MLB Day 78 2012

Travel day gives us a few less games today, but we still have some. We begin in...

Cleveland, as the Indians of the American League host the Cincinnati Reds in the battle of Ohio. Mat Latos and Derek Lowe are set to start. Cincinnati struck first with a first inning Joey Votto solo home run. Cleveland tied it on a Shin-Soo Choo solo shot in the bottom of the first. The Reds got the lead back in the second inning with a Scott Rolen single to bring in Jay Bruce and a Ryan Hanigan single plating Ryan Ludwick. The Indians rallied to take a lead in their half of the second as Johnny Damon grounded out to bring in Michael Brantley before Lonnie Chisenhall hit a two-run home run, also scoring Carlos Santana. Cincinnati reclaimed the lead in the third inning when Ludwick doubled in Brandon Phillips, followed by Rolen singling to drive in Bruce. Cleveland took the lead once again in the fourth inning on a two-run Casey Kotchman home run, sweeping in Brantley, followed by Choo doubling home Chisenhall. The Reds retied the game in the fifth inning as Phillips doubled Votto home and scored on the same play thanks to an error by Damon. The Indians stormed back ahead in the sixth inning when Kotchman grounded out to get Santana home and Chisenhall singled Damon across the dish. Cincinnati got one back in the seventh inning on a Bruce solo home run. Cleveland shot back on a Brantley sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh, allowing Asdrubal Cabrera safe passage home. The Reds tried a rally in the ninth inning as Bruce singled to knock in Phillips, but they didn't get the equalizer, falling 10-9. Joe Smith was in line for the win while Chris Perez turned a shaky save and Sam LeCure was handed the loss.

Eastward and still in the AL, the New York Yankees host the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor is mismatched with CC Sabathia. Atlanta was first to score with a first inning Martin Prado groundout giving Michael Bourn time to get home. The Braves added on in the fifth inning as Bourn singled in Jason Heyward. New York got the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Russell Martin hit a ground rule double, knocking in Alex Rodriguez, before he came home alongside Robinson Cano on a Derek Jeter single. The Yankees got another in the sixth inning as Mark Teixeira hit a solo home run. New York extended the lead in the seventh inning when Jeter singled home Chris Stewart. The Yankees kept going in the eighth inning on a Cano solo shot. This made it 6-2, a final, with Sabathia going the distance for the win while Minor was dealt the loss.

Staying in New York, we have the Mets of the National League hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Jake Arrieta and R.A. Dickey are tabbed to start. New York busted things open in the sixth inning on an Ike Davis grand slam, sweeping in Dickey, Jordany Valdespin, and Lucas Duda. The Mets got another in the eighth inning on a David Wright single to bring home Valdespin. This was all they needed for a 5-0 win, with Dickey throwing another one-hit complete game shutout, also allowing two walks while fanning thirteen, and Arrieta had no help in the loss.

Southwest to Houston, as the Astros host the Kansas City Royals under NL rules. Jonathan Sanchez and J.A. Happ try to turn their seasons around pitching. Kansas City quickly got a first inning lead on a Jeff Francoeur single to bring home Yuniesky Betancourt. Houston tied it on a Brian Bixler solo home run in the bottom of the first, and took the lead as Justin Maxwell scored on an error. The Astros struck again in the fourth inning on a Chris Snyder single to bring in Chris Johnson, followed by Maxwell drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Snyder. The Royals got one back in the sixth inning as Billy Butler grounded out to bring in Alex Gordon. Houston extended the lead in the eighth inning as Brian Bogusevic hit a solo shot, followed by Bixler doubling home both Snyder and Jose Altuve before finishing his trip on a two-run home run from Maxwell. Kansas City tried a rally in the ninth inning as Jarrod Dyson singled to score Mike Moustakas, Mitch Maier hit a sacrifice fly to plate Alcides Escobar, Betancourt singed home both Humberto Quintero and Dyson, and Butler singled to knock in Gordon, but this only made it 9-7 in the end. Happ earned the win, Xavier Cedeno got a spot save, and Sanchez was tagged for the loss.

Northward and into the AL, as the Chicago White Sox host their same-city neighbors, the Chicago Cubs. Matt Garza opposes a lesser foe in Zach Stewart. For a more detailed recap of this game, please check ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the featured Game of the Day. The Cubs began with a third inning Bryan LaHair two-run home run, also scoring Starlin Castro. The Cubs added on in the fifth inning with a Castro two-run homer, sweeping in Tony Campana, followed by an Alfonso Soriano solo home run. The White Sox got one back in the bottom of the fifth as A.J. Pierzynski hit a solo shot. The Cubs got it back in the sixth inning on a Soto solo home run. The White Sox chipped back in the bottom of the sixth as Paul Konerko hit a two-run home run, sweeping home Gordon Beckham. The Cubs shot back in the seventh inning as Soriano singled to plate David DeJesus before Steve Clevenger did the same for Castro, and Darwin Barney followed suit to bring in Soriano, and then Luis Valbuena hit a three-run home run to bring home both Clevenger and Barney. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 12-3, with Garza notching the win and Stewart was given the loss.

North again, still in the NL, as the Milwaukee Brewers host the Toronto Blue Jays. Henderson Alvarez and Randy Wolf are the uninspiring pitchers. Toronto wasted no time in taking a first inning lead, as Brett Lawrie hit a solo home run to lead the game off. Milwaukee took the lead in the bottom of the first inning on a 2-RBI Rickie Weeks single to knock in both Nyjer Morgan and Ryan Braun. The Brewers added on in the second inning when Norichika Aoki hit a bunt single, giving Edwin Maysonet time to score, followed by a Braun fielder's choice to plate the pitcher Wolf, and then both Morgan and Braun scored on an Aramis Ramirez double. The Blue Jays got one back in the third inning as Edwin Encarnacion grounded into a double play to score Lawrie. The Blue Jays got another in the sixth inning as Encarnacion hit a solo shot. The Blue Jays tied it in the seventh inning as Jose Bautista went yard on a three-run home run, sweeping home Lawrie and Colby Rasmus. Milwaukee took the lead back in the bottom of the seventh as Ramirez hit a solo home run. This stood up for a 7-6 victory, with Kameron Loe in line for the win, John Axford pitched a clean ninth for the save, and Robert Coello was on the hook for the loss.

Staying in the NL, we head to Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the Seattle Mariners. Hector Noesi and Wade Miley are the relatively unknown starters. Arizona rallied to a lead in the first inning with Justin Upton singling Willie Bloomquist in, followed by Jason Kubel and Paul Goldschmidt hitting a sacrifice fly each, plating Aaron Hill and Upton. The Diamondbacks added on in the third inning as Upton hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Hill. Seattle found the scoreboard in the sixth inning as Casper Wells singled to score Kyle Seager. Arizona surged back in the bottom of the sixth as Miguel Montero hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Kubel, and Josh Bell singled Goldschmidt home. The Diamondbacks got another in the seventh inning as Hill completed his cycle with a solo shot. His single came in the first inning, his triple in the third, and his double in the fifth. This completed a 7-1 victory for the Diamondbacks, with Miley taking the win and Noesi getting served with the loss.

Westward to Anaheim, where we switch to the AL with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the San Francisco Giants of greater northern California. Mr. Perfect, Matt Cain takes the mound against Jerome Williams. Los Angeles quickly ended Cain's repeat bid with an Albert Pujols sacrifice fly to drive in Mike Trout. San Francisco got the lead back in the second inning as Brandon Crawford tripled to force in both Pablo Sandoval and Brandon Belt. The Angels retied it in the bottom of the second on a Mark Trumbo solo home run. The Giants retook the lead in the third inning on an Angel Pagan single to bring home Melky Cabrera. San Francisco got another in the fourth inning when Ryan Theriot singled to score Joaquin Arias. Los Angeles got one back in the bottom of the fourth on a Bobby Wilson sacrifice fly to bring in Alberto Callaspo. The Giants answered in the sixth inning as Theriot hit a single that allowed Arias to dash home. This was it for the scoring in a 5-3 game, with Cain picking up a less-than-perfect win while Santiago Casilla grabbed the save and Williams left the game with breathing troubles and was unable to breathe easier taking the loss.

Finally, we're back in the NL as the San Diego Padres host the Texas Rangers to close out the day. Matt Harrison and Jason Marquis will be atop the hill. Texas struck first in the first inning with a 2-RBI David Murphy single, scoring both Elvis Andrus and Adrian Beltre. San Diego answered in their half of the first as Chase Headley doubled to score Chris Denorfia. This was it for the scoring, as the Rangers held on for a 2-1win. Harrison picked up the win, Joe Nathan got the save, and Marquis was handed the loss.

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

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.