MLB Spring Training: Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues Day 2

The Grapefruit League had three games to be played today. The first was at the spring home of the...

Detroit Tigers, as they hosted the Atlanta Braves. Atlanta got going in the first inning with a Ryan Doumit triple to force in B.J. Upton. Detroit tied it in the bottom of the first with a Miguel Cabrera groundout that allowed Jose Iglesias to score. The Braves took the lead in the second inning on a solo home run by Jason Heyward. The Tigers retied it in the fifth inning as Torii Hunter singled Devon Travis home, and then they took the lead with an Austin Jackson single that did the same for Jordan Lennerton. Detroit added on in the eighth inning as Eugenio Suarez doubled home Danny Worth, followed by Lennerton singling Suarez the rest of the way home. The Tigers held on for a 5-2 win.

The next game had the Toronto Blue Jays hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. Philadelphia dented the scoreboard in the first inning as Ben Revere scored on a passed ball. Toronto tied it in the bottom of the first with a Jose Bautista double to score Moises Sierra. The Phillies took the lead in the third inning on a two-run home run by Darin Ruf, also scoring Bobby Abreu. The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the third with a Bautista double to knock in Sierra again. Toronto tied the game in the fourth inning with a Kenny Wilson single, bringing in Melky Cabrera, followed by a Jose Reyes single to drive in Maicer Izturis. The Blue Jays kept going in the fifth inning as Brett Lawrie doubled home Kevin Nolan and Cabrera hit a 2-RBI double that plated both Andy LaRoche and Jared Goedert. Philadelphia got one back with a John Mayberry solo home run in the sixth inning. The Phillies got closer in the eighth inning when Tommy Joseph reached on an error that allowed Maikel Franco to score. This only made it 7-5, the final.

The last Grapefruit League game of the day was with the New York Yankees hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pittsburgh opened in the first inning on a solo home run by Gregory Polanco. New York tied it in the fifth inning when Kelly Johnson doubled Francisco Cervelli home. The Pirates retook the lead in the sixth inning on a Chris Dickerson single to score Jaff Decker. The Yankees evened the score in the bottom of the sixth on a JR Murphy single to knock in Adonis Garcia. Pittsburgh took control in the eighth inning on a three-run Mel Rojas home run, sweeping in Robert Andino and Chris McGuiness, followed by a 2-RBI Matt Hague single that drove in Alen Hanson and Jeff Roy. The Pirates got another in the ninth inning when Hanson grounded into a double play that allowed McGuiness to score. The final stood at 8-2 in favor of Pittsburgh.

The Cactus League saw six games played today. The first saw...

The Chicago Cubs host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Chicago opened the scoring in the first inning with a Luis Valbuena groundout to first base that scored Emilio Bonifacio. The Cubs added on in the third inning with a Starlin Castro double to plate Valbuena. Arizona replied in the fifth inning when Martin Prado's double knocked in Gerardo Parra, and he finished his trip around the bases on a two-run home run by Eric Chavez. The Diamondbacks extended the lead with a 2-RBI single from Paul Goldschmidt, scoring both Bobby Wilson and A.J. Pollock. This stood for a 5-2 final score.

At the same time, the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the other half of the Arizona Diamondbacks players. Arizona started in the second inning with a Shelley Duncan double to bring Matt Tuiasosopo around, followed by Tony Campana grounding into a fielder's choice that allowed Jake Lamb to score. Los Angeles got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Juan Uribe singled to score Adrian Gonzalez. The Dodgers tied it in the fourth inning with a solo home run by Uribe. Los Angeles pulled ahead in the seventh inning when Brendan Harris singled to bring in Miguel Rojas. The Dodgers got another in the eighth inning on an Alex Guerrero single, scoring Justin Turner. The Diamondbacks tried to mount a rally in the ninth inning as Danny Dorn's double plated Andy Marte, but they fell short and lost 4-3.

Next up, the Cincinnati Reds host the Cleveland Indians. Cincinnati was first to score in the second inning with a Zack Cozart double that knocked in both Donald Lutz and Chris Nelson. Cleveland tied it on a fourth inning two-run home run by Elliot Johnson, also scoring Jesus Aguilar. The Indians took the lead in the fifth inning as Erik Gonzalez hit a ground rule double to force in Nyjer Morgan, followed by a Jake Lowery grand slam that swept in David Adams, Gonzalez, and Carlos Moncrief. In the sixth inning, Cleveland got some more as Morgan doubled home Francisco Lindor, and then Morgan darted home on a wild pitch by Ismeal Guillon. The Indians padded the lead in the seventh inning with a two-run home run by Tyler Naquin, also scoring Luke Carlin, and a Morgan single to bring around Lindor. The Reds got one back in the eighth inning as Yorman Rodriguez grounds into a fielder's choice, giving time for Roger Bernadina to score. The final favored Cleveland, 12-3.

Also, the Oakland Athletics hosted the Milwaukee Brewers. Milwaukee struck first in the first inning on a two-run home run by Ryan Braun, also scoring Jean Segura. Oakland answered in the bottom of the first with a Jed Lowrie double, scoring both Coco Crisp and Josh Donaldson. The Brewers took the lead back in the second inning on a solo home run by Juan Francisco. Milwaukee added on in the third inning with a Khris Davis single to plate Jonathan Lucroy. The Brewers got another in the fourth inning on another solo shot form Francisco. In the fifth inning, Milwaukee extended the lead when Robinson Diaz walked on a wild pitch that allowed Lucroy to score, followed by Francisco  reaching on an error that gave time for both Lucroy and Diaz to cross the dish. The Brewers kept going in the sixth inning when Kevin Mattison tripled home Logan Schafer, and then he scored on a wild pitch. Milwaukee extended the lead in the ninth inning on a solo home run from Mitch Haniger. The Athletics got one back in the bottom of the ninth as Shane Peterson's single brought around Jose Martinez.

Moving along to where the Seattle Mariners host the San Diego Padres. Seattle led off in the first inning on a Logan Morrison sacrifice fly to score Kyle Seager, followed by a Justin Smoak double to drive home Robinson Cano. The Mariners extended the lead in the second inning on a Mike Zunino sacrifice fly that brought in Dustin Ackley. Seattle added on in the sixth inning with a Xavier Avery single to plate Burt Reynolds, followed by a Humberto Quintero single doing the same for Jesus Montero and a Cole Gillespie single knocking in Chris Taylor. The Mariners got another in the seventh inning on a Reynolds double to drive in Carlos Triunfel. San Diego got on the board with a Cory Spangenberg groundout that gave time for Rico Noel to score, leaving the final at 7-1 Mariners.

Finally, the Texas Rangers host the Kansas City Royals. Texas began in the second inning with a Mitch Moreland single scoring Adrian Beltre and an Adam Rosales single that did the same for J.P. Arencibia. The Rangers added on in the third inning with a Prince Fielder solo home run, followed by an Arencibia double to bring in Beltre. Kansas City got on the board in the fourth inning with a Salvador Perez sacrifice fly that allowed Billy Butler to score. The Royals pulled closer in the sixth inning with a solo shot by Danny Valencia. Texas replied in the seventh inning when Jurickson Profar singled home Josh Wilson, followed by a 2-RBI Brad Snyder double to plate Alex Castellanos and Profar, and a two-run home run by Brent Lillibridge that finished Snyder's trip around the bases. Kansas City got some back in the bottom of the seventh with a two-run home run from Justin Maxwell, also scoring Jorge Bonifacio. The Rangers shot back in the eighth inning as Luis Sardinas singled in Bryan Petersen before scoring on a passed ball. In the bottom of the eighth, the Royals pulled back with Carlos Peguero grounding out to score Jarrod Dyson, followed by Johnny Giavotella doubling in Jason Donald, and Brandon Laird singling to finish Giavotella's trip around the bases. This made it 11-7, the final.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 150 2013-2014

Twelve big games on tonight for the NHL, beginning in...

New Jersey, as the Devils host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Cory Schneider are the young goalies. New Jersey opened in the first period on a Ryane Clowe goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Andrei Loktionov. The Devils added on with a Jaromir Jagr power play goal, his eighteenth of the year, powered by Eric Gelinas and Patrik Elias. New Jersey extended the lead with an Adam Henrique power play goal, his fifteenth of the season, coming off of Andy Greene and Jon Merrill. Columbus got on the board with an Artem Anisimov goal, his fourteenth of the year, made possible by Jack Johnson. The Blue Jackets pulled closer in the second period as Marian Gaborik scored his sixth of the season, thanks to Anisimov and Nick Foligno. The Devils shot back on a shorthanded goal by Henrique, his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, set up by Elias. New Jersey finished it at 5-2 with an unassisted goal by Elias in the third period. The three stars were handed to Henrique, Elias, and Anisimov.

Over on Long Island, the New York Islanders welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonathan Bernier and Evgeni Nabokov are in the creases. Toronto led off in the first period with a Phil Kessel goal, his thirty-second of the season, fueled by Tyler Bozak and James van Riemsdyk. New York tied it as Michael Grabner scored his tenth of the year, thanks to Casey Cizikas, going in shorthanded. The Islanders took the lead with another shorthanded Grabner goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the season, an unassisted goal. The Maple Leafs retied it in the third period on a Paul Ranger goal, his third of the year, made possible by van Riemsdyk and Kessel. Toronto took the lead when Dion Phaneuf scored his sixth of the season, assisted by Bozak and van Riemsdyk, the latter getting a sock trick. New York retied it with an Anders Lee power play goal, powered by Josh Bailey and Calvin de Haan. The Maple Leafs pulled ahead with a Joffrey Lupul goal, his eighteenth of the year, passed from Nazem Kadri and Carl Gunnarsson. The Islanders evened it again with Lee's second of the game, with assists provided by Ryan Strome and Travis Hamonic. New York won 5-4 in overtime on an unassisted goal by Lubomir Visnovsky, his third of the campaign. The three stars went to Lee, Grabner, and Kessel, while van Riemsdyk and Bozak got the honorable mentions.

Staying in the area, the New York Rangers bring in the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford opposes a lesser foe in Cam Talbot in goal. New York began in the first period on a Derick Brassard goal, his twelfth of the season, guided in by Benoit Pouliot and J.T. Miller. The Rangers added on in the third period with a Rick Nash goal, his nineteenth of the year, made possible by Derek Stepan and Carl Hagelin. Chicago got on the board with a Peter Regin goal, his third of the campaign, fueled by Ben Smith and Brent Seabrook. This only made it 2-1, the final, and the three stars were Talbot (31 for 32 in saves), Nash, and Brassard.

West a little to Philadelphia, where the Flyers host the San Jose Sharks. Alex Stalock and Steve Mason are in goal. San Jose started in the first period with a Raffi Torres goal, via Andrew Desjardins and Jason Demers. Philadelphia tied it with a goal by Andrej Meszaros, his fifth of the season, made possible by Steve Downie and Matt Read. The Flyers took the lead with a Brayden Schenn goal, his sixteenth of the year, guided in by Vincent Lecavalier and Wayne Simmonds. The Sharks retied it in the second period when Joe Pavelski netted his thirtieth of the season, with the help of Patrick Marleau and Dan Boyle on the power play. San Jose took the lead with Pavelski's second of the game and thirty-first of the year, with a lone assist by Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Sharks added on when Logan Couture notched his fifteenth of the season, thanks to Marleau and Demers. San Jose extended the lead when Pavelski finished his hat trick with his thirty-second of the year, assisted by Matt Irwin and Joe Thornton. The Sharks padded the lead on another Torres goal, his second of the game, fueled by Mike Brown and Desjardins. San Jose struck again in the third period as Couture scored his second of the game and sixteenth of the season, a shorthanded goal set up by Tommy Wingels. Philadelphia got one back as Read put away his sixteenth of the year, coming off of Sean Couturier and Nicklas Grossmann. This produced the 7-3 final, with Pavelski, Couture, and Torres getting the three stars, while Read, Marleau, Demers, and Desjardins receive the honorable mentions.

Across Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Penguins welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Peter Budaj and Marc-Andre Fleury receive the starting nods. Montreal was first to score in the first period with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his fifteenth of the season, assisted by David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty. Pittsburgh tied it with a James Neal goal, his twenty-first of the year, guided in by Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins pulled ahead on a Deryk Engelland goal, his fifth of the season, passed from Neal and Sidney Crosby. The Canadiens tied it with a Daniel Briere goal, his tenth of the year, courtesy of Josh Gorges and George Parros. Pittsburgh retook the lead on an Olli Maatta power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Jussi Jokinen and Brandon Sutter. Montreal retied it on a Pacioretty power play goal, his twenty-seventh of the year, pushed through by Desharnais and Andrei Markov. The Penguins gained the lead again in the third period on a shorthanded and unassisted Sutter goal, his tenth of the season. The Canadiens retied it on an Alexei Emelin goal, his second of the year, with assists provided by Rene Bourque and Briere. Pittsburgh took the lead again on a Crosby power play goal, his twenty-ninth of the season, with helpers from Malkin and Matt Niskanen. Montreal pulled even with Briere's second of the game and eleventh of the year, a power play goal coming off of Alex Galchenyuk and Tomas Plekanec. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Desharnais had the only tally for a 6-5 Canadiens win. Briere, Neal, and Desharnais received the three stars, while the honorable mentions were Sutter, Crosby, Pacioretty, and Malkin.

Up in Ottawa, the Senators bring in the Detroit Red Wings. Jonas Gustavsson and Robin Lehner are the backups between the pipes. Detroit struck first in the first period on a Riley Sheahan goal, his fourth of the season, an unassisted goal. The Red Wings added on as Johan Franzen scored his tenth of the year, with a lone helper by Gustav Nyquist. Detroit extended the lead on another Franzen goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the season, guided in by Daniel Alfredsson and Niklas Kronwall. The Red Wings padded the lead as Tomas Jurco put away his fourth of the year, thanks to Kronwall and Tomas Tatar. Detroit got another in the second period when Franzen finished his hat trick with his twelfth of the season, via Nyquist and Danny DeKeyser. Ottawa got on the board with a Bobby Ryan goal, his twenty-second of the year, passed from Mika Zibanejad and Marc Methot. The Red Wings shot back with a Tatar goal, his fourteenth of the season, helped along by Jurco and Kronwall, the latter getting a sock trick. This made it 6-1, the eventual final, with the three stars going to Franzen, Jurco, and Tatar, while Nyquist and Kronwall get the honorable mentions.

South to Florida, where the Panthers host the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Tim Thomas are the inconsistent goalies. Washington began in the first period with a Troy Brouwer power play goal, his fifteenth of the season, powered by Brooks Laich and John Carlson. The Capitals added on with a Laich goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Alex Ovechkin and Dmitry Orlov. Florida got on the board as Tomas Fleischmann scored his sixth of the season, thanks to Jesse Winchester and Marcel Goc. The Panthers tied it in the second period on a Brad Boyes goal, his sixteenth of the year, fueled by Sean Bergenheim. Washington regained the lead as Nicklas Backstrom potted his twelfth of the season, helped along by Martin Erat and Carlson. The Capitals extended the lead with another Brouwer power play goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, coming off of Ovechkin and Backstrom. Florida got one back on a Drew Shore power play goal, his fifth of the season, passed from Brian Campbell and Ed Jovanovski. The Panthers tied it with Boyes' second of the game and seventeenth of the year, via Bergenheim and Nick Bjugstad. Washington regained the lead with Ovechkin's forty-first of the campaign, with assists from Laich and Backstrom. This held up for a 5-4 win, with Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Brouwer getting the three stars, while Laich, Carlson, Boyes, and Bergenheim all get honorable mentions.

Northwest to Nashville, as the Predators welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Carter Hutton have the green light to start. Tampa Bay opened in the first period with a Martin St. Louis goal, his twenty-sixth of the season, assisted by Ondrej Palat. The Lightning added on with a St. Louis power play goal, his second of the game and twenty-seventh of the year, powered by Nikita Kucherov and Teddy Purcell. Nashville got on the board in the second period with a Matt Cullen power play goal, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Ryan Ellis and Craig Smith. The Predators tied it with a power play goal from Roman Josi, his ninth of the year, with a lone assist by Shea Weber. Nashville took the lead in the third period with a power play goal by Patric Hornqvist, his eleventh of the campaign, coming off of Mike Fisher and Weber. The final stood from here at 3-2, with the three stars being St. Louis, Weber, and Hornqvist.

Way north to Winnipeg, as the Jets bring in the former Jets, now known as the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Ondrej Pavelec are the Olympian goalies. Phoenix was first to score in the first period with an Oliver Ekman-Larsson goal, his ninth of the season, guided in by Rob Klinkhammer and Martin Hanzal. Winnipeg tied it on a Blake Wheeler goal, his twenty-third of the year, with a lone assist by Dustin Byfuglien. The Jets took the lead in the second period with a Bryan Little power play goal, his nineteenth of the season, going in unassisted. The Coyotes tied it in the third period as Hanzal scored his fifteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by David Schlemko and Mike Ribeiro. The tie went to a shootout, where Winnipeg won 3-2 with tallies from Devin Setoguchi and Olli Jokinen topping a lone goal by Antoine Vermette. The three stars went to Hanzal, Little, and Wheeler. 

Back south again, the Dallas Stars host the Carolina Hurricanes. Anton Khudobin and Kari Lehtonen guard the cages. Dallas struck first in the first period with a Tyler Seguin goal, his twenty-fifth of the season, courtesy of Valeri Nichushkin and Jamie Benn. The Stars added on with a shorthanded goal by Brendon Dillon, his sixth of the year, set up by Benn. Dallas extended the lead in the second period with a shorthanded and unassisted goal by Benn, his twenty-third of the season. Carolina got on the board in the third period with an Eric Staal goal, his sixteenth of the year, assisted by Jiri Tlusty and Andrej Sekera. The Stars answered with a Cody Eakin goal, his thirteenth of the campaign, fueled by Shawn Horcoff and Alex Goligoski. The final was 4-1, and the three stars were awarded to Benn, Lehtonen (29 for 30 in saves), and Dillon.

Out west, the Calgary Flames welcome the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Joni Ortio manned the blue paint. Los Angeles started in the first period with an unassisted Dustin Brown goal, his eleventh of the season. The Kings added on in the third period with a Dwight King goal, his twelfth of the year, assisted by Brown and Jake Muzzin. This produced the 2-0 final, with the three stars being Quick (25 save shutout), Brown, and King.

Finally, in Edmonton, the Oilers bring in the Minnesota Wild. Darcy Kuemper and Ben Scrivens protect the nets. Minnesota led off in the first period with a Mikael Granlund goal, his sixth of the season, made possible by Zach Parise and Jared Spurgeon. The Wild added on in the second period with a Stephane Veilleux goal, his second of the year, via Erik Haula and Nate Prosser. Minnesota wrapped it up at 3-0 in the third period on a Dany Heatley goal, his twelfth of the campaign, assisted by Charlie Coyle and Nino Neiderreiter. The three stars were Kuemper (21 save shutout), Granlund, and Veilleux.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 177 2013-2014

Two games on today, a relief compared to yesterday's busy schedule. We begin in...

Khabarovsk, as Amur hosts Sibir Novosibirsk. Nikita Bespalov and Alexei Murygin are in the blue paint. Novosibirsk was first to score in the first period with a Sergei Shumakov shorthanded goal, going in unassisted. Khabarovsk tied it in the second period on a power play goal by Ilya Krikunov, powered by Mikhail Fisenko and Mikhail Klimchuk. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Sibir got goals from Alexei Kopeikin and Vyacheslav Belov to top a lone tally by Dmitry Tarasov for a 2-1 win. The three stars were Bespalov (27 for 28 in saves), Belov, and Murygin (39 for 40 in saves).

The other game comes from Vladivostok, as Admiral hosts Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Ilya Sorokin and Evgeny Ivannikov are set to start. Novokuznetsk struck first in the first period with a Semyon Valuisky goal, passed from Kurtis McLean. Vladivostok tied in the second period with a Felix Schutz power play goal, powered by Richard Gynge. Admiral took the lead with another Schutz goal, his second of the game, set up by Gynge on the power play. Vladivostok added on with a Gynge goal, assisted by Niclas Bergfors and Yegor Antropov. This was good for a 3-1 win, with Schutz, Gynge, and Ivannikov (31 for 32 in saves) getting the three stars.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion. Have patience while we iron out the MLB Spring Training details.

NHL Day 149 2013-2014

Four games on as the NHL inches back into our lives. We begin with a game in...

Buffalo, as the Sabres host the Boston Bruins. Backups Chad Johnson and Jhonas Enroth are in the creases. Buffalo was first to score in the first period on a Zemgus Girgensons goal, his sixth of the season, guided in by Brian Flynn and Jamie McBain. Boston tied it with a Chris Kelly goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Carl Soderberg and Matt Bartkowski. The Sabres took the lead in the second period on a Tyler Myers power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Cody Hodgson and Christian Ehrhoff. Buffalo added on with a Flynn goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Ville Leino and McBain. The Bruins got one back with a Zdeno Chara power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, assisted by Milan Lucic and Torey Krug. Boston tied it on a Brad Marchand goal, his twentieth of the year, helped along by Reilly Smith. The Bruins took the lead in the third period on a Lucic power play goal, his eighteenth of the season, via Krug and Jarome Iginla. The Sabres tied it on a Matt Moulson goal, his sixteenth of the year, with helpers provided by Girgensons and Leino. Buffalo won 5-4 in overtime on a Matt D'Agostini goal, his fourth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars were given to Girgensons, McBain, and Leino, and the honorable mentions went to Flynn, Lucic, and Krug.

Up in Montreal, as the Canadiens welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard faces a lesser foe in Peter Budaj in goal. Detroit struck first in the first period with a Todd Bertuzzi power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Johan Franzen and Daniel Alfredsson. Montreal tied it on a third period goal by Brian Gionta goal, his twelfth of the year, via Daniel Briere and Andrei Markov. The Red Wings won 2-1 in overtime with a Gustav Nyquist goal, his fifteenth of the campaign, assisted by Franzen and Danny DeKeyser.

Southwest to Colorado, where the Avalanche bring in the Los Angeles Kings. Martin Jones and Jean-Sebastien Giguere make spot starts in place of their Olympian teammates. Los Angeles dented the scoreboard in the first period on a Robyn Regehr goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Anze Kopitar and Tyler Toffoli. Colorado tied it on a Ryan O'Reilly power play goal, his twenty-second of the year, powered by Nick Holden and Jamie McGinn. The Avalanche took the lead with a P.A. Parenteau goal, his eleventh of the season, via Matt Duchene. The Kings retied it on a Jarret Stoll goal, his seventh of the year, passed from Dustin Brown and Dwight King. Colorado pulled ahead with a McGinn power play goal, his fifteenth of the season, assisted by O'Reilly and Duchene. The Avalanche added on with an Andre Benoit power play goal, his third of the year, made possible by Nathan MacKinnon and Paul Stastny. Los Angeles got one back on a Kopitar goal, his eighteenth of the season fueled by Justin Williams and Slava Voynov. The Kings tied it as Jeff Carter scored his twenty-first of the year, thanks to Mike Richards and Matt Greene. Los Angeles gained the lead in the third period on Kopitar's second of the game and nineteenth of the season, from Carter and Toffoli. The Kings finished it at 6-4 with an empty net goal by Williams, his fifteenth of the year, set up by Drew Doughty. The three stars were handed to Kopitar, Carter, and Williams, while Toffoli, McGinn, Duchene, and O'Reilly receive the honorable mentions.

Finally, in Vancouver, the Canucks host the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak and Eddie Lack are the rhyming goalies. Vancouver got going in the third period on a Jannik Hansen goal, his tenth of the season, coming off of Tom Sestito. The final stood from here at 1-0, with the three stars being Lack (20 save shutout), Hansen, and Halak (34 for 35 in saves).

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Spring Training: Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues Day 1

Today is the first day with actual baseball on since the World Series. The first game for the Grapefruit League is at the home of the...

Atlanta Braves, who host the Detroit Tigers. Atlanta began in the second inning on a Dan Uggla single to score Chris Johnson. The Braves added on in the third inning with an Evan Gattis double to plate Jason Heyward. Detroit got on the board in the fourth inning with a Victor Martinez single to knock in Rajai Davis. The Tigers tied it in the sixth inning as Martinez singled home Ian Kinsler, and they took the lead as Don Kelly's sacrifice fly gave Davis time to score. Atlanta tied it in the bottom of the sixth on a Ramiro Pena double to bring Tommy La Stella around to score. Detroit retook the lead in the seventh inning with a Eugenio Suarez sacrifice fly allowing Daniel Fields to come home. The Braves tied it when Ernesto Mejia scored on a throwing error during a stolen base attempt, and they took the lead with a Todd Cunningham sacrifice fly that brought in Jose Constanza. The Tigers took the lead in the ninth inning with a 2-RBI Hernan Perez single that plated both Francisco Martinez and Ezequiel Carrera. This was good for a 6-5 win.

Moving along to where the Pittsburgh Pirates host the New York Yankees. New York was first to score in the first inning on a Brian McCann single to knock in Jacoby Ellsbury and a Ramon Flores single knocking in Yangervis Solarte. The Yankees added on in the second inning with a two-run home run by Solarte, also scoring Ellsbury. Pittsburgh got going in the bottom of the second with a Jordy Mercer single to bring in Gaby Sanchez, followed by Starling Marte reaching on an error that allowed Andrew Lambo to score. New York replied in the seventh inning with a Mason Williams double that drove in Francisco Arcia. The Pirates tied it in the bottom of the seventh as Tony Sanchez hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Alen Hanson and Jaff Decker, and they took the lead on a Chris McGuinness single that plated Chris Dickerson. This held up for a 6-5 Pirates win.

Next up, the last game for the Grapefruit League is the Philadelphia Phillies hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto led off in the first inning with a Jose Bautista solo home run. Philadelphia pulled ahead in the bottom of the first when Ryan Howard singled in Ben Revere and Marlon Byrd did the same for Jimmy Rollins. The Blue Jays tied it in the second inning as Colby Rasmus' double plated Brett Lawrie. Toronto took the lead in the third inning as Adam Lind singled to drive in Melky Cabrera, followed by Lawrie grounding out to allow Bautista to come home. The Phillies got one back in the fifth inning when Ronny Cedeno doubled to knock in Tony Gwynn. This was as close as it got, with the final being 4-3.

In the Cactus League, the first game comes from the home of...

The Cleveland Indians, as they host the Cincinnati Reds. Cincinnati struck first in the third inning on a Joey Votto single to knock in Brayan Pena, before he scored on a single by Ryan Ludwick. Cleveland tied it in the fifth inning with a Tony Wolters single to drive in Ryan Raburn, followed by David Adams grounding into a double play that allowed Wolters to finish his trip home. The Reds pulled ahead in the sixth inning on a Tucker Barnhart walk with the bases loaded that forced in Skip Schumaker, followed by Donald Lutz grounding out to allow Roger Bernadina to come home. The Indians answered in the bottom of the sixth on a Ryan Rohlinger sacrifice fly to score Erik Gonzalez. Cincinnati shot back in the seventh inning with a two-run home run by Chris Heisey, also scoring Schumaker. The Reds added on in the eighth inning with a Lutz triple to force in Ramon Santiago, before dashed the final 90 feet home on a Chris Nelson sacrifice fly. This produced the 8-3 final score in favor of the Reds.

Over to the San Francisco Giants hosting the Oakland Athletics. Oakland opened in the first inning as Josh Reddick singled home Sam Fuld, followed by Yoenis Cespedes grounding into a fielder's choice to allow Nick Punto to score before he later scored on a single by Alberto Callaspo, and Callaspo would come home on a John Jaso single. The Athletics added on in the fourth inning as Cespedes singled home Fuld, before being knocked in with Punto on a 2-RBI single from Brandon Moss. Moss and Callaspo were later forced in by a Sam Vogt triple, and Vogt crossed the dish on a Michael Taylor single. San Francisco got on the board with a Pablo Sandoval sacrifice fly that allowed Gregor Blanco to score in the bottom of the fourth. The Giants pulled back in the ninth inning with a solo home run by Adam Duvall, followed by a three-run tater from Ehire Adrianza, sweeping in Roger Kieschnick and Juan Perez as well. This only made it 10-5, a final score.

Finally, the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Arizona started in the first inning with a Martin Prado double to score Aaron Hill. The Diamondbacks added on in the second inning as A.J. Pollock tripled to force in Gerardo Parra before coming the final 90 feet home on a Hill single. Los Angeles got on the board in the third inning as Yasiel Puig singled home Carl Crawford. Arizona shot back in the eighth inning as Shelley Duncan singled Chris Owings across the dish. This produced the 4-1 final score.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 176 2013-2014

After the Olympic Break, the KHL has a sprint to the finish. Today, there are twelve games on. We begin in...

Ufa, as Salavat Yulaev hosts Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Ivan Kasutin and Andrei Vasilevsky are in goal. Nizhny Novgorod opened in the first period with a power play goal by Denis Parshin, powered by Juuso Hietanen and the goalie Kasutin. Ufa tied it in the second period on a Antti Pihlstrom goal, passed from Brent Sopel and Sergei Zinovyev. Salavat Yulaev won 2-1 in overtime on a Dmitry Makarov goal, with a lone assist by Teemu Hartikainen. The three stars were Makarov, Vasilevsky (25 for 26 in saves), and Pihlstrom.

Down in Magnitogorsk, Metallurg welcomes Vityaz Podolsk. Sergei Denisov is mismatched with Vasily Koshechkin in goal. Podolsk got going in the second period on a Vyacheslav Solodukhin goal, coming off of Anton Korolyov. Vityaz added on as Georgy Berdyukov scored a power play goal, thanks to Mathias Porseland and Alexander Korolyuk. This stood for a 2-0 win, with the three stars being Denisov (34 save shutout), Solodukhin, and Berdyukov.

Over in Chelyabinsk, Traktor brings in Dynamo Moscow. Alexander Yeryomenko and Michael Garnett guard the cages. Moscow dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Janne Jalasvaara power play goal, with a lone helper from Alexei Tsvetkov. Chelyabinsk tied it on an Andrei Kostitsyn goal, via Ian White and Evgeny Kuznetsov. Traktor took the lead with a goal by Stanislav Chistov, assisted by Alexei Bondarev and Kuznetsov on the power play. Dynamo tied it again on an unassisted goal by Konstantin Glazachev. Moscow gained the lead again in the third period with an Alexander Ryazantsev, made possible by Maxim Karpov. Dynamo added on with a Tsvetkov goal, going in unassisted. Chelyabinsk got one back with a power play goal by Anton Glinkin, powered by Maxim Kondratyev and Kostitsyn. Moscow iced it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Maxim Pestushko, set up by Leo Komarov and Konstantin Gorovikov. The three stars belonged to Tsvetkov, Kostitsyn, and Kuznetsov.

Along to Kazan, where Ak Bars hosts Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Matt Dalton and Konstantin Barulin are the veteran goalies. Kazan started in the first period with a Dmitry Obukhov goal, assisted by Tomas Vincour and Nikolai Belov. Nizhnekamsk tied it with an unassisted power play goal from Igor Polygalov. Neftekhimik took the lead with another power play goal by Polygalov, powered by Tomas Netik and Dmitry Kosmachyov. Ak Bars tied it on another goal by Obukhov, set up by Vincour. Kazan retook the lead on an Alexei Tereshchenko power play goal, coming off of Ilya Nikulin and Evgeny Medvedev. Ak Bars added on in the second period as Kirill Petrov score a power play goal, thanks to Jakub Petruzalek and Tereshchenko. Kazan extended the lead on a Tim Stapleton goal, guided in by Alexander Svitov. Nizhnekamsk replied in the third period when Petr Koukal scored a power play goal, fueled by Kosmachyov. Ak Bars answered on a Janne Pesonen, with a lone assist by Alexander Burmistrov. Kazan padded the lead with a Mikhail Varnakov goal, courtesy of Svitov. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 7-3 final, with Obukhov, Tereshchenko, and Polygalov getting the three stars, while Kosmachyov and Svitov get the honorable mentions.

Up to Cherepovets, where Severstal welcomes Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Alexei Kuznetsov and Jakub Stepanek receive the starting nods. Cherepovets led off in the first period on a Pavel Chernov power play goal, powered by Linus Videll and Evgeny Mons. Khanty-Mansiysk tied it in the second period on a Radek Smolenak goal, courtesy of Artyom Bulyansky and Kirill Putilov. Severstal took the lead back with an Anatoly Nikontsev goal, via Vadim Berdnikov and Pavel Dedunov. Cherepovets added on in the third period with another Chernov goal, with a lone assist by Mons. Severstal iced it at 4-1 with another Nikontsev goal, coming off of Berdnikov. The three stars were Nikontsev, Chernov, and Stepanek (23 for 24 in saves), while Berdnikov and Mons get the honorable mentions.

Across the lake, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl brings in Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakub Kovar and Curtis Sanford are in the blue paint. Yekaterinburg began in the first period with an Alexei Simakov goal, made possible by Andrei Antonov. Avtomobilist added on with a second period goal by Andre Deveaux, helped along by Sergei Gusev and Fyodor Malykhin. Yaroslavl got on the board as Sergei Konkov scored, thanks to Yury Petrov and Alexei Vasilyev. Lokomotiv tied it on an Emil Galimov goal, fueled by Konkov and Vladislav Kartayev. Yaroslavl took the lead when Geoff Platt score, with a lone assist from Janis Sprukts. Yekaterinburg retied it in the third period with a goal by Tobias Viklund, via Igor Yemeleyev. Lokomotiv regained the lead on a Jonas Holos power play goal, powered by Sergei Plotnikov and Staffan Kronwall. Yaroslavl iced it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Yegor Averin, set up by Plotnikov and Daniil Apalkov. The three stars went to Konkov, Holos, and Plotnikov.

Out west, SKA St. Petersburg hosts Avangard Omsk. Andrei Mezin and Alexander Salak. Omsk was first to score in the first period on a Sergei Kostitsyn goal, assisted by Dmitry Semin and Alexander Popov. Avangard added on with a Sergei Kalinin goal, guided in by Kostitsyn and Miroslav Blatak. St. Petersburg got on the board in the second period on a Roman Cervenka power play goal, powered by Tony Martensson and Patrick Thoresen. Omsk replied on a Roman Berdnikov goal, fueled by Kirill Lyamin and Andrei Ivanov. SKA pulled back in the third period with a Viktor Tikhonov goal, passed from Igor Makarov and Alexei Semenov. St. Petersburg tied it as Alexei Ponikarovsky scored, thanks to Ilya Kablukov and Andrei Sigaryov. Avangard retook the lead on an Alexander Perezhogin goal, with a lone helper from Blatak. SKA pulled even again with a Thoresen goal, coming off of Cervenka and Martensson. Omsk won 5-4 in overtime with a Sergei Shirokov goal, with assists provided by Blatak, who got a sock trick, and Stefan Ruzicka. The three stars were Blatak, Kostitsyn, and Cervenka, while Thoresen and Martensson get the honorable mentions.

Back to Moscow, where CSKA welcomes crosstown rivals, Spartak Moscow. Igor Shestyorkin and Jeff Glass have the green light to start. CSKA struck first in the second period with a shorthanded goal by Ivan Nepryayev, set up by Vladimir Zharkov. Spartak tied it on a Tom Wandell goal, fueled by Nikolai Lemtyugov. CSKA regained the lead in the third period with an Ilari Filppula goal, helped along by Oleg Saprykin. This was good for a 2-1 win, with the three stars going to Nepryayev, Glass (22 for 23 in saves), and Filppula.

North a little to Mytishchi, where Atlant brings in Barys Astana. Ari Ahonen and Stanislav Galimov protect the nets. Mytishchi opened in the first period with a Sergei Shmelyov goal, assisted by Alexei Petrov and Roman Rukavishnikov. Atlant added on with an Igor Radulov goal, courtesy of Maxim Mayorov and Vitaly Atyushov. Mytishchi extended the lead when Shmelyov scored his second of the game, thanks to Maxim Velikov and Evgeny Artyukhin. Astana got on the board in the second period on a Nigel Dawes goal, with a lone helper by Brandon Bochenski. Atlant shot back in the third period on an Artyukhin goal, coming off of Shmelyov. Mytishchi padded the lead on another Radulov goal, guided in by Velikov and Mayorov. This was good for a 5-1 win, with the three stars being Shmelyov, Radulov, and Artyukhin, while Mayorov and Velikov get the honorable mentions.

Over in Prague, Lev hosts Donbass Donetsk. Michael Leighton and Petri Vehanen play goal. Prague led off in the first period with a Justin Azevedo goal, coming off of Jiri Novotny. Lev added on with a Topi Jaakola goal, passed from Patrik Zackrisson and Ryan O'Byrne. Donetsk got on the board with a shorthanded goal by Oskars Bartulis, set up by Vaclav Nedorost. Prague shot back with a Petr Vrana goal, fueled by Jiri Sekac and Martin Thornberg. Lev extended the lead in the second period as Thornberg scored, thanks to Nathan Oystrick. This made it 4-1, the final, with Thornberg, Vehanen (25 for 26 in saves), and Jaakola getting the three stars.

Continuing to Riga, as Dinamo welcomes Medvescak Zagreb. Barry Brust and Mikael Tellqvist tend the twines. Zagreb began in the first period with a Charles Linglet goal, assisted by Matt Ellison and Mark Popovic. Riga tied it in the second period on a Marcel Hossa shorthanded goal, set up by Maris Bicevskis. Dinamo took the lead as Roberts Bukarts scored, with the help of Andris Dzerins. Riga added on in the third period with a Marcel Hascak goal, courtesy of Paul Szczechura and Aleksandrs Nizivijs. Dinamo extended the lead with a power play goal from Sandis Ozolins, powered by Lauris Darzins. Riga finished it at 5-1 with an empty net goal by Darzins, with a lone helper from Szczechura. The three stars of the game were Tellqvist (27 for 28 in saves), Darzins, and Szczechura.

Finally, in Bratislava, we end with Slovan bringing in Dinamo Minsk. Dmitry Milchakov and Jaroslav Janus are set to start. Bratislava started in the first period with a Branko Radivojevic goal, courtesy of Peter Olvecky and Jan Brejcak. Minsk tied it on a Zbynek Irgl goal, fueled by Lukas Krajicek and Tomas Surovy. Slovan retook the lead in the second period on a power play goal by Miroslav Satan, powered by Radivojevic and Mario Bliznak. Dinamo retied it on a shorthanded and unassisted goal by Surovy. Minsk took the lead with an Alexander Materukhin power play goal, assisted by Alexei Kalyuzhny and Krajicek. Bratislava tied it again with an Olvecky goal, going in unassisted. Slovan won 4-3 in the shootout, with a lone tally coming from Martin Stajnoch. The three stars were Radivojevic, Olvecky, and Surovy, while Krajicek gets the honorable mention.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion and prepare for MLB Spring Training with us. Enjoy the work of both myself and my new writer.

NHL Day 148 2013-2014

One game on today, as we make up a game originally scheduled for January 7th. The Buffalo Sabres host the Carolina Hurricanes to bring us back from the Olympic break. Cam Ward and Ryan Miller draw the starts. Buffalo got going in the second period on a Christian Ehrhoff power play goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Drew Stafford and the goalie Miller. Carolina tied it with an Eric Staal goal, his fifteenth of the year, via Justin Faulk. The Sabres retook the lead with a Tyler Ennis goal, his fourteenth of the season, coming off of Matt Moulson and Stafford. The Hurricanes retied it on an Alexander Semin goal, his fifteenth of the year, with a lone assist from Andrej Sekera. Buffalo won 3-2 as Ehrhoff scored his second of the game and sixth of the campaign, guided in by the goalie Miller again. Ehrhoff, Miller (36 for 38 in saves with two assists), and Stafford get the three stars.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.