NFL Week 3 Morning Games 2012

Nine games on the early wave of games. The first is in...

Indianapolis, as the Colts host the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville opened with a first quarter Josh Scobee field goal of 44 yards. Indianapolis pulled ahead as Andrew Luck threw a 40 yard touchdown to T.Y. Hilton, and Adam Vinatieri was there with the extra point. The Colts added on in the second quarter with Luck passing 4 yards to Mewelde Moore for a touchdown, and Vinatieri made another PAT. The Jaguars replied in the third quarter as Maurice Jones-Drew ran 59 yards for a touchdown, and Scobee kicked the extra point. Jacksonville got closer as Scobee nailed a 47 yard field goal. The Jaguars took the lead in the fourth quarter with Scobee kicking a 26 yard field goal. Indianapolis took the lead as Vinatieri booted a 37 yard field goal. Jacksonville took the lead back as Gabbert tossed an 80 yard touchdown pass to Cecil Shorts, but the two-point attempt was unsuccessful. This ended the scoring at 22-17, with both teams moving to 1-2.

Over in Ohio, the Cleveland Browns host the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo began in the first quarter as Ryan Fitzpatrick found T.J. Graham for a 9 yard touchdown pass, and Rian Lindell tacked on the extra point. The Bills added on as Fitzpatrick passed 32 yards to C.J. Spiller for a touchdown, allowing Lindell to make another extra point. Cleveland got on the board as Trent Richardson ran 6 yards for a touchdown, and Phil Dawson kicked the PAT. Buffalo got some more in the third quarter as Lindell kicked a 37 yard field goal. The Browns replied with Brandon Weeden passing 22 yards to Travis Benjamin for a touchdown, and Dawson made the extra point. The Bills extended their lead in the fourth quarter as Fitzpatrick passed 9 yards for a touchdown to Stevie Johnson, and Lindell booted the extra point. This made it 24-14, a final, with Buffalo going to 2-1 and Cleveland dropping to 0-3.

Down in Florida, the Miami Dolphins welcome the New York Jets. Miami started in the first quarter with Daniel Thomas running 1 yard for a touchdown, and Dan Carpenter was there with the extra point. The Dolphins added on in the second quarter as Carpenter kicked a 21 yard field goal. New York got on the board with a 33 yard Nick Folk field goal. The Jets tied it in the third quarter with LaRon Landry intercepting Blaine Gabbert and returning the ball 18 yards for a touchdown, with Folk's PAT being the equalizer. Miami took the lead again as Jorvorskie Lane ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Carpenter made the extra point. New York got some back in the fourth quarter with Folk kicking a 20 yard field goal. The Jets took the lead as Mark Sanchez threw a 7 yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Kerley, and Folk was true with the extra point. The Dolphins tied it as Carpenter made a 41 yard field goal. New York won in the fifth quarter as Folk kicked in a 33 yard field goal. The Jets are now 2-1, while Miami moves down to 1-2.

A bit west, the New Orleans Saints bring in the Kansas City Chiefs. New Orleans began with Drew Brees passing 9 yards to Lance Moore for a touchdown in the first quarter, and Garrett Hartley kicked in the extra point. Kansas City got on the board as Ryan Succop nailed a 25 yard field goal. The Saints added on in the second quarter with a field goal of 40 yards by Hartley. The Chiefs replied with a Succop field goal from 45 yards away. New Orleans extended the lead when Brees tossed a 1 yard touchdown pass to Jimmy Graham in the third quarter, and Hartley was there with the extra point. The Saints got some more when Brees tossed a 6 yard touchdown pass to Jed Collins, and Hartley supplied another extra point. Kansas City quickly responded when Jamaal Charles belted out a 91 yard touchdown run, and Succop tacked on the extra point. The Chiefs got closer in the fourth quarter with Succop's field goal from 34 yards out. Kansas City chipped away as Succop made a field goal of 38 yards. The Chiefs got some more as Justin Houston sacked Brees for a safety. Kansas City pulled even as Succop made a field goal from 43 yards. The Chiefs took the lead in the fifth quarter on a 31 yard Succop field goal. This was made the final 27-24, with Kansas City going to 1-2 while New Orleans dropped to 0-3.

Northeast to Washington, as the Redskins host the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati quickly opened in the first quarter as Mohamed Sanu connected with A.J. Green for a 73 yard touchdown, and Mike Nugent made the extra point. Washington tied it when Rob Jackson picked off Andy Dalton in the end zone for a touchdown, and Billy Cundiff's extra point was the equalizer. The Bengals replied as Dalton found his own man, Armon Binns for a 48 yard touchdown connection, and Nugent tacked on the extra point. Cincinnati got some more in the second quarter on a 47 yard field goal by Nugent. The Bengals padded the lead as BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Nugent made the PAT. The Redskins got some back as Cundiff booted in a 36 yard field goal. Washington got closer in the third quarter as Alfred Morris ran 7 yards for a touchdown, and Cundiff made the extra point. The Redskins pulled even as Robert Griffin III passed 3 yards to Santana Moss for a touchdown, and Cundiff again tied the game with an extra point. Cincinnati reclaimed the lead in the fourth quarter as Dalton sent a 6 yard touchdown to Jermaine Gresham, and Nugent was true on the extra point. The Bengals extended the lead as Dalton threw a 59 yard touchdown to Andrew Hawkins, and Nugent kicked in another extra point. Washington pulled back as Griffin ran 2 yards for a touchdown, and Cundiff made the extra point. They failed to tie it, losing 38-31, with the Bengal moving to 2-1 and the Redskins falling to 1-2.

Backtracking to Tennessee, where the Titans bring in the Detroit Lions. Detroit got on the board in the first quarter as Jason Hanson booted a 47 yard field goal. The Lions added on with a Hanson field goal from 53 yards out. Tennessee got on the board as Rob Bironas kicked a field goal of 31 yards. The Titans took the lead as Darius Reynaud fielded a punt and lateraled to Tommie Campbell, who ran 65 yards for the touchdown, with Bironas kicking the extra point. Tennessee padded the lead as Jake Locker threw a 61 yard touchdown pass to Jared Cook, and Bironas made another extra point. Detroit chipped away as Hanson kicked a field goal in from 33 yards. The Titans shot back as Bironas made a field goal of 38 yards. The Lions pulled closer in the third quarter as Mikel LeShoure ran 1 yard for a touchdown, with Hanson supplying the extra point. Detroit got within one in the fourth quarter as Hanson kicked in a field goal from 26 yards. The Lions took the lead when Matthew Stafford tossed a 3 yard touchdown pass to Nate Burleson, before the two of them combined for the two-point conversion. Tennessee tied it as Reynaud returned the ensuing kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown, and Bironas had the equalizer with the extra point. The Titans took the lead as Locker connected with Nate Washington for a 71 yard touchdown, and Bironas made the extra point cleanly. Tennessee extended the lead as Brandon Pettigrew fumbled, and the ball was returned 72 yards by Alterraun Verner for a touchdown, with Bironas icing the play with an extra point. Detroit pulled back as Shaun Hill threw a 3 yard touchdown to Calvin Johnson, and Hanson was good with the extra point. With only 18 seconds remaining, the Lions completed their comeback as Hill uncorked a 46 yard touchdown pass to Titus Young, and Hanson kicked the extra point, tying the game and sending it to overtime. The Titans took the lead again in the fifth quarter as Bironas made a 26 yard field goal. This was enough for a 44-41 win, and both teams moved to 1-2.

North to Minnesota, with the Vikings welcoming the San Francisco 49ers. Minnesota led off in the first quarter as Christian Ponder tossed a 1 yard touchdown pass to Kyle Rudolph, and Blair Walsh supplied the extra point. San Francisco got on the board in the second quarter as David Akers kicked a 29 yard field goal. The Vikings padded the lead as Ponder ran 23 yards for a touchdown, and Walsh booted in the PAT. Minnesota struck again as Walsh nailed a 52 yard field goal. The 49ers got some back in the third quarter as Akers kicked a field goal of 29 yards. San Francisco got closer as Alex Smith found Vernon Davis for a 1 yard touchdown pass, and Akers was there to make the extra point. The Vikings extended the lead in fourth quarter as Ponder and Rudolph connected for another touchdown, this time for 2 yards, and Walsh made another extra point. This produced the final score of 24-13, and both teams are now 2-1.

South to Chicago, where the Bears host the St. Louis Rams. Chicago got going in the first quarter as Robbie Gould kicked a 54 yard field goal. The Bears extended the lead in the second quarter as Michael Bush ran 3 yards for a touchdown, and Gould was there with the extra point. St. Louis got on the board with a Greg Zuerlein 56 yard field goal. The Rams pulled closer in the third quarter as Zuerlein kicked a 46 yard field goal. Chicago replied in the fourth quarter as Gould nailed a field goal of 22 yards. The Bears padded the lead as Major Wright picked off Sam Bradford and took it 45 yards to the house for a touchdown, allowing Gould to make the PAT. Chicago got a few more as Gould kicked a 37 yard field goal. This held up for a 23-6 with, with Chicago improving to 2-1 while St. Louis dropped to 1-2.

Finally, we end this wave in Dallas, with the Cowboys hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay was first on the board in the first quarter as Josh Freeman tossed a 1 yard touchdown pass to Luke Stocker, and Connor Barth was there with the extra point. Dallas tied the game when DeMarco Murray ran 11 yards for a touchdown, and Dan Bailey supplied the extra point. The Cowboys took the lead as Bailey nailed a 32 yard field goal. Dallas extended the lead in the fourth quarter with a 26 yard field goal by Bailey. The Cowboys got more as Bailey made a 22 yard field goal. The Buccaneers replied as Barth made a 28 yard field goal. They failed to tie the game, losing 16-10, with Dallas moving to 2-1 and Tampa Bay going down to 1-2.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion. 

MLB Day 170 2012

The season continues to wind down, and a couple of teams may clinch their division today. Full slate is set to go, beginning in...

Washington, as the Nationals host the Milwaukee Brewers. Wily Peralta is mismatched with Gio Gonzalez. Washington opened in the third inning as Bryce Harper doubled home Jayson Werth before scoring on a double by Adam LaRoche, who then scored as Ian Desmond singled and produced an error. The Nationals extended the lead in the fourth inning with Ryan Zimmerman hitting a three-run home run to sweep in Werth and Harper, and Desmond also went yard on a three-run blast, bringing LaRoche and Michael Morse with him. Milwaukee got on the board in the sixth inning as Ryan Braun grounded out to allow Norichika Aoki to score, followed by Aramis Ramirez hitting a sacrifice fly to plate Rickie Weeks. Washington shot back in their half of the inning on a LaRoche solo home run. The Brewers took some back in the ninth inning as Taylor Green hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jeff Bianchi. This produced the 10-4 final, with the win going to Gonzalez, while Peralta was dinged for the loss.

Into New York, as the Yankees host the Oakland Athletics. Travis Blackley and Ivan Nova receive the starting nods. Oakland led off in the first inning as Seth Smith doubled to score Stephen Drew, before scoring on a Yoenis Cespedes double. New York replied in their half of the inning as Ichiro Suzuki hit a solo home run, before tying it as Robinson Cano singled home Alex Rodriguez, and then they took the lead when Andruw Jones drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Cano. The Yankees struck again in the second inning when Rodriguez scored on a wild pitch. The Athletics took one back in the third inning when Drew hit a solo shot. Oakland tied it in the fourth inning as Cliff Pennington singled to plate Josh Donaldson. New York took the lead again in the fifth inning as Raul Ibanez hit a solo home run. The Athletics retied it in the seventh inning when Chris Carter's sacrifice fly got Cespedes home. Oakland did damage in the thirteenth inning with a two-run home run by Jonny Gomes, also scoring Drew, followed by Cespedes and Carter each hitting solo shots. The Yankees matched it in their half of the inning as Suzuki scored on a wild pitch, followed by Eduardo Nunez hitting a sacrifice fly to get Rodriguez in, and Ibanez hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Cano. New York won 10-9 in the fourteenth inning as Nunez reached on an error that allowed Suzuki to score. Cory Wade picked up the win and Tyson Ross was responsible for the loss.

Out west, the Chicago Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and Travis Wood are the staff aces pitching. St. Louis got going in the second inning as Pete Kozma walked with the bases loaded to force in Allen Craig. The Cardinals added on in the third inning as Matt Holliday doubled home Carlos Beltran before scoring on a Yadier Molina sacrifice fly. Chicago got on the board in their half of the inning when Wood scored on a wild pitch. The Cubs got another in the sixth inning as David DeJesus hit a solo home run, followed by Welington Castillo hitting a sacrifice fly that allowed Anthony Rizzo to dash home and Dave Sappelt singling Alfonso Soriano in for a lead. St. Louis tied it in the ninth inning with Carlos Beltran hitting a solo shot. The Cardinals took the lead in the tenth inning on a Jon Jay double to drive in Matt Carpenter. This was good for a 5-4 win, with Mitchell Boggs in line for the win, while Jason Motte turned the save, and Jaye Chapman was given the loss.

Back east, the Boston Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Randy Wolf and Aaron Cook are the below-average starters. Baltimore started in the first inning as Adam Jones grounded out to score Nate McLouth. Boston tied it in the bottom of the first as Ryan Lavarnway singled Dustin Pedroia around. The Orioles took the lead in the second inning on a Manny Machado single, plating Chris Davis. Baltimore added on in the fourth inning with a solo home run by Mark Reynolds. The Red Sox pulled even in the bottom of the fourth with a two-run home run by Danny Valencia, also scoring Mike Aviles. The Orioles took the lead again in the sixth inning as Ryan Flaherty tripled to force in Davis and Machado. Baltimore extended the lead in the seventh inning on a Jones solo shot. Boston took one back in the bottom of the seventh as Cody Ross grounded into a fielder's choice to give Scott Podsednik time to dash home, followed by Lavarnway doing the same for Pedro Ciriaco. The Red Sox tied it in the eighth inning on a Podsednik double to plate Daniel Nava. The Orioles took the lead in the twelfth inning with Jim Thome hitting a ground rule double to force in Jones, followed by Endy Chavez singled Xavier Avery around, and Machado doing the same to finish Chavez's trip. This held up for a 9-6 win, picked up by Tommy Hunter, while Jim Johnson turned the save, and Alfredo Aceves was dinged for the loss.

To New York again, as the Mets host the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and R.A. Dickey pace the game. New York began in the second inning as Jason Bay hit a two-run home run, also scoring Lucas Duda. The Mets added on in the fourth inning as Scott Hairston hit a solo home run. New York padded the lead in the fifth inning when Daniel Murphy reached on a fielder's choice, which gave time for Josh Thole to dash home. Miami got on the board in the ninth inning as John Buck hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Greg Dobbs and Donovan Solano. They failed to tie the game, with Dickey getting the win, Jon Rauch closing out for the save, and Buehrle was pinned with the loss.

Northwest to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Minnesota Twins. Samuel Deduno and Doug Fister will get the starts in that were rained out yesterday. Detroit was first to score in the first inning as Austin Jackson hit a solo home run. The Tigers added on in the second inning as Alex Avila singled home Andy Dirks. Detroit struck again in the third inning as Prince Fielder singled to knock in Quintin Berry, followed by a three-run Delmon Young home run, sweeping in Miguel Cabrera and Fielder, and Dirks scored on a wild pitch. The Tigers got another in the fourth inning as Cabrera hit a solo shot. This was all they needed to win 8-0, with Fister going the distance for a seven-hit shutout, while Deduno was shelled in the loss.

Down in Cincinnati, the Reds host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Stephen Fife and Mat Latos are penciled in to pitch. Cincinnati led off in the fourth inning on a Jay Bruce solo home run. The Reds added on in the fifth inning as Todd Frazier singled Brandon Phillips around. Cincinnati struck again in the seventh inning when Phillips hit a solo shot. The Reds extended the lead in the eighth inning as Chris Heisey sacrificed, which combined with an error to get Frazier home, before he scored alongside Bruce on a single by Zack Cozart. This made it 6-0, the final, with the win going to Latos and Fife took the loss.

Over in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor and Roy Halladay are on the hill. Atlanta opened in the first inning on a three-run home run by Freddie Freeman, sweeping in Jason Heyward and Chipper Jones. The Braves padded the lead in the second inning with a 3-RBI double from Heyward, plating all of Brian McCann, Michael Bourn, and Martin Prado, before scoring on a double by Jones. Philadelphia got on the board in the third inning as Darin Ruf hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Kevin Frandsen. The Phillies got another in the fourth inning when Ryan Howard hit a solo home run. Atlanta extended the lead in the eighth inning as Heyward singled to drive in Bourn. This produced the 8-2 final, with the win going to Minor and the loss pinned on Halladay.

Down in Houston, the Astros host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and Dallas Keuchel are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Houston got going in the first inning as Brett Wallace singled Scott Moore in. Pittsburgh tied it in the second inning on a Gaby Sanchez solo home run. The Astros took the lead again in the seventh inning on a three-run home run by Jason Castro, sweeping in Tyler Greene and Matt Dominguez. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 4-1. Keuchel picked up the win, Wilton Lopez shut the door for a save, and Correia was on the hook for the loss.

Up in Kansas City, the Royals host the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and Will Smith are the struggling starters. Kansas City was first on the board in the first inning with Alcides Escobar doubled in Jarrod Dyson before scoring on a single by Billy Butler. Cleveland tied it in the fifth inning when Cord Phelps hit a two-run home run, also scoring Thomas Neal. The Royals took the lead again in the bottom of the fifth with Eric Hosmer reaching on a fielder's choice to bring in Alex Gordon, followed by a Brayan Pena sacrifice fly that allowed Mike Moustakas to dash home, and an Irving Falu single to plate Jeff Francoeur. The Indians got one back in the eighth inning as Michael Brantley reached on an error that provided time for Carlos Santana to score. This only made it 5-3, the final, with Smith getting the win, Kelvin Herrera tossing a spot save, and Jimenez was stuck with the loss.

Southwest to Tampa Bay, as the Rays host the Toronto Blue Jays. Brandon Morrow and Matt Moore are the young starters. Toronto opened in the first inning as Edwin Encarnacion singled home Brett Lawrie, followed by Adam Lind hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Rajai Davis. Tampa Bay got one back in the bottom of the first as Ben Francisco drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Desmond Jennings. The Rays took the lead in the second inning as Evan Longoria hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Jose Molina and Jennings. Tampa Bay added on in the fourth inning with a Jennings solo home run. The Blue Jays got some back in the fifth inning with Adam Lind tripling to push in both Anthony Gose and Lawrie. The Rays extended the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Francisco doubled Jeff Keppinger home before scoring on a single by Ryan Roberts, who then scored on a two-run home run by Molina, followed by a two-run home run from B.J. Upton, also scoring Jennings. Toronto got one back in the eighth inning as Adeiny Hechavarria singled to plate Moises Sierra. This was as close as it got, with the final being 11-5, with the win belonging to Nurke Badenhop, while Morrow was rocked in the loss.

Out in Colorado, the Rockies host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Patrick Corbin and Jhoulys Chacin are the inconsistent starters. Arizona started in the first inning as Aaron Hill grounded out to get Adam Eaton home, followed by Paul Goldschmidt doubling in Justin Upton before scoring on a Jason Kubel single. Colorado replied in the second inning as Andrew Brown hit a solo home run, followed by Chacin singling to knock in DJ LeMahieu, and Jordan Pacheco doubling to plate both Chacin and Josh Rutledge. The Rockies got another in the third inning on a Wilin Rosario solo shot. The Diamondbacks charged ahead in the sixth inning as Hill tripled to force in all of John McDonald, Mike Jacobs, and Eaton, before coming the final 90 feet on a Kubel sacrifice fly, and then Chris Johnson singled around Upton. Colorado responded in their half of the inning as Matt McBride singled to drive in Tyler Colvin. The Rockies chipped away in the seventh inning when Rosario grounded into a double play that gave time for Rutledge to dart home. They failed to get the equalizer, falling 8-7, with the win going to Brad Bergesen, the save tossed by J.J. Putz, and the loss was handed to Carlos Torres.

Further west, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Chicago White Sox. Jose Quintana and Dan Haren are the well-known pitchers. Los Angeles quickly scored in the first inning as Albert Pujols hit a ground rule double to score Mike Trout, followed by Torii Hunter singling Erick Aybar in, and Mark Trumbo singling to plate both Pujols and Howie Kendrick. Chicago got on the board in the second inning as Paul Konerko hit a solo home run. The White Sox got another in the seventh inning as Dewayne Wise grounded out to bring in Alex Rios. This produced a 4-2 final, with Haren getting the win, Ernesto Frieri tossing his twentieth save of the year, and Quintana was on the hook for the loss.

Up in San Francisco, the Giants host the San Diego Padres. Andrew Werner and Madison Bumgarner have the green light to pitch. San Diego got going in the first inning as Chase Headley grounded out to get Chris Denorfia in. San Francisco took the lead in the bottom of the first with Buster Posey hit a sacrifice fly to get Angel Pagan home, followed by Hunter Pence doing the same for Marco Scutaro. The Giants got another in the second inning as Bumgarner singled to drive in Brandon Belt. San Francisco extended the lead in the fourth inning when Scutaro singled both Belt and Brandon Crawford across the dish. The Padres shot back in the sixth inning with Yonder Alonso hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Logan Forsythe. The Giants replied in the bottom of the sixth as Pagan singled to knock in Francisco Peguero, followed by Scutaro singling to finish Pagan's trip around. San Diego took one back in the eighth inning on a Headley groundout that again brought Denorfia around. San Francisco answered in the bottom of the eighth on a Belt solo home run. This ended the scoring at 8-4, with the win belonging to Bumgarner and the loss going to Werner.

Finally, in Seattle, the Mariners host the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Blake Beavan are on the mound. Seattle began in the second inning with Michael Saunders solo home run. This was it for the scoring, with the final standing at 1-0. Beavan picked up a strong win, Tom Wilhelmsen shut the door for a save, and Harrison took an unlucky loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 169 2012

Fourteen games finally to close out the week, as the Tigers and Twins were rained out, with the first in...

Chicago, as the Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals. Chrises Carpenter and Volstad are starting. St. Louis began in the first inning as Yadier Molina singled home Jon Jay. The Cardinals added on in the third inning with Allen Craig hitting a sacrifice fly to get Carlos Beltran in. Chicago pulled even in the bottom of the third when Darwin Barney singled to knock in David DeJesus before scoring on an Alfonso Soriano double. St. Louis took the lead again in the fourth inning with Pete Kozma stealing home. The Cardinals added on in the eighth inning as Daniel Descalso doubled to drive in Matt Carpenter. The Cubs retied it in the ninth inning on a two-run home run by Barney, also scoring DeJesus. Chicago won 5-4 in the eleventh inning with DeJesus singling Brett Jackson across the dish. Alberto Cabrera notched the win while Joe Kelly was on the hook for the loss.

East to New York, where the Yankees host the Oakland Athletics. Jarrod Parker and CC Sabathia will draw the starts. New York opened in the fourth inning with Curtis Granderson hitting a sacrifice fly to knock in Nick Swisher. Oakland tied it in the ninth inning on a Brandon Moss solo home run. The Yankees won it in the tenth inning by a 2-1 score, as Russell Martin hit a solo shot. This gave the win to David Robertson, while Sean Doolittle was given the loss.

Over in Philadelphia, the Phillies host the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Kyle Kendrick are the struggling starters. Philadelphia started in the first inning with Chase Utley grounding out to get Juan Pierre home. Atlanta got on the board in the second inning as Brian McCann grounded out, allowing Freddie Freeman to come home. The Phillies replied in the third inning with a solo home run by Kevin Frandsen. Philadelphia padded the lead in the fourth inning with solo shots by Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz. The Phillies struck again in the sixth inning as Ruiz singled Utley around. The Braves took one back in the seventh inning as Jose Constanza singled Dan Uggla across the dish. Philadelphia extended the lead in the eighth inning on a solo home run by Utley. This was good for a 6-2 win, picked up by Kendrick, while Hanson was handed the loss.

Over in, the Washington Nationals welcome the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum and Edwin Jackson are on the mound. Washington began in the first inning as Adam LaRoche hit a two-run home run, also scoring Ryan Zimmerman. Milwaukee got on the board in the second inning with a Jonathan Lucroy solo home run. The Brewers tied it in the ninth inning as Ryan Braun singled to plate Norichika Aoki, before taking the lead as Aramis Ramirez doubled to finish Braun's trip around, and then Travis Ishikawa singled Ramirez the rest of the way home. This held up for a 4-2 win, which was picked up by Jose Veras, while John Axford turned the save, and Tyler Clippard imploded for the loss.

To Boston, as the Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Miguel Gonzalez and Jon Lester are handed the ball. Boston led off in the third inning with Pedro Ciriaco doubling home Daniel Nava. Baltimore took the lead in the fourth inning on a 2-RBI Matt Wieters single, plating both J.J. Hardy and Adam Jones. The Red Sox tied it in the fifth inning as Dustin Pedroia singled around Ciriaco. The Orioles took the lead in the sixth inning with Wieters doubling to drive in Jones, before scoring on a Mark Reynolds single. This stood for a 4-2 win, with Gonzalez notching the win, Jim Johnson converted the save, and Lester was pinned with the loss.

Back in New York, the Mets host the Miami Marlins. Jacob Turner and Jonathan Niese are the young pitchers. New York struck first in the first inning as Ike Davis reached on an error to get Daniel Murphy home, followed by Scott Hairston hitting a two-run home run to finish Davis' trip around. The Mets added on in the second inning as Niese scored on a wild pitch and Murphy hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Fred Lewis. Miami got on the board in the third inning with Donovan Solano singling to score Gil Velazquez. New York shot back in the fifth inning on a Hairston triple to force in Murphy. The Marlins replied in the sixth inning when Solano doubled to drive in Gorkys Hernandez, followed by Austin Kearns singling Jose Reyes around. The Mets answered back in the seventh inning as Davis hit a solo home run. This made it a 7-3 final, with Niese getting the win and Turner taking the loss.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Toronto Blue Jays. Carlos Villanueva and James Shields are the reliable starters. Tampa Bay got going in the first inning with Ben Zobrist hitting a solo home run. The Rays added on in the second inning with Carlos Pena tripling to force in Jeff Keppinger and Luke Scott, followed by a two-run home run from Jose Molina, also scoring Pena. Tampa Bay padded the lead in the third inning when Scott doubled, sweeping in Evan Longoria, Matt Joyce, and Keppinger. The Rays struck again in the fourth inning as Keppinger singled to plate B.J. Upton. Tampa Bay got more in the sixth inning with Joyce grounding out to give time for Zobrist to dash home, followed by Scott doubling both Longoria and Keppinger across the dish, and Molina grounding out to finish Scott's trip around. Toronto got on the board in the eighth inning as Yan Gomes doubled to knock in Colby Rasmus. This was all they got, losing 12-1, with Shields earning the win and Villanueva getting shelled in the loss.

North to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Joe Blanton and Bronson Arroyo are the veteran pitchers. Los Angeles was first on the board in the second inning when Juan Rivera grounded out to get Hanley Ramirez home. Cincinnati tied it in the fifth inning as Arroyo singled Xavier Paul safely home. The Dodgers gained the lead in the tenth inning as Matt Kemp singled both Elian Herrera and A.J. Ellis across the dish. This was good for a 3-1 win, picked up by Ronald Belisario, while Brandon League finished off for the save, and Sam LeCure was dinged for the loss.

Southwest to Houston, with the Astros hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jeff Locke and Edgar Gonzalez are the unknown pitchers. Houston opened in the first inning on a three-run home run by Jed Lowrie, sweeping in Brandon Barnes and Justin Maxwell. The Astros added on in the sixth inning as Maxwell hit a solo home run, followed by Brett Wallace tripling to force in Lowrie, and then Jose Altuve was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in Wallace. Houston struck again in the seventh inning as Wallace hit a solo shot. Pittsburgh got on the board in the eighth inning as Garrett Jones hit a solo home run. This was all they got, losing 7-1, with Locke getting the win and Gonzalez suffering the loss.

Northwest into Colorado, as the Rockies welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Drew Pomeranz are the prospects pitching. Arizona started with a first inning Paul Goldschmidt double to knock in Justin Upton. Colorado answered in the bottom of the first as Josh Rutledge doubled in Dexter Fowler before scoring on a Wilin Rosario single. The Diamondbacks edged ahead in the third inning as Miguel Montero doubled to score both Upton and Goldschmidt before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Gerardo Parra. The Rockies shot back in the bottom of the third as Chris Nelson grounded out, allowing Jordan Pacheco to dash home, before tying the game as Andrew Brown hit a sacrifice fly to get Rosario in. Arizona got the lead back in the fourth inning when Montero singled Upton safely home, followed by Chris Johnson doubling to plate Goldschmidt, and John McDonald singling to complete the trips of Montero and Johnson. The Diamondbacks struck again in the fifth inning as Goldschmidt reached on an error that got Aaron Hill home. Arizona padded the lead in the sixth inning on a two-run home run by Adam Eaton, bringing in McDonald. Colorado replied in their half of the inning when Jonathan Herrera singled Nelson around. The Diamondbacks shot back in the seventh inning as Johnson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Montero. Arizona kept going in the eighth inning when Hill doubled Eaton in. The Diamondbacks got one more in the ninth inning when Jake Elmore grounded out to bring in Wil Nieves. This concluded the 15-5 drubbing, with Miley getting the ugly win and Alex White was charged with the loss.

Back east, the Kansas City Royals host the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Luis Mendoza are the inconsistent pitchers. Kansas City began in the second inning as Brayan Pena singled Jeff Francoeur home before scoring on a single by Irving Falu. Cleveland got on the board in the third inning as Michael Brantley singled to drive in Asdrubal Cabrera. The Royals replied in the bottom of the third on a Mike Moustakas sacrifice fly that allowed Jarrod Dyson to score. Kansas City got another in the fifth when Moustakas grounded out, bringing in Falu. The Indians pulled back in the seventh inning as Carlos Santana singled both Ezequiel Carrera and Shin-Soon Choo safely home. The Royals extended the lead in the eighth inning as eric Hosmer hit a sacrifice fly that scored Moustakas, and Pena doubled Francoeur across the dish. This made it a 6-3 score, the final, with the win going to Mendoza, while Greg Holland converted his fifteenth save of the year, and Masterson was handed the loss.

Out in California, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy and Ervin Santana pace the game. Chicago led off immediately in the first inning as Alejandro De Aza hit a solo home run. Los Angeles tied it in the second inning on a Kendrys Morales solo shot. The Angels took the lead in the third inning when Albert Pujols singled in both Chris Iannetta and Mike Trout. Los Angeles padded the lead in the fourth inning when Torii Hunter singled to drive in both Erick Aybar and Mark Trumbo. The Angels got another in the seventh inning on a Trout solo home run. The White Sox got one back in the eighth inning as Gordon Beckham singled Dayan Viciedo safely home. This only made it 6-2, with Santana notching the win and Peavy suffering the loss.

Up in Seattle, the Mariners host the Texas Rangers. Martin Perez is mismatched with Hisashi Iwakuma. Seattle got going in the second inning as Casper Wells doubled home Justin Smoak. The Mariners added on in the third inning as Franklin Gutierrez scored on a wild pitch. Texas tied it in the fourth inning when David Murphy singled both Michael Young and Nelson Cruz around. Seattle took the lead back in the bottom of the fourth as Carlos Triunfel doubled Wells across the dish, before scoring as Gutierrez reached on an error. The Rangers got one back in the sixth inning as Murphy hit a solo home run. The Mariners extended the lead in the eighth inning as Miguel Olivo hit a two-run home run, also scoring Smoak. This produced the 6-3 final, with the win belonging to Iwakuma, while Tom Wilhelmsen got the save, and Perez was stuck with the loss.

Finally, the San Francisco Giants host the San Diego Padres. Casey Kelly and Ryan Vogelsong take the hill. San Diego started in the fourth inning with a Chase Headley solo home run. San Francisco tied it in their half of the inning when Brandon Crawford singled home Brandon Belt. The Giants took the lead in the fifth inning as Buster Posey singled to score Marco Scutaro. San Francisco extended the lead in the sixth inning when Scutaro singled to drive in Angel Pagan before scoring on a two-run home run by Pablo Sandoval. This stood for a 5-1 win, earned by Vogelsong, while the loss was pinned on Kelly.

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MLB Day 168 2012

First of all, I apologize if this is a repeated number as the interface for posting has been universally updated. Anyway, today is a Thursday, and we have thirteen games split nearly down the middle between morning and evening. We start in...

Cleveland, as the Indians host the Minnesota Twins. Esmerling Vasquez and Corey Kluber are the completely unknown pitchers. Minnesota opened in the fourth inning as Ben Revere scored on a wild pitch. Cleveland answered in the bottom of the fourth as Casey Kotchman singled in Jason Kipnis, followed by Brent Lillibridge doing the same for Carlos Santana. The Twins retied it in the fifth inning as Denard Span doubled to drive in Pedro Florimon. Minnesota took the lead in the sixth inning on a Trevor Plouffe solo home run. The Indians tied it in their half of the inning with Jack Hannahan singling to knock in Kotchman. Cleveland won 4-3 in the tenth inning as Kotchman singled Shin-Soo Choo across the plate. The win went to Esmil Rogers while Anthony Swarzak was dinged for the loss.

Up in Detroit, the Tigers host the Oakland Athletics. Tommy Milone and Anibal Sanchez are the inconsistent starters. Detroit got going in the second inning as Gerald Laird singled to score Jhonny Peralta, and Austin Jackson hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Avisail Garcia to dash home. Oakland got on the board in the third inning when Stephen Drew grounded into a fielder's choice, which combined with an error to get Josh Donaldson home. The Athletics tied it in the fifth inning on a Seth Smith solo home run. The Tigers took the lead back in their half of the inning as Prince Fielder doubled to bring in Miguel Cabrera. Oakland charged ahead in the sixth inning with Brandon Moss doubling Yoenis Cespedes across the plate before scoring on a single by Donaldson, who was then forced in alongside Smith as George Kotteras tripled. Detroit got one back in the bottom of the sixth when Andy Dirks hit a solo shot. The Athletics extended the lead in the ninth inning as Cespedes hit a sacrifice fly to allow Kotteras to score, Daric Barton walked with the bases loaded to push in Cliff Pennington, Smith doubled to sweep in all of Josh Reddick, Moss, and Barton, and then he scored on a double from Donaldson. This produced the 12-4 final, with the win belonging to Pat Neshek, while Sanchez was dinged for the loss.

South to St. Louis, with the Cardinals hosting the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Jaime Garcia are the under-performing starters. Houston started in the first inning as Brandon Laird walked with the bases loaded to force in Jose Altuve. St. Louis took the lead in their half of the inning with a three-run home run by Allen Craig, sweeping in Matt Carpenter and Matt Holliday. The Astros retied it in the third inning as Justin Maxwell doubled to plate Brandon Barnes before finishing his trip on a single by Laird. The Cardinals regained the lead in the sixth inning as Carlos Beltran doubled to knock in both Daniel Descalso and Pete Kozma (apologies to Mr. Kozma, as I'm certain I've called him Paul before). Houston took one back in the seventh inning as Barnes singled to drive in Scott Moore. This made the final 5-4, with Garcia picking up the win, Jason Motte throwing the save, and Norris was stuck with the loss.

North again to Chicago, as the Cubs host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto faces a lesser foe in Jason Berken. Cincinnati led off in the seventh inning as Didi Gregorius singled to knock in Denis Phipps, followed by Joey Votto doing the same for Ryan Hanigan, Xavier Paul following suit to finish Gregorius' trip around, and Henry Rodriguez doubling both Mike Leake and Paul across the dish. Chicago got on the board in the bottom of the seventh as Anthony Rizzo singled to score David DeJesus. The Cubs got another in the eighth inning on a Welington Castillo solo home run. Chicago tried a ninth inning rally as Rizzo grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed DeJesus to come home, but this only made it 5-3 in the end. Cueto notched the win, Alfredo Simon turned a spot save, and Manuel Corpas was stuck holding the loss.

Southwest to Arizona as the Diamondbacks host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Tyler Skaggs receive the starting nods. San Diego was first to score in the first inning as Jesus Guzman hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Chase Headley and Yasmani Grandal. Arizona got on the board in the bottom of the first inning as Aaron Hill hit a solo home run. The Padres padded the lead in the second inning when Logan Forsythe doubled Richard in. The Diamondbacks shot back in the fourth inning on a Chris Johnson single, plating Justin Upton. San Diego extended the lead in the sixth inning with Chris Denorfia doubling Andy Parrino around before finishing his trip on a double by Headley. Arizona chipped away in their half of the sixth with Paul Goldschmidt singling to give Upton time to score, followed by Johnson singling Goldschmidt the rest of the way home. The Diamondbacks pulled closer in the seventh inning on a solo shot by Adam Eaton. They failed to tie the game, losing 6-5, with the win going to Richard, the spot save tossed by Anthony Bass, and Skaggs was pinned with the loss.

Out in San Francisco, the Giants host the Colorado Rockies. Jorge De La Rosa and Barry Zito are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. San Francisco began in the first inning on a Pablo Sandoval solo home run. Colorado tied it in the second inning as Jonathan Herrera singled in Wilin Rosario. The Giants took the lead back in the third inning as Sandoval reached on an error that allowed Angel Pagan to come home. The Rockies pulled even again in the fourth inning when De La Rosa singled Andrew Brown around. San Francisco rallied to a lead in the bottom of the fourth with Hector Sanchez scoring on a wild pitch, Marco Scutaro singling to plate Xavier Nady, Sandoval hitting a three-run home run to sweep in Pagan and Scutaro, and Buster Posey followed that with a solo shot. The Giants got another in the sixth inning as Scutaro singled to drive in Francisco Peguero. This stood as a final, with the score reading 9-2, giving Zito the win and De La Rosa the loss.

Back east, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Milwaukee Brewers. Mike Fiers and Wandy Rodriguez are the solid starters. Milwaukee got going in the first inning with Ryan Braun grounding into a fielder's choice to get Norichika Aoki home, followed by a two-run home run by Aramis Ramirez, also scoring Braun. The Brewers got another in the third inning as Jonathan Lucroy hit a sacrifice fly to allow Ramirez to dash home. Pittsburgh got on the board in the bottom of the third as Andrew McCutchen hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Starling Marte and Travis Snider. The Pirates tied it in the fourth inning on an Alex Presley fielder's choice that provided time for Pedro Alvarez to score. Pittsburgh pulled ahead in the sixth inning with Clint Barmes hitting a solo home run, followed by Marte singling to knock in Chase d'Arnaud, and Snider hit a sacrifice fly to plate Josh Harrison. Milwaukee rallied back ahead in the eighth inning as Aoki doubled Carlos Gomez in, before scoring alongside Jean Segura on a Rickie Weeks triple, and Weeks came the final 90 feet on a Ramirez single. The Brewers added on in the ninth inning as Logan Schafer singled Gomez across the dish. This made it 9-7, a final, with the win belonging to Manny Parra, while John Axford converted the save, and Chris Resop was dealt the loss.

Over in DC, the Washington Nationals host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano and Ross Detwiler are on the mound. Washington led off in the third inning as Ryan Zimmerman doubled home Bryce Harper before scoring on a wild pitch. Los Angeles got on the board in the fourth inning with a Mark Ellis solo home run. The Nationals extended the lead in the bottom of the fourth as Danny Espinosa doubled to knock in Ian Desmond and then scored as Kurt Suzuki hit a sacrifice fly. This ended the scoring at 4-1, with Detwiler earning the win, Drew Storen closed out for the save, and Capuano had little help in the loss.

Into New York, as the Yankees host the Toronto Blue Jays. Aaron Laffey and Phil Hughes draw the starts. Toronto opened in the second inning with Kelly Johnson doubling home Adam Lind. The Blue Jays added on in the third inning as Moises Sierra was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in Colby Rasmus. New York got on the board in the bottom of the third as Ichiro Suzuki hit a solo home run. The Yankees pulled ahead in the fourth inning when Suzuki doubled to knock in Russell Martin and Curtis Granderson, followed by Derek Jeter singling to plate Casey McGehee, and then Nick Swisher hit a grand slam, sweeping in Suzuki, Jayson Nix, and Jeter. Toronto answered in the fifth inning as Sierra hit a two-run home run, also scoring Lind. New York responded in their half of the inning as Nix doubled Granderson around before scoring on a double by Jeter. The Blue Jays pulled back in the eighth inning with Johnson hitting a solo shot, followed by Brett Lawrie singling J.P. Arencibia across the dish and Mike McCoy grounding into a fielder's choice that allowed Anthony Gose to dart home. This wasn't enough to avoid a 10-7 loss, with the win going to Hughes, David Robertson picked up a spot save, and Laffey was on the hook for the loss.

Staying in the Big Apple, the New York Mets host the Philadelphia Phillies. Tyler Cloyd and Jeremy Hefner are the called-up pitchers. Philadelphia started in a huge way in the first inning, as Chase Utley singled Jimmy Rollins home, Ryan Howard did the same for Juan Pierre, Domonic Brown followed suit to finish Utley's trip around, Kevin Frandsen drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Howard, Erik Kratz was hit by a pitch to push in John Mayberry, Rollins singled to knock in both Frandsen and Kratz, and Utley singled to again score Rollins, concluding an eight-spot. New York answered meekly in the fifth inning as Mike Baxter hit a solo home run. The Phillies replied in the eighth inning as Utley singled Cloyd across the plate. Philadelphia embarked on another rally in the ninth inning with Rollins drawing a bases-loaded walk to knock in Frandsen, Pierre singling Kratz home, Utley getting hit by a pitch to bring around Nate Schierholtz, and Howard capping off a seven-spot with a grand slam to sweep in Rollins, Pierre, and Michael Martinez. This produced the 16-1 final, with Cloyd getting plenty of support around a stellar outing for the win, while Hefner failed to record an out in the loss.

South to Tampa Bay, with the Rays hosting the Boston Red Sox. Clay Buchholz and David Price are on the hill. Boston began in the sixth inning when Cody Ross doubled to knock in Jose Iglesias, before scoring on a Ryan Lavarnway single. The Red Sox got another in the eighth inning as Mauro Gomez tripled to force in Lavarnway. Tampa Bay got on the board in their half of the inning when Ben Zobrist hit a sacrifice fly to allow Desmond Jennings to dash home. Boston extended the lead in the ninth inning on an Iglesias solo home run. The Rays rallied back in the bottom of the ninth as Carlos Pena singled to drive in Matt Joyce, followed by Jennings singling both Jeff Keppinger and Rich Thompson around to time the game, before winning it as B.J. Upton lifted a three-run home run to sweep in Elliot Johnson and Jennings for a 7-4 final. Burke Badenhop was in line for the win and Andrew Bailey blew the save in a big way.

Westward to Kansas City, as the Royals host the Chicago White Sox. Francisco Liriano and Jeremy Guthrie are the struggling starters. Chicago got going in the first inning as A.J. Pierzynski singled in Alejandro De Aza. The White Sox added on in the second inning with Gordon Beckham sacrificing, which combined with an error to get Dan Johnson safely home, followed by Dewayne Wise grounding out to give time for Alexei Ramirez to score. Kansas City got on the board in the fifth inning when Johnny Giavotella tripled to force in both Mike Moustakas and Jeff Francoeur. The Royals tied it in the sixth inning as Billy Butler doubled to knock in Alex Gordon. Kansas City won 4-3 in the ninth inning on an Eric Hosmer single, plating Jarrod Dyson. The win went to Greg Holland, while Jesse Crain was dinged for the loss.

Finally, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Texas Rangers. Yu Darvish and Zack Greinke pace the game. Texas finally opened in the fifth inning as Geovany Soto hit a sacrifice fly to get Nelson Cruz home. Los Angeles got on the board in the sixth inning when Torii Hunter grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Peter Bourjos. The Rangers took the lead in the ninth inning on a two-run home run by Adrian Beltre, also scoring Michael Young. This held up as a 3-1 win, with the win going to Darvish, the save converted by Joe Nathan, and the loss was stuck on Ernesto Frieri.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Thursday Night Football Week 3

Tonight's featured game has the Carolina Panthers hosting the New York Giants. New York bean in the first quarter as Eli Manning threw a 14 yard touchdown pass to Martellus Bennett, followed by a Lawrence Tynes extra point. The Giants added on as Tynes kicked a 47 yard field goal. New York kept going in the second quarter as Andre Brown ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Tynes was again good on the PAT. The Giants padded the lead as Tynes nailed a 49 yard field goal. New York extended the lead in the third quarter on a Tynes field goal from 30 yards away. Carolina got on the board as Cam Newton rushed 1 yard for a touchdown, and Justin Medlock was there with the extra point. The Giants shot back as Tynes booted a 36 yard field goal. New York got some more in the fourth quarter as Brown again ran in a 1 yard touchdown, and Tynes was true with the extra point. The Giants tacked on some more as Tynes nailed a 27 yard field goal. This made it 36-7, with New York going to 2-1 and the Panthers falling to 1-2.

MLB Day 167 2012

Busiest day of the season so far and I have an interruption in my schedule tonight? Some things just aren't fair, like having seventeen games on the same day. We begin with a pair of doubleheaders, the first in...

New York, as the Yankees host the Toronto Blue Jays. Henderson Alvarez and Andy Pettitte are pitching game one. New York struck first in the first inning as Robinson Cano doubled in Ichiro Suzuki, followed by Alex Rodriguez grounding out to get Nick Swisher home, and Curtis Granderson hitting a sacrifice fly to finish Cano's trip. Toronto got on the board in the eighth inning when Kelly Johnson singled to plate Brett Lawrie, and Omar Vizquel doubled Mike McCoy across the plate. The Yankees shot back in their half of the inning as Swisher singled Suzuki safely home. This was good for a 4-2 win, earned by Pettitte, while Rafael Soriano converted the save, and Alvarez was stuck with the loss.

In game two, the pitchers are Ricky Romero and David Phelps. Toronto got going in the second inning as Adeiny Hechavarria singled home J.P. Arencibia. New York tied it in the bottom of the second as Chris Stewart hit a ground rule double to force in Casey McGehee. The Yankees took the lead in the eighth inning with Ichiro Suzuki singling Curtis Granderson around. This held for a 2-1 win, picked up by Cody Eppley, while Rafael Soriano turned his second save of the day, and Steve Delabar was responsible for the loss.

The other doubleheader is in DC, as the Washington Nationals host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Jordan Zimmermann get the first pitching assignment. Washington started in the second inning as Kurt Suzuki hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Michael Morse. Los Angeles tied it in the third inning as Hanley Ramirez singled to score Andre Ethier. The Nationals took the lead again in the fifth inning when Ryan Zimmerman grounded out, allowing Bryce Harper to dash home. Washington added on in the sixth inning with a groundout by Tyler Moore, giving time for Ian Desmond to dash home. They held on for a 3-1 win, with Zimmermann earning the win, Tyler Clippard shutting the door for a save, and Harang could not avoid the loss.

For game two, Josh Beckett and John Lannan will be sent out to start. Los Angeles busted open in the third inning with Hanley Ramirez singling to score both Mark Ellis and Matt Kemp, followed by Andre Ethier singling Adrian Gonzalez around. The Dodgers added on in the fourth inning when Kemp singled to plate Matt Treanor, followed by Shane Victorino scoring on a wild pitch, and then Ramirez grounded into a fielder's choice that got Kemp the rest of the way home. Washington rallied to tie in the eighth inning with Michael Morse hitting a solo home run, Steve Lombardozzi hitting a two-run homer, also scoring Ian Desmond, Bryce Harper singling to knock in Corey Brown, and Morse singling both Mark DeRosa and Harper across the dish. Los Angeles took the lead in the ninth inning as Kemp hit a solo shot. This edge gave them a 7-6 lead that was the final, with the win going to Ronald Belisario, the save tossed by Brandon League, and the loss served to Tyler Clippard.

Onward to Pittsburgh, as the Pirates host the Milwaukee Brewers. Marco Estrada and Kyle McPherson are the designated pitchers. Milwaukee led off with a first inning Norichika Aoki solo home run. The Brewers added on in the fifth inning as Estrada singled Jean Segura in. Milwaukee got another in the seventh inning as Estrada reached on an error, allowing Segura to dash home. Pittsburgh got on the board in the ninth inning when Andrew McCutchen hit a solo shot, but this only made it 3-1 for a final. Estrada earned the win, John Axford converted his thirtieth save of the year, and McPherson was stuck with the loss.

Up in Detroit, the Tigers host the Oakland Athletics. Brett Anderson and Justin Verlander pace the game. Detroit began in the third inning as Omar Infante doubled both Andy Dirks and Gerald Laird home before scoring on a Delmon Young sacrifice fly. The Tigers added on in the fifth inning when Jhonny Peralta singled Young around. Detroit got another in the seventh inning as Miguel Cabrera hit a solo home run. The Tigers padded the lead in the eighth inning with Infante grounding into a fielder's choice to bring in Avisail Garcia. Oakland tried a ninth inning rally when Cliff Pennington singled to knock in Derek Norris, followed by Stephen Drew doing the same to finish Pennington's trip around, but this was it for the scoring, with the final being 6-2. Verlander notched the win and Anderson was dinged for the loss.

Into Cleveland, as the Indians welcome the Minnesota Twins. Liam Hendriks and Zach McAllister are the uninspiring starters. Cleveland was first on the board with a first inning Asdrubal Cabrera solo home run. Minnesota took the lead in the third inning when Joe Mauer singled home Denard Span, followed by Josh Willingham doing the same for Jamey Carroll. The Indians tied it in the bottom of the third as Jason Kipnis singled to plate Vinny Rottino. The Twins took the lead in the fifth inning on a two-run home run by Willingham, also scoring Mauer, followed by Chris Herrmann grounding into a fielder's choice that brought in Justin Morneau. Minnesota extended the lead in the sixth inning as Willingham singled to drive Span. Cleveland pulled back in the eighth inning with Kipnis singling to bring around Rottino before scoring on a single by Michael Brantley. They got no closer, falling 6-4, with Hendriks picking up the win, Glen Perkins throwing the save, and McAllister was pinned with the loss.

Down in Miami, the Marlins host the Atlanta Braves. Kris Medlen and Josh Johnson take the hill. Atlanta got going in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Jason Heyward, bringing in Michael Bourn. The Braves added on in the second inning as Jose Constanza singled to score Dan Uggla. Atlanta padded the lead in the third inning with a sacrifice fly by Freddie Freeman, allowing Martin Prado to score. This was all there was, with the final being 3-0, giving Medlen another fabulous win, while Craig Kimbrel finished off the save, and Johnson got no help in the loss.

Staying in the state, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Boston Red Sox. Daisuke Matsuzaka and Chris Archer are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Boston started in the first inning as Jacoby Ellsbury singled Pedro Ciriaco around. Tampa Bay tied it in the second inning as Matt Joyce walked with the bases loaded to force in Evan Longoria. The Red Sox took the lead again in the third inning with Ellsbury singling in Jose Iglesias and Dustin Pedroia grounding into a fielder's choice to knock in Ciriaco. The Rays got one back in their half of the inning on a Ben Zobrist singled to plate Desmond Jennings. Tampa Bay tied it in the fourth inning on a Jeff Keppinger solo home run, before taking the lead as Carlos Pena hit a two-run home run, also scoring Joyce. The Rays extended the lead in the sixth inning when Jennings tripled to force in Pena and Jose Molina before scoring on an error, followed by Luke Scott hitting a sacrifice fly to knock in B.J. Upton, Keppinger singling Zobrist safely home, and both Pena and Molina walked with loaded bases, pushing in Longoria and Keppinger, respectively. Tampa Bay got another in the eighth inning on a Joyce single to plate Scott. This produced the 13-3 final, with the win going to Archer while Mastuzaka was shelled in the loss.

North to New York again, as the Mets host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels and Matt Harvey are the solid starters. Philadelphia opened on a first inning Jimmy Rollins solo home run. New York tied it in the third inning as Daniel Murphy singled to drive in Ruben Tejada. The Mets took the lead in the sixth inning as David Wright hit a solo shot. The Phillies went ahead in the ninth inning as Ryan Howard hit a two-run home run, also scoring Chase Utley, and it was good for a 3-2 win. Jeremy Horst was credited with the win, Jonathan Papelbon finished off the save, and Josh Edgin was dinged for the loss.

West to Chicago, as the Cubs host the Cincinnati Reds. Mike Leake faces a lesser foe in Chris Rusin. Cincinnati began in the first inning as Joey Votto doubled home Drew Stubbs. The Reds added on in the third inning with Votto singling both Leake and Brandon Phillips in, followed by Ryan Ludwick doing the same for Stubbs. Chicago got on the board in the fourth inning as Starlin Castro singled to drive in Anthony Rizzo. Cincinnati replied in the fifth inning with Scott Rolen singling Stubbs across the dish. The Cubs pulled closer in the sixth inning on a two-run home run by Alfonso Soriano, also scoring Rizzo, followed by Luis Valbuena doubling to knock in Castro. Chicago tied it in the eighth inning as Welington Castillo walked with the bases loaded to force in Darwin Barney. The Reds retook the lead in the eleventh inning when Stubbs singled Phillips safely home. This was good for a 6-5 win, picked up by Logan Ondrusek, while Jonathan Broxton closed out for a save, and Alberto Cabrera was on the hook for the loss.

Speaking of Chicago, the Kansas City Royals host the Chicago White Sox. Chris Sale and Bruce Chen are the staff aces pitching. Kansas City started in the third inning as Billy Butler hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Jason Bourgeois. The Royals added on in the seventh inning as Alex Gordon doubled both Eric Hosmer and Alcides Escobar home. This ended the scoring at 3-0, with the win going to Chen, while Greg Holland tossed the save, and Sale was dealt the loss.

Across Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Lance Lynn are the surprisingly good pitchers. St. Louis led off in the second inning as David Freese hit a two-run home run, also scoring Allen Craig. The Cardinals got another in the fourth inning with a Yadier Molina solo home run. St. Louis extended the lead in the eighth inning as Matt Holliday singled to plate Jon Jay, followed by Allen Craig hitting a sacrifice fly that allowed Carlos Beltran to dash home. This made it 5-0, the final, with Lynn turning in a strong win, Jason Motte working from a jam for a save, and Harrell was handed the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the San Diego Padres. Edinson Volquez and Trevor Cahill are on the mound. San Diego got going in the fourth inning with Will Venable singling in Carlos Quentin, followed by John Baker doing the same for Yonder Alonso. Arizona got on the board in their half of the inning as Miguel Montero doubled to knock in Justin Upton. The Diamondbacks took the lead in the fifth inning with Adam Eaton tripling to force in John McDonald before coming the final 90 feet on a balk, followed by Paul Goldschmidt doubling Upton across the dish. Arizona extended the lead in the eighth inning as Ryan Wheeler tripled to push in Montero, and then he scored on an error. This stood for a 6-2 win, with Cahill getting the win and Volquez taking the loss.

Out in California, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Texas Rangers. Derek Holland and C.J. Wilson are the overrated pitchers. Texas rallied to a lead in the third inning as Elvis Andrus tripled to force in Ian Kinsler, followed by Michael Young doubling to finish Andrus' trip before scoring on a Mike Napoli double. Los Angeles pulled back in the fifth inning on a two-run home run by Alberto Callaspo, also scoring Howie Kendrick. The Rangers extended the lead in the eighth inning as Nelson Cruz doubled Young home, followed by a two-run home run by Geovany Soto, also scoring Leonys Martin. This made it 6-2, a final, with the win belonging to Holland and the loss pinned on Wilson.

North to Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Joe Saunders and Felix Hernandez are the veteran starters. Baltimore started in the fourth inning as Mark Reynolds singled Chris Davis home. Seattle tied it in the bottom of the fourth as Franklin Gutierrez hit a solo home run. The Orioles gained the lead in the eleventh inning as Adam Jones hit a two-run home run, also scoring Nate McLouth. This held up for a 3-1 win, going to Luis Ayala, while Jim Johnson converted his forty-fifth save of the season, and Josh Kinney was responsible for the loss.

Finally, we end the long day in San Francisco, with the Giants hosting the Colorado Rockies. Tyler Chatwood is mismatched with Matt Cain. San Francisco opened in the first inning on a three-run home run by Pablo Sandoval, sweeping in Angel Pagan and Marco Scutaro. Colorado got on the board in the fifth inning as DJ LeMahieu hit a sacrifice fly to allow Chris Nelson to come home. The Giants replied in their half of the inning on a Brandon Belt double knocking in Sandoval, followed by both Hunter Pence and Belt scoring on a Gregor Blanco single. San Francisco got another in the sixth inning as Buster Posey singled Pagan across the dish. This ended the scoring at 7-1, with the win going to Cain and the loss to Chatwood.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 166 2012

Lots of storms today, with both New York teams losing their games today, as well as the Nationals. That leaves us with twelve games to play, beginning in...

Detroit, as the Tigers host the Oakland Athletics. A.J. Griffin and Max Scherzer draw the starts. Oakland led off in the first inning as Brandon Moss singled home Josh Reddick. Detroit tied it in the bottom of the first as Miguel Cabrera hit a sacrifice fly to get Austin Jackson in. The Tigers took the lead in the second inning on a Jhonny Peralta sole home run. Detroit struck again in the third inning as Cabrera hit a solo shot. The Tigers padded the lead in the fifth inning as Prince Fielder hit a two-run home run, also scoring Cabrera. Detroit kept going in the sixth inning with Jackson doubling to plate Omar Infante before scoring alongside Gerald Laird on a double from Quintin Berry. The Athletics took one back in the seventh inning when Yoenis Cespedes hit a ground rule double to force in Reddick. The Tigers padded the lead as Cabrera hit a grand slam, sweeping in Laird, Jackson, and Avisail Garcia. This made it 12-2, a final, with the win belonging to Darin Downs, while the loss was pinned on Griffin.

Back into Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and A.J. Burnett take the hill. Milwaukee began in the second inning as Norichika Aoki singled to plate Travis Ishikawa. The Brewers added on in the sixth inning with Jean Segura singling Jonathan Lucroy around. Milwaukee struck again in the seventh inning as Ryan Braun singled home Rickie Weeks before scoring on a single by Lucroy. The Brewers got another in the eighth inning as Segura singled to knock in Carlos Gomez, and then Segura scored on a sacrifice fly by Aoki. This stood for a 6-0 win, picked up by Gallardo, while Burnett was handed the loss.

Over in Ohio, the Cleveland Indians host the Minnesota Twins. P.J. Walters and David Huff are the unknown pitchers. Minnesota opened in the first inning on a Joe Mauer single to drive in Denard Span, followed by a Justin Morneau sacrifice fly to bring in Ben Revere. Cleveland answered in their half of the inning with Asdrubal Cabrera grounding out to get Shin-Soo Choo home. The Indians tied it in the second inning on a Lonnie Chisenhall solo home run. The Twins took the lead back in the fourth inning as Eduardo Escobar grounded out to give time for Ryan Doumit to get home. Cleveland evened the score in the sixth inning as Casey Kotchman reached on an error that allowed Carlos Santana to score, followed by Ezequiel Carrera grounding into a fielder's choice that provided time for Michael Brantley to cross the dish and produce a lead. Minnesota tied it in the seventh inning as Josh Willingham singled Span around. The Twins took the lead back in the twelfth inning with Alexi Casilla singling Darin Mastroianni in before Pedro Florimon did the same to finish Casilla's trip. The Indians tried to rally in their half of the inning on a Santana solo shot, but they couldn't get the equalizer and fell 6-5. Tyler Robertson was in line for the win, Glen Perkins turned a messy save, and Scott Maine was responsible for the loss.

Down in Florida, the Miami Marlins host the Atlanta Braves. Paul Maholm and Nathan Eovaldi are sent out to pitch. Miami started in the third inning when Gorkys Hernandez singled to knock in John Buck. The Marlins padded the lead in the seventh inning as Buck hit a two-run home run, also scoring Bryan Petersen. Atlanta got on the board in the ninth inning when Dan Uggla singled home Jason Heyward, before tying the game on a 2-RBI Brian McCann double, plating both Chipper Jones and Uggla. Miami won it in the tenth inning with a Jose Reyes single to drive in Rob Brantly for a 4-3 final. Heath Bell was credited with the win and Cory Gearrin was stuck with the loss.

Staying in the state, the Tampa Bay Rays welcome the Boston Red Sox. Felix Doubront and Jeremy Hellickson are the young starters. Tampa Bay began in the third inning as Ben Zobrist singled both Sean Rodriguez and Desmond Jennings home, followed by an Evan Longoria sacrifice fly to get B.J. Upton in. Boston got on the board in the fourth inning as James Loney singled to score Cody Ross. The Red Sox pulled closer in the fifth inning when Jacoby Ellsbury singled in Jose Iglesias, before tying the game on a Dustin Pedroia sacrifice fly to bring in Pedro Ciriaco. Boston gained the lead in the sixth inning as Ciriaco reached on an error to give time for Ryan Lavarnway to dash home. The Red Sox padded the lead in the seventh inning when Jarrod Saltalamacchia singled Ross across the dish, followed by a Lavarnway double that knocked in both Loney and Saltalamacchia. The Rays shot back in the bottom of the seventh with Zobrist singling to score both Carlos Pena and Jennings. They got no closer, losing 7-5. Doubront was given the win, Andrew Bailey closed out for a save, and Kyle Farnsworth could not avoid the loss.

Northwest to Chicago, as the Cubs host the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey faces a lesser foe in Justin Germano. Cincinnati finally opened the scoring in the sixth inning on a 3-RBI Ryan Hanigan double, sweeping in Joey Votto, Ryan Ludwick, and Jay Bruce. Chicago got on the board as Bryan LaHair doubled Darwin Barney home in the eighth inning. This produced the 3-1 final, with Bailey earning the win, Jonathan Broxton converting the save, and Germano was dinged for the loss.

South into Missouri, as the Kansas City Royals host the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Luke Hochevar are the under-performing pitchers. Chicago was first to score in the first inning as Alejandro De Aza hit a solo home run. Kansas City took the lead in their half of the inning when Billy Butler singled in both David Lough and Alex Gordon. The White Sox tied it in the sixth inning as Gordon Beckham hit a solo shot. Chicago went ahead in the seventh inning on an Alex Rios solo home run. This ended the scoring at 3-2, with the win belonging to Floyd, the save tossed by Addison Reed, and the loss was stuck on Hochevar.

Across the state, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Houston Astros. Fernando Abad is mismatched with Kyle Lohse. St. Louis got going in the second inning as Daniel Descalso singled Yadier Molina home. The Cardinals added on in the fifth inning as Lohse doubled in Paul Kozma before scoring on a Jon Jay double. St. Louis got another in the seventh inning as Jay singled Descalso across the dish. Houston got on the board in the eighth inning with a Brett Wallace single to plate Jimmy Parades. This was as close as it got, with the final being 4-1, leaving the win with Lohse, the save was converted by Jason Motte, and Abad was handed the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the San Diego Padres. Eric Stults and Ian Kennedy are on the mound. San Diego led off in the first inning as Yonder Alonso hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Logan Forsythe. Arizona replied in their half of the inning as Paul Goldschmidt singled Adam Eaton home before scoring on a double by Miguel Montero. The Diamondbacks got another in the fifth inning with Montero doubling Upton around. The Padres tried a ninth inning rally as Will Venable's sacrifice fly allowed Chris Denorfia to dash home, but they couldn't tie it and lost 3-2. Kennedy got the win, J.J. Putz threw his thirtieth save of the season, and Stults was pinned with the loss.

West to Anaheim, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosted the Texas Rangers. Ryan Dempster and Jered Weaver pace the game. Los Angeles opened in the first inning as Torii Hunter singled home Erick Aybar. Texas took the lead in the third inning with Mike Napoli hitting a solo home run, followed by a two-run homer from Ian Kinsler, also scoring Mitch Moreland. The Angels edged ahead in the fourth inning as Chris Iannetta singled both Vernon Wells and Alberto Callaspo across the dish, followed by Iannetta and Mike Trout scoring on an error, Kendrys Morales singling to get Aybar home, Howie Kendrick doing the same for Hunter, Wells hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Morales to finish his trip around, and Callaspo doubling to drive in Kendrick. Los Angeles extended the lead in the fifth inning as Aybar singled Trout safely home. The Angels got another in the eighth inning as Maicer Izturis grounded out to get Kole Calhoun in.

North to Seattle, as the Mariners host the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Erasmo Ramirez take their turns in the rotation. Seattle began in the fourth inning on a two-run Miguel Olivo home run, also scoring Casper Wells. Baltimore tied it in the ninth inning as Chris Davis singled both Ryan Flaherty and Nate McLouth home. The Orioles took the lead in the eighteenth inning as Taylor Teagarden singled to plate McLouth and Mark Reynolds grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in J.J. Hardy. This was good for a 4-2 win, belonging to Tommy Hunter, while Jim Johnson closed out for a save, and Lucas Luetge was on the hook for the loss.

Finally, we end in San Francisco, with the Giants hosting the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Francis and Tim Lincecum are the struggling starters. San Francisco led off in the second inning as Xavier Nady singled to plate Hector Sanchez. The Giants added on in the third inning with a Hunter Pence sacrifice fly to get Marco Scutaro home. San Francisco struck again in the sixth inning on a Nady single to drive in Pence. The Giants got another in the seventh inning with Scutaro scoring on a wild pitch. Colorado got on the board in the eighth inning as Wilin Rosario hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jordan Pacheco. San Francisco replied in their half of the inning as Angel Pagan tripled to force in Gregor Blanco before scoring on a Scutaro single. The Rockies tried a ninth inning rally when Matt McBride singled to plate DJ LeMahieu, but this only made it a 6-3 final. Lincecum earned the win and Francis was dealt the loss.

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