MLB Day 81 2012

Travel day is upon us once again as we approach the final interleague series of the season. Closing out a series today, the...

Detroit Tigers host the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse and Jacob Turner are given the starting nods. Detroit got things started in the fourth inning on a Prince Fielder solo home run. St. Louis tied it in the fifth inning as Matt Holliday hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Rafael Furcal. The Tigers won it in the tenth inning with a walkoff Quintin Berry single to plate Ramon Santiago. This made it 2-1, with Joaquin Benoit grabbing the win and Victor Marte was on the hook for the loss.

Out west, the Oakland Athletics host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw and Travis Blackley are on the mound. Oakland was first to score in the second inning on a Brandon Inge sacrifice fly to bring home Jonny Gomes. Los Angeles tied it in the fourth inning as Juan Rivera singled to score Elian Herrera. The Athletics won it in the ninth inning on a walkoff three-run home run from Yoenis Cespedes, sweeping in Coco Crisp and Jemile Weeks for a 4-1 victory. The win went to Ryan Cook, while Josh Lindblom was dealt the loss.

Back to the east, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Francis and Vance Worley are handed the ball. Philadelphia began in the first inning with a Jimmy Rollins solo home run. Colorado took the lead in the seventh inning as Chris Nelson hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Tyler Colvin. The Rockies padded the lead in the ninth inning with a two-run home run from Willin Rosario, also scoring Todd Helton for a 4-1 final. Josh Roenicke was in line for the win, Rafael Betancourt shut the door for a save, and Worley was on the hook for the loss.

Across the state of Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Minnesota Twins. Liam Hendriks is mismatched with James McDonald. Pittsburgh opened in the first inning as Garrett Jones singled to score Andrew McCutchen. The Pirates added on in the second inning with a 3-RBI double from McCutchen, sweeping in McDonald, Alex Presley, and Neil Walker. Minnesota got on the board in the fourth inning as Ryan Doumit singled to bring in Trevor Plouffe. Pittsburgh shot back in the sixth inning as Rod Barajas hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Pedro Alvarez. The Pirates padded the lead in the seventh inning with a two-run blast from Jones, also scoring McCutchen, before Alvarez hit a solo home run. This made it 9-1, a final. McDonald went the distance for the win, while Hendriks was dinged for the loss.

Into the capital, as the Washington Nationals host the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore and Gio Gonzalez show alliteration in the pitching match, something I've been missing lately. Tampa Bay started in the second inning as Desmond Jennings singled in Hideki Matsui. Washington took the lead in the third inning with Michael Morse hitting a sacrifice fly to plate Danny Espinosa and Ian Desmond singling to drive in Bryce Harper. The Rays tied it in the sixth inning on a Sean Rodriguez single that allowed Ben Zobrist to get home. The Nationals charged back ahead in their half of the sixth on a 2-RBI single from Espinosa, knocked in both Jesus Flores and Adam LaRoche. Washington extended the lead in the seventh inning on a Roger Bernadina double that brought in Ryan Zimmerman. This made it 5-2, a final, with Gonzalez grabbing the win, Tyler Clippard tossing the save, and Moore suffered the loss.

Finally, we pull a rare stunt by boiling ending in Boston, as the Red Sox host the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano and Daisuke Matsuzaka pace the game, although for how long remains to be seen. For a more detailed analysis of this game, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day.  Miami established an early lead in the first inning as Greg Dobbs singled in both Jose Reyes and Giancarlo Stanton before coming home on a single from Omar Infante. Boston got some back in the fourth inning with Will Middlebrooks singling to score Cody Ross before Mike Aviles hit a sacrifice fly to plate Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Red Sox tied it in the fifth inning when Middlebrooks singled Adrian Gonzalez across the dish. The Marlins took the lead again in the sixth inning on a Stanton solo home run and an Infante double that scored Dobbs. Boston answered in the eighth inning with a two-run tying home run from Middlebrooks, also scoring Saltalamacchia, and a go ahead Daniel Nava single that allowed Ryan Kalish safe passage home. This made it 6-5, which held up as a final, with the win going to Scott Atchison, the save to Alfredo Aceves, and the loss to Edward Mujica.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the game of the day, going back in time as we visit Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.

MLB Day 80 2012

It's a getaway day again, which means we have matinees on the schedule. We begin in...

The Bronx, as the New York Yankees host the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Phil Hughes will be assigned to make the starts this afternoon. For a more detailed analysis of this game, check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the first of two Games of the Day. Atlanta got started in the first inning with a Dan Uggla single to bring in Michael Bourn, before Freddie Freeman hit a two-run home run, also scoring Uggla. New York got one back in the bottom of the first on a Derek Jeter solo home run. The Braves shot back with a third inning solo shot by Martin Prado. Atlanta added on in the fourth as Jason Heyward went yard on a solo home run. The Braves got another solo shot in the fifth inning with David Ross sending the ball over the fence. The Yankees got one back in their half of the fifth as Eric Chavez hit a solo home run. New York pulled closer in the sixth inning with a pair of solo shots by Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano. The Yankees kept going in the seventh inning as Curtis Granderson singled Russell Martin safely home. Atlanta extended the lead in the eighth inning as Freeman grounded out to provide time for Prado to come home before a two-run home run by Heyward swept in Uggla. The Braves iced it at 10-5 in the ninth inning when Prado singled Juan Francisco in. Hanson was in line for the win while Hughes was given the loss.

Down into Houston, where the Astros host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Jordan Lyles are the struggling starters. Kansas City got on the board in the fifth inning with a Brayan Pena groundout to give Mike Moustakas time to get home. The Royals got another in the sixth inning with Yuniesky Betancourt reaching on an error to allow Alex Gordon to score. Houston got on the board in the bottom of the sixth with a Jed Lowrie single to knock in Jordan Schafer. They were unable to tie the game, allowing the win to go to Chen, while Jonathan Broxton turned the save and Lyles had little help in the loss.

Up north in Milwaukee, the Brewers host the Toronto Blue Jays. Joel Carreno is mismatched with Yovani Gallardo in the pitching match. Toronto opened the scoring in the second inning with an Edwin Encarnacion solo home run. Milwaukee rallied ahead in the bottom of the second when Corey Hart hit a solo shot, followed by a two-run long ball from Martin Maldonado, also scoring Cody Ransom, and a two-run homer by Carlos Gomez to plate the pitcher Gallardo. The Brewers added on in the fifth inning when Nyjer Morgan singled Gomez home. The Blue Jays shot back in the seventh inning as Colby Rasmus doubled in David Cooper and Encarnacion was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded forcing in Brett Lawrie. Milwaukee shot back in their half of the seventh with a two-run Ryan Braun home run, also scoring Morgan. This made it 8-3, a final, with the win going to Gallardo and the loss to Carreno.

Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Trevor Cahill are the young starters. Arizona wasted little time in scoring in the first inning on solo home runs by Aaron Hill and Jason Kubel. Seattle rallied ahead in the third inning with John Jaso doubling in the pitcher Vargas, followed by a 2-RBI Casper Wells single to drive in Ichiro and Jaso, and a two-run home run by Kyle Seager, finishing up Wells' trip around. The Diamondbacks tied it up in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Miguel Montero, also scoring Kubel, and a John McDonald solo shot. Arizona took a fifth inning lead as Justin Upton hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Chris Young and Hill, followed by Ryan Roberts singling to score Paul Goldschmidt and a McDonald double to bring home Montero. The Mariners got one back in the sixth inning as Dustin Ackley grounded out to finish a Seager trip around the bases. The Diamondbacks pulled away again in the bottom of the sixth with Montero's 2-RBI single to bring home both Upton and Goldschmidt, followed by a two-run inside-the-park home run by Roberts, bringing in Montero. Seattle replied in the eighth inning as Michael Saunders singled to bring in Wells, followed by a three-run blast by Franklin Gutierrez, sweeping home Saunders and Ackley. They failed to get any closer, losing 14-10. Cahill was the winning pitcher while Vargas was tagged for the loss.

Further to the west, the San Diego Padres welcome the Texas Rangers. Yu Darvish faces a lesser foe in Anthony Bass. San Diego started off with a 2-RBI single by the pitcher Bass, knocking in both John Baker and Alexi Amarista in the second inning. Texas got one back in the fifth inning as Alberto Gonzalez singled in David Murphy. The Rangers took the lead in the sixth inning on a Nelson Cruz fielder's choice to bring home Michael Young and a bases-loaded walk by Yorvit Torrealba forcing in Josh Hamilton. Texas got another in the seventh inning when Young hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Ian Kinsler. This was all for the scoring here, with the final being 4-2, with Darvish getting the win, Joe Nathan turning his fifteenth save of the season, and Dale Thayer took the loss.

Way northeast to Pittsburgh, as the Pirates host the Minnesota Twins. Veterans Francisco Liriano and Erik Bedard will pitch. Minnesota began with a first inning Trevor Plouffe single to drive in Josh Willingham. Pittsburgh tied it in the seventh inning on a Rod Barajas sacrifice fly that knocked in Pedro Alvarez. The Twins got the lead back in the eighth inning when Willingham hit a solo home run. This was all they needed to win 2-1, with Jared Burton getting the win, Glen Perkins making the save, and Jason Grilli was on the hook for the loss.

Westward to Detroit, with the Tigers hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Jake Westbrook and Rick Porcello are the average starters. Detroit led off in the third inning as Austin Jackson doubled in Gerald Laird. St. Louis tied it in the fifth inning with Daniel Descalso hitting a sacrifice fly to score David Freese. The Cardinals took the lead in the sixth inning on a Yadier Molina double play allowing Matt Holliday to cross home safely. St. Louis added on in the seventh inning with Molina reaching on an error that got Carlos Beltran home. The final stood at 3-1 here, with Westbrook going the distance for the win and Porcello taking the loss.

Back into Pennsylvania, as the Philadelphia Phillies host the Colorado Rockies. Alex White and Joe Blanton will try to turn their seasons around tonight. Philadelphia opened the scoring with a first inning groundout by Hunter Pence, giving time for Juan Pierre to dart home. Colorado got on the board with a second inning three-run home run from Willin Rosario, sweeping in Jordan Pacheco and Chris Nelson. The Phillies responded with a three-run blast of their own in the bottom of the second, with Michael Martinez going yard and taking Placido Polanco and John Mayberry with him. The Rockies retied the game on a solo home run from Michael Cuddyer in the third inning. Colorado took a lead in the fourth inning on a solo shot by Nelson. Philadelphia pulled even on a Jimmy Rollins double in their half of the fourth, plating Mayberry. The Rockies got the lead again in the ninth inning as Dexter Fowler singled Rosario across the dish. The Phillies got the last laugh, rallying in the bottom of the ninth with a Pence double to bring in Ty Wigginton as the "Ty"-ing run and then Polanco reached on an error that allowed Pence to come home as the winning run for a 7-6 victory. Jonathan Papelbon was in line for the win while Rafael Betancourt was the victim of the loss.

Into Washington, as the Nationals host the Tampa Bay Rays. Chris Archer and Stephen Strasburg are the promising young starters. Washington drew first blood with a first inning Bryce Harper single allowing Steve Lombardozzi to score, and Harper scored when Ryan Zimmerman reached on an error, and Zimmerman finished his trip on an Ian Desmond single. Tampa Bay got on the board in the second inning with a Jose Molina solo home run. The Rays pulled closer in the third inning when Hideki Matsui singled to drive in Carlos Pena. They couldn't tie the game up, falling 3-2, with Strasburg getting the win, Tyler Clippard throwing his tenth save of the season, and Archer taking a tough loss.

West to Ohio for the battle for state supremacy, as the Cleveland Indians host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Justin Masterson have the green light to start. Cleveland established a lead in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Johnny Damon, also scoring Casey Kotchman, and a three-run homer by Asdrubal Cabrera, knocking in Lonnie Chisenhall and Shin-Soo Choo. The Indians added on with a 3-RBI double from Chisenhall in the seventh inning, sweeping home Carlos Santana, Kotchman, and Damon. Cincinnati got on the board in the eighth inning as Willie Harris grounded out to get Jay Bruce home. This was as close as it got, with the final standing at 8-1. The win went to Masterson, while Arroyo was pinned with the loss.

Back to the Atlantic, with the Boston Red Sox hosting the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Felix Doubront are the reliable starters. Miami wasted no time in getting on the board with Giancarlo Stanton grounding into a double play that allowed Jose Reyes to come home. The Marlins struck again in the second inning as Gaby Sanchez grounded out, allowing Justin Ruggiano to dart home. Boston took the lead in the bottom of the second on a three-run Mike Aviles home run, sweeping in Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Kevin Youkilis. The Red Sox added on in the third inning with a 3-RBI Cody Ross double, knocking in all of Daniel Nava, Ryan Kalish, and David Ortiz. Miami got some back in the fourth inning when Logan Morrison hit a solo home run and Sanchez singled Ruggiano across the dish. Boston answered in their half of the fourth, with Kalish singling Aviles home, followed by an Ortiz grand slam to bring home all of Nava, Kalish, and Adrian Gonzalez, and a solo shot by Saltalamacchia. The Red Sox got another in the fifth inning with Nick Punto scoring on a wild pitch. The Marlins got another in the seventh inning as John Buck hit a solo home run. Boston got a couple more in the eighth inning with a two-run home run by Will Middlebrooks, driving in Saltalamacchia. This made it 15-5, a final, with the win easily going to Doubront while Nolasco was charged with a hefty loss.

Back into New York, as the Mets host the Baltimore Orioles. Brian Matusz and Dillon Gee take their turns in the rotation. For a more detail analysis of this game, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for our second Game of the Day. New York was first on the board in the fourth inning with a Mike Nickeas single to bring in Scott Hairston. The Mets struck again in the fifth inning as Hairston hit a ground rule double to knock in Jordany Valdespin and Ike Davis grounded into a fielder's choice to get David Wright home. New York added on in the sixth inning with another ground rule double, this time from Wright to bring home the pitcher Gee. Baltimore got on the board in the eighth inning as Wilson Betemit hit a two-run home run, also scoring Nick Johnson. The Orioles got one back in the ninth inning as Steve Pearce walked with the bases loaded to force in Matt Wieters, but this only made it 4-3 and they never got the equalizer. Gee picked up the win, Frank Francisco walked away with the save, and Matusz was not off the hook for the loss.

West again to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Chicago Cubs. Randy Wells and Gavin Floyd are the well-known veterans pitching. The White Sox were first to score in the third inning as Adam Dunn singled in Eduardo Escobar and Paul Konerko did the same for Alejandro De Aza. The White Sox got another in the fourth inning as Gordon Beckham singled to score Alexei Ramirez. The White Sox extended their lead in the sixth inning on a three-run home run by Beckham, sweeping in Escobar and De Aza. The White Sox kept going in the seventh inning when Ramirez singled Alex Rios home. This made it 7-0 in the end, with Floyd cruising to the win and Wells getting no support in the loss.

Back into California, we have the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the San Francisco Giants. Aces Ryan Vogelsong and Jered Weaver pace the game. Los Angeles opened with a second inning Alberto Callaspo solo home run. The Angels padded the lead in the fifth inning as Erick Aybar singled Howie Kendrick across the dish before scoring himself on a Mike Trout single. Los Angeles padded the lead in the eighth inning with solo shots from Kendrys Morales and Mark Trumbo, and a Bobby Wilson double to drive in Kendrick. This made it 6-0 in the end, with Weaver returning from the disabled list with a win, and Vogelsong had no help in the loss.

Finally, a bit to the north the Oakland Athletics host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nathan Eovaldi and Tommy Milone are the relatively unknown pitchers atop the hill. Los Angeles got things going on a second inning Juan Uribe double to drive in Juan Rivera. Oakland tied it in the fourth inning as Seth Smith doubled in Yoenis Cespedes. The Athletics took a lead in the fifth inning as Josh Reddick grounded into a double play to get Eric Sogard home and Cespedes singled Coco Crisp home. Oakland added on in the eighth inning as Brandon Moss hit a solo home run. This produced a 4-1 final, with Milone going the distance for the win and Eovaldi taking the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime, taking in two games in the Big Apple today.

MLB Day 79 2012

Back to a full slate on Tuesday. I assume after two weeks, we all know which teams play in which leagues, so no more reminders at the top of the paragraphs. We begin with...

The New York Yankees hosting the Atlanta Braves. Tim Hudson and Hiroki Kuroda will be given the ball. New York began in the second inning on a Nick Swisher double, scoring both Mark Teixeira and Raul Ibanez. Atlanta answered in the third inning as Andrelton Simmons grounded out to get Jason Heyward home. The Braves added on in the fourth inning, tying the game when Chipper Jones doubled home Martin Prado and taking hte lead as Simmons singled to drive in Freddie Freeman. The Yankees retied it in the bottom of the fourth as Russell Martin reached on an error, bringing in Ibanez. Atlanta pulled ahead again on a sixth inning Heyward single to knock in Brian McCann. This was all they needed, winning 4-3, with Hudson earning the win, Craig Kimbrel turning his twentieth save of the season, and Kuroda was given the loss.

Over to Pittsburgh, as the Pirates host the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond and Kevin Correia are the slightly-above average starters. Pittsburgh struck first with a first inning Josh Harrison solo home run. The Pirates added on in the fifth inning as Casey McGehee hit a sacrifice fly to get Harrison home. Pittsburgh kept going in the sixth inning as Clint Barmes doubled in Pedro Alvarez, before coming home on a Matt Hague groundout. Minnesota got on the board in the seventh inning as Denard Span hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jamey Carroll. The Pirates replied in their half of the inning as Andrew McCutchen launched a two-run homer, sweeping home Harrison, followed by a Rod Barajas sacrifice fly to knock home Neil Walker. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 7-2. Correia picked up the win while Diamond was assigned the loss.

Northwest to Detroit, as the Tigers host the St. Louis Cardinals. Lance Lynn and Justin Verlander are the talented starters. Detroit wasted little time in getting on the board in the first inning as Delmon Young singled home Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers added on with a 2-RBI double in the second inning from Austin Jackson, scoring both Brennan Boesch and Jhonny Peralta, before Quintin Berry grounded out to get Ramon Santiago safely across the plate. Detroit struck again in the fifth inning as Young singled Berry across the dish. St. Louis got on the board in the sixth inning as Matt Holliday grounded out to plate Daniel Descalso. The Tigers answered in the bottom of the sixth with Cabrera singling in Santiago. The Cardinals got a couple back in the seventh inning as Carlos Beltran reached on an error that allowed both David Freese and Descalso to dash home. They got no further, falling 6-3, with Verlander recording the win, Phil Coke picking up a spot save, and Lynn suffered the loss.

Down a bit to the Battle of Ohio, as the Cleveland Indians welcome the Cincinnati Reds. Mike Leake and Josh Tomlin take their turns in the rotation. Cincinnati opened with a first inning Chris Heisey single to drive in Zack Cozart. Cleveland tied it in the fourth inning as Casey Kotchman singled home Carlos Santana. The Reds took the lead back in the tenth inning as Heisey scored on a wild pitch. The Indians got the last laugh in the bottom of the tenth on a two-run walkoff home run from Asdrubal Cabrera, also scoring Shin-Soo Choo for the 3-2 win. Nick Hagadone was in line for the win while Aroldis Chapman was pinned with the loss.

Eastward into the capital, as the Washington Nationals host the Tampa Bay Rays. David Price and Chien-Ming Wang are tabbed to start. For a more detailed analysis of this game, check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Tampa Bay started in the first inning as B.J. Upton singled home Desmond Jennings. Washington answered in the bottom of the first as Michael Morse reached on an error, allowing Danny Espinosa to get home. The Nationals added on in the second inning with an Ian Desmond solo home run. The Rays rallied ahead in the third inning as Carlos Pena hit a two-run home run, allowing Jennings to get home, followed by Elliot Johnson tripling to force in Ben Zobrist and Jose Lobaton. Washington pulled back with a two-run Morse homer in the sixth inning, also scoring Ryan Zimmerman. They couldn't get an equalizer, falling 5-4, with the win going to Price, the save to Fernando Rodney as his twentieth of the year, and loss was stuck on Wang.

Into Pennsylvania, as the Philadelphia Phillies host the Colorado Rockies. Josh Outman is mismatched with Cole Hamels. Colorado established a first inning lead with Tyler Colvin singling Eric Young in. Philadelphia tied it in the third inning with a Placido Polanco double to drive in Jimmy Rollins. The Phillies took the lead in the fourth inning on a two-run home run by John Mayberry, sweeping in Shane Victorino. Philadelphia extended the lead in the fifth inning as Carlos Ruiz doubled Rollins in. The Rockies got one back in the sixth inning as Chris Nelson singled Todd Helton across the dish. The Phillies shot back in the seventh inning as Hunter Pence grounded out to bring in Hamels before Ruiz hit a two-run homer, also scoring Rollins. This was all for the scoring, with Hamels picking up the win and Outman was stuck holding the loss.

Back into New York, the Mets host the Baltimore Orioles. Tommy Hunter and Johan Santana will be responsible for pitching. New York got things going with a fourth inning fielder's choice from Daniel Murphy, giving time for David Wright to come home. The Mets added on with a two-run Lucas Duda home run in the sixth inning, also scoring Jordany Valdespin. New York struck again in the seventh inning when Valdespin singled in both Josh Thole and Andres Torres. This made it 5-0, a final, with Santana throwing well in the win while Hunter had no support in the loss.

Up to Boston, with the Red Sox hosting the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Clay Buchholz received the starting nods. Miami opened began with a first inning two-run home run by Logan Morrison, also scoring Hanley Ramirez. Boston tied it on a David Ortiz two-run home run in the bottom of the first, sweeping in Dustin Pedroia. The Red Sox grabbed the lead in the second inning on a two-run blast by Kelly Shoppach, knocking in Will Middlebrooks. The Marlins got one back in the third inning as Morrison doubled Ramirez home. Boston responded in the fourth inning on a Cody Ross solo home run. Miami retied it in the fifth inning on a 2-RBI double by Morrison, plating both Ramirez and Giancarlo Stanton. The Red Sox retook the lead in the bottom of the fifth on an Adrian Gonzalez sacrifice fly allowing Mike Aviles to score. Boston extended the lead in the sixth inning as Middlebrooks doubled Kevin Youkilis home. This was all for the scoring, leaving the Red Sox with a 7-5 win. Buchholz notched the win, Alfredo Aceves converted the save, and Buehrle was given the loss.

Down into Texas, as the Houston Astros host the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Wandy Rodriguez will make the starts. Kansas City got an early lead on a Billy Butler solo home run in the first inning. The Royals added on in the third inning with Alcides Escobar singling Yuniesky Betancourt home. The scoring ended here at 2-0, with the win going to Hochevar in a rare strong start, while Jonathan Broxton turned a save and Rodriguez got no support in the loss.

North into Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the Toronto Blue Jays. Jesse Chavez and Tyler Thornburg are the completely unknown starters. Toronto was the first to score in the third inning as Brett Lawrie hit a two-run home run, also scoring J.P. Arencibia. Milwaukee got some back in the bottom of the third as Carlos Gomez doubled Thornburg in, followed by Corey Hart getting hit with a pitch to force in Gomez, Rickie Weeks walking with the bases loaded to push home Ryan Braun, and Martin Maldonado drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Aramis Ramirez. The Blue Jays went batty in the sixth inning with back-to-back-to-back solo home runs from Colby Rasmus, Jose Bautista, and Edwin Encarnacion, followed by Arencibia singling Yunel Escobar home. The Brewers continued to play to their strengths in the bottom of the sixth, with Braun drawing a bases-loaded walk to squeeze in Edwin Maysonet, before Ramirez cleaned the bases with a grand slam to sweep in all of Nyjer Morgan, Gomez, and Braun. Toronto pulled back a bit in the seventh inning as Encarnacion singled, allowing Bautista to get home on a subsequent error, before coming home himself when Escobar hit a single. The Blue Jays charged ahead in the ninth inning on back-to-back solo shots by Rasmus and Bautista. This stood for a 10-9 win, earned by Darren Oliver, while Casey Janssen notched the ave and John Axford was on the hook for the loss.

Back south a touch, as the Chicago White Sox host their crosstown rivals, the Chicago Cubs. Travis Wood and Jake Peavy will play from the mound. The White Sox got going in the second inning with Alexei Ramirez hitting a ground rule double to force in Alex Rios. The Cubs took the lead in the third inning as David DeJesus singled in both Geovany Soto and Tony Campana. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 2-1, with the win going to Wood, the save to Carlos Marmol, and Peavy was dealt the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, the Diamondbacks host the Seattle Mariners. Erasmo Ramirez and Daniel Hudson try to improve their seasons. Seattle started in the second inning as Justin Smoak hit a solo home run. The Mariners got another in the third inning when Kyle Seager singled home Ichiro. Arizona rallied ahead in their half of the third as Aaron Hill hit a sacrifice fly to get Willie Bloomquist home, followed by a 2-RBI Paul Goldschmidt single to knock in Justin Upton and Jason Kubel. The Diamondbacks added on in the fourth inning as both Gerardo Parra and Aaron Hill hit solo home runs. Seattle rallied ahead in the fifth inning with a pair of three-run home runs, as Seager went yard and took Ichiro and Franklin Gutierrez with him before Brendan Ryan did the same for Jesus Montero and Michael Saunders. Arizona pulled even in the bottom of the fifth as Goldschmidt hit a solo shot, followed by Lyle Overbay singling in Josh Bell and Bloomquist doing the same for Parra. The Diamondbacks took a lead in the sixth inning as Miguel Montero singled to drive in Kubel. The Mariners retied it in the eighth inning when Ichiro hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Ryan. Seattle rallied to a lead in the tenth inning with Casper Wells singling home both Munenori Kawasaki and Dustin Ackley before coming home on an Ichiro double. Charlie Furbush was in line for the 12-9 win, while Tom Wilhelmsen converted the save and J.J. Putz was on the hook for the loss.

Westward into California, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and C.J. Wilson are the well-known pitchers. Los Angeles quickly began with a first inning Albert Pujols three-run home run, also scoring Mike Trout and Torii Hunter, followed by a sacrifice fly from Peter Bourjos to plate Mark Trumbo. San Francisco got on the board in the second inning as Pablo Sandoval singled in Angel Pagan. The Angels shot back in the bottom of the second with a Pujols single to drive in Trout. Los Angeles added on in the fourth inning with Trumbo tripling to force in all of John Hester, Trout, and Pujols, before coming home on a Howie Kendrick sacrifice fly. The Giants pulled back a bit in the fifth inning with a Ryan Theriot sacrifice fly to plate Hector Sanchez and a Melky Cabrera fielder's choice allowing Joaquin Arias to dash home. San Francisco chipped away in the seventh inning as Buster Posey singled home Gregor Blanco and Pagan grounded out, which gave time for Theriot to dart home. The Angels padded their lead in the eighth inning when Hunter singled Bourjos across the dish before coming home alongside Trout on a Trumbo single. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 12-5, with Wilson getting the win and Zito taking the loss.

Down in San Diego, the Padres host the Texas Rangers. Scott Feldman and Edinson Volquez are the struggling starters. San Diego was first on the board with a Nick Hundley single to drive in Everth Cabrera in the second inning. Texas rallied ahead in the third inning as Josh Hamilton tripled to force in both Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus, before coming home on an Adrian Beltre sacrifice fly. The Rangers added on in the sixth inning when Nelson Cruz doubled home both Hamilton and Beltre, before finishing his trip on a Feldman single. The Padres got one back in the bottom of the sixth on a Yonder Alonso fielder's choice, giving time for Cameron Maybin to dash home. Texas shot back in the seventh inning with a Beltre solo home run. San Diego tried a ninth inning rally with a John Baker single to bring home Hundley, but this only made the final 7-3. Feldman got the win while Volquez suffered the loss.

Finally, up in Oakland, the Athletics host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Brandon McCarthy paced the game. Oakland busted things open in the first inning when Seth Smith singled to score Coco Crisp, and also Jemile Weeks on an error, before he came home on a Jonny Gomes single. The scoring ended here with the final at 3-0. McCarthy picked up an easy win, while Ryan Cook turned the save and Harang struggled with control in the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of the lifetime as we hit the eastern seaboard, beginning in Washington, D.C.

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.