MLB Day 140 2012

Thank goodness for travel day, as I am now caught up and the busiest part of the month is mostly behind me. Eight games on today, including three matinees, beginning in...

Detroit, as the Tigers host their neighbors to the north, the Toronto Blue Jays. J.A. Happ is mismatched with Justin Verlander. Toronto led off in the fourth inning as Edwin Encarnacion hit a two-run home run, also scoring Colby Rasmus. Detroit rallied to tie it in the eighth inning on a Brennan Boesch single to plate Alex Avila, followed by Austin Jackson scoring on a wild pitch. The Tigers won 3-2 in the eleventh inning as Avila singled to knock in Quintin Berry. Joaquin Benoit was in line for the win while Chad Jenkins was responsible for the loss.

East to New York, as the Mets host the Colorado Rockies. Tyler Chatwood and Collin McHugh are the completely unknown pitchers. Colorado opened with an eighth inning Chris Nelson single to plate Tyler Colvin. This was the only run, leaving the final at 1-0, with Rex Brothers getting the win, Matt Belisle turning the spot save, and Bobby Parnell took the loss.

Back west, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Houston Astros. Dallas Keuchel and Jake Westbrook take the mound. Houston started in the first inning as Ben Francisco singled, which combined with an error to get Brett Wallace home. The Astros added on in the second inning with Keuchel hitting a sacrifice fly, allowing Scott Moore to come home, followed by Jose Altuve singling to bring around Fernando Martinez. St. Louis chipped away in the bottom of the fourth on a three-run home run by David Freese, sweeping in Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina. The Astros padded the lead in the fifth inning as Moore hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Francisco to come home. The Cardinals rallied ahead in their half of the inning with Allen Craig singling in Rafael Furcal, Matt Holliday hitting a 3-RBI double to drive in all of Ryan Jackson, Jon Jay, and Craig, and Molina singling Holliday the rest of the way home. St. Louis got another in the sixth inning as Craig doubled to plate Jay. The Cardinals rallied to extend the lead in the eighth inning with Furcal singling in Shane Robinson before scoring on a Craig single, followed by Holliday doing the same for Jay, and Freese following suit to finish Craig's trip around. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 13-5. Westbrook got a sloppy win and Keuchel took a worse loss.

At the normal times, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Cole Hamels pace the game. Cincinnati got going in the first inning on a Todd Frazier groundout to get Zack Cozart home. The Reds added on in the sixth inning as Frazier doubled in Jay Bruce and Ryan Ludwick. Philadelphia got on the board in their half of the inning as Laynce Nix and Erk Kratz hit sacrifice flies to get Ryan Howard and Domonic Brown in. The Phillies tied it in the eighth inning as Jimmy Rollins hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Brown to dash home. Philadelphia completed the comeback in the eleventh inning on a John Mayberry single to drive in Chase Utley for a 4-3 walkoff win. Raul Valdes was in line for the win, while Alfredo Simon was dealt the loss.

Into Boston, as the Red Sox host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson and Franklin Morales are penciled in to pitch. Boston opened in the first inning as Adrian Gonzalez singled in Dustin Pedroia. The Red Sox rallied to extend the lead in the second inning as Scott Podsednik singled to drive in Mauro Gomez before scoring on a Jacoby Ellsbury single, and then Pedroia hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Pedro Ciriaco and Ellsbury. Los Angeles replied in the third inning as Howie Kendrick singled in Mike Trout, followed by Kendrys Morales drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Torii Hunter, Erick Aybar reaching on an error that got Kendrick home, another bases-loaded walk by Vernon Wells to push in Alberto Callaspo, Chris Iannetta singling to plate Morales and Aybar, Trout doing the same for Wells, and Hunter following suit for Iannetta, erasing the six-run deficit and replacing it with a two-run lead. Boston answered in the fifth inning on a Cody Ross single to bring Pedroia around. The Red Sox tied it in the sixth inning on a Mike Aviles solo home run, before taking the lead as Ellsbury doubled Ciriaco across the dish. The Angels tied it back up in the seventh inning as Trout singled to push in Morales. Boston gained the lead in the eighth inning on an Ellsbury single plating Podsednik and a Pedroia single doing the same for Ciriaco. Los Angeles tried a ninth inning rally on a Wells solo shot, before tying it as Hunter singled Trout safely home, and taking the lead as Mark Trumbo did the same to get Hunter the rest of the way home. The Red Sox retied it in the bottom of the ninth as Ross hit a solo home. The Angels took the lead back in the tenth inning as Morales hit a solo shot, followed by Wells doubling in Aybar. Boston tried to reply in the bottom of the tenth as Pedroia singled around Ciriaco, but they couldn't convert the extra point tie it up and lost 14-13. Ernesto Frieri was given the win, while Alfredo Aceves blew up in grand fashion for the loss.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays welcome the Oakland Athletics. Tyson Ross and Alex Cobb are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Tampa Bay staked out a fifth inning lead as Ryan Roberts hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Jeff Keppinger, Sam Fuld singled home Luke Scott, Matt Joyce doubled both Jose Molina and Fuld across the dish, and Evan Longoria singled Joyce the rest of the way home. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 5-0. Cobb threw a four-hit and two-walk complete game shutout while Ross had little help in the loss.

Westward to Texas, as the Rangers host the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond faces a lesser foe in Roy Oswalt. Minnesota began with a first inning Joe Mauer double to knock in Ben Revere. Texas answered in their half of the inning on a 2-RBI Josh Hamilton double, scoring both Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus. The Twins retied it in the third inning as Revere reached on an error, allowing Pedro Florimon to get home. The Rangers took the lead again in the fifth inning as Hamilton's sacrifice fly gave Kinsler time to come, followed by Adrian Beltre hitting a solo home run. Minnesota retied it in the sixth inning on a Florimon groundout to bring around Matt Carson and Denard Span singled to plate Trevor Plouffe. Texas took the lead in the eighth inning on a Mitch Moreland double to drive in Beltre, followed by Geovany Soto reaching on an error that allowed Nelson Cruz to cross the plate, Kinsler walking with the bases loaded to force in Moreland, Andrus singling David Murphy in, and Hamilton hit a 2-RBI single that scored Soto and Kinsler. The Twins tried a ninth inning rally as Span reached on an error that provided time for both Plouffe and Jamey Carroll to dart home, but they scored no more and fell 10-6. Mike Adams was credited with the win, Joe Nathan cleaned up a mess for his twenty-fifth save of the year, and Jared Burton was on the hook for the loss.

Finally, we end in San Francisco, with the Giants hosting the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Barry Zito are on the hill. San Francisco led off in the third inning as Pablo Sandoval singled Angel Pagan in. The Giants added on in the fifth inning as Hunter Pence laid down a bunt single to get Pagan home, followed by Brandon Belt reaching on an error, allowing Marco Scutaro to score, and Hector Sanchez doubled in both Pence and Belt. Atlanta got on the board in the ninth inning as Freddie Freeman doubled both Martin Prado and Chipper Jones across the dish, but they got no closer and lost 5-2. Zito pitched effectively in the win, Sergio Romo cleaned up a mess for the save, and Hanson was stuck holding the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 139 2012

Sixteen games on today, and I am unfortunately falling just a bit behind on them. After today's games, I should be able to catch up quickly enough, but for now just bear with me. We begin in...

Tampa Bay, as the Rays host the Kansas City Royals. Luis Mendoza and James Shields will make the starts. Kansas City got going in the second inning on a Jeff Francoeur single to bring in Salvador Perez. Tamp Bay answered in the third inning as Ben Zobrist hit a sacrifice fly to score B.J. Upton and Jeff Keppinger singled to knock in Matt Joyce. The Rays added on in the sixth inning as Ryan Roberts doubled in Carlos Pena. Tampa Bay got another in the seventh inning with Zobrist doubling, combined with an error to get Sam Fuld across the plate. The Royals answered in the eighth inning on an Alcides Escobar triple to force in Johnny Giavotella, before coming the final 90 feet on an Alex Gordon single. The Rays shot back in their half of the inning on a Jose Lobaton solo home run. This gave them a 5-3 lead that they held for a final, giving Shields the win, Fernando Rodney the save, and Mendoza was stuck with the loss.

Up to Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the Chicago Cubs. Travis Wood and Yovani Gallardo are set to pitch. Chicago began with a first inning David DeJesus solo home run. Milwaukee replied in their half of the inning as Ryan Braun double in Norichika Aoki before scoring on a double by Corey Hart. The Brewers got another in the sixth inning on a Braun solo shot. The Cubs got one back in the seventh inning on a Bryan LaHair solo home run. They never tied it, falling 3-2, with Gallardo getting the win, John Axford tossing his twentieth save of the season, and Wood was handed the loss.

Out west, the Oakland Athletics host the Minnesota Twins. Liam Hendriks and Tommy Milone are the young pitchers. Oakland started in the first inning as Josh Reddick singled in Coco Crisp. Minnesota tied it in the second inning as Drew Butera grounded out to bring in Ryan Doumit. The Athletics took the lead in the third inning as Yoenis Cespedes singled to plate Cliff Pennington and Crisp. Oakland got another in the fourth inning on a Crisp double to knock in Josh Donaldson. The Athletics got another in the seventh inning on a Crisp solo home run. This made it 5-1, with Milone picking up the win and McAllister taking the loss.

North to Seattle, as the Mariners host the Cleveland Indians. Zach McAllister and Hisashi Iwakuma are the similar pitchers. Seattle opened with a first inning Michael Saunders solo home run. Cleveland tied it in the sixth inning on a Casey Kotchman single to bring in Shin-Soo Choo. The Mariners took the lead in the eighth inning as Eric Thames doubled in both Kyle Seager and John Jaso. This gave them a 3-1 win, with Stephen Pryor getting the win, Tom Wilhelmsen closing out for the save, and Vinnie Pestano was given the loss.

Back to the south, the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Miami Marlins twice. In game one, Jacob Turner and Tyler Skaggs are the prospects on display. Arizona was first to score in the first inning as Aaron Hill hit a two-run home run, also scoring Gerardo Parra. Miami tied it in the second inning as Justin Ruggiano hit a two-run homer, sweeping in Giancarlo Stanton. The Diamondbacks took the lead back in the third inning on a Hill single to plate Parra. This made it 3-2, with Skaggs notching the win, J.J. Putz getting his twenty-fifth save of the season, and Turner was dealt the loss.

In game two, the pitchers are Wades LeBlanc and Miley. Arizona got going in the first inning when Paul Goldschmidt singled to knock in A.J. Pollock. The Diamondbacks added on in the fourth inning as Chris Johnson singled home Aaron Hill and Goldschmidt scored on a passed ball. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 3-0. Miley earned a strong win, J.J. Putz tossed the save, and LeBlanc had no help in the loss.

Westward to San Diego, where the Padres host the Pittsburgh Pirates. James McDonald and Andrew Werner draw the starts. San Diego led off in the first inning as Carlos Quentin doubled in both Everth Cabrera and Will Venable, followed by a Mark Kotsay sacrifice fly to bring in Chase Headley. Pittsburgh got on the board in the fourth inning on a Pedro Alvarez single to knock in Andrew McCutchen. The Padres extended the lead in the fifth as Quentin singled home Venable. The Pirates pulled back in the seventh inning with a Gaby Sanchez solo home run. They got no closer, losing 4-2, with Werner notching the win, Tommy Layne picking up a spot save, and McDonald taking the loss.

Well to the east, the Washington Nationals host the Atlanta Braves. Kris Medlen and Ross Detwiler are the underrated pitchers. Atlanta began in the fifth inning with a Martin Prado double to knock in both Tyler Pastornicky and Medlen. Washington got one back in the eighth inning on a Michael Morse single to drive in Bryce Harper. The Braves rallied to extend the lead in the ninth inning on a David Ross sacrifice fly bringing in Chipper Jones, a Michael Bourn single to plate Freddie Freeman, and then Bourn finished his trip around on an error. This made it a 5-1 game, the final, with Medlen earning the win and Detwiler suffering the loss.

Over in Philadelphia, the Phillies host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Vance Worley are the inconsistent pitchers. Cincinnati started in the fifth inning as Drew Stubbs singled in Ryan Hanigan and then scored on a single from Ryan Ludwick. Philadelphia got one the board in the bottom of the fifth as Domonic Brown hit a solo home run. The Reds replied in the eighth inning as Jay Bruce cranked a solo shot. The Phillies tried a ninth inning rally as Ty Wigginton singled to plate Kevin Frandsen, but it fell short and they lost 3-2. Arroyo was given the win, Aroldis Chapman turned the save, and Worley took the unlucky loss.

Westward to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Toronto Blue Jays. Aaron Laffey and Anibal Sanchez get the green light to start. Detroit opened with Omar Infante scoring on a wild pitch in the fourth inning. The Tigers added on in the fifth inning as Jeff Baker singled to knock in Delmon Young. Toronto got on the board in the sixth inning as Edwin Encarnacion singled in Rajai Davis. Detroit shot back in the bottom of the sixth as Prince Fielder singled to plate Austin Jackson. The Blue Jays answered in the seventh inning on a Adeiny Hechavarria sacrifice fly to bring around Yorvit Torrealba (for one of the more difficult to type scoring plays of the year). They couldn't get the equalizer, losing 3-2, with Sanchez notching the win, Jose Valverde converting his twenty-fifth save of the season, and Laffey was on the hook for the loss.

Back east, the Boston Red Sox host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver and Clay Buchholz pace the game. Los Angeles established a lead in the third inning on a Chris Iannetta single to knock in Maicer Izturis and Mike Trout grounding into a double play to get Erick Aybar home. The Angels added on in the fourth inning with Mark Trumbo singling in Albert Pujols and Izturis doing the same for Howie Kendrick. Boston got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Ryan Lavarnway doubled to plate Jarrod Saltalamacchia before scoring on a double by Mike Aviles. Los Angeles extended their lead in the sixth inning with Kendrick hitting a solo home run and Torii Hunter singling to score both Izturis and Aybar. The Red Sox got one back in their half of the inning as Cody Ross doubled, which combined with an error to get Dustin Pedroia home. This was all they managed to score, falling 7-3, with Weaver getting the win and Buchholz was handed the loss.

Into New York, with the Mets hosting the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Francis and Matt Harvey take their turns in the rotation. New York quickly got on the board with a first inning Scott Hairston sacrifice fly to bring in Ruben Tejada. Colorado answered in the fourth inning with Willin Rosario hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Jonathan Herrera safe passage home. The Rockies took the lead in the seventh inning with a Rosario solo home run and DJ LeMahieu reaching on a fielder's choice to bring around Tyler Colvin. The Mets pulled back in the eighth inning on a Ike Davis single driving in Hairston. Colorado extended the lead in the ninth inning with a Chris Nelson single giving Colvin time to score, and then Josh Rutledge doubled to finish Nelson's trip around. This made it 5-2, a final, with the win going to Carlos Torres, Rafael Betancourt turning his twenty-fifth save of the season, and Ramon Ramirez was on the hook for the loss.

Southwest to Arlington, as the Texas Rangers host the Baltimore Orioles. Tommy Hunter and Derek Holland are the low-end pitchers. Texas opened with a second inning Adrian Beltre solo home run. Baltimore tied it in the third inning with Nick Markakis singling in Nate McLouth. The Rangers rallied to take the lead in the fourth inning as Beltre hit a two-run home run, also scoring Josh Hamilton, David Murphy doubled home Nelson Cruz, Mitch Moreland hit a grand slam to sweep in all of Michael Young, Murphy, and Geovany Soto, and then Beltre went yard on another two-run shot to score Hamilton again, ending the nine-spot. Beltre hit two homers in that inning, and the last was his third of the game. The Orioles replied meekly in the fifth inning as Markakis tripled to force in Lew Ford and Robert Andino. Texas shot back in the bottom of the fifth as Moreland hit a sacrifice fly to plate Young. The Rangers got another in the seventh inning on a Soto double to knock in Murphy. This produced the 12-3 final, with Holland cruising to the win and Hunter got shelled in the loss.

Up in Chicago, the White Sox host the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Chris Sale take the mound. Chicago led off with a third inning Kevin Youkilis sacrifice fly to bring in Gordon Beckham. New York tied it in the sixth inning on a Derek Jeter solo home run. The White Sox took the lead back in the bottom of the sixth on an Alex Rios solo shot. They held on for a 2-1 win, earned by Sale, while Addison Reed picked up the save, and Hughes was stuck with the loss.

South to St. Louis, where the Cardinals host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris is mismatched with Kyle Lohse. Houston got going in the first inning on a Brett Wallace solo home run. St. Louis answered in the second inning as Daniel Descalso doubled to drive in Allen Craig. The Astros took the lead back in the third inning with a Chris Snyder solo shot. The Cardinals replied in the fifth inning as Jon Jay singled home Rafael Furcal to tie the game before he scored on a wild pitch to take the lead. St. Louis added on in the eighth inning as Yadier Molina singled to plate Matt Holliday. This ended the scoring at 4-2, with Lohse getting the win, Jason Motte converting the save, and Norris was pinned with the loss.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants. Matt Cain and Chris Capuano are on the hill. San Francisco staked a first inning lead as Pablo Sandoval hit a sacrifice fly allowing Angel Pagan to score, followed by a two-run home run by Joaquin Arias, also scoring Marco Scutaro. The Giants padded the lead in the sixth inning when Sandoval singled Pagan home, followed by Arias doubling to drive in Scutaro, and then Justin Christian drew a bases-loaded walk to finish Sandoval's trip around. Los Angeles got on the board in the bottom of the sixth as Hanley Ramirez singled home Andre Ethier. San Francisco replied in the seventh inning as Arias doubled, scoring both Pagan and Hunter Pence. The Dodgers pulled back in the eighth inning on a Matt Kemp ground rule double to force in Mark Ellis, followed by Luis Cruz singling both Kemp and Ethier across the dish. The scoring ended here at 8-4, giving Cain the win and Capuano the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 138 2012

Full slate again, and this will be a late post since I am going to watch the follow up to King Felix's perfecto. Today's games begin in...

Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and Cliff Lee are the unlucky pitchers. Philadelphia began in the first inning as Ryan Howard singled in Jimmy Rollins. Cincinnati took the lead in the seventh inning on a Ryan Hanigan single to get Scott Rolen in, followed by a Zack Cozart sacrifice fly to allow Todd Frazier to score, and a Drew Stubbs single to finish Hanigan's trip around. The Phillies tied it again in the bottom of the seventh as Rollins doubled both Kevin Frandsen and Erik Kratz across the dish. The Reds took the lead back in the eighth inning on a Frazier solo home run. Philadelphia pulled even in their half of the inning as Frandsen tripled to force in Domonic Brown. Cincinnati gained the lead in the ninth inning as Cozart hit a solo shot, and they held onto the 5-4 win. Jonathan Broxton was in line for the win, Aroldis Chapman tossed his thirtieth save of the season, and Jonathan Papelbon was stuck with the loss.

Into DC, as the Washington Nationals host the Atlanta Braves. Paul Maholm and Stephen Strasburg take the hill. Washington started with a second inning Ian Desmond solo home run. The Nationals extended the lead in the fifth inning as Jesus Flores hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Adam LaRoche and Desmond. Atlanta got on the board in the sixth inning with a Freddie Freeman sacrifice fly to bring around Martin Prado. This was it for the scoring, with the final standing at 4-1 with Strasburg notching the win, Tyler Clippard converting the save, and Maholm was given the loss.

West to Detroit, with the Tigers hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky Romero and Max Scherzer are the under-performing pitchers. Detroit was first on the board in the first inning as Delmon Young drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Austin Jackson. The Tigers added on in the second inning as Omar Infante walked with the bases loaded to push in Andy Dirks, followed by Miguel Cabrera grounding into a double play, allowing Gerald Laird to get home. Toronto got on the board in the sixth inning as Edwin Encarnacion hit a solo home run. Detroit extended the lead in the bottom of the sixth as Infante singled Dirks across the dish, and Cabrera's sacrifice fly brought in Laird. The Blue Jays pulled closer in the eighth inning as David Cooper doubled to plate Encarnacion before scoring on a Yunel Escobar single. They got no closer, losing 5-3, with the win going to Scherzer, the save to Jose Valverde, and the loss to Romero.

Back east, the Boston Red Sox host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Aaron Cook try to right the ship on their stats. Los Angeles got things going in the third inning with an Albert Pujols single to plate Mike Trout. The Angels padded the lead in the fourth inning on an Erick Aybar single to drive in Howie Kendrick and a Chris Iannetta single scoring Alberto Callaspo. Los Angeles struck again in the fifth inning as Mark Trumbo hit a two-run home run, also scoring Kendrys Morales. Boston got on the board in the sixth inning on a Jarrod Saltalamacchia two-run homer, sweeping in Cody Ross. The Red Sox got another in the seventh inning when Scott Podsednik scored on a wild pitch. They couldn't even the score, falling 5-3, with Santana being credited with the win, Ernesto Frieri converting his fifteenth save of the season, and Cook took the loss.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar is mismatched with David Price. Kansas City was first on the board with a tenth inning Eric Hosmer single, scoring Jeff Francoeur, and it made it a 1-0 final. Kelvin Herrera was in line for the win, Greg Holland shut the door for a save, and Joel Peralta was responsible for the loss.

Back north, the New York Mets host the Colorado Rockies. Jhoulys Chacin and Chris Young are the little-known pitchers. New York led off with a fourth inning Daniel Murphy sacrifice fly to score Ruben Tejada. Colorado rallied ahead in the sixth inning as Chacin reached on an error, allowing DJ LeMahieu to dash home, followed by Charlie Blackmon singling Jonathan Herrera in, Dexter Fowler doing the same to finish Chacin's trip around, and Ramon Hernandez hitting a sacrifice fly to give Blackmon time to get home. The Mets got one back in the seventh inning as Andres Torres hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Jordany Valdespin. The Rockies shot back in the eighth inning as Fowler singled Blackmon across the dish. Colorado got another in the ninth inning when Herrera reached on a fielder's choice that gave time to get Andrew Brown home. This produced the 6-2 final, with Chacin earning the win while Young was handed the loss.

Southwest to Texas, as the Rangers host the Baltimore Orioles. Chris Tillman and Scott Feldman are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Baltimore opened in the first inning as Nate McLouth scored on a wild pitch. Texas answered in the third inning with an Ian Kinsler solo home run. The Orioles took the lead back in the fifth inning as Manny Machado tripled to force in Omar Quintanilla before score on a double by J.J. Hardy, and then McLouth hit a two-run home run to finish Hardy's trip around. The Rangers pulled back in the seventh inning as Geovany Soto hit a two-run home run, also scoring David Murphy. This wasn't enough to avoid the 5-3 loss, with the win going to Tillman, the save to Jim Johnson, and the loss to Feldman.

Up to Chicago, as the White Sox host the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Francisco Liriano are the overrated pitchers. New York started in the first inning with a Derek Jeter solo home run and a Curtis Granderson fielder's choice that got Nick Swisher in. Chicago answered in the second inning as A.J. Pierzynski hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Alex Rios. The White Sox tied it in the fourth inning as Paul Konerko hit a solo shot. Chicago took the lead with a fifth inning Kevin Youkilis grand slam, sweeping in Alexei Ramirez, Gordon Beckham, and Dewayne Wise. The Yankees got one back in the seventh inning as Russell Martin hit a solo home run. The White Sox shot back in the eighth inning on a Beckham single to plate Pierzynski. This was all they needed for a 7-3 win, picked up by Liriano, while Nova was dealt the loss.

Further north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Chicago Cubs. Chris Rusin and Marco Estrada are the unknown pitchers. Milwauke began in the fourth inning as Corey Hart singled in Norichika Aoki. The Brewers added on in the sixth inning with Rickie Weeks scoring on a wild pitch and Jonathan Lucroy doubling in both Aramis Ramirez and Hart. Milwaukee got another in the eighth inning on a Carlos Gomez single to plate Ramirez. Chicago tried a ninth inning rally with Alfonso Soriano singling to knock in Josh Vitters and Starlin Castro grounding out to give Anthony Rizzo time to get home, but they still lost 5-2. Estrada earned the win, John Axford cleaned up a mess for a save, and Rusin was not freed from the loss.

Back south to St. Louis, with the Cardinals hosting the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Adam Wainwright will be on the mound. St. Louis quickly scored in the first inning as Jon Jay scored on a balk, followed by Yadier Molina singling to knock in Matt Holliday and Skip Schumaker singled to drive in both Allen Craig and David Freese. The Cardinals added on in the third inning with Molina singling home Craig and Rafael Furcal hitting a sacrifice fly to get Freese home. St. Louis extended the lead in the sixth inning as Jay singled to plate Furcal. This was it for the scoring, with the final resting at 7-0, giving Wainwright a complete game shutout in which he allowed just five hits and a walk and Harrell a rough loss.

Down into Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco opposes Trevor Cahill on the hill. Speaking of hills, it was Aaron Hill who got Arizona started in the first inning by doubling home Chris Young, followed by Justin Upton singling both Hill and Jason Kubel in, Miguel Montero doing the same for Paul Goldschmidt, and Ryan Wheeler hitting a sacrifice fly to finish Upton's trip around. Miami got going in the second inning as Donovan Solano singled to knock in Carlos Lee, followed by a Nolasco ground rule double forcing in Greg Dobbs. The Marlins rallied to tied it in the sixth inning on a Solano single plating Giancarlo Stanton, followed by Gorkys Hernandez singling to finish Solano's trip around, and Bryan Petersen singling home Austin Kearns. Miami completed the comeback in the tenth inning on a Stanton single to get Hernandez home, and this was the decisive run, with the final being 6-5. Chad Gaudin picked up the win, Steve Cishek tossed his tenth save of the season, and Sam Demel was pinned with the loss.

Further west, the San Diego Padres hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates. A.J. Burnett and Jason Marquis are serviceable pitchers. San Diego started in the first inning on a Carlos Quentin double driving in both Will Venable and Chase Headley. Pittsburgh shot back in the third inning on an Andrew McCutchen fielder's choice that combined with an error to get Jose Tabata home. The Pirates gained the lead in the sixth inning on a Garrett Jones solo home run and a Rod Barajas double to knock in Pedro Alvarez. The Padres replied to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth as Venable reached on an error to get Cameron Maybin safely home. San Diego gained the lead in the seventh inning on a Chris Denorfia sacrifice fly allowing Yonder Alonso to score. The Padres got another in the eighth inning when Quentin hit a sacrifice fly to score Venable. Pittsburgh retied it in the ninth inning on a two-run home run by Jones, also scoring Neil Walker. San Diego got the last laugh, walking off in the tenth inning as Headley hit a two-run home run to sweep in Venable and secure a 7-5 win. Miles Mikolas was given the win while Daniel McCutchen was stuck with the loss.

Up to Oakland, where the Athletics welcomed the Minnesota Twins. Cole De Vries welcomes back opposing pitcher Brett Anderson from the disabled list. Minnesota was first to score in the first inning as Ben Revere scored on a wild pitch. Oakland answered in the second inning when Josh Donaldson double to knock in Seth Smith. The Athletics gained the lead in the sixth inning on a Derek Norris single to plate Smith. Oakland extended the lead in the seventh inning on a Josh Reddick single, scoring Coco Crisp, before finishing his trip around on a Chris Carter double. This proved to be enough for a 4-1 win, with Anderson earning the win, Grant Balfour tossing the save, and De Vries was handed the loss.

Further north, the Seattle Mariners host the Cleveland Indians. Roberto Hernandez faces a much better Hernandez, the King Felix, and his Supreme Court, 40,000 members strong. Seattle led off in the fifth inning with an Eric Thames solo home run. Cleveland tied it in the seventh inning as Casey Kotchman singled to plate Carlos Santana. The Mariners answered in their half of the inning on a John Jaso ground rule double to force in Michael Saunders before Jesus Montero hit a three-run home run to sweep in Kyle Seager and Jaso. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 5-1, giving Felix Hernandez the win in a less-than-perfect but more-than-enough fashion, while Lucas Luetge turned a four-out spot save, and Roberto Hernandez was stuck with the loss. Just as a side note, for anyone who watched on TV or listened on the radio, you truly missed out on the absolute electric atmosphere in Safeco Field. I haven't seen that place so into the game in years, if at all.

Finally, we end down in Los Angeles, as the Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum and Joe Blanton will pace the game. San Francisco started with a first inning Buster Posey single, driving in Angel Pagan and Marco Scutaro. The Giants padded the lead in the fourth inning as Brandon Crawford singled in Gregor Blanco before scoring on a Pagan double. Los Angeles got on the board in the sixth inning as Matt Kemp hit a sacrifice fly to give Juan Rivera time to get home. They still fell short, losing 4-1. Lincecum got the win, Javier Lopez picked up the save, and Blanton took the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 137 2012

Only twelve games on as my busiest week begins. We start the games in...

Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Cincinnati Reds. Mike Leake and Roy Halladay will be sent out to pitch. Cincinnati struck first in the first inning as Jay Bruce doubled home Zack Cozart, followed by Scott Rolen grounding out to bring in Brandon Phillips. Philadelphia answered in the bottom of the first on a Ryan Howard single to knock in Juan Pierre. The Phillies tied it with a third inning Howard solo home run. Philadelphia gained the lead in the fourth inning on an Erik Kratz solo shot. The Reds retied it in the fifth inning as Chris Heisey doubled to plate Devin Mesoraco, before taking the lead as Bruce singled to finish Heisey's trip around, and then Phillips scored as Bruce was caught stealing. The Phillies replied in their half of the fifth as Chase Utley doubled Pierre across the dish before scoring on a John Mayberry single, followed by a 2-RBI Domonic Brown double to knock in both Howard and Mayberry. Philadelphia extended the lead in the sixth inning as Utley hit a sacrifice fly to allow Jimmy Rollins to dart home, followed by Mayberry hitting a two-run home run that also scored Pierre. The Phillies padded the lead in the seventh inning as Pierre singled to get Placido Polanco safely home. Philadelphia got another run in the eighth inning with Kratz's sacrifice fly to bring around Mayberry. This was good for a 12-5 win, picked up by Halladay, while Leake suffered the loss.

Into DC, as the Washington Nationals host the Atlanta Braves. Tim Hudson and Jordan Zimmermann are on the mound. Atlanta was first on the board after a rain delay, as Jason Heyward singled to drive in Martin Prado. Washington answered in the bottom of the first as Bryce Harper singled home Jayson Werth, followed by an Adam LaRoche groundout to plate Harper and a two-run Ian Desmond home run that also scored Ryan Zimmerman. The Braves got one back in the fourth inning on a Paul Janish single allowing Freddie Freeman to score. Atlanta tied it in the fifth inning on a two-run home run by Heyward, sweeping in Prado. The Nationals won it 5-4 in the thirteenth inning as Chad Tracy reached on an error that gave time for Danny Espinosa to get home. Craig Stammen was in line for the win while Cristhian Martinez was stuck with the loss.

South to Tampa Bay, as the Rays host the Kansas City Royals. Will Smith is mismatched with Jeremy Hellickson. Tampa Bay started in the second inning on an Elliot Johnson single to drive in Sean Rodriguez. Kansas City tied it in the third inning when Alex Gordon singled to knock in Johnny Giavotella. The Rays took the lead back in the bottom of the third as Desmond Jennings scored on a wild pitch. Tampa Bay got some more in the fourth inning as Jose Lobaton singled in Rodriguez, followed by Jennings doubling to finish Lobaton's trip around. The Rays struck again in the fifth inning as Jeff Keppinger hit a solo home run. This made the final 5-1, with Hellickson earning the win while Smith was given the loss.

Back north to Flushing, with the New York Mets hosting the Colorado Rockies. Alex White opposes R.A. Dickey in pitching. New York began with a first inning Daniel Murphy single to score David Wright. Colorado tied it in the fifth inning on a Tyler Colvin solo home run. The Rockies gained the lead in the eighth inning as Jonathan Herrera scored on a passed ball. Colorado extended the lead in the ninth inning on a Ramon Hernandez single to plate Dexter Fowler. This made it 3-1, a final, with Rex Brothers notching the win, Rafael Betancourt tossing the save, and Josh Edgin was pinned with the loss.

Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Baltimore Orioles. Miguel Gonzalez and Ryan Dempster receive the starting nods. Baltimore opened with a first inning Adam Jones single to knock in Nate McLouth. Texas tied it in the fourth inning as David Murphy singled to score Adrian Beltre, before taking the lead with Geovany Soto singling in Nelson Cruz, and Ian Kinsler hit a sacrifice fly to finish Murphy's trip around. The Rangers added on in the fifth inning as Cruz doubled to get Josh Hamilton home. Texas struck again in the eighth inning on a Murphy singled to bring around Michael Young. This made it a 5-1 final, with Dempster notching the win and Gonzalez took the loss.

Well to the north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Chicago Cubs. Justin Germano and Mark Rogers are the unknown pitchers. Chicago got going in the first inning as Anthony Rizzo hit a ground rule double to force in David DeJesus. The Cubs got another in the second inning as DeJesus hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Welington Castillo. Milwaukee got on the board in the bottom of the second as Jonathan Lucroy hit a solo home run. Chicago shot back as Josh Vitters hit a fifth inning solo shot. The Brewers tied it in the bottom of the fifth as Travis Ishikawa singled to plate Carlos Gomez and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Norichika Aoki, followed by Corey Hart singling both Rickie Weeks and Ryan Braun home, Lucroy hitting a three-run home run to sweep in Aramis Ramirez and Hart, and Gomez hit a solo home run. The Cubs shot back in the seventh inning on a DeJesus groundout that gave time for Darwin Barney to get home. Chicago got another in the ninth inning as Castillo scored on a wild pitch, but they still lost 9-5. Rogers picked up the win and Germano was shelled in the loss.

Back south to Chicago, where the White Sox host the New York Yankees. Freddy Garcia and Gavin Floyd are the struggling pitchers. New York led off in the first inning with Mark Teixeira singling in Derek Jeter and
Eric Chavez grounding into a fielder's choice to bring in Robinson Cano. The Yankees added on in the second inning with Curtis Granderson singling to plate Nick Swisher. Chicago got on the board in the fifth inning with a two-run home run by Dewayne Wise, also scoring Gordon Beckham, before tying it as Alex Rios grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Kevin Youkilis to get home, and then taking the lead as A.J. Pierzynski single, knocking in Adam Dunn, followed by Dayan Viciedo singling to finish Rios' trip around. New York pulled closer in the sixth inning on a Jeter solo home run, and they tied it as Teixeira singled in Swisher, before taking the lead on a Casey McGehee single to drive in Cano. The White Sox retied with a Beckham solo shot in the bottom of the sixth inning. Chicago took the lead back in the seventh inning as Alexei Ramirez hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Pierzynski. The White Sox got another in the eighth inning on a Dunn solo home run. This gave them a 9-6 lead, which was good for a win, with Brett Myers in line for the win, Addison Reed tossing the save, and Boone Logan was responsible for the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Joe Saunders are the veteran pitchers. Arizona started in the first inning on a Jason Kubel solo home run. Miami tied it in the fourth inning on a Carlos Lee single to drive in Donovan Solano, followed by a three-run Giancarlo Stanton home run to sweep in Jose Reyes and Lee, and a Justin Ruggiano solo shot, a Solano single plating John Buck, and a 2-RBI Reyes double to knock in both Emilio Bonifacio and Solano, and Lee singling Reyes the rest of the way home. The Diamondbacks got one back in the bottom of the fourth as Chris Johnson singled to drive in Paul Goldschmidt. The Marlins replied in the fifth inning as Donnie Murphy tripled to force in Buck. Miami shot back in the sixth inning when Stanton and Buck hit solo home runs. Arizona got one back in the eighth inning on a Kubel groundout to allow Chris Young safe passage home. They only made it 12-3, with Buehrle getting the win and Saunders getting shelled in the loss.

Out in San Diego, the Padres host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia faces his former team, with Edinson Volquez opposing him. San Diego began with a first inning Will Venable single to drive in Everth Cabrera, before scoring on a Yasmani Grandal groundout. The Padres added on with a second inning Venable single to score Cameron Maybin. Pittsburgh got on the board in the sixth inning as Neil Walker singled home Andrew McCutchen. This was as close as it got, with the final being 3-1. Volquez notched the win, Dale Thayer shut the door for a save, and Correia was handed the loss.

Up into Oakland, with the Athletics hosting the Minnesota Twins. Brian Duensing and Brandon McCarthy receive the starting nods. Minnesota opened with a first inning Josh Willingham double to plate Darin Mastroianni, and then Trevor Plouffe drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Willingham. The Twins got more in the second inning on a Mastroianni single to knock in Pedro Florimon, followed by Willingham singling Mastroianni the rest of the way home. Oakland got on the board in the bottom of the second as Josh Donaldson doubled to plate Yoenis Cespedes. The Athletics got another in the third inning on a Josh Reddick groundout providing time for Coco Crisp to dash home. Minnesota added on in the fourth inning as Joe Mauer singled in both Florimon and Ben Revere. The Twins padded the lead in the eighth inning with a Mastroianni sacrifice fly to allow safe passage home for Florimon. This made it a 7-2 score, which was a final, giving Duensing the win and McCarthy the loss.

Further north, the Seattle Mariners welcome the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and Kevin Millwood are on the hill. Cleveland got going with a first inning Jason Kipnis solo home run. Seattle took the lead in the third inning as Michael Saunders hit a two-run home run, also scoring Dustin Ackley. The Indians tied it as Kipnis singled to plate Casey Kotchman, followed by Asdrubal Cabrera doing the same for Ezequiel Carrera. The Mariners retied it in the sixth inning on an Eric Thames solo shot. Seattle took the lead again in the seventh inning as Saunders hit another two-run home run, sweeping in Brendan Ryan. This produced the 5-3 final, with Charlie Furbush being credited with the win, Tom Wilhelmsen turning the save, and Joe Smith was dealt the loss.

Finally, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner and Clayton Kershaw are the staff aces pacing the game. San Francisco led off with a first inning Pablo Sandoval sacrifice fly to plate Angel Pagan. The Giants got another in the sixth inning on a Sandoval single to knock in Pagan. Los Angeles tried a ninth inning rally as Hanley Ramirez hit a solo home run, but they still fell 2-1. Bumgarned earned the win with a dominant performance, while Javier Lopez cleaned up a mess for the save and Kershaw was not freed from the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 19 2012

These may not be official, but they will give you a good idea of who had good weeks last week.

Batters: Nick Swisher, Mike Trout, Jay Bruce, Todd Frazier, Albert Pujols, Hanley Ramirez, Danny Espinosa, Garrett Jones, Aaron Hill, Miguel Cabrera.

Pitchers: Kyle Kendrick, Hiroki Kuroda, Felix Hernandez, Jeremy Guthrie, Chad Billingsley, Cole Hamels, Adam Ottavino, Greg Holland, Kris Medlen, Jim Johnson.

MLB Day 136 2012

Another full slate of games to add to my busy weekend, starting in...

Detroit, with the Tigers hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Doug Fister are the solid starters. Detroit established a first inning lead with an Omar Infante solo home run, a three-run blast by Jhonny Peralta, sweeping in Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, and a Jeff Baker double to plate Delmon Young. Baltimore shot back in the second inning as Chris Davis hit a solo shot, Nick Markakis doubled to knock in Omar Quintanilla, and J.J. Hardy doubled both Taylor Teagarden and Markakis across the dish. The Orioles took the lead in the fourth inning as Nate McLouth tripled to force in Markakis and Hardy before scoring on an Adam Jones single. The scoring ended here, with Chen notching the win, Jim Johnson converting the save, and Fister was dealt the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Henderson Alvarez will be sent out to pitch. Toronto was first to score in the second inning on a Mike McCoy groundout, bringing in Yunel Escobar. Texas answered in the third inning as Geovany Soto singled in David Murphy before scoring on a single by Mitch Moreland. The Rangers got another in the fourth inning as Murphy doubled to plate Michael Young. Texas rallied to extend the lead in the fifth inning on a Josh Hamilton double scoring Elvis Andrus, a Nelson Cruz single to finish Hamilton's trip around, and a three-run home run by Michael Young, sweeping in Adrian Beltre and Cruz. The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the fifth as McCoy hit a solo home run. The Rangers padded the lead in the sixth inning with a ground rule double by Young, forcing in Hamilton and Cruz. Texas got one more in the ninth inning on a Murphy solo shot. This made it 11-2, a final, with Harrison earning the win and Alvarez getting crushed in the loss.

Back stateside, the Cincinnati Reds host the Chicago Cubs. Chris Volstad is mismatched with Mat Latos. Cincinnati opened with a first inning Jay Bruce single scoring Brandon Phillips. Chicago tied it in the third inning as David DeJesus hit a ground rule double to force in Steve Clevenger. The Reds took the lead back in the fourth inning when Wilson Valdez singled Bruce home, followed by Ryan Hanigan hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Todd Frazier to score, and Latos singling to finish Valdez's trip around. The Cubs pulled closer in the sixth inning as Alfonso Soriano hit a sacrifice fly that got DeJesus home, followed by Starlin Castro singling to drive in Darwin Barney. Chicago tied it in the eighth inning as Soriano grounded out to give DeJesus time to dash home. Cincinnati won 5-4 in the ninth inning as Hanigan singled to plate Xavier Paul. Aroldis Chapman was in line for the win while Shawn Camp was responsible for the loss.

To the east, the Washington Nationals bring in the New York Mets. Jeremy Hefner and Gio Gonzalez are given the green light to pitch. Washington started with a second inning Danny Espinosa two-run home run, also scoring Michael Morse after a long rain delay. The Nationals added on in the third inning as Bryce Harper tripled to force in Jayson Werth before coming the final 90 feet on a single by Ryan Zimmerman. Washington extended the lead with a fifth inning Harper solo home run. New York got on the board in the sixth inning with Jason Bay grounding out to provide Ike Davis time to score. The Mets got another as Kelly Shoppach singled home Ronny Cedeno in the eighth inning. This wasn't enough to avoid the 5-2 loss, with the win belonging to Gonzalez, the save tossed by Tyler Clippard, and the loss pinned on Hefner.

South to Atlanta, with the Braves hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Mike Minor draw the starts. Los Angeles began with a fifth inning Luis Cruz solo home run. The Dodgers added on in the eighth inning as Mark Ellis singled home Juan Uribe. The Dodgers padded the lead with a ninth inning 3-RBI Mark Ellis double to sweep in A.J. Ellis, Adam Kennedy, and Shane Victorino. This gave them a 5-0 lead and win, which went to Billingsley, while Minor pitched well but had no support in the loss.

West to Houston, as the Astros host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy faces a lesser foe in Armando Galarraga. Arizona rallied to a fourth inning lead as Aaron Hill hit a solo home run, followed by Chris Young singling in Jason Kubel, Ryan Wheeler walking with the bases-loaded to force in Paul Goldschmidt, Kennedy hitting a sacrifice fly to finish Young's trip around, and Gerardo Parra doubling Stephen Drew across the dish. Houston got on the board in the sixth inning as Jason Castro singled to knock in Tyler Greene. The Diamondbacks replied in the seventh inning as Miguel Montero hit a 2-RBI single to get Hill and Goldschmidt across the plate. Arizona added on in the eighth inning with another Hill solo shot. This gave them an 8-1 lead, which was the final, giving Kennedy the win and Galarraga the loss.

North to Kansas City, with the Royals hosting the Chicago White Sox. Jose Quintana and Jeremy Guthrie will take the hill. Kansas City got going in the second inning on a Salvador Perez double to plate both Lorenzo Cain and Alcides Escobar. Chicago tied the game in the eighth inning when Dewayne Wise reached on an error that allowed safe passage home for Dayan Viciedo and Ray Olmedo. The Royals took the lead back in their half of the inning on a Perez single to drive in Jarrod Dyson, followed by Johnny Giavotella grounding into a fielder's choice that combined with an error to allow Mike Moustakas to come home and a Cain single to finish Eric Hosmer's trip around. This gave them a 5-2 lead, a final, with the win belonging to Greg Holland and the loss pinned on Jesse Crain.

Further north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Randy Wolf are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Philadelphia led off with a two-run home run by Michael Martinez, also scoring Domonic Brown. The Phillies extended the lead as Brown hit a 3-RBI double in the third inning, sweeping in Kevin Frandsen, Ryan Howard, and Ty Wigginton. Philadelphia added on in the eighth inning with a Brian Schneider double to drive in both Brown and Martinez. The Phillies padded the lead in the ninth inning as Brown singled John Mayberry across the dish. This paced them to an 8-0 win, picked up by Kendrick, while Wolf was dealt the loss.

Back in Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jeff Karstens welcomes Jaime Garcia back from the disabled list. St. Louis struck first in the fourth inning as Carlos Beltran doubled both Allen Craig and Matt Holliday home. Pittsburgh got on the board in the sixth inning with Josh Harrison hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Clint Barmes, before tying the game as Andrew McCutchen singled Karstens safely home. The Pirates took the lead in the seventeenth (yes, that is 17th) inning on a Garrett Jones single giving James McDonald (normally a pitcher, used as a pinch-hitter here) time to come home. The Cardinals tied it in the bottom of the seventeenth as Tony Cruz hit a sacrifice fly that brought in Ryan Jackson. Pittsburgh took the lead again in the nineteenth inning on a Pedro Alvarez solo home run and a 2-RBI McCutchen single to plate Barmes and Jose Tabata. This made it 6-3, and mercifully this was the final. Normally a starting pitcher, Wandy Rodriguez worked as a last resort to record the win, while Barret Browning was dealt the loss.

West to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson and Drew Pomeranz will be taking the mound. Miami got going as Carlos Lee grounded out to score Emilio Bonifacio. The Marlins got another in the fourth inning on a John Buck solo home run. Colorado rallied ahead in the bottom of the fourth as Dexter Fowler doubled to plate Josh Rutledge before scoring on a two-run home run by Jordan Pacheco. This ended the scoring at 3-2, with Adam Ottavino notching the win, Rafael Betancourt turning the save, and Johnson was stuck with the loss.

Out in California, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore and Zack Greinke are penciled in to pitch. Tampa Bay got things going in the second inning when Elliot Johnson was hit by a pitch and B.J. Upton walked with the bases loaded to force in Ryan Roberts and Sean Rodriguez, respectively, followed by Matt Joyce singling both Jose Molina and Johnson in. Los Angeles got on the board in the fourth inning as Mike Trout hit a solo home run. The Rays added on in the fifth inning as Roberts hit a two-run home run, also scoring Evan Longoria. The Angels shot back in the sixth inning as Albert Pujols hit a solo shot. Tampa Bay padded the lead in the ninth inning as Carlos Pena doubled both Upton and Sam Fuld across the dish. Los Angeles tried a ninth inning rally as Erick Aybar singled to drive in Alberto Callaspo, but they lost 8-3 and scored no more. Moore was given the win and Greinke had a rough loss.

Down in San Diego, the Padres host the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and Clayton Richard pace the game. San Diego began as Carlos Quentin singled in Will Venable, followed by Cameron Maybin singling both Quentin and Yonder Alonso across the dish. San Francisco got on the board in the second inning with Hunter Pence hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Buster Posey to score.The Padres extended the lead in the fifth inning with Maybin singling Alexi Amarista home before scoring alongside John Baker on a double from Everth Cabrera. San Diego got another in the eighth inning on a Venable solo home run. This gave them a 7-1 lead, good for the win, earned by Richard, while Vogelsong struggled in the loss.

North to Oakland, where the Athletics host the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Jarrod Parker are the inconsistent pitchers. Oakland was first on the board as Coco Crisp singled to plate Cliff Pennington.The Athletics added on in the fourth inning with a Brandon Moss solo home run. Oakland padded the lead in the fifth inning with a three-run home run by Crisp, sweeping in Pennington and Jemile Weeks. The Athletics got some more in the sixth inning as Weeks doubled to score Pennington and then finished his trip around on a Crisp single. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 7-0, giving Parker a dominant win and Masterson had no help in the loss.

Further north, the Seattle Mariners welcome the Minnesota Twins. Samuel Deduno and Blake Beavan are the young starters. Minnesota started with a second inning Trevor Plouffe sacrifice fly to bring in Josh Willingham. Seattle answered in the third inning as John Jaso drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Dustin Ackley, and Jesus Montero grounded into a double play that allowed Michael Saunders to come home. The Mariners added on in the seventh inning as Saunders hit a two-run home run, also scoring Ackley, followed by Eric Thames doubling Jaso across the dish. The scoring ended here at 5-1, with Beavan earning the win, Josh Kinney tossing the save, and Deduno was handed the loss.

Finally, back east, the New York Yankees host the Boston Red Sox. Josh Beckett is mismatched with Hiroki Kuroda. New York opened with a first inning Curtis Granderson double, scoring Derek Jeter. The Yankees got another in the third inning with Jeter scoring on a wild pitch. New York padded the lead in the fourth inning as Ichiro Suzuki hit a solo home run. The Yankees got another in the sixth inning on another Suzuki solo shot. Boston got on the board in the seventh inning with an Adrian Gonzalez solo home run. This was as close as it got, with the final being 4-1, giving Kuroda the win, Rafael Soriano the save, and Beckett was pinned with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 135 2012

Sixteen game schedule today, beginning in...

Toronto, as the Blue Jays host the Texas Rangers. Roy Oswalt and Carlos Villanueva will make the starts. Toronto got going in the third inning on an Adeiny Hechavarria single to knock in Anthony Gose. Texas took the lead in the fifth inning as Nelson Cruz hit a two-run home run, also scoring Adrian Beltre. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 2-1. Michael Kirkman was in line for the win, Joe Nathan turned the save, and Villanueva was stuck with the loss.

Down into Cincinnati for a doubleheader. The game 1 pitchers are aces Jeff Samardzija and Johnny Cueto. Chicago opened in the first inning on a two-run Alfonso Soriano home run, also scoring David DeJesus. Cincinnati answered in the second inning as Xavier Paul hit a two-run homer, bringing in Todd Frazier. The Reds gained the lead in the fourth inning with solo shots from both Frazier and Miguel Cairo. Cincinnati padded the lead in the eighth inning as Frazier hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Jay Bruce tome come home. The Cubs tried a ninth inning rally as Welington Castillo singled to drive in Soriano, but they didn't tie the game and lost 5-3. Cueto earned the win, Aroldis Chapman turned a messy save, and Samardzija was given the loss.

In game two, the pitching star power faded, as Brooks Raley and Todd Redmond will have the ball. Chicago began with a second inning solo home run by Brett Jackson. Cincinnati tied it as Ryan Ludwick hit a solo shot in the bottom of the second. The Cubs took the lead back in the fourth inning when Anthony Rizzo singled in Luis Valbuena, Starlin Castro doubled to drive in Joe Mather, and Bryan LaHair reached on a fielder's choice that allowed Rizzo to finish his trip around. The Reds answered in the bottom of the fifth with a Chris Heisey single to bring around Jay Bruce. The Cubs extended the lead in the sixth inning on a Castro triple to force in Rizzo, before he scored on a LaHair single, and then Adrian Cardenas doubled LaHair across the dish. Cincinnati shot back in the bottom of the sixth with a Todd Frazier single to bring around Brandon Phillips, followed by Scott Rolen's double to give Ludwick time to dash home. The Reds chipped away in the seventh inning on a two-run Ludwick home run, also scoring Wilson Valdez. Cincinnati got closer in the eighth inning as Miguel Cairo tripled to get Bruce across the plate. Chicago got an insurance run in the ninth inning with a David DeJesus solo home run. This made it 9-7, a final, where Raley got the win, Carlos Marmol notched his fifteenth save of the season, and Redmond was given the loss.

East to New York, with the Yankees hosting the Boston Red Sox. Jon Lester and David Phelps are penciled in to pitch. Boston quickly opened with a two-run home run by Adrian Gonzalez in the first inning, also scoring Carl Crawford. New York got one back in the fourth inning as Curtis Granderson hit a solo home run. The Red Sox shot back in the fifth inning with a Nick Punto double to plate Pedro Ciriaco. Boston got another in the ninth inning when Scott Podsednik scored on a wild pitch. This made it 4-1, a final, with Lester picking up the win, Alfredo Aceves converting his twenty-fifth save of the season, and Phelps was dinged for the loss.

West again, as the St. Louis Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard and Lance Lynn will be sent out to pitch. St. Louis led off in the first inning as Matt Carpenter singled in Rafael Furcal. Pittsburgh answered in the third inning with Jordy Mercer singling to score Clint Barmes. The Cardinals took the lead back in the fourth inning with Shane Robinson doubling to plate both David Freese and Yadier Molina. The Pirates retied it in the fifth inning as Mercer doubled home Starling Marte before scoring on a Garrett Jones sacrifice fly. St. Louis took the lead back in the bottom of the fifth as Molina hit a ground rule double to force both Furcal and Allen Craig in. Pittsburgh got one back in the ninth inning when Andrew McCutchen grounded into a fielder's choice, scoring Gaby Sanchez, but they failed to tie it and fell 5-4. Barret Browning was credited with the win, Jason Motte tossed the save, and Bedard was handed the loss.

Down into Houston, as the Astros host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Patrick Corbin and Jordan Lyles are the young pitchers. Arizona began in the second inning as Chris Young doubled in Miguel Montero. Houston shot back in the third inning as Tyler Greene singled home Jose Altuve. The Astros gained the lead in the fourth inning on a two-run Chris Snyder home run, also scoring Brett Wallace. The Diamondbacks rallied ahead in the fifth inning, beginning as Justin Upton singled to drive in Gerardo Parra, followed by Paul Goldschmidt doing the same for Aaron Hill, Young following suit to finish Upton's trip around, Stephen Drew drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Goldschmidt, Ryan Wheeler reaching on an error to bring in both Montero and Young, and then Hill cleared the bases with a three-run home run to sweep in Drew and Wheeler. Houston got one back in the bottom of the fifth as Greene hit a solo home run. Arizona answered with a seventh inning Wheeler solo shot. The Diamondbacks got another in the eighth inning as Young hit a solo home run. This finished the scoring at 12-4, with Corbin getting the win while Lyles was shelled in the loss.

Northeast to Washington, as the Nationals welcome the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and Edwin Jackson are the reliable pitchers. New York started in the seventh inning on a two-run home run by Ike Davis, also scoring David Wright. This was all they needed for a 2-0 win, with Niese getting the win, Frank Francisco turning his twentieth save of the season, and Jackson had no run support in the loss.

Over in Michigan, the Detroit Tigers host the Baltimore Orioles. Zach Britton and Rick Porcello are the struggling starters. Baltimore opened in the seventh inning with a three-run home run by Chris Davis, also scoring Adam Jones and Matt Wieters. Detroit got on the board in the eighth inning as Jhonny Peralta hit a 2-RBI single, scoring both Austin Jackson and Miguel Cabrera. They couldn't tie the game, falling 3-2, with Britton earning the win, Jim Johnson turning the save, and Porcello was not freed from the loss.

South to Kansas City, where the Royals host the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy and Bruce Chen receive the starting nods. Kansas City was first to score in the first inning as Alex Gordon doubled home Alcides Escobar. The Royals added on in the third inning as Billy Butler singled to knock in Gordon and Mike Moustakas did the same to finish Butler's trip around. Kansas City struck again in the fifth inning with a Butler single to plate Escobar. Chicago got on the board in the sixth inning as Paul Konerko hit a two-run home run, also scoring Adam Dunn. The Royals answered in their half of the inning as Eric Hosmer hit a solo home run. The White Sox pulled closer in the eighth inning as Dunn hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Kevin Youkilis. Kansas City padded the lead in the bottom of the eighth as Butler again singled to drive in Escobar, before he and Gordon scored on a three-run home run by Moustakas. This made it 9-4, a final, with the win going to Chen and the loss to Peavy.

Southeast into Atlanta, as the Braves welcome the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Ben Sheets are the veteran pitchers. Atlanta led off with a first inning Martin Prado double, plating Michael Bourn. Los Angeles shot back with back-to-back-to-back solo shots in the second inning, as Hanley Ramirez, James Loney, and Luis Cruz all went yard. The Dodgers padded the lead in the sixth inning as Ramirez hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier. The Braves tried a ninth inning rally as Prado hit a solo home run, but this wasn't enough to avoid a 6-2 loss. Harang was given the win, Kenley Jansen turned his twenty-fifth save of the season, and Sheets was dealt the loss.

Up in Milwaukee, the Brewers host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels and Mike Fiers take the hill. Philadelphia got going in the second inning with a two-run home run by John Mayberry, also scoring Laynce Nix, followed by an Erik Kratz solo home run. Milwaukee got on the board in the bottom of the second as Aramis Ramirez hit a solo shot. The Phillies shot back in the third inning as Ryan Howard doubled to score Chase Utley. The Brewers took some back in the eighth inning as Ryan Braun hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Jonathan Lucroy. It wasn't enough to avoid a 4-3 loss, with the win belonging to Hamels, the save turned by Jonathan Papelbon, and Fiers was pinned with the loss.

Out to Colorado, with the Rockies hosting the Miami Marlins. Nathan Eovaldi and Tyler Chatwood are the relatively unknown pitchers. Miami began with Jose Reyes singling home Bryan Petersen, followed by a three-run Giancarlo Stanton home run, sweeping in Gorkys Hernandez and Reyes. The Marlins struck again in the second inning as Reyes tripled to force in Eovaldi and Petersen. Colorado got on the board with a fourth inning Tyler Colvin double to knock in Dexter Fowler. The Rockies pulled closer in the eighth inning as Jordan Pacheco singled in Willin Rosario, followed by a Chris Nelson sacrifice fly to bring in Colvin. Colorado tried a ninth inning rally on a 2-RBI Colvin single to plate Fowler and Rosario, but they lost 6-5. Eovaldi got the win, Steve Cishek turned the save, and Chatwood was not freed from the loss.

Into California, as the San Diego Padres host the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Eric Stults are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. San Francisco opened with a second inning Joaquin Arias solo home run. San Diego tied it in their half of the inning as Cameron Maybin grounded into a fielder's choice to get Carlos Quentin home. The Padres took the lead in the third inning as Chase Headley hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Stults and Logan Forsythe. The Giants answered in the fifth inning on a Marco Scutaro sacrifice fly to bring in Ryan Theriot, followed by Pablo Sandoval reaching on a fielder's choice to get Angel Pagan in, a Hunter Pence sacrifice fly allowing Sandoval to finish his trip around, and an Arias single providing Buster Posey safe passage home. San Diego retied it in the sixth inning on a Quentin solo shot. San Francisco took the lead back in the seventh inning as Posey's sacrifice fly gave Scutaro time to get home, followed by Arias singling to drive in Sandoval. The Giants extended the lead in the ninth inning on a Pence double that drove in Posey. The Padres tried a rally in the bottom of the ninth as Alexi Amarista singled to score Yonder Alonso, before scoring on a Chris Denorfia single, but they lost 8-7 after failing to get the equalizer. Jose Mijares picked up the win, Clay Hensley got out of a jam for a save, and Brad Brach was responsible for the loss.

North to Oakland, with the Athletics hosting the Cleveland Indians. Corey Kluber and Bartolo Colon will take their turns in the rotation. Oakland established a lead in the third inning as Josh Donaldson grounded out to bring in Cliff Pennington, followed by Josh Reddick doubling home Coco Crisp before scoring on a two-run home run by Yoenis Cespedes. The Athletics struck again in the sixth inning on a George Kotteras single to plate Chris Carter. Cleveland got on the board in the seventh inning as Carlos Santana hit a solo home run. Oakland replied in the bottom of the seventh on a Cespedes single to knock in Jemile Weeks. The Athletics got some more in the eighth inning as Coco Crisp tripled to force in both Kotteras and Weeks. The Indians got some back in the ninth inning as Shin-Soo Choo hit a two-run home run, also scoring Asdrubal Cabrera, followed by another two-run blast from Brent Lillibridge that also plated Michael Brantley, but this only made it 8-5. Colon was given the win, Grant Balfour finished off for a save, and Kluber was stuck with the loss.

Back south, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Tampa Bay Rays. Alex Cobb is mismatched with C.J. Wilson. Los Angeles rallied to a first inning lead as Mike Trout hit a solo home run, followed by Kendrys Morales singling Torii Hunter in and Mark Trumbo doing the same for Albert Pujols. The Angels padded the lead in the second inning when Trout singled Erick Aybar in before scoring on a double by Hunter, and then Pujols hit a two-run home run to finish Hunter's trip around. Los Angeles got another in the third inning as Trout singled Aybar home again. Tampa Bay rallied close in the fifth inning as Sam Fuld singled to plate Sean Rodriguez, followed by Desmond Jennings walked with the bases loaded, forcing in Ryan Roberts, a 3-RBI Ben Zobrist double, sweeping in Jose Lobaton, Fuld, and Jennings, and Evan Longoria hit a two-run home run, plating Zobrist. The Rays tied it in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly by Lobaton, allowing Roberts to dash home. Tampa Bay took the lead in the eighth inning as Carlos Pena hit a two-run home run, bringing around Jeff Keppinger. This completed the comeback, with the Rays winning 10-8, which left the win with Jake McGee, while Fernando Rodney tossed the save, and Kevin Jepsen was on the hook for the epic collapse.

Finally, we end in Seattle, as the Mariners host the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond and Jason Vargas pace the game. Minnesota quickly got on the board with a first inning Justin Morneau single, knocking in Jamey Carroll. Seattle tied it in the third inning as Dustin Ackley singled home Michael Saunders. The Twins took the lead back in the seventh inning when Joe Mauer grounded into a fielder's choice to get Pedro Florimon home. The Mariners tied it in the bottom of the seventh on a Justin Smoak solo home run. Seattle won it in the ninth inning as John Jaso hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Saunders for the 3-2 final. Tom Wilhelmsen was in line for the win, while Tyler Robertson was dealt the loss.

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