MLB Day 178 2012

Sixteen games to account for the rainout yesterday, and we begin with the doubleheader in...

Texas, with the Rangers hosting the Los Angeles Rangers. Zack Greinke and Yu Darvish are on the mound. Texas led off in the second inning with Nelson Cruz hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Adrian Beltre. Los Angeles got on the board in the third inning as Albert Pujols singled to knock in Mike Trout. The Rangers replied in the bottom of the third as Josh Hamilton singled to drive in Elvis Andrus, before scoring on a Beltre double. The Angels shot back in the sixth inning as Kendrys Morales hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Torii Hunter. Los Angeles pulled closer in the seventh inning as Trout hit a solo home run. The Angels took the lead in the ninth inning when Hunter doubled both Maicer Izturis and Peter Bourjos across the dish. This was good enough to win 5-4, with the win belonging to Garrett Richards, the save tossed by Ernesto Frieri, and the loss pinned on Joe Nathan.

The last game of the day is the nightcap, with Ervin Santana and Derek Holland starting. Los Angeles quickly started in the first inning as Albert Pujols doubled in Erick Aybar, followed by Torii Hunter singling to knock in Pujols before scoring on a two-run home run by Mark Trumbo. Texas answered in their half of the inning with Josh Hamilton doubling home Elvis Andrus. The Rangers pulled closer in the second inning as David Murphy and Mike Napoli hit solo home runs. Texas took the lead in the third inning on a three-run Napoli home run, sweeping in Nelson Cruz and Murphy. The Rangers extended the lead in the fifth inning as Napoli doubled to plate both Michael Young and Murphy. The Angels pulled back in the seventh inning as Howie Kendrick went yard on a three-run home run, bringing Hunter and Trumbo with him. This was as close as it got, with the final being 8-7. Holland picked up an ugly win, Joe Nathan didn't blow the save this time, and Santana was crushed in the loss.

Up in Cleveland, the Indians host the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Zach McAllister are the inconsistent pitchers. Cleveland began in the second inning as Lou Marson singled home Jack Hannahan. the Indians got another in the fifth inning on a Jason Kipnis ground rule double to force in Shin-Soo Choo, followed by Hannahan doubling Kipnis the rest of the way home, Casey Kotchman grounding into a fielder's choice to bring in Asdrubal Cabrera, Jason Donald getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to push in Hannahan, Choo singling both Kotchman and Marson across the dish, and Cabrera hitting a grand slam to sweep in all of Donald, Choo, and Kipnis. Kansas City got on the board in the sixth inning as Alex Gordon hit a two-run home run, also scoring Irving Falu. The Royals chipped away in the seventh inning when Tony Abreu singled home Johnny Giavotella. Cleveland replied in the bottom of the seventh as Matt LaPorta hit a 2-RBI double to plate both Kipnis and Cabrera. The Indians unnecessarily padded the lead in the eighth inning when Cord Phelps singled to give Marson time to score, followed by Donald scoring on a wild pitch. This ended the scoring, with the final showing a 15-3 drubbing. McAllister had plenty of support in the win, while Hochevar was shelled in the loss.

North to Canada, as the Toronto Blue Jays host the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Henderson Alvarez are the starters. Toronto started in the first inning with a Yunel Escobar double to score Rajai Davis, followed by an Adam Lind sacrifice fly to bring in Edwin Encarnacion. New York got on the board in the third inning as Eric Chavez hit a solo home run. The Blue Jays padded the lead in the fifth inning with Brett Lawrie hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Anthony Gose, followed by Moises Sierra singling to knock in Escobar. The Yankees took one back in the sixth inning as Robinson Cano scored on a wild pitch. New York pulled closer in the seventh inning as Ichiro Suzuki hit a sacrifice fly to allow Eduardo Nunez to dash home, followed by Cano doubling Derek Jeter in, and Alex Rodriguez tied the game by scoring on another wild pitch. The Yankees took the lead in the eighth inning on a Nunez sacrifice fly that allowed Curtis Granderson safe passage home, followed by Jeter singling to drive in Brett Gardner. New York extended the lead in the ninth inning when Granderson singled both Rodriguez and Cano around. Toronto staged a rally in the bottom of the ninth as Escobar grounded into a double play to give time for Lawrie to dash home, but it wasn't enough to avoid a 9-6 loss. Boone Logan was credited with the win and Darren Oliver was on the hook for the loss.

Back stateside, the Miami Marlins host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels faces a lesser foe in Nathan Eovaldi. Philadelphia got going in the first inning on a Chase Utley sacrifice fly to score Jimmy Rollins, followed by a Carlos Ruiz double to plate Juan Pierre and a Nate Schierholtz single to finish Ruiz's trip around. Miami got on the board in the fourth inning as Carlos Lee singled Jose Reyes home. The Phillies replied in the eighth inning as Domonic Brown hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Utley. This made it 4-1, a final with Hamels earning the win, Jonathan Papelbon shutting the door for a save, and Eovaldi was tagged for the loss.

Up north a touch to Atlanta, as the Braves host the New York Mets. Jenrry Mejia is mismatched with Kris Medlen. Atlanta established a lead in the second inning as David Ross hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Chipper Jones and Freddie Freeman. New York got on the board in the third inning as Justin Turner reached on an error that allowed Ruben Tejada to dash home. The Braves shot back in the fifth inning when Jason Heyward doubled Michael Bourn around. Atlanta extended the lead in the sixth inning with Andrelton Simmons tripling to force in Dan Uggla, followed by Bourn singling to finish Simmons' trip around. The Mets tried a ninth inning rally as Andres Torres singled to knock in Ike Davis, but they only got to 6-2 before losing. Medlen earned the win, Craig Kimbrel cleaned up a mess for a save, and Mejia was dinged for the loss.

Farther north, the Baltimore Orioles host the Boston Red Sox. Zach Stewart and Joe Saunders are the overrated pitchers. Baltimore was first to score in the first inning as Nate McLouth hit a solo home run, followed by Matt Wieters grounding into a double play to bring in J.J. Hardy, and Jim Thome singled home Chris Davis. The Orioles got some more in the third inning on a Hardy solo shot, followed by Thome singling Adam Jones around. Boston got on the board with a fourth inning Cody Ross solo home run. Baltimore replied in the fifth inning as Davis hit a solo shot. The Red Sox shot back in the seventh inning as Daniel Nava hit a two-run home run, also scoring Ryan Lavarnway. This wasn't enough to avoid the 6-3 loss, with the win going to Saunders, while Jim Johnson notched his fiftieth save of the year, and Stewart was left with the loss.

West to Pittsburgh, as the Pirates welcome the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Wandy Rodriguez take the hill. Cincinnati began in the third inning with a Joey Votto ground rule double to force in Brandon Phillips, followed by a Todd Frazier ground out to knock in Wilson Valdez. Pittsburgh tied it in their half of the inning on a two-run home run by Garrett Jones, also scoring Josh Harrison. The Pirates took the lead in the fifth inning on an Andrew McCutchen single to drive in Alex Presley. The Reds tied it in the ninth inning on a Xavier Paul solo home run, before taking the lead as Zack Cozart doubled to plate Denis Phipps. They held on to win 4-3, with Sean Marshall in line for the win, Aroldis Chapman working from a jam to record the save, and Joel Hanrahan was responsible for the loss.

Farther to the west, the Chicago White Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays. David Price and Jose Quintana are the reliable pitchers. Tampa Bay opened in the first inning as B.J. Upton hit a two-run home run, also scoring Desmond Jennings. The Rays got another in the fourth inning on a Ryan Roberts solo home run. Chicago got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Alex Rios singled in Kevin Youkilis and Dayan Viciedo hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Paul Konerko. Tampa Bay answered in the fifth inning when Evan Longoria doubled Upton around, followed by Ben Francisco hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Ben Zobrist to get home. The Rays padded the lead with an Upton solo shot in the ninth inning. This made the final 6-2, with Price earning the win and Quintana was dealt the loss.

Moving north to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Detroit Tigers. Anibal Sanchez and Liam Hendriks are the struggling starters. Minnesota finally scored in the seventh inning on a Pedro Florimon single to knock in Jamey Carroll. Detroit got on the board in the eighth inning when Prince Fielder hit a two-run home run, also scoring Austin Jackson. This was good enough to win 2-1, with the win credited to Phil Coke, the save converted by Jose Valverde, and the loss stuck on Jared Burton.

A little east, the Milwaukee Brewers welcome the Houston Astros. Jordan Lyles and Mike Fiers are the young starters. Houston got going in the third inning on a Tyler Greene double to plate Carlos Corporan. The Astros got another in the fourth inning on a Fernando Martinez solo home run. Houston struck again in the fifth inning when the pitcher Lyles hit a solo shot. The Astros kept going in the sixth inning as Jed Lowrie and Matt Dominguez hit solo home runs. Houston got some more in the eighth inning as Corporan singled both Dominguez and Brett Wallace across the dish. This produced the 7-0 final, with Lyles allowing just four hits and a walk for a complete game shutout, while Fiers had no help in the loss.

Back south, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Washington Nationals. Ross Detwiler and Lance Lynn are the relievers-turned-starters. St. Louis started in the second inning with Pete Kozma doubling both Yadier Molina and David Freese home, followed by Jon Jay singling Kozma the rest of the way home, and Carlos Beltran hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Jay. The Cardinals extended the lead in the third inning as Freese scored on a wild pitch and Kozma hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Daniel Descalso. Washington got on the board in the fourth inning with a Bryce Harper solo home run, followed by Ian Desmond doubling home Adam LaRoche before scoring on a two-run home run by Danny Espinosa. St. Louis replied in their half of the inning when Beltran hit another two-run home run, again also scoring Jay. The Cardinals padded the lead in the eighth inning as Beltran singled to plate Jay once again. This made it 10-4, a final, with Lynn getting the win and Detwiler suffering the loss.

Well to the west, the San Diego Padres host the San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum and Edinson Volquez are the well-known pitchers. San Francisco quickly got on the board in the first inning as Aubrey Huff grounded out to bring in Gregor Blanco. San Diego took the lead in the third inning on a two-run home run by Logan Forsythe, also scoring Everth Cabrera. The Giants tied it in the fourth inning as Blanco drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Hector Sanchez. The Padres retook the lead in the bottom of the fourth as Yasmani Grandal hit a solo home run. San Diego added on in the fifth inning when Cabrera scored on an error. The Padres got another in the sixth inning as Chase Headley hit a solo shot. San Francisco got some back in the eighth inning on a Brandon Belt single that provided Francisco Peguero time to score, followed by Brandon Crawford hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Hunter Pence to dash home. The Giants took the lead in the ninth inning as Xavier Nady hit a solo home run, followed by a two-run home run, also scoring Peguero. This was good for a 7-5 win, with the win going to Shane Loux, while Sergio Romo turned the save, and Huston Street imploded in the loss.

North to Oakland, as the Athletics welcome the Seattle Mariners. Erasmo Ramirez and Tommy Milone are the little-known pitchers. Oakland led off in the first inning with Yoenis Cespedes tripling to force in Stephen Drew before coming the final 90 feet on a Brandon Moss sacrifice fly. Seattle tied it in the third inning when Kyle Seager singled to drive in Franklin Gutierrez, followed by Justin Smoak doing the same for Casper Wells. The Athletics took the lead in the eighth inning on a Cespedes solo home run, followed by a two-run home run by Josh Reddick two-run home run, also scoring Moss. This produced a 5-2 final, with the win belonging to Sean Doolittle, the save converted by Grant Balfour, and the loss handed to Shawn Kelley.

Southeast to Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the Chicago Cubs. Chris Rusin and Josh Collmenter are the inconsistent starters. Chicago began in the first inning as Anthony Rizzo doubled home David DeJesus. Arizona took the lead in the bottom of the first as Cody Ransom singled in Aaron Hill, and also Justin Upton after an error. The Cubs rallied ahead in the sixth inning with Dave Sappelt singling Rizzo across the plate, Anthony Recker getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in Alfonso Soriano, and Brian LaHair singling both Starlin Castro and Sappelt safely home. Chicago extended the lead in the seventh inning as Soriano reached on an error to knock in Rizzo. The Cubs kept going in the ninth inning as DeJesus hit a solo home run. This made the final 7-2, with the win belonging to Rusin and the loss pinned on Bryan Shaw.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the Colorado Rockies. Jorge De La Rosa and Josh Beckett are the uninspiring pitchers. Colorado opened in the fourth inning when Andrew Brown hit a solo home run. Los Angeles got on the board in their half of the inning when Matt Kemp hit a two-run home run, also scoring Shane Victorino, followed by Luis Cruz hitting a two-run blast and bringing in Adrian Gonzalez. The Dodgers struck again in the fifth inning on a Hanley Ramirez single to plate Victorino. Los Angeles extended the lead in the sixth inning with A.J. Ellis going yard on a two-run home run and taking Andre Ethier with him. This made it 7-1, a final, with the win belonging to Beckett and the loss was dealt to De La Rosa.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NFL Week 4 Morning Games 2012

More even split than usual this weekend, with seven games early and five games plus the Sunday Night game late. This is my final Super Sunday as well, which means football takes the driver's seat next weekend as baseball shifts to playoff mode. With that said, we begin in...

New Jersey, as the New York Jets host the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco got going in the second quarter as Colin Kaepernick ran 7 yards for a touchdown and David Akers tacked on the extra point. The 49ers added as Akers kicked a 36 yard field goal. San Francisco padded the lead in the third quarter as Frank Gore ran 2 yards for a touchdown, and Akers was there with the extra point. The 49ers extended the lead in the fourth quarter as Carlos Rogers returned a fumble by Santonio Homes for 51 yards and a touchdown, followed by an Akers PAT. San Francisco kept going as Akers nailed a 40 yard field goal. The 49ers padded the lead as Kendall Hunter ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Akers was there to supply the extra point. They held on to complete the 34-0 shutout, improving to 3-1 while the Jets were silenced in dropping to 2-2.

Westward to St. Louis, as the Rams welcome the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle began as Marshawn Lynch ran 18 yards for a touchdown, and Steven Hauschka made the extra point in the first quarter. St. Louis got on the board when Greg Zuerlein kicked a 58 yard field goal. The Rams took the lead as Johnny Hekker threw 2 yards to Danny Amendola for a touchdown, and Zuerlein was there with the PAT. St. Louis added on with a Zuerlein field goal of 48 yards. The Rams padded the lead in the third quarter on a Zuerlein whopper of a field goal, as he was true from 60 yards out for his second 55+ yard kick of the day. The Seahawks replied as Hauschka made a 31 yard field goal. Seattle chipped away in the fourth quarter on a Hauschka 30 yard field goal. St. Louis matched it as Zuerlein made a mere 24 yard field goal. This held up for a 19-13 win, and both teams are now 2-2.

Southeast into Atlanta, where the Falcons host the Carolina Panthers. Carolina started with a first quarter Cam Newton touchdown pass of 17 yards to Greg Olsen, and Justin Medlock was there with the extra point. Atlanta tied it as Matt Ryan found Roddy White for a 49 yard touchdown, and Matt Bryant's extra point pulled them even. The Falcons took the lead on a Bryant field goal of 41 yards. The Panthers retook the lead as DeAngelo Williams ran 13 yards for a touchdown, and Medlock made the PAT. Atlanta responded as Ryan found White for another touchdown, this time of 14 yards, and Bryant supplied another extra point. The Falcons extended the lead in the third quarter when Ryan tossed a pass to Michael Turner, which was a touchdown 60 yards later, and Bryant kicked in the extra point. Carolina replied as Cam Newton ran 4 yards for a touchdown, and Medlock was true with the extra point. The Panthers charged ahead in the fourth quarter when Newton tossed a 36 yard touchdown pass to Kealoha Pilares, and Medlock booted the extra point. Atlanta pulled closer as Bryant made a 33 yard field goal. The Falcons took the lead late as Bryant kicked in a 40 yard field goal for a 30-28 lead. This held for a final score, keeping Atlanta perfect at 4-0 while Carolina was heartbroken in falling to 1-3.

North again to Detroit, as the Lions host the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota led off in the first quarter on a 105 yard Percy Harvin kickoff return for a touchdown, and Blair Walsh supplied the extra point. Detroit got on the board as Jason Hanson kicked a 40 yard field goal. The Vikings replied as Walsh made a 49 yard field goal. Minnesota struck again in the second quarter as Walsh was good with a 27 yard field goal. The Lions got closer as Hanson made a 31 yard field goal. The Vikings extended the lead in the third quarter as Marcus Sherels returned a punt 77 yards for a touchdown, allowing Walsh another extra point. Detroit took some back in the fourth quarter as Matthew Stafford ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Hanson was good with the PAT. They failed to tie the game, dropping the game 20-13. Minnesota is now 3-1 and Detroit is 1-3.

Back in Missouri, the Kansas City Chiefs bring in the San Diego Chargers. San Diego struck first with a first quarter Philip Rivers 4 yard touchdown pass to Eddie Royal, and Nick Novak made the extra point. The Chargers added on as Novak made a 24 yard field goal. San Diego extended the lead with a 1 yard Jackie Battle touchdown run, and Novak made another extra point. The Chargers got some more in the second quarter as Novak made a 47 yard field goal. Kansas City got on the board as Jamaal Charles ran 37 yards for a touchdown, but they botched the extra point attempt. San Diego kept going as Donald Butler returned an interception of Matt Cassel 21 yards for a touchdown, and Novak made another PAT. The Chiefs chipped away in the third quarter as Cassel found the right man this time for a touchdown pass of 13 yards to Charles, and Ryan Succop was allowed to make the extra point this time. The Chargers extended the lead in the fourth quarter as Rivers threw a 4 yard touchdown to Battle, and Novak was true on the extra point. Kansas City shot back on a Cassel touchdown pass of 29 yards to Dwayne Bowe, and Succop made another extra point. San Diego replied as Novak booted a 45 yard field goal. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 37-20, which moves the Chargers to 3-1 and the Chiefs to 1-3.

Down in Texas, the Houston Texans host the Tennessee Titans. Houston was first to score in the first quarter as Matt Schaub passed 11 yard to James Casey for a touchdown, and Shayne Graham kicked in the extra point. The Texans added on as Arian Foster rushed 4 yards for the touchdown, and Graham made another extra point. Tennessee got on the board in the second quarter when Matt Hasselbeck threw 19 yards to Craig Stevens for a touchdown, and Rob Bironas tacked on the extra point. Houston replied in the third quarter as Danieal Manning picked off Hasselbeck and returned the ball 55 yards to the house for the touchdown, with Graham making the PAT. The Texans got some more as Schaub tossed a 28 yard touchdown pass to Owen Daniels, and Graham made another extra point. Houston padded the lead as Graham made a field goal of 33 yards in the fourth quarter. The Texans kept going with Kareem Jackson picking Hasselbeck off and returning it for a 63 yard touchdown, with Graham again tacking on an extra point. The Titans got some back when Hasselbeck passed 11 yards to Kendall Wright, and Bironas iced the drive with an extra point. This only made it a 38-14 loss for them, with Houston moving up to 4-0 while Tennessee dropped to 1-3.

Finally, closing out the first wave, the Buffalo Bills bring in the New England Patriots. New England opened in the first quarter as Stevan Ridley ran 6 yards for a touchdown, and Stephen Gostkowski made the extra point. Buffalo tied it in the second quarter as Ryan Fitzpatrick tossed a 24 yard touchdown pass to Scott Chandler, and Rian Lindell made the extra point. The Bills took the lead as Fitzpatrick found Chandler again, this time for a 20 yard touchdown, and Lindell was there with the PAT. Buffalo extended the lead in the third quarter as Fitzpatrick tossed a 68 yard touchdown to Donald Jones, and Lindell supplied the extra point again. The Patriots shot back as Tom Brady threw a 17 yard touchdown pass to Danny Woodhead, and Gostkowski finally found the space between the uprights made the extra point. New England pulled even as Brady ran in a 4 yard touchdown, and Gostkowski was good with another extra point. The Patriots pulled ahead as Brady found Rob Gronkowski for a 28 yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, and Gostkowski again handled the extra point. New England extended the lead as Ridley ran 2 yards for a touchdown, and Gostkowski converted the extra point yet again. The Patriots scored again as Brandon Bolden ran 7 yards for a touchdown, and Gostkowski was there to made the extra point. The Bills shot back as Fitzpatrick passed 35 yards to Brad Smith for a touchdown, and Lindell again iced the drive with an extra point. New England answered as Brady found Brandon Lloyd for a 25 yard touchdown pass, and Gostkowski got his seventh extra point on the day. The Patriots finally let Gostkowski try another field goal (his first two attempts were missed today), and he paid off by making one from 30 yards out. This produced the 52-28 final, with both teams standing at 2-2 in the standings.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 177 2012

The playoff races are heating up in the American League, while the National League is all but decided. Fourteen games should add to the mix today, as the Rangers and Angels were rained out and will play two tomorrow, Today, we are beginning in...

Canada, as the Toronto Blue Jays host the New York Yankees. Andy Pettitte and Ricky Romero are the well-known starters. New York led off in the first inning with Robinson Cano hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Derek Jeter, followed by Curtis Granderson doing the same for Ichiro Suzuki. Toronto got on the board in their half of the inning as Rajai Davis hit a solo home run. The Blue Jays tied it in the fifth inning as Davis singled home Jeff Mathis. Toronto took the lead in the sixth inning as Adeiny Hechavarria doubled in Yunel Escobar. This stood for a 3-2 win, earned by Shawn Hill, while Casey Janssen threw the save, and Pettitte was stuck with the loss.

Down in the States, the Chicago White Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore and Chris Sale are on the mound. Tampa Bay began in the third inning on a Ben Zobrist double to score B.J. Upton, followed by a two-run home run by Jeff Keppinger, also scoring Zobrist. The Rays added on in the fourth inning as Upton singled home Sean Rodriguez, followed by Evan Longoria doing the same for Chris Gimenez. Tampa Bay got another in the sixth inning on a Gimenez solo home run. The Rays struck again in the seventh inning as Matt Joyce hit a solo shot. Tampa Bay padded the lead in the eighth inning as Joyce hit a three-run home run, driving in Zobrist and Longoria. Chicago got on the board in the bottom of the eighth when Orlando Hudson hit a grand slam, sweeping in Jordan Danks, Ray Olmedo, and Dan Johnson. This only made it 10-4, a final, with the win going to Moore and the loss to Sale.

North a bit to Minnesota, as the Twins welcome the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander faces a lesser foe in P.J. Walters. Detroit got going in the second inning with a Prince Fielder solo home run, followed by Jhonny Peralta doubling to score Andy Dirks. The Tigers extended the lead in the eighth inning on a three-run Miguel Cabrera home run, also scoring Austin Jackson and Quintin Berry, followed by a Dirks solo shot. Minnesota got on the board in the bottom of the eighth when Ryan Doumit hit a grand slam to sweep in Denard Span, Joe Mauer, and Justin Morneau. They got no closer, losing 6-4, with the win going to Verlander, the save tossed by Jose Valverde, and the loss pinned on Walters.

West to Oakland, with the Athletics hosting the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Daniel Straily are the underrated pitchers. Seattle was first to score in the second inning when Justin Smoak grounded out, which combined with two errors to bring in John Jaso. The Mariners padded the lead in the fourth inning as Kyle Seager hit a solo home run, followed by a two-run home run from Michael Saunders, also scoring Smoak. Oakland got on the board in their half of the fourth as Brandon Moss singled to knock in Yoenis Cespedes. The Athletics chipped away in the eighth inning as Moss doubled to plate Coco Crisp. Oakland tied the game in the ninth inning on a two-run Josh Donaldson home run, bringing in Josh Reddick. The Athletics completed the comeback with a tenth inning three-run homer by Moss, sweeping in Crisp and Cespedes for a 7-4 final. Grant Balfour was in line for the win, and Oliver Perez was responsible for the loss.

Back east, the Cleveland Indians host the Kansas City Royals. Jake Odorizzi and Jeanmar Gomez are the completely unknown pitchers. Cleveland started in the first inning when Lonnie Chisenhall doubled home Jason Kipnis. Kansas City pulled ahead in the third inning with Billy Butler singling to knock in Irving Falu before scoring alongside Alex Gordon on a Mike Moustakas double, and then Jeff Francoeur hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Salvador Perez and Moustakas. The Indians tied the game in the ninth inning as Asdrubal Cabrera doubled both Carlos Santana and Chisenhall across the dish. The Royals took the lead in the fourteenth inning on a Tony Abreu single to drive in Moustakas. This was good for a 7-6 win, with Vin Mazzaro in line for the win, Kelvin Herrera working from a jam for a save, and Scott Maine was pinned with the loss.

Further east, the Baltimore Orioles host the Boston Red Sox. Felix Doubront and Steve Johnson are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Baltimore led off in the second inning on a Manny Machado single to drive in Chris Davis. The Orioles padded the lead in the fourth inning with a two-run home run from Davis, also scoring Adam Jones. Boston got on the board in the fifth inning as Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a two-run home run, driving in Mauro Gomez. The Red Sox tied it in the sixth inning when Cody Ross reached on an error that allowed Jacoby Ellsbury to dash home. Baltimore took the lead again in the seventh inning as Machado hit a solo home run. This stood up as a decisive run, with the final being 4-3. Tommy Hunter notched the win, Jim Johnson finished off the save, and Doubront was stuck with the loss.

Backtracking to Pittsburgh, where the Pirates welcome the Cincinnati Reds. Mike Leake and Kyle McPherson are penciled in to pitch. Pittsburgh was first to score in the seventh inning as Alex Presley singled home Chase d'Arnaud. Cincinnati tied it in the eighth inning on a Scott Rolen single to knock in Denis Phipps. The Pirates won 2-1 in the ninth inning after Andrew McCutchen hit a solo home run to end the game. Joel Hanrahan picked up the cheap win while Jonathan Broxton was dealt the loss.

Northwest into Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the Houston Astros. Dallas Keuchel and Marco Estrada take their turns in the rotation. Milwaukee began in the second inning with solo home runs by Aramis Ramirez and Corey Hart, followed by Norichika Aoki singling both Jonathan Lucroy and Jean Segura around. The Brewers added on in the third inning as Hart hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Ryan Braun and Ramirez. Milwaukee padded the lead in the fourth inning as Ramirez singled to drive in Aoki. The Brewers extended the lead in the eighth inning on a Logan Schafer sacrifice fly to allow Aoki to dash home. Houston got on the board in the ninth inning as Fernando Martinez hit a two-run home run, also scoring Scott Moore, followed by Brian Bogusevic going yard on a two-run home run and taking Jason Castro with him, and Tyler Greene hitting a solo shot, but this only made it 9-5 in the end. Estrada held on to a win that was much stronger than the final indicates, while Keuchel was shelled in the loss.

Way southeast to Miami, as the Marlins host the Philadelphia Phillies. Roy Halladay and Ricky Nolasco are on the hill. Miami opened in the first inning as Giancarlo Stanton singled both Bryan Petersen and Donovan Solano home, followed by Rob Brantly doing the same for Jose Reyes. Philadelphia got on the board in the second inning with a Pete Orr double to knock in both Domonic Brown and Nate Schierholtz. The Marlins replied in the third inning as Stanton hit a solo home run. The Phillies pulled even in the fifth inning when Chase Utley singled both Halladay and Jimmy Rollins across the dish, before taking the lead as Brown tripled to force in Utley. Philadelphia extended the lead in the seventh inning with a 2-RBI Carlos Ruiz double, plating both Rollins and Utley. The Phillies got another in the eighth inning on an Utley single to get Rollins safely home. Miami replied in the bottom of the eighth as Gil Velazquez singled, which gave time for Stanton to score. Philadelphia made it 9-5 in the ninth inning as Kevin Frandsen singled Darin Ruf in for the final run. Halladay picked up the win and Nolasco was handed the loss.

A touch to the north, the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets. Chris Young and Mike Minor draw the starts. Atlanta quickly scored in the first inning as Jason Heyward grounded out to get Martin Prado home. The Braves added on in the eighth inning when Prado doubled Andrelton Simmons in. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 2-0. Minor earned the win, Craig Kimbrel closed out for the save, and Young had no help in the loss.

Northwest to St. Louis, where the Cardinals host the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and Kyle Lohse pace the game. Washington struck first in the first inning as Michael Morse hit a grand slam, sweeping in Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman, and Adam LaRoche. St. Louis pulled back in the seventh inning as Pete Kozma doubled both Carlos Beltran and Skip Schumaker across the dish, before scoring on a Jon Jay single. The Cardinals tied it in the ninth inning with a Jay sacrifice fly to bring in Kozma. The Nationals took the lead in the tenth inning with Kurt Suzuki ripping a double to plate both LaRoche and Danny Espinosa. This was good for a 6-4 win, picked up by Drew Storen, while Craig Stammen finished off for a spot save, and Sam Freeman was given the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks welcome the Chicago Cubs. Justin Germano is mismatched with Trevor Cahill. Arizona established a lead in the first inning as Aaron Hill doubled in Adam Eaton before scoring on a Justin Upton single, and then Upton came home as Matt Jacobs singled. The Diamondbacks added on in the second inning as Hill singled Eaton around. Arizona extended the lead in the fifth inning on a two-run home run by Upton, also scoring Hill, followed by Cahill walking with the bases loaded to force in Miguel Montero. The Diamondbacks got another in the seventh inning on a Cahill single to drive in Jacobs. Chicago got on the board in the ninth inning as Alfonso Soriano hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Anthony Rizzo. This produced the 8-2 final, with Cahill going the distance in the win while Germano was pinned with the loss.

Westward to San Diego, where the Padres host the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner and Eric Stults have the green light to pitch. San Francisco began in the first inning as Hunter Pence hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Pablo Sandoval and Buster Posey. San Diego pulled back in their half of the inning as Chase Headley grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Chris Denorfia before scoring on a Yonder Alonso sacrifice fly. The Padres took the lead in the third inning when Headley hit a two-run home run, also scoring Denorfia, followed by a solo home run from Jesus Guzman. San Diego extended the lead in the fifth inning on a Yasmani Grandal single to drive in Logan Forsythe, followed by a Guzman double to plate Headley. This was all for the scoring, with the final being 7-3. Stults picked up the win and Bumgarner took a tough loss.

Finally, we end in Los Angeles, with the Dodgers hosting the Colorado Rockies. Tyler Chatwood and Joe Blanton are called on to pitch. Los Angeles opened in the fourth inning as Matt Kemp hit a solo home run, followed by A.J. Ellis singling home Hanley Ramirez. The Dodgers padded the lead in the eighth inning as Kemp hit another solo shot. This made it 3-0, the final, with Blanton earning the win, Brandon League closing out for the save, and Chatwood was handed the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 176 2012

Fifteen games again, with the second to last series of year going on. We begin in...

Cleveland, as the Indians host the Kansas City Royals. Will Smith and David Huff are the unknown pitchers. Kansas City got going in the second inning when Adam Moore doubled home Salvador Perez. Cleveland took the lead in the bottom of the second as Ezequiel Carrera singled home Lonnie Chisenhall, followed by Shin-Soo Choo doubling to score Brent Lillibridge, and Cord Phelps singling to finish Carrera's trip around. The Indians added on in the third inning as Chisenhall doubled to knock in Russ Canzler. Cleveland padded the lead in the fourth inning when Choo doubled Carrera in before scoring on a Jason Kipnis fielder's choice. The Indians got some more in the fifth inning on a 2-RBI Kipnis single, driving in both Lillibridge and Carrera. The Royals took some back in the sixth inning on a two-run home run by Billy Butler, also scoring Alex Gordon. Kansas City chipped away in the eighth inning with a Perez single that plated both Gordon and Butler. They got no closer, falling 8-5, with the win belonging to Huff, the save tossed by Chris Perez, and the loss pinned on Smith.

East to Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Boston Red Sox. Aaron Cook and Chris Tillman are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Boston opened in the first inning as Dustin Pedroia hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Scott Podsednik. Baltimore rallied ahead in their half of the inning as Chris Davis hit a two-run home run, also scoring Nate McLouth, followed by a Ryan Flaherty grand slam to sweep in Jim Thome, Mark Reynolds, and Manny Machado. The Orioles struck again in the fifth inning as Machado doubled home Reynolds, followed by Flaherty doing the same to finish Machado's trip around, and Taylor Teagarden singling to knock in Flaherty. This made it 9-1, a final, with Tillman getting the win and Cook getting crushed in the loss.

Back west to Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and A.J. Burnett get the starts. Cincinnati began in the first inning as Todd Frazier hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Brandon Phillips. This held up nicely, as Bailey tossed a no-hitter (allowing just one walk) for the 1-0 win, while Burnett was stranded alone in this game, taking an unlucky loss.

Up north, the Toronto Blue Jays host the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda faces a lesser foe in Chad Jenkins. New York led off in the first inning as Nick Swisher doubled to drive in Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano. The Yankees got another in the second inning as Derek Jeter grounded into a double play to allow Raul Ibanez to come home. Toronto got on the board in the fifth inning on a Colby Rasmus solo home run. New York extended the lead in the sixth inning as Russell Martin hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Cano and Swisher, followed by Ichiro Suzuki singling Eric Chavez across the dish. The Blue Jays got one back in their half of the inning as Anthony Gose grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Kelly Johnson. The Yankees shot back in the seventh inning as Ibanez reached on a fielder's choice that got Swisher in. Toronto replied in the bottom of the seventh on a two-run home run by Adam Lind, also scoring Edwin Encarnacion. New York kept going in the eighth inning as Cano singled Suzuki around. The Yankees padded the lead again in the ninth inning with Chavez going yard on a two-run homer, and he took Chris Dickerson with him. This made it an 11-4 final, with Kuroda getting the win and Jenkins suffering a brutal loss.

Way south to Miami, where the Marlins host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee and Mark Buehrle are on the mound. Miami was first to score with a fourth inning Giancarlo Stanton solo home run. Philadelphia tied it in the eighth inning as Jimmy Rollins singled to plate John Mayberry. The Marlins won in the ninth inning by a 2-1 score as Carlos Lee singled Bryan Petersen home. Steve Cishek was in line for the win and Josh Lindblom was dealt the loss.

A touch north, the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and Tim Hudson are the reliable starters. Atlanta got going in the fourth inning with Freddie Freeman hitting a solo home run. New York pulled ahead in the seventh inning as Lucas Duda hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Daniel Murphy and Ike Davis. This stood as a 3-1 win, earned by Niese, while Bobby Parnell turned the save, and Hudson was stuck with the loss.

Out west, the Texas Rangers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver and Ryan Dempster are the veteran starters. Los Angeles quickly opened on a Mike Trout solo home run to lead off the first inning. The Angels added on in the third inning as Chris Iannetta hit a solo shot. Los Angeles got another in the fourth inning with Mark Trumbo doubling to plate Erick Aybar. Texas got on the board in the bottom of the fourth with Nelson Cruz hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Josh Hamilton. The Angels replied in the sixth inning as Trumbo doubled to knock in Howie Kendrick. Los Angeles kept going in the seventh inning with Kendrys Morales doubling to score Torii Hunter before scoring on a Kendrick single, followed by Trumbo singling Kendrick across the dish. The Rangers answered in the bottom of the seventh as Cruz hit a solo home run. Texas got closer in the eighth inning on a two-run home run by Adrian Beltre, also scoring Ian Kinsler. This only made it 7-4, a final, with Weaver getting the win, Ernesto Frieri tossed the save, and Dempster was dinged for the loss.

Way north to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Detroit Tigers. Drew Smyly and Scott Diamond are the young pitchers. Minnesota finally opened in the seventh inning with Ryan Doumit hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Justin Morneau. Detroit tied it in the eighth inning on a two-run home run by Omar Infante, sweeping in Austin Jackson. The Twins took the lead back in the bottom of the eighth as Doumit doubled to drive in both Denard Span and Joe Mauer. This was good for a 4-2 win, earned by Jared Burton, while Glen Perkins finished off the save, and Brayan Villarreal was on the hook for the loss.

A little to the east, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Houston Astros. Edgar Gonzalez is mismatched with Yovani Gallardo. Houston started with a second inning Matt Dominguez single to plate Jason Castro. Milwaukee tied it in the third inning on a Carlos Gomez solo home run. The Astros took the lead in the fourth inning with Dominguez reaching on an error that allowed Brett Wallace to dash home, followed by Gonzalez laying down a bunt single to bring in Fernando Martinez. Houston struck again in the fifth inning as Wallace and Castro hit solo shots. The Brewers pulled back in the sixth inning as Ryan Braun doubled both Travis Ishikawa and Weeks in. The Astros padded the lead in the eighth inning on another Castro solo home run. Milwaukee shot back in the bottom of the eighth as Aramis Ramirez tripled to force in Braun. Houston answered in the ninth inning as Jose Altuve hit a solo shot. The Brewers tried a ninth inning rally on a ninth inning Segura double to knock in Logan Schafer, followed by Jonathan Lucroy reaching on an error to give time for Segura to finish his trip, but they couldn't tie the game and lost 7-6. Gonzalez was in line for the win, Wilton Lopez notched the save, and Gallardo was stuck holding the loss.

Down in Chicago, the White Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeremy Hellickson and Gavin Floyd receive the starting nods. Tampa Bay struck first with a first inning Ben Zobrist solo home run. Chicago tied it in the third inning as Kevin Youkilis singled in Gordon Beckham. The White Sox took the lead in the fourth inning as Alex Rios hit a solo shot. Chicago extended the lead in the sixth inning on an Alexei Ramirez single to drive in Rios. This gave them a 3-1 lead, which stood as a final, with Floyd picking up the win, Addison Reed converting the save, and Hellickson was stuck holding the loss.

Farther south, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and Adam Wainwright are on the hill. Washington began with a first inning Adam LaRoche single to score Bryce Harper. St. Louis shot back in their half of the inning as Allen Craig singled home Jon Jay, followed by Yadier Molina reaching on an error to get Matt Carpenter home, Carlos Beltran walking with the bases loaded to force in Matt Holliday, Daniel Descalso hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Craig, and Pete Kozma singling to finish Molina's trip. The Cardinals kept going in the second inning as Holliday grounded out to give time for Jay to score, followed by Craig singling Carpenter around, and Molina hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Craig. The Nationals got one back in the seventh inning on a Roger Bernadina solo home run. St. Louis padded the lead in the eighth inning with Carpenter doubling Tony Cruz around before scoring on a two-run home run by Shane Robinson. This produced the 12-2 final, with Wainwright cruising to an easy win while Jackson was torched in the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, with the Diamondbacks hosting the Chicago Cubs. Travis Wood and Ian Kennedy are the staff aces pitching. Arizona opened with a first inning A.J. Pollock single to knock in Adam Eaton. The Diamondbacks added on in the fourth inning as Cody Ransom hit a solo home run. Chicago tied it in the fifth inning on a two-run home run by Dave Sappelt, also scoring David DeJesus. Arizona took the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Aaron Hill doubled Kennedy across the dish, followed by a two-run home run by Justin Upton, also scoring Hill. The Cubs replied in the sixth inning as Starlin Castro doubled to plate Alfonso Soriano. The Diamondbacks padded the lead in the eighth inning as Upton singled, which combined with an error to bring in Hill, followed by John McDonald singling Upton the rest of the way home, and Eaton did the same for Matt Jacobs. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 8-3. Kennedy picked up the win and Wood was dealt the loss. 

Into California, as the Oakland Athletics host the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beavan and A.J. Griffin are called on to start. Oakland led off with a first inning Coco Crisp solo home run. Seattle tied it in the second inning with a Trayvon Robinson solo shot. The Athletics took the lead back in the third inning on a two-run home run by Stephen Drew, also scoring Cliff Pennington. Oakland got another in the fifth inning as Crisp scored on a passed ball. The Mariners took one back in the seventh inning on a Michael Saunders solo home run. The Athletics extended the lead in the bottom of the seventh as Yoenis Cespedes walked with the bases loaded to force in Pennington, followed by Josh Reddick reaching on an error that allowed Crisp to dash home, and Josh Donaldson singled to plate both Drew and Cespedes. This ended the scoring at 8-2, with the win belonging to Griffin, while Beavan was roughed up in the loss.

South to San Diego, as the Padres host the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and Andrew Werner are penciled in to pitch. San Francisco got going in the second inning when Hunter Pence singled home Buster Posey. The Giants added on in the third inning with Pablo Sandoval doubling both Vogelsong and Marco Scutaro across the dish. San Diego got on the board in the sixth inning with a Yonder Alonso single scoring Will Venable. The scoring ended here at 3-1, with Vogelsong turning in a strong win, Santiago Casilla turning his twenty-fifth save of the year, and Werner had little help in the loss.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Francis and Clayton Kershaw pace the game. Los Angeles established a lead in the second inning as Andre Ethier doubled to plate Adrian Gonzalez, followed by a three-run home run by Shane Victorino, sweeping in Hanley Ramirez and Ethier. The Dodgers got another in the fourth inning as Kershaw grounded into a double play to knock in Ethier. Los Angeles padded the lead in the eighth inning with A.J. Ellis doubling to score Ethier before scoring on a two-run home run by Bobby Abreu. This made it 8-0, a final, with Kershaw dominating in the win and Francis was crushed in the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 175 2012

Twelve games on for the last noticeable travel day of the year, beginning with...

The Cincinnati Reds hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. Wily Peralta is mismatched with Mat Latos. Milwaukee began in the third inning as Carlos Gomez hit a solo home run. Cincinnati tied it in the ninth inning as Todd Frazier hit a solo shot, before winning 2-1 as Dioner Navarro tripled to force in Jay Bruce. Jonathan Broxton was in line for the win, while John Axford as on the hook for the loss.

Up in Detroit, the Tigers host the Kansas City Royals. Luis Mendoza and Doug Fister are the solid starters. Detroit got going in the first inning when Prince Fielder singled to score Quintin Berry, followed by a Delmon Young sacrifice fly to bring in Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers struck again in the second inning when Berry tripled to force in Omar Infante and Austin Jackson. Kansas City pulled back in the eighth inning when Jeff Francoeur doubled to knock in Mike Moustakas before scoring on a groundout by Johnny Giavotella, followed by Tony Abreu singling David Lough across the dish. The Royals tied it in the ninth inning with Billy Butler hitting a solo home run. Detroit won it in the bottom of the ninth by a 5-4 score as Alex Avila grounded out to give Don Kelly time to dash home. Joaquin Benoit was in line for the win and Tim Collins was responsible for the loss.

Back east, the New York Mets host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and R.A. Dickey are on the mound. Pittsburgh started in the second inning with Rod Barajas hitting a ground rule double to force in Garrett Jones, followed by James Mercer singling Travis Snider home. New York answered in their half of the inning as Ike Davis hit a solo home run. The Pirates shot back in the fourth inning on a Barajas solo shot. The Mets replied in the bottom of the fourth with Scott Hairston singling Daniel Murphy around. New York took the lead in the fifth inning when Murphy singled to drive in Andres Torres, followed by a three-run David Wright home run, sweeping in Ruben Tejada and Murphy. Pittsburgh tried a ninth inning rally as Alex Presley hit a two-run home run, also scoring Mercer, but they still fell 6-5. Dickey earned the win, Bobby Parnell closed out the save, and Correia was given the loss.

Southwest to Texas, as the Rangers host the Oakland Athletics. Travis Blackley is mismatched with Matt Harrison. Texas quickly opened in the first inning as Ian Kinsler hit a solo home run, followed by Michael Young singling home both Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz, and Mike Napoli hitting a two-run home to finish Young's trip around. Oakland got on the board in the second inning on a Josh Reddick solo shot. The Rangers replied in the bottom of the second as Josh Hamilton doubled to drive in Elvis Andrus. The Athletics shot back in the third inning on a Jonny Gomes double that scored Adam Rosales. Texas answered in the bottom of the third when Napoli singled Cruz across the dish. Oakland chipped away in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Derek Norris, also scoring Josh Donaldson. The Rangers padded the lead in their half of the fourth with Andrus singling home Kinsler before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Cruz. The Athletics pulled back in the eighth inning with a trio of solo shots from Yoenis Cespedes, Brandon Moss, and Reddick. This only made it 9-7, a final, with the win belonging to Harrison, the save turned by Joe Nathan, and the loss stuck on Blackley.

Out west, the Colorado Rockies host the Chicago Cubs. Chris Volstad and Jhoulys Chacin are the struggling starters. Colorado led off in the first inning on a three-run home run by Jordan Pacheco, sweeping in Josh Rutledge and Charlie Blackmon. Chicago got on the board in the second inning as Brett Jackson singled in Luis Valbuena. The Rockies padded the lead in the bottom of the second as DJ LeMahieu hit a two-run home run, also scoring Matt McBride. The Cubs shot back in the third inning on an Anthony Rizzo solo home run. Colorado answered in their half of the inning when Chris Nelson singled Pacheco across the dish, followed by McBride hitting a sacrifice fly to get Tyler Colvin safely home. Chicago chipped away in the fourth inning on a Bryan LaHair single to drive in Starlin Castro. The Cubs tried a ninth inning rally as Rizzo singled David DeJesus around, followed by Alfonso Soriano doubling in Darwin Barney, but this only made it 7-5. Chacin notched the win, Rafael Betancourt tossed the save, and Vosltad was dealt the loss.

West some more, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Seattle Mariners. Hisashi Iwakuma and Dan Haren are on the hill. Los Angeles began in the second inning as Vernon Wells singled Erick Aybar home. Seattle took the lead in the fourth inning as John Jaso hit a two-run home run, also scoring Franklin Gutierrez. The Angels replied in the bottom of the fourth as Alberto Callaspo singled to drive in Kendrys Morales. The Mariners took the lead again in the fifth inning as Gutierrez grounded into a fielder's choice to allow Casper Wells to come home. Seattle rallied to extend the lead in the seventh inning on a Trayvon Robinson bases-loaded walk to force in Michael Saunders, followed by Kyle Seager singling Casper Wells around, Jesus Montero hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Dustin Ackley, and Jaso doubling to finish Robinson's trip around. Los Angeles took one back in the eighth inning when Howie Kendrick doubled both Albert Pujols and Callaspo across the dish. The Mariners shot back in the ninth inning with Robinson reaching on an error that gave time for Ackley to come home, and then Montero hit a double to finish Robinson's trip home. This made it 9-4, a final, with Iwakuma picking up the win and Haren was handed the loss.

Up north, the San Francisco Giants host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Patrick Corbin and Barry Zito are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. San Francisco established a lead in the second inning as Hunter Pence hit a two-run home run, also scoring Buster Posey, followed by Hector Sanchez doubling in Brandon Belt before scoring on a passed ball, and then Marco Scutaro hit a two-run home run, sweeping in the pitcher Zito. Arizona got on the board in the fourth inning as Chris Young singled home both Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Ransom. The Diamondbacks pulled closer in the sixth inning on a Jake Elmore ground rule double to force in Ransom. The Giants shot back in the eighth inning as Sanchez hit a solo home run. This produced the 7-3 final, with the win going to Zito and the loss was pinned on Corbin.

To the east, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez faces a lesser foe in Tyler Cloyd. Washington started in the first inning with a Bryce Harper solo home run. Philadelphia took the lead in the bottom of the first as Darin Ruf doubled to sweep in all of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and John Mayberry. The Nationals pulled back in the second inning as Michael Morse hit a solo shot. Washington tied it in the fourth inning as Morse grounded out to bring in Ryan Zimmerman. The Nationals took the lead in the fifth inning with Harper singling to drive in Danny Espinosa. Washington got some more in the sixth inning on a two-run home run by Morse, also scoring Adam LaRoche. The Nationals got another in the seventh inning when Eury Perez scored on a wild pitch. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 7-3. Gonzalez got the win and Cloyd was dinged for the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Brandon Morrow are the uninspiring pitchers. Toronto opened in the third inning with a two-run home run by Brett Lawrie, also scoring Anthony Gose. The Blue Jays added on in the fifth inning when Edwin Encarnacion doubled to score Gose and Colby Rasmus. Toronto got another in the seventh inning as Encarnacion grounded out to bring in Lawrie. The Blue Jays struck again in the eighth inning as J.P. Arencibia hit a solo home run. This produced a 6-0 final, with Morrow earning the win and Nova getting roughed up in the loss.

Back in the States, the Atlanta Braves host the Miami Marlins. Jacob Turner and Tommy Hanson are handed the ball. Miami led off in the third inning with Carlos Lee doubling home Bryan Petersen. The Marlins struck again in the fourth inning as Gil Velazquez doubled to drive in Scott Cousins. Atlanta rallied ahead in the bottom of the fourth with Dan Uggla doubling Freddie Freeman across the dish, followed by Andrelton Simmons doing the same to finish Uggla's trip around, and Martin Prado reaching on an error that allowed both David Ross and Simmons to dash home. The Braves padded the lead in the seventh inning with Uggla singling both Prado and Jason Heyward across the dish. This made the final 6-2, with the win belonging to Hanson and the loss pinned on Turner.

Northwest to Chicago, where the White Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields and Jake Peavy pace the game. Tampa Bay was first to score with a fourth inning Carlos Pena sacrifice fly to drive in Ben Zobrist. Chicago tied it in the bottom of the fourth as Dayan Viciedo was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in Adam Dunn. The Rays took the lead back in the fifth inning on a Luke Scott solo home run. The White Sox tied it again in their half of the fifth as Paul Konerko grounded into a double play that allowed Alejandro De Aza to dash home. Tampa Bay won 3-2 in the ninth inning on an Evan Longoria solo home run. Joel Peralta was in line for the win, Fernando Rodney closed out for the save, and Brett Myers was on the hook for the loss.

Finally, we end in San Diego, as the Padres host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano and Casey Kelly are penciled in to pitch. Los Angeles got going in the fourth inning as A.J. Ellis singled to drive in Adrian Gonzalez. The Dodgers added on in the fifth inning as Shane Victorino was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in Matt Kemp, followed by Luis Cruz singling home both Gonzalez and Hanley Ramirez, and Ellis singling to finish Victorino's trip around. Los Angeles kept going in the sixth inning with a Gonzalez single to plate Kemp. San Diego replied in the bottom of the sixth as Carlos Quentin was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, pushing in Chase Headley. The Dodgers shot back in the eighth inning with Kemp reaching on an error to allow Elian Herrera to score. The Padres pulled closer in their half of the inning as Mark Kotsay doubled to plate both Yonder Alonso and Everth Cabrera. Los Angeles iced it off at 8-4 in the ninth inning with Victorino scoring on a wild pitch. Capuano picked up the win and Kelly was stuck with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Thursday Night Football Week 4 2012

Tonight's game welcomes back the regular officials, with the Baltimore Ravens hosting the Cleveland Browns. Baltimore started in the second quarter as Joe Flacco threw an 18 yard touchdown pass to Torrey Smith, but they failed on the two-point conversion attempt. The Ravens padded the lead as Justin Tucker made a 45 yard field goal. Cleveland got on the board as Trent Richardson ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Phil Dawson was there with the extra point. Baltimore shot back in the third quarter as Flacco ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Tucker made the PAT. The Browns replied as Dawson booted a 51 yard field goal. The Ravens answered with Cary Williams intercepting Brandon Weeden and returning the ball 63 yards for a touchdown, allowing Tucker another extra point. Cleveland got some back in the fourth quarter on a Dawson field goal from 50 yards. The Browns pulled closer as Dawson was true on a field goal from 52 yards away. They failed to tie the game, losing 23-16, with Baltimore moving to 3-1 and Cleveland dropping to 0-4.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 174 2012

We're slowly closing in on the end of the season everyone! After this, there is just one week left for the regular season. I must say, this has been quite a difficult run for me, with baseball taking up a lot more time than football or hockey. Please keep an eye out in the coming weeks for the playoffs and a personal surprise I have in order. Today, we begin our baseball adventure in...

Minnesota, as the Twins host the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia and Scott Diamond are the staff aces pitching. Minnesota got going in the second inning with a Matt Carson single to bring in Ryan Doumit. New York rallied ahead in the third inning when Robinson Cano doubled in both Chris Dickerson and Ichiro Suzuki, followed by a Nick Swisher single to plate Derek Jeter, a Curtis Granderson triple forcing in both Cano and Swisher, and then Granderson came the final 90 feet on a wild pitch. The Yankees added on in the sixth inning as Dickerson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Raul Ibanez. The Twins replied in the seventh inning with Pedro Florimon singling to knock in Jamey Carroll. This only made it 8-2, a final, with the win going to Sabathia, while Brian Duensing was given the loss.

Out in California, the San Diego Padres host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Clayton Richard are the solid pitchers. Los Angeles began in the first inning as Adrian Gonzalez singled in Nick Punto, followed by Hanley Ramirez doing the same for Matt Kemp. The Dodgers added on in the third inning as Gonzalez singled Punto around again. Los Angeles padded the lead in the fourth inning with a Juan Rivera solo home run, followed by Kemp doubling to drive in both Matt Treanor and Punto. The Dodgers kept going in the sixth inning with Kemp hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Punto. San Diego got on the board in the seventh inning with Chase Headley doubling to plate Logan Forsythe, followed by Yasmani Grandal singling him the rest of the way home. This was as close as it got, with the final being 8-2. Harang picked up the win and Richard was dealt the loss.

Back in the east, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Washington Nationals. John Lannan and Kyle Kendrick are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Washington led off in the first inning as Bryce Harper hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jayson Werth. The Nationals padded the lead in the second inning on an Ian Desmond solo home run and a two-run blast from Kurt Suzuki, sweeping in Steve Lombardozzi. Philadelphia got on the board in the third inning as B.J. Rosenberg reached on an error to bring in Kevin Frandsen. The Phillies got another in the fourth inning when Rosenberg singled Frandsen home. Philadelphia pulled closer in the seventh inning on a Jimmy Rollins solo shot. The Phillies chipped away in the eighth inning on a Domonic Brown sacrifice fly to bring in Chase Utley. Washington extended the lead in the ninth inning as Werth singled in both Desmond and Suzuki before being forced in by a Harper triple. This produced the 8-4 final, with the win going to Lannan and the loss pinned on Kendrick.

Backtracking to Detroit, with the Tigers hosting the Kansas City Royals. Jeremy Guthrie and Rick Porcello are the sub-average starters. Detroit was first to score in the second inning as Andy Dirks singled in Delmon Young. Kansas City replied in the third inning when David Lough doubled home Irving Falu, followed by Alex Gordon doing the same for Lough, and Billy Butler singling to finish Gordon's trip around. The Royals got another in the fourth inning on a Jeff Francoeur solo home run. The Tigers pulled even in the bottom of the fourth on a two-run home run by Alex Avila, also scoring Jhonny Peralta, followed by an Austin Jackson solo shot. Detroit took the lead in the eighth inning when Peralta grounded into a fielder's choice to allow Don Kelly to score. This stood up for a 5-4 win, with Joaquin Benoit in line for the win, Jose Valverde tossing the save, and Kelvin Herrera was handed the loss. 

Eastward to Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Toronto Blue Jays. Carlos Villanueva and Miguel Gonzalez are the relievers-turned-starters. Toronto started in the first inning on an Edwin Encarnacion solo home run. Baltimore tied it in the bottom of the first as Nate McLouth hit a solo shot. The Blue Jays took the lead in the fifth inning when Anthony Gose singled in J.P. Arencibia. The Orioles pulled ahead in their half of the fifth with solo home runs by Jim Thome and Manny Machado, followed by a three-run Chris Davis home run, sweeping in McLouth and J.J. Hardy. Baltimore extended the lead in the sixth inning as Mark Reynolds hit a two-run home run, also scoring Matt Wieters. The Orioles added on in the seventh inning as Davis went yard for a two-run home run, taking Hardy with him. Baltimore got some more in the eighth inning as Machado hit a two-run homer, driving in Reynolds. This made it 12-2, the final, with Gonzalez doing well in the win and Villanueva getting shelled in the loss.

South to Atlanta, with the Braves hosting the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson and Paul Maholm take the hill. Atlanta opened in the first inning as Martin Prado hit a solo home run. The Braves added on in the third inning when Prado singled to knock in Jose Constanza. Atlanta struck again in the sixth inning when Dan Uggla stole home. This ended the scoring at 3-0, with Maholm notching the win, Craig Kimbrel striking out four for his fortieth save of the year, and Johnson had no help in the loss.

Back north to Boston, as the Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays. Alex Cobb and Jon Lester take their turns in the rotation. Boston struck first in the second inning when Daniel Nava singled Jarrod Saltalamacchia in. Tampa Bay took the lead in the fifth inning with a two-run home run by Carlos Pena, also scoring Jeff Keppinger, followed by a Ben Francisco solo home run. The Red Sox shot back in the sixth inning on a Jamey Loney sacrifice fly to allow Dustin Pedroia to score. The Rays answered in the seventh inning with a Jose Lobaton ground rule double to force in Keppinger. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 4-2. Cobb got the win Fernando Rodney finished off the save, and Lester was dinged for the loss.

West to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum and Bronson Arroyo are the veteran pitchers. Cincinnati got going in the first inning when Joey Votto doubled in Zack Cozart. Milwaukee replied in the third inning as Norichika Aoki hit a solo home run, followed by Aramis Ramirez singling to knock in Rickie Weeks and Corey Hart doing the same for Ryan Braun. The Brewers added on in the sixth inning as Jeff Bianchi hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Jonathan Lucroy. Milwaukee padded the lead in the seventh inning when Braun hit a two-run home run, also scoring Aoki. The Brewers kept going in the eighth inning with Aoki doubling to plate Bianchi. Milwaukee got another in the ninth inning on a Lucroy solo shot. This produced the 8-1 final, with Marcum dominating in the win and Arroyo suffering the loss.

East again into New York, where the Mets host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jeff Locke and Jeremy Hefner are the prospects pitching. New York rallied to a lead in the third inning as Daniel Murphy singled in Ruben Tejada, followed by David Wright singling, which combined with an error to finish Murphy's around, a Scott Hairston double to drive in Wright, and a Kelly Shoppach single to finish Hairston's trip around. The Mets struck again in the fourth inning as Tejada singled to knock in Andres Torres. New York got another in the sixth inning as Tejada singled Torres across the dish again. There were no more runs, with the final being 6-0, giving the win to Hefner, while Locke was pinned with the loss.

Southwest to Houston, with the Astros hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Chris Carpenter and Bud Norris are penciled in to pitch. Houston led off in the fourth inning with a Jose Altuve solo home run, followed by Brett Wallace singling to knock in Justin Maxwell. This was the only scoring in the game, leaving the final at 2-0, with the win belonging to Norris, while Wilton Lopez picked up the save, and the loss was unluckily stuck on Carpenter.

Staying in the state, the Texas Rangers host the Oakland Athletics. Jarrod Parker faces a lesser foe in Martin Perez. Oakland busted out in the first inning as Yoenis Cespedes tripled to force in Stephen Drew before scoring on a Chris Carter single, followed by Josh Donaldson singling to finish Carter's trip around, and later score Brandon Moss after an error, and Derek Norris tripling to push in Donaldson. Texas got on the board in their half of the inning as Elvis Andrus doubled Ian Kinsler safely home. The Rangers got some back in the second inning as Mitch Moreland grounded into a fielder's choice that got Michael Young home, followed by Andrus hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in David Murphy. The Athletics shot back in the third inning as Drew singled both Donaldson and Josh Reddick across the dish. Oakland padded the lead in the fourth inning when Norris singled Moss home. The Athletics got another in the ninth inning as Norris hit a sacrifice fly to allow Moss to dash home. This made it 9-3, the final, with Parker earning the win and Perez getting roughed up in the loss.

North to Chicago, where the White Sox host the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Hector Santiago are the inconsistent pitchers. Cleveland opened in the first inning as Russ Canzler singled in Jason Kipnis. Chicago replied in the bottom of the first as Paul Konerko walked with the bases loaded to force in Alejandro De Aza, followed by Alex Rios hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Kevin Youkilis, and A.J. Pierzynski doubling to plate Adam Dunn. The Indians tied it in the fourth inning as Kipnis singled both Lonnie Chisenhall and Ezequiel Carrera across the dish. The White Sox took the lead in the fifth inning as Alexei Ramirez doubled to score Pierzynski. Cleveland retied it in the sixth inning on a Carlos Santana bases-loaded walk, pushing in Shin-Soo Choo. The Indians took the lead in the seventh inning when Choo grounded out to give Lou Marson time to dash home. Cleveland got another in the eighth inning on a Vinny Rottino solo home run. This gave them a 6-4 lead, the final, with Tony Sipp in line for the win, Chris Perez closing out for the save, and Matt Thornton was handed the loss.

West to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Chicago Cubs. Jason Berken and Drew Pomeranz are the unknown starters. Colorado was first on the board as Jordan Pacheco doubled in Charlie Blackmon, before scoring on a single by Tyler Colvin. The Rockies padded the lead in the third inning with Blackmon hitting a solo home run, followed by Chris Nelson singling both Pacheco and Wilin Rosario across the dish, and Andrew Brown grounding into a double play that allowed Colvin to dash home. This ended the scoring at 6-0, with Pomeranz getting the win and Berken taking the loss.

Out in California, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez and C.J. Wilson are on the mound. Los Angeles began in the second inning as Erick Aybar doubled in both Kendrys Morales and Alberto Callaspo. Seattle tied it in the third inning when Brendan Ryan singled Casper Wells home and Franklin Gutierrez hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Chone Figgins. The Mariners took the lead in the fourth inning on a Justin Smoak solo home run. The Angels retied it in the seventh inning as Torii Hunter singled to plate Peter Bourjos. Los Angeles walked off by a 4-3 score in the ninth inning as Hunter singled to plate Maicer Izturis. Ernesto Frieri was in line for the win and Stephen Pryor was dealt the loss.

Finally, up in San Francisco, the Giants host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Matt Cain pace the game. San Francisco started in the third inning with Pablo Sandoval singling in Cain, followed by Buster Posey doing the same for Angel Pagan. The Giants added on in the fourth inning as Marco Scutaro singled to drive in Brandon Belt and Sandoval grounded into a fielder's choice to allow Brandon Crawford to dash home. San Francisco struck again in the fifth inning when Cain singled to drive in Hunter Pence. The Giants got another in the eighth inning as Scutaro scored on a wild pitch. This made it 6-0, the final, with the win going to Cain (who also was two for two at the plate) while Miley had no help in the loss.

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