MLB Day 88 2012

Travel day for a handful of teams, with the rest playing as normal. We begin with the...

Battle of Pennsylvania, where the Philadelphia Phillies host the Pittsburgh Pirates. A.J. Burnett and Kyle Kendrick get the starting nods. Pittsburgh rallied to an early lead in the first inning as Garrett Jones singled home Drew Sutton, followed by a three-run home run from Casey McGehee that brought in Neil Walker and Jones, and a Pedro Alvarez solo home run. Philadelphia got on the board in the second inning with a two-run home run by Erik Kratz, also scoring Ty Wigginton. The Phillies got another in the sixth inning as Placido Polanco grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Shane Victorino. Philadelphia pulled closer in the eighth inning on a Hunter Pence solo shot. They couldn't tie the game, falling 5-4. Burnett earned the win, Joel Hanrahan converted his twentieth save of the season, and Kendrick suffered the loss.

Westward to Colorado, where the Rockies host the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson faces a lesser foe in Josh Outman. Colorado began with a first inning Carlos Gonzalez single to bring home Dexter Fowler, followed by Chris Nelson doing the same for Scutaro, and a three-run home run by Tyler Colvin, sweeping in Todd Helton and Nelson. The Rockies added on in the second inning as Nelson doubled home Gonzalez and then scored on a Colvin single. Washington pulled back in the third inning on a 2-RBI Ryan Zimmerman single, plating both Tyler Moore and the pitcher Jackson before he came home alongside Danny Espinosa when Michael Morse hit a three-run home run. Colorado shot back in the fourth inning as Gonzalez singled in Scutaro, before being forced in on a Colvin triple. The Nationals got one back in the fifth inning when Bryce Harper singled to knock in Espinosa, followed by an Adam LaRoche sacrifice fly to finish Harper's trip and a two-run home run from Ian Desmond to tie the game as Morse came home. The Rockies responded with Gonzalez grounding into a double play, allowing Josh Roenicke to come home. Washington tied it in the ninth inning as Harper lifted a solo home run. Colorado won it in walkoff fashion in the eleventh inning as Scutaro singled Jonathan Herrera in safely for an 11-10 win. Adam Ottavino got the win while Craig Stammen was handed the loss.

Back to the east, as the Baltimore Orioles host the Cleveland Indians. Zach McAllister and Wei-Yin Chen are the little known starters. Cleveland started with a second inning three-run home run by Johnny Damon, also scoring Jose Lopez and Michael Brantley. The Indians got another in the fifth inning on a solo home run by Shin-Soo Choo. Baltimore got a couple back in the bottom of the fifth on a two-run home run from J.J. Hardy, knocking in Ryan Flaherty. Cleveland extended their lead in the seventh inning on a three-run Asdrubal Cabrera home run, sweeping in Lou Marson and Choo. This was good for a 7-2 win, with McAllister picking up the win and Chen was dealt the loss.

Over to New York, where the Yankees host the Chicago White Sox. Dylan Axelrod and Ivan Nova are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Chicago was first to score with a fifth inning Alejandro De Aza solo home run. New York took the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Alex Rodriguez doubled in Curtis Granderson before scoring on a Robinson Cano double. The Yankees added on in the eighth inning with a Mark Teixeira solo shot. The White Sox took a lead in the ninth inning on a three-run home run by Dayan Viciedo, sweeping in Alex Rios and Eduardo Escobar. This held for a 4-3 win, with Hector Santiago in line for the win, Addison Reed notching the save, and David Robertson responsible for the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren and Brett Cecil are set to start. Los Angeles led off with a second inning Alberto Callaspo solo home run. Toronto tied it in their half of the inning when Yunel Escobar grounded out to bring in Edwin Encarnacion. The Blue Jays got the lead in the third inning when Jeff Mathis hit a solo shot. The Angels replied in the fourth inning with a two-run Mark Trumbo home run, also scoring Albert Pujols, followed by a Peter Bourjos sacrifice fly to bring in Howie Kendrick. Toronto shot back on a Rajai Davis sacrifice fly, allowing Encarnacion to score in the bottom of the fourth. Los Angeles struck again in the fifth inning as Kendrick singled Pujols across the dish. The Blue Jays shot back in the bottom of the fifth with a three-run Jose Bautista long ball, sweeping in Mathis and Colby Rasmus. The Angels took the lead back in the sixth inning after Bourjos hit a ground rule double to force in Erick Aybar before finishing his trip on a two-run home run by Mike Trout. Toronto clawed back in the seventh inning as Brett Lawrie singled to give Mathis time to come home. Los Angeles added on again in the ninth inning with a triple by Trumbo to knock Pujols home. This was all for the scoring, with the final being 9-7. Haren picked up the win, Ernesto Frieri turned his tenth save of the season, and Cecil was dinged for the loss.

Back stateside, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and James Shields are the struggling starters. For a more detailed recap, check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the featured Game of the Day. Detroit got going in the third inning as Delmon Young singled to score Quintin Berry and Alex Avila doubled home Prince Fielder. The Tigers added on in the fourth inning when Berry reached on an error, allowing Brennan Boesch to dash home. Tampa Bay found the scoreboard in the fifth inning as Elliot Johnson singled Brooks Conrad across the dish. Detroit responded in the sixth inning as Miguel Cabrera singled home Austin Jackson. The Rays got one back in the seventh inning on a Conrad double that combined with an error to plate Jeff Keppinger. The Tigers answered in the ninth inning on a solo home run by Cabrera for a 5-2 final. The win went to Scherzer, Jose Valverde turned the save, and Shields was stuck with the loss.

North a little to Atlanta, as the Braves host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Bauer makes his highly-anticipated MLB debut against Jair Jurrjens on the mound. Atlanta opened with a third inning Brian McCann double to drive in Martin Prado. The Braves got another in the fourth inning when Michael Bourn hit a sacrifice fly that allowed safe passage home for Andrelton Simmons. Arizona tied it up in the sixth inning on a 2-RBI Jason Kubel double that plated both Willie Bloomquist and Justin Upton. The Diamondbacks took a ninth inning lead on a Chris Young solo home run. This made it 3-2, the final, with the win going to David Hernandez, the save to J.J. Putz, and the loss to Craig Kimbrel.

Westward to Houston, as the Astros host the San Diego Padres. Andrew Cashner and Dallas Keuchel are the completely unknown pitchers. San Diego started with a third inning solo home run by Chase Headley. Houston got on the board in the seventh inning as Brian Bogusevic hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Carlos Lee. The Astros got another in the eighth inning when J.D. Martinez scored on a wild pitch. The Padres stormed ahead in the ninth inning when Logan Forsythe reached on an error to knock in John Baker, Carlos Quentin was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in Cameron Maybin, and Alexi Amarista hit a grand slam to sweep home all of Forsythe, Headley, and Quentin. This made it 7-3 in the end, with the win going to Nick Vincent and the loss to Brett Myers.

Across to Arlington, where the Texas Rangers welcome the Oakland Athletics. Tyson Ross and Scott Feldman receive the starting nods. Oakland quickly got a lead with a first inning Josh Reddick solo home run. Texas tied it in the bottom of the first as Josh Hamilton grounded out to bring in Ian Kinsler. The Athletics rallied to another lead in the third inning with back-to-back solo shots by Derek Norris and Cliff Pennington before a Yoenis Cespedes single to score Coco Crisp. The Rangers got one back in their half of the third on a Hamilton single that knocked in Kinsler. Texas got another back in the fifth inning on a Elvis Andrus single to drive in Leonys Martin, followed by Adrian Beltre drawing a bases loaded walk to force in Kinsler and David Murphy singling both Andrus and Hamilton home. The Rangers got another in the sixth inning as Beltre's sacrifice fly allowed Andrus to score. Oakland got some back in the seventh inning as Cespedes singled home Crisp and Seth Smith hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Reddick. The Rangers held on for a 7-6 win, earned by Feldman, while Joe Nathan turned a rocky save and Ross was handed the loss.

West to Los Angeles, as the Dodgers host the New York Mets. Chris Young opposes a former Mets in Chris Capuano in pitching. New York began early in the first inning when David Wright doubled to score Ruben Tejada. The Mets added on in the fourth inning with a Wright solo home run. Los Angeles answered in the bottom of the fourth, tying it as Elian Herrera tripled to force in Dee Gordon before crossing home on a Juan Rivera single. New York took the lead back in the fifth inning as Andres Torres doubled to plate Mike Nickeas. This held up for a 3-2 win, with Young getting the win, Bobby Parnell turning the save, and Capuano was given the loss.

North to Seattle, where the Mariners host the Boston Red Sox. Franklin Morales and Felix Hernandez pace the game. Seattle won the game 1-0 in walkoff fashion with a ninth inning John Jaso single to drive in Casper Wells. Hernandez went the distance for a five-hit and one-walk complete game shutout, while Morales had no support from the offense, pitching seven strong innings but taking the loss.

Back south a bit to San Francisco, as the Giants host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Madison Bumgarner are the pair of aces on the hill. San Francisco established an early lead in the first inning as Angel Pagan singled in Melky Cabrera and also Buster Posey on an error. The Giants struck again in the sixth inning when Pablo Sandoval doubled in Pagan. San Francisco added on in the seventh inning with Gregor Blanco tripling to force in Bumgarner before coming the final 90 feet on a Ryan Theriot single. This made it 5-0, the final, with Bumgarner tossing a one-hit and two-walk complete game shutout for the win, while Cueto suffered the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime, passing through Tampa Bay on our way north.

MLB Day 87 2012

Full slate of games on getaway day. We begin in...

Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke and Homer Bailey get the starting nods. Milwaukee got things going in the second inning as Rickie Weeks hit a two-run home run, also scoring Corey Hart. The Brewers added on in the third inning as Aramis Ramirez singled in Norichika Aoki. Cincinnati got on the board in the bottom of the third inning as Brandon Phillips single to score Chris Heisey. Milwaukee replied in the fourth inning on a two-run home run by Cody Ransom, sweeping in Hart. The Reds got one back in their half of the fourth on a Ryan Ludwick solo home run. Cincinnati pulled closer in the eighth inning as Miguel Cairo grounded into a fielder's choice, scoring Zack Cozart. The Brewers rallied to extend the lead in the ninth inning with Travis Ishikawa singling home Martin Maldonado, followed by bases-loaded walks from Ramirez and Hart, forcing in Ishikawa and Aoki. The Reds got one back in the bottom of the ninth with another Ludwick solo shot, but this only made it an 8-4 final. Greinke got the win while Bailey was credited with the loss.

East to New York, as the Yankees host the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and Andy Pettitte are the once-amazing pitchers. Cleveland began in the second inning on a Shelley Duncan double to knock in Carlos Santana. New York answered in the fourth inning when Eric Chavez doubled in both Robinson Cano and Raul Ibanez. The Indians took the lead back in the fifth inning on an Asdrubal Cabrera single driving in Lou Marson and a Jason Kipnis single doing the same for Michael Brantley. The Yankees got the lead back in the sixth inning on a two-run home by Cano, sweeping in Alex Rodriguez. New York added on in the eighth inning as Chavez singled to plate Mark Teixeira. Cleveland got one back in the ninth inning as Michael Brantley drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Lonnie Chisenhall. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 5-4. Freddy Garcia was in line for the win, Rafael Soriano turned in a shaky save, and Jimenez was the losing pitcher.

Northwest to Minnesota, where the Twins host the Chicago White Sox. Chris Sale and Nick Blackburn take their turns in the rotation. Chicago led off in the second inning as Alexei Ramirez reached on an error, allowing Alex Rios to score. The White Sox added on in the third inning when Kevin Youkilis doubled home Eduardo Escobar. Chicago continued in the fifth inning with a three-run Adam Dunn home run, sweeping in Alejandro De Aza and Youkilis before Rios hit a solo home run. Minnesota got one back in their half of the inning on a Brian Dozier solo shot. The White Sox rallied again in the sixth inning as De Aza singled to plate Ramirez, Youkilis did the same for Orlando Hudson, and Dunn followed suit to bring in Escobar. The Twins answered in the bottom of the inning on a sacrifice fly from Ben Revere, giving Denard Span time to come home. Chicago shot back in the seventh inning as Jordan Danks singled in A.J. Pierzynski. The White Sox padded the lead in the eighth inning on a Rios single to drive in Escobar and a Pierzynski sacrifice fly giving time to Tyler Flower for safe passage home. Minnesota got some back in the bottom of the eighth as Darin Mastroianni hit a two-run home run, sweeping home Dozier. The Twins futilely attempted to pull back in the ninth inning with Dozier grounding into a fielder's choice to bring in Chris Parmelee, setting up the 12-5 final. Sale was given the win and Blackburn suffered a brutal loss.

Back to the east, where the Boston Red Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky Romero and Jon Lester are the staff aces pitching. Toronto began with a first inning Colby Rasmus single to knock in Brett Lawrie. Boston rallied ahead in the bottom of the first inning, beginning on a Dustin Pedroia double to score Daniel Nava, followed by Adrian Gonzalez reaching on an error that scored both Pedroia and David Ortiz, Will Middlebrooks grounding out to bring in Cody Ross, Mike Aviles singling to knock in Gonzalez, and Darnell McDonald singling to finish Aviles' trip. The Red Sox got another in the second inning when Gonzalez singled Ortiz home. The Blue Jays got one back in the fourth inning on a Jose Bautista solo home run. Boston shot back in their half of the fourth as Gonzalez singled to drive in Ortiz and Aviles doubled Ross across the dish. The Red Sox added on in the fifth inning as Ortiz hit a solo shot. Toronto chipped back in the sixth inning as Edwin Encarnacion lifted a two-run home run, sweeping in Bautista. The scoring ended here, as Boston won 10-4. Lester picked up the win and Romero was shelled in the loss.

To the Midwest, where the Kansas City Royals host the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore and Everett Teaford are the uninspiring pitcher. Kansas City started in the first inning with a Mike Moustakas solo home run. The Royals added on in the third inning as Alcides Escobar hit a solo shot. Kansas City struck again in the fifth inning as Yuniesky Betancourt singled in both Jason Bourgeois and Escobar. Tampa Bay found the scoreboard in the sixth inning when Jeff Keppinger singled to plate B.J. Upton and Ben Zobrist did the same for Carlos Pena. The Rays tied it in the eighth inning when Zobrist tripled to force in Pena and Keppinger. The Royals took the lead back in the bottom of the eighth with a Billy Butler solo home run. This was all for the scoring, leaving Kansas City with a 5-4 win. Aaron Crow was in line for the win, Jonathan Broxton turned the save, and Burke Badenhop was dinged for the loss.

Up a bit into Chicago, where the Cubs host the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and Jeff Samardzija are the back-of-the-rotation starters. New York struck first in the first inning as David Wright hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Andres Torres. Chicago got on the board in the second inning with a Luis Valbuena double to drive in Darwin Barney. The Mets answered in the fourth inning as Ike Davis doubled to score Lucas Duda before coming home on a Daniel Murphy two-run home run. New York added on in the fifth inning with Wright doubling both Niese and Ruben Tejada home before coming home himself alongside Duda when Davis hit a three-run home run, followed up by a Murphy solo home run. The Mets kept the blitz up in the sixth inning when Wright hit a 2-RBI single to bring in Niese and Torres before Scott Hairston hit a grand slam that swept home Tejada, Wright, and Duda. New York got another in the eighth inning as Murphy grounded into a fielder's choice that got Davis home. This made it 17-1, a final score. Niese was given the win for the absolute drubbing while Samardzija was shelled in the worst way for the loss.

Way out west, the Seattle Mariners host the Oakland Athletics. Jarrod Parker and Kevin Millwood are the under-appreciated pitchers. Oakland led off with a first inning Coco Crisp solo home run. Seattle tied it in the second inning on a John Jaso solo shot. The Athletics got the lead in the seventh inning on a Yoenis Cespedes solo home run. This was all they needed for a 2-1 win, with the win going to Parker, the save to Ryan Cook and the loss to Hisashi Iwakuma.

Down in San Francisco, the Giants host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Tim Lincecum are the veteran pitchers. San Francisco got things going in the third inning on a Melky Cabrera double to drive in Lincecum and a bases-loaded walk drawn by Angel Pagan to force in Ryan Theriot. The Giants added on in the fifth inning as Pagan singled Theriot across the dish. This was all they needed for a 3-0 win, which went to Lincecum, while Sergio Romo tossed the save and Billingsley had no support in the loss.

Back to the east, the Baltimore Orioles host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver and Jason Hammel are on the mound. Los Angeles started in the first inning as Torii Hunter hit a solo home run. Baltimore tied it in the bottom of the first as Adam Jones doubled to score Chris Davis. The Angels took the lead again in the third inning when Kendrys Morales singled Mike Trout and Hunter safely home. Los Angeles rallied to extend the lead in the fourth inning, beginning with Howie Kendrick singling in Alberto Callaspo, followed by Trout doing the same for Erick Aybar, Hunter singling to bring in Bobby Wilson, Trout scoring as Hunter stole second, Hunter coming home on a Morales single, and Callaspo singling Albert Pujols across the plate. The Angels kept up the attack in the fifth inning as Morales reached on an error allowing both Trout and Hunter to come home safely. Los Angeles extended the lead in the seventh inning as Peter Bourjos doubled Wilson in before scoring on a single by Morales. This made it a 13-1 final, with Weaver getting an easy win and Hammel getting shelled in the loss.

Into Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Pittsburgh Pirates. James McDonald faces a lesser foe in Raul Valdes. Philadelphia opened with a pair of solo home runs in the first inning, from Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz. Pittsburgh took the lead on a three-run home run from Michael McKenry in the second inning, sweeping in Neil Walker and Jose Tabata. The Pirates struck again in the fourth inning on a Casey McGehee solo shot and a single from the pitcher McDonald to drive in Walker. Pittsburgh added on in the fifth inning when Walker singled Drew Sutton home, followed by Tabata doing the same for Andrew McCutchen and McKenry singled to finish Walker's trip. The Phillies got one back in the sixth inning as Hunter Pence double Ruiz in, and another when Pence scored on a Shane Victorino single. Philadelphia rallied closer in the seventh inning on a Jimmy Rollins triple to force home Hector Luna, a Juan Pierre single to bring Rollins the final 90 feet home, and a Ruiz single that finished Pierre's trip. The Pirates extended their lead again on an eighth inning Sutton double to drive home Alex Presley before he scored on a two-run home run by McCutchen. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 11-7. McDonald was credited with the win while Valdes was responsible for the loss.

Way south, the Miami Marlins host the St. Louis Cardinals. Joe Kelly is mismatched with Anibal Sanchez. For a more detailed recap of this game, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the featured Game of the Day. St. Louis was the first to score with a Carlos Beltran sacrifice fly bringing in Jon Jay and a David Freese double to drive in Matt Holliday. Miami tied it in the fifth inning on a John Buck single plating Omar Infante and a Jose Reyes groundout to bring home Gaby Sanchez. The Cardinals got the lead back in the seventh inning on a Tony Cruz solo home run. The Marlins tied it in the bottom of the seventh with a Buck solo shot and went ahead on a Logan Morrison solo home run. Miami extended the lead in the eighth inning when Infante doubled Greg Dobbs safely home. This made it 5-3, a final, with Sanchez in line for the win, Heath Bell turning the save as his fifteenth of the season, and Sam Freeman was on the hook for the loss.

North to Atlanta, as the Braves welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Cahill and Tommy Hanson are on the hill. Atlanta began with a first inning Jason Heyward solo home run. The Braves got another in the fifth inning as Andrelton Simmons reached on an error allowing Chipper Jones to come home, followed by Michael Bourn hitting a sacrifice fly to plate Freddie Freeman and Martin Prado doing the same to finish Simmons' trip. Atlanta struck again in the sixth inning with a two-run home run by Jones, sweeping in Dan Uggla. Arizona got on the board in the seventh inning with a three-run blast by Ryan Roberts, knocking in Miguel Montero and Aaron Hill, followed by a Chris Young solo shot. This was as close as it got, with the final standing at 6-4. Hanson picked up the win, Craig Kimbrel converted the save, and the loss was pinned on Cahill.

Westward into Texas, where the Rangers host the Detroit Tigers. Doug Fister and Roy Oswalt have the green light to pitch. Texas led off in the second inning as Nelson Cruz reached on an error to bring in Adrian Beltre before he was swept home alongside Michael Young on a three-run home run by David Murphy. Detroit got on the board in the third inning as Miguel Cabrera singled in Ryan Raburn. The Tigers got another in the fourth inning when Brennan Boesch singled to score Alex Avila. The Rangers answered in their half of the inning as Murphy hit a solo home run and Ian Kinsler hit a two-run long ball to knock in Mike Napoli. Detroit fired back in the fifth inning as Quintin Berry tripled to force in Austin Jackson before Jhonny Peralta doubled to bring in both Prince Fielder and Delmon Young. Texas shot back in their half of the inning when Murphy singled Beltre across the plate before coming home with Cruz on a Leonys Martin triple. The Rangers got more in the sixth inning as Young singled Elvis Andrus safely home. The Tigers rallied closer in the eighth inning as Jackson singled in Raburn, followed by Fielder reaching on an error that got Jackson home, a Young single to plate Cabrera, and an Avila single to finish Fielder's trip around. Texas extended their lead again in the bottom of the eighth with Andrus reaching on a bunt single to knock in Kinsler before finishing his trip on a Beltre double. The final stood at 13-9, with the win going to Oswalt and the brutal loss to Fister.

Staying in the state, the Houston Astros host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Lucas Harrell are the little-known starters. Houston was first to score with a third inning solo home run by Matt Downs. This was it for the scoring, with the Astros earning a 1-0 win, with Harrell pitching a wildly effective six hit and four walk complete game shutout, and Richard allowed just two runners but one got all the way around so he was stuck with the loss.

Finally, we end in Colorado, where the Rockies host the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and Edwar Cabrera will be handed the ball. Washington wasted little time in scoring in the first inning as Ryan Zimmerman grounded out to give Bryce Harper time to score. The Nationals added on in the second inning as Tyler Moore hit a two-run home run, also scoring Mark DeRosa. Washington rallied some more in the third inning with a pair of solo home runs by Zimmerman and Ian Desmond, followed by Jhonatan Solano doubling both DeRosa and Moore home. Colorado found the scoreboard in the third inning when Marco Scutaro singled in Willin Rosario. The National struck again in the fourth inning when Zimmerman doubled to plate Harper. Washington got back to work in the seventh inning as DeRosa hit a sacrifice fly allowing Michael Morse to score and Solano singled Desmond safely home. The Rockies chipped back in the eighth inning as Tyler Colvin doubled home Carlos Gonzalez before coming home on a single from Jordan Pacheco. Colorado tried a rally in the ninth inning when Dexter Fowler doubled to score Jonathan Herrera before coming home on a Scutaro single, making it 11-5 in the end. Zimmermann was given the win while Cabrera was logically handed the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime as we take in the Sunshine State.

MLB Day 86 2012

Back to the full schedule and this post will be delayed due to real-life situations requiring my attention this evening. For the first game...

We hit Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson opposes a lesser foe in Brian Matusz. Los Angeles opened in the first inning as Torii Hunter singled home Mike Trout. The Angels added on in the fifth inning with a two-run home run from Albert Pujols, also scoring Hunter. Baltimore got on the board in the bottom of the fifth inning as Steve Pearce hit a solo home run. Los Angeles fired back in the sixth inning with another two-run blast, this time from Peter Bourjos to score Maicer Izturis. The Angels added on in the seventh inning with a solo shot from Mark Trumbo. Los Angeles continued in the eighth inning as John Hester hit a solo home run. The Orioles kept up the power show in their half of the the eighth with a two-run long ball by Wilson Betemit, sweeping in Matt Wieters. This was it for the scoring, with the Angels winning 7-3. Wilson picked up the win and Matusz was stuck with the loss.

Into Philadelphia, as the Phillies host their cross-state rivals, the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard and Vance Worley get the starting nods. Philadelphia was first to score in the first inning with a Carlos Ruiz single bringing in Hunter Pence. Pittsburgh got on the board in the second inning as Michael McKenry hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Pedro Alvarez. The Phillies replied in their half of the inning on a Placido Polanco single to drive in Mike Fontenot. Philadelphia added on in the third inning as Ty Wigginton hit a two-run home run, also scoring Carlos Ruiz. The Pirates responded in the sixth inning when Casey McGehee singled in Andrew McCutchen. Pittsburgh got another in the seventh inning when Drew Sutton doubled Clint Barmes across the dish. The Phillies shot back in the eighth inning when Ruiz hit a solo home run. The Pirates pulled back on a ninth inning McKenry solo shot, but they couldn't tie the game, falling 5-4. Worley was credited with the win, while Jonathan Papelbon picked up the save and Bedard took the loss.

To New York, with the Yankees hosting the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Phil Hughes are the average starters. New York got going in the second inning with Chris Stewart singled Nick Swisher in before coming home alongside Dewayne Wise on a Curtis Granderson single. The Yankees padded the lead in the fifth inning as Mark Teixeira hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Granderson. New York got another in the seventh inning as Alex Rodriguez hit a solo home run. The Yankees extended the lead in the eighth inning when Stewart's sacrifice fly plated Swisher. Cleveland tried to rally in the ninth inning as Johnny Damon singled in Kipnis before coming home on a three-run home run by Jose Lopez that also scored Casey Kotchman, but it wasn't enough to prevent the 6-4 loss. Hughes was handed the win, while Rafael Soriano mopped up the mess for a save and Masterson was not excused from the loss.

Westward to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Milwaukee Brewers. Marco Estrada and Bronson Arroyo are tabbed for the starts. Cincinnati got things started in the sixth inning on a three-run home run by Jay Bruce, also scoring Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips. Milwaukee rallied to tie the game in the eighth inning as Corey Hart doubled in both George Kotteras and Taylor Green before coming home on a Norichika Aoki single. The Reds grabbed the lead in the bottom of the eighth as Drew Stubbs hit a solo home run. This made it 4-3, which was a final, as Sean Marshall earned the win, Aroldis Chapman tumbled his way to a save, and John Axford was on the hook for the loss.

Down in Miami, the Marlins host the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse and Carlos Zambrano are the veteran pitchers. St. Louis started in the first inning with Carlos Beltran singling in Rafael Furcal and Allen Craig reaching on an error to get Matt Holliday home, followed by Yadier Molina hitting a three-run home run, sweeping in Beltran and Craig. Miami got on the board in the bottom of the first with a solo home run from Giancarlo Stanton. The Marlins got another in the fourth inning on a Greg Dobbs sacrifice fly that plated Stanton. This was it for the scoring, leaving the Cardinals with a 5-2 win, picked up by Lohse, while Jason Motte turned the save and Zambrano was dealt the loss.

Back north, the Boston Red Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays. Aaron Laffey and Daisuke Matsuzaka are the underwhelming starters. Toronto opened with a first inning Edwin Encarnacion single to plate Brett Lawrie. Boston tied it in the seventh inning on a Jarrod Saltalamacchia solo home run before taking the lead as Dustin Pedroia hit a 2-RBI single to drive in Ryan Kalish and Daniel Nava. The Red Sox added on in the eighth inning when Adrian Gonzalez doubled in David Ortiz and Will Middlebrooks hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Cody Ross. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 5-1 and Andrew Miller picked up the win while Luis Perez was dinged for the loss.

South again to Atlanta, where the Braves host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Daniel Hudson opposes the unrelated Tim Hudson for pitching purposes. Atlanta began on a first inning Michael Bourn solo home run. The Braves rallied to extend the lead in the second inning as Freddie Freeman doubled in Chipper Jones before scoring on an Andrelton Simmons single, and Simmons came home on a Jason Heyward sacrifice fly, followed by Brian McCann singling Bourn across the dish. Arizona found the scoreboard in the third inning on a Jason Kubel solo home run. Atlanta replied in the seventh inning with Freeman reaching on a fielder's choice, allowing Dan Uggla to score and Tim Hudson hitting a sacrifice fly to finish Freeman's trip around. The Braves made it 8-1 in the eighth inning as McCann singled to drive in Heyward, producing the final score. Tim Hudson earned the win while Daniel Hudson left the game early with an injury.

Westward to Houston, as the Astros host the San Diego Padres. Kip Wells and Jordan Lyles are the unknown starters. For a detailed analysis of this game, visit ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the featured Game of the Day. San Diego led off with a third inning Will Venable solo home run. Houston tied it in their half of the third as Jed Lowrie hit a solo shot. The Astros rallied ahead in the fifth inning, beginning as Lowrie scored on a wild pitch, followed by Chris Johnson singling in Brian Bogusevic, and then J.D. Martinez finished Johnson's trip with a two-run home run. The Padres tried a ninth inning rally as Chase Headley singled home both Venable and Cameron Maybin, but they fell short and lost 5-3. Lyles picked up the win while Brett Myers converted the save and Wells was given the loss.

Staying in Texas, the Rangers host the Detroit Tigers. Drew Smyly and Yu Darvish are the talented young pitchers. Detroit led off in the first inning as Prince Fielder doubled in both Austin Jackson and Miguel Cabrera. Texas got one back in the bottom of the first as Ian Kinsler hit a solo home run. Fielder answered for the Tigers in the fourth inning with a solo shot of his own. The Rangers rallied in their half of the fourth as Michael Young tripled, forcing Adrian Beltre before scoring on a Nelson Cruz single, followed by Yorvit Torrealba singling Cruz in and Brandon Snyder doing the same for Torrealba. Detroit replied in the fifth inning as Quintin Berry singled in Alex Avila. Texas shot back with Elvis Andrus scoring on a passed ball. The Rangers got another in the seventh inning as Josh Hamilton went yard for a solo home run. The Tigers got one back in the eighth on a Fielder groundout to knock in Jackson, but this only made it 7-5, a final. Darvish was strong in the win, while Joe Nathan converted the save and Smyly was stuck holding the loss.

Up in Chicago, the Cubs host the New York Mets. Dillon Gee and Randy Wells receive the starting nods. New York opened in the second inning on a Josh Thole single plating Scott Hairston, followed by Gee doing the same for Daniel Murphy. Chicago replied in the third inning when Alfonso Soriano grounded out to bring in David DeJesus, followed by Luis Valbuena doubling in Starlin Castro and Darwin Barney singling to score Bryan LaHair. The Mets shot back to tie in the fourth inning as David Wright hit a sacrifice fly, giving Thole time to get home. The Cubs got the lead back in the bottom of the fourth on an Anthony Rizzo double, driving in Steve Clevenger. Chicago added on in the eighth inning as Reed Johnson singled, which combined with an error to allow Barney to come home safely. This was it for the scoring, leaving the Cubs with a 5-3 win, picked up by Scott Maine, while Carlos Marmol earned the save and Gee was on the hook for the loss.

Back south a tad as the Kansas City Royals host the Tampa Bay Rays. Chris Archer and Bruce Chen take the mound. Tampa Bay started with a first inning Hideki Matsui fly out that got Carlos Pena home after an error. The Rays added on with a Brooks Conrad solo home run in the second inning. Kansas City woke up in the third inning when Alcides Escobar doubled, which combined with an error to get Jarrod Dyson home, followed by Alex Gordon reaching on an error to push in Escobar, and Yuniesky Betancourt hitting a two-run home run to finish Gordon's trip around. The Royals added on in the eighth inning as Billy Butler singled in Gordon before Jeff Francoeur hit a three-run home run to plate Mike Moustakas and Mitch Maier. This made it 8-2, a final, with Chen getting the win and Archer taking the loss.

North into Minnesota, where the Twins host the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Liam Hendriks will handle the pitching duties. Chicago was first to score as Alex Rios hit a two-run home run, also scoring Paul Konerko in the fourth inning. The White Sox got another in the seventh inning when Alexei Ramirez singled Rios home. Minnesota tried a ninth inning rally as Jamey Carroll hit a 2-RBI single, plating both Justin Morneau and Darin Mastroianni, but it fell short as they lost 3-2. Floyd was given the win, Addison Reed converted his tenth save of the season, and Hendriks was handed the loss.

Southwest to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Christian Friedrich will have the green light to pitch. Washington opened with a second inning Adam LaRoche solo home run. The Nationals added on in the third inning as Michael Morse hit a 2-RBI double to knock in Danny Espinosa and Ryan Zimmerman. Colorado replied in their half of the inning with Carlos Gonzalez doubling in Jordan Pacheco and Todd Helton singling to finish Gonzalez's trip and also Michael Cuddyer's after an error. Washington took the lead again in the fourth after the pitcher Gonzalez singled home Jesus Flores. The Nationals continued the attack in the fifth inning when Ian Desmond doubled both Zimmerman and Morse in, followed by a three-run home run from Tyler Moore, sweeping in LaRoche and Desmond. The Rockies got one back in the bottom of the fifth with a Dexter Fowler solo shot. Washington put on a power show in the sixth inning with Zimmerman launching a solo home run and LaRoche going yard again for a two-run home run that also scored Morse. Colorado answered in the bottom of the sixth as Jonathan Herrera hit a solo shot. This was all for the scoring, with the final standing at 12-5, allowing Gonzalez the win and Friedrich the loss.

Northwest into Seattle, where the Mariners welcome the Oakland Athletics. Travis Blackley and Jason Vargas take the hill. Seattle began in the third inning with a Franklin Gutierrez double to drive in Dustin Ackley, followd by a Kyle Seager sacrifice fly to bring home Ichiro. Oakland rallied to tie the game in the seventh inning on a Yoenis Cespedes solo home run and a Jonny Gomes single bringing in Seth Smith. The Mariners took the lead back in the eighth inning as Brendan Ryan singled in Casper Wells. This held up for a 3-2 win, with Charlie Furbush earning the win, Tom Wilhelmsen shutting the door for a save, and Jim Miller suffering the loss.

Finally, in San Francisco, the Giants host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw and Ryan Vogelsong are the reliable pitchers pacing the game. San Francisco got started in the fourth inning as Melky Cabrera hit a solo home run and Pablo Sandoval singled in Angel Pagan. This was the only scoring here, with the final sitting at 2-0 Giants. Vogelsong was very good in the win, while Santiago Casilla turned the save and Kershaw had no run support in the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ulimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the adventure of a lifetime, heading east from Houston.

MLB Day 85 2012

Small amount of travel as the teams return to their respective leagues for the rest of the season. We begin with a regional battle that's been put on hold lately...

As the Philadelphia Phillies host their cross-state rivals, the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jeff Karstens and Joe Blanton are the serviceable starters. Philadelphia rallied ahead in the first inning on a Hunter Pence single to drive in Himmy Rollins, before Carlos Ruiz singled, which combined with an error to get Pence home, and Shane Victorino singled in Ruiz, and finally he came on a Placido Polanco single combined with an error. Pittsburgh got on the board in the third inning with a Jose Tabata solo home run. The Phillies shot back in their half of the inning as Polanco singled home Ruiz. The Pirates got another in the fourth inning on a Clint Barmes single, knocking in Neil Walker. Philadelphia answered in their half of the fourth on a two-run Rollins long ball, also scoring Mike Fontenot. Pittsburgh replied in the fifth inning as Andrew McCutchen single Tabata across the plate. The Phillies replied in the seventh inning on a bases-loaded walk drawn by Ty Wigginton, forcing in Ruiz. This made it 8-3, a final, with Blanton grabbing the win and Karstens suffering the loss.

Into New York, as the Yankees host the Cleveland Indians. Josh Tomlin and Hiroki Kuroda will draw the starts. New York was first to score with a first inning Robinson Cano double, knocking in both Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira. The Yankees added on in the second inning with a two-run home run by Dewayne Wise, also scoring Eric Chavez. New York struck again in the third inning with a pair of solo shots from Cano and Nick Swisher. The Yankees got another in the sixth inning as Wise tripled to force in Chavez. Cleveland avoided the shutout in the eighth inning on a Jason Kipnis sacrifice fly to bring in Lonnie Chisenhall. This made it 7-1, a final, with the win belonging to Kuroda and the loss to Tomlin.

Up in Boston, the Red Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays. Henderson Alvarez and Felix Doubront are the surprisingly reliable starters. Toronto was first on the board with a first inning rally including a two-run Colby Rasmus home run, also scoring Brett Lawrie, followed by Edwin Encarnacion doubling in Jose Bautista and Rajai Davis getting Encarnacion home with a fielder's choice. Boston answered in the bottom of the first as David Ortiz hit a two-run homer, sweeping in Dustin Pedroia. The Blue Jays shot back in the second inning as Rasmus singled Ben Francisco across the dish. The Red Sox pulled back in the third inning as Jarrod Saltalamacchia reached on an error to give Pedroia time to score and Adrian Gonzalez singled to drive in Ortiz. Boston tied it in the fourth inning when Ryan Kalish singled in Cody Ross. Toronto took the lead back in the sixth inning as J.P. Arencibia hit a two-run home run, also scoring Francisco. The Blue Jays padded the lead with a seventh inning Jose Bautista two-run long ball, sweeping home Rasmus. The Red Sox got one back in the eighth inning as Ortiz lifted a solo home run. They got not closer, falling 9-6. Alvarez picked up the win, Casey Janssen shut the door for a save, and Doubront was dealt the loss.

Westward to Ohio, as the Cincinnati Reds host the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and Mat Latos are the promising young pitchers. Cincinnati began with a fourth inning double from Jay Bruce, plating both Drew Stubbs and Joey Votto. Milwaukee got on the board with a sixth inning solo home run from Norichika Aoki. The Reds shot back in the eighth inning when Brandon Phillips doubled to drive in Stubbs. There was no more scoring, leaving the final at 3-1. Latos went the distance for the win, while Gallardo was less fortunate in the loss.

Down in Miami, the Marlins host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jake Westbrook opposes Ricky Nolasco in pitching. Miami struck first with a third inning Jose Reyes double to bring home John Buck. The Marlins got another in the fifth inning as Reyes singled in Buck. St. Louis got on the board in the seventh inning as David Freese scored on a wild pitch. Miami answered in their half of the seventh as Hanley Ramirez drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Scott Cousins, followed by Giancarlo Stanton doing the same for Buck, Logan Morrison grounding into a fielder's choice to bring in Reyes, and Greg Dobbs singling Ramirez the rest of the way home. The Cardinals got one back in the eighth inning as Freese reached on an error, allowing Carlos Beltran to dash home. St. Louis rallied to tie in the ninth inning with Beltran singling in Rafael Furcal, Allen Craig hitting a sacrifice fly that gave time for Matt Holliday to score, and Yadier Molina providing the tying run with a two-run home run to finish Beltran's trip around. The Cardinals got the lead in the tenth inning as Furcal doubled to score Tyler Greene, followed by Joe Kelly singling to finish Furcal's trip around. The Marlins shot back in the bottom of the tenth as Buck singled in Omar Infante, but they didn't retie it and fell 8-7. Victor Marte was in line for the win, Jason Motte got his fifteenth save of the season, and Chad Gaudin was on the hook for the loss.

Westward to Houston, as the Astros host the San Diego Padres. Ross Ohlendorf and Wandy Rodriguez man the mound. Houston quickly got a lead with solo home runs in the first inning from Brian Bixler and Carlos Lee. San Diego shot back in the second inning as Everth Cabrera reached on a bunt single that gave time for Jesus Guzman to score, followed by Nick Hundley doubling in both Logan Forsythe and Cabrera before scoring himself on a Chris Denorfia single. The Astros replied in the bottom of the second on a J.D. Martinez single to knock in Jason Castro. The Padres answered in the third inning on a Forsythe single to bring around Carlos Quentin. Houston shot back in the fourth inning to tie it up as Chris Johnson singled to plate Bixler and Martinez drew a walk with the bases loaded that forced in Brian Bogusevic. The Astros took the lead in the fifth inning as Jed Lowrie doubled to score Bixler. San Diego edged ahead in the eighth inning on a two-run home run by Guzman, sweeping in Cameron Maybin. Houston retied it in the bottom of the eighth on a Castro solo home run. The Padres took the lead again in the tenth inning as Quentin doubled to plate Chase Headley. This held up for an 8-7 win, picked up by Dale Thayer, while Huston Street turned the save and Brandon Lyon was given the loss.

Staying in the state, the Texas Rangers host the Detroit Tigers. Rick Porcello and Justin Grimm are the little-known starters. For a more detailed recap, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the featured Game of the Day. Detroit established an early lead with a first inning rally, sparked by Miguel Cabrera doubling in both Quintin Berry and Austin Jackson before finishing his trip on a Delmon Young single, followed by Jhonny Peralta doubling Young home and Peralta scoring on a Ramon Santiago single, good for a five run rally. The Tigers added on in the second inning as Prince Fielder hit a sacrifice fly to get Berry home. Detroit struck again in the fifth inning when Jhonny Peralta grounded out, giving time for Fielder to come home. The Tigers padded the lead in the sixth inning on a Miguel Cabrera double, driving in Jackson. Texas got on the board in the seventh inning with a two-run Josh Hamilton home run, also scoring Leonys Martin. This was as close as it got, with the final being 8-2. Porcello notched the win while Grimm was shelled in the loss.

Up to Chicago, as the Cubs host the New York Mets. Johan Santana faces a lesser foe in Travis Wood. Chicago found the scoreboard in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Joe Mather, also scoring Geovany Soto. The Cubs rallied to extend the lead in the seventh inning as Darwin Barney reached on an error to bring in Adrian Cardenas, followed by Starlin Castro doing the same to get Barney home, and then Jeff Baker singled Castro home and Soto grounded out to bring in Alfonso Soriano. New York avoided the shutout in the ninth inning as Ike Davis hit a solo home run for a 6-1 final. Wood was given the win while Santana was handed the loss.

Down into Missouri, where the Kansas City Royals host the Tampa Bay Rays. Alex Cobb and Luke Hochevar are given the green light to pitch. Kansas City opened with a first inning Mike Moustakas double to knock in Alex Gordon. The Royals rallied in the third inning on a Yuniesky Betancourt single scoring both Alcides Escobar and Gordon, followed by Jeff Francoeur singling Betancourt the rest of the way home, and he scored when Eric Hosmer hit a single, with the rally closing as Hosmer scored on a Salvador Perez single. Kansas City added on in the fourth inning as Betancourt hit a sacrifice fly to plate Escobar. The Rays made it 8-0 in the eighth inning with a Hosmer solo home run. This was a final, with Hochevar going the distance for a seven hit and one walk complete game shutout, while Cobb also went the distance in the loss.

North into Minnesota, as the Twins host the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy and Francisco Liriano are the well-known starters. Minnesota started with a first inning sacrifice fly by Joe Mauer to knock in Denard Span. The Twins added on in the second inning with a Brian Dozier singled, combined with an error to get Trevor Plouffe safely home, before he came home on a Jamey Carroll single. Chicago got on the board in the seventh inning with an Alexei Ramirez sacrifice fly to get Alex Rios home. Minnesota shot back in the bottom of the seventh on a Plouffe sacrifice fly, allowing Mauer to dash home. This was good for a 4-1 win, earned by Liriano, while Jared Burton shut the door for a save and Peavy was stuck holding the loss.

Westward to Colorado, where the Rockies host the Washington Nationals. Stephen Strasburg takes the hill against Jeff Francis. Washington began in the third inning as Ryan Zimmerman doubled in Jesus Flores. Colorado answered in the bottom of the third with a Dexter Fowler single that plated Willin Rosario. The Nationals replied in the fifth inning as Strasburg doubled to score Flores. The Rockies got the lead back in the sixth inning as Carlos Gonzalez singled in Fowler, followed by a Todd Helton sacrifice fly to drive in Chris Nelson. Colorado extended the lead in the seventh inning on a Nelson single, finishing Eric Young's trip around. This was good for a 4-2 win, earned by Josh Roenicke, while Rafael Betancourt got the save and Strasburg was dealt the loss.

Northwest to Seattle, as the Mariners host the Oakland Athletics. Tommy Milone and Erasmo Ramirez are the relatively unknown starters. Oakland led off in the second inning with a Seth Smith solo shot. This was the only run, setting Milone up for the win, Ryan Cook for the save, and Ramirez was strong but had no help in the loss.

Finally, we end in San Francisco as the Giants host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nathan Eovaldi and Barry Zito pace the game. San Francisco busted things open in the first inning as Angel Pagan doubled Ryan Theriot home, followed by Pablo Sandoval's 2-RBI double, scoring both Melky Cabrera and Pagan, and Sandoval scored on a Hector Sanchez single. The Giants added on in the second inning with Cabrera singling in Zito, Pagan doing the same for Theriot, and Sandoval hitting a sacrifice fly to drive in Cabrera. San Francisco got another in the fifth inning when Sanchez doubled Sandoval across the dish. This stood for an 8-0 win, with Zito pitching well in the victory while Eovaldi was knocked around in the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the adventure of a lifetime, down in the Lone Star State.

Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 12 2012

1. Will Middlebrooks
2. Mike Trout
3. Jason Heyward
4. Aaron Hill
5. Justin Upton
6. Jason Kubel
7. Jose Bautista
8. Paul Goldschmidt
9. Jimmy Rollins
10. Andrew McCutchen

And the pitchers...

1.Wade Miley
2. Justin Masterson
3. Tyler Clippard
4. Jason Hammel
5. Charlie Furbush
6. Johnny Cueto
7. Zack Greinke
8. Justin Verlander
9. Cole Hamels
10. Brandon McCarthy

MLB Day 84 2012

Full slate plus one as our first pair of teams play a doubleheader to make up a missed game in...

Philadelphia, with the Phillies hosting the Tampa Bay Rays for a doubleheader. Aces David Price and Cole Hamels take the first game. Philadelphia opened the scoring with a sixth inning Jimmy Rollins solo home run. Tampa Bay got on the board in the eighth inning as Carlos Pena hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Elliot Johnson and B.J. Upton. The Phillies answered in the bottom of the eighth as Ty Wigginton singled home Hunter Pence. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 3-2, with the win belonging to Price, the save turned by Fernando Rodney, and the loss pinned on Antonio Bastardo.

In game two, the pitchers are Cesar Ramos and the inexplicably winless Cliff Lee. Tampa Bay got things going in the second inning with a Sean Rodriguez double to drive in Jeff Keppinger, followed by Brooks Conrad hitting a 2-RBI double to plate Ben Zobrist and Rodriguez. Philadelphia got some back in the fourth inning as Placido Polanco doubled in Hunter Pence before coming home on a John Mayberry single. The Rays answered in the sixth inning as Conrad doubled home Zobrist and Rodriguez again. The Phillies responded in their half of the sixth when Polanco doubled to score Pence. Tampa Bay extended the lead in the eighth inning as Jose Lobaton drew a bases-loaded walk to force home B.J. Upton, followed by Brandon Gomes doing the same for Zobrist. This made it 7-3 in the end, with the win going to Gomes and the loss to Lee.

Westward into Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond and Mike Leake will be sent out to start. For a more detailed recap, visit ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Cincinnati was first on the board in the third inning with a Wilson Valdez single to drive in Devin Mesoraco. Minnesota tied it in the fifth inning with a solo home run by Trevor Plouffe. The Twins took the lead in the seventh inning on a Justin Morneau groundout, bringing in Joe Mauer. The Reds replied in the eighth inning with a Joey Votto two-run home run, also scoring Valdez. Minnesota shot back in the ninth inning as Josh Willingham hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Denard Span. This made it 4-3, a final, with the win going to Diamond, while Jared Burton got a spot save and Aroldis Chapman was on the hook for the loss.

Down in Miami, the Marlins host the Toronto Blue Jays. Jesse Chavez and Mark Buehrle will be responsible for pitching. Miami began in the second inning as Scott Cousins singled in Greg Dobbs before coming home alongside Omar Infante when John Buck hit a three-run home run. The Marlins got some more in the sixth inning on a two-run home run from Dobbs, sweeping in Logan Morrison. Miami struck again in the seventh inning as Hanley Ramirez tripled to force in Austin Kearns and Jose Reyes, before coming home on a Morrison sacrifice fly. This produced a final of 9-0, with Buehrle pitching well in the win while Chavez had no support in the loss.

To the north again, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander faces a lesser foe in Kevin Correia. Detroit wasted little time in scoring first with a two-run first inning home run by Quintin Berry, also scoring Austin Jackson. Pittsburgh tied it in the seventh inning on a two-run home run by Garrett Jones, sweeping in Pedro Alvarez. The Tigers got the lead back in the eighth inning as Delmon Young singled in Berry. This was good for a 3-2 win, with Verlander going the distance to pick up the win while Chris Resop was handed the loss.

East into Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Washington Nationals. Ross Detwiler and Jake Arrieta are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Washington led off with a third inning Ryan Zimmerman single, providing Jhonatan Solano time to get home. Baltimore took the lead in the eighth inning as Matt Wieters hit a two-run home run, also scoring Adam Jones. This was good enough to secure a 2-1 win, earned by Pedro Strop, while Jim Johnson turned the save and Sean Burnett was dinged for the loss.

Into Boston, as the Red Sox host the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor and Aaron Cook are the struggling pitchers. Boston was the first on the board as Cody Ross hit a three-run home run in the fourth inning, also scoring Dustin Pedroia and Will Middlebrooks before Adrian Gonzalez hit a solo home run. Atlanta pulled back in the fifth inning on an Eric Hinske triple to force in Jason Heyward and Andrelton Simmons, before he came home as Juan Francisco reached on an error. The Red Sox shot back in the bottom of the fifth as Middlebrooks hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Kelly Shoppach and Ross hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Daniel Nava. The Braves responded in the sixth inning on a Heyward solo shot. Boston answered with a Nava double to plate Shoppach in their half of the sixth. The Red Sox got another in the seventh when Kevin Youkilis tripled in Gonzalez. They held on from here to win 9-4, with Cook picking up the win and minor taking the tough loss.

Southwest to Houston, where the Astros host the Cleveland Indians. Derek Lowe and J.A. Happ will make the starts. Cleveland got on the board in the second inning when Jose Lopez scored on a wild pitch. Houston tied it in the fourth inning when Chris Johnson singled home Carlos Lee. The Astros took the lead in the sixth inning as Lee singled to score Jed Lowrie. Houston got another in the seventh inning with J.D. Martinez grounding into a double play to give time for Johnson to score. The Astros got some more in the eighth inning as Johnson hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Lowrie, followed by another two-run blast from Martinez, also scoring Jason Castro. This made it 7-1, the final, with Happ notching the win and Lowe suffering the loss.

Back to the north, as the Chicago White Sox host the Milwaukee Brewers. Michael Fiers and Jose Quintana are the little-known pitchers. Chicago won it in the tenth inning by a 1-0 score as Eduardo Escobar singled in Alejandro De Aza. Brian Bruney got the win while Manny Parra was stuck holding the loss.

South a tad to the battle of Missouri in the Kansas City, as the Royals host the St. Louis Cardinals. Lance Lynn and Jonathan Sanchez take their turns in the rotation. St. Louis struck first with a three-run home run in the first inning off the bat of Carlos Beltran, also scoring Allen Craig and Matt Holliday. Kansas City got some back in the bottom of the first when Mike Moustakas hit a two-run homer, sweeping in Irving Falu. The Cardinals answered in the second inning with Holliday doubling home Shane Robinson and Craig scoring on a wild pitch. The Royals got some back in the fourth inning with solo home runs by Moustakas and Jeff Francoeur, followed by a Jarrod Dyson triple to force in Brayan Pena. St. Louis took the lead back in the sixth inning as Yadier Molina hit a solo shot. Kansas City retied it in their half of the sixth as Salvador Perez grounded out to bring in Francoeur. The Cardinals obtained the lead again in the seventh inning as David Freese singled to plate Holliday. St. Louis added on in the eighth inning when Daniel Descalso singled to score Matt Carpenter and Craig singled to knock in both Robinson and Descalso, followed by a Holliday sacrifice fly to give Rafael Furcal time to dash home. The Royals tried a rally in the ninth inning as Billy Butler hit a two-run home run, also scoring Alex Gordon, but this only made it 11-8 in the end. Victor Marte was in line for the win while Tim Collins was responsible for the loss.

Out in California, the Los Angeles Angels host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Garrett Richards will be sent out to the mound. The Dodgers started off with a first inning Bobby Abreu single to drive in Andre Ethier. The Dodgers got another in the second inning with Dee Gordon grounding out, giving time for Adam Kennedy to get home. The Angels tied it in their half of the second with a two-run home run by Peter Bourjos, also scoring Erick Aybar. The Angels took the lead in the fifth inning as Albert Pujols singled in Mike Trout. The Dodgers retied it in the sixth inning as Kennedy hit a sacrifice fly to allow safe passage home for Juan Rivera. The Angels gained the lead in the seventh inning on a Mark Trumbo single, giving Pujols time to dash home, followed by Howie Kendrick doing the same for Kendrys Morales. This was good for a 5-3 win, with Scott Downs picking up the win, Ernesto Frieri tossing the save, and Josh Lindblom was on the hook for the loss.

South into San Diego, as the Padres host the Seattle Mariners. Hector Noesi and Edinson Volquez try to right the ship on their seasons in pitching. San Diego began in the fourth inning on an Alexi Amarista ground rule double, forcing in Chase Headley and Chris Denorfia. This was all the scoring in the game, with Volquez picking up the win, Huston Street converting his tenth save of the season, and Noesi had no run support in the loss, but he did go two for two at the plate.

Up to the Battle of the Bay, with the Oakland Athletics hosting the San Francisco Giants. Matt Cain faces a much lesser foe in A.J. Griffin. San Francisco quickly established a first inning lead as Buster Posey hit a two-run home run, also scoring Ryan Theriot. Oakland got one back in the bottom of the first as Josh Reddick singled home Coco Crisp. The Athletics won it in the ninth inning with a walkoff three-run home run by Derek Norris, sweeping in Jonny Gomes and Brandon Inge for a 4-2 victory. Jim Miller was in line for the win while Santiago Casilla took the loss.

Back east a bit, the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Chicago Cubs. Matt Garza and Wade Miley receive the green light to pitch. Arizona took an early lead with a first inning Justin Upton single to score Gerardo Parra. The Diamondbacks got another in the sixth inning when Aaron Hill singled to drive in Parra. Chicago got on the board in the seventh inning on an Alfonso Soriano solo home run. Arizona shot back in the bottom of the seventh as Jason Kubel hit a solo shot. The Diamondbacks got some more in the eighth inning with a 2-RBI Upton single plating both Miley and Parra. This made it 5-1, a final, with Miley earning the win and Garza taking the loss.

East again into Texas, with the Rangers hosting the Colorado Rockies. Alex White and Matt Harrison will be on the hill. Texas started with a second inning Leonys Martin double to bring in Nelson Cruz, before he came home on a double from Elvis Andrus. The Rangers added on in the third inning when Martin tripled to force in both Michael Young and Cruz. Colorado tried a ninth inning rally as Marco Scutaro singled in Jonathan Herrera and Carlos Gonzalez hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Dexter Fowler, but they couldn't avoid a 4-2 loss. Harrison was given the win while White suffered the loss.

Finally, we're in New York with the Subway Series, as the Mets host their crosstown rivals, the Yankees. Aces CC Sabathia and R.A. Dickey pace the game. The Yankees got things going in the third inning as Mark Teixeira hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Curtis Granderson before Nick Swisher lifted a three-run home run to sweep in Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano. The Mets got one back in their half of the inning as Ruben Tejada hit a sacrifice fly to score Andres Torres. The Yankees answered in the fifth inning with Teixeira grounding into a fielder's choice to get Granderson across the dish. The Mets shot back in the bottom of the fifth with a David Wright single to knock in the pitcher Dickey. The Mets tied it in the sixth inning when Torres singled in both Justin Turner and Josh Thole, followed by a Tejada single to plate Vinny Rottino. The Yankees took the lead again in the eighth inning as Cano hit a solo shot. This was all they needed for a 6-5 win, with Boone Logan picking up the win, Rafael Soriano getting his fifteenth save of the season, and Miguel Batista took the loss.

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

MLB Day 83 2012

Should be another full slate as long as the weather doesn't have its way again. We start in...

Miami, as the Marlins host the Toronto Blue Jays. Brett Cecil and Josh Johnson are called on to pitch. Toronto started in the second inning with a Rajai Davis fielder's choice that allowed Edwin Encarnacion to score. Miami tied it in the seventh inning on an Omar Infante double to plate Justin Ruggiano. The Blue Jays rallied ahead in the ninth inning beginning with an Encarnacion solo home run, followed by Jeff Mathis reaching on an error to allow Kelly Johnson to come home, and a grand slam by Colby Rasmus, sweeping in Mathis, Vizquel, and Brett Lawrie. This made it 7-1, the final, with the win going to Darren Oliver and the loss to Steve Cishek.

Northwest of that, the Kansas City Royals host their cross-state rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright opposes Luis Mendoza in pitching. St. Louis started in the third inning with a Matt Holliday single to score Rafael Furcal. The Cardinals added on in the fifth inning as Jon Jay singled in Daniel Descalso, Holliday singled home Furcal, and Jay finished his trip on a Carlos Beltran single. St. Louis got another in the sixth inning with Furcal's single to drive in Tony Cruz. Kansas City got on the board in the bottom of the sixth with an Alex Gordon triple, forcing in Humberto Quintero and a Yuniesky Betancourt groundout to get Gordon home. The Cardinals answered in the seventh inning with a two-run Allen Craig home run, also scoring Holliday. St. Louis made it 8-2 in the ninth inning when Craig singled Holliday across the dish. This was a final, with the win going to Wainwright and the loss to Mendoza.

Down into Texas, with the Rangers hosting the Colorado Rockies. Josh Outman is mismatched with Colby Lewis. Colorado began in the first inning as Jason Giambi singled in Jonathan Herrera. The Rockies added on in the third inning with Tyler Colvin singling home Jordan Pacheco and Carlos Gonzalez before coming home alongside Giambi when Chris Nelson singled. Colorado struck again in the fourth inning on a Herrera double to drive in Dexter Fowler and a 2-RBI Michael Cuddyer double plating Herrera and Pacheco. Texas got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Nelson Cruz hit a solo home run. The Rockies got some more in the fifth inning with a two-run home run by Wil Nieves, also scoring Nelson, followed by a Fowler solo shot. The Rangers rallied in their half of the fifth, beginning with Adrian Beltre singling home Brandon Snyder, followed by Michael Young doing the same for Elvis Andrus, a three-run homer by Cruz, sweeping in Beltre and Young, and a Yorvit Torrealba single that allowed Mike Napoli to cross home. This was all for the scoring, with Colorado leading 11-7, with the win going to Rex Brothers and the loss served up to Lewis.

Northeast to Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields opposes Kyle Kendrick on the mound. For a more detailed recap, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the featured Game of the Day. Tampa Bay got things going in the second inning as Jeff Keppinger doubled in both Ben Zobrist and Jose Lobaton, followed by a groundout from the pitcher Shields that allowed Keppinger to dash home. Philadelphia got some back in the third inning as Jimmy Rollins hit a two-run home run, also scoring the pitcher Kendrick. The Phillies gained the lead in the fourth inning on a Juan Pierre three-run home run, sweeping in Mike Fontenot and Rollins. Philadelphia got another in the seventh inning as Carlos Ruiz singled Pierre across the dish. The Rays struck back in the eighth inning when Sean Rodriguez singled Zobrist home. Tampa Bay tied it up in the ninth inning as Keppinger singled to score Hideki Matsui and Brooks Conrad did the same for Chris Archer. The Phillies got the last laugh as Jim Thome lifted a walkoff solo shot in the bottom of the ninth to seal a 7-6 win. Jonathan Papelbon was excused from the blown save with the win, while Jake McGee gave up the homer and received the loss.

Back in Texas, the Houston Astros host the Cleveland Indians. Jeanmar Gomez and Dallas Keuchel are the unknown starters. Cleveland opened in the fourth inning on an Asdrubal Cabrera solo home run. Houston answered in the fifth inning as Chris Johnson doubled in Brian Bogusevic, followed by a two-run J.D. Martinez homer to finish Johnson's trip, and a solo shot by Jordan Schafer. The Astros got another in the sixth inning on a Carlos Lee double, scoring Jed Lowrie. Houston rallied more in the eighth inning with a Jose Altuve solo home run, followed Lee doubling to score Lowrie before coming home on a Johnson double. This made it 8-1, a final, with the Keuchel going the distance for the win and Gomez was given the loss. 

Up in Pennsylvania again, as the Pittsburgh Pirates welcome the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Brad Lincoln get the starting nods. Pittsburgh was first on the board with a fourth inning three-run home run by Andrew McCutchen, also scoring Alex Presley and Jose Tabata. Detroit got on the board in the seventh inning with a solo home run by Miguel Cabrera. The Pirates answered in the bottom of the seventh as Neil Walker singled in Casey McGehee. This was all for the scoring, with the final sitting at 4-1. The win belonged to Lincoln, while Joel Hanrahan turned the save and Scherzer was pinned with the loss.

Over in Cincinnati, the Reds host the Minnesota Twins. Brian Duensing and Johnny Cueto will be handed the ball. Cincinnati struck first in the fourth inning as Brandon Phillips hit a two-run home run, also scoring Joey Votto, followed by Scott Rolen doubling in Jay Bruce and Cueto sacrificing to finish Rolen's trip around. The Reds added on in the sixth inning as Cueto grounded out to bring in Rolen. Cincinnati got another in the eighth inning as Todd Frazier reached on an error, allowing Bruce to come home. This made it 6-0, the final, with Cueto pitching well in the win while Duensing got no support in the loss.

Westward to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf opposes a much younger pitcher, Dylan Axelrod. Milwaukee led off in the second inning as George Kotteras doubled, which combined with an error to bring in Aramis Ramirez. Chicago answered in their half of the inning on a Dayan Viciedo single to bring home Paul Konerko, followed by Alexei Ramirez singling Alex Rios home. The Brewers shot back in the third inning as Ryan Braun singled in Norichika Aoki. The White Sox got it back in the fourth inning as Viciedo hit a two-run home run, also scoring A.J. Pierzynski. Milwaukee responded in the fifth inning with Nyjer Morgan singling Aoki across the dish. The Brewers rallied to add on in the sixth inning with Martin Maldonado singling in Aramis Ramirez, Cody Ransom doing the same for Rickie Weeks, and Carlos Gomez hitting a sacrifice fly to finish Maldonado's trip around. Chicago replied in the bottom of the sixth as Viciedo singled to drive in Rios before Orlando Hudson doubled him the rest of the way home. The White Sox got the lead in the seventh inning on a Rios single, knocking in Gordon Beckham. Chicago extended the lead in the eighth inning as Beckham singled Alexei Ramirez safely home. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 8-6. Jesse Crain was in line for the win, Addison Reed turned the save, and Jose Veras was dinged for the loss.

Back east, the Boston Red Sox host the Atlanta Braves. Randall Delgado and Franklin Morales were in line to pitch. Atlanta wasted no time in opening the scoring in the first inning as Brian McCann singled home Michael Bourn. Boston answered in their half of the inning as Adrian Gonzalez singled in Dustin Pedroia and Will Middlebrooks doubled in Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Red Sox added on in the second inning with a 2-RBI Pedroia double, scoring both Mike Aviles and Daniel Nava. Boston got another in the third inning as Middlebrooks hit a solo home run. The Braves got one back in the fifth inning when Bourn singled to score Jason Heyward. The Red Sox answered in the bottom of the fifth with Cody Ross doubling, driving in Gonzalez. Atlanta replied again in the sixth inning on a Chipper Jones double, plating Dan Uggla. The Braves chipped away in the seventh inning as Bourn grounded out, giving David Ross time to get home. Boston shot back in the eighth inning with Nava singling in both Cody Ross and Ryan Kalish. This concluded the scoring, with the final being 8-4. Morales picked up the win, while Delgado was shelled early for the loss.

Way to the west, the Oakland Athletics host the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner faces a lesser foe in Tyson Ross. Oakland began in the first inning on a two-run home run by Josh Reddick, also scoring Jemile Weeks. San Francisco answered in the second inning with Pablo Sandoval singling, which combined with an error to bring in Buster Posey, followed by Sandoval dashing home on a Brandon Belt single. The Athletics shot back in the bottom of the second as Reddick singled home Coco Crisp. Oakland got another in the third inning on a Jonny Gomes solo home run. The Giants rallied a bit in the sixth inning as Sandoval reached on an error that allowed both Angel Pagan and Posey to score, followed by a two-run home run from Belt, finishing Sandoval's trip around. San Francisco added on in the seventh inning when Posey hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Melky Cabrera, and Nate Schierholtz struck out, which gave time for Pagan to get home. The Athletics tried to rally back in the ninth inning when Brandon Inge singled Reddick home, follow by Derek Norris doing the same for Gomes, and then both Inge and Norris were forced in by a ground rule double from Brandon Hicks, but they couldn't get the equalizer, and fell 9-8. The win went to Bumgarner, while Clay Hensley shut the door for the save and Ross was not excused from the loss.

Back on the east coast, the New York Mets hosted the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Chris Young are the back-of-the-rotation starters. The Mets opened with a third inning Kirk Nieuwenhuis solo home run. The Mets added on in the fourth inning as Josh Thole grounded out, giving time for Scott Hairston to score. The Mets extended the lead in the sixth inning when Young singled in Daniel Murphy. The Yankees tied it in the seventh inning with a three-run home run by Raul Ibanez, sweeping in Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher, before taking the lead with a solo shot from Eric Chavez. This was good enough for a 4-3 win, with Clay Rapada earning the win, Rafael Soriano converting the save, and Jon Rauch getting drilled for the loss.

Westward to California again, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano and Ervin Santana are the reliable starters. The Dodgers were first to score in the first inning as Jerry Hairston, Jr. reached on an error to get Dee Gordon home and Juan Rivera also got aboard thanks to an error that allowed Hairston to finish his trip. The Angels got one back in the fifth inning as Erick Aybar singled Howie Kendrick home. The Dodgers answered in the sixth inning as Hairston singled in Gordon. This made it 3-1, a final, with Capuano notching the win, Kenley Jansen throwing the save, and Santana suffering the loss.

East again, as the Baltimore Orioles host their regional rivals, the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and Wei-Yin Chen are the above-average pitchers. Washington began in the second inning as Xavier Nady singled in Michael Morse and also Adam LaRoche, the latter coming home with the help of an error. The Nationals added on in the fourth inning with a LaRoche solo home run. Baltimore found the scoreboard in the fifth inning as Adam Jones hit a solo shot. This ended the scoring, with the final being 3-1. Jackson pitched well for the win, while Tyler Clippard turned the save and Chen had little help in the loss.

Back in the west, the San Diego Padres host the Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez and Jason Marquis take the hill. San Diego got going in the first inning as Cameron Maybin scored on a balk. Seattle charged ahead in the second inning when Brendan Ryan grounded out to bring in Michael Saunders, before the pitcher Hernandez doubled in both Justin Smoak and Dustin Ackley. The Mariners added on in the third inning with a Saunders solo home run. Seattle kept going in the fourth inning as Ichiro singled Ackley home. This was all they needed for a 5-1 win, with the win going to Hernandez while Marquis was pinned with the loss.

Finally, we backtrack to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Chicago Cubs. Paul Maholm and Ian Kennedy are the veteran pitchers. Arizona started with a third inning Justin Upton solo home run. Chicago answered in the fourth inning as the pitcher Maholm hit a two-run home run, also scoring Adrian Cardenas. The Diamondbacks retied it in the bottom of the fourth as Aaron Hill reached on an error to score Ryan Roberts and Upton singled to plate Willie Bloomquist for a lead, followed by Jason Kubel singing both Hill and Upton across the dish, and Paul Goldschmidt tripled to force Kubel in before coming the final 90 feet when Miguel Montero singled. The Cubs got some back in the fifth inning as Steve Clevenger doubled in both Alfonso Soriano and Geovany Soto, followed by Jeff Baker singling to finish his trip. Arizona responded in the sixth inning on a Goldschmidt solo shot. The Diamondbacks added on in the seventh inning as Hill singled Bloomquist in. Arizona made it 10-5 in the eighth inning on a Montero single, finishing Goldschmidt's trip around and producing the final. The win went to Craig Breslow while Maholm was stuck with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime, now finally getting out from a special game in Philadelphia.