MLB Day 119 2012

Travel day is upon us again, and to speak of traveling, I have a trek up to Seattle this evening for another Sounders game in CCL play. The games begin with...

The Cincinnati Reds hosting the San Diego Padres. Ross Ohlendorf is mismatched with Johnny Cueto. Cincinnati opened in the second inning with a two-run Todd Frazier home run, also scoring Scott Rolen, followed by Ryan Hanigan doubling in Zack Cozart, and a 2-RBI Jay Bruce single to bring in Miguel Cairo and Hanigan, as well as Drew Stubbs on a balk. San Diego got one back in the third inning as Eddy Rodriguez hit a solo home run, followed by Chase Headley singling in Eric Stults and Alexi Amarista. The Padres got another in the fourth inning on a Cameron Maybin solo shot. The Reds fired back in the bottom of the fourth as Rolen singled in Drew Stubbs, and Cozart did the same for Bruce. Cincinnati got another in the eighth inning when Frazier grounded into a fielder's choice, giving Bruce time to score. This was good for a 9-4 win, earned by Cueto, while Ohlendorf got the loss.

Out in California, the San Francisco Giants host the New York Mets. Chris Young and Barry Zito draw the starts. New York started in the first inning as Jason Bay singled David Wright and Scott Hairston home before scoring alongside Daniel Murphy on a single from Ronny Cedeno. The Mets added on in the second inning as Wright singled home Andres Torres. San Francisco got on the board in the fourth inning as Hunter Pence hit a sacrifice fly to allow Melky Cabrera to score. New York answered in the fifth inning with a Murphy single to knock in Torres and a Cedeno single doing the same for Hairston. The Mets struck again in the seventh inning as Cedeno doubled both Hairston and Murphy across the dish. This made it 9-1, a final, with Young notching the win and Zito suffered the loss.

To the east, the Washington Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels faces a lesser foe in Ross Detwiler. Washington began with a second inning Adam LaRoche solo home run. The Nationals added on in the third inning as LaRoche singled to score Ryan Zimmerman, followed by Jayson Werth grounding out to get Michael Morse home. The scoring ended here, with the final being 3-0, giving Detwiler the win, Tyler Clippard the save, and Hamels was handed the loss.

A touch north, the Boston Red Sox host the Minnesota Twins. Samuel Deduno and Jon Lester will receive the starting nods. Minnesota opened in the third inning as Denard Span doubled in Brian Dozier before scoring on a single by Ben Revere. The Twins got another in the sixth inning as Ryan Doumit doubled to plate Justin Morneau. Minnesota added on in the ninth inning with a two-run home run from Dozier, also scoring Danny Valencia. This gave them a 5-0 win, picked up by Deduno, while Glen Perkins worked a two-inning save and Lester had little help in the loss.

South to Atlanta, as the Braves welcome the Miami Marlins. Nathan Eovaldi and Mike Minor are the young pitchers. Atlanta was first on the board in the first inning as Chipper Jones doubled in Reed Johnson and Jason Heyward before coming home on a Dan Uggla single. The Braves padded the lead in the second inning when Heyward singled to knock in Michael Bourn and Freddie Freeman hit a 2-RBI double scoring both Johnson and Heyward. Miami got on the board in the sixth inning as Carlos Lee hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Jose Reyes to come home. This was as close as it got, with the final standing at 6-1. Cristhian Martinez picked up a win due to a rain delay forcing Minor's exit, while Eovaldi was pinned with the loss.

West again to Texas, as the Rangers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson and Ryan Dempster pace the game. Los Angeles quickly took a first inning lead as Albert Pujols hit a sacrifice fly to score Mike Trout, followed by a Mark Trumbo solo home run. Texas answered in their half of the inning on an Ian Kinsler solo shot. The Rangers rallied ahead in the bottom of the second as Kinsler singled in Geovany Soto, Josh Hamilton did the same for both Mike Olt and Craig Gentry, and Michael Young followed suit for both Kinsler and Hamilton. The Angels got one back in the third inning as Pujols doubled in Torii Hunter. Los Angeles rallied back ahead in the fourth inning with Kendrys Morales hitting a solo home run, Bobby Wilson grounding out to give Alberto Callaspo time to score, and Hunter hitting a 2-RBI single to bring around both Howie Kendrick and Trout. Texas tied it in their half of the inning on a Nelson Cruz solo shot. The Angels responded in the fifth inning on a Morales double plating Pujols. The Rangers tied it again in the sixth inning when Elvis Andrus doubled Kinsler home. Texas rallied ahead in the seventh inning as Mitch Moreland singled Young across the dish, Andrus did the same to finish Moreland's trip, and Hamilton hit a ground rule double to force in both Kinsler and Andrus. The Rangers extended the lead in the eighth inning on a Soto double to drive in Cruz and Young, followed by a David Murphy single finishing Soto's trip around. Los Angeles got one back in the ninth inning when Callaspo went yard on a solo home run. It wasn't enough, as they fell 15-9, with Roy Oswalt working from the bullpen for a win, while David Carpenter was shelled in his relief assignment for the loss.

Up in Kansas City, the Royals welcome the Cleveland Indians. Corey Kluber and Bruce Chen will be handed the ball. Kansas City stormed out of the gates in the first inning when Alex Gordon hit a solo home run, Lorenzo Cain singled in Alcides Escobar, Eric Hosmer hit a three-run home run to sweep in Cain and Brayan Pena, and Jarrod Dyson singled to knock in Chris Getz. Cleveland got on the board in the second inning on a Vinny Rottino sacrifice fly to drive in Michael Brantley. The Indians added on in the third inning when Carlos Santana singled both Shin-Soo Choo and Brent Lillibridge across the dish, followed by a Brantley sacrifice fly to get Asdrubal Cabrera home. Cleveland tied it in the fifth inning on a two-run home run by Santana, also scoring Lillibridge. The Royals won in in walkoff fashion in the eleventh inning with a Escobar single to score Hosmer for a 7-5 final. Aaron Crow was in line for the win and Esmil Rogers was responsible for the loss.

Across the plains, the Colorado Rockies host the St. Louis Cardinals. Lance Lynn and Alex White are on the mound. Colorado got things going in the fourth inning as Jordan Pacheco doubled home Carlos Gonzalez. St. Louis answered in the sixth inning when Jon Jay tripled to force in Skip Schumaker before coming the final 90 feet on a Carlos Beltran double. The Rockies answered in their half of the inning, tying the game as Pacheco's sacrifice fly plated Dexter Fowler. Colorado took the lead in the seventh inning when Tyler Colvin hit a ground rule double to knock in DJ LeMahieu, followed by a two-run Josh Rutledge homer to finish Colvin's trip around. The Rockies padded the lead in the eighth inning when Ramon Hernandez doubled Pacheco across the dish before scoring on Willin Rosario's two-run home run. This made the final 8-2, with Rex Brothers picking up the win and Fernando Salas getting pinned with the loss.

Finally, in Oakland, the Athletics host the Toronto Blue Jays. Henderson Alvarez and Bartolo Colon are atop the hill. Oakland led off in the third inning as Seth Smith single to score Eric Sogard, before coming home on a two-run home run by Josh Reddick. The Athletics added on in the seventh inning when Brandon Inge singled to knock in Chris Carter. Toronto avoided the shutout with a ninth inning Moises Sierra fielder's choice to bring in David Cooper, which left the score to be finalized at 4-1. Colon got the win, Ryan Cook converted the save, and Alvarez was dealt the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 118 2012

Getaway day, meaning we have six matinees on today. The first is in...

New York, where the Yankees host the Baltimore Orioles. Zach Britton and Phil Hughes will make the starts. New York started in the first inning as Curtis Granderson hit a solo home run and Andruw Jones hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Nick Swisher. Baltimore got on the board in the second inning as Endy Chavez grounded out to get Wilson Betemit home. The Yankees replied in their half of the inning when Derek Jeter singled in Casey McGehee, followed by Swisher doing the same for Jayson Nix. New York padded the lead in the third inning on a Nix ground rule double to force in Russell Martin, a Jeter single scoring both McGehee and Nix in, and a grand slam by Robinson Cano to sweep in Jeter, Granderson, and Swisher. The Orioles took one back in the seventh inning on a J.J. Hardy solo shot.Baltimore got another in the eighth inning as Chavez doubled to bring home Mark Reynolds. The Yankees replied in their half of the inning as McGehee hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Cano. This made it 12-3, a final, with Hughes notching the win and Britton taking the loss.

West into Minnesota, as the Twins host the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy and Scott Diamond will take the mound. Chicago began in the first inning with an Adam Dunn hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Alejandro De Aza. Minnesota answered in the bottom of the first when Joe Mauer grounded out to bring in Ben Revere. The Twins took the lead in the second inning on a Danny Valencia solo home run. The White Sox retied it in the fifth inning on a Tyler Flowers fielder's choice to knock in Alex Rios. Chicago took the lead in the eighth inning as De Aza singled home Flowers. This was good for a 3-2 win, picked up by Peavy, while Addison Reed got the save and Diamond took the loss.

Eastward to Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the Houston Astros. Jordan Lyles and Mike Fiers will be pitching. Milwaukee got going in the first inning as Aramis Ramirez reached on an error to get Nyjer Morgan home. Houston answered in the third inning as Jose Altuve singled to plate Jordan Schafer. The Astros padded the lead with a Brett Wallace solo home run in the fourth inning. The Brewers took the lead in the bottom of the fourth as Cesar Izturis singled Ryan Braun in and later Corey Hart also scored on an error. Milwaukee added on in the fifth inning as Braun singled both Morgan and Carlos Gomez safely home, before he scored on a Hart double, and then Rickie Weeks hit a two-run home run to finish Hart's trip and an Izturis solo shot. The Brewers got another in the sixth inning with a Braun solo home run. The Brewers padded the lead in the seventh inning on a two-run home run by Jonathan Lucroy, sweeping in Weeks, followed by Morgan singling in Izturis. Houston replied in the eighth inning on a two-run blast from Wallace, bringing around Scott Moore. This was as close as it got, with the final sitting at 13-4, giving Fiers the win and Lyles the brutal loss.

Down into Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jeff Karstens and Travis Wood are the inconsistent starters. Chicago wasted no time in scoring with a first inning Starlin Castro solo home run. Pittsburgh responded in the third inning with a Starling Marte solo shot and a Travis Snider single that combined with a balk to knock in Andrew McCutchen. The Pirates added on in the eighth inning as Garrett Jones singled in Josh Harrison and McCutchen, followed by a three-run Michael McKenry home run to sweep in Jones and Snider. Pittsburgh got another in the ninth inning as Jones doubled McCutchen safely home. The Cubs answered in their half of the inning when Jeff Baker tripled to force in Bryan LaHair, before scoring on a two-run long ball from Welington Castillo, but this only made it 8-4 as a final. Karstens kept the win and Wood was handed the loss.

West to Los Angeles, with the Dodgers hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Patrick Corbin and Stephen Fife draw the starts. Arizona led off with a second inning Miguel Montero single to drive in Paul Goldschmidt. The Diamondbacks got another in the fourth inning with a Chris Johnson solo home run. Arizona struck again in the eighth inning as Montero hit a two-run home run, also scoring Justin Upton. This made it 4-0, a final, with Corbin pitching strongly for a win and Fife having little help in the loss.

Up the coast, the Oakland Athletics host the Tampa Bay Rays. Alex Cobb and Jarrod Parker receive the starting nods. Tampa Bay quickly opened with a Matt Joyce single to plate Desmond Jennings. The Rays struck again in the fourth inning as Ryan Roberts singled to get Jeff Keppinger home. Oakland got on the board as Brandon Inge hit a fifth inning solo home run. Tampa Bay struck again in the sixth inning as Carlos Pena doubled to knock in Keppinger. The Rays got another in the eighth inning as Pena hit a solo shot. This ended the scoring at 4-1, giving Cobb the win, Fernando Rodney the save, and Parker was stuck with the loss.

Back east, the Washington Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Vance Worley and Edwin Jackson are the reliable pitchers. Washington got going in the first inning as Adam LaRoche singled in Bryce Harper and Danny Espinosa grounded into a fielder's choice to get Chad Tracy home. Philadelphia got on the board in the third inning with a Jimmy Rollins solo home run. The Phillies got the lead in the fifth inning with solo shots by Rollins and Nate Schierholtz. They held on from here for a 3-2 win, earned by Worley, while Jonathan Papelbon got the save and Jackson was handed the loss.

West a touch to Cincinnati, with the Reds hosting the San Diego Padres. Kip Wells and Bronson Arroyo will be handed the ball. San Diego was first on the board in the first inning when Chase Headley hit a two-run home run, also scoring Alexi Amarista. Cincinnati responded in the bottom of the first with a Zack Cozart solo home run and a two-run homer from Ryan Ludwick, sweeping in Scott Rolen for the lead. The Padres took the lead back in the fourth inning as Will Venable singled Wells home and Headley did the same for Amarista. The Reds rallied back ahead in the fifth inning with Jay Bruce doubling home Drew Stubbs before scoring on a single from Ludwick. Cincinnati extended the lead in the seventh inning as Ludwick singled Stubbs across the dish. This was all they needed for a 6-4 win, with the win going to Arroyo, the save to Aroldis Chapman, and the loss to Wells.

Down in Atlanta, the Braves host the Miami Marlins. Wade LeBlanc and Ben Sheets will take their turns in the rotation. Miami rallied to a first inning lead with Carlos Lee singling in Emilio Bonifacio, Greg Dobbs doing the same for Donnie Murphy, and Bryan Petersen singling to finish Lee's trip around. Atlanta got on the board in the second inning as Paul Janish doubled to knock in Freddie Freeman. The Marlins answered in the fourth inning as LeBlanc doubled to drive in Scott Cousins with the help of an error. The Braves pulled back in the sixth inning on a Dan Uggla double to score Chipper Jones. They couldn't tie it, losing 4-2, with Carlos Zambrano notching the win, Steve Cishek turning his fifth save of the season, and Sheets took the loss.

Northward into Boston, where the Red Sox welcome the Detroit Tigers. Rick Porcello and Aaron Cook are the relatively unknown pitchers. Boston opened with a first inning Cody Ross single plating Jacoby Ellsbury. Detroit tied it in the fourth inning as Brennan Boesch singled in Prince Fielder. The Tigers rallied ahead in the fifth inning when Austin Jackson singled home Alex Avila, Quintin Berry grounded out to get Jhonny Peralta home, Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run home run that also scored Jackson, and Fielder hit a solo home run. The Red Sox clawed back in the sixth inning with Jarrod Saltalamacchia grounding into a double play to allow Dustin Pedroia to score, followed by a Will Middlebrooks single to get Adrian Gonzalez in, and a Pedro Ciriaco single to finish Middlebrooks' trip around. Boston pulled closer in the seventh inning with a Carl Crawford solo shot. Detroit extended the lead in the eighth inning as Delmon Young hit a solo home run. This provided them with a 7-5 lead and win, earned by Porcello, while Jose Valverde got the save and Cook was given the loss.

Southwest to Arlington, with the Texas Rangers hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Garrett Richards is mismatched with Yu Darvish. Los Angeles established a lead in the third inning as Torii Hunter grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing Chris Iannetta to score, and also Andrew Romine after an error, followed by Albert Pujols hitting a two-run home run to get Hunter home, and then Alberto Callaspo doubled to score both Mark Trumbo and Kendrys Morales. Texas got one back in their half of the inning as Mike Napoli singled to plate David Murphy. The Angels responded in the fourth inning as Hunter doubled Mike Trout across the dish. The Rangers got some back in the fifth inning as Napoli doubled to drive in Michael Young, followed by Mitch Moreland's sacrifice fly to knock in Murphy, an Ian Kinsler double to get Napoli the rest of the way home, and an Elvis Andrus single to finish Kinsler's trip around. Texas got closer in the eighth inning as Murphy singled Adrian Beltre home. The Rangers tied it in the ninth inning on a Kinsler solo home run. Los Angeles reclaimed the lead in the tenth inning on an Iannetta solo shot, followed by another two-run homer by Pujols, again scoring Hunter. Texas fired back in their half of the inning on a Nelson Cruz solo home run, followed by Moreland singling to get Young home, before taking an 11-10 win on a 2-RBI Andrus single to score Murphy and Craig Gentry. Joe Nathan picked up the ugly win and Jason Isringhausen was stuck with an uglier loss.

Back north a bit to Kansas City, as the Royals host the Cleveland Indians. Zach McAllister and Luis Mendoza are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Kansas City wasted no time in scoring first in the first inning as Alcides Escobar and Lorenzo Cain pulled off a double steal, causing an error to get Escobar home before Cain scored on a Billy Butler groundout. The Royals added on in the second inning when Jarrod Dyson singled in Chris Getz and then scored on an Alex Gordon double. Cleveland got on the board in the fourth inning with a Carlos Santana solo home run. Kansas City shot back in the fifth inning as Cain doubled Escobar across the dish. The Indians responded in the eighth inning when Asdrubal Cabrera singled to plate Jack Hannahan, but this only made it 5-2, which was a final. Mendoza got the win, Greg Holland notched the save as the newly-named closer, and McAllister was pinned with the loss. 

Westward to Colorado, with the Rockies hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Jake Westbrook and Drew Pomeranz are the young pitchers. St. Louis quickly took a first inning lead on a two-run Matt Holliday home run, also scoring Allen Craig. The Cardinals struck again in the second inning as Tyler Greene doubled to score Yadier Molina. Colorado got on the board in the fourth inning as Ramon Hernandez grounded out to bring in Tyler Colvin. The Rockies rallied ahead in the sixth inning as Jordan Pacheco doubled in Andrew Brown before being forced in by a Colvin triple, and then Colvin scored on a Hernandez double, followed by an Eric Young double to drive in Hernandez. St. Louis took the lead back in the seventh inning with a three-run home run by Holliday, sweeping in Skip Schumaker and Daniel Descalso. The Cardinals got another in the eighth inning as Descalso walked on a wild pitch that allowed Molina to come home. St. Louis struck again in the ninth inning when Molina reached on a fielder's choice that brought around Holliday, followed by Jon Jay grounding into a double play to allow Carlos Beltran to score. Colorado got one back in the bottom of the ninth on a Josh Rutledge solo home run, making the final 9-6. Westbrook was credited with the win while Matt Belisle was given the loss.

Northwest to Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Carlos Villanueva and Blake Beavan take the mound. Toronto began with a Colby Rasmus solo home run in the first inning. The Blue Jays added on in the fourth inning with a solo shot from Kelly Johnson. Seattle got on the board in the bottom of the fourth when Jesus Montero grounded into a double play to knock in Dustin Ackley. Toronto replied in the fifth inning as Jeff Mathis hit a sacrifice fly to bring in David Cooper. The Mariners tied it in the bottom of the fifth as Eric Thames hit a two-run home run, also scoring Mike Carp. Seattle took the lead in the sixth inning as John Jaso singled to plate Michael Saunders. The Mariners got another in the seventh inning as Ackley hit a single to plate Brendan Ryan. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 5-3, allowing Beavan the win, Tom Wilhelmsen turned his fifteenth save of the season, and Villanueva was handed the loss.

Finally, down in San Francisco, the Giants host the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and Matt Cain pace the game. New York led off with a first inning solo home run by Ruben Tejada. The Mets added on in the second inning as Jordany Valdespin grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Josh Thole. San Francisco got on the board in the sixth inning as Buster Posey hit a solo shot. They failed to tie it up, losing 2-1, with the win going to Niese, the save to Bobby Parnell, and the unlucky loss to Cain.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 117 2012

Busy deadline day as trades from now on go through waivers first. We start the games in...

Washington, as the Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee and Stephen Strasburg take the mound. Philadelphia opened in the second inning with Kevin Frandsen two-run home run, also scoring Carlos Ruiz. The Phillies added on in the third inning as Juan Pierre scored on an error. Philadelphia padded the lead in the fourth inning as the pitcher Lee singled to drive in John Mayberry, followed by a two-run inside-the-park home run by Jimmy Rollins to finish Lee's trip. The Phillies extended the lead in the ninth inning as Ruiz grounded out to get Pierre home and Laynce Nix singled Chase Utley across the dish. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 8-0, with Lee getting a dominant win and Strasburg taking the brutal loss.

Over in New York, the Yankees host the Baltimore Orioles. Chris Tillman and Ivan Nova are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. New York began in the first inning as Curtis Granderson singled in Derek Jeter before scoring on a two-run home run by Robinson Cano, followed by Ichiro Suzuki reaching on an error that allowed Raul Ibanez to come home, and a Russell Martin single scoring Eric Chavez. Baltimore rallied ahead in the second inning on a Mark Reynolds ground rule double forcing in Adam Jones, followed by an Omar Quintanilla single to knock in both Matt Wieters and Reynolds, and a Chris Davis grand slam to sweep in Quintanilla, Nick Markakis, and J.J. Hardy. The Orioles added on in the third inning as Wilson Betemit doubled home Lew Ford. Baltimore padded the lead in the fifth inning with a Betemit single that gave time for Jones to cross home. The Orioles got some more in the eighth inning as Markakis hit a two-run home run, also scoring Robert Andino. This was it for an 11-5 game, with Tillman earning the win and Nova was pinned with the loss.

Well south, the Atlanta Braves host the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Kris Medlen are called on to start. Miami got going in the first inning on a Donnie Murphy solo home run. Atlanta tied it in their half of the inning as Brian McCann grounded out to get Martin Prado home, before taking the lead on a 2-RBI Juan Francisco single that scored both Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman. The Braves struck again in the third inning with a McCann solo shot. Atlanta got another in the sixth inning as Tyler Pastornicky hit a solo home run, followed by Heyward singling Michael Bourn in. The Braves padded the lead in the eighth inning as Freeman singled, which combined with an error to get McCann home. The final stood at 7-1, with Medlen getting a rain-interrupted victory while Nolasco was on the hook for the loss.

Back to the north, the Boston Red Sox host the Detroit Tigers. Staff aces Justin Verlander and Josh Beckett pitch. Detroit was first to score with a third inning bases-loaded walk drawn by Miguel Cabrera to force in Omar Infante. Boston tied it in the fourth inning as Pedro Ciriaco singled in Cody Ross, followed by Jacoby Ellsbury drawing a walk with the bases loaded to plate the go-ahead run, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and then Carl Crawford singled Kelly Shoppach home and also Ciriaco after an error. Due to rain, the game was called with the Red Sox ahead 4-1, giving the win to Clayton Mortensen, the save to Franklin Morales, and the complete-game loss to Verlander.

Westward to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the San Diego Padres. Jason Marquis and Homer Bailey take their turns in the rotation. Cincinnati started with a first inning Ryan Ludwick single, scoring Chris Heisey. The Reds added on in the third inning with a three-run home run by Ludwick to sweep in Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce, followed by a two-run homer from Todd Frazier that also scored Scott Rolen. San Diego got some back as Cameron Maybin hit a three-run home run, driving in Yonder Alonso and John Baker, followed by Alexi Amarista tripling to force in the pitcher Marquis, before Will Venable tripled to finish Amarista's trip and then scored himself on a Chase Headley single. Cincinnati took the lead again in the seventh inning on a Phillips solo home run. They held on for a 7-6 win, picked up by Sean Marshall, Aroldis Chapman tossed the save, and Marquis was handed the loss.

Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver faces a lesser foe in Derek Holland. Los Angeles got things going with a fourth inning Albert Pujols solo home run. The Angels padded the lead in the sixth inning with a two-run Mike Trout home run, also scoring Chris Iannetta, followed by another Pujols solo shot. Los Angeles got another in the seventh inning on a Torii Hunter double to knock in Maicer Izturis and Trout. Texas got on the board in the bottom of the seventh with a 2-RBI David Murphy double, sweeping in Josh Hamilton and Michael Young. This was as close as they got, losing 5-2 to Weaver, while Holland was served with the loss.

Back north, the Chicago Cubs host the Pittsburgh Pirates. A.J. Burnett and Casey Coleman draw the starts.  Pittsburgh established a large lead in the first inning as Neil Walker hit a grand slam, sweeping in Travis Snider, Andrew McCutchen, and Garrett Jones. The Pirates added on as Walker hit a seventh inning sacrifice fly to bring home Snider. This was all they needed for a 5-0 win, as Burnett went the distance for a one-hit and two-walk complete game shutout, while Coleman had no help in the loss.

Further to the north, the Minnesota Twins host the Chicago White Sox. Francisco Liriano faces his old team, and former teammate Nick Blackburn opposes him. Chicago struck first with a second inning sacrifice fly by Dayan Viciedo, allowing Alex Rios to score. Minnesota tied it in the sixth inning when Justin Morneau reached on a fielder's choice that brought in Darin Mastroianni, before taking the lead on a Danny Valencia single that plated Josh Willingham. The White Sox tied it in the seventh inning as Alexei Ramirez singled to knock in A.J. Pierzynski. Chicago took a ninth inning lead with a two-run home run by Pierzynski, also scoring Rios. The Twins tried a rally in the bottom of the ninth as Denard Span singled to drive in Ben Revere, but they couldn't get an equalizer, leaving Matt Thornton with the win, Addison Reed the save, and Jeff Gray was stuck with the loss.

Into Missouri, as the Kansas City Royals host the Cleveland Indians. Derek Lowe and Luke Hochevar are the struggling starters. Kansas City led off with a first inning Lorenzo Cain single to drive in Alex Gordon. Cleveland tied it in the second inning on a Johnny Damon single to knock in Michael Brantley, followed by Casey Kotchman doing the same for Carlos Santana. The Royals took the lead back in the bottom of the second with a 2-RBI Alcides Escobar single to score Chris Getz and Jarrod Dyson. The Indians retied it in the third inning when Asdrubal Cabrera scored on a wild pitch. Kansas City shot back in their half of the inning as Eric Hosmer walked, which combined with a balk to plate Billy Butler, followed by a 2-RBI Getz double to finish Salvador Perez's and Hosmer's trips around, a Gordon double to knock in Getz, and an Escobar triple to get Gordon safely home. This made it 8-3 in the end as Hochevar picked up the win and Lowe was dealt the loss.

Backtracking to Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the Houston Astros. Dallas Keuchel and Yovani Gallardo are penciled in to pitch. Milwaukee began with a first inning Aramis Ramirez single, plating Norichika Aoki. The Brewers got another in the second inning as the pitcher Gallardo hit a bunt single that scored Rickie Weeks. Houston got on the board in the third inning on a Chris Snyder solo home run. Milwaukee shot back in their half of the third on a three-run Ramirez home run, sweeping in Carlos Gomez and Ryan Braun. The Brewers got some more in the fifth inning on a three-run Corey Hart home run, also scoring Braun and Ramirez. Milwaukee struck again in the eighth inning as Nyjer Morgan singled, providing time for Aoki and Gomez to dash home. This made the score 10-1, a final, with Gallardo cruising to the win and Keuchel suffering the loss.

Southwest to Colorado, as the Rockies host the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse and Jeff Francis will be handed the ball. St. Louis wasted no time in grabbing a first inning lead as Matt Holliday doubled both Daniel Descalso and Allen Craig home before scoring on a two-run home run by Carlos Beltran. Colorado shot back in their half of the inning as Carlos Gonzalez singled home Eric Young before scoring on a double from Michael Cuddyer. The Cardinals shot back in the second inning on a Craig single to knock in Skip Schumaker. St. Louis struck again in the sixth inning as Jon Jay singled Beltran safely across the plate. The Rockies pulled closer in the bottom of the sixth as Josh Rutledge hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Adam Ottavino and Young. The Cardinals added on in the seventh inning with a two-run homer from Holliday, bringing in Craig, and a solo home run by David Freese. St. Louis padded the lead in the eighth inning as Craig singled Schumaker and Matt Carpenter safely home. Colorado tried a ninth inning rally as Todd Helton doubled Gonzalez in. This made the final 11-6, with Lohse earning the win and Francis suffering the loss.

West into Oakland, as the Athletics host the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields and Tommy Milone take the hill. Tampa Bay got going in the third inning with B.J. Upton singling in Sam Fuld and Ben Zobrist grounding out to allow Desmond Jennings safe passage home. The Rays added on in the sixth inning with Jeff Keppinger singling home Upton, Carlos Pena hitting a sacrifice fly to get Zobrist home, and Sean Rodriguez singling to drive in Keppinger. Tampa Bay got another in the seventh inning as Upton reached on an error to get Jennings home. The Rays padded the lead in the ninth inning as Jennings singled to plate Matt Joyce, followed by Upton grounding into a fielder's choice to allow safe passage home for Jose Lobaton. This made the final 8-0, with Shields tossing a three-hit shutout for the win and Milone having no support in the loss.

Up to Seattle, as the Mariners host the Toronto Blue Jays. Aaron Laffey and Jason Vargas are the underrated starters. Seattle opened with a first inning Dustin Ackley solo home run. The Mariners added on in the second inning as Trayvon Robinson singled in Mike Carp, followed by Brendan Ryan doing the same for Miguel Olivo, and Ackley grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Robinson to come home. Toronto got on the board in the third inning when Brett Lawrie doubled both Jeff Mathis and Moises Sierra home. Seattle responded in the fourth inning on another Ackley fielder's choice to score Robinson. The Mariners padded the lead in the fifth inning when Olivo singled both Michael Saunders and Kyle Seager across the dish. This was good for a 7-2 win, earned by Vargas, while Laffey was dinged for the loss.

Back in California, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Chris Capuano are tabbed to start. Arizona wasted no time in getting a first inning lead on a two-run Paul Goldschmidt home run, also scoring Jason Kubel. Los Angeles got one back in the bottom of the first with a Mark Ellis solo home run. The Diamondbacks extended the lead in the sixth inning as Miguel Montero hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Goldschmidt and Justin Upton. Arizona added on in the ninth inning as Upton grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Chris Young before scoring alongside Kubel on a Chris Johnson single. The Dodgers got one back in the bottom of the ninth as Hanley Ramirez grounded out to knock in Matt Kemp, but this only made it an 8-2 final. Miley picked up a strong win while Capuano was a bit off in the loss.

Finally, we end in San Francisco, with the Giants hosting the New York Mets. Matt Harvey and Tim Lincecum will pace the game. New York started in the second inning as Justin Turner doubled home Scott Hairston. San Francisco replied in the bottom of the second with Brandon Crawford grounding into a fielder's choice to knock in Marco Scutaro, and later Brandon Belt after an error. The Giants got another in the sixth inning as Scutaro grounded into a double play to plate Ryan Theriot. San Francisco as Marco Scutaro singled to plate Theriot. This was good for a 4-1 win, picked up by Lincecum, while Jeremy Affeldt notched a spot save and Harvey was stuck with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 116 2012

Shorter slate of games today, only twelve being played as a few teams travel. We start in...

New York, where the Yankees host the Baltimore Orioles. Miguel Gonzalez and Freddy Garcia are the back of the rotation starts. New York started with a second inning Eric Chavez single to drive in Raul Ibanez. Baltimore tied it in the bottom of the first on a Wilson Betemit solo home run. The Orioles took the lead in the fifth inning when Omar Quintanilla and Nick Markakis hit sacrifice flies to score Betemit and Mark Reynolds, respectively. The Yankees got one back in the bottom of the fifth as Raul Ibanez hit a solo shot. Baltimore added on in the seventh inning when Markakis doubled in Quintanilla and J.J. Hardy singled to finish Markakis' trip around. New York pulled back with a pair of solo home runs in the eighth inning as both Chavez and Ichiro Suzuki went yard. They couldn't tie, falling 5-4 to Gonzalez, who got the win, Jim Johnson with the save, and the loss went to Garcia.

Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Roy Oswalt are the struggling starters. Los Angeles led off with a second inning Maicer Izturis solo home run. Texas responded in their half of the inning on a Michael Young sacrifice fly allowing Nelson Cruz to score, followed by a David Murphy double to plate Josh Hamilton. The Angels added on in the third inning with a two-run Mike Trout home run, bringing in Bobby Wilson. The Rangers took one back in the fourth inning on a Hamilton solo shot. Los Angeles blitzed in the sixth inning with a two-run Kendrys Morales homer that also scored Albert Pujols, followed by Wilson singling in Howie Kendrick, Trout singling both Izturis and Peter Bourjos home, and Morales hitting his second home run of the inning, a grand slam to sweep in Wilson, Trout, and Pujols. Texas weakly responded to the 9-spot in their half of the inning with Michael Young's sacrifice fly to knock in Adrian Beltre. The Angels were back at work in the seventh inning as Torii Hunter drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Izturis and Pujols singled to plate both Wilson and Trout. The Rangers replied in the bottom of the seventh with a two-run long ball by Cruz, driving in Brandon Snyder. Texas got another in the eighth with with a Mike Napoli solo home run. The Rangers tried a ninth inning rally as Cruz doubled in Alberto Gonzalez, but this only made it 15-8 in the end, with the win belonging to Santana, the four-inning save tossed be Jerome Williams, and the crushing loss was pinned on Oswalt.

North a touch to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the San Diego Padres. Edinson Volquez and Mike Leake are sent out to pitch. Cincinnati began in the first inning with a Drew Stubbs solo home run and a 2-RBI Ryan Ludwick double to knock in both Jay Bruce and Scott Rolen. San Diego replied in the second inning as Everth Cabrera singled in Yasmani Grandal followed by an Alexi Amarista hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Cameron Maybin to come home, a Will Venable single to finish Cabrera's trip, and a Carlos Quentin 2-RBI single to score Volquez and Venable. The Padres added on in the third inning as Venable tripled to force in all of Yonder Alonso, Maybin, and Amarista, before coming the final 90 feet on a wild pitch. The Reds got one back in the bottom of the third with a solo shot from Bruce. San Diego replied in the fourth inning as Alonso doubled home John Baker. Cincinnati answered back with a fifth inning Rolen single to allow Stubbs to dash home. The Padres got another in the eighth inning on a solo home run by Quentin. This made it an 11-5 win, which went to Volquez, while Leak was shelled in the loss.

East to Boston, where the Red Sox host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Clay Buchholz are the under-performing pitchers. Detroit wasted no time in scoring in first inning as Austin Jackson hit a leadoff solo home run. Boston rallied ahead in the bottom of the first as Carl Crawford tripled to force in Jacoby Ellsbury before coming the final 90 feet on a Dustin Pedroia groundout. The Tigers tied it in the third inning on a Miguel Cabrera single to knock in Omar Infante. The Red Sox took the lead in the sixth inning with a two-run Pedroia home run, also scoring Crawford. Detroit fired back in the seventh inning as Alex Avila doubled home Brennan Boesch. Boston responded in the bottom of the seventh when Ellsbury singled to drive in Kelly Shoppach. The Red Sox extended the lead in the eighth inning on a Will Middlebrooks two-run home run, sweeping in Adrian Gonzalez. This was good for a 7-3 win, earned by Buchholz, while Scherzer was handed the loss.

South to Atlanta, with the Braves hosting the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Tommy Hanson are the reliable starters. Atlanta opened with a third inning Jason Heyward solo home run. The Braves added on in the fourth inning as Michael Bourn singled home Paul Janish. Miami got on the board in the fifth inning as Jose Reyes doubled home Emilio Bonifacio. Atlanta responded in their half of the inning with a Dan Uggla double scoring both Heyward and Freddie Freeman, followed by a 2-RBI Juan Francisco single to knock in both Brian McCann and Uggla. The Braves struck again in the sixth inning as Freeman singled Heyward across the dish. Atlanta extended the lead in the seventh inning as Bourn grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Janish to dash home. The Marlins tried a ninth inning rally when Donnie Murphy singled, which combined with an error to plate Austin Kearns, but this left the final at 8-2. Hanson notched the win while Buehrle was handed the loss.

Northwest to Chicago, as the Cubs host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard and Justin Germano are the uninspiring pitchers. Chicago quickly opened with a first inning Starlin Castro double to knock in Reed Johnson. Pittsburgh answered in the third inning when Starling Marte singled in Clint Barmes. The Pirates gained the lead in the fourth inning as Michael McKenry grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Andrew McCutchen to dash home. The Cubs took the lead back in their half of the inning on a three-run Darwin Barney home run, sweeping in Jeff Baker and Geovany Soto. Chicago padded the lead with a fifth inning rally including a three-run Anthony Rizzo home run to drive in Johnson and Castro, a Barney single to get Alfonso Soriano single, a Joe Mather single doing the same for Soto, a David DeJesus single following suit to bring in both Barney and Mather, and Castro then swept the bases clean with a two-run home run that plated DeJesus. Pittsburgh got some back in the sixth inning as McKendry singled in Garrett Jones, and Barmes drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Neil Walker. Chicago replied in the seventh inning when Mather doubled Barney across the dish. This was it for the scoring in the 14-4 game, which gave Germano the win and Bedard the loss.

Further north, the Minnesota Twins host the Chicago White Sox. Jose Quintana and Cole De Vries are the young pitchers. Chicago led off with a first inning Paul Konerko single to knock in Alejandro De Aza and a three-run A.J. Pierzynski home run sweeping in Paul Konerko and Alex Rios. Minnesota replied in the bottom of the first as Joe Mauer singled home Denard Span, Josh Willingham did the same for Ben Revere, Ryan Doumit grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Mauer to get home, and then Doumit scored on a Danny Valencia single to tie the game. The Twins took the lead in the third inning when Doumit singled in Willingham and Valencia hit a sacrifice fly to plate Justin Morneau. The White Sox got one back in the fourth inning as De Aza singled Alexei Ramirez across the dish. Chicago tied it in the eighth inning on a De Aza single again scoring Ramirez. Minnesota won in the ninth inning 7-6 on a Jamey Carroll sacrifice fly that allowed safe passage home for Alexi Casilla. Glen Perkins was in line for the win while Brett Myers was stuck with the loss.

A tad to the east, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Marco Estrada are the relatively unknown pitchers. Houston was first on the board in the first inning as Steve Pearce hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Jose Altuve. The Astros added on in the third inning as Altuve hit a sacrifice fly to get Jordan Schafer home. Houston got another in the seventh inning on a Scott Moore solo home run. Milwaukee rallied in the bottom of the seventh with a two-run home run by Nyjer Morgan, also scoring Jonathan Lucroy, followed by Norichika Aoki singling in Cesar Izturis and then scoring on a single by Aramis Ramirez as the go-ahead run. The Astros retied it in the eighth inning when Pearce doubled to plate Altuve. The Brewers took the lead back in the bottom of the eighth when Izturis singled to get Lucroy home, followed by a three-run home run from Cody Ransom, sweeping in Morgan and Izturis. Houston tried a ninth inning rally as Brian Bogusevic singled Schafer safely home, followed by Justin Maxwell doubling to finish Bogusevic's trip around, Pearce hitting a sacrifice fly to get Altuve home again, but all this wasn't enough to avoid an 8-7 loss. The win went to Livan Hernandez, while John Axford tossed a messy save, and Francisco Cordero was not freed from the loss.

Out west, the Oakland Athletics host the Tampa Bay Rays. David Price and A.J. Griffin are on the hill. Oakland started in the second inning as Chris Carter doubled in Yoenis Cespedes before scoring on a Kurt Suzuki double. Tampa Bay tied it in the fourth inning on a 2-RBI Carlos Pena double to get Jeff Keppinger and Matt Joyce home. The Rays took the lead in the sixth inning with a Joyce solo home run. The Athletics tied it in the seventh inning on a Brandon Hicks solo shot. Oakland won 4-3 in the fifteenth inning on a Jemile Weeks sacrifice fly that allowed Brandon Inge to score. Jordan Norberto was in line for the win while Kyle Farnsworth was pinned with the loss.

Down in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Cahill and Aaron Harang are on the mound. Arizona established a first inning lead as Paul Goldschmidt hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Gerardo Parra and Aaron Hill. The Diamondbacks added on in the fifth inning as Chris Johnson hit a grand slam, knocking in all of Hill, Jason Kubel, and Miguel Montero. Los Angeles got on the board in the sixth inning when Jerry Hairston, Jr. grounded out to bring in Matt Kemp. The Dodgers got another in the eighth inning when Kemp doubled home Juan Rivera. This was as close as it got, with the final sitting at 7-2. Cahill notched the win and Harang was responsible for the loss.

To the north, the Seattle Mariners host the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky Romero and Hisashi Iwakuma are the inconsistent pitchers. Toronto led off with a first inning Rajai Davis solo home run. Seattle responded in the bottom of the first as John Jaso grounded into a double play to get Dustin Ackley home and Kyle Seager singled home Michael Saunders. The Mariners added on in the second inning as Brendan Ryan reached on an error, allowing Mike Carp to score. Seattle padded the lead in the fifth inning when Saunders doubled Ryan home. This was a final, with Iwakuma picking up a strong win, Lucas Luetge getting a spot save, and Romero was on the hook for the loss.

Finally, we end in San Francisco, as the Giants host the New York Mets. Jeremy Hefner and Madison Bumgarner pace the game. San Francisco got things going with a third inning Marco Scutaro sacrifice fly to knock in Brandon Belt. New York answered in the fourth inning on a 2-RBI Ronny Cedeno double to drive in both Scott Hairston and Jason Bay. The Giants tied it in the fifth inning as Melky Cabrera singled Scutaro across the dish. San Francisco took the lead in the sixth inning as Aubrey Huff grounded into a fielder's choice that got Belt home, followed by Ryan Theriot singling in Matt Cain. The Mets replied in the eighth inning as Hairston hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jordany Valdespin, followed by Justin Turner doubling in Jason Bay before scoring on a Rob Johnson single. The Giants tied it in the ninth inning as Buster Posey doubled home Cabrera before his pinch runner, Eli Whiteside, scored on a double from Nate Schierholtz. New York took the lead again in the tenth inning as Hairston hit a solo home run and Johnson reached on a fielder's choice that gave time for Bay to score. San Francisco tried to pull back in the bottom of the tenth as Schierholtz singled to drive in Ryan Theriot, but they came up short and lost 8-7. Josh Edgin was credited with the win, Manny Acosta turned a spot save, and Santiago Casilla was stuck with the loss.

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Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 16 2012

Hitters: Carlos Gomez, Drew Stubbs, Adam Dunn, Jose Reyes, Ike Davis, Anthony Rizzo, Josh Willingham, Corey Hart, Yoenis Cespedes, Michael Morse.

Pitchers: Jeremy Hellickson, Scott Feldman, Scott Diamond, Mike Minor, Aroldis Chapman, Josh Johnson, Jeff Samardzija, Chad Billingsley, Tyler Clippard, Alfredo Aceves.

MLB Day 115 2012

Full slate on a Sunday, as normal as it gets near the trade deadline on Tuesday. We start our games in...

Toronto, as the Blue Jays host the Detroit Tigers. Doug Fister and Brett Cecil are penciled in to start. Toronto led off with a first inning Colby Rasmus groundout to bring in Rajai Davis. Detroit rallied ahead with a second inning three-run Jhonny Peralta home run, sweeping in Delmon Young and Ryan Raburn. The Tigers padded the lead with a ninth inning solo home run by Peralta. This made it a 4-1 final, with Fister getting a strong win, Jose Valverde cleanly converting his twentieth save of the season, and Cecil was handed the loss.

Down in the States, the Miami Marlins host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Josh Johnson will be pitching. San Diego began with a third inning Mark Kotsay double to knock in Alexi Amarista. The Padres got another in the fourth inning with Richard's sacrifice fly allowing Will Venable to score. Miami replied in the sixth inning on a Carlos Lee sacrifice fly to get Emilio Bonifacio home, a Justin Ruggiano single to drive in Jose Reyes, and a Donnie Murphy triple to force in both Ruggiano and Austin Kearns. San Diego tied it in the eighth inning on a two-run Yonder Alonso home run, also scoring Carlos Quentin. The Marlins won in the tenth inning 5-4 after Ruggiano singled Reyes across the dish. Ryan Webb was in line for the win while Brad Brach was responsible for the loss.

Back north, the Baltimore Orioles host the Oakland Athletics. Travis Blackley and Wei-Yin Chen are the underrated pitchers. Baltimore got going in the third inning on an Adam Jones double to bring in Omar Quintanilla, and a Matt Wieters three-run home run, sweeping in J.J. Hardy and Jones. The Orioles added on in the fifth inning as Wieters grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Hardy to score after an error. Oakland got on the board in the sixth inning when Yoenis Cespedes singled home Jemile Weeks. Baltimore shot back in their half of the inning on a Quintanilla solo home run. This was good for a 6-1 win, earned by Chen, while Blackley was given the loss.

South to Atlanta, as the Braves host the Philadelphia Phillies. Roy Halladay and Tim Hudson are the staff aces pitching. Atlanta started with a first inning Jason Heyward solo home run, followed by Dan Uggla doubling in Chipper Jones. The Braves added on in the third inning as Jones hit a solo home run. Philadelphia got on the board in the fourth inning as Shane Victorino hit a solo shot. The Phillies got closer in the sixth inning as Carlos Ruiz singled in Victorino. Atlanta answered in the seventh inning as Heyward reached on an error that allowed Tyler Pastornicky to score, followed by Freddie Freeman singling both Martin Prado and Heyward home. This was good for a 6-2 win, with Hudson getting the win and Halladay taking the loss.

West to Houston, where the Astros host the Pittsburgh Pirates. James McDonald and Lucas Harrell get the starting nods. Houston began with a third inning J.D. Martinez sacrifice fly that got Jose Altuve home. Pittsburgh shot back with a fourth inning two-run home run by Garrett Jones, also scoring Neil Walker. The Astros replied in their half of the inning with a Jordan Schafer two-run long ball, sweeping in Chris Snyder. Houston extended the lead with a Scott Moore single to plate Martinez, followed by Schafer grounding out to give Steve Pearce time to dash home. The Astros got another in the sixth inning on a Moore single to get Marwin Gonzalez across the dish. The Pirates got one back in the seventh inning on a Walker double to plate Josh Harrison. Houston shot back with a 3-RBI Gonzalez double to sweep in all of Snyder, Matt Downs, and Altuve. Pittsburgh tried a ninth inning rally as Harrison scored on a wild pitch, but they lost 9-4 anyway. Harrell notched the win and McDonald was pinned with the loss.

To the north, the Minnesota Twins host the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and Brian Duensing are the underwhelming starters. Cleveland led off with a fourth inning Shelley Duncan single to plate Asdrubal Cabrera. Minnesota answered in their half of the inning as Justin Morneau hit a two-run home run, also scoring Josh Willingham. The Twins got another in the fifth inning when Ben Revere scored on a wild pitch. Minnesota padded the lead in the seventh inning on a 2-RBI Revere single to knock in both Brian Dozier and Denard Span. This made it 5-1 in the end, giving Duensing the win and Jimenez took the loss.

A tad east, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez faces a lesser foe in Mark Rogers. Washington wasted no time in scoring first in the first inning with a Steve Lombardozzi leadoff solo home run. Milwaukee rallied ahead in the bottom of the first as Jonathan Lucroy drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Carlos Gomez and Cody Ransom singled home Corey Hart. The Brewers padded the lead in the third inning as Hart singled but was out at second base when Ryan Braun dashed home. The Nationals replied in the sixth inning on a Tyler Moore double plating Ryan Zimmerman. Milwaukee shot back in the bottom of the sixth as Norichika Aoki reached on an error to get Lucroy home and Gomez's sacrifice fly allowed Ransom to dart home. Washington got one back in the seventh inning as Zimmerman grounded into a double play that saw Corey Brown score. The Brewers responded in their half of the inning as Rickie Weeks hit a two-run home run, also scoring Hart. The Nationals rallied to tie in the eighth inning with a two-run home run by Roger Bernadina, sweeping in Michael Morse, followed by Lombardozzi grounding out to plate Jesus Flores, and Brown scored on a wild pitch. Milwaukee got the lead in the bottom of the eighth with a pair of solo shots by Aoki and Gomez. Washington tied it with a two-run Morse home run in the ninth inning bringing around Mark DeRosa. The Nationals took the lead in the eleventh inning when Morse hit a 2-RBI double to plate both Bryce Harper and Zimmerman. The Brewers tried a rally in the bottom of the eleventh as Hart hit a solo home run, but they still lost 11-10. Craig Stammen got the win, Tyler Clippard picked up his twentieth save of the season, and Jose Veras was dealt the loss.

Down in Chicago, the Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and Paul Maholm make the starts. Chicago struck first in the first inning as Starlin Castro grounded out to get David DeJesus home. The Cubs added on in the second inning as Maholm grounded into a fielder's choice that gave Darwin Barney time to score on a subsequent error. St. Louis got on the board in the seventh inning with a Tyler Greene sacrifice fly that got David Freese home. The Cardinals tied it with an eighth inning Carlos Beltran solo home run. Chicago won in the tenth inning as Anthony Rizzo hit a two-run home run, also scoring Castro for a 4-2 final. James Russell was in line for the win and Trevor Rosenthal was pinned with the loss.

Westward to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Cincinnati Reds. Mat Latos and Jonathan Sanchez take their turns in the rotation. Cincinnati opened with a first inning Brandon Phillips single to drive in Drew Stubbs. Colorado replied in the bottom of the first as Josh Rutledge hit a two-run home run, also scoring Dexter Fowler. The Reds retied it in the second inning on a Miguel Cairo sacrifice fly to bring around Chris Heisey. Cincinnati took the lead with a third inning Stubbs sacrifice fly to knock in Zack Cozart. The Reds added on in the fifth inning with Stubbs hitting a two-run home run to drive in Cozart, followed by Jay Bruce hitting a solo shot. Cincinnati padded the lead in the eighth inning as Cairo singled Heisey across the dish. They held on for a 7-2 win, going to Latos, while Sanchez was handed the loss.

Down in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeremy Hellickson and Zack Greinke are on the mound. Tampa Bay started in the sixth inning as Matt Joyce singled in Sam Fuld. The Rays got another in the seventh inning when Carlos Pena scored on a wild pitch. This was good for a 2-0 final, giving Hellickson a good win, Fernando Rodney got his thirtieth save of the season, and Greinke took the loss.

North to San Francisco, as the Giants host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw and Ryan Vogelsong pace the game. Los Angeles got going in the fourth inning as Hanley Ramirez grounded into a fielder's choice to get Juan Rivera home, followed by Luis Cruz doubling to finish Ramirez's trip around. The Dodgers added on in the eighth inning as Cruz singled home James Loney, followed by Mark Ellis doing the same for Cruz. This was it for the scoring, with Kershaw getting a complete game shutout by allowing five hits and a walk, while Vogelsong had no run support in the loss.

Back southeast, the Arizona Diamondbacks hosted the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and Joe Saunders got the starting nods. New York wasted no time in establishing a first inning lead as David Wright doubled home Daniel Murphy, followed by Scott Hairston doing the same for Wright. The Mets added on in the fifth inning as Hairston singled Wright all the way home. New York padded the lead in the sixth inning as Murphy doubled to knock in Andres Torres. Arizona got on the board in the bottom of the sixth as Paul Goldschmidt singled to drive in Aaron Hill. The Mets responded in the eighth inning as Josh Thole doubled Torres safely home. This gave them a 5-1 win, with Dickey getting the win and Saunders was dealt the loss.

To the north, the Seattle Mariners host the Kansas City Royals. Will Smith is mismatched with Felix Hernandez. Seattle began in the second inning as Mike Carp doubled in Kyle Seager. Kansas City tied it with a third inning Alcides Escobar single to drive in Jarrod Dyson. The Mariners took the lead again in the fourth inning as Trayvon Robinson doubled Seager in and Brendan Ryan's sacrifice fly allowed Carp to dash home. The Royals fired back in the fifth inning as Escobar grounded out to get Chris Getz in. Seattle shot back in the seventh inning as Seager singled both Dustin Ackley and Casper Wells across the dish. Kansas City rallied in the eighth inning with Billy Butler singling in Escobar before coming home alongside Salvador Perez on an Eric Hosmer single. The Mariners took the lead again in the bottom of the eighth as Robinson sacrificed but got on base due to an error that gave time for Munenori Kawasaki to dash home before Wells singled Robinson the rest of the way home. The Royals replied on a ninth inning Escobar groundout that plated Dyson, but they couldn't get the equalizer, and fell 7-6. Oliver Perez was credited with the win while Tom Wilhelmsen turned the save, and Jose Mijares took the loss.

Backtracking to Texas, where the Rangers host the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Scott Feldman are the struggling starters. Texas led off with Mike Napoli reaching on an error that allowed Josh Hamilton to score. The Rangers got another in the fifth inning as Michael Young grounded out to knock in Nelson Cruz. This ended the scoring at 2-0, with the win belonging to Feldman, the save tossed by Joe Nathan, and the loss was given to Floyd.

Finally, in New York, the Yankees host the Boston Red Sox. Felix Doubront and Hiroki Kuroda are on the hill. Boston led off in the second inning with a 2-RBI Ryan Sweeney double, plating Adrian Gonzalez and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. New York got on the board in the seventh inning with a Russell Martin solo home run. The Yankees tied it as Martin singled Andruw Jones home. The Red Sox took the lead again in the tenth as Pedro Ciriaco singled Saltalamacchia. They made it stand for a 3-2 win, earned by Alfredo Aceves, while David Robertson was responsible for the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 114 2012

Full slate of Saturday games, beginning at...

Wrigley Field, with the Chicago Cubs hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Joe Kelly and Jeff Samardzija are the relatively unknown pitchers. St. Louis started in the first inning when Carlos Beltran grounded into a fielder's choice that got Skip Schumaker home. Chicago answered in their half of the inning on a 2-RBI Alfonso Soriano triple to force in David DeJesus and Starlin Castro. The Cardinals tied it in the sixth inning with a Daniel Descalso sacrifice fly to drive in Lance Berkman. The Cubs took the lead back in the seventh inning as Reed Johnson hit a bunt single that got Tony Campana home. They made this 3-2 lead stand for a win, with James Russell in line for the win, Carlos Marmol tossing the save, and Kelly was stuck with the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Detroit Tigers. Anibal Sanchez and Henderson Alvarez get the starting nods. Toronto opened in the third inning as Colby Rasmus hit a sacrifice fly to get Anthony Gose in. Detroit tied it in the fourth inning with a Brennan Boesch double to score Delmon Young. The Blue Jays took the lead back in the bottom of the fourth as Edwin Encarnacion hit a solo home run. Toronto struck again in the sixth inning on a Yunel Escobar solo shot. The Blue Jays padded the lead in the seventh inning when Rasmus hit a two-run home run, also scoring Rajai Davis. This made it 5-1, a final, with Alvarez getting the win and Sanchez taking the loss.

Back in the States, the New York Yankees host the Boston Red Sox. Staff aces Jon Lester and CC Sabathia pitch around raindrops. When the clouds parted, Boston quickly struck in the first inning as Adrian Gonzalez doubled in Pedro Ciriaco, followed by a 2-RBI Will Middlebrooks double that plated both Gonzalez and Dustin Pedroia. New York got on the board in the third inning with a Chris Stewart solo home run. The Red Sox replied in the fifth inning on a Gonzalez three-run home run, sweeping in Ciriaco and Pedroia. The Yankees fired back in their half of the inning as Jayson Nix hit a two-run home run, also scoring Andruw Jones, followed by Derek Jeter grounding out to get Russell Martin home. New York tied it in the eighth inning on a two-run homer from Mark Teixeira, knocking in Raul Ibanez. Boston took the lead back in the ninth inning as Ciriaco tripled to force in Jacoby Ellsbury, before he came the final 90 feet on a Pedroia sacrifice fly. This was good for an 8-6 win, picked up by Andrew Miller, while Alfredo Aceves shut the door for a save, and Rafael Soriano was responsible for the loss.

Westward to San Francisco, as the Giants host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Barry Zito are the veteran pitchers. Los Angeles got going in the first inning as Matt Kemp hit a two-run home run, also scoring Mark Ellis. The Dodgers added on in the fifth inning when the pitcher Billingsley hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Luis Cruz to get home. Los Angeles struck again in the sixth inning on a Jerry Hairston, Jr. double to plate Hanley Ramirez. The Dodgers padded the lead in the seventh inning as A.J. Ellis hit a solo home run, followed by Kemp doubling Andre Ethier across the dish and Ramirez doing the same for Kemp. Los Angeles rallied to make it 10-0 in the ninth inning with Kemp doubling to knock in Mark Ellis and Ramirez singling Tony Gwynn, Jr. across the plate. This was a final, with Billingsley cruising to the win and Zito getting hit around in the loss.

Up in Seattle, the Mariners host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Kevin Millwood will draw the starts. Kansas City began with a Billy Butler single to knock in Alcides Escobar. Seattle answered in the third inning when Jesus Montero hit a two-run home run, also scoring Casper Wells, followed by Miguel Olivo singling Kyle Seager home. The Royals answered in the eighth inning when Escobar tripled to force in Alex Gordon. The Mariners padded the lead in their half of the eighth as Mike Carp hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Chone Figgins to dash home. Kansas City tried a ninth inning rally, as Lorenzo Cain tripled home Eric Hosmer, but they still lost 4-3. Millwood notched the win, Tom Wilhelmsen turned  a messy save, and Chen was not freed from the loss.

Back east, the Baltimore Orioles host the Oakland Athletics. Bartolo Colon and Tommy Hunter are the average pitchers. Oakland got things moving in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Yoenis Cespedes, also scoring Jemile Weeks. The Athletics got another in the fifth inning as Eric Sogard singled home Kurt Suzuki. Oakland struck again in the sixth inning with a two-run home run by Chris Carter, sweeping in Cespedes. The Athletics padded the lead in the eighth inning on a Cespedes triple to force in Weeks. Baltimore got on the board with a ninth inning solo home run from Nick Markakis. This made it a 6-1 final, with Colon notching the win and Hunter was dealt the loss.

Down in Houston, the Astros welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates. Wandy Rodriguez faces his old team while the near-perfect Armando Galarraga opposes him. Pittsburgh quickly opened with a first inning Alex Presley solo home run. Houston tied it in the second inning when Carlos Corporan singled home Justin Maxwell. The Pirates got the lead back in the fourth inning on a Neil Walker solo shot. The Astros replied in the fifth inning on a 2-RBI triple from Maxwell, forcing in Jose Altuve and Matt Downs. Pittsburgh retied it in the sixth inning when Garrett Jones scored on a wild pitch. The Pirates took the lead in the eighth inning on a Rod Barajas single to get Andrew McCutchen home. They made it stand for a 4-3 win, earned by Chris Resop, while Jason Grilli got a spot save, and Chuckie Fick was on the hook for the loss.

Back north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann faces a lesser foe in Randy Wolf. Washington was first on the board with a fourth inning Corey Brown solo home run followed by a two-run blast from Tyler Moore, also scoring Adam LaRoche. Milwaukee answered in their half of the inning when Rickie Weeks singled in Aramis Ramirez. The Nationals shot back with a solo shot in the fifth inning off the bat of Ryan Zimmerman. This ended the scoring at 4-1, with Zimmermann picking up a strong win, Tyler Clippard converting a save, and Wolf taking a loss.

Southeast in Atlanta, the Braves host the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton and Mike Minor are the inconsistent pitchers. Atlanta started in the first inning on a Chipper Jones sacrifice fly to get Martin Prado home. The Braves added on in the third inning as Jason Heyward singled in Michael Bourn. Philadelphia got on the board in the fourth inning with a Chase Utley solo home run. They couldn't get an equalizer, falling 2-1, with Minor picking up the win, Craig Kimbrel turning his thirtieth save of the year, and Blanton was handed a hard-luck loss.

Down to Miami, where the Marlins welcome the San Diego Padres. Ross Ohlendorf and Nathan Eovaldi are the unknown starters. Miami began in the first inning with a Carlos Lee single to knock in Emilio Bonifacio. The Marlins added on in the third inning with a two-run home run by Jose Reyes, also scoring Eovaldi. San Diego got on the board in the sixth inning as Yonder Alonso doubled in Chase Headley. Miami replied in the seventh inning with a Justin Ruggiano solo home run. The Padres got one back in the eighth inning on a Yasmani Grandal sacrifice fly to get Carlos Quentin home. It wasn't enough to avoid a 4-2 loss, with Eovaldi grabbing the win, Steve Cishek tossed the save, and Ohlendorf was given the loss.

Back northwest, the Minnesota Twins host the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Samuel Deduno are penciled in to pitch. Cleveland led off in the first inning with a Carlos Santana groundout that allowed Shin-Soo Choo to dash home. Minnesota took the lead in the fourth inning as Josh Willingham hit a two-run home run, also scoring Joe Mauer. The Twins added on in the fifth inning with Alexi Casilla tripling to force in Danny Valencia and Brian Dozier before scoring himself on a Ben Revere single. Minnesota extended the lead in the sixth inning with Casilla doubling to plate Justin Morneau and Valencia, Span doing the same for Dozier and Casilla, and Revere singling Span the rest of the way in. The Twins struck again in the seventh inning as Valencia doubled to drive in Willingham. The Indians chipped back in the eighth inning on a two-run Santana home run, also plating Jose Lopez. Minnesota shot back in the bottom of the eighth as Mauer singled Revere safely home. Cleveland tried a ninth inning rally as Lopez reached on an error that got Casey Kotchman home, and Jason Kipnis drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Brent Lillibridge, but this only made it 12-5 for a final. Deduno got the win, while Masterson took the loss.

South to Texas, as the Rangers host the Chicago White Sox. Philip Humber and Matt Harrison have the green light to pitch. Chicago started with a fourth inning two-run home run by Paul Konerko, also scoring Adam Dunn. The White Sox added on in the fifth inning as Eduardo Escobar doubled in Jordan Danks and Dunn hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Kevin Youkilis. Texas got on the board in the bottom of the fifth with a Mike Napoli solo home run. The Rangers tried a ninth inning rally as Napoli grounded out to get David Murphy home, but they fell short at 5-2. Humber was awarded the win and Harrison was given the loss.

West to Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the New York Mets. Chris Young and Ian Kennedy are the solid pitchers. Arizona wasted no time in scoring in the first inning on an Aaron Hill double to drive in Gerardo Parra. New York tied it in the second inning on an Ike Davis solo home run. The Diamondbacks answered in the bottom of the second as Ryan Wheeler doubled home Miguel Montero before scoring on a Parra single. The Mets got one back in the fourth inning on another Davis solo shot. Arizona fired back in their half of the inning when Montero hit a two-run home run, also scoring Justin Upton, followed by Parra singling Wheeler home again. New York pulled back with a sixth inning solo home run by Davis. They got no closer, falling 6-3, with Kennedy notching the win, J.J. Putz turning the save, and Young was stuck holding the loss.

Up to Colorado, with the Rockies hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Christian Friedrich are trotted out to the mound. Colorado began in the first inning as Carlos Gonzalez singled in Dexter Fowler and Josh Rutledge, before scoring on a Todd Helton sacrifice fly. Cincinnati replied in the second inning with solo home runs by Ryan Ludwick and Todd Frazier. The Reds tied it in the third inning on a Drew Stubbs solo shot. The Rockies took the lead in the bottom of the third as Michael Cuddyer grounded into a double play that allowed Rutledge to dash home. Cincinnati rallied ahead in the fifth inning as Zack Cozart singled to knock in Frazier, followed by Stubbs doing the same for Ryan Hanigan, and then both Cozart and Stubbs scored on a Brandon Phillips double. Colorado answered in their half of the inning when Gonzalez grounded into a fielder's choice that got Fowler home. The Reds fired back in the sixth inning on a Scott Rolen solo home run. The Rockies pulled closer in the seventh inning on a two-run home run by Cuddyer, also scoring Gonzalez. Cincinnati extended the lead in the eighth inning on a Ludwick solo shot. This made it 9-7, a final, with Cueto getting a sloppy win, Aroldis Chapman tossing the save, and Friedrich was shelled in the loss.

Finally, in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosted the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore and C.J. Wilson take the hill. Tampa Bay started in the first inning on a Ben Zobrist sacrifice fly to bring in Desmond Jennings. The Rays added on in the second inning with Matt Joyce reaching on an error to knock in Sean Rodriguez. Tampa Bay padded the lead with a third inning Zobrist solo home run. They coasted to a 3-0 win from here on, with Moore earning the win, Fernando Rodney taking the save, and Wilson had no support in the loss.

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