MLB Day 144 2012

Only eleven games on for today, the first being played early in...

Boston, as the Red Sox host the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Daisuke Matsuzaka are the inconsistent pitchers. Kansas City began with a first inning Alex Gordon sacrifice fly to bring in Jarrod Dyson. Boston tied it in the bottom of the first on a Jacoby Ellsbury solo home run. The Red Sox added on in the third inning when Cody Ross single Scott Podsednik and Dustin Pedroia home. Boston extended the lead in the sixth inning as Ross doubled to knock in Ellsbury before scoring on a James Loney single. This ended the scoring at 5-1, with Matsuzaka notching the win and Hochevar taking the loss while throwing a complete game.

Into New York, as the Yankees host the Toronto Blue Jays. Henderson Alvarez and David Phelps are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. New York led off with a first inning Robinson Cano solo home run. Toronto tied it in the second inning as Adam Lind hit a solo shot. The Yankees took the lead back in the fourth inning with another solo home run by Cano, followed by Russell Martin singling home Mark Teixeira and Raul Ibanez grounding into a fielder's choice to bring in Eric Chavez. The Blue Jays pulled back with a fifth inning two-run home run from Yorvit Torrealba, also scoring Kelly Johnson. New York extended their lead in the bottom of the fifth as Nick Swisher hit a two-run home run, driving in Derek Jeter. Toronto replied in the seventh inning on an Adeiny Hechavarria single to plate Torrealba. The Blue Jays grabbed the lead in the ninth inning as Colby Rasmus hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Moises Sierra and Rajai Davis. The Yankees tied it in the bottom of the ninth as Jeter hit a solo shot. Toronto took the lead once again in the eleventh inning on a Hechavarria groundout that gave time for Mike McCoy to dash home, setting the stage for an 8-7 win. Darren Oliver was in line for the win, while Derek Lowe was responsible for the loss.

Onward to Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Chicago White Sox. Francisco Liriano and Wei-Yin Chen make the starts. Baltimore was first to score with a second inning Lew Ford solo home run. Chicago charged ahead in the sixth inning when Kevin Youkilis hit a two-run home run, also scoring Dewayne Wise. The Orioles retied it in the their half of the inning on a Nate McLouth bases-loaded walk to force in Matt Wieters. The White Sox took the lead again in the eighth inning as Adam Dunn singled to drive in Wise. Baltimore pulled back ahead in the bottom of the eighth as McLouth went yard on a two-run home run, bringing Mark Reynolds with him. This was good enough to win 4-3, with Pedro Strop picking up the win, Jim Johnson tossing the save as his fortieth of the year, and Brett Myers was on the hook for the loss.

Back west, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse and A.J. Burnett take the hill. Pittsburgh opened in the fourth inning as Andrew McCutchen singled home Jose Tabata, followed by Josh Harrison hitting a sacrifice fly to get Travis Snider in. St. Louis got on the board in the fifth inning as Skip Schumaker doubled to score Yadier Molina, before tying the game as Lohse singled to finish Schumaker's trip around. The Cardinals took the lead in the sixth inning on a Matt Holliday solo home run, followed by a Molina sacrifice fly allowing Allen Craig to dash home. The Pirates pulled closer in the seventh inning after some rain when Clint Barmes doubled to knock in Harrison. This wasn't enough to avoid a 4-3 loss, with the win going to Lohse, the save turned by Jason Motte, and the loss was stuck on Burnett.

Into Ohio, with the Cleveland Indians hosting the Oakland Athletics. Brett Anderson and Roberto Hernandez are penciled in to pitch. Oakland started with a first inning Seth Smith sacrifice fly, scoring Stephen Drew. The Athletics got another in the second inning on a Josh Reddick solo home run. Oakland added on in the third inning with Chris Carter singling Drew across the dish. This was all they needed to win 3-0, with Anderson earning the win, Grant Balfour tossing his fifteenth save of the season, and Hernandez was dinged for the loss

Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Tampa Bay Rays. David Price faces a lesser foe in Derek Holland. Tampa Bay wasted no time in scoring first with a two-run Evan Longoria home run, also scoring Ben Zobrist. Texas tied it in the second inning as both Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz hit solo home runs, before taking the lead when Mike Olt grounded out to get Michael Young home. The Rays retied it in the third inning on a B.J. Upton sacrifice fly to bring in Desmond Jennings. The Rangers reclaimed the lead in their half of the inning as Beltre doubled both Elvis Andrus and Josh Hamilton safely home. Tampa Bay answered in the fifth inning as Upton tripled to force in Jennings before scoring on a single from Zobrist. Texas took the lead yet again in the bottom of the fifth when Beltre singled Andrus across the dish. This held up for a 6-5 final, with Holland getting the win, Joe Nathan converting the save, and Price was stuck with the loss.

Back north, the Chicago Cubs host the Milwaukee Brewers. Marco Estrada and Justin Germano are sent out to pitch. Milwaukee began with a first inning Aramis Ramirez double to plate Ryan Braun. Chicago tied it in the third inning as Anthony Rizzo singled David DeJesus in, before scoring to take the lead on an Alfonso Soriano double, and then Starlin Castro singled Soriano the rest of the way home. The Brewers rallied ahead in the fifth inning when Braun doubled Rickie Weeks in before scoring on a two-run Ramirez home run. Milwaukee extended the lead in the sixth inning on a Norichika Aoki single to knock in Carlos Gomez. The Cubs pulled closer in the bottom of the sixth on a Brett Jackson solo home run. The Brewers added on in the eighth inning as Gomez hit a solo shot. Milwaukee padded the lead in the ninth inning with Braun hitting a three-run home run, sweeping in Aoki and Weeks, followed by Ramirez and Corey Hart solo home runs, Jean Segura singling to get Jonathan Lucroy in, and also Gomez on an error, Braun singling Segura the rest of the way home, and Jeff Bianchi singling Aoki all the way around. This outburst paced them to a 15-4 win, with Estrada picking up the win and Germano taking the loss even though the bullpen produced the collapse.

Further north, the Minnesota Twins host the Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez and Liam Hendriks receive the starting nods. Seattle got going in the eighth inning on an Eric Thames solo home run. This was the only run, with the final being 1-0, giving Hernandez a complete game shutout (yes, just a measly five-hit and one-walk shutout), while Hendriks went the distance and took a hard luck loss.

Southwest to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Josh Beckett and Jeff Francis are the veteran pitchers. Colorado led off with a Tyler Colvin solo home run in the first inning. The Rockies added on in the fourth inning as DJ LeMahieu singled in Chris Nelson. Colorado struck again in the sixth inning as Josh Rutledge singled Nelson across the dish. The Rockies padded the lead in the eighth inning as LeMahieu singled Nelson in again, followed by Colvin tripling to force in LeMahieu and Jonathan Herrera, before scoring on a Jordan Pacheco double, and finally, Willin Rosario hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Pacheco and Carlos Gonzalez. This was plenty for a 10-0 win, picked up by Francis, the save belonging to Matt Belisle, and Beckett was served the loss.

South to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Tyler Skaggs take the mound. Arizona opened with a second inning Justin Upton solo home run. Cincinnati tied it in the third inning on a Brandon Phillips double to plate Wilson Valdez. The Reds took the lead in the fourth inning as Valdez reached on an error that gave time for Scott Rolen to dash home. The Diamondbacks tied it in their half of the inning on an Upton single that brought in Aaron Hill. Cincinnati retook the lead in the sixth inning as the pitcher Arroyo hit a solo shot. This was the decisive run, with the final sitting at 3-2 The timely blast helped Arroyo help himself to a win, which was protected by Aroldis Chapman, and Skaggs was stuck with a tough-to-take loss.

Finally, in San Diego, the Padres host the Atlanta Braves. Paul Maholm and Casey Kelly have the green light to pitch. San Diego started with a second inning two-run home run by Yasmani Grandal, also scoring Carlos Quentin. The Padres got another in the eighth inning as Grandal singled to knock in Chase Headley. This paced them to a 3-0 win, picked up by a strong Kelly, while Luke Gregerson finished off for a save, and Maholm had no help in the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 20 2012

Teams are clinching now as the regular season winds down. The players leading the charge last week were:

Batters: Adrian Beltre, Jason Heyward, Allen Craig, Giancarlo Stanton, Dustin Pedroia, Ian Kinsler, Aaron Hill, Pedro Ciriaco, Jimmy Rollins, Mitch Moreland.

Pitchers: Adam Wainwright, Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw, Chris Sale, Edinson Volquez, Alex Cobb, Marco Estrada, Matt Harrison, Javier Lopez, Rex Brothers.

MLB Day 143 2012

Less than a full slate on a Sunday, as the Rays and Athletics are off today and the Orioles and Blue Jays were rained out. We start in...

Cleveland, with the Indians hosting the New York Yankees. Freddy Garcia and Ubaldo Jimenez are the overrated pitchers. New York began in the second inning as Ichiro Suzuki singled to score Eric Chavez, followed by Derek Jeter grounding out to get Raul Ibanez home, and Nick Swisher singling to finish Suzuki's trip around. Cleveland got on the board in the fifth inning as Carlos Santana singled both Jason Kipnis and Asdrubal Cabrera in. The Yankees got another in the sixth inning as Curtis Granderson hit a solo home run. This was all for the scoring, with Boone Logan picking up the win, Rafael Soriano tossing the save, and Jimenez was dealt the loss.

Up into Detroit, as the Tigers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Max Scherzer are the under-performing starters. Los Angeles got on the board in the first inning as Torii Hunter grounded into a double play to bring in Mike Trout. Detroit tied it as Andy Dirks tripled to force in Omar Infante in the third inning. The Tigers took the lead in the sixth inning on a two-run Prince Fielder home run, also scoring Dirks, followed by a Delmon Young solo home run. Detroit added on in the eighth inning as Quintin Berry hit a sacrifice fly that gave time for Dirks to dash home. The Angels shot back in the ninth inning when Kendrys Morales singled to drive in Hunter, but they got no closer, losing 5-2. Scherzer got the win and Santana was handed the loss.

Back in Ohio, the Cincinnati Reds host the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and Homer Bailey are the solid pitchers. St. Louis got going as Jon Jay singled to plate Skip Schumaker, before scoring alongside Wainwright on a single by Matt Holliday. The Cardinals added on in the sixth inning as Allen Craig hit a two-run home run, also scoring Holliday. Cincinnati got on the board in their half of the inning as Chris Heisey singled to drive in Ryan Hanigan, and Ryan Ludwick doing the same for Zack Cozart. St. Louis padded the lead in the seventh inning as Holliday double to score Shane Robinson, before scoring on a Craig single. The Cardinals extended the lead in the ninth inning on a Holliday single to knock in Matt Carpenter. This was good for an 8-2 win, belonging to Wainwright, while Bailey was pinned with the loss.

East to New York, as the Mets host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Jeremy Hefner are the young starters. New York led off in the fourth inning on an Ike Davis solo home run. Houston tied it in the ninth inning with Marwin Gonzalez doubling in Jose Altuve. The Mets won it 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth as Davis hit another solo shot. Bobby Parnell was credited with the win, while Wilton Lopez was stuck with the loss.

Into Pennsylvania, with the Philadelphia Phillies hosting the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and Cliff Lee are on the mound. Philadelphia opened in the fifth inning as Lee doubled home Kevin Frandsen, before scoring on a two-run home run by Jimmy Rollins. The Phillies got another in the sixth inning as Laynce Nix hit a solo home run. Washington got on the board in the seventh inning on a Tyler Moore double allowing Jayson Werth to score. This wasn't enough to avoid a 4-1 loss, with Lee earning the win and Zimmermann taking the loss.

Across the state, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Milwaukee Brewers. Mark Rogers and Erik Bedard take their turns in the rotation. Milwaukee struck first in the fourth inning on a three-run home run by Carlos Gomez, sweeping in Corey Hart and Jonathan Lucroy. The Brewers got another in the fifth inning as Rickie Weeks double to score Rogers, followed by a two-run home run by Aramis Ramirez, also scoring Weeks. Milwaukee struck again in the sixth inning on a Norichika Aoki sacrifice fly to give time for Jean Segura to score. This made it 7-0, a final, with Rogers getting the win and Bedard having no help in the loss.

Along to Boston, as the Red Sox host the Kansas City Royals. Will Smith and Felix Doubront are penciled in to pitch. Boston started in the first inning as Cody Ross singled to drive in Pedro Ciriaco. The Red Sox got another in the second inning with a Mike Aviles double, plating Mauro Gomez. Kansas City took the lead in the fourth inning on a Tony Abreu single to bring in Johnny Giavotella and a three-run Lorenzo Cain home run, sweeping in Eric Hosmer and Abreu. Boston replied in the fifth inning with a Ciriaco solo home run, and tied it as James Loney singled to score Jacoby Ellsbury. The Red Sox gained the lead in the sixth inning on an Ellsbury single to allow safe passage home for Gomez. Boston struck again in the seventh inning as Scott Podsednik reached on an error that brought in Ross, followed by Ciriaco singling Ryan Lavarnway in. The Royals answered in the eighth inning when Eric Hosmer's sacrifice fly got Billy Butler home, followed by Abreu singling Salvador Perez across the dish. The Red Sox replied in the bottom of the eighth on a Dustin Pedroia solo shot. This held up for an 8-6 win, picked up by Pedro Beato, while Mark Melancon turned a spot save, and Smith was stuck holding the loss.

Out west, the Chicago White Sox host the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Gavin Floyd are the veteran pitchers. Seattle led off in the first inning as John Jaso singled home Dustin Ackley. Chicago tied it in the second inning on a Jordan Danks sacrifice fly to bring in Alex Rios. The White Sox took the lead in the third inning as Kevin Youkilis tripled to force in Ray Olmedo. The Mariners took the lead back on a two-run home run by Casper Wells, also scoring Justin Smoak. Chicago regained the lead in the seventh inning on a two-run Tyler Flowers home run, sweeping in Danks. The rain called this the end of the game, giving the White Sox a lucky 4-3 win, earned by Nate Jones, while Millwood was stuck with the loss.

On the north side of Chicago, the Cubs host the Colorado Rockies. Jhoulys Chacin and Chris Volstad will try to right the ship today. Chicago got things going in the second inning as Darwin Barney grounded into a fielder's choice to bring around Starlin Castro. The Cubs added on in the sixth inning as Barney singled Castro across the dish. Chicago got another in the eighth inning on a Joe Mather sacrifice fly to knock in Castro, followed by Brett Jackson scoring on a wild pitch and David DeJesus singling Barney in. As with the game to the south, this one was called by rain at a 5-0 final, giving Volstad the win, while Shawn Camp fell into a save and Chacin had no help in the loss.

Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Minnesota Twins. Cole De Vries and Scott Feldman have the green light to pitch. Minnesota wasted no time in scoring in the first inning with Josh Willingham doubling to knock in Ben Revere. Texas took the lead after a long rain delay on a Josh Hamilton single scoring both Ian Kinsler and Mitch Moreland. The Twins retied it in the second inning as Pedro Florimon grounded out to bring in Jamey Carroll. Minnesota took the lead in the third inning with Justin Morneau hitting a sacrifice fly that allowed Revere to dash home. The Twins added on in the fifth inning when Joe Mauer singled Denard Span home and Trevor Plouffe did the same for Revere. Minnesota struck again in the sixth inning as Revere tripled to force in Span. The Rangers pulled back in the bottom of the sixth on a two-run Hamilton home run, also scoring Moreland, and a Nelson Cruz solo home run. They couldn't tie it, losing 6-5, with De Vries picking up the win, Glen Perkis throwing the save, and Feldman was dinged for the loss.

Westward to Los Angeles, as the Dodgers host the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Aaron Harang are on the hill. Los Angeles began in the first inning as Adrian Gonzalez singled home Nick Punto. Miami tied it in the fourth inning with a Giancarlo Stanton solo home run. The Marlins got more in the fifth inning as Rob Brantly hit a two-run home run, also scoring Donovan Solano. The Dodgers got one back in the seventh inning as Andre Ethier singled to knock in Matt Kemp. Miami extended the lead in the eighth inning when Bryan Petersen reached on an error that got Greg Dobbs home. The Marlins got some more in the ninth inning on a pair of solo shots from Jose Reyes and Carlos Lee. Buehrle was credited with the win, Steve Cishek finished up for a save, and Harang was unable to escape the loss.

Back to the east, the Arizona Diamondbacks host the San Diego Padres. Edinson Volquez and Trevor Cahill pace the game. San Diego got going in the first inning as Yasmani Grandal singled home Chase Headley, followed by Yonder Alonso doing the same for Carlos Quentin. Arizona tied it in the bottom of the first as Miguel Montero singled to knock in Justin Upton, followed by Chris Young singling to drive in Paul Goldschmidt. The Padres took the lead again in the third inning with Mark Kotsay singling Grandal around. San Diego struck again in the fourth inning with Quentin doubling Volquez across the plate. The Padres padded the lead in the seventh inning on an Alexi Amarista double to knock in Grandal. The Diamondbacks pulled back in the eighth inning on a two-run home run by Aaron Hill, also scoring Gerardo Parra. They failed to get the equalizer, falling 5-4, with Volquez getting the win, Luke Gregerson picking up a spot save, and Cahill was stuck holding the loss.

Finally, we end up in San Francisco, as the Giants host the Atlanta Braves. Tims Hudson and Lincecum are handed the ball. Atlanta started in the first inning as Martin Prado grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Michael Bourn, followed by Brian McCann singling to plate Jason Heyward. The Braves got another in the fourth inning on a Juan Francisco solo home run. Atlanta padded the lead in the sixth inning as Paul Janish tripled to force in Prado and McCann. San Francisco got on the board in the seventh inning on a Brandon Crawford sacrifice fly to allow Buster Posey to come home. The Braves extended the lead in the ninth inning as both Heyward and Freddie Freeman hit solo shots. This made it 7-1, a final, with the win going to Hudson and the loss to Lincecum.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 142 2012

Full schedule again, which begins in...

Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Colorado Rockies. Alex White and Brooks Raley are the uninspiring pitchers. Chicago started in the fourth inning as Welington Castillo reached on an error, before scoring on a two-run home run by Brett Jackson. Colorado got some back in the fifth inning on a two-run Josh Rutledge home run, also scoring Jonathan Herrera. The Rockies tied it in the sixth inning when Andrew Brown hit a solo home run. Colorado got the lead in the seventh inning as Carlos Gonzalez grounded into a fielder's choice, giving time to score DJ LeMahieu. This was good for a 4-3 final, with Carlos Torres notching the win, Rafael Betancourt turning the save, and Manule Corpas was stuck with the loss.

South to Tampa Bay, as the Rays host the Oakland Athletics. Brandon McCarthy and Jeremy Hellickson are on the mound. Oakland opened in the first inning with Seth Smith striking out, but Jose Lobaton committed an error that allowed Coco Crisp to score, followed by Chris Carter hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Stephen Drew. Tampa Bay got on the board in the second inning on a Lobaton sacrifice fly to bring around Luke Scott. The Athletics replied in the third inning as Smith hit a solo home run. The Rays shot back in the fourth inning on a Desmond Jennings solo shot. They failed to score again, losing 4-2, with the win going to McCarthy, the save tossed by Grant Balfour, and the loss was pinned on Hellickson.

Back north, the New York Mets host the Houston Astros. Fernando Abad is mismatched with R.A. Dickey. New York led off with a fourth inning single by Dickey to drive in Ronny Cedeno. The Mets got another in the sixth inning on a Justin Turner solo home run. Houston got on the board in the seventh inning as Scott Moore scored on a wild pitch. New York replied with an eighth inning Jason Bay single to bring in Scott Hairston. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 3-1. Dickey earned the win, Frank Francisco turned the save, and Abad was handed the loss.

To the west, the Cincinnati Reds host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jaime Garcia and Mike Leake are the average pitchers. Cincinnati struck first in the third inning on a Brandon Phillips single to knock in the pitcher Leake. St. Louis tied it in the fifth inning as a Matt Carpenter sacrifice fly brought in Tony Cruz. The Reds gained the lead in the sixth inning with Todd Frazier grounding into a fielder's choice to allow Phillips to come home, followed by a two-run home run from Jay Bruce, also scoring Frazier. The Cardinals answered in the seventh inning as Shane Robinson grounded into a double play to bring in Cruz. Cincinnati padded the lead in the bottom of the seventh on a Phillips solo home run, a Scott Rolen single scoring both Ryan Ludwick and Frazier, and a Dioner Navarro single to knock in Bruce. This ended the scoring at 8-2, with Leake picking up the win and Garcia taking the loss.

Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Minnesota Twins. Brian Duensing and Ryan Dempster are the veteran starters. Texas began with a first inning Ian Kinsler solo home run, followed by Nelson Cruz doubling Josh Hamilton in. The Rangers added on in the second inning as Mitch Moreland hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Geovany Soto and Craig Gentry. Texas struck again in the third inning when Soto singled Cruz across the plate, followed by Kinsler tripling to force in all of David Murphy, Soto, and Gentry. Minnesota got on the board in the fourth inning with a Justin Morneau solo shot. The Twins got another in the fifth inning as Pedro Florimon singled to knock in Jamey Carroll. Minnesota pulled closer in the seventh inning as Joe Mauer doubled to drive in Ben Revere. This was as close as it got, with the final being 9-3, giving Dempster the win and Duensing the loss.

Out west, the San Francisco Giants host the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor and Madison Bumgarner are the talented pitchers. Atlanta was first on the board in the third inning with a three-run Jason Heyward home run, sweeping in Minor and Martin Prado. San Francisco got on the board in the fifth inning as Brandon Belt grounded out to bring in Hunter Pence. The Braves added on in the seventh inning on a Michael Bourn single to plate Minor. The Giants pulled closer in the bottom of the seventh as Gregor Blanco doubled both Buster Posey and Belt in. Atlanta extended the lead in the eighth inning as Bourn and Prado each walked with the bases loaded, forcing in Dan Uggla and Paul Janish. The Braves padded the lead in the ninth inning as Reed Johnson doubled Freddie Freeman across the dish for a 7-3 final. Minor got the win while Bumgarner was dealt the loss.

Back east, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum returns from the disabled list to pitch against Jeff Karstens. Pittsburgh rallied to a lead in the fifth inning as Michael McKenry doubled in Neil Walker before scoring on a single by the pitcher Karstens, who then scored on a Jose Tabat double, followed by Travis Snider singling to plate Tabata. This was all the scoring in the game, with the final being 4-0. Karstens was strong in the win while Marcum had no help in the loss.

West again to Detroit, with the Tigers hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren opposes a lesser foe in Drew Smyly. Los Angeles led off with a third inning Vernon Wells solo home run, followed by Howie Kendrick singling in Bobby Wilson. The Angels got another in the fourth inning with Erick Aybar doubling Kendrys Morales home. Detroit got on the board in the sixth inning when Delmon Young doubled to plate Omar Infante before scoring on an Andy Dirks single. The Tigers pulled ahead in the eighth inning on a 2-RBI Jhonny Peralta double, scoring both Prince Fielder and Dirks, followed by Alex Avila singling to finish Peralta's trip around. This made the final 5-3, with Octavio Dotel in line for the win, Jose Valverde tossing the save, and Garrett Richards was pinned with the loss.

Down into Cleveland, as the Indians host the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Justin Masterson are on the hill. Cleveland started in the first inning as Michael Brantley hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Jason Kipnis and Shin-Soo Choo. New York got on the board in the sixth inning as Mark Teixeira hit a sacrifice fly to allow Derek Jeter to come home. They got no closer, falling 3-1, with Masterson picking up the win, Chris Perez turning the save, and Kuroda going the distance in the loss.

Over in Baltimore, the Orioles host the Toronto Blue Jays. Brandon Morrow and Steve Johnson have the green light to pitch. Toronto opened in the first inning on a two-run Edwin Encarnacion home run, also scoring Jose Bautista. Baltimore pulled even in the third inning as Adam Jones reached on an error to get Nick Markakis home, followed by a Matt Wieters sacrifice fly to bring in J.J. Hardy. The Orioles gained the lead in the fifth inning on a Jones single plating both Markakis and Hardy. Baltimore added on in the sixth inning as Hardy hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Manny Machado, followed by Wieters singling to drive in Nate McLouth. The Orioles padded the lead in the seventh inning as Machado singled to knock in Mark Reynolds. This ended the scoring at 8-2, with Johnson notching the win and Morrow suffering a rough loss.

Into Philadelphia as the Phillies host the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Roy Halladay pace the game. Philadelphia was first on the board in the first inning as Chase Utley singled in Jimmy Rollins, followed by John Mayberry doing the same for Kevin Frandsen. Washington tied it in the fifth inning as Steve Lombardozzi singled both Danny Espinosa and Kurt Suzuki. The Phillies took the lead in the sixth inning on a Mayberry solo home run. Philadelphia added on in the eighth inning as Mayberry's sacrifice fly provided time for Utley to dart home. This made it 4-2, a final, with Halladay getting the win, Jonathan Papelbon turning the save, and Gonzalez was stuck with the loss.

Onward to Massachusetts, where the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system Boston Red Sox host the Kansas City Royals. Jeremy Guthrie and Aaron Cook was the middling starters. Kansas City began in the first inning with Alex Gordon doubling in both Jarrod Dyson and Alcides Escobar, followed by Billy Butler singling Gordon the rest of the way home. Boston pulled ahead in the second inning on a Mauro Gomez solo home run and a three-run home run by Mike Aviles, sweeping in Jarrod Saltamacchia and Ryan Lavarnway. The Red Sox padded the lead in the third inning with Gomez singling in Dustin Pedroia and also Jacoby Ellsbury on an error, followed by a Saltalamacchia sacrifice fly to bring in Cody Ross. Boston padded the lead in the fourth inning with Ross singling to plate Pedro Ciriaco, followed by Gomez doing the same for Ellsbury. The Royals rallied to tie in the seventh inning on a 2-RBI Gordon single to drive in Eric Hosmer and Dyson, followed by Butler hitting a ground rule double to force in Escobar, Salvador Perez singling to finish Gordon's trip around, and Mike Moustakas tripling to push in Butler and Perez. Kansas City took the lead in the twelfth inning on a Tony Cruz single to bring around Jeff Francoeur. This was good for a 10-9 win, with Francisley Bueno in line for the win, Greg Holland getting the save, and Junichi Tazawa was dealt the loss.

Back to the west, the Chicago White Sox host the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beavan and Jose Quintana are the young pitchers. Seattle led off with a three-run Kyle Seager home run, sweeping in Dustin Ackley and Trayvon Robinson. Chicago got on the board in the bottom of the first as Paul Konerko singled to plate Dewayne Wise. The White Sox pulled close in the third inning on an Alex Rios single to knock in Kevin Youkilis. Chicago gained the lead in the sixth inning as Tyler Flowers hit a solo home run and Wise singling to drive in Alexei Ramirez. The White Sox padded the lead as Ramirez hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Rios to dash home. The Mariners got one back in the ninth inning as Seager hit a solo shot, but they couldn't tie it and lost 5-4. Nate Jones was given the win, Addison Reed turned a messy save, and Beavan was dinged for the loss.

Down in Arizona, the Diamondbacks host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Ian Kennedy are the staff aces pitching. San Diego got going in the first inning as Chase Headley hit a solo home run. Arizona replied in the second inning when Justin Upton hit a two-run inside-the-park home run, also scoring Paul Goldschmidt. The Padres tied it back up in the fourth inning with a Carlos Quentin solo shot. San Diego gained the lead as Yonder Alonso hit a solo home run in the fifth inning. The Padres extended the lead in the sixth inning as Yasmani Grandal walked with the bases loaded to force in Everth Cabrera and Alonso singling in Headley and Quentin. San Diego got some more in the eighth inning with a Headley sacrifice fly to bring in Will Venable, a Cameron Maybin bases-loaded walk to push in Quentin, and an Alexi Amarista sacrifice fly that provided Grandal safe passage home. The Diamondbacks got one back in the bottom of the eighth on an Aaron Hill solo shot.

Finally, out in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson and Clayton Kershaw are penciled in to pitch in a battle of aces. Miami struck first in the first inning as Jose Reyes grounded out to bring in Gorkys Hernandez. Los Angeles replied in the bottom of the first on a Luiz Cruz double to drive in Mark Ellis, followed by a three-run Adrian Gonzalez home run, sweeping in Cruz and Matt Kemp. The Marlins shot back with a second inning Giancarlo Stanton solo home run. The Dodgers replied with a Mark Ellis solo shot in their half of the inning. Los Angeles extended the lead in the third inning with A.J. Ellis singling to plate Andre Ethier. The Dodgers added on in the fifth inning as Ethier hit a solo home run. Los Angeles kept going in the eighth inning with Cruz singling to get Nick Punto across the dish. This was good for an 8-2 final, with Kershaw picking up the win and Johnson suffering the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 141 2012

Full slate today, with one matinee from...

Wrigley Field, as the Chicago Cubs host the Colorado Rockies. Drew Pomeranz and Jeff Samardzija are the underrated starters. Colorado got going in the first inning as Jonathan Herrera scored on a wild pitch. The Rockies added on in the second inning as Chris Nelson hit a solo home run. Colorado got another in the third inning with a Carlos Gonzalez solo shot. Chicago pulled back in the fifth inning with solo home runs by Alfonso Soriano and Welington Castillo. The Cubs grabbed the lead in the eighth inning on a Brett Jackson solo shot, a Joe Mather single to knock in Luis Valbuena, and Anthony Rizzo reaching on an error that allowed Mather to finish his trip. This was it for the scoring, with the final standing at 5-3. James Russell picked up the win, Carlos Marmol got the save, and Matt Belisle was dealt the loss.

Up in Detroit, the Tigers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Zack Greinke faces a lesser foe in Rick Porcello. Los Angeles started in the sixth inning on a Howie Kendrick double to plate Maicer Izturis and Mark Trumbo. Detroit got on the board in the eighth inning as Miguel Cabrera hit a solo home run. It wasn't enough to avoid a 2-1 loss, with the win belonging to Greinke, Garrett Richards picking up a spot save, and Porcello took the unlucky loss.

East to Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and Kyle Kendrick draw the starts. Philadelphia got on the board in the first inning as Chase Utley singled in Jimmy Rollins. The Phillies added on in the fourth inning when Rollins singled both John Mayberry and Laynce Nix. Washington got on the board in the seventh inning with a two-run home run by Tyler Moore, also scoring Kurt Suzuki. Philadelphia extended the lead in the eighth inning as Ryan Howard singled home Utley. This made the final 4-2, with Kendrick notching the win, Jonathan Papelbon tossing the save, and Jackson suffered the loss.

Across the state, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Milwaukee Brewers. Mike Fiers and Wandy Rodriguez are the reliable pitchers. Milwaukee began with a first inning Corey Hart double to knock in Aramis Ramirez, before scoring on a Jonathan Lucroy single. Pittsburgh tied it in the fourth inning on a 2-RBI Andrew McCutchen single, plating both Jose Tabata and Travis Snider. The Brewers took the lead back in the seventh inning as Ramirez doubled, sweeping in Norichika Aoki, Rickie Weeks, and Ryan Braun, before scoring on a Hart single. The Pirates shot back with a Rod Barajas solo home run in the bottom of the seventh. Pittsburgh tried a ninth inning rally as Neil Walker singled to drive in McCutchen, followed by Michael McKenry doing the same for Garrett Jones, but they still lost 6-5. Fiers was credited with the win, Kameron Loe cleaned up a mess for a save, and Rodriguez was given the loss.

Into Maryland, with the Baltimore Orioles hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Carlos Villanueva and Zach Britton are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Toronto led off in the second inning as Kelly Johnson singled to drive in Edwin Encarnacion. Baltimore tied it in the bottom of the second on a Chris Davis solo home run. The Orioles got the lead in the fourth inning on a Davis solo shot. Baltimore padded the lead in the sixth inning as Matt Wieters hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Nate McLouth, followed by Davis' third home run of the game, a two-run homer also scoring Adam Jones. The Blue Jays answered in the seventh inning as Rajai Davis doubled to get Mike McCoy across the dish. The Orioles shot back in the bottom of the seventh as Nick Markakis hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Robert Andino to dash home. Toronto tried a ninth inning rally as Jeff Mathis hit a two-run home run, sweeping in McCoy, but they couldn't tie it and lost 6-4. Britton picked up the win, Jim Johnson got the save, and Villanueva was not freed from the loss.

West to Cleveland, as the Indians welcome the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia and Corey Kluber take their turns in the rotation. New York started in the first inning as Nick Swisher doubled home Derek Jeter. Cleveland tied it in the fourth inning with an Asdrubal Cabrera solo home run. The Yankees took the lead in the seventh inning as Swisher hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jeter. This ended the scoring at 3-1, with Sabathia earning the win, Rafael Soriano converting the save, and Cody Allen was responsible for the loss.

Speaking of New York, the Mets host the Houston Astros. Jordan Lyles and Jonathon Niese have the green light to pitch. Houston got things going in the second inning with a Brandon Barnes double to plate Chris Snyder before he scored on a double by the pitcher Lyles. New York got on the board in the fourth inning with a David Wright solo home run. The Astros added on in the seventh inning with a Tyler Greene solo shot. This gave them a 3-1 lead, good for a final, with Lyles getting the win, Wilton Lopez turning the save, and Niese was stuck with the loss.

Back in Ohio, the Cincinnati Reds host the St. Louis Cardinals. Lance Lynn and Mat Latos take the mound. Cincinnati struck first in the first inning as Brandon Phillips singled in Zack Cozart, followed by Ryan Ludwick grounding into a double play to allow Drew Stubbs to get home. St. Louis got on the board in the second inning as David Freese grounded into a double to play to give Allen Craig time to score. The Reds replied in the bottom of the second on a Ryan Hanigan sacrifice fly, bringing in Todd Frazier. Cincinnati added on in the third inning with Frazier singling Phillips safely home. The Cardinals replied in the fourth inning as Freese singled Molina across the dish. The Reds replied in the fifth inning on a Scott Rolen double to plate Jay Bruce. The Cardinals pulled ahead in the sixth inning on a three-run Craig home run, sweeping in Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday, and a Molina solo home run, followed by Rafael Furcal singling to drive in Freese and Matt Carpenter hitting a sacrifice fly to provide time for Skip Schumaker to dash home. This was it for the scoring, producing the 8-5 final, with Joe Kelly getting a win in relief, Jason Motte converting his thirtieth save of the season, and Latos was pinned with the loss.

South to Tampa Bay, as the Rays host the Oakland Athletics. Jarrod Parker and Matt Moore are the young starters. Tampa Bay was first on the board in the second inning on a Ben Zobrist solo home run. Oakland took the lead in the fourth inning on Josh Donaldson's single to get Yoenis Cespedes home and Brandon Moss singling to bring in Chris Carter. The Rays tied it in the bottom of the fourth as Jeff Keppinger's sacrifice fly gave Zobrist time to come home. Tampa Bay took the lead in the fifth inning as B.J. Upton doubled to knock in Jose Molina. The Athletics tied it in the seventh inning on a Derek Norris double to drive in Donaldson. Oakland took the lead in the eighth inning on a two-run home run by Jonny Gomes, also scoring Carter. The Rays tried a ninth inning rally as Luke Scott doubled Ryan Roberts across the dish, but they didn't get the equalizer and fell 5-4. Ryan Cook was in line for the win, Grant Balfour turned the save, and Joel Peralta was dealt the loss.

Back north, the Boston Red Sox host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Jon Lester are the overrated pitchers. Boston established a first inning lead as David Ortiz singled both Pedro Ciriaco and Jacoby Ellsbury home. Kansas City pulled even in the third inning with an Eric Hosmer solo home run and an Alex Gordon double to plate Alcides Escobar. The Royals gained the lead in the fourth inning on a Johnny Giavotella single that scored Mike Moustakas. The Red Sox gained the lead in the seventh inning as Ciriaco doubled to plate both Mauro Gomez and Mike Aviles. They held on for a 4-3 win, picked up by Lester, who left with injury, while Andrew Bailey changed the guard at closer with the save, and Kelvin Herrera was stuck holding the loss.

Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Minnesota Twins. Samuel Deduno and Matt Harrison are the solid pitchers. Texas led off in the first inning with an Adrian Beltre tripling to force in Josh Hamilton. The Rangers got some more in the second inning as Mitch Moreland singled in David Murphy, followed by Craig Gentry combining a bunt single and error to finish Moreland's trip around, followed by Ian Kinsler singling both Luis Martinez and Gentry the rest of the way home, and then Kinsler came home on a Beltre double. Texas got another in the seventh inning as Beltre hit a solo home run. In the seventh inning, Beltre completed the cycle with a single, although he didn't factor in any run production. The Rangers added on again in the eighth inning as Elvis Andrus singled Gentry safely across the plate. This made the final 8-0, with the win belonging to Harrison, while Deduno had no help in the loss.

North again to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Jake Peavy pace the game. Seattle began on a Michael Saunders single to knock in Dustin Ackley. Chicago tied it in the bottom of the first as Adam Dunn hit a solo home run. The Mariners took the lead back in the second inning on a Trayvon Robinson solo shot. The White Sox tied it again in their half of the second on an Alexei Ramirez single to drive in Alex Rios. Chicago gained the lead in the third inning as Dunn hit a two-run home run, also scoring Kevin Youkilis. The White Sox added on in the fourth inning with Ramirez hitting a two-run home run, sweeping in Dayan Viciedo. Chicago got another in the fifth inning as A.J. Pierzynski hit a sacrifice fly to give time for Paul Konerko to score. Seattle rallied ahead in the ninth inning as Jesus Montero hit a solo home run, followed by Ackley singling both Justin Smoak and Robinson in, Kyle Seager hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Brendan Ryan to dash home, and John Jaso singling to knock in Ackley, and also Saunders after an error. The White Sox replied in the bottom of the ninth with Youkilis singling Gordon Beckham around to tie the game, before taking the lead as Konerko doubled in Dewayne Wise to win 9-8. Addison Reed was given the win while Tom Wilhelmsen made a rare misstep for the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, where the Diamondbacks host the San Diego Padres. Eric Stults and Patrick Corbin are the average young pitchers. San Diego got going in the second inning as Stults singled both Yasmani Grandal and Yonder Alonso home. The Padres got another in the third inning as Chris Denorfia hit a solo home run. San Diego struck again in the fourth inning when Stults doubled to knock in Cameron Maybin. The Padres padded the lead with a seventh inning Denorfia sacrifice fly to allow Everth Cabrera to dash home. This made it 5-0, a final, with the win belonging to Stults and the loss stuck on Corbin.

West to Los Angeles, with the Dodgers hosting the Miami Marlins. Nathan Eovaldi faces his old team, pitching against Chad Billingsley. Miami started with a two-run home by Jose Reyes in the first inning, also scoring Bryan Petersen. Los Angeles gained the lead in their half of the inning with a three-run homer by andre Ethier, sweeping in Mark Ellis and Matt Kemp. The Marlins pulled even in the second inning on a Petersen groundout to bring around Donovan Solano. The Dodgers got the lead back in the bottom of the second as Juan Rivera hit a solo home run. Los Angeles extended the lead with a third inning two-run homer by Hanley Ramirez, driving in Ethier. Miami got one back in the fifth inning on a Giancarlo Stanton solo shot. The Dodgers rallied to pad the lead in the seventh inning as Kemp singled around Shane Victorino, Ethier did the same for Ellis, and then Luis Cruz singled, which combined with one error to get Kemp and Ethier in before Cruz finished the little league home run on another error. This mess ended the scoring at 11-4, with Jamey Wright getting the win and Eovaldi suffering the loss.

Finally, we end north in San Francisco, as the Giants host the Atlanta Braves. Ben Sheets and Ryan Vogelsong are on the hill. Atlanta began with a first inning Jason Heyward solo home run. The Braves got another in the second inning on a Freddie Freeman solo shot. San Francisco got on the board in the third inning as Pablo Sandoval doubled Angel Pagan in before tying the game by scoring on a wild pitch. The Giants gained the lead in the fourth inning as Pagan tripled to force in Gregor Blanco before coming the final 90 feet home on a Marco Scutaro single. San Francisco added on in the sixth inning with Buster Posey doubling to knock in Scutaro. Atlanta answered in the seventh inning as Freeman hit another solo home run, but they scored no more and lost 5-3. Vogelsong got the win, Javier Lopez turned the save, and Sheets was responsible for the loss.

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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.

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