Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 11 2012

Here's your somewhat surprising studs this week.

1. Brandon Moss
2. Trevor Plouffe
3. Colby Lewis
4. Matt Cain
5. R.A. Dickey
6. Brandon Phillips
7. Mark Reynolds
8. Johnny Cueto
9. Madison Bumgarner
10. Casey McGehee

Not the usual suspects this week. The real all-star game is quickly approaching at this point.

MLB Day 77 2012

Full slate on what I hope is a happy Father's Day for all the dads out there. We begin in...

Detroit, as the Tigers host the Colorado Rockies under American League rules. Jeremy Guthrie and Max Scherzer are taking the hill. Detroit opened in the second inning on a Gerald Laird double to drive in Don Kelly. The Tigers added on in the third inning as Prince Fielder doubled to score Qunitin Berry, before he came home alongside Miguel Cabrera on a Ramon Santiago single. Detroit got another in the sixth inning as Cabrera doubled to knock in Austin Jackson. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 5-0, with Scherzer getting the win while Guthrie was given the loss.

Down in Cleveland and still in the AL, the Indians hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates. Brad Lincoln and Jeanmar Gomez are the uninspiring starters. For a more detailed recap of this game, check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip. blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Cleveland was first on the board with a first inning Jason Kipnis solo home run. The Indians got another in the second inning as Casey Kotchman singled in Johnny Damon. Pittsburgh went ahead in the fourth inning on a three-run home run by Pedro Alvarez, also scoring Garrett Jones and Casey McGehee. Cleveland shot back in the bottom of the fourth as Shin-Soo Choo doubled home both Damon and Lou Marson. The Pirates rallied in the fifth inning to take the lead again, as Alex Presley hit a solo shot, followed by McGehee reaching on an error to bring in Neil Walk and Andrew McCutchen, and then Alvarez cleared the bases of Jones and McGehee on another three-run homer. The Indians got one back in the seventh inning as Michael Brantley doubled to bring in Kipnis. This made it 9-5, with Tony Watson in line for the win while Gomez was served the loss.

Up into Canada, we continue in the AL, with the Toronto Blue Jays hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Brett Cecil are called on for the starters. Toronto was first to score in the first inning as Colby Rasmus doubled in Brett Lawrie before coming home on a Kelly Johnson single. Philadelphia got one back in the second inning on a Jim Thome solo home run. The Phillies tied it in the third inning with a solo shot by John Mayberry. The Blue Jays took the lead in the fourth inning on a Rajai Davis single driving in Yunel Escobar. Toronto added on in the fifth inning with a two-run Rasmus home run, also scoring Lawrie. The Blue Jays got another in the seventh inning with Rasmus singling, which combined with an error to plate Jeff Mathis. This made it 6-2, a final, with the win going to Cecil and the loss to Kendrick.

Back stateside, we switch to the National League as the New York Mets host the Cincinnati Reds in the NL-only game. Johnny Cueto and Chris Young will be handed the ball. New York began in the second inning as the pitcher Young walked with the bases loaded to force in Ike Davis. Cincinnati took the lead in the fifth inning when Wilson Valdez singled in Zack Cozart, before scoring on a Brandon Phillips single, which also brought in Joey Votto on a subsequent error. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 3-1, with Cueto picking up the win, Sean Marshall turning the save, and Young suffering the loss.

Staying in the NL, we go down to Atlanta, with the Braves hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Randall Delgado are the relatively unknown starters. Baltimore got things going in the second inning as Mark Reynolds hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Adam Jones. The Orioles got another as Chen sacrificed, and combined with a balk, Steve Pearce crossed the plate. This was it for the scoring, with Baltimore earning a 2-0 win, which was credited to Chen, while Jim Johnson turned his twentieth save of the season, and Delgado had no help in the loss.

North again, staying in the NL as we stop in Washington, D.C., for the Nationals hosting the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Edwin Jackson get the starting nods. New York drew first blood with a first inning Mark Teixeira sacrifice fly, allowing Derek Jeter to score. Washington tied it in the second inning on an Adam LaRoche solo home run. The Yankees got the lead again in the fifth inning on a Curtis Granderson solo shot. New York extended the lead in the seventh inning on a Robinson Cano solo home run, followed by Andruz Jones drawing a walk and Teixeira scoring on a passed ball on the same play. This made it 4-1, which eventually was the final, with Nova earning the win, Rafael Soriano converting the save, and Jackson getting little run support in the loss.

Down to the battle of Florida, as the Tampa Bay Rays of the AL host the Miami Marlins. Jim Johnson faces a lesser for in Alex Cobb. Tampa Bay wasted little time in scoring first in the first inning on a B.J. Upton solo home run. The Rays got another in the sixth inning on a Drew Sutton single to bring in Elliot Johnson. Tampa Bay added on in the seventh inning as Ben Zobrist singled to score Upton. This made it 3-0, a final, with Cobb earning a solid win, Fernando Rodney turning the save, and Johnson getting no run support in the loss.

Northward, we end up in Minnesota, as the the Twins of the AL host the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke and Nick Blackburn will be pitching this afternoon. Milwaukee led off with a first inning Aramis Ramirez single to drive in Nyjer Morgan. Minnesota answered on a Joe Mauer single in the third inning to plate Jamey Carroll. The Brewers got the lead again in the fifth inning as Corey Hart hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Norchika Aoki and Morgan. The Twins rallied to tie it in the seventh inning as Carroll singled in Trevor Plouffe, Ben Revere singled home Carroll, and Mauer singled Denard Span across the dish. Minnesota won it in walkoff fashion in the fifteenth inning as Span singled Brian Dozier home for a 5-4 win. Anthony Swarzak was in line for the win while Tim Dillard was stuck holding the loss.

South a bit and into the NL, as the St. Louis Cardinals host the Kansas City Royals. Luis Mendoza is mismatched with Adam Wainwright. Kansas City opened the scoring in the second inning as Humberto Quintero singled to drive in Mike Moustakas. St. Louis took the lead in the sixth inning with solo home runs by Matt Holliday and Allen Craig. The Royals tied it in the ninth inning on a Billy Butler solo shot. Kansas City took the lead in the fourteenth inning as Yuniesky Betancourt doubled in Alex Gordon. The Cardinals avoided the loss in their half of the fourteenth as Yadier Molina singled to knock in Craig. The Royals reclaimed the lead in the fifteenth inning on a Betancourt two-run home run, also scoring Jarrod Dyson, and they held on for the 5-3 win. Jonathan Broxton escaped with a win after blowing a save, while Eduardo Sanchez wasn't so lucky.

Farther to the south, we hit the battle of Texas, as the Rangers host the Houston Astros under AL rules. Dallas Keuchel and Colby Lewis will have the green light to pitch. Houston finally opened the scoring in the fifth inning on a Matt Downs single to bring home Jason Castro. Texas rallied ahead in the sixth inning as Ian Kinsler wiped the bases clean with a 3-RBI triple, sweeping in Nelson Cruz, Mike Napoli, and Craig Gentry, followed by Michael Young singling in both Kinsler and eventually Elvis Andrus on the throw home, before he came home on a two-run home run from Adrian Beltre. The Rangers added on in the seventh inning as Andrus singled Yorvit Torrealba across the dish. The Astros responded in the eighth inning on a 2-RBI single from Carlos Lee, knocking in Brian Bixler and Jose Altuve. Texas got another in the bottom of the eighth as Torrealba grounded into a fielder's choice allowing safe passage home for Beltre. This was all the scoring the game had to offer, with the Rangers winning 9-3. Lewis picked up the win while Fernando Rodriguez was handed the loss.

Out in California, we stay in the AL, where the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Garrett Richards played from the mound. Los Angeles got things going in the fourth inning on an Albert Pujols solo home run. The Angels added on in the seventh inning with a Mike Trout double to knock in Peter Bourjos. This made it 2-0, the final, with Richards pitching well for a win, Ernesto Frieri picking up a save with a clean ninth inning, and Kennedy going the distance but taking the loss.

Up into Oakland, we're still in the AL as the Athletics host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Bartolo Colon are the reliable starters. San Diego began in the third inning as Will Venable grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Everth Cabrera. The Padres got another in the ninth inning as Logan Forsythe scored on a wild pitch. Oakland tried a rally in the bottom of the ninth as Coco Crisp singled in Seth Smith, but they couldn't get the equalizer, falling 2-1. Richard got the win, Huston Street tossed a sloppy save, and Colon was on the hook for the loss.

Back south and over in the NL, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Chicago White Sox. Jose Quintana and Chris Capuano are the surprisingly good starters. Chicago started with a sixth inning Dayan Viciedo single to score Brent Lillibridge. Los Angeles tied it in the ninth inning when Juan Rivera hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Bobby Abreu. The Dodgers won in the tenth inning on a walkoff Dee Gordon single that plated Tony Gwynn, Jr. for a 2-1 win. Ronald Belisario was in line for the win while Matt Thornton was handed the loss.

Northward to Seattle and the AL, as the Mariners host the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner and Felix Hernandez are the aces pacing the game. San Francisco opened early with a first inning Angel Pagan single to score Pablo Sandoval. Seattle tied it in the second inning as Dustin Ackley hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Casper Wells. The Mariners won it in walkoff fashion in the ninth inning as Justin Smoak singled Munenori Kawasaki across the dish. Tom Wilhelmsen picked up the win, while Sergio Romo was pinned with the loss.

Finally, we go back east to Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Boston Red Sox. Franklin Morales and Paul Maholm will make the starts. Boston staked an early lead in the first inning as Dustin Pedroia doubled in Scott Podsednik before coming home on a David Ortiz single. Chicago got one back in the bottom of the first as Starlin Castro tripled to force in Reed Johson. The Cubs tied it in the third inning as Castro doubled Darwin Barney across the dish. The Red Sox got the lead back in the fourth inning on an Ortiz solo home run. Chicago tied it again in the sixth inning as Jeff Baker reached on an error that allowed Barney to score. Boston rallied back ahead in the seventh inning as Ryan Kalish singled in Darnell McDonald, followed by Will Middlebrooks hitting a sacrifice fly to knock in Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Daniel Nava sacrificing to get Kalish the rest of the way home. The Red Sox added an insurance run in the eighth inning when Saltalamacchia grounded into a fielder's choice to get Ortiz home. The Cubs tried a ninth inning rally as David DeJesus hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Tony Campana, but this only made it a 7-4 final. Matt Albers was in line for the win while Shawn Camp was the victim of the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime, dodging raindrops in Cleveland today.

MLB Day 76 2012

Full slate of games today, interleague as it has been of late. First up...

The Washington Nationals of the National League host the New York Yankees. Andy Pettitte and Jordan Zimmermann will man the mound. Washington got things started in the second inning as Jesus Flores doubled in both Michael Morse and Tyler Moore. New York got on the board in the fourth inning when Eric Chavez reached on an error, knocking in Nick Swisher. The Yankees took the lead in the sixth inning with Raul Ibanez grounding out to get Robinson Cano home before Chavez doubled to drive in Russell Martin. The Nationals tied it in the eighth inning as Ian Desmond hit a solo home run. New York got the lead again in the fourteenth inning, with a 2-RBI Mark Teixeira double, knocking in Jayson Nix and Derek Jeter. This made it 5-3, a final, with the win going to Freddy Garcia, the save to Rafael Soriano, and the loss ended up with Brad Lidge.

Up north in Canada and the American League, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee and Ricky Romero are the staff aces pitching. For a more detailed analysis of this game, please check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Philadelphia quickly got on the board in the first inning with a Hunter Pence ground rule double forcing in Placido Polanco. Toronto tied it in the second inning as Yunel Escobar hit a solo home run. The Phillies got the lead back in the third inning on a three-run home run by John Mayberry, also scoring Shane Victorino and Ty Wigginton. The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the third as Colby Rasmus singled in Rajai Davis. Philadelphia padded the lead in the eighth inning with a ground rule double by Jimmy Rollins, knocking in Brian Schneider. Toronto pulled back in the bottom of the eighth as Edwin Encarnacion singled, which combined with an error to allow both Jose Bautista and Encarnacion himself to come home, followed by a J.P. Arencibia double providing Kelly Johnson time to get home. The Blue Jays won it in the tenth inning as Davis hit a ground rule double to bring in Escobar for a 6-5 final. Francisco Cordero picked up the win while Joe Savery was pinned with the loss.

Back in the states. we stay in the AL as the Minnesota Twins host the Milwaukee Brewers. Michael Fiers and Liam Hendriks are the relatively unknown starters. Milwaukee got going in the second inning with a 2-RBI Norichika Aoki single plating both Rickie Weeks and Taylor Green. The Brewers added on in the third inning with back-to-back solo home runs from Ryan Braun and Aramis Ramirez. Minnesota got on the board in the bottom of the third as Ben Revere singled to score Darin Mastroianni. Milwaukee answered in the fifth inning with another Braun solo shot. The Brewers got another in the sixth inning as Cody Ransom hit a solo home run. The Twins got one back in the eighth inning on a Josh Willingham single that knocked in Denard Span.

Southward to Missouri, as the St. Louis Cardinals of the NL host their cross-state rivals, the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Joe Kelly will take their turns in the rotation. Kansas City was first to score with a first inning Mike Moustakas single to bring home Chris Getz. St. Louis charged ahead with two two-run home runs, as Matt Holliday homered in Carlos Beltran before Yadier Molina went yard and brought David Freese with him. The Cardinals added on in the second inning as Beltran singled to knock in Tyler Greene before coming home on a double by Holliday. The Royals got one back in the fourth inning with Moustakas hitting a solo home run. Kansas City got another one in the fifth inning on a Moustakas groundout to get Getz home again. The Royals pulled closer with a sixth inning Alex Gordon single to get Jarrod Dyson safely home. Kansas City took the lead in the seventh inning with Moustakas singling Eric Hosmer home, followed by a 2-RBI Alcides Escobar single that plated both Jeff Francoeur and Moustakas. St. Louis shot back in the bottom of the seventh with Holliday singling Daniel Descalso across the dish to tie the game before Molnia hit a 2-RBI single to drive in Rafael Furcal and Holliday. The Cardinals got another in the eighth inning as Holliday doubled to score Adron Chambers. This was good for a 10-7 win, earned by Mitchell Boggs, while Jason Motte turned the save and Tim Collins was stuck holding the loss.

Up in Detroit, we switch to the AL with the Tigers hosting the Colorado Rockies. Christian Friedrich and Doug Fister will be pitching this afternoon. Detroit struck first with a Miguel Cabrera solo home run in the first inning. The Tigers added on in the fourth inning when Austin Jackson drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Jhonny Peralta. Detroit got another in the fifth inning as Cabrera reached on an error, and then proceeded to come all the way home as the Colorado defense bumbled behind him. The Tigers struck again in the seventh inning as Prince Fielder hit a sacrifice fly to get Jackson home safely. Colorado got on the board in the ninth inning on a Michael Cuddyer groundout to bring in Carlos Gonzalez for a 4-1 loss. Fister got the win while Friedrich was given the loss.

Down into Ohio, we stay in the AL as the Cleveland Indians host the Pittsburgh Pirates. A.J. Burnett and Ubaldo Jimenez are the once-great pitchers. Cleveland opened with a first inning Asdrubal Cabrera solo home run. Pittsburgh tied it in the second inning on a Pedro Alvarez solo shot. The Pirates took the lead in the third inning as Garrett Jones singled to drive in Neil Walker. The Indians tied it again in the fifth inning on a solo home run by Casey Kotchman. Pittsburgh retook the lead on a sixth inning two-run home run by Casey McGehee, sweeping in Jones. The Pirates extended the lead with a seventh inning Alex Presley solo shot. Pittsburgh added on in the ninth as McGehee hit a 2-RBI single, scoring both Neil Walker and Matt Hague before coming home on a two-run home run by Alvarez. This made the final 9-2, with Burnett earning the win and Jimenez holding the loss.

Out to California, where the Oakland Athletics hold us in the AL by hosting the San Diego Padres. Ross Ohlendorf and a similarly-named Tyson Ross will be assigned to pitch. Oakland got things going in the fourth inning with a Seth Smith solo home run and a Collin Cowgill single giving Brandon Moss time to get home. The Athletics added on in the fifth inning with a Jemile Weeks double to drive in Cliff Pennington. San Diego got going in the sixth inning with a two-run Carlos Quentin home run, also scoring Chase Headley. The Padres took the lead in the seventh inning as Will Venable doubled home both Yonder Alonso and John Baker. Oakland took the lead back in the bottom of the seventh when Pennington scored on a wild pitch and Jonny Gomes hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Josh Reddick. This made it 6-4, which would be the final, setting up a win for Sean Doolittle, while Ryan Cook cleaned up for the save and Joe Thatcher was responsible for the loss.

East again to New York, where the Mets and the Cincinnati Reds play the NL-only game. Homer Bailey and Jonathon Niese are the average starters. Cincinnati staked out an early lead with a three-run home run by Jay Bruce in the first inning, sweeping in Zack Cozart and Wilson Valdez. New York got one back in the bottom of the first, as David Wright doubled to score Daniel Murphy. The Reds answered in the fourth inning as Ryan Ludwick singled in Bruce. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 4-1, with Bailey pitching well for a win, Aroldis Chapman shutting the door for a save, and Niese suffered the loss.

Down the Atlantic coast, the Atlanta Braves of the NL host the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel and Brandon Beachy are the talented young arms pitching. Baltimore led off in the fourth inning as Mark Reynolds hit a 2-RBI single to knock in both Chris Davis and Adam Jones. The Orioles added on in the fifth inning as Brian Roberts singled to drive in Steve Pearce. Baltimore struck again in the seventh inning as Roberts singled both Wilson Betemit and Pearce across the plate. This made it 5-0, an eventual final, where Hammel tossed a dominant complete game shutout, allowing just one hit and two walks, while conversely, Beachy had no support.

Westward and back in the AL, the battle of Texas goes on in Arlington as the Texas Rangers host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Justin Grimm are the unknown starters. Houston began with a first inning Jed Lowrie solo home run. The Astros added on as Justin Maxwell doubled in the fifth inning, bringing home Brian Bogusevic, before he scored on a single by Jordan Schafer. Texas got some back in the sixth inning as Adrian Beltre singled to score Craig Gentry and Ian Kinsler, before taking the lead on a three-run home run by Nelson Cruz, sweeping in Michael Young and Beltre. The Rangers added on in the seventh inning when Kinsler singled home Gentry, followed by Kinsler coming home on a Young sacrifice fly. Texas extended the lead in the eighth inning with a Mitch Moreland double plating David Murphy. This made it 8-3, which was the final, with Grimm grabbing the win and Harrell taking the loss.

Back to the east and still in the AL, the battle of Florida goes down in Tampa Bay with the Rays hosting the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and James Shields pace the game. Miami struck first with Giancarlo Stanton reaching on an error in the first inning, allowing Jose Reyes to come home. The Marlins added on in the second inning as Reyes singled home both Gaby Sanchez and Scott Cousins. Tampa Bay got on the board in the third inning as Jose Molina singled to bring in Elliot Johnson. The Rays got another one in the fifth inning on a Molina solo home run. Tampa Bay tied the game in the seventh inning on a Sean Rodriguez triple to force in Carlos Pena. Miami finally broke the tie in the fifteenth inning on a Cousins triple to bring home Justin Ruggiano, and it stood for a long-fought 4-3 win. The win went to Ryan Webb, while Heath Bell turned the save, and Brandon Gomes was dealt the loss.

Up north, we switch over to the NL as the Chicago Cubs host the Boston Red Sox. Jon Lester opposes Jeff Samardzija on the hill. Boston finally opened the scoring in the fourth inning on a two-run Jarrod Saltalamacchia home run, also scoring David Ortiz. The Red Sox got another in the sixth inning as Will Middlebrooks singled home Ortiz. Boston kept going in the seventh inning as Scott Podsednik singled to drive in Mike Aviles. Chicago got some back in the bottom of the seventh on a three-run home run from Luis Valbuena, sweeping in Jeff Baker and Welington Castillo. They couldn't tie it up, falling 4-3, allowing Lester to get the win, Alfredo Aceves turned the save, and Samardzija was not freed from the loss.

Westward and back in the AL, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joe Saunders and Ervin Santana are given the green light to start. Los Angeles opened in the first inning as Mark Trumbo hit a two-run home run, also scoring Torii Hunter. This was the only scoring in the game, giving the Angels a 2-0 victory. Santana went the distance for a complete game shutout, allowing only a hit and a walk, while Saunders got no help in the loss.

Into Los Angeles and the NL, we have the Dodgers hosting the Chicago White Sox. Philip Humber and Chad Billingsley will be handed the ball. Chicago began in the second inning as Alexei Ramirez singled both Paul Konerko and Alex Rios home, before he came on a single by the pitcher Humber. The White Sox got another in the third inning when Rios tripled to force in Adam Dunn. Los Angeles got on the board in the bottom of the third as Jerry Hairston, Jr. hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Billingsley, followed by Bobby Abreu singling home Dee Gordon, A.J. Ellis doing the same for Andre Ethier, and James Loney following suit to bring in Abreu, tying the game. Chicago got the lead back in the fourth inning on an Alejandro De Aza fielder's choice, allowing Ramirez to dash home safely. The scoring stopped here, with the White Sox ahead 5-4, and the win went to Humber, the save to Addison Reed, and the loss to Billingsley.

Finally, back in the AL, we have the Seattle Mariners hosting the San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum opposes Kevin Millwood for pitching purposes. Seattle was first to score in the first inning as Casper Wells and Jesus Montero hit solo home runs. San Francisco got on the board in the third inning with a Ryan Theriot single providing time for Brandon Crawford to get home, followed by Buster Posey singling to drive in Gregor Blanco to tie the game. The Giants got the lead in the fourth inning as Theriot singled to score Brandon Belt, followed by a Melky Cabrera single plating Crawford. The Mariners got one back as Ichiro singled in the fifth inning, providing time for Dustin Ackley to dash home, followed by John Jaso scoring on a wild pitch to tie it up. Seattle got the lead in the sixth inning on a Franklin Gutierrez single bringing in Montero before Brendan Ryan did the same for both Michael Saunders and Ackley. This made it 7-4, which was preserved as a final, with the win going to Hisashi Iwakuma, the save was converted by Tom Wilhelmsen, and Lincecum was dealt the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime that went through Toronto, Ontario today.

MLB Day 75 2012

Full slate of games again on this Friday, with the first being a matinee from...

Wrigley Field, as the Chicago Cubs of the National League host the Boston Red Sox. Daisuke Matsuzaka and Ryan Dempster were given the starting nods. Chicago led off in the first inning with a Steve Clevenger double to score both Tony Campana and Alfonso Soriano. The Cubs struck again in the second inning as David DeJesus singled in the pitcher Dempster. This was it for the scoring, with Chicago winning 3-0. Dempster was strong in the win, while Carlos Marmol got the save and Matsuzaka had no help in the loss.

Into the evening games, as the Cleveland Indians of the American League host the Pittsburgh Pirates. James McDonald and Justin Masterson will pitch. Cleveland got going in the third inning with a Carlos Santana ground rule double to force in Asdrubal Cabrera. The Indians got another in the eighth inning with a Michael Brantley single scoring Shin-Soo Choo. This was all they needed for the 2-0 win, earned by a dominant Masterson performance, while Chris Perez turned a solid save, and McDonald had little help in the loss.

Eastward to Washington and switching back to the NL, as the Nationals host the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Gio Gonzalez are the well-known starters. New York began in the third inning as Alex Rodriguez singled home Derek Jeter and Nick Swisher did the same for Mark Teixeira. Washington got one back in the bottom of the third as Michael Morse singled to drive in Steve Lombardozzi. The Yankees responded in the seventh inning as Jeter singled to knock in Dewayne Wise, and Russell Martin also scored on the play thanks to an error, followed by Curtis Granderson doubling to bring home both Robinson Cano and Jeter. New York got an insurance run in the ninth inning as Granderson hit a solo shot. The Nationals tried a ninth inning rally with Danny Espinosa grounding out to push in Morse, making the final 7-2, with the win going to Hughes and the loss to Gonzalez.

Back west a bit, the Detroit Tigers host the Colorado Rockies under AL rules. Jeff Francis and Casey Crosby are the back-of-the-rotation starters. For an in-depth analysis of this game, check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for today's featured Game of the Day. Colorado struck first in the third inning as Chris Nelson tripled to force in Willin Rosario before coming the final 90 feet on a Dexter Fowler double. Detroit rallied to a lead in the bottom of the third when Austin Jackson doubled to score Bryan Holaday, before scoring on a Miguel Cabrera double, and Cabrera crossed home when Prince Fielder singled. The Rockies retook the lead in the fourth inning as Nelson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jordan Pacheco. The Tigers tied it in the sixth inning on a Brennan Boesch groundout to give Holaday time to score. Colorado roared ahead in the tenth inning with Rosario singling Eric Young and Todd Helton across the plate, followed by Fowler's sacrifice fly allowing safe passage home for DJ LeMahieu, Marco Scutaro singling in Rosario, Carlos Gonzalez hitting a three-run home run to complete trips around for Nelson and Scutaro, and Michael Cuddyer adding a solo shot. This eight-run outburst led the Rockies to a 12-4 win, with Matt Belisle picking up the win while Jose Valverde was pinned with the brutal loss.

North into Canada and still in the AL, as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Philadelphia Phillies. Vance Worley and Drew Hutchison are the relatively unknown starters. Toronto got things started in the third inning on a Brett Lawrie double to knock in Rajai Davis. The Blue Jays got another in the fourth as Edwin Encarnacion reached on an error, allowing Jose Bautista to dash home, before Encarnacion scored on a Yunel Escobar groundout. This made it 3-0, a final, with the win going to Carlos Villanueva, the save turned by Casey Janssen, and the loss suffered by Worley.

Back stateside and still in the AL, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Battle of Florida with their southern neighbors, the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano and Matt Moore will be sent out to start. Tampa Bay staked a lead in the second inning as Jose Lobaton doubled to knock in Ben Zobrist, followed by Desmond Jennings singling in Carlos Pena, and B.J. Upton drew a bases-loaded walk to force home Lobaton. The Rays added on in the third inning with Will Rhymes singling Pena across the dish. Tampa Bay scored again in the fifth inning on a Zobrist solo home run, followed by Rhymes singling in Pena again. The Rays struck again in the seventh inning as Sean Rodriguez singled Pena safely home once more, followed by Jennings doubling to wipe the bases clean of Lobaton, Rodriguez, and Elliot Johnson, before Jennings was brought home on a Matt Joyce single. This left the final at 11-0, with Moore getting an easy win while Zambrano was pulled early from the loss.

Northwards, we have the NL-only game as the New York Mets host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Dillon Gee are tabbed as starters. Cincinnati opened with a second inning Jay Bruce inside-the-park home run, followed by Ryan Ludwick doubling, which combined with an error to bring in Todd Frazier. The Reds got more in the third inning as Brandon Phillips hit a two-run home run, also scoring Joey Votto. New York got on the board in the sixth inning with a Kirk Nieuwenhuis solo home run. Cincinnati answered in the seventh inning with a 2-RBI double by Wilson Valdez, scoring both Arroyo and Zack Cozart. The Mets pulled back in the bottom of the seventh as Scott Hairston ripped a two-run homer, sweeping in Ike Davis. The Reds extended their lead in the ninth inning on a Valdez single to plate Willie Harris, for a 7-3 victory. The win went to Arroyo, while the loss was handed to Gee.

Down south and staying in the NL, the Atlanta Braves host the Baltimore Orioles. Brian Matusz and Tommy Hanson take their turns in the rotation. Atlanta quickly established a lead on a first inning Brian McCann solo home run. Baltimore took the lead in the fourth inning as Wilson Betemit doubled, which combined with an error to get Mark Reynolds home before Steve Pearce hit a sacrifice fly, finishing Betemit's trip around the bases. The Braves took the lead back in the sixth inning as Andrelton Simmons hit a two-run home run, also scoring Matt Diaz, followed by a single from Michael Bourn to plate Jack Wilson. This made it 4-2, a final, with Chad Durbin notching the win, Craig Kimbrel converting the save, and Matusz was on the hook for the loss.

Westward to the battle of Texas, with the Texas Rangers of the AL hosting the Houston Astros. Jordan Lyles is mismatched with Yu Darvish. Houston led off with a third inning Jed Lowrie single providing time for Jose Altuve to get home. Texas took the lead in the fifth inning as Michael Young singled home Ian Kinsler before Adrian Beltre did the same for Elvis Andrus, followed by a 2-RBI David Murphy single to drive in both Young and Beltre, and a single from Yorvit Torrealba to knock in Nelson Cruz. The Astros got one back in the seventh inning with a Justin Maxwell solo home run. The Rangers shot back in the eighth inning as Mitch Moreland hit a solo shot. This made it 6-2, a final, with Darvish getting the win while Lyles was served the loss.

Up north, the Minnesota Twins host the Milwaukee Brewers as we stay in the AL. Yovani Gallardo and Francisco Liriano are the veteran starters. Minnesota busted things open in the fifth inning on a Trevor Plouffe solo home run, followed by an Alexi Casilla single to pave the way home for Brian Dozier. Milwaukee took the lead in the sixth inning with a three-run home run by Ryan Braun, knocking in Edwin Maysonet and Carlos Gomez. The Twins tied it in their half of the inning on another Plouffe solo shot. The Brewers got the lead back in the ninth inning as Martin Maldonado hit a two-run home run, also scoring Corey Hart, good for a 5-3 win. Kameron Loe was in line for the win, John Axford got the save, and Matt Capps was the victim of the loss.

A little south and switching into the NL, the St. Louis Cardinals host their Missouri rivals, the Kansas City Royals. Vin Mazzaro and Kyle Lohse handle the pitching duties. Kansas City struck first with a second inning Jarrod Dyson single allowing Alcides Escobar to dash home. The Royals added on in the third inning when Jeff Francoeur singled home Alex Gordon. Kansas City got another in the seventh inning with Francoeur's sacrifice fly bringing in Chris Getz. St. Louis got on the board in the bottom of the seventh as Matt Adams doubled home David Freese, followed by Shane Robinson singling Adams the rest of the way home. They couldn't tie it, falling 3-2, with Mazzaro being credited with the win, Jonathan Broxton converting the save, and Lohse taking a hard-luck loss.

Out in California, the Oakland Athletics of the AL host the San Diego Padres. Anthony Bass and Travis Blackley are the uninspiring starters. San Diego was first to score with a first inning Carlos Quentin single to knock in Everth Cabrera. Oakland took the lead in the bottom of the first as Josh Reddick tripled to force in both Coco Crisp and Jemile Weeks before coming the final 90 feet on a Brandon Inge single, followed by Brandon Moss hitting a two-run home run to knock in Inge. The Padres got one back in the second inning with a Chris Denorfia single to bring in Alexi Amarista. The Athletics went back to work in the fourth inning on a Cliff Pennington double, driving in Collin Cowgill, followed by Pennington completing his trip on a Crisp single. Oakland struck again in the sixth inning with Kurt Suzuki scoring on an error, followed by Pennington singling Cowgill across the dish. The Athletics padded the lead in the eighth inning on a Weeks sacrifice fly to plate Cowgill. This made it 10-2, a final, with Blackley getting the win, Evan Scribner converting a spot save of the three-inning variety, and Bass taking the loss.

South to Anaheim and we stay in the AL with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Cahill and Dan Haren pace the game. Arizona wasted little time in scoring in the first inning as Jason Kubel singled to bring home Chris Young. The Diamondbacks padded the lead with a three-run Aaron Hill home run in the sixth inning, sweeping in Kubel and Miguel Montero, followed by a Ryan Roberts double to knock in Lyle Overbay. The final stood at 5-0 from here on, with Cahill dominating for the win and Haren getting no run support in the loss.

Into Los Angeles proper, with the Dodgers hosting the Chicago White Sox under NL rules. Chris Sale and Clayton Kershaw are the staff aces pitching. Chicago began in the first inning as Adam Dunn hit a two-run home run, also scoring Gordon Beckham. Los Angeles got one back in their half of the inning on an Elian Herrera double to drive in Dee Gordon. The White Sox answered in the third inning as Paul Konerko singled Dunn across the plate. Chicago got another in the fourth inning with Orlando Hudson singling, which combined with an error to get Alexei Ramirez home. The White Sox added on in the fifth inning as Alex Rios hit a solo home run. The Dodgers rallied to tie the game in the sixth inning with Juan Uribe doubling in Jerry Hairston, Jr., followed by Ivan De Jesus singling in A.J. Ellis, Herrera doubled home both Uribe and De Jesus, and then he crossed safely home on a Juan Rivera single. Chicago retied it in the eighth inning as Rios hit another solo shot. Los Angeles got the lead back in the bottom of the eighth as James Loney scored on a wild pitch. Ronald Belisario was in line for the win, Kenley Jansen got the save, and Matt Thornton was pinned with the loss.

Finally, we go back to the AL as we head north to Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and Jason Vargas are the highly underrated rising star pitchers. San Francisco led off with a second inning Buster Posey solo home run. The Giants got another in the fourth inning as Joaquin Arias hit a sacrifice fly to allow Angel Pagan safe passage home. San Francisco extended the lead as Melky Cabrera hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning, also scoring Gregor Blanco. Seattle got on the board in their half of the inning as Ichiro grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Dustin Ackley to get home, followed by Franklin Gutierrez grounding out to get Miguel Olivo across the dish. They couldn't get anymore runs, falling 4-2, with Vogelsong earning the win, Santiago Casilla converting the save, and Vargas suffered the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime, passing through Detroit today.

MLB Day 74 2012

Today is travel day, which means we have less games and more matinees than usual. We begin with the...

Battle of Ohio, as the National League Cincinnati Reds host the Cleveland Indians. Josh Tomlin and Mike Leake are the average starters. Cleveland began with a first inning Shin-Soo Choo solo home run, followed by Carlos Santana grounding out to bring home Asdrubal Cabrera. Cincinnati got the lead in the bottom of the first on a three-run home run by Joey Votto, also scoring Chris Heisey and Zack Cozart. The Reds got another in the third inning with a Brandon Phillips solo shot. Cincinnati struck again in the fourth inning with Phillips singling to score Leake and Heisey. The Indians got one back in the fifth inning as Choo hit another solo home run. The Reds rallied to extend the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Ryan Ludwick hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Todd Frazier, followed by Heisey reaching on an error allowing Devin Mesoraco to get home, Phillips singling to drive in Kristopher Negron, and Jay Bruce walking with the bases loaded to force in Homer Bailey. Cincinnati kept going in the sixth inning when Negron scored on a wild pitch. Cleveland got some back in the seventh inning as Jose Lopez grounded out to plate Santana, followed by Aaron Cunningham doing the same for Michael Brantley. This was all for the scoring, with the Reds winning 12-5. The win went to Jose Arredondo, while Tomlin was shelled in the loss.

Down south and in the American League, the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Mets. Johan Santana faced a younger foe in Jeremy Hellickson. New York started with a first inning Kirk Nieuwenhuis solo home run. The Mets added on in the second inning with a Jason Bay solo shot. Tampa Bay tied it in the bottom of the second as Matt Joyce doubled home both Hideki Matsui and Ben Zobrist before taking the lead as Elliot Johnson singled to finish Joyce's trip around. New York shot back in the third inning with a Lucas Duda sacrifice fly to bring home Jordany Valdespin and an Ike Davis single that plated David Wright. The Rays replied in their half of the inning as Zobrist doubled to knock in B.J. Upton. The Mets roared ahead in the fourth inning as Nieuwenhuis hit a two-run home run, also scoring Omar Quintanilla, followed by a 2-RBI Duda double, driving in Valdespin and Wright. New York extended the lead in the ninth inning with Davis singling Wright across the dish. Tampa Bay tried a rally in the bottom of the ninth as Desmond Jennings singled to bring home Jose Lobaton and Carlos Pena reached on a fielder's choice that scored Johnson, but this was all they got, falling 9-6. Santana earned the win, Frank Francisco mopped up a mess for the save, and Hellickson was on the hook for the loss.

Back in the NL and up northwest a bit, the Chicago Cubs host the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander opposes a lesser foe in Travis Wood. Detroit quickly got a lead in the first inning as Prince Fielder doubled to score Austin Jackson. The Tigers got another in the second inning with a Ryan Raburn double giving Jhonny Peralta time to dash home. Chicago tied it in the bottom of the second as Darwin Barney doubled home Alfonso Soriano before Luis Valbuena grounded out to give Bryan LaHair time to come home. Detroit took the lead again in the seventh inning on a Jackson single, plating Raburn. The Tigers added on in the ninth inning as Jackson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Don Kelly. The Cubs tried a rally in the bottom of the ninth as David DeJesus grounded out to give time for the speedy Tony Campana to get home safely, but this only made it 5-3 in the end. Verlander notched a strong win, Jose Valverde converted a sloppy save, and Wood was stuck with the loss.

Out west in Colorado, the Rockies host the Oakland Athletics under NL rules. Jarrod Parker and Alex White are the relatively unknown starters. Oakland got things going in the second inning as Adam Rosales reached on an error to knock in both Brandon Moss and Kurt Suzuki. The Athletics got some more in the third inning when Moss doubled home both Josh Reddick and Seth Smith. Oakland padded the lead in the eighth inning on a Reddick solo home run. The Athletics rallied to extend the lead in the ninth inning as Moss hit a solo shot, followed by Coco Crisp singling in Suzuki and Cliff Pennington grounding out to provide Rosales time to cross home. Colorado avoided the shutout in the bottom of the ninth as Marco Scutaro hit a solo home run followed by a Tyler Colvin double to plate Carlos Gonzalez for an 8-2 final. Parker was dominant in the win while White was not in the loss.

Further west, we have the NL-only game in San Francisco, as the Giants host the Houston Astros. Wandy Rodriguez and Barry Zito are the veteran starters. Houston already improved on their efforts from the night before when Matt Downs hit a second inning solo home run. The Astros added on in the third inning with a J.D. Martinez grand slam, sweeping in all of Jose Altuve, Brian Bixler, and Jed Lowrie. San Francisco got on the board in the fourth inning as Brandon Belt hit a two-run home run, also scoring Hector Sanchez. Sanchez helped the Giants pull closer in the sixth inning by hitting a sacrifice fly to bring home Angel Pagan. Houston got it back in the eighth inning with Justin Maxwell singling to score Bixler. This made it 6-3, a final, with Rodriguez notching the win, Brett Myers converting the save, and Zito suffering the loss.

Across the country in the east, the AL Baltimore Orioles host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard and Tommy Hunter will be on the mound. Baltimore led off in the first inning as Matt Wieters singled Brian Roberts home, followed by Mark Reynolds doubling Chris Davis in and Steve Pearce hitting a 2-RBI double to drive in both Wieters and Reynolds. The Orioles struck again in the third inning on a Wieters ground rule double to force in Davis. Baltimore added on in the fourth inning when Wieters singled home both J.J. Hardy and Davis before scoring on a three-run home run by Pearce that swept in Wieters and Reynolds. Pittsburgh got on the board in the fifth inning as Rod Barajas hit a three-run home run of his own, knocking in Garrett Jones and Casey McGehee. The Pirates pulled closer in the sixth inning as McGehee grounded out to bring in Andrew McCutchen and Pedro Alvarez singled to drive in Jones. The Orioles shot back in the bottom of the sixth as Wieters doubled to push Adam Jones home. Baltimore got another in the eighth inning as Reynolds hit a solo shot. Pittsburgh answered with an Alex Presley groundout in the ninth inning to bring home Jose Tabata, making the final 12-6. Hunter picked up the win while Bedard was shelled early and often in the loss.

Down in Texas but still in the AL, the Rangers host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Struggling pitchers Daniel Hudson and Scott Feldman will make the starts. Texas got going in the first inning as Adrian Beltre singled to score Elvis Andrus. Arizona took the lead in the second inning on a two-run Jason Kubel home run, also scoring Lyle Overbay. The Diamondbacks extended the lead with a third inning Overbay double to knock in both Justin Upton and Miguel Montero. Arizona got another in the sixth inning with Overbay doubling to drive in Montero before coming home when Aaron Hill hit a single, and then Gerardo Parra hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Hill and Ryan Roberts. The Rangers got some back in the seventh inning on a two-run David Murphy homer, knocking in Beltre. The Diamondbacks made it 11-3 with a two-run Montero home run in the ninth inning, also bringing in Upton. This was a final, with the win going to Hudson, while Feldman was served another loss.

North and still in the AL, the Minnesota Twins host the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton and Scott Diamond are the surprisingly reliable starters. Philadelphia struck first with a second inning Ty Wigginton solo home run. Minnesota tied it in the bottom of the second on a Trevor Plouffe solo shot. The Phillies took the lead back in the third inning as Jim Thome hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Jimmy Rollins and Hunter Pence. Philadelphia added on in the eighth inning as Carlos Ruiz doubled to score Shane Victorino. The Phillies struck again in the ninth inning as Placido Polanco singled Jimmy Rollins across the dish. This made it 6-1, a final, with the win going to Blanton, who tossed a complete game, while Diamond had little help in the loss.

South a bit to Kansas City, as the Royals hot the Milwaukee Brewers under AL rules. Shaun Marcum and Luke Hochevar will take the hill. Milwaukee opened the scoring with a fourth inning Ryan Braun solo home run. Kansas City took the lead in the sixth inning with a two-run Eric Hosmer home run, also scoring Alex Gordon. The Brewers retied it in the seventh inning as Aramis Ramirez hit a solo shot. Milwaukee took the lead in the eighth inning on a Cody Ransom single to bring home Carlos Gomez. The Royals took the lead in the ninth inning Brayan Pena singling to plate Mitch Maier as the tying run, and then Jarrod Dyson was also able to score to seal a 4-3 victory on the throw from left. This left Tim Collins in line for the win, while John Axford was pinned with the loss.

Across the state, the NL St. Louis Cardinals host the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Jake Westbrook pace the game. St. Louis was first on the board with a second inning David Freese double to drive in Allen Craig. The Cardinals padded the lead in the third inning as Freese hit a two-run home run, again scoring Craig. St. Louis struck again in the fifth inning with a 2-RBI single by Matt Adams, scoring both Daniel Descalso and Craig. Chicago got some back in the sixth inning as Adam Dunn hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Alejandro De Aza and Gordon Beckham. This was all there was for the scoring, with the Cardinals winning 5-3, giving Westbrook the win, Jason Motte turned the save, and Floyd was stuck holding the loss.

Finally, we switch back to the AL, with the Seattle Mariners hosting the San Diego Padres. Edinson Volquez and Erasmo Ramirez will get the starting nods. San Diego started the scoring in the fifth inning as Will Venable singled in Chris Denorfia, followed by Everth Cabrera grounding into a fielder's choice that brought home Jesus Guzman and also John Baker, the latter on an error. The Padres added on in the sixth inning as Denorfia doubled to drive in Carlos Quentin, followed by Guzman singling to score Yonder Alonso, Baker singling to finish Denorfia's trip around. Seattle got on the board in the seventh inning on a Dustin Ackley single to drive in Franklin Gutierrez. The Mariners got another in the eighth inning as Gutierrez singled to bring in Justin Smoak. This made 6-2, a final, with Volquez getting the win and Ramirez suffering the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime, which went through Minneapolis today.

MLB Day 73 2012

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.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime, passing through Kansas City today.

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.

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.