the save, and Alvarez got stuck with the loss.
Down south and in the National League, the Atlanta Braves welcome the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia faces a lesser foe in Mike Minor. Atlanta opened with a first inning 3-RBI double by Matt Diaz, knocking in all of Michael Bourn, Brian McCann, and Dan Uggla. The Braves got another in the seventh inning when Jason Heyward grounded out to get Martin Prado across the plate. New York tied it in the eighth inning as Alex Rodriguez hit a grand slam to sweep in Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson, and Mark Teixeira, followed by a go-ahead two-run home run from Nick Swisher that plated Robinson Cano. This held up for a 6-4 win, with Sabathia getting the win, Rafael Soriano turning his tenth save of the season, and Jonny Venters was on the hook for the loss.
Farther south, the Miami Marlins host the Boston Red Sox under NL rules. Clay Buchholz and Mark Buehrle will play from the mound. Boston finally dented the scoreboard in the seventh inning on a Kelly Shoppach double paving the way home for Will Middlebrooks, before scoring on a Mike Aviles single. Miami got one back in the bottom of the seventh as Logan Morrison hit a solo home run. They couldn't get the equalizer, falling 2-1, with Buchholz notching the win, Alfredo Aceves shutting the door for his fifteenth save of the season, and Buehrle was pinned with the loss.
Up north again, the battle of Ohio goes on in the NL venue in Cincinnati, with the Reds hosting the Cleveland Indians. Jeanmar Gomez is mismatched with Johnny Cueto. Cleveland scored early in the first inning as Jason Kipnis singled in Shin-Soo Choo. Cincinnati tied it in the third inning as Cueto scored on an error. The Reds took the lead in the fifth inning when Jay Bruce hit a sacrifice fly, providing Chris Heisey time to get home. Cincinnati padded the lead in the seventh inning with a two-run Joey Votto home run, sweeping in Wilson Valdez. The Reds extended the lead in the eighth inning when Ryan Hanigan singled, which combined with an error to get Ryan Ludwick home, followed by Valdez grounding out to get Hanigan home and Votto singling Heisey across the plate. This made it 7-1, a final, with Cueto going the distance to earn the win and Gomez suffering the loss.
Back in Florida and the AL, the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Mets. Chris Young and Alex Cobb are the average starters. New York quickly got a first inning lead as David Wright reached on an error that got Jordany Valdespin home. Tampa Bay answered in the bottom of the first when Hideki Matsui singled home Carlos Pena, followed by a Will Rhymes sacrifice fly allowing B.J. Upton to dash home. The Mets took the lead back in the fifth inning with a 2-RBI Valdespin single, driving in both Omar Quintanilla and Kirk Nieuwenhuis. New York extended the lead in the seventh inning with Valdespin doubling to score Nieuwenhuis before coming home alongside Wright on a Daniel Murphy single, and Murphy crossed the plate with Lucas Duda on a three-run home run by Ike Davis. The Mets rallied some more in the eighth inning as Valdespin grounded out to push home Quintanilla, followed by a Duda single that knocked in Nieuwenhuis. This made it an 11-2 blowout in the end, allowing Young an easy win while Cobb was pummeled in the loss.
Switching into the NL again as we head north, the Chicago Cubs host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Paul Maholm are the consistently inconsistent pitchers. Chicago led off with a second inning Darwin Barney groundout to bring home Bryan LaHair. The Cubs got some more in the sixth inning as Barney doubled home both David DeJesus and Steve Clevenger. Detroit rallied to tie the game in the seventh inning with Ramon Santiago singling in Delmon Young before a 2-RBI Austin Jackson single to knock in both Jhonny Peralta and Quintin Berry. Chicago took the lead in the eighth inning as Starlin Castro reached on an error that brought in Barney. This made it 4-3, a final, with Carlos Marmol in line for the win, Shawn Camp turning a spot save, and Phil Coke on the hook for the loss.
Down in Texas, we head to AL rules with the Rangers hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Colby Lewis are the staff aces pitching. Ian Kinsler put Texas up first by scoring on a wild pitch in the first inning. The Rangers rallied in the sixth inning as David Murphy hit a two-run home run, also scoring Michael Young, followed by Mitch Moreland doubling in Yorvit Torrealba before scoring on a Craig Gentry double, and Gentry got home when Kinsler lined a single. Texas was back at work in the seventh inning as Moreland singled to score Adrian Beltre and Gentry was hit by a pitch to force in Young. Arizona got on the board in the eighth inning with a Miguel Montero solo home run. The Rangers shot back in the bottom of the eighth as Josh Hamilton singled to drive in Elvis Andrus. This was all for the scoring, as Lewis went the distance to pick up a strong win, while Kennedy was far less fortunate in the loss.
Staying in the AL, we head up to Minnesota, with the Twins bringing in the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Nick Blackburn are tabbed for the starts. Minnesota began with a first inning Denard Span solo home run. The Twins rallied to extend the lead in the second inning when Trevor Plouffe hit a two-run home run, also scoring Ryan Doumit, followed by Ben Revere singling in Jamey Carroll and Joe Mauer doing the same for Span. Philadelphia pulled back in the fourth inning as Ty Wigginton grounded out to bring in Jim Thome, followed by Michael Martinez singling in Carlos Ruiz and Jimmy Rollins hitting a 2-RBI double to plate both Mike Fontenot and Martinez. Minnesota answered in their half of the inning with a Mauer double to bring Span home. The Twins struck again in the fifth inning when Plouffe singled in Doumit before comnig home on a double by Carroll. The Phillies shot back in the sixth inning as John Mayberry grounded out, providing Ruiz time to dash home, followed by Thome singling in both Martinez and Rollins. Minnesota got one back in the bottom of the sixth with a Josh Willingham solo shot. The Twins pulled farther away in the seventh inning when Carroll singled Plouffe across the dish, and then came home on a Revere single. This made it 11-7, a final, with Blackburn being credited with the win while Kendrick was given a tough loss.
Back south a touch to Kansas City, with the Royals of the AL hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke opposes his former team while they trot out Luis Mendoza for pitching purposes. Kansas City started with a first inning Alex Gordon solo home run. Milwaukee tied it in the seventh inning as Rickie Weeks singled in Aramis Ramirez. The Royals took the lead back in the eighth inning on a Billy Butler single to drive in Gordon. This stood for a 2-1 win, with Greg Holland scooping up the win, Jonathan Broxton turning his fifteenth save of the season, and Francisco Rodriguez was dealt the loss.
Across the state of Missouri, the NL St. Louis Cardinals host the Chicago White Sox. Jose Quintana is set to start against Adam Wainwright. Chicago drew first blood as Orlando Hudson tripled in the second inning, forcing in Alex Rios and A.J. Pierzynski. St. Louis got one back in the sixth inning as Allen Craig singled in Matt Holliday. The White Sox extended the lead in the eighth inning as Gordon Beckham singled to score Alejandro De Aza, followed by an Adam Dunn solo home run and a two-run homer from Pierzynski that also scored Rios. This produced a 6-1 final, with Quintana notching the win and Wainwright got stuck with the loss.
Westward, we stay in the NL as the Colorado Rockies host the Oakland Athletics. Bartolo Colon and Jeremy Guthrie are the very experienced veterans. For a more detailed analysis of this game, check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the featured Game of the Day. Colorado started off with a Tyler Colvin solo home run, followed by Michael Cuddyer singling home Marco Scutaro, Chris Nelson singling to finish Cuddyer's trip around, and Wil Nieves singling to bring home Todd Helton. Oakland shot back in the third inning, beginning as Seth Smith doubled to drive in Jemile Weeks and Josh Reddick, followed by Brandon Inge doubling smith the rest of the way home before coming home himself on a two-run home run by Brandon Moss, and finally, Cliff Pennington hit a solo home run to cap the 6-run rally that put them ahead. The Athletics got another with a fifth inning Moss solo shot. The Rockies took it back as Helton hit a solo shot in the bottom of the fifth. Oakland replied with a seventh inning Inge solo home run. This was it for the scoring, making the final 8-5, with Colon scratching out a win, Ryan Cook converting a save, and Guthrie was dinged in the loss.
Still in the NL, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jerome Williams and Aaron Harang are the serviceable starters. The Angels struck first with Kendrys Morales reaching on an error in the third inning to bring in Williams. The Dodgers tied it in the fourth inning as Juan Rivera singled home A.J. Ellis. The Angels took the lead again in the sixth inning when Williams reached on an error that brought in Morales. The Dodgers rallied in the eighth inning with Andre Ethier tying the game by singling in Dee Gordon before Rivera hit a three-run home run to sweep in Ellis and Ethier. This made it 5-2, a final, with the win going to Jamey Wright, the save converted by Kenley Jansen as his tenth of the season, and the loss pinned on Williams.
Up the Pacific coast, the Seattle Mariners host the San Diego Padres under AL rules. Clayton Richard and Felix Hernandez pace the game. San Diego got started in the third inning as Chase Headley singled to drive in Everth Cabrera. Seattle tied it in the fourth inning on a Kyle Seager groundout that brought in Ichiro. The Padres gained the lead again in the sixth inning on a rally sparked by a Cameron Maybin single to plate Yonder Alonso, followed by Nick Hundley singling in Chris Denorfia, Maybin finishing his trip on a wild pitch, and Cabrera tripling to force in Hundley. The Mariners tried a ninth inning rally beginning on a Michael Saunders solo home run, followed by Munenori Kawasaki singling in Chone Figgins and Dustin Ackley striking out on a wild pitch that allowed Kawasaki to finish his trip around, but this only made it 5-4 in the end. Richard was in line for the win, Huston Street turned a sloppy save, and Hernandez was not relieved of the loss.
Finally, we end with the NL-only game as the San Francisco Padres host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Madison Bumgarner are on the hill. Houston opened with a second inning Brian Bixler single to knock in Jose Altuve. San Francisco retied it in the third inning on a solo home run by the pitcher Bumgarner. The Giants added on in the fourth inning with a 2-RBI single by Brandon Crawford, plating both Buster Posey and Nate Schierholtz. San Francisco struck again in the seventh inning with a Melky Cabrera single bringing home Gregor Blanco. The Astros responded with an eighth inning Bixler double to bring home Brian Bogusevic. The Giants answered on a two-run Brandon Belt home run, also scoring Schierholtz. Houston tried to rally in the ninth inning when Jason Castro doubled Jordan Schafer across the plate, but this only made it 6-3, a final. Bumgarner got the win, Santiago Casilla turned the save, and Norris was dealt the loss.
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Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Brad Lincoln and Wei-Yin Chen are the relatively unknown starters. Pittsburgh struck first in the first inning as Matt Hague singled in Andrew McCutchen. Baltimore took the lead in the second inning with a two-run home run by Mark Reynolds, also scoring Adam Jones. The Orioles added on in the third inning as Jones singled to score J.J. Hardy. Baltimore padded the lead with a fifth inning Jones solo home run. The Pirates pulled back with a sixth inning Casey McGehee solo shot. The Orioles responded in their half of the inning as Brian Roberts hit a sacrifice fly to plate Steve Pearce, followed by Hardy singling in Ryan Flaherty and Chris Davis wiping the bases clean with a two-run home run, sweeping in Hardy. Pittsburgh answered in the seventh inning as Neil Walker grounded out to bring in Clint Barmes, followed by a McCutchen sacrifice fly that allowed Alex Presley to come home. The Pirates chipped away in the ninth inning as Walker hit a two-run homer, also scoring Presley, but they couldn't tie it up, losing 8-6. Chen picked up the win, Jim Johnson mopped up for the save, and Lincoln was on the hook for the loss.
Up in Canada, we stay in an AL park, as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Washington Nationals. Chien-Ming Wang and Henderson Alvarez receive the starting nods. Washington opened in the third inning with a solo home run by Bryce Harper. The Nationals added on in the fourth inning when Danny Espinosa hit a two-run home run, also scoring Adam LaRoche. Toronto got on the board in the fifth inning with a two-run homer by Jose Bautista, plating Brett Lawrie. Washington got some space back as Jhonatan Solano hit a solo shot. This was it for the scoring in the power display of a game, with Wang earning the win, Tyler Clippard throwing the save, and Alvarez got stuck with the loss.
Down south and in the National League, the Atlanta Braves welcome the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia faces a lesser foe in Mike Minor. Atlanta opened with a first inning 3-RBI double by Matt Diaz, knocking in all of Michael Bourn, Brian McCann, and Dan Uggla. The Braves got another in the seventh inning when Jason Heyward grounded out to get Martin Prado across the plate. New York tied it in the eighth inning as Alex Rodriguez hit a grand slam to sweep in Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson, and Mark Teixeira, followed by a go-ahead two-run home run from Nick Swisher that plated Robinson Cano. This held up for a 6-4 win, with Sabathia getting the win, Rafael Soriano turning his tenth save of the season, and Jonny Venters was on the hook for the loss.
Farther south, the Miami Marlins host the Boston Red Sox under NL rules. Clay Buchholz and Mark Buehrle will play from the mound. Boston finally dented the scoreboard in the seventh inning on a Kelly Shoppach double paving the way home for Will Middlebrooks, before scoring on a Mike Aviles single. Miami got one back in the bottom of the seventh as Logan Morrison hit a solo home run. They couldn't get the equalizer, falling 2-1, with Buchholz notching the win, Alfredo Aceves shutting the door for his fifteenth save of the season, and Buehrle was pinned with the loss.
Up north again, the battle of Ohio goes on in the NL venue in Cincinnati, with the Reds hosting the Cleveland Indians. Jeanmar Gomez is mismatched with Johnny Cueto. Cleveland scored early in the first inning as Jason Kipnis singled in Shin-Soo Choo. Cincinnati tied it in the third inning as Cueto scored on an error. The Reds took the lead in the fifth inning when Jay Bruce hit a sacrifice fly, providing Chris Heisey time to get home. Cincinnati padded the lead in the seventh inning with a two-run Joey Votto home run, sweeping in Wilson Valdez. The Reds extended the lead in the eighth inning when Ryan Hanigan singled, which combined with an error to get Ryan Ludwick home, followed by Valdez grounding out to get Hanigan home and Votto singling Heisey across the plate. This made it 7-1, a final, with Cueto going the distance to earn the win and Gomez suffering the loss.
Back in Florida and the AL, the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Mets. Chris Young and Alex Cobb are the average starters. New York quickly got a first inning lead as David Wright reached on an error that got Jordany Valdespin home. Tampa Bay answered in the bottom of the first when Hideki Matsui singled home Carlos Pena, followed by a Will Rhymes sacrifice fly allowing B.J. Upton to dash home. The Mets took the lead back in the fifth inning with a 2-RBI Valdespin single, driving in both Omar Quintanilla and Kirk Nieuwenhuis. New York extended the lead in the seventh inning with Valdespin doubling to score Nieuwenhuis before coming home alongside Wright on a Daniel Murphy single, and Murphy crossed the plate with Lucas Duda on a three-run home run by Ike Davis. The Mets rallied some more in the eighth inning as Valdespin grounded out to push home Quintanilla, followed by a Duda single that knocked in Nieuwenhuis. This made it an 11-2 blowout in the end, allowing Young an easy win while Cobb was pummeled in the loss.
Switching into the NL again as we head north, the Chicago Cubs host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Paul Maholm are the consistently inconsistent pitchers. Chicago led off with a second inning Darwin Barney groundout to bring home Bryan LaHair. The Cubs got some more in the sixth inning as Barney doubled home both David DeJesus and Steve Clevenger. Detroit rallied to tie the game in the seventh inning with Ramon Santiago singling in Delmon Young before a 2-RBI Austin Jackson single to knock in both Jhonny Peralta and Quintin Berry. Chicago took the lead in the eighth inning as Starlin Castro reached on an error that brought in Barney. This made it 4-3, a final, with Carlos Marmol in line for the win, Shawn Camp turning a spot save, and Phil Coke on the hook for the loss.
Down in Texas, we head to AL rules with the Rangers hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Colby Lewis are the staff aces pitching. Ian Kinsler put Texas up first by scoring on a wild pitch in the first inning. The Rangers rallied in the sixth inning as David Murphy hit a two-run home run, also scoring Michael Young, followed by Mitch Moreland doubling in Yorvit Torrealba before scoring on a Craig Gentry double, and Gentry got home when Kinsler lined a single. Texas was back at work in the seventh inning as Moreland singled to score Adrian Beltre and Gentry was hit by a pitch to force in Young. Arizona got on the board in the eighth inning with a Miguel Montero solo home run. The Rangers shot back in the bottom of the eighth as Josh Hamilton singled to drive in Elvis Andrus. This was all for the scoring, as Lewis went the distance to pick up a strong win, while Kennedy was far less fortunate in the loss.
Staying in the AL, we head up to Minnesota, with the Twins bringing in the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Nick Blackburn are tabbed for the starts. Minnesota began with a first inning Denard Span solo home run. The Twins rallied to extend the lead in the second inning when Trevor Plouffe hit a two-run home run, also scoring Ryan Doumit, followed by Ben Revere singling in Jamey Carroll and Joe Mauer doing the same for Span. Philadelphia pulled back in the fourth inning as Ty Wigginton grounded out to bring in Jim Thome, followed by Michael Martinez singling in Carlos Ruiz and Jimmy Rollins hitting a 2-RBI double to plate both Mike Fontenot and Martinez. Minnesota answered in their half of the inning with a Mauer double to bring Span home. The Twins struck again in the fifth inning when Plouffe singled in Doumit before comnig home on a double by Carroll. The Phillies shot back in the sixth inning as John Mayberry grounded out, providing Ruiz time to dash home, followed by Thome singling in both Martinez and Rollins. Minnesota got one back in the bottom of the sixth with a Josh Willingham solo shot. The Twins pulled farther away in the seventh inning when Carroll singled Plouffe across the dish, and then came home on a Revere single. This made it 11-7, a final, with Blackburn being credited with the win while Kendrick was given a tough loss.
Back south a touch to Kansas City, with the Royals of the AL hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke opposes his former team while they trot out Luis Mendoza for pitching purposes. Kansas City started with a first inning Alex Gordon solo home run. Milwaukee tied it in the seventh inning as Rickie Weeks singled in Aramis Ramirez. The Royals took the lead back in the eighth inning on a Billy Butler single to drive in Gordon. This stood for a 2-1 win, with Greg Holland scooping up the win, Jonathan Broxton turning his fifteenth save of the season, and Francisco Rodriguez was dealt the loss.
Across the state of Missouri, the NL St. Louis Cardinals host the Chicago White Sox. Jose Quintana is set to start against Adam Wainwright. Chicago drew first blood as Orlando Hudson tripled in the second inning, forcing in Alex Rios and A.J. Pierzynski. St. Louis got one back in the sixth inning as Allen Craig singled in Matt Holliday. The White Sox extended the lead in the eighth inning as Gordon Beckham singled to score Alejandro De Aza, followed by an Adam Dunn solo home run and a two-run homer from Pierzynski that also scored Rios. This produced a 6-1 final, with Quintana notching the win and Wainwright got stuck with the loss.
Westward, we stay in the NL as the Colorado Rockies host the Oakland Athletics. Bartolo Colon and Jeremy Guthrie are the very experienced veterans. For a more detailed analysis of this game, check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the featured Game of the Day. Colorado started off with a Tyler Colvin solo home run, followed by Michael Cuddyer singling home Marco Scutaro, Chris Nelson singling to finish Cuddyer's trip around, and Wil Nieves singling to bring home Todd Helton. Oakland shot back in the third inning, beginning as Seth Smith doubled to drive in Jemile Weeks and Josh Reddick, followed by Brandon Inge doubling smith the rest of the way home before coming home himself on a two-run home run by Brandon Moss, and finally, Cliff Pennington hit a solo home run to cap the 6-run rally that put them ahead. The Athletics got another with a fifth inning Moss solo shot. The Rockies took it back as Helton hit a solo shot in the bottom of the fifth. Oakland replied with a seventh inning Inge solo home run. This was it for the scoring, making the final 8-5, with Colon scratching out a win, Ryan Cook converting a save, and Guthrie was dinged in the loss.
Still in the NL, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jerome Williams and Aaron Harang are the serviceable starters. The Angels struck first with Kendrys Morales reaching on an error in the third inning to bring in Williams. The Dodgers tied it in the fourth inning as Juan Rivera singled home A.J. Ellis. The Angels took the lead again in the sixth inning when Williams reached on an error that brought in Morales. The Dodgers rallied in the eighth inning with Andre Ethier tying the game by singling in Dee Gordon before Rivera hit a three-run home run to sweep in Ellis and Ethier. This made it 5-2, a final, with the win going to Jamey Wright, the save converted by Kenley Jansen as his tenth of the season, and the loss pinned on Williams.
Up the Pacific coast, the Seattle Mariners host the San Diego Padres under AL rules. Clayton Richard and Felix Hernandez pace the game. San Diego got started in the third inning as Chase Headley singled to drive in Everth Cabrera. Seattle tied it in the fourth inning on a Kyle Seager groundout that brought in Ichiro. The Padres gained the lead again in the sixth inning on a rally sparked by a Cameron Maybin single to plate Yonder Alonso, followed by Nick Hundley singling in Chris Denorfia, Maybin finishing his trip on a wild pitch, and Cabrera tripling to force in Hundley. The Mariners tried a ninth inning rally beginning on a Michael Saunders solo home run, followed by Munenori Kawasaki singling in Chone Figgins and Dustin Ackley striking out on a wild pitch that allowed Kawasaki to finish his trip around, but this only made it 5-4 in the end. Richard was in line for the win, Huston Street turned a sloppy save, and Hernandez was not relieved of the loss.
Finally, we end with the NL-only game as the San Francisco Padres host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Madison Bumgarner are on the hill. Houston opened with a second inning Brian Bixler single to knock in Jose Altuve. San Francisco retied it in the third inning on a solo home run by the pitcher Bumgarner. The Giants added on in the fourth inning with a 2-RBI single by Brandon Crawford, plating both Buster Posey and Nate Schierholtz. San Francisco struck again in the seventh inning with a Melky Cabrera single bringing home Gregor Blanco. The Astros responded with an eighth inning Bixler double to bring home Brian Bogusevic. The Giants answered on a two-run Brandon Belt home run, also scoring Schierholtz. Houston tried to rally in the ninth inning when Jason Castro doubled Jordan Schafer across the plate, but this only made it 6-3, a final. Bumgarner got the win, Santiago Casilla turned the save, and Norris was dealt the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out the ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the adventure of a lifetime, passing through Denver as we hit our fourth stadium so far.
Monday, June 11, 2012
MLB Day 71 2012
Just four games on the schedule tonight for travel day. We begin with...
The American League Toronto Blue Jays hosting the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and Brandon Morrow were called on to start, but the latter exited after just nine pitches due to injury. Before leaving, Washington got on the board as Bryce Harper singled in Steve Lombardozzi, followed by a Michael Morse sacrifice fly to bring home Harper. Toronto got on the board in the bottom of the first as Colby Rasmus hit a solo home run. The Nationals shot back in the third inning with a two-run home run by Adam LaRoche, also scoring Harper. Washington struck again in the seventh inning as Ian Desmond singled to drive in Lombardozzi. The Nationals got more in the eighth inning on a solo shot by Rick Ankiel. The Blue Jays tried to rally in the ninth inning as Yan Gomes hit a two-run home run, also plating Edwin Encarnacion, but they only got to 6-3 before falling. Jackson picked up the win while Morrow was not relieved of the loss despite the short outing.
Stateside and in the National League, the Miami Marlins host the Boston Red Sox. Joshes Beckett and Johnson pace the game. Miami quickly staked out a lead in the first inning with Donovan Solano hitting a sacrifice fly to bring home Jose Reyes, followed by Logan Morrison doubling in Giancarlo Stanton before scoring on a Gaby Sanchez single. The Marlins got another in the second inning as Solano singled home John Buck. Boston got on the board in the sixth inning with an Adrian Gonzalez sacrifice fly to drive in Scott Podsednik. The final stood at 4-1, with Johnson earning the win, Heath Bell turning the save, and Beckett suffering the loss.
North and staying in the National League, the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets. Ivan Nova and Randall Delgado are on the hill. New York opened with a first inning as Robinson Cano singled to knock in Alex Rodriguez. The Yankees added on with a second inning Raul Ibanez solo home run. New York padded the lead in the third inning when Rodriguez dashed home to score on a wild pitch. This was it for the scoring, as The Yankees cruised to a 3-0 win. Nova turned in a very solid performance for the win, while Delgado had no run support in the loss.
Finally, out in California, we have the Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Garrett Richards and Chris Capuano take the mound. For a more in-detail recap of this game, check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. The Dodgers began in the first inning as Andre Ethier grounded out to bring home Dee Gordon, followed by Elian Herrera using two errors to dash home. The Angels got on the board in the fourth inning with a Mike Trout solo home run. The Angels tied it in the sixth as Trout singled home Erick Aybar. The Angels gained the lead in the ninth inning as Albert Pujols singled Trout across the dish. This made it 3-2, a final, with the win going to Jason Isringhausen, the save to Ernesto Frieri, and the loss to Kenley Jansen.
Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out the ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com page for the trip of a lifetime, crossing paths with the Stanley Cup after being in LA.
The American League Toronto Blue Jays hosting the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and Brandon Morrow were called on to start, but the latter exited after just nine pitches due to injury. Before leaving, Washington got on the board as Bryce Harper singled in Steve Lombardozzi, followed by a Michael Morse sacrifice fly to bring home Harper. Toronto got on the board in the bottom of the first as Colby Rasmus hit a solo home run. The Nationals shot back in the third inning with a two-run home run by Adam LaRoche, also scoring Harper. Washington struck again in the seventh inning as Ian Desmond singled to drive in Lombardozzi. The Nationals got more in the eighth inning on a solo shot by Rick Ankiel. The Blue Jays tried to rally in the ninth inning as Yan Gomes hit a two-run home run, also plating Edwin Encarnacion, but they only got to 6-3 before falling. Jackson picked up the win while Morrow was not relieved of the loss despite the short outing.
Stateside and in the National League, the Miami Marlins host the Boston Red Sox. Joshes Beckett and Johnson pace the game. Miami quickly staked out a lead in the first inning with Donovan Solano hitting a sacrifice fly to bring home Jose Reyes, followed by Logan Morrison doubling in Giancarlo Stanton before scoring on a Gaby Sanchez single. The Marlins got another in the second inning as Solano singled home John Buck. Boston got on the board in the sixth inning with an Adrian Gonzalez sacrifice fly to drive in Scott Podsednik. The final stood at 4-1, with Johnson earning the win, Heath Bell turning the save, and Beckett suffering the loss.
North and staying in the National League, the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets. Ivan Nova and Randall Delgado are on the hill. New York opened with a first inning as Robinson Cano singled to knock in Alex Rodriguez. The Yankees added on with a second inning Raul Ibanez solo home run. New York padded the lead in the third inning when Rodriguez dashed home to score on a wild pitch. This was it for the scoring, as The Yankees cruised to a 3-0 win. Nova turned in a very solid performance for the win, while Delgado had no run support in the loss.
Finally, out in California, we have the Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Garrett Richards and Chris Capuano take the mound. For a more in-detail recap of this game, check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. The Dodgers began in the first inning as Andre Ethier grounded out to bring home Dee Gordon, followed by Elian Herrera using two errors to dash home. The Angels got on the board in the fourth inning with a Mike Trout solo home run. The Angels tied it in the sixth as Trout singled home Erick Aybar. The Angels gained the lead in the ninth inning as Albert Pujols singled Trout across the dish. This made it 3-2, a final, with the win going to Jason Isringhausen, the save to Ernesto Frieri, and the loss to Kenley Jansen.
Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out the ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com page for the trip of a lifetime, crossing paths with the Stanley Cup after being in LA.
2012 STANLEY CUP FINALS: 6) New Jersey Devils VS. 8) Los Angeles Kings
Hello and welcome to the last post of the 2011-2012 NHL season, detailing the Stanley Cup Finals between the New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings. As always, please use this post as a reference for the entire series.
Game 1: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles started with a Colin Fraser goal assisted by Jordan Nolan. New Jersey tied it in the second period as Anton Volchenkov scored with help from Patrik Elias and David Clarkson. The Kings took the game 2-1 in overtime on an Anze Kopitar goal, his seventh of the postseason, fueled by Justin Williams and Drew Doughty. The three stars were Kopitar, Brodeur (23 for 25 in saves), and Quick (17 for 18 in saves). Los Angeles holds a 1-0 series lead.
Game 2: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles struck first on an unassisted Drew Doughty goal, his third of the postseason. New Jersey tied it in the third period with a Ryan Carter goal, his fifth of the playoffs, guided in by Marek Zidlicky and Steve Bernier. The Kings won it in overtime on a Jeff Carter goal, his fifth of the postseason coming off of Dustin Penner and Matt Greene for a 2-1 win. The three stars were given to Jeff Carter, Quick (32 for 33 in saves), and Brodeur (30 for 32 in saves). The Kings head home with a 2-0 series lead.
Game 3: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. Los Angeles opened in the second period on an Alec Martinez goal, set up by Dwight King and Trevor Lewis. The Kings struck again on an Anze Kopitar goal, his eighth of the postseason, coming off of Dustin Brown and Justin Williams. Los Angeles padded the lead in the third period with a Jeff Carter goal, his sixth of the playoffs coming on the power play from Mike Richards and Willie Mitchell. The Kings kept up the carnage with a Williams goal, his third of the postseason, a power play goal powered by Drew Doughty and Kopitar. This made it 4-0, with Quick (22 save shutout), Kopitar, and Matt Greene picking up the three stars, while Williams gets an honorable mention. Los Angeles has pushed New Jersey to the brink as they hold a 3-0 series lead.
Game 4: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. New Jersey finally busted the scoring open in the third period with Patrik Elias potting his fifth of the postseason, courtesy of Bryce Salvador and Dainius Zubrus. Los Angeles tied it with a Drew Doughty goal, his fourth of the playoffs, coming on the power play via Mike Richards and Anze Kopitar. The Devils retook the lead with a power play goal by Adm Henrique, his fourth of the postseason, powered by David Clarkson and Alexei Ponikarovsky. New Jersey iced it at 3-1 with an Ilya Kovalchuk empty net goal, his eighth of the playoffs, assisted by Andy Greene and Salvador. The three stars were Henrique, Doughty, and Brodeur (21 for 22 in saves), while Salvador gets the honorable mention. New Jersey staved off elimination, which means they head home down 3-1 in the series.
Game 5: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. New Jersey struck first with an unassisted Zach Parise power play goal, his eighth of the postseason. Los Angeles tied it in the second period as Justin Williams notched his fourth of the playoffs, guided in by Matt Greene. The Devils took the lead back on a Bryce Salvador goal, his fourth of the postseason, passed from Alexei Ponikarovsky and Travis Zajac. This held up through a silent third period for a 2-1 win. Brodeur (25 for 26 in saves), Salvador, and Williams were given the three stars. The Devils pulled back to trail by only 3-2 in the series, sending it west once again.
Game 6: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. Los Angeles opened early by striking thrice on a major penalty. The first power play goal was from Dustin Brown, his eighth of the postseason, coming off of Drew Doughty and Mike Richards. The Kings added on as Jeff Carter notched his seventh of the playoffs, a power play goal from Brown and Richards. Los Angeles got their third with a power play goal by Trevor Lewis, his second of the postseason powered by Dwight King and Doughty. The Kings got another in the second period as Carter potted his second of the night and eighth of the playoffs, guided in by Brown and Anze Kopitar. New Jersey got on the board with an Adam Henrique goal, his fifth of the postseason, via Petr Sykora. Los Angeles answered in the third period with a Lewis empty net goal, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, passed from King and Jarret Stoll. The Kings got one more for good measure, as Matt Greene potted his second of the postseason, an unassisted goal to make it 6-1 Kings. The three stars of the game belonged to Brown, Carter, and Doughty, while King, Richards, and Lewis get the honorable mentions. The Kings secured the Stanley Cup Championship with the win, taking the series 4-2. Jonathan Quick was named Conn Smythe winner as Stanley Cup MVP.
I would like to thank all of the hockey fans that made a visit or more to this blog throughout the season. I consistently appreciate all of the viewership I get. For the hockey fans, I thank you for a great season and hope to see you back here in October!
Game 1: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles started with a Colin Fraser goal assisted by Jordan Nolan. New Jersey tied it in the second period as Anton Volchenkov scored with help from Patrik Elias and David Clarkson. The Kings took the game 2-1 in overtime on an Anze Kopitar goal, his seventh of the postseason, fueled by Justin Williams and Drew Doughty. The three stars were Kopitar, Brodeur (23 for 25 in saves), and Quick (17 for 18 in saves). Los Angeles holds a 1-0 series lead.
Game 2: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles struck first on an unassisted Drew Doughty goal, his third of the postseason. New Jersey tied it in the third period with a Ryan Carter goal, his fifth of the playoffs, guided in by Marek Zidlicky and Steve Bernier. The Kings won it in overtime on a Jeff Carter goal, his fifth of the postseason coming off of Dustin Penner and Matt Greene for a 2-1 win. The three stars were given to Jeff Carter, Quick (32 for 33 in saves), and Brodeur (30 for 32 in saves). The Kings head home with a 2-0 series lead.
Game 3: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. Los Angeles opened in the second period on an Alec Martinez goal, set up by Dwight King and Trevor Lewis. The Kings struck again on an Anze Kopitar goal, his eighth of the postseason, coming off of Dustin Brown and Justin Williams. Los Angeles padded the lead in the third period with a Jeff Carter goal, his sixth of the playoffs coming on the power play from Mike Richards and Willie Mitchell. The Kings kept up the carnage with a Williams goal, his third of the postseason, a power play goal powered by Drew Doughty and Kopitar. This made it 4-0, with Quick (22 save shutout), Kopitar, and Matt Greene picking up the three stars, while Williams gets an honorable mention. Los Angeles has pushed New Jersey to the brink as they hold a 3-0 series lead.
Game 4: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. New Jersey finally busted the scoring open in the third period with Patrik Elias potting his fifth of the postseason, courtesy of Bryce Salvador and Dainius Zubrus. Los Angeles tied it with a Drew Doughty goal, his fourth of the playoffs, coming on the power play via Mike Richards and Anze Kopitar. The Devils retook the lead with a power play goal by Adm Henrique, his fourth of the postseason, powered by David Clarkson and Alexei Ponikarovsky. New Jersey iced it at 3-1 with an Ilya Kovalchuk empty net goal, his eighth of the playoffs, assisted by Andy Greene and Salvador. The three stars were Henrique, Doughty, and Brodeur (21 for 22 in saves), while Salvador gets the honorable mention. New Jersey staved off elimination, which means they head home down 3-1 in the series.
Game 5: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. New Jersey struck first with an unassisted Zach Parise power play goal, his eighth of the postseason. Los Angeles tied it in the second period as Justin Williams notched his fourth of the playoffs, guided in by Matt Greene. The Devils took the lead back on a Bryce Salvador goal, his fourth of the postseason, passed from Alexei Ponikarovsky and Travis Zajac. This held up through a silent third period for a 2-1 win. Brodeur (25 for 26 in saves), Salvador, and Williams were given the three stars. The Devils pulled back to trail by only 3-2 in the series, sending it west once again.
Game 6: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. Los Angeles opened early by striking thrice on a major penalty. The first power play goal was from Dustin Brown, his eighth of the postseason, coming off of Drew Doughty and Mike Richards. The Kings added on as Jeff Carter notched his seventh of the playoffs, a power play goal from Brown and Richards. Los Angeles got their third with a power play goal by Trevor Lewis, his second of the postseason powered by Dwight King and Doughty. The Kings got another in the second period as Carter potted his second of the night and eighth of the playoffs, guided in by Brown and Anze Kopitar. New Jersey got on the board with an Adam Henrique goal, his fifth of the postseason, via Petr Sykora. Los Angeles answered in the third period with a Lewis empty net goal, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, passed from King and Jarret Stoll. The Kings got one more for good measure, as Matt Greene potted his second of the postseason, an unassisted goal to make it 6-1 Kings. The three stars of the game belonged to Brown, Carter, and Doughty, while King, Richards, and Lewis get the honorable mentions. The Kings secured the Stanley Cup Championship with the win, taking the series 4-2. Jonathan Quick was named Conn Smythe winner as Stanley Cup MVP.
I would like to thank all of the hockey fans that made a visit or more to this blog throughout the season. I consistently appreciate all of the viewership I get. For the hockey fans, I thank you for a great season and hope to see you back here in October!
Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 10 2012
1. Torii Hunter
2. Mike Trout
3. Ryan Dempster
4. Alfonso Soriano
5. Norichika Aoki
6. Jason Kubel
7. Mark Trumbo
8. Dan Uggla
9. Ben Revere
10. Russell Martin
2. Mike Trout
3. Ryan Dempster
4. Alfonso Soriano
5. Norichika Aoki
6. Jason Kubel
7. Mark Trumbo
8. Dan Uggla
9. Ben Revere
10. Russell Martin
Sunday, June 10, 2012
MLB Day 70 2012
Full slate as the first weekend series of interleague play wraps itself up. We begin with...
The Subway Series, as the New York Yankees of the AL host the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and Andy Pettitte are set to start. The Mets got going in the second inning as Vinny Rottino singled in Scott Hairston before coming home alongside Omar Quintanilla on a 2-RBI Jordany Valdespin double. The Yankees got on the board in the seventh inning when Russell Martin hit a two-run home run, also scoring Andruw Jones. The Yankees got the lead in the eighth inning when Mark Teixeira singled in Derek Jeter, followed by Alex Rodriguez doing the same for Curtis Granderson. The Mets tied it in the ninth inning as Ike Davis doubled Lucas Duda across the dish. The Yankees won 5-4 in the bottom of the ninth with a walkoff solo shot by Martin. Boone Logan was in position to get the win while Jon Rauch was dinged with the loss.
Down south, another regional battle rages in the NL park in Miami, with the Marlins hosting their Floridian rivals, the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields and Anibal Sanchez are the #2 guys in the rotation pitching today. Tampa Bay quickly got the lead with a first inning B.J. Upton double to drive in Carlos Pena. The Rays got another in the fourth inning as Matt Joyce hit a solo home run, followed by a two-run shot by Elliot Johnson, also scoring Ben Zobrist. Miami got on the board in the seventh inning when Gaby Sanchez doubled home Logan Morrison. The Marlins got another in the eighth inning as Morrison singled to score Giancarlo Stanton. This was as close as it got, with the Rays claiming a 4-2 win, earned by Shields, while Fernando Rodney picked up the save and Sanchez was stuck holding the loss.
North and in the AL, the Boston Red Sox host the Washington Nationals. Well-known pitchers Jordan Zimmermann and Jon Lester are pitching. Washington opened with a first inning Ryan Zimmerman groundout to bring home Danny Espinosa. Boston tied it in the third inning as Dustin Pedroia grounded into a fielder's choice, knocking in Nick Punto. The Red Sox took the lead with a fourth inning David Ortiz solo home run. The Nationals took the lead in the seventh inning with a 2-RBI Espinosa double, knocking in Ian Desmond and Tyler Moore. Boston tied it up again in the bottom of the seventh on a Scott Podsednik groundout to give Ryan Sweeney time to score. Washington got the lead again in the ninth inning as Roger Bernadina doubled to drive in Bryce Harper. This held up for a 4-3 win, with Tom Gorzelanny picking up the win, Tyler Clippard turning the save, and Alfredo Aceves being pinned with the loss in a sloppy ninth.
Westward to Pittsburgh in the NL, with the Pirates welcoming the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and A.J. Burnett are called on to start. Pittsburgh began in the first inning with an Andrew McCutchen doubled home Alex Presley. The Pirates got some more in the third inning as McCutchen hit a two-run home run, also scoring Neil Walker. Kansas City got on the board in the seventh inning with an Alcides Escobar ground rule double to force in Brayan Pena. The Royals pulled closer in the eighth inning with Eric Hosmer grounding into a fielder's choice to plate Alex Gordon. They couldn't tie it, falling 3-2 with Burnett picking up the win, Jason Grilli turning a spot save, and Chen getting stuck with the loss.
South to Atlanta, where the Braves of the NL host the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky Romero faces a lesser foe in Julio Teheran in the pitching match. Atlanta struck first in the second inning as Freddie Freeman flew out, and Dan Uggla was able to score on an error, followed by David Ross singling in Matt Diaz. The Braves added on in the third inning as Chipper Jones grounded into a double play that brought home Michael Bourn, followed by Freeman singling Uggla across the plate. Toronto got on the board in the fifth inning on a Yan Gomes single to plate Kelly Johnson, followed by Brett Lawrie doing the same for Yunel Escobar, a 2-RBI single from Cobly Rasmus to bring in J.P. Arencibia and Gomes, Jose Bautista singling to drive in Lawrie, and Edwin Encarnacion doubling to finish Rasmus' trip around, a 6-run rally that put them ahead. The Blue Jays struck again in the sixth inning as Lawrie hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Carlos Villanueva, followed by a Rasmus solo shot. Toronto was at it again in the seventh inning when Rajai Davis singled to score Encarnacion before Arencibia hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Escobar. The Blue Jays struck once again in the eighth inning on a triple by Johnson to force in Bautista. This concluded the scoring, leaving Toronto with a 12-4 win, earned by Villanueva, while Livan Hernandez was credited with the loss.
Back north in Baltimore and the AL, as the Orioles host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee and Jason Hammel are the solid starters. Baltimore led off with a first inning Ronny Paulino single to drive in Adam Jones. Philadelphia took the lead in the second inning with Hunter Pence singling in both Hector Luna and Jimmy Rollins, followed by a Jim Thome single to knock in Juan Pierre. The Phillies got another in the fourth inning when the speedy Pierre dashed home on a wild pitch. The Orioles retied it in the bottom of the fourth with a three-run home run by Steve Tolleson, driving in Mark Reynolds and Steve Pearce. Baltimore completed the comeback in the tenth inning with a walkoff Matt Wieters double scoring Jones for a 5-4 win. Darren O'Day was in line for the win while Joe Savery was stuck holding the loss.
Northwest to Minnesota, staying in the AL with the Twins hosting the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster and Francisco Liriano are the veteran pitchers. Chicago drew first blood with a first inning Alfonso Soriano double to bring home Reed Johnson. The Cubs got another in the sixth inning with David DeJesus grounding out to bring in Johnson, followed by Starlin Castro scoring on a wild pitch and Joe Mather doubling in Soriano. Chicago kept going in the eighth inning when Jeff Baker hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Castro, followed by a Darwin Barney single plating DeJesus. The Cubs did a little more damage in the ninth inning on a 2-RBI DeJesus double knocking in Johnson and Castro. Minnesota avoided the shutout in the bottom of the ninth with a Ryan Doumit sacrifice fly to score Josh Willingham, followed by Jamey Carroll doubling in both Justin Morneau and Trevor Plouffe, but this only made it 8-3, which was a final. Dempster picked up the win while Liriano was pinned with the loss.
Over in Wisconsin, the NL-only game features the Milwaukee Brewers hosting the San Diego Padres. Anthony Bass in mismatched with Yovani Gallardo on the mound. San Diego got started in the first inning as Will Venable hit a solo home run. The Padres padded the lead in the second inning when Everth Cabrera grounded out, providing Yonder Alonso time to come home. Milwaukee got on the board in the sixth inning as Ryan Braun singled home Norichika Aoki, before coming home alongside Rickie Weeks on a go-ahead three-run homer from Martin Maldonado. The Brewers padded the lead in the seventh inning as Braun went yard with a two-run home run, sweeping in Aoki. San Diego got one back in the ninth inning as Chase Headley singled in Chris Denorfia, followed by Carlos Quentin drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Venable, and then Jesus Guzman did the same to squeeze in Logan Forsythe, but they couldn't tie it up, falling 6-5. Gallardo got the win, Jose Veras worked out of a jam to convert a spot save, and Bass was not freed from taking the loss.
Back south and switching to the AL, the Chicago White Sox host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Philip Humber are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Houston opened with a second inning J.D. Martinez solo home run, followed by Justin Maxwell singling to score Brett Wallace. Chicago evened the score in the third inning with Alejandro De Aza singling to plate Alexei Ramirez before Gordon Beckham reached on an error to get Tyler Flowers home. The White Sox took the lead in the fourth inning on a Ramirez sacrifice fly to bring home Alex Rios. The Astros shot back with a two-run home run in the fifth inning as Maxwell went yard and took Brian Bogusevic with him. Houston added on as Wallace hit a solo shot in the sixth inning, followed by a 2-RBI Chris Snyder double, scoring Chris Johnson and Maxwell, Jose Altuve singling to finish Snyder's trip around and Altuve stealing home for a five-run outburst. The Astros got some more in the eighth inning when Altuve hit a two-run home run, also scoring Snyder. The White Sox got a couple back in the bottom of the eighth when Paul Konerko hit a two-run home run, driving in Beckham. Chicago tried a ninth inning rally when Orlando Hudson put a ball in the seats for a three-run home run, sweeping home Dayan Viciedo and Ramirez, but they didn't tie it, falling 11-9. Harrell was credited with the win, Brett Myers mopped up a mess for his fifteenth save of the season, and Humber was dinged in the loss.
Down in Missouri, the NL St. Louis Cardinals host the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and Joe Kelly will be handed the ball. St. Louis was first to score with a first inning Carlos Beltran solo home run. Cleveland tied it with a third inning Carlos Santana sacrifice fly allowing Shin-Soo Choo to dash home. The Indians got the lead in the ninth inning with a three-run home run by Jason Kipnis, sweeping in Johnny Damon and Asdrubal Cabrera. This held up for a 4-1 win, earned by Vinnie Pestano, while Chris Perez shut the door for his twentieth save of the season, best in the majors, and Jason Motte was victimized by the long ball in the loss.
Staying in the NL, we head west to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Christian Friedrich are the uninspiring pitchers. Los Angeles wasted no time in the first inning as Torii Hunter singled home Mike Trout before being swept in by a three-run home run from Mark Trumbo, with Albert Pujols also coming home. Colorado got on the board in their half of the inning with a Michael Cuddyer double, knocking in Carlos Gonzalez. The Angels responded in the second inning with a two-run Hunter homer, also scoring Trout. The Rockies shot back in the bottom of the second as Tyler Colvin hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Chris Nelson and the pitcher Friedrich, followed by a two-run Gonzalez long ball that brought in Marco Scutaro. Los Angeles went back to work in the fourth inning on another three-run Trumbo homer, again bringing in Hunter and Pujols. Colorado got one back in the bottom of the fourth as Scutaro hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Eric Young safe passage home. The Angels finally extended the lead in the eighth inning as Howie Kendrick singled to bring Pujols safely home. The Rockies attempted a ninth inning rally with Scutaro singling to drive in Colvin, but this only made the final 10-8. The win went to Santana, while Scott Downs turned in a shaky save, and Friedrich was shelled in the loss.
Still in the NL, the San Francisco Giants host the Texas Rangers. Alexi Ogando and Tim Lincecum are on the hill. For a detailed recap of this game, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for extra coverage of the Game of the Day. Texas got going in the third inning with an Adrian Beltre double to drive in Elvis Andrus. The Rangers added on with a 2-RBI double by Ian Kinsler, sweeping in Mitch Moreland and Craig Gentry. Texas struck again in the sixth inning as Josh Hamilton doubled home both Robbie Ross and Andrus. This was all they needed for a 5-0 win, with Robbie Ross working for a win in relief, while Lincecum took another loss with no run support.
North to Seattle, as the Mariners host the Los Angeles Dodgers under AL rules. Chad Billingsley and Blake Beaven are given the starting nods. Seattle started with a first inning Kyle Seager solo home run. Los Angeles stormed ahead in the second inning with Tony Gwynn, Jr. singling Bobby Abreu home, followed by Dee Gordon doing the same for Adam Kennedy, before the bases were cleared on a grand slam by Andre Ethier, sweeping in all of Gwynn, Gordon, and Elian Herrera. The Dodgers added on in the eighth inning as James Loney singled home Alex Castellanos, before coming home on a Kennedy single. The Mariners got one back in the ninth as Michael Saunders doubled to drive in Justin Smoak, producing the 8-2 final. Billingsley cruised to the win while Beaven was torched in the loss.
South to Arizona and back in the NL, the Diamondbacks host the Oakland Athletics. Travis Blackley and Joe Saunders handle the pitching duties. Arizona led off in the first inning as Jason Kubel reached on an error, allowing Chris Young to get home, followed by Aaron Hill singling in Justin Upton and Paul Goldschmidt. Oakland found the scoreboard in the fourth inning when Brandon Inge doubled in Jonny Gomes, followed by Josh Donaldson singling to complete Inge's trip around. The Diamondbacks answered in the fifth inning when Kubel singled to score Young. The Athletics got one back in the seventh inning as Seth Smith singled to plate Collin Cowgill. They couldn't get the equalizer, falling 4-3 with Saunders picking up the win, J.J. Putz converting the save, and Blackley suffered the loss.
Finally, we head east and stay in the NL as the Cincinnati Reds host the Detroit Tigers. Drew Smyly and Homer Bailey are the relatively unknown starters getting time in the national spotlight. Cincinnati began in the second inning with a 2-RBI Todd Frazier single, scoring both Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce. The Reds added on with a Zack Cozart solo home run in the third inning. Detroit got on the board in the fourth inning with a Ramon Santiago single to drive in Prince Fielder. Cincinnati responded in their half of the inning as Devin Mesoraco hit a solo shot. The Tigers chipped back with a fifth inning Austin Jackson solo home run. The Reds shot back in the sixth inning on a two-run Frazier home run, sweeping in Phillips. Detroit got one back in the seventh inning on a Fielder single, knocking in Quintin Berry. The Tigers rallied in the eighth inning as Matt Young was hit by a pitch to bring home Santiago, followed by a Jackson ground rule double that forced in both Gerald Laird and Hernan Perez to tie the game, before Young scored on a wild pitch to give his team a lead. This 7-6 lead stood up to land the win with Brayan Villarreal, while Jose Valverde converted the save and Aroldis Chapman took the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the adventure of a lifetime, currently on Day 2: San Francisco.
The Subway Series, as the New York Yankees of the AL host the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and Andy Pettitte are set to start. The Mets got going in the second inning as Vinny Rottino singled in Scott Hairston before coming home alongside Omar Quintanilla on a 2-RBI Jordany Valdespin double. The Yankees got on the board in the seventh inning when Russell Martin hit a two-run home run, also scoring Andruw Jones. The Yankees got the lead in the eighth inning when Mark Teixeira singled in Derek Jeter, followed by Alex Rodriguez doing the same for Curtis Granderson. The Mets tied it in the ninth inning as Ike Davis doubled Lucas Duda across the dish. The Yankees won 5-4 in the bottom of the ninth with a walkoff solo shot by Martin. Boone Logan was in position to get the win while Jon Rauch was dinged with the loss.
Down south, another regional battle rages in the NL park in Miami, with the Marlins hosting their Floridian rivals, the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields and Anibal Sanchez are the #2 guys in the rotation pitching today. Tampa Bay quickly got the lead with a first inning B.J. Upton double to drive in Carlos Pena. The Rays got another in the fourth inning as Matt Joyce hit a solo home run, followed by a two-run shot by Elliot Johnson, also scoring Ben Zobrist. Miami got on the board in the seventh inning when Gaby Sanchez doubled home Logan Morrison. The Marlins got another in the eighth inning as Morrison singled to score Giancarlo Stanton. This was as close as it got, with the Rays claiming a 4-2 win, earned by Shields, while Fernando Rodney picked up the save and Sanchez was stuck holding the loss.
North and in the AL, the Boston Red Sox host the Washington Nationals. Well-known pitchers Jordan Zimmermann and Jon Lester are pitching. Washington opened with a first inning Ryan Zimmerman groundout to bring home Danny Espinosa. Boston tied it in the third inning as Dustin Pedroia grounded into a fielder's choice, knocking in Nick Punto. The Red Sox took the lead with a fourth inning David Ortiz solo home run. The Nationals took the lead in the seventh inning with a 2-RBI Espinosa double, knocking in Ian Desmond and Tyler Moore. Boston tied it up again in the bottom of the seventh on a Scott Podsednik groundout to give Ryan Sweeney time to score. Washington got the lead again in the ninth inning as Roger Bernadina doubled to drive in Bryce Harper. This held up for a 4-3 win, with Tom Gorzelanny picking up the win, Tyler Clippard turning the save, and Alfredo Aceves being pinned with the loss in a sloppy ninth.
Westward to Pittsburgh in the NL, with the Pirates welcoming the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and A.J. Burnett are called on to start. Pittsburgh began in the first inning with an Andrew McCutchen doubled home Alex Presley. The Pirates got some more in the third inning as McCutchen hit a two-run home run, also scoring Neil Walker. Kansas City got on the board in the seventh inning with an Alcides Escobar ground rule double to force in Brayan Pena. The Royals pulled closer in the eighth inning with Eric Hosmer grounding into a fielder's choice to plate Alex Gordon. They couldn't tie it, falling 3-2 with Burnett picking up the win, Jason Grilli turning a spot save, and Chen getting stuck with the loss.
South to Atlanta, where the Braves of the NL host the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky Romero faces a lesser foe in Julio Teheran in the pitching match. Atlanta struck first in the second inning as Freddie Freeman flew out, and Dan Uggla was able to score on an error, followed by David Ross singling in Matt Diaz. The Braves added on in the third inning as Chipper Jones grounded into a double play that brought home Michael Bourn, followed by Freeman singling Uggla across the plate. Toronto got on the board in the fifth inning on a Yan Gomes single to plate Kelly Johnson, followed by Brett Lawrie doing the same for Yunel Escobar, a 2-RBI single from Cobly Rasmus to bring in J.P. Arencibia and Gomes, Jose Bautista singling to drive in Lawrie, and Edwin Encarnacion doubling to finish Rasmus' trip around, a 6-run rally that put them ahead. The Blue Jays struck again in the sixth inning as Lawrie hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Carlos Villanueva, followed by a Rasmus solo shot. Toronto was at it again in the seventh inning when Rajai Davis singled to score Encarnacion before Arencibia hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Escobar. The Blue Jays struck once again in the eighth inning on a triple by Johnson to force in Bautista. This concluded the scoring, leaving Toronto with a 12-4 win, earned by Villanueva, while Livan Hernandez was credited with the loss.
Back north in Baltimore and the AL, as the Orioles host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee and Jason Hammel are the solid starters. Baltimore led off with a first inning Ronny Paulino single to drive in Adam Jones. Philadelphia took the lead in the second inning with Hunter Pence singling in both Hector Luna and Jimmy Rollins, followed by a Jim Thome single to knock in Juan Pierre. The Phillies got another in the fourth inning when the speedy Pierre dashed home on a wild pitch. The Orioles retied it in the bottom of the fourth with a three-run home run by Steve Tolleson, driving in Mark Reynolds and Steve Pearce. Baltimore completed the comeback in the tenth inning with a walkoff Matt Wieters double scoring Jones for a 5-4 win. Darren O'Day was in line for the win while Joe Savery was stuck holding the loss.
Northwest to Minnesota, staying in the AL with the Twins hosting the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster and Francisco Liriano are the veteran pitchers. Chicago drew first blood with a first inning Alfonso Soriano double to bring home Reed Johnson. The Cubs got another in the sixth inning with David DeJesus grounding out to bring in Johnson, followed by Starlin Castro scoring on a wild pitch and Joe Mather doubling in Soriano. Chicago kept going in the eighth inning when Jeff Baker hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Castro, followed by a Darwin Barney single plating DeJesus. The Cubs did a little more damage in the ninth inning on a 2-RBI DeJesus double knocking in Johnson and Castro. Minnesota avoided the shutout in the bottom of the ninth with a Ryan Doumit sacrifice fly to score Josh Willingham, followed by Jamey Carroll doubling in both Justin Morneau and Trevor Plouffe, but this only made it 8-3, which was a final. Dempster picked up the win while Liriano was pinned with the loss.
Over in Wisconsin, the NL-only game features the Milwaukee Brewers hosting the San Diego Padres. Anthony Bass in mismatched with Yovani Gallardo on the mound. San Diego got started in the first inning as Will Venable hit a solo home run. The Padres padded the lead in the second inning when Everth Cabrera grounded out, providing Yonder Alonso time to come home. Milwaukee got on the board in the sixth inning as Ryan Braun singled home Norichika Aoki, before coming home alongside Rickie Weeks on a go-ahead three-run homer from Martin Maldonado. The Brewers padded the lead in the seventh inning as Braun went yard with a two-run home run, sweeping in Aoki. San Diego got one back in the ninth inning as Chase Headley singled in Chris Denorfia, followed by Carlos Quentin drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Venable, and then Jesus Guzman did the same to squeeze in Logan Forsythe, but they couldn't tie it up, falling 6-5. Gallardo got the win, Jose Veras worked out of a jam to convert a spot save, and Bass was not freed from taking the loss.
Back south and switching to the AL, the Chicago White Sox host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Philip Humber are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Houston opened with a second inning J.D. Martinez solo home run, followed by Justin Maxwell singling to score Brett Wallace. Chicago evened the score in the third inning with Alejandro De Aza singling to plate Alexei Ramirez before Gordon Beckham reached on an error to get Tyler Flowers home. The White Sox took the lead in the fourth inning on a Ramirez sacrifice fly to bring home Alex Rios. The Astros shot back with a two-run home run in the fifth inning as Maxwell went yard and took Brian Bogusevic with him. Houston added on as Wallace hit a solo shot in the sixth inning, followed by a 2-RBI Chris Snyder double, scoring Chris Johnson and Maxwell, Jose Altuve singling to finish Snyder's trip around and Altuve stealing home for a five-run outburst. The Astros got some more in the eighth inning when Altuve hit a two-run home run, also scoring Snyder. The White Sox got a couple back in the bottom of the eighth when Paul Konerko hit a two-run home run, driving in Beckham. Chicago tried a ninth inning rally when Orlando Hudson put a ball in the seats for a three-run home run, sweeping home Dayan Viciedo and Ramirez, but they didn't tie it, falling 11-9. Harrell was credited with the win, Brett Myers mopped up a mess for his fifteenth save of the season, and Humber was dinged in the loss.
Down in Missouri, the NL St. Louis Cardinals host the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and Joe Kelly will be handed the ball. St. Louis was first to score with a first inning Carlos Beltran solo home run. Cleveland tied it with a third inning Carlos Santana sacrifice fly allowing Shin-Soo Choo to dash home. The Indians got the lead in the ninth inning with a three-run home run by Jason Kipnis, sweeping in Johnny Damon and Asdrubal Cabrera. This held up for a 4-1 win, earned by Vinnie Pestano, while Chris Perez shut the door for his twentieth save of the season, best in the majors, and Jason Motte was victimized by the long ball in the loss.
Staying in the NL, we head west to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Christian Friedrich are the uninspiring pitchers. Los Angeles wasted no time in the first inning as Torii Hunter singled home Mike Trout before being swept in by a three-run home run from Mark Trumbo, with Albert Pujols also coming home. Colorado got on the board in their half of the inning with a Michael Cuddyer double, knocking in Carlos Gonzalez. The Angels responded in the second inning with a two-run Hunter homer, also scoring Trout. The Rockies shot back in the bottom of the second as Tyler Colvin hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Chris Nelson and the pitcher Friedrich, followed by a two-run Gonzalez long ball that brought in Marco Scutaro. Los Angeles went back to work in the fourth inning on another three-run Trumbo homer, again bringing in Hunter and Pujols. Colorado got one back in the bottom of the fourth as Scutaro hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Eric Young safe passage home. The Angels finally extended the lead in the eighth inning as Howie Kendrick singled to bring Pujols safely home. The Rockies attempted a ninth inning rally with Scutaro singling to drive in Colvin, but this only made the final 10-8. The win went to Santana, while Scott Downs turned in a shaky save, and Friedrich was shelled in the loss.
Still in the NL, the San Francisco Giants host the Texas Rangers. Alexi Ogando and Tim Lincecum are on the hill. For a detailed recap of this game, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for extra coverage of the Game of the Day. Texas got going in the third inning with an Adrian Beltre double to drive in Elvis Andrus. The Rangers added on with a 2-RBI double by Ian Kinsler, sweeping in Mitch Moreland and Craig Gentry. Texas struck again in the sixth inning as Josh Hamilton doubled home both Robbie Ross and Andrus. This was all they needed for a 5-0 win, with Robbie Ross working for a win in relief, while Lincecum took another loss with no run support.
North to Seattle, as the Mariners host the Los Angeles Dodgers under AL rules. Chad Billingsley and Blake Beaven are given the starting nods. Seattle started with a first inning Kyle Seager solo home run. Los Angeles stormed ahead in the second inning with Tony Gwynn, Jr. singling Bobby Abreu home, followed by Dee Gordon doing the same for Adam Kennedy, before the bases were cleared on a grand slam by Andre Ethier, sweeping in all of Gwynn, Gordon, and Elian Herrera. The Dodgers added on in the eighth inning as James Loney singled home Alex Castellanos, before coming home on a Kennedy single. The Mariners got one back in the ninth as Michael Saunders doubled to drive in Justin Smoak, producing the 8-2 final. Billingsley cruised to the win while Beaven was torched in the loss.
South to Arizona and back in the NL, the Diamondbacks host the Oakland Athletics. Travis Blackley and Joe Saunders handle the pitching duties. Arizona led off in the first inning as Jason Kubel reached on an error, allowing Chris Young to get home, followed by Aaron Hill singling in Justin Upton and Paul Goldschmidt. Oakland found the scoreboard in the fourth inning when Brandon Inge doubled in Jonny Gomes, followed by Josh Donaldson singling to complete Inge's trip around. The Diamondbacks answered in the fifth inning when Kubel singled to score Young. The Athletics got one back in the seventh inning as Seth Smith singled to plate Collin Cowgill. They couldn't get the equalizer, falling 4-3 with Saunders picking up the win, J.J. Putz converting the save, and Blackley suffered the loss.
Finally, we head east and stay in the NL as the Cincinnati Reds host the Detroit Tigers. Drew Smyly and Homer Bailey are the relatively unknown starters getting time in the national spotlight. Cincinnati began in the second inning with a 2-RBI Todd Frazier single, scoring both Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce. The Reds added on with a Zack Cozart solo home run in the third inning. Detroit got on the board in the fourth inning with a Ramon Santiago single to drive in Prince Fielder. Cincinnati responded in their half of the inning as Devin Mesoraco hit a solo shot. The Tigers chipped back with a fifth inning Austin Jackson solo home run. The Reds shot back in the sixth inning on a two-run Frazier home run, sweeping in Phillips. Detroit got one back in the seventh inning on a Fielder single, knocking in Quintin Berry. The Tigers rallied in the eighth inning as Matt Young was hit by a pitch to bring home Santiago, followed by a Jackson ground rule double that forced in both Gerald Laird and Hernan Perez to tie the game, before Young scored on a wild pitch to give his team a lead. This 7-6 lead stood up to land the win with Brayan Villarreal, while Jose Valverde converted the save and Aroldis Chapman took the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the adventure of a lifetime, currently on Day 2: San Francisco.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
MLB Day 69 2012
Full slate of interleague again, beginning in an American League locale...
As the Minnesota Twins host the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and Scott Diamond are the surprisingly good pitchers set to start. Minnesota got going in the second inning as Trevor Plouffe grounded out to provide time for Josh Willingham to get home, before Brian Dozier singled in Justin Morneau. The Twins rallied farther ahead in the fourth inning when Ryan Doumit doubled Joe Mauer across the plate, followed by a ground rule double by Plouffe to force in Morneau and Doumit, and then he scored on a double by Denard Span, followed by Ben Revere singling in Jamey Carroll and finally Mauer doubled to knock in Span for a 6-run rally. Minnesota struck again in the fifth inning with a Plouffe solo home run. The Twins padded the lead in the sixth inning as Mauer singled, driving in Span, and Willingham singled to score Revere. Chicago got on the board in the seventh inning when Reed Johnson grounded out, allowing Darwin Barney to dash home. The Cubs got some more in the eighth inning with a two-run home run by Alfonso Soriano, also scoring Koyie Hill, for an 11-3 final. Diamond cruised to a win while Samarzija was shelled in the loss.
South and to the National League as the Atlanta Braves host the Toronto Blue Jays. Drew Hutchison and Tommy Hanson will be prepared to pitch. Atlanta began with a third inning three-run home run by Dan Uggla, also scoring Michael Bourn and Brian McCann. Toronto got most of them back in the sixth inning on a two-run Jose Bautista home run, sweeping in Colby Rasmus. The Braves struck again in the seventh inning as Andrelton Simmons hit a solo home run followed by a double from Bourn to drive in Jose Constanza. This made the final 5-2, with the win going to Hanson, the save turned by Craig Kimbrel, and the loss stuck on Hutchison.
North and into the AL again, as the Baltimore Orioles host the Philadelphia Phillies. Vance Worley and Tommy Hunter are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Philadelphia opened with a third inning Jimmy Rollins solo home run. Baltimore tied it in their half of the inning as Chris Davis grounded out to bring in Robert Andino. The Phillies got the lead in the fourth inning on a Jim Thome solo shot. The Orioles took the lead in the bottom of the fourth with a Ryan Flaherty single to knock in Nick Johnson, followed by Wilson Betemit scoring when Endy Chavez reached on an error. Philadelphia tied it again in the fifth inning as Hector Luna lifted a solo home run. Baltimore took the lead again in the seventh inning as Matt Wieters singled home J.J. Hardy. The Phillies pulled even again in the eighth inning on a Thome single, driving in Juan Pierre. The Orioles won in the twelfth inning in walkoff fashion with a two-run home run by Adam Jones making it 6-4 after Davis also came home. The win went to Luis Ayala, while B.J. Rosenberg was stuck with the loss.
Staying in the same league, we head to Boston, as the Red Sox host the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez has the honor of welcoming Daisuke Matsuzaka back from the DL. Washington led off with a second inning Adam LaRoche solo home run. The Nationals padded the lead in the fourth inning with Michael Morse hitting a ground rule double to force in Bryce Harper, followed by a 2-RBI Ian Desmond single that plated both Ryan Zimmerman and Morse. Boston got on the board in the seventh inning as Will Middlebrooks and Mike Aviles both scored on a Jarrod Saltalamacchia single. They didn't strike again, falling 4-2, with Gonzalez pitching well for a win, Tyler Clippard turning the save, and Matsuzaka taking the loss.
Way west to California, as the San Francisco Giants force the Texas Rangers to play under NL rules. Scott Feldman opposes Ryan Vogelsong in the pitching match. San Francisco got things going in the third inning as Ryan Theriot reached on an error, allowing Vogelsong to come home. The Giants struck again in the fifth inning as Theriot singled home Brandon Crawford. San Francisco added on in the sixth inning with a Nate Schierholtz triple to drive in Angel Pagan. The Giants got more in the seventh inning as Pablo Sandoval singled home Gregor Blanco before coming home on a Pagan double. Texas got on the board in the eighth inning as Mitch Moreland hit a solo home run. The Rangers got another in the ninth inning with a Mike Napoli solo shot, but this only made it 5-2, a final. Vogelsong earned the win, Santiago Casilla tossed one out for the save, and Feldman was given the loss.
Staying in the NL, the Colorado Rockies host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren and Jeff Francis get the starting nods. Los Angeles wasted little time in scoring first with a first inning Albert Pujols sacrifice fly to bring home Mike Trout, followed by Torii Hunter scoring on a wild pitch. Colorado got one back in their half of the first as Marco Scutaro hit a solo home run. The Angels answered in the second inning as Trout singled in both Alberto Callaspo and John Hester, before coming home on a Pujols single. The Rockies took one back in the bottom of the second as Tyler Colvin hit a solo shot. Los Angeles replied in the third inning on an Erick Aybar groundout that brought in Howie Kendrick. The Angels added on in the fourth inning as Mark Trumbo grounded out to get Trout home, followed by Kendrick singling Pujols across the dish. Colorado got one back with a fifth inning Carlos Gonzalez solo home run. Los Angeles took them away in the sixth inning on a two-run blast from Pujols, also scoring Hunter. The Rockies responded in their half of the inning with Chris Nelson's solo shot. Colorado went yard again in the seventh with a Colvin solo home run. The Angels replied with an eighth inning groundout from Trumbo to bring in Hunter. This made the score 11-5, a final, with Haren grabbing the win while Francis was dinged for the loss.
Up to Milwaukee for the NL only game, as the Milwaukee Brewers host the San Diego Padres. Andrew Cashner and Michael Fiers are the unknown starters. Milwaukee began with a first inning Rickie Weeks double to bring home Norichika Aoki. San Diego replied in the third inning as Logan Forsythe singled in Everth Cabrera. The Brewers got the lead again in the fourth inning as Martin Maldonado singled home Cody Ransom. The Padres tied it again in the fifth inning when Will Venable doubled John Baker across the plate. San Diego got the lead with a sixth inning 2-RBI Baker single, scoring both Chase Headley and Yonder Alonso. The Padres added on in the seventh inning as Alonso singled in Chris Denorfia. This stood for a 5-2 win, with Ross Ohlendorf in line for the win, Huston Street turning the save, and Fiers pinned with the loss.
Still in the NL we head southeast to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander and Bronson Arroyo are the well-known starters. Detroit busted things open with a second inning Ramon Santiago solo home run. The Tigers got another in the fourth inning as Prince Fielder hit a solo shot. Cincinnati tied it in the bottom of the fourth with a 2-RBI single from Todd Frazier bringing home Chris Heisey and Joey Votto. Detroit got the lead back in the eighth inning as Fielder singled to drive in Brennan Boesch. This held up for a 3-2 win, with Brayan Villarreal picking up the win, Jose Valverde getting the save, and Sean Marshall was responsible for the loss.
Westward to Chicago, where the White Sox host the Houston Astros under AL rules. Jordan Lyles and Chris Sale will play from the mound. Chicago rallied to a lead in the fifth inning, beginning with Alejandro De Aza singling home Alexei Ramirez, followed by Gordon Beckham singling in both Jordan Danks and Eduardo Escobar, Adam Dunn hitting a sacrifice fly to drive in De Aza, and Alex Rios singled Beckham the rest of the way home. The White Sox got another in the sixth inning as Beckham singled to bring in Danks. Chicago padded the lead with an eighth inning Dunn grand slam, sweeping in all of Escobar, De Aza, and Beckham. Houston got on the board in the ninth inning with a Jed Lowrie solo shot, making the final 10-1. Sale earned the win while Lyles was torched for the loss.
Down south, we get the battle of Florida, with the Miami Marlins hosting the Tampa Bay Rays under NL rules. Matt Moore and Carlos Zambrano are on the hill. Tampa Bay began in the second inning with a rally sparked by Elliot Johnson singling in both B.J. Upton and Carlos Pena, followed by Jose Molina singling home Ben Zobrist, Moore sacrificing to get Johnson home, and Desmond Jennings lining a single to plate Molina. The Rays added on in the third inning with a third inning Zobrist two-run home run, also scoring Pena. Tampa Bay did the same thing in the fifth inning as Zobrist went yard again and took Pena with him. Miami got on the board in the sixth inning as Giancarlo Stanton singled to score Jose Reyes, followed by a three-run home run by Justin Ruggiano, sweeping in Donnie Murphy and Stanton. The Rays answered in the eighth inning as Molina doubled to score both Zobrist and Johnson before coming home on a Jennings double play. Tampa Bay made it 13-4 in the ninth inning as Johnson singled, plating Hideki Matsui. Moore picked up an easy win here, while Zambrano was trashed in the loss.
Across the country diagonally, the Seattle Mariners of the AL host the Los Angeles Dodgers. For more on this game, please check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for a detailed report on the Game of the Day. Clayton Kershaw and Justin Vargas are the reliable pitchers. Los Angeles quickly established a lead in the first inning with a three-run home run by Jerry Hairston, Jr., sweeping in Dee Gordon and Andre Ethier. The Dodgers kept going as Hairston doubled home Elian Herrera and then scored on a James Loney single in the third inning. Seattle got back in the game in the fourth inning as Miguel Olivo hit a three-run blast of his own, also scoring Justin Smoak and Kyle Seager. Los Angeles shot back in the eighth inning on a Hairston double, knocking in Juan Rivera. The Dodgers added on in the ninth as Herrera reached on a fielder's choice, bringing in Tony Gwynn, Jr., and then Rivera hit a sacrifice fly, allowing safe passage home for Gordon. This produced a final of 8-3, with Kershaw notching the win, and Vargas taking an unlucky loss.
Eastward to New York, as the AL Yankees host their cross-city rivals, the Mets. Dillon Gee and Phil Hughes are the mid-rotation pitchers. The Yankees started with an Alex Rodriguez single, scoring Derek Jeter. The Mets tied it with an Omar Quintanilla solo home run in the third inning. The Mets got the lead on a David Wright solo shot in the sixth inning. The Yankees took the lead back in the bottom of the sixth as Mark Teixeira hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Curtis Granderson. The Yankees made it 4-2 in the eighth inning on a Granderson solo home run. This was a final, with the win going to Hughes, the save to Rafael Soriano, and the loss to Gee.
Out west, we got to the NL with the St. Louis Cardinals hosting the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Kyle Lohse pace the game. St. Louis began with a third inning Carlos Beltran solo home run. The Cardinals added on in the sixth inning as Rafael Furcal hit a sacrifice fly to score Shane Robinson. This was it for the scoring in the 2-0 game, with the win going to Lohse, the save converted by Jason Motte, and the loss coming in a lack of run support for Masterson.
Northeast to Pittsburgh, where the Pirates welcome the Kansas City Royals to NL play. Vin Mazzaro is mismatched with James McDonald. Kansas City led off in the third inning as Yuniesky Betancourt hit a two-run home run, also scoring Alex Gordon. The Royals added on in the fourth inning with Mazzaro singling home Eric Hosmer. Pittsburgh rallied ahead in the bottom of the fourth as Clint Barmes singled Pedro Alvarez home, followed by Matt Hague reaching on an error that allowed Jose Tabata to score, Alex Presley singling to drive in Rod Barajas, Neil Walker grounding out to complete Barmes' trip around, and Garrett Jones capping the rally off with a fielder's choice in which Hague crossed the dish. This was it for the scoring, with the final standing at 5-3, with Jared Hughes getting the win in relief, Joel Hanrahan tossing a nice save, and Mazzaro was on the hook for the loss with that one ugly inning.
Finally, we end in the NL with the Arizona Diamondbacks hosting the Oakland Athletics. Jarrod Parker and Trevor Cahill are on the hill, the latter facing his former team. Arizona struck early in the first inning with a Jason Kubel single to drive in Willie Bloomquist. Oakland answered in the second inning when Kurt Suzuki doubled in Brandon Moss. The Diamondbacks got the lead back with a fifth inning Justin Upton double, driving in Gerardo Parra before Miguel Montero cleared the bases with a grand slam to sweep in all of Bloomquist, Upton, and Kubel. The Athletics got one back in the eighth inning on a Jonny Gomes sacrifice fly allowing Coco Crisp to dash home. Arizona shot back in the bottom of the eighth as Kubel singled Ryan Roberts across the plate, followed by Paul Goldschmidt singling Upton home. Oakland made it 8-3, an eventual final, in the ninth inning on a Jemile Weeks double to get Cliff Pennington home. Cahill cruised to the win while Parker was dealt the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com as we embark on the journey of a lifetime, beginning in Seattle.
As the Minnesota Twins host the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and Scott Diamond are the surprisingly good pitchers set to start. Minnesota got going in the second inning as Trevor Plouffe grounded out to provide time for Josh Willingham to get home, before Brian Dozier singled in Justin Morneau. The Twins rallied farther ahead in the fourth inning when Ryan Doumit doubled Joe Mauer across the plate, followed by a ground rule double by Plouffe to force in Morneau and Doumit, and then he scored on a double by Denard Span, followed by Ben Revere singling in Jamey Carroll and finally Mauer doubled to knock in Span for a 6-run rally. Minnesota struck again in the fifth inning with a Plouffe solo home run. The Twins padded the lead in the sixth inning as Mauer singled, driving in Span, and Willingham singled to score Revere. Chicago got on the board in the seventh inning when Reed Johnson grounded out, allowing Darwin Barney to dash home. The Cubs got some more in the eighth inning with a two-run home run by Alfonso Soriano, also scoring Koyie Hill, for an 11-3 final. Diamond cruised to a win while Samarzija was shelled in the loss.
South and to the National League as the Atlanta Braves host the Toronto Blue Jays. Drew Hutchison and Tommy Hanson will be prepared to pitch. Atlanta began with a third inning three-run home run by Dan Uggla, also scoring Michael Bourn and Brian McCann. Toronto got most of them back in the sixth inning on a two-run Jose Bautista home run, sweeping in Colby Rasmus. The Braves struck again in the seventh inning as Andrelton Simmons hit a solo home run followed by a double from Bourn to drive in Jose Constanza. This made the final 5-2, with the win going to Hanson, the save turned by Craig Kimbrel, and the loss stuck on Hutchison.
North and into the AL again, as the Baltimore Orioles host the Philadelphia Phillies. Vance Worley and Tommy Hunter are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Philadelphia opened with a third inning Jimmy Rollins solo home run. Baltimore tied it in their half of the inning as Chris Davis grounded out to bring in Robert Andino. The Phillies got the lead in the fourth inning on a Jim Thome solo shot. The Orioles took the lead in the bottom of the fourth with a Ryan Flaherty single to knock in Nick Johnson, followed by Wilson Betemit scoring when Endy Chavez reached on an error. Philadelphia tied it again in the fifth inning as Hector Luna lifted a solo home run. Baltimore took the lead again in the seventh inning as Matt Wieters singled home J.J. Hardy. The Phillies pulled even again in the eighth inning on a Thome single, driving in Juan Pierre. The Orioles won in the twelfth inning in walkoff fashion with a two-run home run by Adam Jones making it 6-4 after Davis also came home. The win went to Luis Ayala, while B.J. Rosenberg was stuck with the loss.
Staying in the same league, we head to Boston, as the Red Sox host the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez has the honor of welcoming Daisuke Matsuzaka back from the DL. Washington led off with a second inning Adam LaRoche solo home run. The Nationals padded the lead in the fourth inning with Michael Morse hitting a ground rule double to force in Bryce Harper, followed by a 2-RBI Ian Desmond single that plated both Ryan Zimmerman and Morse. Boston got on the board in the seventh inning as Will Middlebrooks and Mike Aviles both scored on a Jarrod Saltalamacchia single. They didn't strike again, falling 4-2, with Gonzalez pitching well for a win, Tyler Clippard turning the save, and Matsuzaka taking the loss.
Way west to California, as the San Francisco Giants force the Texas Rangers to play under NL rules. Scott Feldman opposes Ryan Vogelsong in the pitching match. San Francisco got things going in the third inning as Ryan Theriot reached on an error, allowing Vogelsong to come home. The Giants struck again in the fifth inning as Theriot singled home Brandon Crawford. San Francisco added on in the sixth inning with a Nate Schierholtz triple to drive in Angel Pagan. The Giants got more in the seventh inning as Pablo Sandoval singled home Gregor Blanco before coming home on a Pagan double. Texas got on the board in the eighth inning as Mitch Moreland hit a solo home run. The Rangers got another in the ninth inning with a Mike Napoli solo shot, but this only made it 5-2, a final. Vogelsong earned the win, Santiago Casilla tossed one out for the save, and Feldman was given the loss.
Staying in the NL, the Colorado Rockies host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren and Jeff Francis get the starting nods. Los Angeles wasted little time in scoring first with a first inning Albert Pujols sacrifice fly to bring home Mike Trout, followed by Torii Hunter scoring on a wild pitch. Colorado got one back in their half of the first as Marco Scutaro hit a solo home run. The Angels answered in the second inning as Trout singled in both Alberto Callaspo and John Hester, before coming home on a Pujols single. The Rockies took one back in the bottom of the second as Tyler Colvin hit a solo shot. Los Angeles replied in the third inning on an Erick Aybar groundout that brought in Howie Kendrick. The Angels added on in the fourth inning as Mark Trumbo grounded out to get Trout home, followed by Kendrick singling Pujols across the dish. Colorado got one back with a fifth inning Carlos Gonzalez solo home run. Los Angeles took them away in the sixth inning on a two-run blast from Pujols, also scoring Hunter. The Rockies responded in their half of the inning with Chris Nelson's solo shot. Colorado went yard again in the seventh with a Colvin solo home run. The Angels replied with an eighth inning groundout from Trumbo to bring in Hunter. This made the score 11-5, a final, with Haren grabbing the win while Francis was dinged for the loss.
Up to Milwaukee for the NL only game, as the Milwaukee Brewers host the San Diego Padres. Andrew Cashner and Michael Fiers are the unknown starters. Milwaukee began with a first inning Rickie Weeks double to bring home Norichika Aoki. San Diego replied in the third inning as Logan Forsythe singled in Everth Cabrera. The Brewers got the lead again in the fourth inning as Martin Maldonado singled home Cody Ransom. The Padres tied it again in the fifth inning when Will Venable doubled John Baker across the plate. San Diego got the lead with a sixth inning 2-RBI Baker single, scoring both Chase Headley and Yonder Alonso. The Padres added on in the seventh inning as Alonso singled in Chris Denorfia. This stood for a 5-2 win, with Ross Ohlendorf in line for the win, Huston Street turning the save, and Fiers pinned with the loss.
Still in the NL we head southeast to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander and Bronson Arroyo are the well-known starters. Detroit busted things open with a second inning Ramon Santiago solo home run. The Tigers got another in the fourth inning as Prince Fielder hit a solo shot. Cincinnati tied it in the bottom of the fourth with a 2-RBI single from Todd Frazier bringing home Chris Heisey and Joey Votto. Detroit got the lead back in the eighth inning as Fielder singled to drive in Brennan Boesch. This held up for a 3-2 win, with Brayan Villarreal picking up the win, Jose Valverde getting the save, and Sean Marshall was responsible for the loss.
Westward to Chicago, where the White Sox host the Houston Astros under AL rules. Jordan Lyles and Chris Sale will play from the mound. Chicago rallied to a lead in the fifth inning, beginning with Alejandro De Aza singling home Alexei Ramirez, followed by Gordon Beckham singling in both Jordan Danks and Eduardo Escobar, Adam Dunn hitting a sacrifice fly to drive in De Aza, and Alex Rios singled Beckham the rest of the way home. The White Sox got another in the sixth inning as Beckham singled to bring in Danks. Chicago padded the lead with an eighth inning Dunn grand slam, sweeping in all of Escobar, De Aza, and Beckham. Houston got on the board in the ninth inning with a Jed Lowrie solo shot, making the final 10-1. Sale earned the win while Lyles was torched for the loss.
Down south, we get the battle of Florida, with the Miami Marlins hosting the Tampa Bay Rays under NL rules. Matt Moore and Carlos Zambrano are on the hill. Tampa Bay began in the second inning with a rally sparked by Elliot Johnson singling in both B.J. Upton and Carlos Pena, followed by Jose Molina singling home Ben Zobrist, Moore sacrificing to get Johnson home, and Desmond Jennings lining a single to plate Molina. The Rays added on in the third inning with a third inning Zobrist two-run home run, also scoring Pena. Tampa Bay did the same thing in the fifth inning as Zobrist went yard again and took Pena with him. Miami got on the board in the sixth inning as Giancarlo Stanton singled to score Jose Reyes, followed by a three-run home run by Justin Ruggiano, sweeping in Donnie Murphy and Stanton. The Rays answered in the eighth inning as Molina doubled to score both Zobrist and Johnson before coming home on a Jennings double play. Tampa Bay made it 13-4 in the ninth inning as Johnson singled, plating Hideki Matsui. Moore picked up an easy win here, while Zambrano was trashed in the loss.
Across the country diagonally, the Seattle Mariners of the AL host the Los Angeles Dodgers. For more on this game, please check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for a detailed report on the Game of the Day. Clayton Kershaw and Justin Vargas are the reliable pitchers. Los Angeles quickly established a lead in the first inning with a three-run home run by Jerry Hairston, Jr., sweeping in Dee Gordon and Andre Ethier. The Dodgers kept going as Hairston doubled home Elian Herrera and then scored on a James Loney single in the third inning. Seattle got back in the game in the fourth inning as Miguel Olivo hit a three-run blast of his own, also scoring Justin Smoak and Kyle Seager. Los Angeles shot back in the eighth inning on a Hairston double, knocking in Juan Rivera. The Dodgers added on in the ninth as Herrera reached on a fielder's choice, bringing in Tony Gwynn, Jr., and then Rivera hit a sacrifice fly, allowing safe passage home for Gordon. This produced a final of 8-3, with Kershaw notching the win, and Vargas taking an unlucky loss.
Eastward to New York, as the AL Yankees host their cross-city rivals, the Mets. Dillon Gee and Phil Hughes are the mid-rotation pitchers. The Yankees started with an Alex Rodriguez single, scoring Derek Jeter. The Mets tied it with an Omar Quintanilla solo home run in the third inning. The Mets got the lead on a David Wright solo shot in the sixth inning. The Yankees took the lead back in the bottom of the sixth as Mark Teixeira hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Curtis Granderson. The Yankees made it 4-2 in the eighth inning on a Granderson solo home run. This was a final, with the win going to Hughes, the save to Rafael Soriano, and the loss to Gee.
Out west, we got to the NL with the St. Louis Cardinals hosting the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Kyle Lohse pace the game. St. Louis began with a third inning Carlos Beltran solo home run. The Cardinals added on in the sixth inning as Rafael Furcal hit a sacrifice fly to score Shane Robinson. This was it for the scoring in the 2-0 game, with the win going to Lohse, the save converted by Jason Motte, and the loss coming in a lack of run support for Masterson.
Northeast to Pittsburgh, where the Pirates welcome the Kansas City Royals to NL play. Vin Mazzaro is mismatched with James McDonald. Kansas City led off in the third inning as Yuniesky Betancourt hit a two-run home run, also scoring Alex Gordon. The Royals added on in the fourth inning with Mazzaro singling home Eric Hosmer. Pittsburgh rallied ahead in the bottom of the fourth as Clint Barmes singled Pedro Alvarez home, followed by Matt Hague reaching on an error that allowed Jose Tabata to score, Alex Presley singling to drive in Rod Barajas, Neil Walker grounding out to complete Barmes' trip around, and Garrett Jones capping the rally off with a fielder's choice in which Hague crossed the dish. This was it for the scoring, with the final standing at 5-3, with Jared Hughes getting the win in relief, Joel Hanrahan tossing a nice save, and Mazzaro was on the hook for the loss with that one ugly inning.
Finally, we end in the NL with the Arizona Diamondbacks hosting the Oakland Athletics. Jarrod Parker and Trevor Cahill are on the hill, the latter facing his former team. Arizona struck early in the first inning with a Jason Kubel single to drive in Willie Bloomquist. Oakland answered in the second inning when Kurt Suzuki doubled in Brandon Moss. The Diamondbacks got the lead back with a fifth inning Justin Upton double, driving in Gerardo Parra before Miguel Montero cleared the bases with a grand slam to sweep in all of Bloomquist, Upton, and Kubel. The Athletics got one back in the eighth inning on a Jonny Gomes sacrifice fly allowing Coco Crisp to dash home. Arizona shot back in the bottom of the eighth as Kubel singled Ryan Roberts across the plate, followed by Paul Goldschmidt singling Upton home. Oakland made it 8-3, an eventual final, in the ninth inning on a Jemile Weeks double to get Cliff Pennington home. Cahill cruised to the win while Parker was dealt the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com as we embark on the journey of a lifetime, beginning in Seattle.
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