MLB Spring Training: Cactus League Day 3

Everybody's in action now, so the Cactus League had eight games on today. We begin with...

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the Chicago Cubs. Los Angeles staked out an early lead in the second inning with a 2-RBI double by Chris Iannetta to score both Howie Kendrick and Raul Ibanez before coming home on a single by Erick Aybar, and then Mike Trout singled in J.B. Shuck. Chicago got on the board in the fourth inning with a Darwin Barney solo home run. The Angels answered in a big way as Iannetta hit a solo shot, Mike Trout hit a grand slam to sweep in Aybar, Shuck, and Kole Calhoun, Ibanez grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed by Albert Pujols to score, and Shuck tripled to force in Ibanez, Iannetta, and Aybar in the bottom of the fourth. The Cubs got some back in the seventh inning with a two-run home run by Kris Bryant, also scoring Albert Almora. Los Angeles responded in the eighth inning with a two-run homer from Jeff Bandy, plating Alex Yarbrough and himself. This produced the 15-3 final score.

The other Los Angeles team, the Dodgers, welcome the Chicago White Sox. Los Angeles got going in the seventh inning on a two-run home run by Joc Pederson, also scoring Clint Robinson. The Dodgers added on in the eighth inning as Mike Baxter doubled to score Dee Gordon, Brendan Harris hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Baxter to finish his trip home, and Robinson ripped a solo home run. This made it a 5-0 final score.

Moving along to where the Cleveland Indians bring in the Cincinnati Reds. Cleveland opened in the second inning with a two-run home run by Ryan Raburn, also scoring Lonnie Chisenhall. The Indians added on with a Carlos Moncrief 2-RBI single in the sixth inning, plating both Tony Wolters and Chisenhall. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 4-0.

Next up, the Texas Rangers host the Kansas City Royals. Kansas City struck first in the second inning on a Mike Moustakas 2-RBI double, scoring both Billy Butler and Salvador Perez. The Royals added on in the third inning with a Butler single to score Norichika Aoki, followed by Alex Gordon doubling home Jason Donald, and Moustakas singling in pinch-runner Adam Moore. Kansas City extended the lead in the fifth inning when Lorenzo Cain drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Lane Adams, followed by a 2-RBI Christian Colon single that drove in both Gordon and Moustakas. The Royals padded the lead in the sixth inning as Gorkys Hernandez hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Adams to score, followed by a Pedro Ciriaco single that knocked in Jimmy Paredes. Texas got on the board in the bottom of the sixth with a single from Brent Lillibridge, scoring Kensuke Tanaka. The scoring ended here, with the final being 11-1 Kansas City.

At the home of the San Francisco Giants, the host team plays the first game of a split squad day against the Milwaukee Brewers. San Francisco was first to score in the third inning with a Mark Minicozzi solo home run, followed by an Angel Pagan sacrifice fly that allowed Ehire Adrianza to score. Milwaukee got on the board in the fifth inning with a solo shot from the bat of Caleb Gindl. The Giants extended their lead in the seventh inning as Adrianza reached on an error, giving time for Chris Dominguez to score, followed by Gregor Blanco's sacrifice fly to bring in Mac Williamson. The Brewers attempted a ninth inning rally with a Hector Gomez triple to force in Eugenio Velez, followed by Matt Pognozzi singling Gomez the final 90 feet home. This only made it 4-3, with the Giants holding on to win by that score.

The other half of the Giants went to visit the Oakland Athletics. San Francisco started in the first inning with a 2-RBI double Hector Sanchez, plating both Gary Brown and Brandon Belt. The Giants added on in the second inning with Brown singling to score Javier Herrera, followed by Brandon Crawford tripling to force in both Guillermo Quiroz and Brown, before finishing his trip around the bases on a Belt double. Oakland got on the board in the fourth inning with a Jed Lowrie sacrifice fly that allowed Sam Fuld to score. The Athletics pulled closer in the fifth inning on a Stephen Vogt single to knock in Daric Barton. Oakland chipped closer in the sixth inning as Jose Martinez's groundout gave time for Jake Elmore to cross the dish. The Athletics continued the comeback in the eighth inning with an Addison Russel groundout to bring home Billy Burns, before tying the game with a two-run home run by Derek Norris, also scoring Martinez, and then they took the lead as Jake Goebbert scored on a wild pitch. This stood as a 7-6 final for the Athletics.

Along to where the San Diego Padres welcome the Seattle Mariners. Seattle began in the third inning on a solo home run by Nick Franklin. San Diego tied it in the bottom of the third when Ryan Jackson scored on an error during a pickoff attempt. The Mariners retook the lead in the fourth inning with a Stefen Romero groundout, allowing Corey Hart to score. Seattle added on in the sixth inning when Xavier Avery singled home Abraham Almonte, followed by Jesus Montero scoring on a balk, Jesus Sucre singling to finish Avery's trip around the bases, and then he came home on a Nate Tenbrink two-run home run. The Mariners extended the lead in the eighth inning with a three-run home run by James Jones, sweeping in Cole Gillespie and Sucre, followed by Ji-Man Choi singling to knock in Chris Taylor. Seattle finished it at 12-1 in the ninth inning on a Jones single, driving in John Hicks.

Finally, the Arizona Diamondbacks bring in the Colorado Rockies. Colorado led off in the third inning with a two-run home run by Ryan Casteel, also scoring Brandon Barnes. The Rockies added on in the fifth inning as Charlie Culberson doubled in Barnes, followed by Corey Dickerson hitting a 2-RBI double to plate both Culberson and Jason Pridie, Ryan Wheeler doubling to finish Dickerson's trip around, and then Wheeler scoring as Jackson Williams reached on an error. Colorado extended the lead in the seventh inning with a Williams single that plated Dickerson, and a Paul Janish single that did the game for Wheeler. The Rockies padded the lead in the eighth inning as Tom Murphy and Pridie both hit solo home runs. This made it 11-0, which was the final score.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 178 2013-2014

Twelve more KHL games on today as the season winds down even more. We begin in...

Ufa, with Salavat Yulaev hosting Ak Bars Kazan. Konstantin Barulin and Andrei Vasilevsky tend the twines. Ufa got going in the third period with a Teemu Hartikainen goal, assisted by Dmitry Makarov and Arturs Kulda. This was all they needed to win 1-0, and the three stars went to Vasilevsky (23 save shutout), Hartikainen, and Barulin (27 for 28 in saves).

Down in Magnitogorsk, Metallurg welcomes Dynamo Moscow. Alexander Yeryomenko and Vasily Koshechkin guard the cages. The game was scoreless through the first 65 minutes, so the shootout was used to break a scoreless tie. Here, Metallurg got a lone tally from Danis Zaripov to win 1-0. The three stars were awarded to Koshechkin (41 save shutout), Yeryomenko (16 save "shutout"), and Zaripov.

West a bit to Chelyabinsk, as Traktor brings in Vityaz Podolsk. Igor Saprykin is mismatched with Michael Garnett in goal. Chelyabinsk opened in the first period on a Jan Bulis power play goal, powered by Stanislav Chistov and Evgeny Kuznetsov. Podolsk tied it on an unassisted power play goal by Alexander Korolyuk. Traktor retook the lead in the second period as Semyon Kokuyov scored, thanks to Anton Glinkin and Evgeny Katichev. Vityaz tied it in the third period on a Mathias Porseland goal, made possible by Ainars Podzins. Chelyabinsk pulled ahead on a power play goal by Petri Kontiola, with a lone helper by Maxim Kondratyev. This was good for a 3-2 win, with the three stars going to Kontiola, Kokuyov, and Garnett (21 for 23 in saves).

Into Moscow, where CSKA hosts Medvescak Zagreb. Mark Dekanich and Jeff Glass man the creases. Moscow was first to score in the first period with a Nikolai Prokhorkin goal, fueled by Jan Mursak and Nikita Zaitsev. Zagreb tied it in the second period as Matt Ellison scored, with the help of Mike Glumac and Hugh Jessiman. Medvescak took the lead on a Matt Murley goal, guided in by Mark Katic and Kurtis Foster on the power play. Zagreb iced it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Boyd Kane, set up by Sasa Martinovic. The three stars went to Murley, Dekanich (36 for 37 in saves), and Ellison.

Northeast a bit to Cherepovets, as Severstal welcomes Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakub Kovar faces a similarly named Jakub Stepanek in goal. Cherepovets struck first in the first period with an Ignat Zemchenko goal, made possible by Pavel Buchnevich and Nikolai Kazakovtsev. Severstal added on in the third period with an Anatoly Nikontsev power play goal, powered by Zemchenko and Buchnevich. Yekaterinburg got on the board with an Artyom Chernov power play goal, coming off of Fyodor Malykhin. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars being Zemchenko, Stepanek (27 for 28 in saves), and Buchnevich.

Across the lake, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl brings in Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Alexei Kuznetsov and Curtis Sanford draw the starts. Yaroslavl started in the first period on a Sergei Plotnikov power play goal, powered by Staffan Kronwall. Lokomotiv added on with a Yegor Averin goal, assisted by Daniil Apalkov and Plotnikov. Yaroslavl extended the lead as Emil Galimov scored, with a lone helper by Yury Petrov. Khanty-Mansiysk got on the board in the second period with an Alexei Kruchinin goal, fueled by Radek Smolenak and Mikhail Zhukov. Lokomotiv shot back on an Apalkov goal, guided in by Jonas Holos and Plotnikov. Yaroslavl padded the lead as Plotnikov score his second of the game, thanks to Yegor Yakovlev and Sergei Konkov. Kuznetsov was pulled for Fyodor Kukin at this time. Lokomotiv got another with Galimov's second of the game, passed from Kirill Kapustin. Yugra got one back in the third period on an Andrei Shefer goal, via Stephen Dixon and Denis Sokolov. This only made it 6-2, the final, with Plotnikov, Galimov, and Apalkov.

A little bit east to Nizhnekamsk, as Neftekhimik hosts Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Ivan Kasutin and Matt Dalton are the masked men. Nizhny Novgorod led off in the first period on an Evgeny Skachkov goal, fueled by Pavel Valentenko and Vadim Krasnoslobodtsev. Nizhnekamsk tied it with a Yaroslav Alshevsky goal, coming off of Pavel Kulikov. Torpedo took the lead back with a power play goal by Juuso Hietanen, powered by Wojtek Wolski and Sakari Salminen. Neftekhimik retied it on a Pyotr Khokhryakov goal, going in unassisted. Nizhnekamsk regained the lead on a Kulikov goal, passed from Maxim Berezin and Alshevsky. Nizhny Novgorod tied it with a Jarkko Immonen goal with a lone helper from Hietanen. Torpedo took the lead on a Skachkov power play goal, made possible by Denis Parshin and Alexander Makarov. Nizhny Novgorod iced it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Wolski, going in unassisted. The three stars belonged to Skachkov, Hietanen, and Wolski, while Kulikov and Alshevsky got the honorable mentions.

Westward again to Mytishchi, where Atlant welcomes Avangard Omsk. Henrik Karlsson and Stanislav Galimov are between the pipes. Mytishchi began in the first period with a power play goal by Igor Radulov, powered by Maxim Mayorov and Andreas Engqvist. Atlant added on in the third period with an empty net goal by Mayorov, going in unassisted. This made it 2-0, the final, with Galimov (34 save shutout), Mayorov, and Radulov.

To the northwest, SKA St. Petersburg brings in Barys Astana. Vitaly Yeremeyev and Alexander Salak receive the starting nods. Astana dented the scoreboard in the second period with a power play goal by Roman Starchenko, powered by Roman Savchenko and Talgat Zhailauov. St. Petersburg tied it with an Evgeny Ketov goal, made possible by Artemy Panarin and Vadim Shipachyov. Barys retook the lead with a Nikolai Antropov goal, coming off of Zhailauov. SKA retied it on a Panarin goal, via Ketov and Alexei Semenov. St. Petersburg took the lead in the third period on a Panarin goal, with a lone helper by Shipachyov. This produced the 3-2 final, with Panarin, Zhailauov, and Ketov receiving the three stars, while Shipachyov got the honorable mention.

Out west, Dinamo Riga hosts Spartak Moscow. Igor Shestyorkin and Jakub Sedlacek are the backups making spot starts. Riga got going in the second period on a Marcel Hossa goal, fueled by Lauris Darzins and Maris Bicevskis. Dinamo added on with a Paul Szczechura goal, guided in by Mat Robinson and Georgijs Pujacs. Moscow got on the board as Filipp Toluzakov scored in the third period, thanks to Vsevolod Sorokin and Alexei Grishin. Riga answered with a Robinson goal, via Marcel Hascak. Spartak pulled back when Nikolai Lemtyugov made a penalty shot he received after Krisjanis Redlihs tripped him. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars being Robinson, Szczechura, and Sedlacek (23 for 25 in saves).

Moving along to Prague, as Lev welcomes Dinamo Minsk. Lars Haugen and Petri Vehanen are the veteran goalies. Prague opened in the first period on a Niko Kapanen power play goal, powered by Martin Thornberg and Petr Vrana. Minsk tied it with a Richard Lintner goal, assisted by Artur Gavrus and Alexander Kitarov. Lev took the lead in the third period as Thornberg scored, via Jiri Sekac. Prague iced it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Topi Jaakola, going in unassisted. The three stars were Thornberg, Vehanen (23 for 24 in saves), and Kapanen.

Finally, in Bratislava, Slovan brings in Donbass Donetsk. Jan Laco and Jaroslav Janus protect the nets. Donetsk started in the first period with a Tuomas Kiiskinen power play goal, powered by Oleg Piganovich. Bratislava tied it in the second period on a Martin Bakos goal, coming off of Andrej Stastny and Martin Skoula. Donbass took the lead back in the third period with a goal from Petteri Wirtanen, with a lone assist by Kiiskinen. This stood for a 2-1 win, with Kiiskinen, Laco (36 for 37 in saves), and Wirtanen receiving the three stars.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

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.