Wednesday, September 12, 2012

MLB Day 160 2012

Full slate today, beginning with one early game. We take off from...

Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson and Cliff Lee pace the game. Miami got going in the sixth inning as Carlos Lee singled home Donovan Solano. Philadelphia tied it in their half of the inning as John Mayberry singled to plate Jimmy Rollins. The Phillies took the lead in the seventh inning as Rollins hit a two-run home run, also scoring Pete Orr. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 3-1. Lee got the win, Jonathan Papelbon tossed the save, and Johnson was handed the loss.

Way west to San Diego, as the Padres host the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse and Clayton Richard are on the hill. San Diego opened with a second inning Logan Forsythe solo home run. The Padres added on in the fifth inning as Cameron Maybin doubled, which combined with an error to get Yonder Alonso home. St. Louis tied it in the sixth inning on a two-run Matt Carpenter home run, also scoring Jon Jay. San Diego regained the lead in their half of the inning as Yasmani Grandal singled to plate Chase Headley. This ended the scoring at 3-2, with Richard picking up the win, Luke Gregerson converting the save, and Lohse was stuck with the loss.

Back east, the Baltimore Orioles host the Tampa Bay Rays. Alex Cobb and Miguel Gonzalez are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Tampa Bay wasted no time in scoring first with a first inning B.J. Upton solo home run. Baltimore charged ahead in their half of the inning as Matt Wieters singled in Nate McLouth, followed by Wilson Betemit doing the same for J.J. Hardy. The Rays retied it in the third inning as Ben Francisco doubled home Jeff Keppinger. The Orioles won by a 3-2 score with a ninth inning McLouth single to knock in Manny Machado. Jim Johnson was in line for the win and Kyle Farnsworth was stuck with the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Ricky Romero make the starts. Seattle led off with a second inning solo home run by Miguel Olivo. The Mariners added on in the fourth inning as Franklin Gutierrez singled both Brendan Ryan and Dustin Ackley home. Toronto pulled back in the bottom of the fourth as Edwin Encarnacion hit a two-run home run, also scoring Colby Rasmus. They never tied it, losing 3-2, with Millwood picking up the win, Tom Wilhelmsen closing out for the save, and Romero was dealt the loss.

Back in the States, the Cincinnati Reds host the Pittsburgh Pirates. A.J. Burnett and Homer Bailey are the reliable pitchers. Cincinnati began in the third inning as Wilson Valdez grounded out to get Ryan Hanigan home. Pittsburgh tied it in the fourth inning on a Gaby Sanchez single to knock in Andrew McCutchen. The Reds took the lead in the sixth inning as Scott Rolen hit a sacrifice fly to allow Ryan Ludwick to score. This paced them to a 2-1 win, with Bailey earning the win, J.J. Hoover getting a spot save, and Burnett was handed the tough-to-take loss.

Eastward to Boston, as the Red Sox host the New York Yankees. David Phelps and Aaron Cook take their turns in the rotation. New York started in the fourth inning on a Curtis Granderson solo home run, followed by a two-run homer from Robinson Cano, also scoring Alex Rodriguez. Boston got on the board in their half of the inning as James Loney singled to knock in Dustin Pedroia. The Yankees added on in the seventh inning as Granderson hit a two-run blast, sweeping in Derek Jeter. The Red Sox pulled back in the bottom of the seventh as Mauro Gomez grounded out to get Jarrod Saltalamacchia home, followed by Mike Aviles doubling to plate Daniel Nava. Boston struck again in the ninth inning on a Saltalamacchia solo shot, but they couldn't tie it and lost 5-4. Phelps picked up the win, Rafael Soriano converted the save, and Cook was pinned with the loss.

Speaking of New York, we head there next to catch the Mets hosting the Washington Nationals. John Lannan and Matt Harvey are the solid pitchers. Washington got going with a fourth inning Ryan Zimmerman solo home run. The Nationals got another in the eighth inning as Ian Desmond hit a solo shot. This made it 2-0, the final, with Lannan pitching well for a win, Drew Storen tossed the save, and Harvey took an unlucky loss.

Way south to Texas, with the Rangers hosting the Cleveland Indians. Jeanmar Gomez is mismatched with Ryan Dempster. Texas opened in the first inning as Josh Hamilton grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Ian Kinsler before scoring on a two-run home run by Adrian Beltre. The Rangers got another in the third inning as Hamilton hit a solo home run. Cleveland got on the board on in the fourth inning as Casey Kotchman grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Carlos Santana to dash home. Texas shot back in their half of the inning on a Geovany Soto sacrifice fly that got Michael Young home. The Indians shot back in the fifth inning as Santana hit a sacrifice fly to score Ezequiel Carrera. They got no closer, losing 5-2, with Dempster earning the win, Joe Nathan turning the save, and Gomez was handed the loss.

Staying in the state, the Houston Astros host the Chicago Cubs. Travis Wood and Fernando Abad are the little known pitchers. Chicago was first to score in the first inning as Welington Castillo singled in Darwin Barney. The Cubs got another in the fifth inning as Alfonso Soriano hit a solo home run. Chicago added on in the seventh inning as Soriano singled home David DeJesus. The Cubs struck again in the eighth inning on an Anthony Recker double to knock in Dave Sappelt. Houston got on the board in the bottom of the eighth as Fernando Martinez singled to get Brandon Barnes across the dish. Chicago extended the lead in the ninth inning as Tony Campana scored on an error. This left the final at 5-1, with Wood getting the win and Abad taking the loss.

North to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Gavin Floyd are the veteran starters. Chicago began with a fourth inning Kevin Youkilis solo home run. Detroit answered in the fifth inning as Omar Infante grounded out to give time for Brennan Boesch to score, followed by Austin Jackson singling in Jhonny Peralta, and Miguel Cabrera doing the same to finish Jackson's trip around. The Tigers extended the lead in the seventh inning on a three-run home run by Prince Fielder, sweeping in Andy Dirks and Cabrera. Detroit added on in the eighth inning as Alex Avila doubled to drive in Peralta before scoring on a Jackson double. The White Sox replied in the bottom of the eighth as Alejandro De Aza singled to bring around Dan Johnson, followed by a three-run Youkilis home run, driving in Orlando Hudson and De Aza. Chicago tried a ninth inning rally when Alexei Ramirez grounded out to give Alex Rios time to score, but this only made it an 8-6 final. Scherzer was given the win, Jose Valverde turned a messy save as his thirtieth of the year, and Floyd was stuck with the loss.

Further north, the Milwaukee Brewers welcome the Atlanta Braves. Paul Maholm and Yovani Gallardo are the staff aces pitching. Atlanta led off with a first inning Jason Heyward solo home run. The Braves added on in the fourth inning as Dan Uggla grounded into a double play that got Chipper Jones home. Milwaukee took the lead in the fifth inning on a three-run home run by Rickie Weeks, sweeping in Jeff Bianchi and Norichika Aoki, followed by Jonathan Lucroy singling to knock in Ryan Braun, and then Travis Ishikawa ripped a 3-RBI double that scored all of Aramis Ramirez, Lucroy, and Logan Schafer before scoring on a double by the pitcher Gallardo. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 8-2. Gallardo was given the win and Maholm got shelled in the loss.

Over in Minnesota, the Twins host the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and P.J. Walters are the uninspiring pitchers. Minnesota struck first in the first inning on a Josh Willingham single to drive in Denard Span. The Twins padded the lead in the third inning as Ryan Doumit drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Span and Jamey Carroll hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Willingham. Kansas City got on the board in the fourth inning as Salvador Perez hit a solo home run. The Royals rallied ahead in the fifth inning as Alcides Escobar singled to bring home Eric Hosmer, followed by Alex Gordon doing the same for Johnny Giavotella, Billy Butler hitting a 2-RBI single to plate both David Lough and Escobar, and Lorenzo Cain followed suit to get Gordon the rest of the way home. Minnesota pulled back in their half of the inning as Carroll singled both Justin Morneau and Doumit around. Kansas City busted out to extend the lead in the eighth inning with Escobar singling, which combined with an error to get Hosmer in, followed by Gordon reaching on a fielder's choice to provide time for Giavotella to come home, Butler singling to finish Escobar's trip around, and Perez did the same for Gordon. This rally gave them a 10-5 lead, the final, with Hochevar getting the win while Walters was knocked around in the loss.

Southwest to Colorado, as the Rockies host the San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum faces a lesser foe in Jeff Francis. San Francisco rallied to a first inning lead as Marco Scutaro singled to knock in Gregor Blanco, followed by Joaquin Arias doing the same to finish Scutaro's trip, Hector Sanchez following suit for Hunter Pence, and Brandon Crawford doubling to plate both Arias and Sanchez. Colorado got on the board in their half of the inning on a Wilin Rosario single to drive in Carlos Gonzalez. The Rockies got another in the third inning as Rosario hit a solo home run. The Giants extended the lead in the sixth inning with Scutaro singling Crawford across the dish. Colorado took one back in their half of the inning with Charlie Blackmon doubling Chris Nelson safely home. San Francisco padded the lead in the ninth inning as Pence tripled to force in Scutaro before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Arias. This was good for an 8-3 win, picked up by Lincecum, while Francis was dinged for the loss.

Down in Arizona, the Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Trevor Cahill take the mound. Los Angeles began in the first inning as Adrian Gonzalez doubled both Shane Victorino and Matt Kemp in. Arizona got on the board in the second inning when Justin Upton hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Paul Goldschmidt. The Diamondbacks tied it in the sixth inning as Upton singled to knock in Goldschmidt, before taking the lead as Gerardo Parra singled to bring in Miguel Montero. They held on to win 3-2, with Cahill notching the win, David Hernandez turning the spot save, and Harang was given the loss.

Finally, we end the day as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Oakland Athletics. A.J. Griffin faces a lesser foe in Ervin Santana. Oakland led off in the first inning as Yoenis Cespedes reached on an error to get Josh Reddick home. The Athletics added on in the sixth inning as Cespedes hit a solo home run. Oakland padded the lead in the eighth inning as Derek Norris doubled home Josh Donaldson, before scoring on a Coco Crisp single. Los Angeles got on the board in the ninth inning as Albert Pujols hit a solo shot, but this only made it 4-1. Griffin earned a strong win, Ryan Cook finished off for the save, and Santana was pinned with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion. 

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

MLB Day 159 2012

Back to the full schedule, beginning in...

Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore and Jason Hammel are sent out to start. Baltimore got going in the first inning as Matt Wieters singled, combined with an error, to knock in Adam Jones. Tampa Bay got on the board in the third inning as Ryan Roberts hit a solo home run. The Orioles replied as J.J. Hardy hit a two-run home run, also scoring Robert Andino. Baltimore padded the lead in the fifth inning with Wieters doubling both Hardy and Jones across the dish. The Orioles struck again in the sixth inning as Hardy singled to bring in Nate McLouth. Baltimore got another in the seventh inning on a Chris Davis solo shot. The Rays shot back on an eighth inning Elliot Johnson solo home run. The Orioles kept going in the bottom of the eighth as Hardy went yard on another two-run blast, and took McLouth with him. This gave them a 9-2 win, with the win belonging to Steve Johnson, while Moore was dealt the loss.

Over in Philadelphia, the Phillies host the Miami Marlins. Nathan Eovaldi is mismatched with Roy Halladay. Philadelphia rallied to a lead in the first inning when Ryan Howard grounded into a double play to get Jimmy Rollins home, followed by Carlos Ruiz doubling to plate Juan Pierre before scoring on a single by Domonic Brown. Miami replied in the third inning with Justin Ruggiano singling to bring in Donovan Solano, followed by Jose Reyes hitting a sacrifice fly to give time for Rob Brantly to dash home. The Phillies shot back in the bottom of the third with a Chase Utley single to knock in Pierre. Philadelphia added on as Pierre singled Rollins home in the fifth inning. The Marlins pulled back with a sixth inning Giancarlo Stanton solo home run. The Phillies answered in their half of the inning as Halladay singled to bring around Michael Martinez, before scoring on a two-run home run by Rollins. Miami got some back in the seventh inning on a Bryan Petersen double to plate Brantly, before scoring as Ruggiano singled him in, Carlos Lee doing the same to finish Ruggiano's trip, and Greg Dobbs following suit for Reyes. Philadelphia extended the lead with a Rollins sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh, giving time for John Mayberry to cross the plate. This ended the scoring at 9-7, with the win going to Halladay, the save turned by Jonathan Papelbon, and the loss stuck on Eovaldi.

North to Canada, as the Toronto Blue Jays host the Seattle Mariners. Erasmo Ramirez and Brandon Morrow receive the starting nods. Seattle began with a first inning Kyle Seager single to knock in Dustin Ackley, followed by Michael Saunders doing the same for Franklin Gutierrez. Toronto got on the board in the bottom of the first as Yunel Escobar singled home Colby Rasmus. The Mariners added on in the third inning with a John Jaso single to bring in Seager. The Blue Jays shot back in their half of the inning as Rasmus hit a sacrifice fly to get Anthony Gose safely home. Seattle extended the lead with a fifth inning Seager solo home run. Toronto pulled back in the eighth inning on a Moises Sierra groundout that allowed Rasmus to dash home. They failed to tie it, losing 4-3, with Ramirez getting the win, Tom Wilhelmsen shutting the door for his twenty-fifth save of the year, and Morrow took a rough loss.

Back stateside, the New York Mets host the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and R.A. Dickey pace the game. Washington led off on a first inning Ryan Zimmerman sacrifice fly to allow Jayson Werth to come home. New York took the lead in the fifth inning as Daniel Murphy doubled home Ruben Tejada, before scoring on a David Wright single. The Nationals pulled back ahead in the seventh inning when Tyler Moore hit a two-run home run, also scoring Kurt Suzuki. Washington padded the lead as Suzuki singled to drive in Danny Espinosa, before scoring on a single by Bryce Harper. The Mets tried a ninth inning rally as Scott Hairston hit a solo home run, but fell short at a final of 5-3. Tom Gorzelanny was in line for the win, Tyler Clippard turned a nasty save, and Dickey was handed the loss.

Speaking of New York, the Boston Red Sox host that other team from the Big Apple, the Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Jon Letster are the staff aces pitching. New York opened in the first inning as Robinson Cano grounded out to bring in Derek Jeter. Boston took the lead in the third inning on a Jacoby Ellsbury single to knock in Pedro Ciriaco, followed by Dustin Pedroia doing the same to finish Ellsbury's trip. The Yankees retook the lead as Jeter hit a ground rule double to force in Curtis Granderson and Andruw Jones. The Red Sox tied it in their half of the inning on a Pedroia solo home run. Boston won it in the ninth inning as Ellsbury singled home the winning run, Ciriaco, for a 4-3 final. Andrew Bailey was in line for the win and David Robertson was the victim of the loss.

West to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and Mike Leake are the inconsistent pitchers. Pittsburgh wasted little time in scoring first in the first inning on an Alex Presley solo home run. Cincinnati tied it on a Brandon Phillips solo shot in the bottom of the first. The Reds took the lead in the second inning with Phillips doubling to knock in Dioner Navarro, followed by Leake scoring on a wild pitch and Phillips hustling safely home to score on a subsequent error. The Pirates pulled back as Gaby Sanchez hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning, also scoring Jose Tabata. Cincinnati shot back in the eighth inning on a solo home run by Scott Rolen. This gave them a 5-3 lead, a final, with Leake picking up the win, Jonathan Broxton turning a spot save, and Correia was stuck with the loss.

South to Houston, with the Astros hosting the Chicago Cubs. Justin Germano and Jordan Lyles are the uninspiring pitchers. Houston was first to score with a third inning Justin Maxwell sacrifice fly to bring in Jimmy Parades. This was the only run, with Lyles picking up the 1-0 win, Wilton Lopez closing out for the save, and Germano had no help in the loss.

Across the state, the Texas Rangers host the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and Matt Harrison take their turns in the rotation. Texas led off in the second inning as Michael Young singled to drive in Adrian Beltre, followed by Young scoring on a wild pitch, Leonys Martin hitting a sacrifice fly to get Mitch Moreland home, and Ian Kinsler doubling to plate Geovany Soto. Cleveland got on the board in the fifth inning as Ezequiel Carrera singled to get Brent Lillibridge across the plate. The Rangers answered in the bottom of the fifth on a Beltre solo home run. The Indians replied in the sixth inning as Matt LaPorta doubled Russ Canzler in. Texas shot back in their half of the inning as Elvis Andrus singled Martin around. Cleveland replied again in the eighth inning as Canzler grounded into a fielder's choice that got Shin-Soo Choo home, followed by Casey Kotchman singling Canzler the rest of the way home. This only made it 6-4 in the end, which meant Harrison got the win, Joe Nathan converted the save, and Jimenez was stuck with the loss.

Way north, the Minnesota Twins host the Kansas City Royals. Will Smith and Scott Diamond are the young starters. Kansas City got going in the second inning as Jeff Francoeur singled home Salvador Perez before being forced in alongside Eric Hosmer on a Lorenzo Cain triple. The Royals added on in the third inning with a Perez sacrifice fly that got Alex Gordon home. Kansas City padded the lead in the eighth inning on a Johnny Giavotella single to drive in Hosmer, followed by Alcides Escobar tripling to force in Giavotella and Cain, and then he scored on a wild pitch. Minnesota got on the board in the bottom of the eighth as Ryan Doumit singled to plate Jamey Carroll. The Royals answered in the ninth inning on a Hosmer solo home run. This produced the 9-1 final, with the win going to Smith while Diamond was shelled in the loss.

Over in Milwaukee, the Brewers host the Atlanta Braves. Tim Hudson and Marco Estrada are on the mound. Milwaukee started with a first inning Rickie Weeks solo home run. The Brewers added on in the seventh inning as Jean Segura grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Aramis Ramirez to come home, followed by Taylor Green singling to knock in Jonathan Lucroy, and Norchika Aoki doubled to finish Segura's trip around. Milwaukee got another in the eighth inning on a Ramirez solo shot. This made it 5-0, the final, with Estrada notching the win and Hudson having no help in the loss.

South to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Detroit Tigers. Doug Fister and Jake Peavy take the hill. Chicago began with a first inning Dewayne Wise solo home run. The White Sox added on in the third inning with a Gordon Beckham solo shot. Detroit tied it in the fifth inning as Austin Jackson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Omar Infante, followed by a Miguel Cabrera solo home run. The Tigers extended the lead in the eighth inning on an Alex Avila single allowing Avisail Garcia to dash home, followed by Andy Dirks doing the same for Jhonny Peralta. Chicago shot back in their half of the inning as Alejandro De Aza singled to plate Alexei Ramirez. This wasn't enough to win, resulting in a 5-3 final, with the win going to Fister, the save to Jose Valverde, and the loss to Peavy.

West to Colorado, with the Rockies welcoming the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner and Jhoulys Chacin draw the starts. Colorado opened in the second inning as Chris Nelson singled home Jordan Pacheco. The Rockies got another in the third inning as Josh Rutledge grounded into a double play that gave time for Chacin to come home, followed by Wilin Rosario singling in Carlos Gonzalez, and Pacheco singling to finish Rosario's trip around. San Francisco got on the board in the fourth inning as Brandon Belt grounded into a fielder's choice to provide time for Buster Posey to dash home, before tying the game as the pitcher Bumgarner ripped a three-run home run, sweeping in Gregor Blanco and Brandon Crawford. The Giants took the lead as Belt doubled both Marco Scutaro and Posey across the dish in the fifth inning. Colorado got one back in the bottom of the fifth as Matt McBride singled Rosario safely home. San Francisco extended their lead in the sixth inning with Angel Pagan tripling to force in Francisco Peguero, before scoring on a Scutaro sacrifice fly. The Giants got another in the seventh inning as Belt hit a solo home run. The Rockies shot back in the eighth inning as Gonzalez singled to get Charlie Blackmon home. Colorado tried a ninth inning rally as Tyler Colvin hit a two-run home run, also scoring McBride, but they failed to tie it, losing 9-8, with George Kontos picking up the win, Javier Lopez cleaning up a mess for a save, and Carlos Torres was on the hook for the loss.

Down in Arizona, the Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw and Ian Kennedy pace the game. Arizona finally started in the seventh inning as Miguel Montero doubled home Paul Goldschmidt. This was the only run, with the 1-0 final in favor of Kennedy, while David Hernandez got the spot save, and Kershaw was the unlucky losing pitcher.

Out in California, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Oakland Athletics. Daniel Straily and Jerome Williams make spot starts. Oakland led off with a second inning Yoenis Cespedes solo home run. Los Angeles took the lead in their half of the inning as Vernon Wells hit a two-run home run, also scoring Erick Aybar. The Athletics took the lead in the fourth inning as Brandon Moss hit a two-run home run, bringing in Cespedes, followed by Stephen Drew hitting a sacrifice fly to knock in Josh Donaldson. The Angels replied in the seventh inning as Torii Hunter hit a solo shot. Oakland extended the lead in the ninth inning as Coco Crisp tripled to force Cliff Pennington in before scoring on an error. Los Angeles tried a rally in the bottom of the ninth as Hunter singled in Chris Iannetta and Albert Pujols did the same for Mike Trout, but they failed to get the equalizer and lost 6-5. Straily notched the win, Jerry Blevins turned a spot save, and Williams was not off the hook for the loss.

Finally, we end in San Diego, as the Padres host the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and Edinson Volquez are the reliable pitchers. St. Louis got going in the second inning as Skip Schumaker grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Allen Craig to score. The Cardinals got another in the third inning when Yadier Molina reached on an error to give time for Jon Jay to score. San Diego rallied ahead in the fourth inning as Yonder Alonso drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Will Venable, followed by Logan Forsythe doubling to drive in both Chase Headley and Yasmani Grandal, and then Alexi Amarista tripled to force both Forsythe and Cameron Maybin in. St. Louis replied in the sixth inning on a Jay single, knocking in Schumaker. The Cardinals pulled closer in the seventh inning as David Freese hit a solo home run. The Padres answered with an eighth inning single by Maybin, plating Yonder Alonso. This made it 6-4, the final, with Volquez picking up the win, Luke Gregerson turning the save, and Wainwright was stuck with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Fantasy Football All Stars Week 1 2012

Another season begins, and the week 1 leaders are as follows.

Quarterback: Matt Ryan
Running Backs: C.J. Spiller and Alfred Morris
Wide Receivers: Kevin Ogletree and Julio Jones
Tight End: Jimmy Graham
Kicker: Nate Kaeding
Team Defense: Houston and Denver
Defensive Players: Tracy Porter and Cortland Finnegan

Good luck as the season progresses.

Monday, September 10, 2012

MLB Day 158 2012

Ten games tonight, competing with Monday Night Football for my attention. We start in...

Philadelphia, where the Phillies host the Miami Marlins. Wade LeBlanc and Kyle Kendrick are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Philadelphia started in the fifth inning on a two-run home run by Domonic Brown, also scoring Ty Wigginton, followed by Michael Martinez scoring on a wild pitch. Miami got on the board in the seventh inning when Donovan Solano hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Carlos Lee. They got no closer, with the win belonging to Kendrick, the spot save tossed by Antonio Bastardo, and the loss stuck on LeBlanc.

Over in New York, as the Mets host the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Collin McHugh are on the mound. Washington began in the third inning with a Kurt Suzuki solo home run and a two-run home run by Ryan Zimmerman, also scoring Bryce Harper. The Nationals added on in the fourth inning as Ian Desmond went yard on a two-run blast, taking Michael Morse with him. New York got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Scott Hairston hit a solo shot. This ended the scoring at 5-1, with Gonzalez earning the win and McHugh was handed the loss.

Back west, the Cincinnati Reds host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Wandy Rodriguez and Mat Latos pace the game. Pittsburgh gained a lead in the fourth inning as Andrew McCutchen hit a solo home run, followed by Rod Barajas singling in Pedro Alvarez, and Rodriguez grounding out to give Jose Tabata time to score. Cincinnati replied in their half of the inning on a Chris Heisey solo shot. The Reds tied it in the seventh inning as Dioner Navarro doubled both Jay Bruce and Todd Frazier across the dish. Cincinnati won in the fourteenth inning on a Ryan Ludwick single to bring in Devin Mesoraco. This made it 4-3, with the win going to Alfredo Simon and the loss was dealt to Rick VandenHurk.

South to Houston, as the Astros host the Chicago Cubs. Chris Volstad and Dallas Keuchel are the underwhelming pitchers. Chicago got going with a second inning Dave Sappelt double to knock in Welington Castillo. Houston tied it with a fourth inning Jason Castro single to bring in Justin Maxwell. The Cubs took the lead back in the sixth inning as Sappelt scored on a wild pitch. Chicago added on in the seventh inning with Sappelt doubling both Starlin Castro and Castillo across the dish. This made it 4-1, a final, with Volstad earning the win, Carlos Marmol tossing the save, and Fernando Rodriguez was given the loss.

Way to the north, the Minnesota Twins host the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Samuel Deduno receive the starting nods. Minnesota led off with a fourth inning Justin Morneau sacrifice fly to bring in Alexi Casilla. Cleveland tied it in the sixth inning as Carlos Santana hit a sacrifice fly that got Shin-Soo Choo home. The Twins retook the lead in their half of the inning on a Ben Revere single, plating Pedro Florimon, before coming home on a Morneau single. The Indians replied as Lonnie Chisenhall hit a solo home run in the seventh inning. Minnesota added on as Florimon doubled in Matt Carson in the bottom of the seventh, followed by Florimon scoring on a wild pitch, and Joe Mauer singling Casilla around. The Twins struck again in the eighth inning on a Ryan Doumit solo shot. This made the final 7-2, giving Deduno the win and Masterson the loss.

Over in Milwaukee, the Brewers welcome the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor faces a lesser foe in Wily Peralta. Atlanta began in the fifth inning as Andrelton Simmons grounded into a double play to allow Dan Uggla to come home. Milwaukee tied it in the seventh inning as Jeff Bianchi sacrificed, which combined with an error to get Eric Farris in, followed by Norichika Aoki doubling both Jean Segura and Bianchi home, and Carlos Gomez hitting a sacrifice fly to give time for Jonathan Lucroy to cross the dish. This was good for a 4-1 win, picked up by Jose Veras, while John Axford notched the save, and Jonny Venters was on the hook for the loss.

A bit south, the Chicago White Sox host the Detroit Tigers. Rick Porcello and Jose Quintana are the serviceable starters. Detroit opened on a second inning Jhonny Peralta single to drive in Delmon Young. Chicago rallied ahead in the sixth inning on a three-run home run by Alex Rios, sweeping in Dewayne Wise and Paul Konerko, followed by an A.J. Pierzynski solo home run. The White Sox padded the lead in the eighth inning on a two-run home run by Gordon Beckham, also scoring Alexei Ramirez. This paced them to a 6-1 win, picked up by Quintana, while Porcello was pinned with the loss.

Out west, the Colorado Rockies host the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and Alex White are atop the hill. Colorado started with a first inning Josh Rutledge double to knock in Tyler Colvin, before he scored on a single by Jordan Pacheco. San Francisco got on the board in the second inning as Hunter Pence hit a solo home run. The Rockies shot back in their half of the inning when the pitcher White hit a solo shot. Colorado struck again in the fourth inning as Charlie Blackmon grounded into a double play that allowed Wilin Rosario to dash home. The Giants got one back in the sixth inning when Brandon Belt grounded out to give time for Buster Posey to make it home. The Rockies extended the lead in the bottom of the sixth as Chris Nelson tripled to force in Rosario. San Francisco pulled back in the seventh inning on a two-run home run by Posey, also scoring Marco Scutaro. The Giants chipped away in the eighth inning as Angel Pagan doubled to plate Brandon Crawford. They failed to tie, losing 6-5, with Guillermo Moscoso in line for the win, Rafael Betancourt picking up the save, and Vogelsong was dealt the loss.

Southwest to San Diego, as the Padres host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jaime Garcia and Eric Stults will be sent out to pitch. St. Louis got going in the second inning as Pete Kozma tripled to force both David Freese and Daniel Descalso home. San Diego answered in their half of the inning as Chris Denorfia singled to knock in Everth Cabrera before scoring on a Logan Forsythe double. The Padres took the lead on a two-run home run by Cameron Maybin, also scoring Yasmani Grandal. San Diego extended the lead in the fourth inning as Jesus Guzman singled Denorfia around, followed by Yonder Alonso doing the same to finish Guzman's trip around. The Cardinals shot back in the sixth inning with an Allen Craig single that drove in Matt Holliday. The Padres answered in the seventh inning as Will Venable reached on a fielder's choice that got Maybin home, before he scored on a Denorfia single that combined with an error. San Diego added on in the eighth inning as Venable singled to plate both Alonso and Maybin, followed by Denorfia singling Cabrera around. This produced the 11-3 final, with the win belonging to Stults and the loss pinned on Garcia.

Finally, we end in Anaheim, with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the Oakland Athletics. Jarrod Parker and Dan Haren are the reliable pitchers. Oakland wasted no time in scoring first with a first inning Seth Smith groundout to get Coco Crisp home. Los Angeles tied it in the third inning as Torii Hunter doubled home Mike Trout. The Athletics took the lead in the fifth inning on a Brandon Moss solo home run. Oakland struck again in the sixth inning on a Cliff Pennington solo shot. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 3-1, with Parker earning the win, Grant Balfour tossing the save, and Haren suffered the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Monday Night Football week 1 2012

Two games on the Monday slate in football to close week 1. The first is...

The Baltimore Ravens hosting the Cincinnati Bengals. Baltimore began with a first quarter field goal by Justin Tucker from 46 yards away. The Ravens added on as Ray Rice ran 7 yards for a touchdown, and Tucker supplied the extra point. Cincinnati got on the board in the second quarter as Mike Nugent nailed a field goal of 34 yards. Baltimore shot back as Joe Flacco tossed a 34 yard touchdown pass to Anquan Boldin, and Tucker was good on the extra point. The Bengals pulled back as BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushed 6 yards for a touchdown, and Nugent tacked on the extra point. Cincinnati got closer in the third quarter as Nugent made a 19 yard field goal. The Ravens extended the lead as Flacco hooked up with Dennis Pitta on a 10 yard touchdown pass, and Tucker again made the PAT. Baltimore later added on with a Tucker field goal of 40 yards. The Ravens got more as Ed Reed picked off Andy Dalton, and returned the ball 34 yards for a touchdown, allowing Tucker another extra point. Baltimore kept going in the fourth quarter as Rice ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Tucker was true on the extra point. The Ravens extended the lead a little more on a Tucker field goal from 39 yards out. This finished the scoring at 44-13, with Baltimore going to 1-0 and Cincinnati falling to 0-1.

The later game pits the Oakland Raiders at home against the San Diego Chargers. Oakland led off in the first quarter as Sebastian Janikowski made a 51 yard field goal. San Diego tied it as Nate Kaeding hit a 23 yard field goal. The Chargers took the lead in the second quarter as Philip Rivers tossed a 6 yard touchdown pass to Malcom Floyd, iced off by a Kaeding extra point. The Raiders got some back as Janikowski kicked in a 19 yard field goal. San Diego extended the lead in the third quarter with a 28 yard field goal by Kaeding. The Chargers struck again on another field goal by Kaeding, this time from 19 yards. San Diego added on again in the fourth quarter as Kaeding booted a 41 yard field goal. The Chargers continued kicking, as Kaeding supplied another field goal from 45 yards away. Oakland got some back when Carson Palmer tossed a 2 yard touchdown pass to Rod Streater, and then converted the two-point attempt with another Palmer and Streater connection. This only made it 22-14, a final, with San Diego going to 1-0 while Oakland fell to 0-1.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 22 2012

Playoffs are pretty much here, with another good looking year for me. I'd say 80% entry rate, which may be a bit lower than usual but baseball is not my sport of excellence. Here's the studs.

Batters: B.J. Upton, Adam LaRoche, Jay Bruce, Chase Headley, Mark Reynolds, Adam Jones, Russell Martin, Ryan Zimmerman, Anthony Gose, Ian Desmond.

Pitchers: James Shields, Kris Medlen, Craig Kimbrel, Ricky Nolasco, Jeff Samardzija, Gio Gonzalez, Yu Darvish, John Axford, Fernando Rodney, Edgar Gonzalez.

Good luck in the playoffs everyone.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

NFL Week 1 Afternoon/Night Games 2012

With the schedule imbalance from morning to afternoon, I'll throw the primetime game in here to beef it up a bit too. Four total in this post, with the first in...

Tampa Bay, as the Buccaneers host the Carolina Panthers. Tampa Bay opened in the first quarter as Josh Freeman threw a 6 yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams. The Buccaneers added on with a 36 yard field goal from Connor Barth. Tampa Bay struck again in the second quarter as Barth nailed a 20 yard field goal. Carolina got on the board in the third quarter as Cam Newton passed 22 yards to Brandon LaFell, and then Justin Medlock kicked in the extra point. The Buccaneers extended the lead with a fourth quarter field goal from Barth, good from 40 yards away. The Panthers shot back as Medlock nailed a field goal of 21 yards. This made it 16-10, a final, with Tampa Bay going to 1-0 and Carolina falling to 0-1.

Way to the west, the Arizona Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle began in the first quarter with a 27 yard field goal from Steven Hauschka. Arizona tied it with a 21 yard field from Jay Feely. The Cardinals took the lead in the second quarter as LaRod Stephens-Howling ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Feely added on the extra point. Arizona added on in the third quarter as Feely nailed a field goal of 31 yards. The Seahawks shot back as Russell Wilson found Sidney Rice for a 10 yard touchdown pass, and Hauschka tacked on the extra point. Seattle tied it as Hauschka kicked in a 47 yard field goal. The Seahawks took the lead in the fourth quarter as Hauschka booted a field goal of 39 yards. The Cardinals regained the lead as Kevin Kolb connected with Andre Roberts on a 6 yard touchdown, and Feely made the extra point. They weathered a strong storm at the end for a 23-20 win, and improved to 1-0, while Seattle went to 0-1.

Up in Green Bay, the Packers host the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco started in the first quarter on a field goal by David Akers from 40 yards out. The 49ers added on in the second quarter as Alex Smith threw a 14 yard touchdown pass to Randy Moss, and Akers supplied the extra point. Green Bay got on the board as Aaron Rodgers threw a 1 yard touchdown to Jermichael Finley, and then Mason Crosby tacked on the extra point. San Francisco extended the lead with an Akers 43 yard field goal. The 49ers struck again as Akers booted a stunning 63 yard field goal to end the half. San Francisco padded the lead in the third quarter as Smith tossed a 4 yard touchdown pass to Vernon Davis, and Akers supplied the PAT. The Packers got some back in the fourth quarter as Randall Cobb returned a punt 75 yards to the end zone for a touchdown, followed by Rodgers passing to Jordy Nelson for the two-point conversion. The 49ers extended the lead again on a 23 yard Frank Gore touchdown run, with Akers nailing the extra point. Green Bay replied on a 10 yard touchdown from Rodgers to James Jones, iced off by a Crosby extra point. They couldn't tie it up, losing 30-22, with San Francisco going to 1-0 and Green Bay falling to 0-1.

The Sunday Night game wraps the post up, as the Denver Broncos host the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh led off with a second quarter Shaun Suisham field goal of 21 yards. Denver took the lead on a 7 yard touchdown run by Knowshon Moreno, and Matt Prater converted the extra point. The Steelers took the lead back as Ben Roethlisberger found Heath Miller on a 4 yard touchdown pass, iced off with a Suisham extra point. Pittsburgh added on in the third quarter as Suisham kicked a 35 yard field goal. The Broncos edged back ahead as Peyton Manning hooked up with Demaryius Thomas on a 71 yard touchdown connection, and Prater kicked the go-ahead extra point. The Steelers went back ahead in the fourth quarter on a Roethlisberger 3 yard touchdown pass to Mike Wallace, but he failed on the two-point attempt to Leonard Pope. Denver took the lead back as Manning passed 1 yard for a touchdown to Jacob Tamme, and then Manning found Willis McGehee on the two-point conversion. The Broncos extended the lead on a Prater field goal of 26 yards. Denver iced it with Tracy Porter picking off Roethlisberger and taking it 44 yards to the end zone for a touchdown, but the two-point attempt failed as McGehee could not run the ball in. This finished the scoring at 31-19, with Denver going to 1-0 and Pittsburgh falling to 0-1.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.