Last day of games before the All-Star Break. I will recap the All-Star Game on Tuesday, but other than that, it's four days off for me. Also, while the Ultimate Baseball "Fantasy" Trip has come to a close, the post-trip stuff is only beginning. Check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for Q&A, reflections, and a big surprise. To the current games, we head to...
Cleveland, where the Indians host the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields and Zach McAllister receive the starting nods. Cleveland got going in the second inning on a Casey Kotchman single bringing in Travis Hafner. The Indians struck again in the third inning when Johnny Damon scored on an error by Shields and Hafner reached on an error by Jeff Keppinger to get Jason Kipnis home. Cleveland padded the lead in the fourth inning with a solo home run by Kotchman. Kotchman helped the Indians more in the fifth inning, singling home Kipnis. Tampa Bay got one the board in the sixth inning with a Luke Scott double scoring both Carlos Pena and Ben Zobrist before finishing his trip on a Desmond Jennings double that also knocked in Keppinger. Cleveland extended the lead in the eighth inning with a solo shot from Shin-Soo Choo. The Rays fired back in the ninth inning with Will Rhymes hitting a solo home run, Pena tripling to force in Elliot Johnson, and Zobrist singling Pena the final 90 feet home to give his team a lead. This proved just good enough for a 7-6 win, with the win going to Joel Peralta, the save turned by Fernando Rodney in a jam as his twenty-fifth of the season, and the ugly loss went to Chris Perez.
North into Detroit, as the Tigers host the Kansas City Royals. Everett Teaford and Max Scherzer were given the ball. Detroit started in the second inning on a Jhonny Peralta two-run home run, also scoring Brennan Boesch. Kansas City answered in the third inning with a Salvador Perez solo home run. The Tigers replied in the fourth inning on a Delmon Young solo shot. Detroit extended the lead in the fifth inning with a three-run home run by Prince Fielder, sweeping in Austin Jackson and Quintin Berry. The Tigers padded the lead in the eighth inning on a Peralta double to knock in Young, producing a 7-1 final score. Scherzer took the win and Teaford was given the loss.
Back east, the New York Mets host the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster returned from the disabled list against Jonathon Niese. Chicago rallied to a lead in the first inning when Alfonos Soriano singled home Reed Johnson, followed by Jeff Baker doubling in Starlin Castro, and Geovany Soto hitting a 2-RBI single to plate both Soriano and Baker. The Cubs added on in the seventh inning as Castro hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Luis Valbuena and Johnson. This made it 7-0, a final, with Dempster picking up the win and Niese suffering the loss.
Over in Philadelphia, the Phillies host the Atlanta Braves. Jair Jurrjens and Vance Worley are the underrated pitchers. Philadelphia was first to score in the second inning on a two-run home run by Jason Pridie, also scoring Carlos Ruiz. Atlanta answered in the fourth inning with a two-run Dan Uggla home run, sweeping in Freddie Freeman. The Phillies took the lead back in the bottom of the fourth as Pridie doubled in Hunter Pence. The Braves shot back to tie in the fifth inning as Freeman singled to score Martin Prado. Atlanta took the lead in the seventh inning on a Brian McCann solo home run. This was it for the scoring, giving the Braves a 4-3 win on the arm of Jurrjens, while Craig Kimbrel converted his twenty-fifth save of the season and Raul Valdes was handed the loss.
Across Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Pirates welcome the San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum and A.J. Burnett are on the mound. Pittsburgh quickly took a first inning lead on an Andrew McCutchen two-run home run, also scoring Neil Walker. The Pirates got another in the third inning on a Walker solo home run. Pittsburgh extended the lead in the fourth inning as the pitcher Burnett singled in Casey McGehee, followed by Drew Sutton hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Rod Barajas, and Walker singled to plate Clint Barmes. The Pirates continued in the fifth inning when Barmes singled Garrett Jones safely home. Pittsburgh padded the lead in the sixth inning with McGehee's 2-RBI single to knock in Walker and McCutchen, followed by Pedro Alvarez reaching on an error that finished pinch-runner Gorkys Hernandez's trip around. San Francisco found the scoreboard in the seventh inning on a two-run Pablo Sandoval home run, sweeping in Buster Posey. The Pirates shot back in their half of the inning as McCutchen went yard again with another two-run home run, and he took Walker with him. Pittsburgh got one more in the eighth inning as reliever Brad Lincoln singled Alvarez across the dish, producing the 13-2 final. Burnett earned an easy win while Lincecum was shelled in the loss.
Back into Washington, as the Nationals host the Colorado Rockies. Jeremy Guthrie will face Jordan Zimmermann in pitching. Colorado led off with a second inning Wil Nieves sacrifice fly to bring in Tyler Colvin. Washington answered in the fourth inning on a two-run home run by Ian Desmond, sweeping in Adam LaRoche. The Nationals extended the lead in the seventh inning as Steve Lombardozzi singled to score Roger Bernadina. The Rockies retied it in the eighth inning with an Eric Young solo home run and Dexter Fowler scoring on a wild pitch. Colorado would take the lead in the ninth inning in a similar fashion, as Jordan Pacheco dashed safely home on a wild pitch for a 4-3 lead, and later, win. Rex Brothers was in line for the win, Rafael Betancourt turned the save, and Tyler Clippard's errant throw was on the hook for the loss.
Down into Houston, where the Astros host the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke gets another go at it on the mound against Jordan Lyles. Houston rallied to an early first inning lead as Jose Altuve doubled in Jordan Schafer, J.D. Martinez singled to knock in Altuve, and Martinez scored when Chris Snyder drew a bases-loaded walk. Milwaukee got one back in the second inning with a Rickie Weeks solo home run. The Brewers got another in the sixth inning as Aramis Ramirez singled to drive in Ryan Braun. Milwaukee tied it in the eighth inning on a Braun single to plate Norichika Aoki. The Brewers rallied ahead in the tenth inning as Corey Hart singled home Nyjer Morgan and Weeks did the same for Braun. This made it 5-3, a final, with Manny Parra picking up the win, John Axford getting his fifteenth save of the year, and Fernando Rodriguez suffered the loss.
Back north into Chicago, as the White Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays. Brett Cecil and Dylan Axelrod are the struggling starters. Toronto opened with a pair of two-run home runs in the first inning, as Colby Rasmus went yard and took Rajai Davis with him before Edwin Encarnacion did the same for Jose Bautista. Chicago pulled back in their half of the inning on a three-run home run from Alex Rios, sweeping in Alejandro De Aza and Kevin Youkilis. The Blue Jays shot back with a second inning Rasmus double to drive in Omar Vizquel. Toronto added on in the third inning with a two-run homer by Kelly Johnson, also scoring Yunel Escobar. The Blue Jays padded the lead in the fourth inning on a Jeff Mathis solo home run. The White Sox rallied in the fifth inning when Adam Dunn grounded into a fielder's choice to get De Aza home, Rios doubled to finish Dunn's trip, and Alexei Ramirez forced in both Paul Konerko and Rios with a triple. Toronto shot back in the sixth inning as Rasmus walked and Davis scored on a wild pitch, followed by Bautista doubling Rasmus across the dish, and Adam Lind following suit for Bautista. Chicago pulled back in the bottom of the sixth as Youkilis doubled De Aza safely home. The White Sox got another in the seventh inning on a Dayan Viciedo sacrifice fly to give Rios time to dash home. This was as close as they got, losing 11-9. Jesse Chavez was the recipient of the win, while Casey Janssen turned the save and Axelrod was not freed from the loss.
South into St. Louis, where the Cardinals host the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez opposes a lesser foe in Joe Kelly. Miami led off with a first inning Logan Morrison strikeout that combined with an error to score Hanley Ramirez. St. Louis tied it in the second inning on a Skip Schumaker single to knock in Allen Craig. The Cardinals took the lead in the fifth inning when Rafael Furcal singled home Tony Cruz. The Marlins took the lead back in the seventh inning on a three-run home run by Austin Kearns, sweeping in Omar Infante and John Buck. St. Louis tried a ninth inning rally as Cruz hit a sacrifice fly to allow Craig to come home, followed by a 2-RBI Furcal single for a 5-4 win when Matt Carpenter and David Freese crossed the dish. Mitchell Boggs was in line for the win and Heath Bell was stuck with another loss.
Out west, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Brad Mills are the little-known pitchers. Los Angeles began in the second inning with an Erick Aybar solo home run. The Angels added on in the third inning with a solo shot from Mike Trout, followed by Albert Pujols hitting a two-run blast, sweeping in Torii Hunter. Los Angeles padded the lead in the fourth inning when Maicer Izturis singled to score Aybar. The Angels struck again in the fifth inning with a Mark Trumbo solo home run. This was all the scoring we'd see, with Mills earning the win and Chen getting no run support in the loss, a 6-0 final.
Further north, the Oakland Athletics host the Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez and Bartolo Colon again face each other on the hill. For a detailed recap, visit ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the final Game of the Day. Oakland started in the first inning as Yoenis Cespedes singled home Coco Crisp. Seattle tied it in the sixth inning when Michael Saunders singled to score Dustin Ackley. The Athletics took the game in the thirteenth inning by a 2-1 score on a Josh Reddick double to knock in Jemile Weeks. Jordan Norberto was in line for the win while Oliver Perez was handed the loss.
Down to San Diego, where the Padres welcome the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Jason Marquis will be pitching. Cincinnati opened in the fourth inning on a two-run Jay Bruce home run, also scoring Brandon Phillips, followed by a Ryan Ludwick solo home run. San Diego got one back in the fifth inning on a Chris Denorfia fielder's choice allowing Cameron Maybin to dash home. The Padres pulled closer in the sixth inning when Mark Kotsay drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Yasmani Grandal. The Reds re-extended their lead in the seventh inning on a single from Phillips to drive in Zack Cozart. This was good for a 4-2 win. Cueto earned the win, Aroldis Chapman turned the save, and Marquis was dealt the loss.
Backtracking east a bit to Arizona, where the Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano and Trevor Bauer pace the game. Arizona quickly got going in the first inning as Justin Upton tripled to force in Willie Bloomquist before being knocked in by a Paul Goldschmidt ground rule double. The Diamondbacks added on when Goldschmidt put one over the fence on the fly this time for a three-run home run, sweeping in Upton and Jason Kubel. Arizona padded the lead in the seventh inning on a 2-RBI Miguel Montero single, driving in Aaron Hill and Upton. Los Angeles avoided the shutout in the ninth inning on a Juan Uribe sacrifice fly to bring in Bobby Abreu, making the final 7-1. Bauer was given the win, Patrick Corbin pitched a three-inning save, and Capuano suffered the loss.
Further east, the Texas Rangers host the Minnesota Twins. Cole De Vries and Roy Oswalt will try and fix their seasons by pitching tonight. Minnesota finally opened the scoring in the sixth inning on a Justin Morneau single to plate Joe Mauer. The Twins added on in the ninth inning on a Brian Dozier sacrifice giving Ryan Doumit time to come home, followed by a Denard Span sacrifice fly plating Trevor Plouffe. Texas got on the board in the bottom of the ninth with an Elvis Andrus groundout to bring in Ian Kinsler, before tying it with a 2-RBI Michael Young single to get both Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz across the dish. The Rangers finished the comeback in the thirteenth inning on a Kinsler single to knock in David Murphy for a 4-3 win. Scott Feldman was in line for the win while Alex Burnett was on the hook for the loss.
Northeast to our finishing point of the unofficial first half of baseball, as the Boston Red Sox host the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Jon Lester are the reliable pitchers. New York started in the first inning on a Mark Teixeira double to plate Derek Jeter and a Nick Swisher fielder's choice that brought in Curtis Granderson. Boston got one back in the bottom of the first with Cody Ross reaching on an error that allowed Pedro Ciriaco to dash home. The Yankees replied in the second inning on a Chris Stewart sacrifice fly to score Jayson Nix. The Red Sox answered again in the third inning when David Ortiz doubled in Ciriaco. New York shot back in the fifth inning on an Alex Rodriguez triple to force in Teixeira, followed by Andruw Jones singling to finish Rodriguez's trip around. The Yankees padded the lead in the seventh inning as Jones hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Swisher. Boston took one back in the eighth inning on a Mike Aviles double to drive in Jarrod Saltalamacchia. This was as close as it got, leaving the final at 7-3, with Nova getting the win and Lester taking the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip (soon reverting back to @KipperScorpion) and check out the ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com page for the end of the adventure of a lifetime, and some post-travel nuggets of information.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
MLB Day 97 2012
Full slate plus one, as our pair of teams play a pair of games to open the post. The doubleheader comes from...
Boston, with the Red Sox hosting the New York Yankees. Freddy Garcia and Franklin Morales are called on for the morning game starts. New York wasted no time in getting the lead in the first inning with a three-run home run from Nick Swisher, sweeping in Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano, followed by a solo home run by Andruw Jones. The Yankees added on in the fourth inning with solo shots from Jones and Jayson Nix. Boston got one back in their half of the inning on a Mauro Gomez single to get David Ortiz home. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 6-1. Garcia got the win and Morales was blitzed in the loss.
In game two, the pitchers are Phil Hughes and Felix Doubront. New York struck first with a Mark Teixeira three-run home run in the first inning, sweeping in Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson. Boston got one back in the third inning on a Daniel Nava double play allowing Mauro Gomez to get home. The Red Sox got another in the fifth inning as Nick Punto hit a sacrifice fly to plate Pedro Ciriaco. Ciriaco helped Boston take the lead in the sixth inning with a 3-RBI double to plate all of Adrian Gonzalez, Cody Ross, and Gomez. The Yankees got one back in the seventh inning on an Andruw Jones solo home run. The Red Sox re-extended the lead in the bottom of the seventh with Ryan Sweeney tripling to force in Gonzalez before coming the final 90 feet on a Gomez double, and Mike Aviles scored when Ciriaco reached on an error, and Ciriaco used another error to cross the plate later. New York got one back in the ninth inning as Eric Chavez hit a solo shot, but they still ended up losing 9-5. Doubront came out with the win and Hughes was pinned with the loss.
Down into Houston, as the Astros host the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke and Wandy Rodriguez and the staff aces pitching. Houston began with a first inning Jose Altuve single to bring in Jordan Schafer. The Astros rallied to added on in the third inning as Scott Moore hit a solo home run, followed by Jed Lowrie doubling to score J.D. Martinez and Lowrie finishing his trip on a Jason Castro sacrifice fly. Houston got another in the fourth inning when Schafer scored on a Martin Maldonado error. The Astros tacked on one more in the fifth inning with Castro's sacrifice fly to bring in Lowrie. Milwaukee found the scoreboard in the sixth inning as Rickie Weeks reached on an error allowing Ryan Braun to dash home and then Aramis Ramirez scored on a wild pitch. The Brewers got another in the eighth inning as Cody Ransom doubled in Corey Hart. This made it a 6-3 final, with Rodriguez getting the win, Brett Myers picking up the save, and Greinke taking the loss as well as an early ejection for misbehavior.
Back north, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and James McDonald are the underrated pitchers. Pittsburgh found the scoreboard in the third inning on a Neil Walker double to knock in the pitcher McDonald. The Pirates got another in the fourth inning on a Michael McKenry solo home run. San Francisco took one back in the sixth inning as Ryan Theriot singled to score Gregor Blanco. Pittsburgh answered in their half of the inning on a Pedro Alvarez double, plating Andrew McCutchen. This was it for the scoring, with a 3-1 final giving McDonald the win, Joel Hanrahan the save, and Vogelsong was the recipient of an unlucky loss.
East into DC, as the Washington Nationals host the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Francis is mismatched with Gio Gonzalez. Washington was first on the board with a second inning Ian Desmond solo home run. Colorado tied it in the fourth inning as Jordan Pacheco hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Michael Cuddyer. The Nationals rallied for a lead in the sixth inning as Ryan Zimmerman singled to score Danny Espinosa, and he moved to second on a wild pitch that combined with an error to get Bryce Harper home, before finishing his trip on another throwing error from Josh Roenicke. This ended the scoring at 4-1, allowing Gonzalez a solid win, Tyler Clippard converted the save, and Francis was dealt the loss.
Westward again into Detroit, with the Tigers hosting the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Doug Fister will be sent out to pitch. Kansas City opened in the first inning with a Billy Butler singling in Alcides Escobar and Mike Moustakas doing the same for Eric Hosmer. Detroit tied it in the bottom of the first with a two-run Prince Fielder home run, also scoring Austin Jackson. The Tigers took the lead in the second inning with a Gerald Laird double bringing in Jhonny Peralta, and later Ramon Santiago on an error, before a Jackson single got Laird all the way home. Detroit added on in the fourth inning with a Miguel Cabrera sacrifice fly, scoring Santiago. The Royals answered in the fifth inning on a Moustakas solo home run. Kansas City pulled closer in the seventh inning with Yuniesky Betancourt's sacrifice fly to plate Escobar. The Tigers extended the lead again in their half of the seventh on a two-run Delmon Young home run, sweeping in Cabrera. The Royals tried a ninth inning rally on a 2-RBI Butler single to drive in Alex Gordon and Escobar, followed by a Moustakas sacrifice fly allowing Hosmer to dart home, but it wasn't enough to tie the game, and they lost 8-7. Fister was credited with the win, and Chen was handed the loss.
South into St. Louis, where the Cardinals welcome the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano and Kyle Lohse are the well-known pitchers. Miami got things going in the second inning as Justin Ruggiano hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Giancarlo Stanton. St. Louis answered in the fourth inning as Skip Schumaker singled Allen Craig home before being swept in alongside David Freese on a 2-RBI Tony Cruz triple. This held up for a 3-2 win, earned by Lohse, while Jason Motte picked up his twentieth save of the season and Zambrano was the victim of the loss.
Eastward to New York, with the Mets hosting the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and Dillon Gee are the pitchers prone to misfortune. New York started with a second inning Jordany Valdespin solo home run. the Mets added on in the third inning with a two-run home run by Ike Davis, also scoring Ruben Tejada. Chicago got one back in the sixth inning on a David DeJesus single to plate Luis Valbuena. They didn't score again, falling 3-1, with Gee picking up a dominant win, Bobby Parnell shutting the door for a save, and Samardzija suffered the loss.
Speaking of Chicago, we head back west as the White Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky Romero and Gavin Floyd are the struggling starters. Chicago finally opened the scoring in the fifth inning with a two-run Kevin Youkilis home run, also scoring Alexei Ramirez. This was the only scoring play, allowing Floyd to get the 2-0 win, Matt Thornton to turn the spot save, and Romero was stuck holding the loss.
East into Cleveland, as the Indians host the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore and Ubaldo Jimenez are the under-performing pitchers. Cleveland rallied to a second inning lead as Lou Marson doubled in Michael Brantley, Jack Hannahan grounded out to give Shelley Duncan time to score, and Marson came home on an Aaron Cunningham single. The Indians added on in the third inning as Brantley grounded out to bring in Asdrubal Cabrera and Carlos Santana doubled home Jose Lopez. Tampa Bay got on the board in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Luke Scott, also scoring Ben Zobrist. Cleveland answered in the eighth inning on a two-run homer from Duncan, sweeping in Santana. The Rays took one back in the ninth inning on a B.J. Upton solo shot, but this only made it 7-3 for a final. Jimenez was in line for the win, while Moore was given the loss.
Farther east, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Joe Blanton are the serviceable starters. Atlanta was first to score with a second inning Brian McCann solo home run. Philadelphia rallied ahead in the bottom of the second with Juan Pierre doubling home Hunter Pence, Blanton singling to score Placido Polanco, and Pierre finished his trip around on a Jimmy Rollins fielder's choice. The Braves shot back in the third inning with Martin Prado doubling to knock in Michael Bourn. Atlanta took the lead in the fourth inning on a McCann single to bring in Chipper Jones and an Andrelton Simmons sacrifice fly to get Freddie Freeman across the dish. The Braves got some more in the seventh inning as Prado singled to drive in Simmons and Jason Heyward's strikeout gave Bourn time to dash home. This made it 6-3, a final, with Hanson picking up the win, Craig Kimbrel tossing the save, and Blanton suffered the loss.
Southwest to Texas, where the Rangers host the Minnesota Twins. Samuel Deduno and Derek Holland will have the green light to pitch. Minnesota opened in the second inning as Trevor Plouffe grounded out to get Justin Morneau home and Brian Dozier singled in Ryan Doumit. Texas got one back in the bottom of the second on a Nelson Cruz double scoring Adrian Beltre. The Rangers tied it in the fourth inning on a Josh Hamilton solo home run. The Twins got the lead back in the sixth inning on a Josh Willingham solo shot. Texas replied with a solo home run from Beltre in the bottom of the sixth.The Rangers won it in the tenth inning as Cruz doubled in Beltre again for a walkoff 4-3 victory. Joe Nathan was in line for the win, while Kyle Waldrop was on the hook for the loss.
Out west, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel and Jered Weaver pace the game. For a detailed recap, visit ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Los Angeles began in the fourth inning on a Howie Kendrick single to drive in Mark Trumbo. The Angels got another in the seventh inning on a Torii Hunter double to knock in Mike Trout, before he scored on a single by Kendrys Morales. This was good for a 3-0 final, with the win going to an especially dominant Weaver, while Scott Downs tossed the save and Hammel had no run support in the loss.
South to San Diego, with the Padres hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and Clayton Richard will take the mound. Cincinnati quickly took a lead in the first inning on a Drew Stubbs solo home run. San Diego tied it in their half of the inning as Chris Denorfia hit a solo shot. The Reds got the lead back in the fifth inning as Devin Mesoraco grounded out to get Todd Frazier home, followed by the pitcher Bailey doubling to score Chris Heisey. The Padres got one back in the bottom of the fifth when Logan Forsythe singled to drive in Cameron Maybin. San Diego tied it in the sixth inning on a Carlos Quentin single to bring in Chase Headley. Cincinnati took the lead back in the seventh inning as Heisey went yard for a two-run home run, taking Frazier with him, followed by Stubbs using a fielder's choice to get Mesoraco home. The Padres answered in the bottom of the seventh when Alexi Amarista singled to plate Will Venable. San Diego got one more in the eighth inning when Forsythe singled to bring in Quentin. They couldn't tie the game, falling 6-5. Bailey picked up the win, Aroldis Chapman picked up his tenth save of the season, and Richard was given the loss.
North into Oakland, where the Athletics host the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Jarrod Parker are on the hill. Seattle was first on the board with John Jaso reaching on an error in the first inning that brought in Michael Saunders. Oakland tied it in the bottom of the first with a Josh Reddick solo home run. The Mariners retook the lead in the second inning as Brendan Ryan doubled in both Casper Wells and Justin Smoak. Seattle padded the lead in the fourth inning on a Wells solo shot. The Mariners kept going in the fifth inning as Kyle Seager doubled in all of Ichiro, Saunders, and Jaso. This was good enough for a 7-1 win, as Vargas went the distance for the win, and Parker was unusually off in the loss.
Finally, the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Trevor Cahill are the staff aces sent out for pitching purposes. Los Angeles led off with a first inning two-run home run by Jerry Hairston, Jr., also scoring Luis Cruz. Arizona tied it in the fifth inning when Gerardo Parra doubled Miguel Montero and Geoff Blum home, before taking the lead as a Stephen Drew sacrifice fly finished Parra's trip. The Diamondbacks added on in the sixth inning as Paul Goldschmidt hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Justin Upton. The Dodgers got one back in the seventh inning on an A.J. Ellis solo home run. Arizona answered in the eighth inning on a Jason Kubel solo shot. This proved enough for a 5-3 win, with the win belonging to Cahill, while J.J. Putz turned the save, and Billingsley was dealt the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and visit ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com as we hit the last stretch to complete the adventure of a lifetime.
Boston, with the Red Sox hosting the New York Yankees. Freddy Garcia and Franklin Morales are called on for the morning game starts. New York wasted no time in getting the lead in the first inning with a three-run home run from Nick Swisher, sweeping in Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano, followed by a solo home run by Andruw Jones. The Yankees added on in the fourth inning with solo shots from Jones and Jayson Nix. Boston got one back in their half of the inning on a Mauro Gomez single to get David Ortiz home. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 6-1. Garcia got the win and Morales was blitzed in the loss.
In game two, the pitchers are Phil Hughes and Felix Doubront. New York struck first with a Mark Teixeira three-run home run in the first inning, sweeping in Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson. Boston got one back in the third inning on a Daniel Nava double play allowing Mauro Gomez to get home. The Red Sox got another in the fifth inning as Nick Punto hit a sacrifice fly to plate Pedro Ciriaco. Ciriaco helped Boston take the lead in the sixth inning with a 3-RBI double to plate all of Adrian Gonzalez, Cody Ross, and Gomez. The Yankees got one back in the seventh inning on an Andruw Jones solo home run. The Red Sox re-extended the lead in the bottom of the seventh with Ryan Sweeney tripling to force in Gonzalez before coming the final 90 feet on a Gomez double, and Mike Aviles scored when Ciriaco reached on an error, and Ciriaco used another error to cross the plate later. New York got one back in the ninth inning as Eric Chavez hit a solo shot, but they still ended up losing 9-5. Doubront came out with the win and Hughes was pinned with the loss.
Down into Houston, as the Astros host the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke and Wandy Rodriguez and the staff aces pitching. Houston began with a first inning Jose Altuve single to bring in Jordan Schafer. The Astros rallied to added on in the third inning as Scott Moore hit a solo home run, followed by Jed Lowrie doubling to score J.D. Martinez and Lowrie finishing his trip on a Jason Castro sacrifice fly. Houston got another in the fourth inning when Schafer scored on a Martin Maldonado error. The Astros tacked on one more in the fifth inning with Castro's sacrifice fly to bring in Lowrie. Milwaukee found the scoreboard in the sixth inning as Rickie Weeks reached on an error allowing Ryan Braun to dash home and then Aramis Ramirez scored on a wild pitch. The Brewers got another in the eighth inning as Cody Ransom doubled in Corey Hart. This made it a 6-3 final, with Rodriguez getting the win, Brett Myers picking up the save, and Greinke taking the loss as well as an early ejection for misbehavior.
Back north, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and James McDonald are the underrated pitchers. Pittsburgh found the scoreboard in the third inning on a Neil Walker double to knock in the pitcher McDonald. The Pirates got another in the fourth inning on a Michael McKenry solo home run. San Francisco took one back in the sixth inning as Ryan Theriot singled to score Gregor Blanco. Pittsburgh answered in their half of the inning on a Pedro Alvarez double, plating Andrew McCutchen. This was it for the scoring, with a 3-1 final giving McDonald the win, Joel Hanrahan the save, and Vogelsong was the recipient of an unlucky loss.
East into DC, as the Washington Nationals host the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Francis is mismatched with Gio Gonzalez. Washington was first on the board with a second inning Ian Desmond solo home run. Colorado tied it in the fourth inning as Jordan Pacheco hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Michael Cuddyer. The Nationals rallied for a lead in the sixth inning as Ryan Zimmerman singled to score Danny Espinosa, and he moved to second on a wild pitch that combined with an error to get Bryce Harper home, before finishing his trip on another throwing error from Josh Roenicke. This ended the scoring at 4-1, allowing Gonzalez a solid win, Tyler Clippard converted the save, and Francis was dealt the loss.
Westward again into Detroit, with the Tigers hosting the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Doug Fister will be sent out to pitch. Kansas City opened in the first inning with a Billy Butler singling in Alcides Escobar and Mike Moustakas doing the same for Eric Hosmer. Detroit tied it in the bottom of the first with a two-run Prince Fielder home run, also scoring Austin Jackson. The Tigers took the lead in the second inning with a Gerald Laird double bringing in Jhonny Peralta, and later Ramon Santiago on an error, before a Jackson single got Laird all the way home. Detroit added on in the fourth inning with a Miguel Cabrera sacrifice fly, scoring Santiago. The Royals answered in the fifth inning on a Moustakas solo home run. Kansas City pulled closer in the seventh inning with Yuniesky Betancourt's sacrifice fly to plate Escobar. The Tigers extended the lead again in their half of the seventh on a two-run Delmon Young home run, sweeping in Cabrera. The Royals tried a ninth inning rally on a 2-RBI Butler single to drive in Alex Gordon and Escobar, followed by a Moustakas sacrifice fly allowing Hosmer to dart home, but it wasn't enough to tie the game, and they lost 8-7. Fister was credited with the win, and Chen was handed the loss.
South into St. Louis, where the Cardinals welcome the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano and Kyle Lohse are the well-known pitchers. Miami got things going in the second inning as Justin Ruggiano hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Giancarlo Stanton. St. Louis answered in the fourth inning as Skip Schumaker singled Allen Craig home before being swept in alongside David Freese on a 2-RBI Tony Cruz triple. This held up for a 3-2 win, earned by Lohse, while Jason Motte picked up his twentieth save of the season and Zambrano was the victim of the loss.
Eastward to New York, with the Mets hosting the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and Dillon Gee are the pitchers prone to misfortune. New York started with a second inning Jordany Valdespin solo home run. the Mets added on in the third inning with a two-run home run by Ike Davis, also scoring Ruben Tejada. Chicago got one back in the sixth inning on a David DeJesus single to plate Luis Valbuena. They didn't score again, falling 3-1, with Gee picking up a dominant win, Bobby Parnell shutting the door for a save, and Samardzija suffered the loss.
Speaking of Chicago, we head back west as the White Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky Romero and Gavin Floyd are the struggling starters. Chicago finally opened the scoring in the fifth inning with a two-run Kevin Youkilis home run, also scoring Alexei Ramirez. This was the only scoring play, allowing Floyd to get the 2-0 win, Matt Thornton to turn the spot save, and Romero was stuck holding the loss.
East into Cleveland, as the Indians host the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore and Ubaldo Jimenez are the under-performing pitchers. Cleveland rallied to a second inning lead as Lou Marson doubled in Michael Brantley, Jack Hannahan grounded out to give Shelley Duncan time to score, and Marson came home on an Aaron Cunningham single. The Indians added on in the third inning as Brantley grounded out to bring in Asdrubal Cabrera and Carlos Santana doubled home Jose Lopez. Tampa Bay got on the board in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Luke Scott, also scoring Ben Zobrist. Cleveland answered in the eighth inning on a two-run homer from Duncan, sweeping in Santana. The Rays took one back in the ninth inning on a B.J. Upton solo shot, but this only made it 7-3 for a final. Jimenez was in line for the win, while Moore was given the loss.
Farther east, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Joe Blanton are the serviceable starters. Atlanta was first to score with a second inning Brian McCann solo home run. Philadelphia rallied ahead in the bottom of the second with Juan Pierre doubling home Hunter Pence, Blanton singling to score Placido Polanco, and Pierre finished his trip around on a Jimmy Rollins fielder's choice. The Braves shot back in the third inning with Martin Prado doubling to knock in Michael Bourn. Atlanta took the lead in the fourth inning on a McCann single to bring in Chipper Jones and an Andrelton Simmons sacrifice fly to get Freddie Freeman across the dish. The Braves got some more in the seventh inning as Prado singled to drive in Simmons and Jason Heyward's strikeout gave Bourn time to dash home. This made it 6-3, a final, with Hanson picking up the win, Craig Kimbrel tossing the save, and Blanton suffered the loss.
Southwest to Texas, where the Rangers host the Minnesota Twins. Samuel Deduno and Derek Holland will have the green light to pitch. Minnesota opened in the second inning as Trevor Plouffe grounded out to get Justin Morneau home and Brian Dozier singled in Ryan Doumit. Texas got one back in the bottom of the second on a Nelson Cruz double scoring Adrian Beltre. The Rangers tied it in the fourth inning on a Josh Hamilton solo home run. The Twins got the lead back in the sixth inning on a Josh Willingham solo shot. Texas replied with a solo home run from Beltre in the bottom of the sixth.The Rangers won it in the tenth inning as Cruz doubled in Beltre again for a walkoff 4-3 victory. Joe Nathan was in line for the win, while Kyle Waldrop was on the hook for the loss.
Out west, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel and Jered Weaver pace the game. For a detailed recap, visit ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Los Angeles began in the fourth inning on a Howie Kendrick single to drive in Mark Trumbo. The Angels got another in the seventh inning on a Torii Hunter double to knock in Mike Trout, before he scored on a single by Kendrys Morales. This was good for a 3-0 final, with the win going to an especially dominant Weaver, while Scott Downs tossed the save and Hammel had no run support in the loss.
South to San Diego, with the Padres hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and Clayton Richard will take the mound. Cincinnati quickly took a lead in the first inning on a Drew Stubbs solo home run. San Diego tied it in their half of the inning as Chris Denorfia hit a solo shot. The Reds got the lead back in the fifth inning as Devin Mesoraco grounded out to get Todd Frazier home, followed by the pitcher Bailey doubling to score Chris Heisey. The Padres got one back in the bottom of the fifth when Logan Forsythe singled to drive in Cameron Maybin. San Diego tied it in the sixth inning on a Carlos Quentin single to bring in Chase Headley. Cincinnati took the lead back in the seventh inning as Heisey went yard for a two-run home run, taking Frazier with him, followed by Stubbs using a fielder's choice to get Mesoraco home. The Padres answered in the bottom of the seventh when Alexi Amarista singled to plate Will Venable. San Diego got one more in the eighth inning when Forsythe singled to bring in Quentin. They couldn't tie the game, falling 6-5. Bailey picked up the win, Aroldis Chapman picked up his tenth save of the season, and Richard was given the loss.
North into Oakland, where the Athletics host the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Jarrod Parker are on the hill. Seattle was first on the board with John Jaso reaching on an error in the first inning that brought in Michael Saunders. Oakland tied it in the bottom of the first with a Josh Reddick solo home run. The Mariners retook the lead in the second inning as Brendan Ryan doubled in both Casper Wells and Justin Smoak. Seattle padded the lead in the fourth inning on a Wells solo shot. The Mariners kept going in the fifth inning as Kyle Seager doubled in all of Ichiro, Saunders, and Jaso. This was good enough for a 7-1 win, as Vargas went the distance for the win, and Parker was unusually off in the loss.
Finally, the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Trevor Cahill are the staff aces sent out for pitching purposes. Los Angeles led off with a first inning two-run home run by Jerry Hairston, Jr., also scoring Luis Cruz. Arizona tied it in the fifth inning when Gerardo Parra doubled Miguel Montero and Geoff Blum home, before taking the lead as a Stephen Drew sacrifice fly finished Parra's trip. The Diamondbacks added on in the sixth inning as Paul Goldschmidt hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Justin Upton. The Dodgers got one back in the seventh inning on an A.J. Ellis solo home run. Arizona answered in the eighth inning on a Jason Kubel solo shot. This proved enough for a 5-3 win, with the win belonging to Cahill, while J.J. Putz turned the save, and Billingsley was dealt the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and visit ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com as we hit the last stretch to complete the adventure of a lifetime.
Friday, July 6, 2012
MLB Day 96 2012
Back to the full slate of games, beginning in...
Ohio, with the Cleveland Indians hosting the Tampa Bay Rays. Alex Cobb and Justin Masterson will draw the starts. Tampa Bay scored first with a first inning Ben Zobrist two-run home run, also scoring Desmond Jennings. Cleveland got one back in their half of the inning as Travis Hafner grounded into a double play that got Shin-Soo Choo home, before tying the game with Asdrubal Cabrera scoring on a balk. The Rays took the lead again in the third inning on a Jose Lobaton single to score both Zobrist and B.J. Upton. Tampa Bay padded the lead in the fifth inning with a two-run homer by Luke Scott, sweeping in Upton, and a 2-RBI Elliot Johnson double to finish the trips of Lobaton and Will Rhymes, followed by Johnson scoring on a Zobrist sacrifice fly and Upton singling Jennings across the dish. The Indians got one back in their half of the inning as Choo singled to score Johnny Damon. This was it for the scoring, with the final standing at 10-3, giving Cobb the win and Masterson the loss.
North into Detroit, as the Tigers host the Kansas City Royals. Jonathan Sanchez and Drew Smyly will try to correct their stats with the starts. Detroit started on a third inning Quintin Berry triple to force in both Ramon Santiago and Austin Jackson. Kansas City tied it in the fifth inning on a Brayan Pena double to plate Mike Moustakas before Pena came home on a Jason Bourgeois single. The Tigers took the lead again in the sixth inning with a two-run Delmon Young home run, also scoring Prince Fielder. This stood up for a 4-2 win, with Smyly picking up the win, Jose Valverde notching the save, and Sanchez was given the loss.
Down into Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Erik Bedard are the veteran pitchers. Pittsburgh opened with a first inning Andrew McCutchen single to drive in Josh Harrison. The Pirates added on in the third inning with McCutchen tripling to force in Harrison before scoring on a Neil Walker double. San Francisco rallied in the fourth inning, as Ryan Theriot double to plate Justin Christian, before helping tie the game when he scored on a two-run Melky Cabrera home run, followed by Hector Sanchez singling in Buster Posey and Joaquin Arias reaching on an error that allowed Pablo Sandoval to score. Pittsburgh got one back in the fifth inning on a Casey McGehee solo home run. The Giants replied on a Theriot sacrifice fly to bring in Arias. The Pirates pulled closer in the eighth inning on a Pedro Alvarez solo shot. They still fell 6-5, allowing Zito the win, Sergio Romo the save, and Bedard was on the hook for the loss.
Across the state, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Atlanta Braves. Tim Hudson faces a lesser foe in Kyle Kendrick. Atlanta finally got things going in the eighth inning when Freddie Freeman drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Matt Diaz before Brian McCann hit a grand slam to sweep in Michael Bourn, Chipper Jones, and Freeman. This was all there was in scoring, with the Braves winning 5-0. Hudson earned the win and Antonio Bastardo was on the hook for the loss.
Down into D.C., with the Washington Nationals hosting the Colorado Rockies. Drew Pomeranz has the difficult task of pitching against Stephen Strasburg. Colorado got a lead in the second inning on a Tyler Colvin solo home run. The Rockies added on in the fourth inning when Colvin went yard again, taking Carlos Gonzalez with him on the two-run blast. Colorado got another in the seventh inning on a Dexter Fowler solo shot. The Rockies padded the lead in the eighth inning on a Michael Cuddyer sacrifice fly to drive in Gonzalez. Washington got on the board in the ninth inning with a Ryan Zimmerman solo home run. This made the final 5-1, with the win going to Pomeranz, the save to Rafael Betancourt, and the loss to Strasburg.
Up in Boston, the Red Sox host their fierce rivals, the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Josh Beckett are the well-known pitchers. New York rallied to a first inning lead as Robinson Cano walked with the bases loaded to force in Derek Jeter, followed by a 2-RBI Mark Teixeira single to get Curtis Granderson and Alex Rodriguez home, a sacrifice fly by Nick Swisher to plate Cano, and another sacrifice fly from Eric Chavez that got Teixeira the rest of the way home. Boston responded in their half of the inning as Ryan Kalish hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Daniel Nava, Adrian Gonzalez doubled in David Ortiz, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia tied it up on a three-run home run, sweeping in Cody Ross and Gonzalez. The Yankees got the lead again in the second inning as Rodriguez grounded out to bring in Granderson. The Red Sox retied it with an Ortiz single, plating Nava. Boston gained the lead in the fifth inning as Mauro Gomez singled Gonzalez across the dish. New York retook the lead in the seventh inning when Teixeira tripled to force in Granderson and Rodriguez, before coming the final 90 feet on a Raul Ibanez double, and Ibanez was knocked in by a single from Chavez. The Red Sox took one back in the bottom of the seventh on a Ross solo home run. It wasn't enough, as they lost 10-8. Boone Logan was in line for the win, Rafael Soriano picked up his twentieth save of the season, and Andrew Miller was handed the loss.
Speaking of New York, the Mets host the Chicago Cubs. Travis Wood and Johan Santana are the reliable starters. Chicago quickly took a first inning lead on a Reed Johnson lead off solo home run. New York tied it with a second inning solo shot from Lucas Duda. The Mets took the lead on a third inning Ronny Cedeno double to get Ruben Tejada home. The Cubs answered in the fourth inning with a Joe Mather sacrifice fly giving time for Jeff Baker to dart home. Chicago rallied ahead in the fifth inning with a three-run home run from Anthony Rizzo, sweeping in Johnson and Darwin Barney, followed by a solo home run from Baker, and a Luis Valbuena single to knock in Geovany Soto. New York took one back in the sixth inning on a Mike Nickeas sacrifice fly giving Duda time to get home safely. The Cubs answered in the eighth inning with Alfonso Soriano singling Johnson across the plate. The Mets shot back in their half of the inning on a Justin Turner single to get David Wright home. New York tried a ninth inning rally on a Jordany Valdespin solo home run, followed by a 2-RBI Ike Davis single scoring Tejada and Daniel Murphy, but they still lost 8-7. Wood was able to get the win while Santana was not freed from the loss.
Southwest to Texas, as the Rangers welcome the Minnesota Twins. Francisco Liriano and Martin Perez receive the starting nods. Minnesota struck in the third inning to get the lead as Joe Mauer singled home Ben Revere, Josh Willingham reached on an error to knock in Mauer, and Willingham scored on a Justin Morneau single. The Twins got another in the fourth inning as Mauer's sacrifice fly brought in Drew Butera. Texas found the scoreboard in the sixth inning as Nelson Cruz singled to score Adrian Beltre. Minnesota answered with a Morneau solo home run. This was all they needed to win 5-1, with the win going to Liriano, and the loss to Perez.
Staying in the state, the Houston Astros host the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and J.A. Happ are the veteran pitchers. Milwaukee established an early lead with solo home runs from Norichika Aoki and Ryan Braun in the first inning. Houston got one back in the bottom of the first with a Scott Moore solo shot. The Brewers padded their lead in the sixth inning as Rickie Weeks hit a two-run home run, also scoring Corey Hart. Milwaukee added on in the seventh inning with a Carlos Gomez triple to force in Martin Maldonado, before scoring on an Aoki single, and Aoki scored on a double from Aramis Ramirez. This made the final 7-1, giving Gallardo the win and Happ was dealt the loss.
North to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays. Aaron Laffey is mismatched with Jake Peavy. Toronto opened in the second inning as Adam Lind hit a solo home run. Chicago tied it in the fifth inning as Alexei Ramirez singled in Dayan Viciedo, before taking the lead as Gordon Beckham double Ramirez in, and then Beckham scored on a Kevin Youkilis single. The White Sox added on with an A.J. Pierzynski solo shot. The Blue Jays tried a ninth inning rally as Yunel Escobar hit a sacrifice fly to get Edwin Encarnacion home, but this only made it 4-2 for a final. Peavy picked up the win, Addison Reed turned in a sloppy save, and Laffey was stuck holding the loss.
South a touch again, as the St. Louis Cardinals host the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Jake Westbrook will try to turn things around with the starts. St. Louis began with a second inning David Freese double, scoring Allen Craig. Miami tied it in the sixth inning as Carlos Lee reached on an error, giving time for Hanley Ramirez to score. The Marlins took the lead in the seventh inning on a Jose Reyes single knocking in Greg Dobbs. Miami got another in the eighth inning on a Logan Morrison solo home run. The Cardinals tried a ninth inning rally, with Rafael Furcal singling Skip Schumaker safely home, but they didn't get the equalizer, falling 3-2. Nolasco was given the win, Heath Bell turned a rocky save, and Westbrook was handed the loss.
Out in Arizona, the Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw opposes Josh Collmenter pitching. Los Angeles was first on the board with a third inning Bobby Abreu double to knock in Tony Gwynn, Jr. The Dodgers got another in the fourth inning on an Adam Kennedy solo home run. Arizona took the lead in the sixth inning as Aaron Hill singled Henry Blanco home and then scored alongside Willie Bloomquist on a Justin Upton triple, followed by a Jason Kubel double to finish Upton's trip, and Kubel scored on a wild pitch. Los Angeles took one back in the seventh inning when Juan Rivera singled to drive in Gwynn.This was as close as they got, falling 3-2 in the end, with Collmenter getting the win, J.J. Putz converting his fifteenth save of the season, and Kershaw taking an unlucky loss.
Up into Oakland, with the Athletics hosting the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Tommy Milone take the mound. Seattle led off in the first inning on a Kyle Seager single to drive in Casper Wells. Oakland tied it in the eighth inning as Jemile Weeks singled home Brandon Hicks. The Athletics won it in the eleventh inning with a three-run Chris Carter home, sweeping in Josh Reddick and Seth Smith for the 4-1 win. Jordan Norberto was in line for the win while Oliver Perez was responsible for the loss.
Back south, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Baltimore Orioles. Miguel Gonzalez will attempt to pitch against C.J. Wilson. Los Angeles started with a fourth inning Mark Trumbo solo home run. Baltimore took the lead in the fifth inning on a three-run Steve Pearce home run, also scoring Wilson Betemit and Mark Reynolds. The Angels got one back in the eighth inning as Mike Trout hit a solo shot. They couldn't tie the game, losing 3-2. Gonzalez picked up the win, Jim Johnson turned the save, and Wilson was stuck with the loss.
Finally, in San Diego, the Padres host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Kip Wells pace the game. For a more detailed recap, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Cincinnati got things moving in the first inning on a Zack Cozart solo home run. The Reds added on in the seventh inning with a two-run Ryan Hanigan home run, also scoring Todd Frazier. Cincinnati padded the lead in the eighth inning on a two-run home run by Frazier, sweeping in Jay Bruce. The Reds got another in the ninth inning on a Joey Votto double to drive in Drew Stubbs. This made the final 6-0, with Arroyo going the distance and allowing just three hits and a walk for the shutout win, while Wells suffered the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com as we dart north through California to finish the trip.
Ohio, with the Cleveland Indians hosting the Tampa Bay Rays. Alex Cobb and Justin Masterson will draw the starts. Tampa Bay scored first with a first inning Ben Zobrist two-run home run, also scoring Desmond Jennings. Cleveland got one back in their half of the inning as Travis Hafner grounded into a double play that got Shin-Soo Choo home, before tying the game with Asdrubal Cabrera scoring on a balk. The Rays took the lead again in the third inning on a Jose Lobaton single to score both Zobrist and B.J. Upton. Tampa Bay padded the lead in the fifth inning with a two-run homer by Luke Scott, sweeping in Upton, and a 2-RBI Elliot Johnson double to finish the trips of Lobaton and Will Rhymes, followed by Johnson scoring on a Zobrist sacrifice fly and Upton singling Jennings across the dish. The Indians got one back in their half of the inning as Choo singled to score Johnny Damon. This was it for the scoring, with the final standing at 10-3, giving Cobb the win and Masterson the loss.
North into Detroit, as the Tigers host the Kansas City Royals. Jonathan Sanchez and Drew Smyly will try to correct their stats with the starts. Detroit started on a third inning Quintin Berry triple to force in both Ramon Santiago and Austin Jackson. Kansas City tied it in the fifth inning on a Brayan Pena double to plate Mike Moustakas before Pena came home on a Jason Bourgeois single. The Tigers took the lead again in the sixth inning with a two-run Delmon Young home run, also scoring Prince Fielder. This stood up for a 4-2 win, with Smyly picking up the win, Jose Valverde notching the save, and Sanchez was given the loss.
Down into Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Erik Bedard are the veteran pitchers. Pittsburgh opened with a first inning Andrew McCutchen single to drive in Josh Harrison. The Pirates added on in the third inning with McCutchen tripling to force in Harrison before scoring on a Neil Walker double. San Francisco rallied in the fourth inning, as Ryan Theriot double to plate Justin Christian, before helping tie the game when he scored on a two-run Melky Cabrera home run, followed by Hector Sanchez singling in Buster Posey and Joaquin Arias reaching on an error that allowed Pablo Sandoval to score. Pittsburgh got one back in the fifth inning on a Casey McGehee solo home run. The Giants replied on a Theriot sacrifice fly to bring in Arias. The Pirates pulled closer in the eighth inning on a Pedro Alvarez solo shot. They still fell 6-5, allowing Zito the win, Sergio Romo the save, and Bedard was on the hook for the loss.
Across the state, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Atlanta Braves. Tim Hudson faces a lesser foe in Kyle Kendrick. Atlanta finally got things going in the eighth inning when Freddie Freeman drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Matt Diaz before Brian McCann hit a grand slam to sweep in Michael Bourn, Chipper Jones, and Freeman. This was all there was in scoring, with the Braves winning 5-0. Hudson earned the win and Antonio Bastardo was on the hook for the loss.
Down into D.C., with the Washington Nationals hosting the Colorado Rockies. Drew Pomeranz has the difficult task of pitching against Stephen Strasburg. Colorado got a lead in the second inning on a Tyler Colvin solo home run. The Rockies added on in the fourth inning when Colvin went yard again, taking Carlos Gonzalez with him on the two-run blast. Colorado got another in the seventh inning on a Dexter Fowler solo shot. The Rockies padded the lead in the eighth inning on a Michael Cuddyer sacrifice fly to drive in Gonzalez. Washington got on the board in the ninth inning with a Ryan Zimmerman solo home run. This made the final 5-1, with the win going to Pomeranz, the save to Rafael Betancourt, and the loss to Strasburg.
Up in Boston, the Red Sox host their fierce rivals, the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Josh Beckett are the well-known pitchers. New York rallied to a first inning lead as Robinson Cano walked with the bases loaded to force in Derek Jeter, followed by a 2-RBI Mark Teixeira single to get Curtis Granderson and Alex Rodriguez home, a sacrifice fly by Nick Swisher to plate Cano, and another sacrifice fly from Eric Chavez that got Teixeira the rest of the way home. Boston responded in their half of the inning as Ryan Kalish hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Daniel Nava, Adrian Gonzalez doubled in David Ortiz, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia tied it up on a three-run home run, sweeping in Cody Ross and Gonzalez. The Yankees got the lead again in the second inning as Rodriguez grounded out to bring in Granderson. The Red Sox retied it with an Ortiz single, plating Nava. Boston gained the lead in the fifth inning as Mauro Gomez singled Gonzalez across the dish. New York retook the lead in the seventh inning when Teixeira tripled to force in Granderson and Rodriguez, before coming the final 90 feet on a Raul Ibanez double, and Ibanez was knocked in by a single from Chavez. The Red Sox took one back in the bottom of the seventh on a Ross solo home run. It wasn't enough, as they lost 10-8. Boone Logan was in line for the win, Rafael Soriano picked up his twentieth save of the season, and Andrew Miller was handed the loss.
Speaking of New York, the Mets host the Chicago Cubs. Travis Wood and Johan Santana are the reliable starters. Chicago quickly took a first inning lead on a Reed Johnson lead off solo home run. New York tied it with a second inning solo shot from Lucas Duda. The Mets took the lead on a third inning Ronny Cedeno double to get Ruben Tejada home. The Cubs answered in the fourth inning with a Joe Mather sacrifice fly giving time for Jeff Baker to dart home. Chicago rallied ahead in the fifth inning with a three-run home run from Anthony Rizzo, sweeping in Johnson and Darwin Barney, followed by a solo home run from Baker, and a Luis Valbuena single to knock in Geovany Soto. New York took one back in the sixth inning on a Mike Nickeas sacrifice fly giving Duda time to get home safely. The Cubs answered in the eighth inning with Alfonso Soriano singling Johnson across the plate. The Mets shot back in their half of the inning on a Justin Turner single to get David Wright home. New York tried a ninth inning rally on a Jordany Valdespin solo home run, followed by a 2-RBI Ike Davis single scoring Tejada and Daniel Murphy, but they still lost 8-7. Wood was able to get the win while Santana was not freed from the loss.
Southwest to Texas, as the Rangers welcome the Minnesota Twins. Francisco Liriano and Martin Perez receive the starting nods. Minnesota struck in the third inning to get the lead as Joe Mauer singled home Ben Revere, Josh Willingham reached on an error to knock in Mauer, and Willingham scored on a Justin Morneau single. The Twins got another in the fourth inning as Mauer's sacrifice fly brought in Drew Butera. Texas found the scoreboard in the sixth inning as Nelson Cruz singled to score Adrian Beltre. Minnesota answered with a Morneau solo home run. This was all they needed to win 5-1, with the win going to Liriano, and the loss to Perez.
Staying in the state, the Houston Astros host the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and J.A. Happ are the veteran pitchers. Milwaukee established an early lead with solo home runs from Norichika Aoki and Ryan Braun in the first inning. Houston got one back in the bottom of the first with a Scott Moore solo shot. The Brewers padded their lead in the sixth inning as Rickie Weeks hit a two-run home run, also scoring Corey Hart. Milwaukee added on in the seventh inning with a Carlos Gomez triple to force in Martin Maldonado, before scoring on an Aoki single, and Aoki scored on a double from Aramis Ramirez. This made the final 7-1, giving Gallardo the win and Happ was dealt the loss.
North to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays. Aaron Laffey is mismatched with Jake Peavy. Toronto opened in the second inning as Adam Lind hit a solo home run. Chicago tied it in the fifth inning as Alexei Ramirez singled in Dayan Viciedo, before taking the lead as Gordon Beckham double Ramirez in, and then Beckham scored on a Kevin Youkilis single. The White Sox added on with an A.J. Pierzynski solo shot. The Blue Jays tried a ninth inning rally as Yunel Escobar hit a sacrifice fly to get Edwin Encarnacion home, but this only made it 4-2 for a final. Peavy picked up the win, Addison Reed turned in a sloppy save, and Laffey was stuck holding the loss.
South a touch again, as the St. Louis Cardinals host the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Jake Westbrook will try to turn things around with the starts. St. Louis began with a second inning David Freese double, scoring Allen Craig. Miami tied it in the sixth inning as Carlos Lee reached on an error, giving time for Hanley Ramirez to score. The Marlins took the lead in the seventh inning on a Jose Reyes single knocking in Greg Dobbs. Miami got another in the eighth inning on a Logan Morrison solo home run. The Cardinals tried a ninth inning rally, with Rafael Furcal singling Skip Schumaker safely home, but they didn't get the equalizer, falling 3-2. Nolasco was given the win, Heath Bell turned a rocky save, and Westbrook was handed the loss.
Out in Arizona, the Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw opposes Josh Collmenter pitching. Los Angeles was first on the board with a third inning Bobby Abreu double to knock in Tony Gwynn, Jr. The Dodgers got another in the fourth inning on an Adam Kennedy solo home run. Arizona took the lead in the sixth inning as Aaron Hill singled Henry Blanco home and then scored alongside Willie Bloomquist on a Justin Upton triple, followed by a Jason Kubel double to finish Upton's trip, and Kubel scored on a wild pitch. Los Angeles took one back in the seventh inning when Juan Rivera singled to drive in Gwynn.This was as close as they got, falling 3-2 in the end, with Collmenter getting the win, J.J. Putz converting his fifteenth save of the season, and Kershaw taking an unlucky loss.
Up into Oakland, with the Athletics hosting the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Tommy Milone take the mound. Seattle led off in the first inning on a Kyle Seager single to drive in Casper Wells. Oakland tied it in the eighth inning as Jemile Weeks singled home Brandon Hicks. The Athletics won it in the eleventh inning with a three-run Chris Carter home, sweeping in Josh Reddick and Seth Smith for the 4-1 win. Jordan Norberto was in line for the win while Oliver Perez was responsible for the loss.
Back south, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Baltimore Orioles. Miguel Gonzalez will attempt to pitch against C.J. Wilson. Los Angeles started with a fourth inning Mark Trumbo solo home run. Baltimore took the lead in the fifth inning on a three-run Steve Pearce home run, also scoring Wilson Betemit and Mark Reynolds. The Angels got one back in the eighth inning as Mike Trout hit a solo shot. They couldn't tie the game, losing 3-2. Gonzalez picked up the win, Jim Johnson turned the save, and Wilson was stuck with the loss.
Finally, in San Diego, the Padres host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Kip Wells pace the game. For a more detailed recap, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Cincinnati got things moving in the first inning on a Zack Cozart solo home run. The Reds added on in the seventh inning with a two-run Ryan Hanigan home run, also scoring Todd Frazier. Cincinnati padded the lead in the eighth inning on a two-run home run by Frazier, sweeping in Jay Bruce. The Reds got another in the ninth inning on a Joey Votto double to drive in Drew Stubbs. This made the final 6-0, with Arroyo going the distance and allowing just three hits and a walk for the shutout win, while Wells suffered the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com as we dart north through California to finish the trip.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
MLB Day 95 2012
Travel day after a holiday: what more is there to love? We begin with three afternoon games, starting in...
Detroit, where the Tigers again hosted the Minnesota Twins and inclement weather. Scott Diamond and Rick Porcello were eventually able to make their starts. Minnesota opened in the second inning with Brian Dozier singling home Trevor Plouffe. The Twins padded the lead in the fourth inning as Denard span singled to score Darin Mastroianni and Joe Mauer did the game for Dozier. Detroit got on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning with a Miguel Cabrera single to drive in Austin Jackson. The Tigers pulled back in the fifth inning with Brennan Boesch doubling Jhonny Peralta in. Detroit tied it in the eighth inning as Cabrera singled Jackson across the dish again, before taking a lead as Prince Fielder hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Quintin Berry and Cabrera, followed by a Delmon Young solo home run. This made it 7-4, with the win belonging to Octavio Dotel and the loss pinned on Alex Burnett.
Down in Chicago, the White Sox host the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Jose Quintana are the reliable pitchers. Texas got things started in the fourth inning on an Adrian Beltre single to knock in Ian Kinsler. Chicago answered in their half of the fourth when Alexei Ramirez grounded out to get Kevin Youkilis home. Youkilis gave the White Sox a lead in the sixth inning with a solo home run. This was all they needed for the 2-1 win, with Qunitana earning the win, Addison Reed converting the save, and Harrison had little run support in the loss in which he went the distance.
North again to Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Michael Fiers receive the starting nods. Miami led off with a fourth inning Logan Morrison single to drive in Carlos Lee. The Marlins got another in the eighth inning with Morrison grounding out to bring in Hanley Ramirez. Miami added on in the ninth inning with a two-run Greg Dobbs home run, also scoring Omar Infante. This made the final 4-0, with the win going to Buehrle and the disappointing loss to Fiers.
Eastward to Washington, D.C., as the Nationals host the San Francisco Giants at a normal time. Matt Cain opposes a lesser foe in Ross Detwiler. Washington began in the second inning with an Ian Desmond double play to get Michael Morse home. San Francisco responded in the third inning on a Melky Cabrera groundout knocking in Justin Christian and an Angel Pagan single to plate Buster Posey. The Giants padded the lead in the fourth inning as Cabrera doubled in Christian. San Francisco kept going in the sixth inning on a Cabrera sacrifice fly, again scoring Christian. The Giants added on in the seventh inning when Pagan tripled to force in Pablo Sandoval. The Nationals got some back in the bottom of the seventh with a pair of solo shots from Desmond and Danny Espinosa, followed by Bryce Harper doubling to plate Mark DeRosa. Washington tied it in the ninth inning as Harper singled Tyler Moore home before scoring when Adam LaRoche grounded into a fielder's choice, producing a walkoff, 6-5 victory. Tyler Clippard was in line for the win while Santiago Casilla was credited with a blown save and loss.
Back to the west, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Jeff Karstens are sent out to pitch. Pittsburgh got going in the second inning with a Casey McGehee double to knock in Garrett Jones. The Pirates struck again in the third inning with a Jones sacrifice fly, allowing Karstens to score. This was all the runs scored tonight, with Pittsburgh getting a 2-0 win on the arm of Karstens, while Joel Hanrahan closed out for the save, and Norris had no run support in the loss.
Into Ohio, as the Cleveland Indians host the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeremy Hellickson and Josh Tomlin will try to right the ship by pitching tonight. Cleveland struck first in the first inning with a Shin-Soo Choo solo home run. The Indians added on with a Michael Brantley solo shot in the second inning. Tampa Bay got on the board in the fifth inning as Jose Molina grounded out, giving Will Rhymes time to get home. Cleveland extended the lead in the eighth inning on a solo home run from Travis Hafner. This made it 3-1, a final, with Tomlin earning the win, Chris Perez converting the save, and Hellickson was pinned with the loss.
North into Canada, as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Henderson Alvarez are given the green light to pitch. Kansas City established a third inning lead with a rally sparked by Alcides Escobar singling in Salvador Perez, followed by Eric Hosmer doing the same for Jarrod Dyson, Billy Butler singling to plate Alex Gordon, Escobar scoring during Butler's single on an error, and Mike Moustakas hitting a sacrifice fly to get Hosmer the rest of the way home. Toronto got some back in the bottom of the third as J.P. Arencibia hit a two-run home run, also scoring Kelly Johnson. The Blue Jays got another in the seventh inning as Arencibia went yard again, this time for a solo home run. The Royals replied in the eighth inning on a Gordon single to get Jeff Francoeur across the dish, followed by Hosmser singling both Perez and Dyson home. Toronto fired back in their half of the inning as Yunel Escobar singled to bring in Edwin Encarnacion, before he was forced in alongside Adam Lind on a triple from Ben Francisco. Kansas City got some breathing room in the ninth inning with a Yuniesky Betancourt solo shot. This made it a 9-6 win for them, with the win going to Hochevar, the save to Jonathan Broxton, and the loss to Alvarez.
Back stateside, the Atlanta Braves host the Chicago Cubs. Matt Garza will take the mound against Mike Minor. Atlanta quickly got a lead in the first inning as Jason Heyward hit a two-run home run, also scoring Martin Prado, followed by Brian McCann doing the same thing to score Freddie Freeman. The Braves got another in the third inning with Freeman hitting a solo home run. Chicago answered in the fifth inning on a Geovany Soto solo shot. Atlanta responded in the bottom of the fifth with McCann hitting a sacrifice fly to knock in Prado. The Cubs got some back in the seventh inning as Reed Johnson singled home Anthony Rizzo, and also Alfonso Soriano on an error. The Braves added on in the eighth inning as Juan Francisco hit a solo shot. This made it 7-3, a final, where Minor notched the win and Garza was given the loss.
Up into New York, as the Mets host the Philadelphia Phillies. Aces Cole Hamels and R.A. Dickey will pace the game. Philadelphia opened on a first inning Shane Victorino single, driving in Juan Pierre. The Phillies got another in the second inning as Jimmy Rollins doubled Placido Polanco home. New York got one back in the bottom of the second on a Scott Hairston solo home run. The Mets tied it in the third inning on a David Wright single to drive in the pitcher Dickey. Philadelphia shot back in the fourth inning with a Hunter Pence single to knock in Mike Fontenot. New York took the lead in the fifth inning with Wright's two-run home run, sweeping in Ruben Tejada. The Phillies fired back in the sixth inning with Rollins tripling to force in the tying run, Hamels, before coming the final 90 feet on a Pierre sacrifice. The Mets tied it in the ninth inning as Daniel Murphy singled to score Ronny Cedeno, before winning with a walkoff Wright single that plated jordany Valdespin for a 6-5 victory. Bobby Parnell was in line for the win, while Jonathan Papelbon blew the save and was handed the loss.
Out west, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Colorado Rockies. Christian Friedrich and Lance Lynn are the relatively-unknown starters. St. Louis began with a first inning Matt Holliday groundout to bring in Rafael Furcal. The Cardinals added on in the fifth inning with a bases-loaded walk drawn by Jon Jay to force in David Freese, followed by Holliday singling Matt Carpenter in, Carlos Beltran hitting a 2-RBI double to plate Lynn and Jay, and Allen Craig reaching on a fielder's choice to finish Holliday's trip around. Colorado found the scoreboard in the eighth inning as Tyler Colvin hit a two-run home run, also scoring Michael Cuddyer. They couldn't rally to tie, falling 6-2, with the win belonging to Lynn, while Jason Motte turned the save and Friedrich was dinged for the loss.
Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nathan Eovaldi and Wade Miley are handed the ball. For a detailed recap, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Los Angeles started in the first inning as Juan Rivera doubled Mark Ellis home and Luis Cruz singled to get Jerry Hairston, Jr. safely home. Arizona took one back in the second inning on a Stephen Drew single, scoring Paul Goldschmidt. The Dodgers shot back with a fourth inning Scott Van Slyke solo home run. Los Angeles got another in the seventh inning with an Elian Herrera solo shot. This held up for a 4-1 win, earned by Eovaldi, while Kenley Jansen converted his fifteenth save of the season and Miley was the victim of the loss.
Westward further into Anaheim, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Baltimore Orioles. Jake Arrieta and Garrett Richards take the hill. Baltimore drew first blood in the first inning on a Jim Thome single to drive in Xavier Avery. Los Angeles tied it in the bottom of the first with a Kendrys Morales single to bring in Mike Trout. The Orioles retook the lead in the second inning with solo home runs by Mark Reynolds and Ryan Flaherty, followed by Matt Wieters grounding out to allow Robert Andino to score. The Angels shot back in their half of the second as Erick Aybar singled Alberto Callaspo home, followed by Trout hitting a sacrifice fly to get Howie Kendrick in. Baltimore struck again in the fourth inning on a three-run Wieters home run, sweeping in Avery and J.J. Hardy. Los Angeles got one back when Kendrick singled to drive in Callaspo, before he scored on a sacrifice fly by Trout, followed by Torii Hunter singling to drive in Aybar before Morales hit a 2-RBI single, plating both Hunter and Albert Pujols for a lead. The Angels got one more in the sixth inning as Trout scored on a throwing error by Wieters. This made the eventual final 9-7, with LaTroy Hawkins picking up the win, Ernesto Frieri turning the save, and Luis Ayala suffered the loss.
Finally, down in San Diego, the Padres host the Cincinnati Reds. Mat Latos faces his former team and will pitch against a former Red, Edinson Volquez. Cincinnati got going in the second inning when Chris Heisey tripled to force in Jay Bruce. San Diego tied it in the eighth inning on a Logan Forsythe solo home run. The Padres won it 2-1 in the ninth inning as Everth Cabrera singled in Yasmani Grandal for the victory. Huston Street got the win while Logan Ondrusek took the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime as we approach the final stretch out west.
Detroit, where the Tigers again hosted the Minnesota Twins and inclement weather. Scott Diamond and Rick Porcello were eventually able to make their starts. Minnesota opened in the second inning with Brian Dozier singling home Trevor Plouffe. The Twins padded the lead in the fourth inning as Denard span singled to score Darin Mastroianni and Joe Mauer did the game for Dozier. Detroit got on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning with a Miguel Cabrera single to drive in Austin Jackson. The Tigers pulled back in the fifth inning with Brennan Boesch doubling Jhonny Peralta in. Detroit tied it in the eighth inning as Cabrera singled Jackson across the dish again, before taking a lead as Prince Fielder hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Quintin Berry and Cabrera, followed by a Delmon Young solo home run. This made it 7-4, with the win belonging to Octavio Dotel and the loss pinned on Alex Burnett.
Down in Chicago, the White Sox host the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Jose Quintana are the reliable pitchers. Texas got things started in the fourth inning on an Adrian Beltre single to knock in Ian Kinsler. Chicago answered in their half of the fourth when Alexei Ramirez grounded out to get Kevin Youkilis home. Youkilis gave the White Sox a lead in the sixth inning with a solo home run. This was all they needed for the 2-1 win, with Qunitana earning the win, Addison Reed converting the save, and Harrison had little run support in the loss in which he went the distance.
North again to Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Michael Fiers receive the starting nods. Miami led off with a fourth inning Logan Morrison single to drive in Carlos Lee. The Marlins got another in the eighth inning with Morrison grounding out to bring in Hanley Ramirez. Miami added on in the ninth inning with a two-run Greg Dobbs home run, also scoring Omar Infante. This made the final 4-0, with the win going to Buehrle and the disappointing loss to Fiers.
Eastward to Washington, D.C., as the Nationals host the San Francisco Giants at a normal time. Matt Cain opposes a lesser foe in Ross Detwiler. Washington began in the second inning with an Ian Desmond double play to get Michael Morse home. San Francisco responded in the third inning on a Melky Cabrera groundout knocking in Justin Christian and an Angel Pagan single to plate Buster Posey. The Giants padded the lead in the fourth inning as Cabrera doubled in Christian. San Francisco kept going in the sixth inning on a Cabrera sacrifice fly, again scoring Christian. The Giants added on in the seventh inning when Pagan tripled to force in Pablo Sandoval. The Nationals got some back in the bottom of the seventh with a pair of solo shots from Desmond and Danny Espinosa, followed by Bryce Harper doubling to plate Mark DeRosa. Washington tied it in the ninth inning as Harper singled Tyler Moore home before scoring when Adam LaRoche grounded into a fielder's choice, producing a walkoff, 6-5 victory. Tyler Clippard was in line for the win while Santiago Casilla was credited with a blown save and loss.
Back to the west, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Jeff Karstens are sent out to pitch. Pittsburgh got going in the second inning with a Casey McGehee double to knock in Garrett Jones. The Pirates struck again in the third inning with a Jones sacrifice fly, allowing Karstens to score. This was all the runs scored tonight, with Pittsburgh getting a 2-0 win on the arm of Karstens, while Joel Hanrahan closed out for the save, and Norris had no run support in the loss.
Into Ohio, as the Cleveland Indians host the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeremy Hellickson and Josh Tomlin will try to right the ship by pitching tonight. Cleveland struck first in the first inning with a Shin-Soo Choo solo home run. The Indians added on with a Michael Brantley solo shot in the second inning. Tampa Bay got on the board in the fifth inning as Jose Molina grounded out, giving Will Rhymes time to get home. Cleveland extended the lead in the eighth inning on a solo home run from Travis Hafner. This made it 3-1, a final, with Tomlin earning the win, Chris Perez converting the save, and Hellickson was pinned with the loss.
North into Canada, as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Henderson Alvarez are given the green light to pitch. Kansas City established a third inning lead with a rally sparked by Alcides Escobar singling in Salvador Perez, followed by Eric Hosmer doing the same for Jarrod Dyson, Billy Butler singling to plate Alex Gordon, Escobar scoring during Butler's single on an error, and Mike Moustakas hitting a sacrifice fly to get Hosmer the rest of the way home. Toronto got some back in the bottom of the third as J.P. Arencibia hit a two-run home run, also scoring Kelly Johnson. The Blue Jays got another in the seventh inning as Arencibia went yard again, this time for a solo home run. The Royals replied in the eighth inning on a Gordon single to get Jeff Francoeur across the dish, followed by Hosmser singling both Perez and Dyson home. Toronto fired back in their half of the inning as Yunel Escobar singled to bring in Edwin Encarnacion, before he was forced in alongside Adam Lind on a triple from Ben Francisco. Kansas City got some breathing room in the ninth inning with a Yuniesky Betancourt solo shot. This made it a 9-6 win for them, with the win going to Hochevar, the save to Jonathan Broxton, and the loss to Alvarez.
Back stateside, the Atlanta Braves host the Chicago Cubs. Matt Garza will take the mound against Mike Minor. Atlanta quickly got a lead in the first inning as Jason Heyward hit a two-run home run, also scoring Martin Prado, followed by Brian McCann doing the same thing to score Freddie Freeman. The Braves got another in the third inning with Freeman hitting a solo home run. Chicago answered in the fifth inning on a Geovany Soto solo shot. Atlanta responded in the bottom of the fifth with McCann hitting a sacrifice fly to knock in Prado. The Cubs got some back in the seventh inning as Reed Johnson singled home Anthony Rizzo, and also Alfonso Soriano on an error. The Braves added on in the eighth inning as Juan Francisco hit a solo shot. This made it 7-3, a final, where Minor notched the win and Garza was given the loss.
Up into New York, as the Mets host the Philadelphia Phillies. Aces Cole Hamels and R.A. Dickey will pace the game. Philadelphia opened on a first inning Shane Victorino single, driving in Juan Pierre. The Phillies got another in the second inning as Jimmy Rollins doubled Placido Polanco home. New York got one back in the bottom of the second on a Scott Hairston solo home run. The Mets tied it in the third inning on a David Wright single to drive in the pitcher Dickey. Philadelphia shot back in the fourth inning with a Hunter Pence single to knock in Mike Fontenot. New York took the lead in the fifth inning with Wright's two-run home run, sweeping in Ruben Tejada. The Phillies fired back in the sixth inning with Rollins tripling to force in the tying run, Hamels, before coming the final 90 feet on a Pierre sacrifice. The Mets tied it in the ninth inning as Daniel Murphy singled to score Ronny Cedeno, before winning with a walkoff Wright single that plated jordany Valdespin for a 6-5 victory. Bobby Parnell was in line for the win, while Jonathan Papelbon blew the save and was handed the loss.
Out west, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Colorado Rockies. Christian Friedrich and Lance Lynn are the relatively-unknown starters. St. Louis began with a first inning Matt Holliday groundout to bring in Rafael Furcal. The Cardinals added on in the fifth inning with a bases-loaded walk drawn by Jon Jay to force in David Freese, followed by Holliday singling Matt Carpenter in, Carlos Beltran hitting a 2-RBI double to plate Lynn and Jay, and Allen Craig reaching on a fielder's choice to finish Holliday's trip around. Colorado found the scoreboard in the eighth inning as Tyler Colvin hit a two-run home run, also scoring Michael Cuddyer. They couldn't rally to tie, falling 6-2, with the win belonging to Lynn, while Jason Motte turned the save and Friedrich was dinged for the loss.
Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nathan Eovaldi and Wade Miley are handed the ball. For a detailed recap, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Los Angeles started in the first inning as Juan Rivera doubled Mark Ellis home and Luis Cruz singled to get Jerry Hairston, Jr. safely home. Arizona took one back in the second inning on a Stephen Drew single, scoring Paul Goldschmidt. The Dodgers shot back with a fourth inning Scott Van Slyke solo home run. Los Angeles got another in the seventh inning with an Elian Herrera solo shot. This held up for a 4-1 win, earned by Eovaldi, while Kenley Jansen converted his fifteenth save of the season and Miley was the victim of the loss.
Westward further into Anaheim, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Baltimore Orioles. Jake Arrieta and Garrett Richards take the hill. Baltimore drew first blood in the first inning on a Jim Thome single to drive in Xavier Avery. Los Angeles tied it in the bottom of the first with a Kendrys Morales single to bring in Mike Trout. The Orioles retook the lead in the second inning with solo home runs by Mark Reynolds and Ryan Flaherty, followed by Matt Wieters grounding out to allow Robert Andino to score. The Angels shot back in their half of the second as Erick Aybar singled Alberto Callaspo home, followed by Trout hitting a sacrifice fly to get Howie Kendrick in. Baltimore struck again in the fourth inning on a three-run Wieters home run, sweeping in Avery and J.J. Hardy. Los Angeles got one back when Kendrick singled to drive in Callaspo, before he scored on a sacrifice fly by Trout, followed by Torii Hunter singling to drive in Aybar before Morales hit a 2-RBI single, plating both Hunter and Albert Pujols for a lead. The Angels got one more in the sixth inning as Trout scored on a throwing error by Wieters. This made the eventual final 9-7, with LaTroy Hawkins picking up the win, Ernesto Frieri turning the save, and Luis Ayala suffered the loss.
Finally, down in San Diego, the Padres host the Cincinnati Reds. Mat Latos faces his former team and will pitch against a former Red, Edinson Volquez. Cincinnati got going in the second inning when Chris Heisey tripled to force in Jay Bruce. San Diego tied it in the eighth inning on a Logan Forsythe solo home run. The Padres won it 2-1 in the ninth inning as Everth Cabrera singled in Yasmani Grandal for the victory. Huston Street got the win while Logan Ondrusek took the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the trip of a lifetime as we approach the final stretch out west.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, July 2, 2012
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.
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.
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