MLB Day 94 2012

A busy day of baseball likely to span over fourteen hours on the 4th of July. The first game likely started before I was even awake, as the...

Washington Nationals get going early with the San Francisco Giants in the District of Columbia. Madison Bumgarner and Edwin Jackson are the studly pitchers. San Francisco wasted little time in opening the scoring in the first inning as Buster Posey grounded out to get Gregor Blanco home before Pablo Sandoval hit a two-run home run, also scoring Melky Cabrera. Washington pulled back in the third inning on a Ryan Zimmerman double to score Danny Espinosa before he came home alongside Bryce Harper on an Ian Desmond single. The Nationals took the lead in the fourth inning on a Jhonatan Solano solo home run. Washington kept the fireworks going in the fifth inning with a two-run Zimmerman home run, sweeping in Harper before Michael Morse blasted a solo shot. The Giants got one back in the sixth inning on a Sandoval double to knock in Emmanuel Burriss. The Nationals padded the lead in the eighth inning on a two-run home run by Rick Ankiel, sending in Roger Bernadina. This made it a 9-4 final, with the win going to Jackson and the loss to Bumgarner.

Into New York, as the Mets host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee and Chris Young get the starting nods. New York started in the fourth inning with a Scott Hairston solo home run. The Mets added on in the fifth inning with a David Wright single to knock in Ruben Tejada. Philadelphia got going in the seventh inning as Chase Utley hit a two-run home run, also scoring Juan Pierre, followed by a Carlos Ruiz solo shot. The Phillies added on in the eighth inning with a Jimmy Rollins ground rule double to force in John Mayberry, before he scored on a Ruiz single, and then Hunter Pence singled Ty Wigginton across the dish. Philadelphia padded the lead in the ninth inning with a Rollins fielder's choice that gave Mayberry time to score, before Wigginton hit a two-run home run that also scored Rollins. This made it 9-2 for a final, with Lee getting his first win of the season and Young taking the loss.

Back west a bit, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Houston Astros. Dallas Keuchel and Kevin Correia will be handed the ball. Houston got things going in the second inning on a Jason Castro sacrifice fly to bring in Carlos Lee and a Brian Bogusevic single that scored Scott Moore. Pittsburgh rallied back in their half of the inning as Michael McKenry hit a sacrifice fly giving Casey McGehee time to dash home before Clint Barmes singled in both Garrett Jones and Pedro Alvarez. The Pirates added on in the fourth inning as McKenry doubled Jones in. The Astros got one back in the fifth inning on a Jose Altuve groundout to plate Bogusevic. Pittsburgh extended the lead in the eighth inning with a 2-RBI Alvarez single that saw both Neil Walker and Andrew McCutchen score. Houston tried a ninth inning rally as J.D. Martinez hit a solo home run, but they still fell 6-4. Correia notched the win, Joel Hanrahan picked up the save, and Keuchel was given the loss.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the New York Yankees. Davids Phelps and Price will pitch. Tampa Bay started in the fourth inning as Sean Rodriguez singled in Ben Zobrist. New York answered in the seventh inning on a Mark Teixeira solo home run. The Rays took the lead back in their half of the inning when Carlos Pena hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Elliot Johnson. The Yankees rallied in the eighth inning as Alex Rodriguez drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Eric Chavez before Robinson Cano hit a 2-RBI single to drive in both Curtis Granderson and Teixeira. This held up as a 4-3 final, with Boone Logan getting the win, Rafael Soriano converting the save, and Kyle Farnsworth was dinged for the loss.

North again to Cleveland, as the Indians welcome the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Derek Lowe are the veteran starters. Cleveland quickly got the lead in the first inning on a three-run Michael Brantley home run, also scoring Jason Kipnis and Travis Hafner. Los Angeles got on the board in the second inning when Maicer Izturis grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Kendrys Morales. The Indians rallied to extend the lead in the bottom of the second as Shin-Soo Choo doubled in Johnny Damon, Asdrubal Cabrera grounded out to allow Lou Marson to score, Choo came home on a Kipnis single, and Casey Kotchman cleared the bases with a three-run home run that swept in Kipnis and Brantley. Cleveland struck again in the fifth inning as Marson singled Kotchman across the dish, Choo grounded into a double play to bring home Jack Hannahan, and Cabrera doubled to drive in Damon. The Angels got some back in the sixth inning on an Alberto Callaspo sacrifice fly to plate Morales and an Izturis single to knock in Mark Trumbo. This ended the scoring, setting Lowe up for the win while Santana was shelled in the loss.

Way west to Oakland, with the Athletics hosting the Boston Red Sox. Aaron Cook and A.J. Griffin are the unknown starters. Oakland began in the second inning on a Brandon Moss solo home run. Boston answered in the fourth inning as David Ortiz hit a solo shot. The Red Sox took the lead in the sixth inning as Adrian Gonzalez singled home Ortiz. The Athletics tied it in the bottom of the sixth when Brandon Inge doubled Moss across the dish. Oakland took a seventh inning 3-2 lead on a Jemile Weeks single to plate Coco Crisp. This held up for the win, earned by Grant Balfour, while Ryan Cook converted the save and Aaron Cook was responsible for the loss.

North into Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Chris Tillman and Hector Noesi will be given the green light to start. Baltimore opened in the second inning with an Adam Jones solo home run. The Orioles added on in the third inning as J.J. Hardy grounded out to score Mark Reynolds and Chris Davis singled in Robert Andino. Baltimore kept going in the fifth inning as Andino singled Reynolds safely home. Seattle tried a ninth inning rally when Kyle Seager grounded out to plate Michael Saunders and Justin Smoak singled to knock in John Jaso, but they still lost by a 4-2 margin. Tillman notched the win while Jim Johnson converted his majors-leading twenty-fifth save of the year, and Noesi had no support in the loss.

Back to the east, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson opposes Randy Wolf in pitching. Miami led off in the second inning as Brett Hayes singled Omar Infante in. Milwaukee rallied ahead in their half of the inning with George Kotteras drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Aramis Ramirez, Cesar Izturis singled to knock in Corey Hart, Wolf grounded into a fielder's choice that got Rickie Weeks home, Norichika Aoki singled to finish Kotteras' trip around and Ryan Braun grounded out to plate the pitcher Wolf. The Marlins rallied in the seventh inning to tie on a Justin Ruggiano solo home run followed by a three-run home run from Logan Morrison, sweeping in Austin Kearns and Gaby Sanchez. The Brewers retook the lead in their half of the seventh on a Ramirez single to drive in Aoki. Miami tied the game again in the ninth inning as Sanchez hit a solo shot. The Marlins won in the tenth inning on a Hanley Ramirez single plating Donovan Solano for a 7-6 final. Wade LeBlanc picked up the win, Heath Bell tossed the save, and Manny Parra was pinned with the loss.

East a little more to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Minnesota Twins and more raindrops. Brian Duensing is mismatched with Justin Verlander. Detroit got going in the first inning as Prince Fielder doubled in Ryan Raburn and Miguel Cabrera. Minnesota got on the board in the fifth inning on a Chris Parmelee solo home run. The Tigers shot back with a Cabrera solo shot in the sixth inning. Detroit padded the lead in the seventh inning as Cabrera went yard again, a two-run home run, also scoring Austin Jackson. This made the eventual final 5-1, with Verlander going the distance for the win, and Duensing suffering the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Kansas City Royals. Luis Mendoza and Carlos Villanueva are the uninspiring starters. Toronto was first to score with a second inning Kelly Johnson sacrifice fly to knock in Rajai Davis. The Blue Jays added on in the third inning with Yunel Escobar and Davis each hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Edwin Encarnacion and Adam Lind, respectively. Kansas City found the scoreboard in the seventh inning when Jeff Francoeur tripled to force in Mike Moustakas. Toronto got it back in the bottom of the seventh on an Escobar single plating Colby Rasmus. This made it 4-1, a final, with the win going to Villanueva, the save to Casey Janssen, and the loss to Mendoza.

Back stateside, the Chicago White Sox host the Texas Rangers. Scott Feldman and Dylan Axelrod are the unimpressive pitchers. Texas quickly got on the board in the first inning with a Michael Young double scoring both Josh Hamilton and Adrian Beltre before he came home on a Nelson Cruz single. Chicago rallied ahead in the second inning when Dayan Viciedo singled Alex Rios home, Alexei Ramirez singled and A.J. Pierzynski scored on the throw, and Gordon Beckham doubled both Viciedo and Ramirez safely home. The Rangers tied it in the third inning on a Hamilton solo home run. The White Sox won in walkoff fashion in the tenth inning as Kevin Youkilis singled Alejandro De Aza across the plate for a 5-4 win. Addison Reed was given the win while Mike Adams was pinned with the loss.

South to Atlanta, where the Braves host the Chicago Cubs. Paul Maholm and Randall Delgado will take the mound. Chicago opened in the first inning as Starlin Castro scored when Anthony Rizzo was caught stealing second. Atlanta got on the board in the third inning with a Martin Prado single to drive in Michael Bourn. The Cubs shot back in the fourth inning on a Bryan LaHair solo home run. Chicago extended the lead in the seventh inning as Darwin Barney scored on a wild pitch and Jeff Baker hit a solo shot. The Cubs got another in the eighth inning as Rizzo hit a solo home run to produce the 5-1 final. Maholm was in line for the win while Delgado took the loss.

Northwest to St. Louis, where the Cardinals host the Colorado Rockies. Jeremy Guthrie and Adam Wainwright are the well-known pitchers. St. Louis wasted no time in scoring first with a first inning Matt Holliday double to drive in Jon Jay. The Cardinals added on in the second inning as Jay was hit by a pitch with the bases-loaded, forcing in Skip Schumaker. Colorado found the scoreboard in the fifth inning as Guthrie singled in Jonathan Herrera. St. Louis extended their lead again in the eighth inning on a 2-RBI DAvid Freese single to plate both Holliday and Carlos Beltran. This stood as a 4-1 win, earned by Wainwright, while Jason Motte turned the save and Guthrie had little support in the loss.

Out in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the Cincinnati Reds. Mike Leake and Aaron Harang play atop the hill. Los Angeles established a first inning lead as Luis Cruz singled in Dee Gordon before scoring on a James Loney single, and then Adam Kennedy grounded into a fielder's choice that combined with an error to knock in Bobby Abreu. Cincinnati got one back in the fifth inning as Devin Mesoraco hit a solo home run. The Dodgers extended the lead in the eighth inning on a Kennedy sacrifice fly to bring in Cruz. This ended the scoring at 4-1, with Harang picking up the win, Kenley Jansen throwing the save, and Leake was on the hook for the loss.

Finally, we end in Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the San Diego Padres. Jason Marquis and Ian Kennedy pace the game. San Diego quickly took a first inning lead with Chase Headley tripling to force in Chris Denorfia. Arizona took the lead in the bottom of the first on a three-run Jason Kubel home run, sweeping in Willie Bloomquist and Aaron Hill. The Padres got one back in the third inning on a Yonder Alonso double to drive in Alexi Amarista. San Diego tied it in the fourth inning with the pitcher Marquis doubling Everth Cabrera safely home. The Padres got the lead in the seventh inning on an Amarista single to plate Denorfia. The Diamondbacks tied it in their half of the seventh on a Bloomquist single to get Gerardo Parra home safe. San Diego retook the lead in the eighth inning as Yasmani Grandal hit a two-run home to sweep in Logan Forsythe. The Padres padded their lead in the ninth inning as Amarista sacrificed, which combined with an error to get Denorfia home, and then Amarista crossed home on an Alonso double. Arizona tried to rally back in the bottom of the ninth with Stephen Drew doubling Ryan Roberts across the plate and Aaron Hill grounding out to finish Drew's trip, but it was only to produce an 8-6 loss. Luke Gregerson was in line for the win, Huston Street closed up for a save, and David Hernandez was stuck with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the adventure of the lifetime, gearing up for a long stretch to the west to close up the task.

MLB Day 93 2012

Interesting day as we approach tomorrow's national holiday, we get a couple of early games, beginning in...

Milwaukee, as the Brewers welcome the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and Marco Estrada will make the starts. Miami got an early lead with a two-run Logan Morrison home run, also scoring Donovan Solano. Milwaukee answered in the third inning as Norichika Aoki singled in the pitcher Estrada before scoring alongside Ryan Braun on an Aramis Ramirez double. The Brewers got another in the sixth inning as Corey Hart hit a solo home run, followed by Carlos Gomez reaching on an error to bring in Rickie Weeks, Aoki hitting a sacrifice fly to get Cody Ransom home, and Braun clearing the bases on a three-run home run to sweep in Travis Ishikawa and Gomez. The Marlins got one back in the seventh inning on a Justin Ruggiano solo shot, followed by Jose Reyes singling Gaby Sanchez across the dish, and a Solano fielder's choice to knock in John Buck. Milwaukee shot back in their half of the seventh as Weeks singled Hart safely home, before scoring on a Martin Maldonado single. Miami got some back in the eighth inning with a 2-RBI Omar Infante single plating both Morrison and Ruggiano, before he scored on a two-run home run by Buck, and that was followed by a Scott Cousins solo home run and a Greg Dobbs sacrifice fly tied the game when Reyes crossed the plate. The Marlins took a tenth inning lead when Reyes hit a solo shot. The Brewers got the last laugh though, taking the game 13-12 on a two-run Ramirez home run in the bottom of the tenth, also scoring Gomez to end the game. The win was given to Livan Hernandez while Heath Bell was dinged for the loss.

Back to the east, the Washington Nationals host the San Francisco Giants and some rain. Tim Lincecum and Jordan Zimmermann are the highly-touted pitchers.Washington opened in the second inning with a Danny Espinosa double to drive in Ian Desmond, followed by the pitcher Zimmermann doubling Espinosa the rest of the way home. The Nationals padded the lead in the third inning with Adam LaRoche doubling Ryan Zimmerman home and then scoring on a two-run Desmond home run. Washington got some more in the fourth inning as Michael Morse singled both Steve Lombardozzi and Bryce Harper home, followed by a LaRoche sacrifice fly to knock in Zimmerman. San Francisco found the scoreboard in the fifth inning on a 2-RBI Gregor Blanco single to plate Hector Sanchez and Brandon Crawford. The Giants got another in the eighth inning on a Brandon Belt sacrifice fly plating Joaquin Arias. The Nationals shot back in their half of the inning on a Harper double to get Lombardozzi home. This made the final 9-3, with Zimmermann getting the win and Lincecum on the hook for the loss.

West to Cleveland, as the Indians host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim among the raindrops. Dan Haren and Zach McAllister will be sent out to pitch. Cleveland struck first in the first inning on a Jason Kipnis single to bring in Shin-Soo Choo. The Indians padded the lead in the second inning on a sacrifice fly from Shelley Duncan to score Michael Brantley and a Jack Hannahan double to drive in Casey Kotchman. Cleveland got another in the fourth inning with a Duncan solo home run. Los Angeles got on the board in the fifth inning as John Hester reached on an error, allowing Alberto Callaspo to come home, followed by Mike Trout hitting a three-run home run, sweeping in Hester and Howie Kendrick, and Albert Pujols hit a solo home run. The Indians fired back in their half of the inning as Jose Lopez doubled Choo across the plate, followed by Brantley grounding out to get Kipnis home, and Lopez also scored on an error. Cleveland extended the lead in the seventh inning on a Brantley fielder's choice to get Kipnis home. The Indians kept up the attack in the eighth inning on an Aaron Cunningham single to bring Kotchman around. They finished ahead 9-5 after a delay, but that couldn't take the win from McAllister or spare Haren from the loss.

Up north in Detroit, the Tigers host the Minnesota Twins with a cameo by rain. Nick Blackburn and Duane Below receive the starting nods. Minnesota opened with a first inning Josh Willingham sacrifice fly to score Ben Revere. Detroit tied it in the second inning as Ryan Raburn doubled in Prince Fielder, before taking the lead as Raburn and Alex Avila came home on a Brennan Boesch single. The Twins took the lead back in the third inning as Joe Mauer reached on an error to push in Revere before scoring on a two-run Willingham home run, followed by Trevor Plouffe going yard on a two-run homer and taking Justin Morneau with him. The Tigers tied it in the fourth inning on a solo home run from Boesch and a two-run blast from Austin Jackson, driving in Ramon Santiago as well. Minnesota got the lead again in the seventh inning on a Ryan Doumit sacrifice fly that plated Mauer. The Twins kept going in the ninth inning as Mauer hit a solo shot. This made the final 8-6, with Jeff Gray taking the win, Glen Perkins tossing the save, and Brayan Villarreal was stuck with the loss.

Eastward to Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell is mismatched with A.J. Burnett for pitching. Houston got to work in the second inning as Jordan Schafer singled in Brian Bogusevic and Jose Altuve hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Chris Snyder. The Astros got more in the third inning on a Scott Moore double to plate Carlos Lee. Houston kept going in the fourth inning with Jed Lowrie singling Altuve safely home. Pittsburgh got some back in the bottom of the fourth as Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run home run, also scoring Drew Sutton. The Astros fired back in the sixth inning on a Schafer single to plate Snyder and a Lowrie sacrifice fly to bring in the pitcher Harrell. The Pirates got one back in the bottom of the sixth as Casey McGehee singled Garrett Jones safely home, before coming home alongside Neil Walker on a Pedro Alvarez single. Pittsburgh took the lead in the seventh inning as Jones hit a two-run home run, sweeping in McCutchen. Houston tied it in the ninth inning as Jason Castro doubled Lowrie home. The Pirates won in a walkoff fashion in the bottom of the ninth as Sutton hit a solo shot to secure an 8-7 victory. Joel Hanrahan was in line for the win while Wesley Wright was pinned with the loss.

Into Canada, as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Kansas City Royals. Vin Mazzaro and Brett Cecil are the bottom-of-the-rotation starters. Kansas City was first to score here in the third inning on a Jason Bourgeois triple to force in Jeff Francoeur and Salvador Perez, before he came the final 90 feet on an Alex Gordon sacrifice fly. Toronto rallied to tie in the fourth inning as Edwin Encarnacion singled home Brett Lawrie and Rajai Davis singled to score both Colby Rasmus and Encarnacion, before taking the lead on a three-run home run from Adam Lind, also scoring Yunel Escobar and Davis. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 6-3. Cecil picked up the win, Casey Janssen turned his tenth save of the season, and Mazzaro was stuck with the loss.

Back stateside, the New York Mets host the Philadelphia Phillies. Vance Worley and Jonathon Niese are the underrated pitchers. New York led off in the first inning with David Wright grounding out to knock in Daniel Murphy. Philadelphia tied it in the second inning on a Carlos Ruiz solo home run. The Mets replied in their half of the inning as Niese singled home both Lucas Duda and Andres Torres, followed by Murphy doubling to score Niese. New York added on in the fourth inning with a Ruben Tejada single to plate Josh Thole and a Murphy single to drive in Tejada. The Mets extended the lead again in the sixth inning on a three-run home run from Wright, sweeping in Niese and Tejada. New York continued in the eighth inning on a 2-RBI Murphy double, sweeping in Josh Thole and Justin Turner. This made it 11-1, a final, with Niese showing well in the win while Worley was abused in the loss.

South to Atlanta, where the Braves host the Chicago Cubs and some thunderstorms (or is that just Chipper Jones' bat?). Chris Volstad and Jair Jurrjens are the struggling veterans. For a detailed recap, visit ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Atlanta began in the first inning as Chipper Jones singled Michael Bourn home. Chicago rallied ahead in the third inning as Starlin Castro reached on an error to get David DeJesus safely home, followed by Bryan LaHair singling to finish Castro's trip and Steve Clevenger singling Anthony Rizzo in. The Braves took the lead back with a bases clearing Bourn triple to force in all of Brian McCann, Andrelton Simmons, and Eric Hinske, followed by Bourn scoring on a Martin Prado sacrifice fly, and Jason Heyward hitting a solo home run. Atlanta added on in the sixth inning as Prado drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Simmons, before Jones swept the bases clean on a 3-RBI double that saw Kris Medlen, Bourn, and Prado all score. This was good for a 10-3 win, earned by Jurrjens, while Volstad was stuck with the loss.

South further into Florida, where the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and James Shields take the mound. New York quickly got a lead in the first inning when Curtis Granderson doubled Derek Jeter home, before he finished his trip on a Robinson Cano single. The Yankees got another in the third inning on a Dewayne Wise solo home run. Tampa Bay got going in the bottom of the third as B.J. Upton singled to knock in Elliot Johnson before scoring alongside Desmond Jennings on a single from Jeff Keppinger to tie the game. New York took the lead again in the fourth inning as Eric Chavez singled Raul Ibanez across the dish. The Rays fired back in their half of the inning on a two-run Sean Rodriguez home run, also scoring Jose Molina. Tampa Bay added on in the seventh inning when Upton stole second base, which gave time for Jennings to dash home after a fielding error by catcher Russell Martin and then Ben Zobrist singled Upton the rest of the way home. This made the eventual final 7-4, with the win going to Shields, the save to Fernando Rodney, and the loss to Nova.

Northwest to Chicago, where the White Sox host the Texas Rangers. Roy Oswalt opposes a younger pitcher in Chris Sale. Chicago quickly established a lead in the first inning as Kevin Youkilis hit a two-run home run, also scoring Alejandro De Aza, followed by solo shots from Adam Dunn and Alex Rios. The White Sox extended the lead in the second inning with Youkilis singling De Aza home, followed by Dunn doubling to finish Youkilis' trip around, and Dunn scoring on a Paul Konerko single. Chicago padded the lead in the fifth inning as Alexei Ramirez hit a 2-RBI single to knock in both Rios and Dayan Viciedo, before scoring on a Youkilis single, followed by Konerko singling in De Aza, Rios knocking in both Youkilis and Dunn with a single, and A.J. Pierzynski clearing the bases with a three-run home run, plating Konerko and Rios to end the 9-run rally. The White Sox struck again in the seventh inning as Jordan Danks hit a sacrifice fly to send Tyler Flowers home, followed by Viciedo walking and on the wild pitch, Eduardo Escobar scored, and Viciedo then scored on another wild pitch. Texas finally got on the board with an eighth inning Elvis Andrus double to score both Mike Napoli and Craig Gentry. At the end of the carnage, the White Sox walked away with a 19-2 win, earned by Sale, while Oswalt was absolutely shelled in the loss, alongside the relievers for the Rangers.

Southward to St. Louis, where the Cardinals host the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Francis and Joe Kelly are the relatively unknown starters. St. Louis opened with a first inning two-run home run by Matt Holliday, also scoring Jon Jay. Colorado took the lead in the third inning with a three-run home run from Tyler Colvin, sweeping in Jonathan Herrera and the pitcher Francis. This stood for a 3-2 win, picked up by Francis, while Rafael Betancourt turned the save and Kelly had no run support in the loss.

Southwest into Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the San Diego Padres. Andrew Cashner and Trevor Bauer are the young pitchers. San Diego got going in the second inning on a two-run home Yonder Alonso home run, also scoring Yasmani Grandal. The Padres added on in the fourth inning when Ross Ohlendorf reached on an error to give Cameron Maybin time to score, followed by Alexi Amarista singling in Everth Cabrera and Chase Headley doubling in all of Ohlendorf, Will Venable, and Amarista. San Diego padded the lead in the fifth inning as Maybin singled, which combined with an error to plate Alonso. Arizona pulled back a bit in the bottom of the fifth as Jason Kubel hit a grand slam to sweep in Patrick Corbin, Stephen Drew, and Aaron Hill. The Padres got another in the eighth inning on a solo home run for Jesus Guzman. The Diamondbacks attempted a ninth inning rally on a Paul Goldschmidt single to knock in Justin Upton, but it wasn't enough to prevent the 9-5 loss. Ohlendorf was given the win while Bauer took the loss.

Northwest into Oakland, with the Athletics hosting the Boston Red Sox. Jon Lester and Bartolo Colon will be on the hill. Oakland wasted little time in scoring in the first inning on a Coco Crisp solo home run. Boston tied it in the second inning with a Jarrod Saltalamacchia solo shot. The Red Sox took the lead in the fifth inning as Saltalamacchia reached on an error, allowing David Ortiz to score. The Athletics rallied in the ninth inning, tying the game on a Brandon Moss single to knock in Chris Carter before winning 3-2 with Crisp's sacrifice fly to drive in Cliff Pennington. Jerry Blevins picked up the win while Alfredo Aceves was dinged for the loss.

South to Los Angeles, where the Dodgers host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Chris Capuano are the reliable pitchers. Cincinnati began with a fifth inning Brandon Phillips double to plate Cueto. Los Angeles tied it in the sixth inning as Bobby Abreu singled home Elian Herrera. The Dodgers gained the lead in the seventh inning as Luis Cruz doubled in James Loney and then stole home (or 4th base, whichever you like to call it) for a 3-1 lead. This held up through the end, allowing the win to go to Scott Elbert, while Kenley Jansen picked up the save and Cueto was stuck with the loss.

Finally, we end in Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Felix Hernandez pace the game. Baltimore finally started the scoring in the sixth inning when Chris Davis singled in Xavier Avery, followed by Adam Jones doing the same for J.J. Hardy, and Matt Wieters followed suit to drive in both Davis and Jones. Seattle got on the board with a seventh inning Casper Wells solo home run. The Mariners rallied to tie in the eighth inning as Justin Smoak singled home Michael Saunders, followed by Josh Jaso bringing Smoak home on a single, and Kyle Seager drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Dustin Ackley. The Orioles regained the lead in the ninth inning on a solo shot by Robert Andino. This made it 5-4 in the end, with Darren O'Day getting the win, Jim Johnson converting the save, and Charlie Furbush was stuck with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime as we dodge raindrops and lightning in Atlanta.

MLB Day 92 2012

Travel day is upon us again, and only one week until the All-Star Break. As a side note, this post will be delayed in a similar fashion as last Tuesday's due to personal matters. Today, we get the first of twelve games in...

Cleveland, as the Indians host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver and Ubaldo Jimenez take the mound. Los Angeles opened with a sacrifice fly by Erick Aybar to knock in Howie Kendrick in the fifth inning. The Angels added on in the seventh inning as Kendrick hit a solo home run. Los Angeles got another in the eighth inning when Alberto Callaspo drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Aybar. This left the final at 3-0, with Weaver earning the win, Scott Downs tossing the save, and Jimenez was stuck with the loss.

East into Pennsylvania, with the Pittsburgh Pirates hosting the Houston Astros. Jordan Lyles and James McDonald will make the starts. For a detailed recap, visit ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com   for the Game of the Day. Houston quickly got a first inning lead as J.D. Martinez singled home Jose Altuve. Pittsburgh took the lead in the fourth inning on a two-run Garrett Jones home run, also scoring Andrew McCutchen, followed by a solo home run by Neil Walker and a Clint Barmes single to knock in Casey McGehee. The Pirates added on in the fifth inning when McCutchen doubled in Drew Sutton and then scored on a Jones double, and Jones and Walker both scored when McGehee ripped a double. The Astros replied in the sixth inning on a Scott Moore solo shot. Pittsburgh fired right back in the bottom of the sixth when Jones singled Alex Presley safely home. The Pirates padded the lead in the eighth inning on a 2-RBI double from Walker, scoring both McCutchen and Jones. This made it 11-2, a final, with McDonald grabbing the win and Lyles taking the loss.

Back to the west, the Detroit Tigers host the Minnesota Twins. Liam Hendriks is mismatched with Doug Fister. Detroit was first to score in the third inning on a Miguel Cabrera sacrifice fly to drive in Alex Avila. Minnesota rallied ahead in the fourth inning on a Josh Willingham single plating Ben Revere, before he came home alongside Joe Mauer on a 2-RBI Trevor Plouffe single, and Plouffe scored on a Ryan Doutmit single. The Twins added on in the fifth inning as Mauer singled Denard Span home and Justin Morneau did the same for Revere. The Tigers shot back in the bottom of the fifth when Cabrera doubled both Austin Jackson and Quintin Berry home, before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Delmon Young. They couldn't find the tying runs, losing 6-4, with the win going to Anthony Swarzak, the save to Glen Perkins, and the loss was handed to Fister.

Up into Canada, where the Toronto Blue Jays host the Kansas City Royals. Everett Teaford will pitch against Ricky Romero. Toronto began in the first inning as Yunel Escobar grounded out to bring in Brett Lawrie. Kansas City took the lead in the second inning on a two-run home run from Salvador Perez, also scoring Jeff Francoeur. The Royals added on in the third inning with Yuniesky Betancourt doubling Eric Hosmer home before finishing his trip on a Mike Moustakas double. The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the third as Jose Bautista hit a solo home run. Kansas City extended the lead in the fourth inning when Alex Gordon singled Perez home, and Jason Bourgeois scored on a wild pitch. Toronto got another back in the fifth inning on a Colby Rasmus solo shot. The Royals rallied to pad the lead in the seventh inning on a Betancourt single to plate Alcides Escobar before Moustakas hit a grand slam to sweep in all of Hosmer, Billy Butler, and Betancourt. This was all for the scoring, with the final standing at 11-3. Teaford notched the win, while Romero took an ugly loss.

Back stateside, the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Yankees. Freddy Garcia and Matt Moore receive the starting nods. New York wasted little time in scoring first with a first inning rally including Mark Teixeira doubling Derek Jeter across the dish and Teixeira scoring when Robinson Cano singled. Tampa Bay got on the board in the fourth inning with a solo home run by B.J. Upton. The Rays tied it in the sixth inning on a Carlos Pena solo shot. The Yankees got the lead back in the seventh inning as Curtis Granderson hit a sacrifice fly to plate Chris Stewart. Tampa Bay retook the lead in the bottom of the seventh on a Brooks Conrad double to knock in Sean Rodriguez before he scored as Elliot Johnson reached on an error. They held on for a 4-3 win, picked up by Moore, while Fernando Rodney turned the save and David Robertson was to blame for the loss.

A touch north, the Atlanta Braves host the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and Tommy Hanson will be responsible for the pitching. Chicago started with a fourth inning Anthony Rizzo solo home run. Atlanta tied it in the sixth inning as Martin Prado singled to score Michael Bourn. The Cubs took the lead back in the seventh inning on a 3-RBI Luis Valbuena double, sweeping in all of Bryan LaHair, Steve Clevenger, and Darwin Barney. This made it 4-1, a final, where Samardzija got the win, James Russel got a spot save, and Hanson took the loss.

Northwest of there, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano and Zack Greinke are the well-known pitchers. Miami got things going in the first inning as Justin Ruggiano singled Jose Reyes and Hanley Ramirez home. Milwaukee shot back in the bottom of the first on a bases-loaded walk drawn by Rickie Weeks to force in Ryan Braun. The Brewers tied it in the second inning as the pitcher Greinke hit a sacrifice fly, allowing safe passage home for Cesar Izturis. The Marlins took the lead back in the third inning with Logan Morrison doubling to score Ramirez before finishing his trip on a two-run home run from Ruggiano. Milwaukee got one back in the fifth inning with a Carlos Gomez solo home run. The Brewers tied it in the sixth inning on a 2-RBI Travis Ishikawa single, plating both Weeks and Martin Maldonado. Milwaukee gained a 6-5 lead in the eighth inning on a Norichika Aoki bunt single that gave time for Weeks to dash home. This held up for a final, giving Francisco Rodriguez the win, John Axford the save, and Ryan Webb the loss.

Down into St. Louis, with the Cardinals hosting the Colorado Rockies. Josh Outman and Kyle Lohse will be given the green light to pitch. St. Louis opened with a first inning Carlos Beltran sacrifice fly to drive in Jon Jay. The Cardinals added on in the third inning with a solo home run by Matt Holliday. Colorado tied it in the fourth inning on a two-run home run from Tyler Colvin, also scoring Michael Cuddyer. St. Louis retook the lead in the fifth inning when Beltran grounded into a fielder's choice that got Jay home before Allen Craig hit a two-run home run to finish Beltran's trip around. The Cardinals got another in the sixth inning with a sacrifice fly by Holliday that scored Rafael Furcal. St. Louis kept going in the seventh inning when Lohse reached on an error that gave Yadier Molina time to dash home and a Furcal groundout to knock in David Freese. The Cardinals padded the lead in the eighth inning with another Craig home run, just a solo home run. The Rockies tried to rally back behind a Willin Rosario solo shot in the ninth inning but fell 9-3. Lohse got the win and Tyler Chatwood suffered the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Trevor Cahill are the promising young pitchers. San Diego began with a first inning solo home run by Alexi Amarista. The Padres padded the lead in the sixth inning as Cameron Maybin hit a long solo shot and Amarista doubled in both Everth Cabrera and Will Venable. Arizona got on the board in the bottom of the sixth on a Paul Goldschmidt sacrifice fly to bring in Willie Bloomquist. San Diego answered in the seventh inning with a solo home run by Yasmani Grandal. The Diamondbacks shot right back in their half of the seventh with a Chris Young solo shot. The Padres made it 6-2 in the ninth inning when Yonder Alonso drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Chase Headley, and this produced the final score. Richard picked up a strong win, Joe Thatcher turned a spot save, and Cahill was on the hook for the loss.

Up in Oakland, the Athletics host the Boston Red Sox. Daisuke Matsuzaka and Jarrod Parker will be on the mound. Boston was first on the board with a first inning Dustin Pedroia single to knock in Daniel Nava. Oakland tied it in the bottom of the first as Josh Reddick hit a solo home run. The Athletics added on in the second inning with a three-run home run by Brandon Moss, also scoring Seth Smith and Derek Norris, followed by a Reddick sacrifice fly to drive in Brandon Inge. Oakland padded the lead in the sixth inning as Inge's sacrifice fly scored Norris. This made it 6-1, a final, with Parker getting the win and Matsuzaka was shelled in the loss.

North into Seattle, where the Mariners host the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel and Hisashi Iwakuma will be handed the ball. Seattle struck first in the third inning as Brendan Ryan singled to knock in Chone Figgins. Baltimore answered in the fourth inning on a three-run Chris Davis home run that swept in Jim Thome and Matt Wieters. The Mariners took the lead back in the seventh inning with a 3-RBI Casper "Clutch" Wells double, plating Dustin Ackley, Munenori Kawasaki, and Ichiro. Seattle padded the lead in the eighth inning with a pair of solo home runs form Miguel Olivo and Ackley. This produced the 6-3 final, with Steve Delabar in line for the win, Tom Wilhelmsen making the save, and Hammel taking an unlucky loss.

Finally, we end in Los Angeles with the Dodgers hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and Chad Billingsley will pace the game. Los Angeles quickly got a lead in the first inning with a solo home run by Jerry Hairston, Jr. The Dodgers added on in the second inning on a Luis Cruz sacrifice fly to bring in James Loney. Cincinnati responded in the sixth inning when Todd Frazier singled home Brandon Phillips before scoring alongside Miguel Cairo on a Devin Mesoraco double. The Reds padded their lead in the eighth inning when Frazier tripled to force in Jay Bruce and then came the final 90 feet on a Mesoraco single. Cincinnati rallied to extend the lead in the ninth inning on a Frazier single plating Wilson Valdez, followed by Chris Heisey grounding into a fielder's choice to drive in Drew Stubbs, and a Cairo single to finish Bruce's trip for an 8-2 final. Bailey was given the win and Billingsley was on the hook for the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com as we visit Pittsburgh before gearing up for a homestretch.

Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 13 2012

As we approach the all-star break, here's who turned in a strong week last week.

Batters: Alex Rios, Ryan Zimmerman, Robinson Cano, Michael Morse, Daniel Murphy, Ian Kinsler, Hunter Pence, Ike Davis, Giancarlo Stanton, and Carlos Ruiz.

Pitchers: Mat Latos, Hiroki Kuroda, Travis Wood, Phil Hughes, Carlos Marmol, Felix Hernandez, Rick Porcello, Madison Bumgarner, R.A. Dickey, and Erasmo Ramirez.

MLB Day 91 2012

Back to a normal slate here, beginning in...

Miami, where the Marlins host the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton and Ricky Nolasco are the struggling veteran pitchers. Philadelphia got going in the first inning as Hunter Pence reached on a fielder's choice to get Juan Pierre home. Miami answered in the second inning as Omar Infante doubled home Justin Ruggiano before scoring on a John Buck double. The Marlins added on in the third inning as Giancarlo Stanton hit a solo home run. The Phillies got one back in the sixth inning as Pierre scored on a wild pitch. Miami shot back in the eighth inning with a two-run Hanley Ramirez home run, sweeping in Jose Reyes, good for a 5-2 win. Nolasco picked up the win, Heath Bell turned the save, and Blanton was stuck with the loss.

North to Baltimore, where the Orioles host the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Brian Matusz will try to right the ship. Cleveland opened in the second inning on a solo home run by Shelley Duncan. The Indians added on in the third inning with a solo shot from Aaron Cunningham. Cleveland rallied to extend the lead in the fourth inning on a Duncan double to drive in Jose Lopez, before he scored on a Casey Kotchman double, and Kotchman in turn scored when Lou Marson grounded into a fielder's choice. Baltimore got on the board in the fifth inning as Ryan Flaherty singled home Adam Jones. The Orioles pulled closer in the sixth inning on a Jones double to plate J.J. Hardy. The Indians shot back in the ninth inning as Jason Kipnis singled Asdrubal Cabrera across the dish. This made it a 6-2 final, with Masterson earning the win and Matusz suffering the loss.

Back to the south, with the Atlanta Braves hosting the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Tim Hudson will draw the starts. Washington led off with a first inning Ryan Zimmerman doubled to bring in Steve Lombardozzi and Bryce Harper before scoring on an Adam LaRoche sacrifice fly, and then Rick Ankiel singled, which combined with an error to get Ian Desmond home. Atlanta took one back in the third inning on a Chipper Jones double to knock in Jason Heyward. The National fired back in the fifth inning on a Zimmerman solo home run. Washington padded the lead in the sixth inning as Jhonatan Solano singled Desmond safely home. The Braves chipped back in the bottom of the sixth as Freddie Freeman hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Jones and Dan Uggla. The Nationals got another in the ninth as Zimmerman singled Lombardozzi home, followed by Tyler Moore grounding into a fielder's choice to push Harper home. This made it 8-4, setting Gonzalez up for the win, while the loss went to Hudson.

South further to Tampa Bay, with the Rays hosting the Detroit Tigers. Drew Smyly and Alex Cobb are the young starters. Tampa Bay began with a first inning sacrifice fly by B.J. Upton, scoring Desmond Jennings. Detroit tied it in the fourth inning as Ryan Raburn singled Prince fielder home. The Tigers added on in the fifth inning as Delmon Young and Alex Avila hit sacrifice flies to bring home Quintin Berry and Miguel Cabrera. The Rays answered in their half of the inning on a Hideki Matsui single to knock in Ben Zobrist and a double from Jose Molina to finish Matsui's trip around. Detroit took the lead again in the sixth inning as Austin Jackson singled in Don Kelly and then scored on a Fielder single. This lead stood at 5-3 for the rest of the game, allowing Smyly the win, Jose Valverde turned his fifteenth save of the season, and Cobb was dealt the loss.

North again into New York, where the Yankees host the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Phil Hughes are the reliable starters. Chicago quickly got a first inning lead as Kevin Youkilis singled in Alejandro De Aza before scoring on an Alex Rios single. New York tied it in the second inning with a two-run home run by Eric Chavez, also scoring Raul Ibanez. The Yankees gained the lead in the third inning when Robinson Cano went yard for a two-run blast, sweeping in Mark Teixeira. This held up throughout the rest of the game for a 4-2 win. Hughes earned the win, Rafael Soriano converted the save, and Floyd was stuck with the loss.

Northwest to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Francisco Liriano take their turns in the rotation. Minnesota started in the second inning with a Trevor Plouffe solo home run. Kansas City tied it in the fourth inning as Brayan Pena hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Billy Butler. The Royals rallied ahead in the sixth inning when Jason Bourgeois reached on an error that allowed both Yuniesky Betancourt and Eric Hosmer to dash home safely, followed by a 2-RBI Irving Falu double, sweeping in Pena and Bourgeois. The Twins shot back in their half of the inning with Denard Span sacrificing to get Brian Dozier home, followed by a three-run home run from Josh Willingham, also scoring Jamey Carroll and Joe Mauer, followed by another Plouffe solo shot. Minnesota added on in the seventh inning as Span singled Dozier across the dish. The Twins got more in the eighth inning on a three-run homer from Drew Butera, sweeping home Justin Morneau and Darin Mastroianni. Kansas City attempted a rally in the ninth inning as Pena singled to bring Eric Hosmer home and Falu hit a 2-RBI single that drove in Pena and Salvador Perez, but they still lost 10-8. Jeff Gray was credited with the win, while Chen was on the hook for the loss.

Over in Milwaukee, the Brewers host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Josh Collmenter and Yovani Gallardo will be tabbed for the starts. Milwaukee was first on the board in the fourth inning with a Nyjer Morgan groundout giving time for Norichika Aoki to score. Arizona tied it in the eighth inning on a solo home run by Jason Kubel. The Brewers took a 2-1 lead in the ninth inning when Carlos Gomez used two errors to score the walkoff run. John Axford was in line for the win, while Patrick Corbin was the victim of a bad defensive series in the loss.

South into St. Louis, where the Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard and Jake Westbrook are the surprisingly reliable pitchers. St. Louis established a lead in the second inning on a Yadier Molina solo home run. The Cardinals added on in the third inning with a two-run Allen Craig home run, also scoring Matt Carpenter. Pittsburgh took the lead in the fourth inning as Clint Barmes singled in Neil Walker before scoring on a three-run home run from Michael McKenry, which also scoring Drew Sutton. St. Louis got the lead back in the fifth inning as Matt Holliday doubled in Carpenter before scoring on a Shane Robinson single. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 5-4, with the win going to Westbrook, while Jason Motte converted the save, and Bedard was pinned with the loss.

Back up in Chicago, the Cubs host the Houston Astros. Wandy Rodriguez and Travis Wood will receive the starting nods. For a more detailed recap, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Chicago got going on an Anthony Rizzo single to knock in the pitcher Wood in the sixth inning, followed by a 2-RBI double from Jeff Baker to bring both Starlin Castro and Rizzo home. This was all the Cubs needed to win 3-0, setting Wood up for a dominant win, Carlos Marmol closed out for the save, and Rodriguez had no run support in the loss.

Up in Canada for the third biggest thing going on up north, as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Los Angeles Angels. C.J. Wilson faces a lesser foe in Aaron Laffey. Los Angeles quickly opened in the first inning as Albert Pujols flied out, which combined with an error to bring in Mike Trout. The Angels added on in the fifth inning with a two-run home run by Alberto Callaspo, sweeping in Howie Kendrick. Toronto got going in the sixth inning as Jose Bautista reached on an error that allowed both Omar Vizquel and Brett Lawrie to dart home. The Blue Jays tied it in the seventh inning when J.P. Arencibia hit a solo home run. Los Angeles regained the lead in the eighth inning with a solo shot by Trout, followed by a two-run blast from Mark Trumbo, also scoring Pujols. The Angels padded the lead in the ninth inning with a rally sparked by Torii Hunter hitting a sacrifice fly to knock in Erick Aybar, followed by Pujols singling John Hester home, Peter Bourjos doing the same for Trout, and Kendrys Morales grounding into a fielder's choice to get Pujols home. Toronto tried a rally in the bottom of the ninth as Colby Rasmus drilled a three-run home run to drive in both Rajai Davis and Vizquel, but they still lost 10-6. Jason Isringhausen was in line for the win, while the loss went to Francisco Cordero.

Back stateside, we're in Colorado, where the Rockies host the San Diego Padres. Kip Wells and Drew Pomeranz are the unknown starters. San Diego led off in the third inning as Logan Forsythe reached on an error, allowing Chris Denorfia to dash home. The Padres added on in the seventh inning when Denorfia singled Alexi Amarista across the plate. This stood for a 2-0 win, earned by Wells, while Huston Street picked up the save and Pomeranz was stuck with an unlucky loss.

Farther west, the San Francisco Giants host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Ryan Vogelsong are on the hill. San Francisco started in the third inning when Buster Posey singled to score Ryan Theriot. Cincinnati took the lead in the fifth inning as Todd Frazier hit a two-run home run, also scoring Ryan Ludwick. The Giants retied in the bottom of the fifth as Melky Cabrera singled Theriot home. San Francisco got the lead again in the seventh inning on a Posey single, again scoring Theriot. The Reds tied it in the ninth inning when Miguel Cairo singled to knock in Jay Bruce. The Giants won in the bottom of the ninth with a walkoff Angel Pagan double to plate Posey for the 4-3 win. Santiago Casilla was in position for the win while Jose Arredondo was dinged for the loss.

Up in Seattle, the Mariners host the Boston Red Sox. Felix Doubront and Jason Vargas pace the game. Seattle was first on the board in the third inning on an Ichiro sacrifice fly to knock in Chone Figgins. Boston tied it in the eighth inning as Dustin Pedroia lifted a solo home run. The Red Sox gained the lead in the tenth inning as David Ortiz hit a sacrifice fly to give Ryan Kalish time to score. This was good for a 2-1 win, picked up by Vicente Padilla, while Alfredo Aceves turned the save and Brandon League was on the hook for the loss.

Southeast to Texas, where the Rangers host the Oakland Athletics. Travis Blackley and Yu Darvish take the mound. Texas drew first blood in the third inning as Elvis Andrus singled home Ian Kinsler. Oakland tied it in the fifth inning on a Derek Norris single to bring in Seth Smith. The Athletics took the lead in the sixth inning when Jemile Weeks scored on a wild pitch. Oakland extended the lead in the seventh inning when Brandon Moss hit a solo home run. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 3-1. Blackley earned the win, Ryan Cook converted the save, and Darvish was stuck holding the loss.

Finally, we end in Los Angeles, with the Dodgers welcoming the New York Mets. Dillon Gee and Clayton Kershaw will handle the pitching responsibilities. New York quickly got a lead in the first inning as Scott Hairston singled home Ruben Tejada. Los Angeles tied it in the bottom of the first with a Juan Rivera double to drive in A.J. Ellis. The Mets gained the lead in the third inning as David Wright grounded into a fielder's choice that combined with an error to plate the pitcher Gee, and Wright came home later in the inning when Hairston reached on an error. The Dodgers tied it again in the fifth inning as Dee Gordon reached on an error that allowed Juan Uribe to dart home, followed by an Ellis sacrifice fly to get Tony Gwynn, Jr. home. Los Angeles got a lead in the sixth inning when James Loney's groundout gave Rivera time to score. The Dodgers padded their lead in the seventh inning as Rivera reached on an error to get both Gordon and Ellis home, followed by an Adam Kennedy sacrifice fly to bring in Bobby Abreu, and a Loney double to finish Rivera's trip. This made it 8-3, a final, where Kershaw got the win and Gee took the loss.

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

MLB Day 90 2012

A more than full slate goes today, as the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals do a doubleheader to make up for previous rain. We don't begin there though, instead starting in...

New York, where the Yankees host the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy and Hiroki Kuroda will handle the pitching duties. New York started in the first inning on a Curtis Granderson solo home run. The Yankees added on in the second inning as Dewayne Wise doubled in Nick Swisher. Wise extended the New York lead in the fifth inning with a solo shot of his own. The Yankees got another in the sixth inning on a Robinson Cano solo home run. This made it 4-0, which held up to be the final. Kuroda notched a strong win while Peavy went the distance in the loss.

North into Canada, as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Garrett Richards and Henderson Alvarez are set to start. Toronto got things going in the first inning as Jose Bautista grounded into a double play that got Brett Lawrie home. The Blue Jays rallied to extend the lead in the second inning, beginning on a two-run Yunel Escobar home run, also scoring Kelly Johnson, followed by Lawrie reaching on an error that allowed J.P. Arencibia to dash home, Colby Rasmus doubling in Lawrie, Bautista singling to finish Rasmus' trip, Edwin Encarnacion hitting a single that combined with an error to knock in Bautista, and finally a Johnson triple to force in Encarnacion to complete the seven-run outburst. Los Angeles responded meekly in the third inning as Maicer Izturis doubled Bobby Wilson across the dish. Toronto struck again in the fifth inning with a three-run Lawrie home run, sweeping in Adam Lind and Arencibia. The Angels got one back in the ninth inning on an Andrew Romine singled to bring in John Hester, making the final 11-2. Alvarez got the win and Richards was torched in the loss.

Back stateside, as the first game of the Minnesota Twins hosting the Kansas City Royals gets going. Jonathan Sanchez and Scott Diamond are the young arms pitching. Minnesota opened in the third inning as Trevor Plouffe doubled home Joe Mauer and Ryan Doumit hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Josh Willingham. The Twins extended the lead in the fifth inning when Brian Dozier singled Doumit home, followed by Alexi Casilla doubling both Darin Mastroianni and Dozier home before scoring on a Denard Span single. Kansas City got on the board in the sixth inning when Yuniesky Betancourt grounded out to allow safe passage home for Jason Bourgeois. The Royals got another when Betancourt singled Bourgeois home in the eighth inning. Minnesota responded with a Plouffe solo home run. This made the final 7-2, with Diamond picking up the win and Sanchez suffering the loss.

In game two, the pitchers are Luke Hochevar and Cole De Vries. Minnesota quickly got going in the first inning with a two-run Josh Willingham home run, also scoring Joe Mauer. Kansas City got on the board in the second inning with a solo home run by Billy Butler. The Twins replied in the bottom of the second as Chris Parmelee hit a solo shot. Minnesota struck again in the third inning as Mauer hit a solo home run. The Twins padded the lead in the sixth inning as Darin Mastroianni singled Trevor Plouffe across the dish. This ended the scoring at 5-1, setting De Vries up for the win and Hochevar was stuck holding the loss.

Down to St. Louis, as the Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jeff Karstens and Lance Lynn are the streaky pitchers. Pittsburgh opened in grand fashion as Pedro Alvarez hit a grand slam, sweeping in Andrew McCutchen, Garrett Jones, and Neil Walker. St. Louis got some back in the third inning with a Jon Jay fielder's choice allowing Tony Cruz to score, and then Jay came home on a Matt Holliday single. The Pirates got another in the fifth inning on a Walker doubled to drive in Jose Tabata and a Clint Barmes fielder's choice that got Jones home. The Cardinals got one back in the eighth inning as Carlos Beltran doubled Jay across the plate. Pittsburgh iced it at 7-3 with a ninth inning fielder's choice by Drew Sutton to bring in Alex Presley. Karstens picked up the win, Jared Hughes turned a spot save, and Lynn was stuck with the loss.

Southeast to Atlanta, where the Braves host the Washington Nationals. Stephen Strasburg and Mike Minor show alliteration in the pitching match. Washington was first on the board with a first inning Ryan Zimmerman groundout to score Danny Espinosa. The Nationals added on in the second inning with Strasburg singling in Adam LaRoche. Atlanta stormed ahead in the third inning with Jason Heyward doubling in Michael Bourn, followed by Freddie Freeman's sacrifice fly to knock in Martin Prado, and a double from Dan Uggla to finish Heyward's trip. The Braves struck again in the fourth inning as Juan Francisco doubled to knock in Andrelton Simmons before scoring on a double by Bourn, and Bourn scored on a Prado sacrifice fly. Atlanta got another in the fifth inning when Simmons singled to score Freeman. Washington shot back in the sixth inning with singles by Tyler Moore and Jesus Flores plating LaRoche and Ian Desmond, respectively. The Nationals got another in the seventh inning on a LaRoche double to drive in Michael Morse. This made it 7-5, which was all for the scoring, allowing Minor the win, Craig Kimbrel the save, and Strasburg took the loss in an outing abbreviated by heat.

North to Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Cleveland Indians. Josh Tomlin and Dana Eveland will be tabbed to start. Cleveland began with a first inning Jose Lopez single to bring home Shin-Soo Choo. The Indians struck again in the second inning on a Choo solo home run. Baltimore got on the board in the third inning with a Brian Roberts sacrifice fly knocking in Mark Reynolds. Cleveland rallied to extend the lead in the fourth inning on an Asdrubal Cabrera single to plate Lou Marson, a Jason Kipnis groundout scoring Choo, and Cabrera scored on a single by Lopez. The Orioles got all of those back in their half of the inning with a three-run home run by Chris Davis, sweeping in Adam Jones and Wilson Betemit. The Indians were back at work in the fifth inning when Choo singled Marson across the dish, followed by Cabrera doubling home Choo and then scoring on a Lopez single. Cleveland padded the lead in the sixth inning with a solo shot by Shelley Duncan and a Choo single to drive in Marson. Baltimore replied in their half of the sixth with Matt Wieters grounding into a fielder's choice to get Betemit home. The Indians made it 11-5 in the ninth inning on a Lopez single, scoring Marson. Tomlin got the win while Eveland was shelled in the loss.

Back west, the Chicago Cubs host the Houston Astros. J.A. Happ and Matt Garza are the veteran pitchers. Houston struck first as Jordan Schafer singled to knock in J.D. Martinez in the third inning. The Astros added on in the fourth inning with Martinez singling to bring in Chris Johnson. Chicago charged ahead in the fifth inning when Starlin Castro singled to drive in Luis Valbuena before scoring on a two-run Anthony Rizzo home run. This held up for a 3-2 win, earned by Garza, while Carlos Marmol turned the save and Happ was stuck with the loss.

Out to California, where the San Francisco Giants host the Cincinnati Reds. Mat Latos and Barry Zito will try to right the ship today. Cincinnati began with a bases-loaded walk drawn by Ryan Hanigan to force in Brandon Phillips in the fourth inning. The Reds struck again in the seventh inning with a Miguel Cairo single to plate Zack Cozart. San Francisco tried a ninth inning rally when Gregor Blanco grounded out to knock in Brandon Belt, but they couldn't get the equalizer, falling 2-1. Latos went the distance for the win, allowing just two hits, while Zito was dinged for the loss.

Across the country to the east, the Miami Marlins host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels and Mark Buehrle pace the game. Miami led off with a first inning Giancarlo Stanton solo home run. Philadelphia tied it in the second inning on a Shane Victorino sacrifice fly to bring home Carlos Ruiz. The Marlins took the lead back in the third inning as Stanton singled in Jose Reyes. Miami got another in the fifth inning with a sacrifice fly by Justin Ruggiano to bring in Reyes. The Phillies got one back in the seventh inning on a Hunter Pence solo shot. They couldn't tie the game, losing 3-2. Buehrle got the win, Heath Bell tossed the save, and Hamels was stuck with a hard-luck loss.

Out west again, the Colorado Rockies host the San Diego Padres. Edinson Volquez faces Christian Friedrich atop the hill. San Diego finally opened in the fourth inning with a solo home run by Yasmani Grandal. Colorado answered in the fifth inning with a Willin Rosario solo shot followed by Dexter Fowler using a bunt single and subsequent error to drive in Eric Young. The Padres struck back in the sixth inning with a two-run Grandal home run, also scoring Carlos Quentin. San Diego got another solo home run in the seventh inning from Alexi Amarista. The Padres extended the lead in the eighth inning on a Cameron Maybin single to plate Chase Headley, before he came home alongside Yonder Alonso as Amarista went yard again for a three-run blast. The Rockies replied in their half of the inning with Jordan Pacheco singling in Carlos Gonzalez and Chris Nelson doubling Michael Cuddyer safely home. They still fell short by an 8-4 score, setting Volquez up for the win and Jeremy Guthrie was on the hook for the loss.

Southeast to Arlington, with the Texas Rangers welcoming the Oakland Athletics. Tommy Milone and Martin Perez are the relatively unknown pitchers. Oakland started with a second inning Chris Carter solo home run. Texas answered with an Adrian Beltre solo shot in the bottom of the second. The Athletics replied in the fourth inning when Brandon Inge singled home Carter. The Rangers gained the lead in the fifth inning as Ian Kinsler singled in both Mike Napoli and Yorvit Torrealba, before coming home on a three-run Josh Hamilton home run that also plated Elvis Andrus. Texas added on in the seventh inning as Hamilton singled to knock in Craig Gentry. This ended the scoring at a 7-2 final. Perez notched the win, while Milone had an unlucky loss.

Back to the east, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Detroit Tigers. Rick Porcello and Jeremy Hellickson picked up the starts. Detroit got things going in the third inning as Prince Fielder grounded out to bring in Austin Jackson. The Tigers added on in the eighth inning with a three-run home run by Jackson, sweeping in Brennan Boesch and Ramon Santiago. Tampa Bay got some back in the bottom of the eighth with solo home runs by Jeff Keppinger and Carlos Pena. Detroit extended their lead in the ninth inning as Jhonny Peralta singled to score both Fielder and Delmon Young. This made it 6-2, a final, with Porcello notching the win and Hellickson's abbreviated start resulting in a loss.

North to Milwaukee, where the Brewers host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Michael Fiers are the almost-unknown pitchers. For a detailed recap, go to ultimatebasballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. The Brewers led off in the second inning as Corey Hart scored on a wild pitch. Milwaukee struck again with a third inning solo home run by Ryan Braun. The Brewers padded the lead in the fourth inning as Cody Ransom hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Hart and Rickie Weeks, followed by Carlos Gomez tripling in Martin Maldonado, and then Gomez scored on a two-run Braun home run. Milwaukee got another in the fifth inning as Ransom singled to score Weeks. The Brewers got another run in the sixth inning on a Gomez solo shot. Arizona found the scoreboard in the eighth inning as Gerardo Parra grounded into a fielder's choice to drive in Stephen Drew. The Diamondbacks tried a ninth inning rally when Miguel Montero hit a solo home run, but they fell short, losing 10-2. Fiers got the win, while Miley got knocked around in the loss.

Way southwest, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the New York Mets. Johan Santana opposes a lesser foe in Nathan Eovaldi. New York got on the board in the second inning with a Daniel Murphy sacrifice fly, driving in Ike Davis. The Mets struck again in the fifth inning on a Josh Thole sacrifice fly to knock in Murphy. New York made it 5-0 in the eighth inning as Davis hit a three-run home run, also scoring Andres Torres and David Wright. This was a final, where Santana got the win and Eovaldi had no help in the loss.

Finally, we end in Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Boston Red Sox. Josh Beckett returns from the disabled list to pace the game with Erasmo Ramirez. Seattle began in the sixth inning when John Jaso doubled in both Ichiro and Casper Wells. Boston got on the board in the seventh inning with a Ryan Kalish fielder's choice to bring in Adrian Gonzalez, and Will Middlebrooks tied it by scoring on a passed ball. The Mariners won it in walkoff fashion in the eleventh inning as Chone Figgins hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Dustin Ackley for a 3-2 win. Shawn Kelley notched the win and Alfredo Aceves was charged with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime as we hit Milwaukee.

MLB Day 89 2012

Full slate again with one matinee, where we start as...

The Chicago Cubs host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Paul Maholm are the underwhelming starters. Chicago began in the second inning on a solo home run by Luis Valbuena. The Cubs added on in the fourth inning when Steve Clevenger hit a two-run home run, also scoring Bryan LaHair. Chicago made it 4-0 in the sixth inning with a solo shot by Alfonso Soriano. This was all for the scoring, with Maholm notching the win, Carlos Marmol picking up the save, and Norris was handed the loss.

East to Baltimore, where the Orioles host the Cleveland Indians. Derek Lowe and Jake Arrieta are the beleaguered pitchers. For a thorough recap, go to ultimatebasballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Cleveland led off in the first inning when Michael Brantley singled in Shin-Soo Choo. Baltimore answered in their half of the inning when J.J. Hardy reached on an error to get Brian Roberts home before scoring on a Wilson Betemit double, followed by Chris Davis grounding out to bring in Adam Jones. The Indians got one back in the third inning as Asdrubal Cabrera hit a solo home run. Cleveland pulled ahead in the fourth inning as Choo drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Casey Kotchman before Jason Kipnis singled in both Lonnie Chisenhall and Lou Marson. The Orioles replied in the fifth inning when Xavier Avery grounded out to knock in Robert Andino. Baltimore took the lead in the sixth inning on a three-run home run from Matt Wieters, sweeping in Betemit and Davis. The Indians pulled back in the seventh inning as Shelley Duncan doubled to drive in Kotchman, before Duncan scored on a double play from Marson. The Orioles got the lead back in the bottom of the seventh when Ryan Flaherty singled Davis in. Baltimore got another in the eighth as Avery hit a solo shot. Cleveland attempted a ninth inning rally when Choo singled Duncan in, but they still lost 9-8. Matt Lindstrom was in line for the win, Jim Johnson got the save, and Joe Smith suffered the loss.

To New York, as the Yankees host the Chicago White Sox. Jose Quintana and Adam Warren are the unknown starters. New York was first to score as Curtis Granderson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Derek Jeter, followed by Andruw Jones doubling to plate Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher. Chicago went to work in the second inning on a A.J. Pierzynski solo home run, followed by Gordon Beckham doubling to score both Dayan Viciedo and Alexei Ramirez before coming home on a Kevin Youkilis groundout. The White Sox struck again in the third inning as Paul Konerko hit a solo shot and Pierzynski singled home Alex Rios. The Yankees pulled back in the fourth inning with a 2-RBI Jayson Nix double, plating Swisher and Jones. Chicago got another in the fifth inning on another Pierzynski solo home run. The White Sox padded the lead in the sixth inning when Rios singled home Adam Dunn. Chicago extended the lead with a two-run home run by Ramirez in the seventh inning, driving in Viciedo. New York got one back in the bottom of the seventh when Robinson Cano grounded into a fielder's choice to get Mark Teixeira home. The White Sox got at it again in the ninth inning when Ramirez doubled Viciedo across the dish before coming home alongside Beckham on a double from Alejandro De Aza, and De Aza scored on a Dunn single. This made it 14-7, a final, with the win going to Quintana and the loss to David Phelps.

Up in Toronto, the Blue Jays host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Carlos Villanueva will be called on to pitch. Los Angeles struck first with a third inning Torii Hunter single to knock in John Hester. The Angels padded the lead in the fourth inning on an Erick Aybar sacrifice fly to bring in Toronto rallied ahead in the bottom of the fourth when Edwin Encarnacion singled home Jose Bautista before scoring on a Yunel Escobar single, followed by a three-run long ball from Adam Lind to sweep in Escobar and Rajai Davis. Los Angeles got one back in the fifth inning as Albert Pujols doubled to score Hunter. The Angels tied it with a two-run home run from Hester in the seventh inning, also scoring Aybar. The Blue Jays got the lead back with an Escobar ground rule double in the bottom of the seventh, forcing home Encarnacion. Toronto got another in the eighth inning when Lind hit a solo home run. This was good for a 7-5 win, with the win going to Francisco Cordero, the save to Casey Janssen, and the loss to Jordan Walden.

Back stateside, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander and David Price pace the game. Tampa Bay opened in the first inning when Luke Scott grounded out to bring in Carlos Pena. The Rays added on in the third inning with a Desmond Jennings solo home run. Tampa Bay got another in the fourth inning with a Ben Zobrist solo shot. Detroit got on the board in the fifth inning with a Delmon Young solo home run. The Rays shot back in their half of the inning when Jennings hit another solo shot. The Tigers answered on a seventh inning Prince Fielder groundout to knock in Ramon Santiago. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 4-2. Price picked up the win, Fernando Rodney turned the save, and Verlander was on the hook for the loss.

South still to Miami, where the Marlins host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee and Josh Johnson take the mound. Miami began in the first inning with Logan Morrison grounding out to bring in Jose Reyes. The Marlins added on in the third inning as Giancarlo Stanton singled home Hanley Ramirez before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Omar Infante. Philadelphia shot back in the fourth inning as Hunter Pence hit a solo home run. Miami answered in the fifth inning as Justin Ruggiano doubled home both Stanton and Morrison before crossing the dish as John Buck singled. The Phillies got another in the ninth inning when Pence singled to drive in Chase Utley, but this only made it 6-2. Johnson took the win, and Lee was left with the loss.

North a tad to Atlanta, as the Braves host the Washington Nationals. Ross Detwiler and Randall Delgado will be sent to pitch. Washington started with a second inning Detwiler single to bring home Michael Morse. The Nationals added on in the third inning when Ian Desmond singled home both Adam LaRoche and Morse. Washington struck again in the fourth inning as Jesus Flores hit a solo home run. Atlanta found the scoreboard in the seventh inning when Martin Prado singled to score Freddie Freeman and a Michael Bourn sacrifice fly allowing Jack Wilson to come home, before Andrelton Simmons tied it with a two-run home run to finish Prado's trip around. The Nationals took the lead back in the eighth inning with a Morse solo shot. This made the final 5-4, with Sean Burnett earning the win, Tyler Clippard grabbing the save, and Chad Durbin took the loss.

Westward to Texas, where the Rangers host the Oakland Athletics. A.J. Griffin is mismatched with Matt Harrison. Oakland got going in the fourth inning when Yoenis Cespedes singled home Jemile Weeks. The Athletics added on in the fifth inning with a Coco crisp single to plate Chris Carter. Texas got on the board in the eighth inning with a bases-loaded walk by Nelson Cruz forcing in Elvis Andrus, followed by a bases-clearing triple from Craig Gentry to sweep in all of Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, and Cruz. Oakland tried a rally in the ninth inning as Carter hit a solo home run, but they fell 4-3. Harrison notched the win, Tanner Scheppers got a spot save, and Grant Balfour was on the hook for the loss.

Northwest to Colorado, where the Rockies host the San Diego Padres. Jason Marquis and Jeff Francis try to right the ship while pitching. Colorado led off with a first inning Carlos Gonzalez groundout allowing Marco Scutaro to score. The Rockies struck again in the third inning as Scutaro singled home Willin Rosario. Colorado rallied to extend the lead in the sixth inning with Gonzalez tripling Dexter Fowler in and then scoring on an error himself, followed by Tyler Colvin tripling to force in Michael Cuddyer and then coming the final 90 feet as Chris Nelson reached on an error. San Diego got on the board in the seventh inning with a Carlos Quentin solo home run. The Padres got another in the eighth as Will Venable singled home Alexi Amarista. The Rockies padded the lead in the bottom of the eighth on a two-run Cuddyer home run, also scoring Gonzalez, followed by another two-run bomb from Rosario, plating Nelson. The final stuck at 10-2, allowing Francis the win and handing Marquis the loss.

Back northeast a bit, the Minnesota Twins host the Kansas City Royals. Luis Mendoza and Brian Duensing are the little-known starters. Kansas City started with a first inning Billy Butler single to drive in Alex Gordon. The Royals added on in the second inning as Salvador Perez hit a solo home run. Minnesota got on the board in the bottom of the second when Ryan Doumit singled to plate Trevor Plouffe. Kansas City struck back in the fifth inning on a Yuniesky Betancourt double, allowing Alcides Escobar to dart home. The Royals got another in the seventh inning when Eric Hosmer singled Betancourt across the fish. The Twins tried a ninth inning rally with Joe Mauer doubling in Denard Span and Josh Willingham grounding out to get Ben Revere home, but they only made it 4-3 before losing. Mendoza got the win, Jonathan Broxton tossed an ugly save for his twentieth of the season, and Duensing was not freed from the loss.

Over east in Milwaukee, the Brewers host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Randy Wolf are the veterans pitching. Milwaukee was the first to score in the first inning with Aramis Ramirez grounding out to bring in Norichika Aoki. Arizona tied it in the second inning when Hector Blanco hit a ground rule double to force in Paul Goldschmidt. The Diamondbacks rallied ahead in the third inning as Justin Upton singled in Willie Bloomquist, followed by Jason Kubel doing the same for Aaron Hill, and a three-run Goldschmidt home run finished Upton's and Kubel's trips. Arizona padded the lead in the fourth as Hill picked up his third piece to the cycle puzzle by hitting a two-run home run, sweeping in Bloomquist. He had a double in the first and a single in the third. The Diamondbacks struck again when Hill finished the cycle with a sixth inning triple to knock in Bloomquist. The Brewers got a couple back in the bottom of the sixth as Cesar Izturis doubled to score both Corey Hart and Rickie Weeks. This was as close as it got, with the final standing at 9-3. Kennedy got the win and Wolf was on the hook for the loss. As a side note, Hill became the first player since 1931 to hit for a cycle twice in the same season, when Babe Herman did it for the then-Brooklyn Dodgers.

South to St. Louis, where the Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and Adam Wainwright are the well-known pitchers. Pittsburgh opened in the first inning as Neil Walker singled in Jose Tabata and Andrew McCutchen. St. Louis shot back in the second inning when David Freese grounded out to get Allen Craig home. The Cardinals rallied ahead in the third inning as Carlos Beltran singled to score Rafael Furcal before coming home alongside Jon Jay on a three-run home run from Craig. The Pirates tied it in the fifth inning on a 3-RBI double from Pedro Alvarez, driving in McCutchen, Garrett Jones, and Walker. Pittsburgh took the lead in the sixth inning with solo shots from Clint Barmes and Alex Presley, followed by a two-run long ball by Jones, also scoring McCutchen. The Pirates added on in the eighth inning as Casey McGehee singled Brad Lincoln across the dish, followed by a bases-loaded walk drawn by Alvarez to force in Tabata. Pittsburgh iced it at 14-5 when McCutchen went yard for a three-run home run in the ninth inning, taking with him Presley and Tabata. Correia had plenty of support for the win while Wainwright was shelled in the loss.

Out west to Los Angeles, as the Dodgers host the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and Aaron Harang receive the starting nods. New York started off in the third inning when David Wright singled in Andres Torres and Ike Davis hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Ruben Tejada. The Mets added on in the fifth inning as Lucas Duda singled in Tejada before scoring alongside Wright on a Daniel Murphy double. New York got some more in the seventh inning with a three-run Murphy home run, sweeping in Davis and Duda, followed by Tejada singling home Josh Thole. This made it 9-0, with Dickey getting a dominant win and Harang taking an ugly loss.

Up into Seattle, where the Mariners host the Boston Red Sox. Aaron Cook and Hector Noesi will be pitching. Boston got going in the fifth inning with solo shots by Will Middlebrooks, Cody Ross, and Daniel Nava. The Red Sox got some more in the sixth inning on a two-run home run from Jarrod Saltalamacchia, also scoring David Ortiz. This made it 5-0, which was preserved to be a final, with Cook pitching a two-hit complete game shutout for the win and Noesi having no support in the loss.

Finally, down in San Francisco, the Giants host the Cincinnati Reds. Mike Leake and Matt Cain will be handed the ball. Cincinnati quickly grabbed a first inning lead with a lead off solo home run by Zack Cozart and a 2-RBI Jay Bruce double to knock in Drew Stubbs and Joey Votto. The Reds got another in the sixth when the pitcher Leake hit a solo shot. Cincinnati padded the lead in the seventh inning as Bruce doubled to drive in Brandon Phillips. San Francisco avoided the shutout in the ninth inning as Pablo Sandoval hit a solo home, producing the 5-1 final. Leake went the distance for the win, while Cain had a few struggles in the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytreip.blogspot.com for the adventure of a lifetime, passing through a storm-ravaged Baltimore area.