MLB Day 55 2012

Another Saturday full of games. We begin with eight afternoon specials, beginning in...

New York, as the Mets host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Johan Santana are the reliable starters. New York began with a first inning three-run home run by Scott Hairston, sweeping in Andres Torres and David Wright, followed by a Vinny Rottino solo home run. The Mets added on in the eighth inning as Ike Davis doubled home Justin Turner, before Mike Nickeas cleared the bases with a grand slam, sweeping in all of Davis, Rottino, and Kirk Nieuwenhuis. This produced the 9-0 final, with Santana tossing a complete game, four-hit shutout for the win, while Richard got no help in the loss.

West to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Carl Pavano try to right their personal ships today while pitching. Detroit quickly jumped to a first inning lead as Miguel Cabrera doubled in Andy Dirks, before coming home on a Prince Fielder single. Minnesota got one back in their half of the inning when Joe Mauer grounded into a double play, allowing Denard Span to come home. The Twins tied it on a second inning Justin Morneau solo home run. The Tigers rallied ahead in the fifth inning as Quintin Berry singled in Alex Avila, followed by Dirks doubling home both Ramon Santiago and Berry, before he came home on a Cabrera single. Minnesota got one back in the sixth inning on a Span solo shot. This was as close as it got, with the final standing at 6-3 Detroit, allowing Scherzer to get the win, Jose Valverde to convert the save, and Pavano was stuck with the loss.

South to Texas, with the Rangers hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Henderson Alvarez and Colby Lewis play from the mound. Texas was first on the board in the first inning as Josh Hamilton grounded out to bring in Ian Kinsler, followed by an Adrian Beltre sacrifice fly to knock in Elvis Andrus. Toronto tied it in the fifth inning as Colby Rasmus hit a two-run home run, also scoring David Cooper. The Blue Jays went ahead in the sixth inning as Cooper singled Eric Thames in, followed by Omar Vizquel reaching on a bunt that scored Brett Lawrie. The Rangers got the lead in the bottom of the sixth with three solo shots in a row by Nelson Cruz, Yorvit Torrealba, and Mitch Moreland. Toronto retied it in the seventh inning as J.P. Arencibia singled in Jose Bautista. The Blue Jays gained the lead again in the thirteenth inning when Vizquel singled Lawrie home, followed by Yunel Escobar reaching on an error to push in Vizquel. Texas got the last laugh in the bottom of the thirteenth, as Andrus doubled in Kinsler, and then Hamilton went yard to secure the 8-7 victory with a two-run homer to finish Andrus' trip around. Yoshinori Tateyama was in line for the win while Jason Frasor suffered the loss.

Northeast to Baltimore, with the Orioles hosting the Kansas City Royals. Felipe Paulino and Wei-Yin Chen take their turns in the rotation. Baltimore was first to score as Chris Davis hit a second inning solo home run. The Orioles added on in the third inning with a J.J. Hardy solo shot and a Matt Wieters sacrifice fly to score Adam Jones. Kansas City got on the board in the fifth inning with Eric Hosmer singling in Johnny Giavotella. The Royals pulled closer in the sixth inning on a Billy Butler solo home run. Kansas City tied it in the seventh inning as Humberto Quintero doubled Hosmer across the dish. The Royals gained the lead with an eighth inning Hosmer single, scoring Mike Moustakas. This held up for a 4-3 win, earned by Greg Holland, while Jonathan Broxton turned the save, and Pedro Strop was on the hook for the loss.

Down in Atlanta, the Braves welcome the Washington Nationals. Stephen Strasburg and Mike Minor show alliteration in the pitching duel. Washington led off with a first inning Adam LaRoche sacrifice fly to allow Danny Espinosa to score. The Nationals padded the lead in the second inning on a three-run homer from Espinosa, sweeping in Jesus Flores and the pitcher Strasburg. Atlanta got some back in the bottom of the second as Juan Francisco singled in Eric Hinske before J.C. Boscan grounded out to allow Jason Heyward to get home. The Braves tied it in the fifth inning as Dan Uggla hit a two-run home run, also scoring Martin Prado. Washington shot back in the sixth inning as Chad Tracy doubled in Ian Desmond and Rick Ankiel tripled to force in Edwin Jackson. The Nationals extended the lead again in the seventh inning as Bryce Harper lifted a solo shot, and LaRoche doubled Ryan Zimmerman home safely. This made it 8-4, the eventual final, giving Strasburg a win, Tyler Clippard a save, and Kris Medlen the loss.

Out in California, the Oakland Athletics host the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia takes on former teammate Bartolo Colon on the hill. Oakland drew first blood with a first inning Jonny Gomes single to bring home Jemile Weeks. New York tied it in the second inning on a Robinson Cano solo home run. The Yankees got the lead in the third inning on a Derek Jeter single, scoring Eric Chavez. The Athletics retied it in the bottom of the third with a Josh Reddick solo shot. New York took the lead back in the fourth inning on a Mark Teixeira solo home run. The Yankees added on in the fifth inning as Alex Rodriguez hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Chris Stewart to dash home, followed by Teixeira singling in both Jeter and Cano. New York got another in the eighth inning when Jeter was plunked with a pitch, which resulted in Nick Swisher being forced home. The Yankees made it 9-2 in the ninth inning when Teixeira hit a two-run home run, also scoring Cano. Sabathia earned the win while Colon was shelled in the loss.

Back to the Midwest, as the Chicago White Sox bring in the Cleveland Indians. Derek Lowe and Jake Peavy both look to continue their resurgent careers in this match. Chicago was first to score with a first inning Paul Konerko single, bringing home Gordon Beckham, followed by an A.J. Pierzynski double, scoring Adam Dunn and a 2-RBI Dayan Viciedo single, plating both Konerko and Pierzynski. Cleveland pulled close in the third inning as Michael Brantley doubled, sweeping in all of Juan Diaz, Lou Marson, and Shin-Soo Choo, and they took the lead on a two-run home run by Jason Kipnis, also scoring Brantley. The White Sox regained the lead in the bottom of the third on a ground-rule double from Konerko forcing in Dunn, followed by Alex Rios singling to finish his trip around, and then Viciedo hit a two-run home run to plate Rios and himself. The Indians shot back in the fifth inning on a Kipnis two-run blast, sweeping in Choo. Chicago roared away yet again seventh inning on a rally ignited by Rios doubling, which combined with an error to score Konerko, followed by Viciedo singling in Rios, and Alejandro De Aza grounding into a fielder's choice, which gave Pierzynski time to get home, and also Viciedo when an error occurred. The White Sox struck again in the eighth inning as Rios lifted a two-run homer, driving in Brent Lillibridge. This made it 14-7, a final, with Peavy grabbing the win and Lowe taking a tough loss.

Down in Florida, the Miami Marlins wrap up the matinees by hosting the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner and Mark Buehrle are the underrated pitchers. Miami began on a second inning Donovan Solano single to bring in Giancarlo Stanton. San Francisco tied it in the third inning on a Gregor Blanco single to knock in Emmanuel Burriss. The Marlins shot back in the bottom of the third as Hanley Ramirez singled in Jose Reyes, followed by Logan Morrison grounding into a fielder's choice the allowed Omar Infante to score, and a subsequent error getting Ramirez all the way home. Miami extended the lead in the sixth inning as Morrison doubled home Stanton. The Giants got one back in the eighth inning when Melky Cabrera grounded out to bring home Ryan Theriot. San Francisco tried a ninth inning rally as Nate Schierholtz hit a sacrifice fly allowing Angel Pagan to get home, but they still lost 5-3. The win went to Buehrle, while Randy Choate picked up the spot save, and Bumgarner was stuck holding the loss.

Across the country diagonally, we land in Seattle, as the Mariners host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jerome Williams and Felix Hernandez get the starting nods. Los Angeles drew first blood with a fourth inning Albert Pujols solo home run. Seattle answered in the fifth inning as Mike Carp singled in John Jaso and Dustin Ackley did the same for Miguel Olivo. The Angels got the lead back in the sixth inning on a grand slam by Alberto Callaspo, sweeping in all of Mark Trumbo, Howie Kendrick, and Erick Aybar. The Mariners got one back in the bottom of the sixth as Justin Smoak hit a solo shot. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 5-3 Los Angeles. Williams picked up the win, Ernesto Frieri got the save, and Hernandez was dealt the loss.

Back east in Cincinnati, with the Reds hosting the Colorado Rockies. Jeremy Guthrie and Mike Leake are the veteran starters. Colorado quickly opened in the first inning as Tyler Colvin singled Marco Scutaro home. Cincinnati replied in the bottom of the first when Brandon Phillips doubled Zack Cozart home before coming home himself on a Chris Heisey three-run home run that also knocked in Jay Bruce. The Reds extended the lead in the third inning on a Bruce double, providing Joey Votto time to get home. The Rockies answered in the fourth inning with Wil Nieves doubling in Jordan Pacheco before crossing the dish on a Colvin single. Cincinnati replied in the bottom of the fourth as Devin Mesoraco hit a solo home run. The Reds added on in the seventh inning as Phillips singled, driving in Drew Stubbs, followed by a three-run home run from Ryan Ludwick, sweeping in Phillips and Heisey. This was all for the scoring, resulting in a 10-3 final that gave J.J. Hoover the win and Guthrie a rough loss.

West a bit to St. Louis, as the Cardinals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Jaime Garcia are the young arms pitching. Philadelphia was first to score in the fourth inning when Shane Victorino doubled in Hunter Pence. The Phillies struck again in the sixth inning on a John Mayberry double that scored both Placido Polanco and Pence, followed by Freddy Galvis grounding out to knock in Victorino. This was it for the scoring, giving Philadelphia a 4-0 win, earned by Kendrick, who threw a seven-hit complete game shutout for the win, while Garcia was stuck holding the loss.

Farther to the east, the Pittsburgh Pirates welcome the Chicago Cubs. Paul Maholm faces his old team, who fields Kevin Correia at pitcher. Pittsburgh opened in the third inning as Pedro Alvarez singled in Jose Tabata, followed by a Neil Walker sacrifice fly allowing Andrew McCutchen to dash home. Chicago got on the board in the fourth inning with an Alfonso Soriano solo home run. The Cubs tied it in the fifth inning as Starlin Castro tripled to force in David DeJesus. The Pirates won it 3-2 in the ninth inning with a walkoff hit by pitch, as Matt Hague was in the way of an errant ball, and to take his base he forced in the winning run, Tabata. The win was picked up by Joel Hanrahan, while Rafael Dolis was unfortunately lacking control, which led to the loss.

Into Boston, as the Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays. David Price and Josh Beckett are the staff aces sent out to pitch. Boston finally got things going in the sixth inning with a Will Middlebrooks single to score David Ortiz. Tampa Bay took the lead in the seventh inning as Ben Zobrist hit a sacrifice fly, allowing B.J. Upton safe passage home, followed by Luke Scott singling in Matt Joyce. The Red Sox got the last laugh here, as pinch-hitter Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning for a 3-2 win as Daniel Nava also scored. Rich Hill was in line for the win, while Fernando Rodney blew the save and took the loss. 

Out in California again, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Chad Billingsley pace the game. Houston got started in the first inning with Carlos Lee singling home Jose Altuve. The Astros added on in the second inning as Jordan Schafer drew a bases-loaded walk, forcing in Brian Bogusevic. Los Angeles got on the board in the third inning when Andre Ethier doubled Elian Herrera across the plate. The Dodgers took the lead in the fourth inning with a 2-RBI single by Tony Gwynn, Jr., scoring both James Loney and Dee Gordon. Houston tied it in the eighth inning as Jason Castro doubled in Bogusevic. Los Angeles won it 6-3 in the ninth inning on a a three-run walkoff home run by A.J. Ellis, also scoring Ethier and Loney. The win went to Kenley Jansen, while Wesley Wright was dealt the loss.

Finally, in Arizona, the Diamondbacks host the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke goes up against a lesser foe in Wade Miley for pitching purposes. Milwaukee struck first with a first inning Jonathan Lucroy single driving in Corey Hart. Arizona took the lead in the bottom of the first as Justin Upton singled in Gerardo Parra and Jason Kubel did the same for Aaron Hill. The Brewers responded in the third inning with Ryan Braun grounding out to score Norichika Aoki, followed by Cody Ransom doubling in both Lucroy and Rickie Weeks, and Edwin Maysonet reaching on an error that allowed Ransom to finish his trip around. The Diamondbacks got some back in the bottom of the third as Ryan Roberts walked with the bases loaded to force in Upton, followed by Konrad Schmidt grounding into a fielder's choice to bring in Kubel, and then  John McDonald cleared the bases with a three-run home run, sweeping in Paul Goldschmidt and Schmidt to give them a lead after the 5-run rally. Arizona got another in the seventh inning with Hill singling Parra home. This made it 8-5, a final, with Miley picking up the win, J.J. Putz getting the save, and Greinke getting shelled early in the loss.

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MLB Day 54 2012

Back to a full slate heading into the weekend, beginning in...

Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Jason Hammel will be sent out to pitch. Baltimore got going as Adam Jones hit a sacrifice fly in the first inning, knocking in Robert Andino. The Orioles added on in the fifth inning as J.J. Hardy doubled in Xavier Avery and Andino before coming home on a Nick Markakis double, and Markakis crossed the plate when Jones singled, followed by Chris Davis singling to drive in Jones. Baltimore added on in the seventh inning with Davis hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Matt Wieters. Kansas City got on the board in the eighth inning as Jeff Francoeur went yard on a two-run homer, sweeping in Eric Hosmer. This made the final 8-2, with the win going to Hammel and the loss to Chen.

Into Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster and A.J. Burnett are the veteran pitcher. Pittsburgh was first to score in the second inning as Rod Barajas singled home Pedro Alvarez. This was the only run in the game, leaving Burnett with a strong win, Joel Hanrahan picking up the save, and Dempster got little help in the loss.

West a bit to Cincinnati, with the Reds hosting the Colorado Rockies. Christian Friedrich and Johnny Cueto got the starting nods. Colorado busted things open in the second inning as Todd Helton hit a two-run home run, also scoring Troy Tulowitzki. The Rockies added on in the fourth inning when Eric Young singled in Willin Rosario. Cincinnati got some back in the bottom of the fourth as Ryan Ludwick doubled in Joey Votto before coming home alongside Brandon Phillips on a double by Todd Frazier to tie the game. Colorado got the lead back in the fifth inning when Helton singled to score Carlos Gonzalez and Jordan Pacheco doubled in Tulowitzki. The Rockies got another in the ninth inning when Tulowitzki singled Gonzalez home. This made it 6-3, a final, with Friedrich picking up the win, Rafael Betancourt getting the save, and Cueto taking the loss.

Back east, the Boston Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays. Alex Cobb plays the David to Jon Lester's Goliath. Boston got things started in the first inning as Kevin Youkilis singled home Mike Aviles. Tampa Bay replied with a third inning grand slam by Matt Joyce, sweeping in all of Carlos Pena, B.J. Upton, and Ben Zobrist. The Rays added on in the fourth inning when Elliot Johnson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Chris Gimenez, followed by a Pena solo home run. The Red Sox got one back in the fifth as Adrian Gonzalez doubled Scott Podsednik across the dish. Boston pulled closer in the sixth inning as Marlon Byrd singled to score Jarrod Saltalamacchia, followed by a Mike Aviles sacrifice fly to score Daniel Nava. This ended the scoring at 7-4, with Cobb taking the win, Fernando Rodney converting his fifteenth save of the season, and Lester getting pinned with the loss.

Into New York, with the Mets hosting the San Diego Padres. Anthony Bass and Dillon Gee will play from the mound. San Diego struck first with a first inning Jesus Guzman sacrifice fly, allowing Will Venable to score. New York answered in the second inning when Lucas Duda hit a solo home run. The Mets took the lead in the third inning when Mike Baxter doubled home Gee, followed by Kirk Nieuwenhuis singling to finish Baxter's trip around. New York kept going in the fifth inning on a Daniel Murphy double driving in Nieuwenhuis, before he came home alongside Duda when Ike Davis singled. This was it for the scoring, giving the Mets a 6-1 win, earned by Gee, while Bass was stuck holding the loss.

Down to Miami, where the Marlins welcome the San Francisco Giants. Staff aces Tim Lincecum and Josh Johnson are set to start. San Francisco began with a second inning Joaquin Arias double play, allowing Angel Pagan to dash home. The Giants added on in the third inning as Pagan singled in Gregor Blanco. Miami got one back in the fourth inning with a Giancarlo Stanton solo home run. San Francisco answered in the fifth inning as Melky Cabrera hit a solo shot. The Marlins rallied to tie in the sixth inning when Stanton singled in Omar Infante and John Buck hit a sacrifice fly to finish Stanton's trip around, before they gained the lead with a three-run home run by Chris Coghlan, sweeping in Logan Morrison and Bryan Petersen. Miami got another in the seventh inning as Hanley Ramirez singled Infante home. The Giants got one back in the eighth inning as Buster Posey grounded out to bring Cabrera in. San Francisco attempted a ninth inning rally as Brandon Belt singled to score Arias, followed by Brandon Crawford hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Belt, but they didn't tie the game, falling 7-6. The win went to Dan Jennings, while Steve Cishek tossed the save after Heath Bell almost made a mess of it, and Lincecum was not freed from the burden of the loss.

A tad north, the Atlanta Braves host the Washington Nationals. Ross Detwiler and Tim Hudson have the green light to pitch. Washington led off with a first inning rally as Ian Desmond singled in both Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman before Rick Ankiel tripled, forcing in both Desmond and Danny Espinosa. Atlanta got on the board in the third inning with Matt Diaz singling to score Martin Prado. The Braves pulled closer in the fifth inning as Diaz doubled home both Prado and Dan Uggla. The Nationals got some breathing room in the seventh inning on a 3-RBI Zimmerman double, sweeping in all of Chien-Ming Wang, Steve Lombardozzi, and Harper. Atlanta got one back in the eighth inning as Jason Heyward hit a solo home run. The final stood at 7-4 Nationals, with Wang picking up the win, Tyler Clippard turning the save, and Hudson holding the loss.

Westward to Arlington, Texas, where the Rangers host the Toronto Blue Jays. Brandon Morrow and Derek Holland took their turns in the rotation, but Morrow lasted a very short time thanks to Texas exploding in the first inning as Adrian Beltre singled in both Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus, followed by a 3-RBI double off the bat of Nelson Cruz, scoring all of Beltre, Michael Young, and David Murphy, and Cruz finished his trip on a Mitch Moreland single. The Rangers extended the lead in the second inning with a Josh Hamilton solo home run. Texas continued in the third inning when Yorvit Torrealba hit a solo shot. Toronto got on the board in the sixth inning with an Edwin Encarnacion solo home run. The Rangers answered in their half of the inning as Cruz singled to drive in Hamilton, followed by Moreland singling in Young. Texas kept pulling ahead as Cruz hit a seventh inning grand slam to sweep in all of Alberto Gonzalez, Young, and Murphy. The Blue Jays responded in the eighth inning with Jose Bautita singling in both Rajai Davis and Yunel Escobar. This made it 14-3, a final, with Holland pitching unnecessarily strong in the win while Morrow suffered one of the ugliest losses of the season.

Up in Chicago, the White Sox host the Cleveland Indians. Jeanmar Gomez and Jose Quintana are the relatively unknown pitchers. Cleveland drew first blood with a first inning Carlos Santana groundout, bringing in Shin-Soo Choo. Chicago got the lead in the bottom of the first as Adam Dunn hit a two-run home run, also scoring Alejandro De Aza. The White Sox extended the lead with a second inning A.J. Pierzynski solo home run. The Indians got one back in the third inning as Asdrubal Cabrera singled Choo home. Chicago answered in the sixth inning as Alexei Ramirez singled Pierzynski across the dish, followed by De Aza singling in both Dayan Viciedo and Ramirez. The White Sox padded the lead in the seventh inning as Pierzynski tripled to force in Alex Rios before coming the final 90 feet on a two-run home run by Viciedo. Cleveland got one back in the ninth inning with a Shelley Duncan solo shot, for a 9-3 final score. Quintana picked up the win, and Gomez was dealt the loss.

Further north, the Minnesota Twins host the Detroit Tigers. Drew Smyly and Anthony Swarzak are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Minnesota opened in the first inning as Brian Dozier doubled in both Denard Span and Joe Mauer. Detroit answered in the second inning as Brennan Boesch doubled to score Prince Fielder, Alex Avila doubled, knocking in both Delmon Young and Boesch, and Quintin Berry singled to complete Avila's trip around. The Tigers added on in the fourth inning as Avila hit a ground rule double to score Boesch before coming home on a Ryan Raburn single. The Twins got one back in the bottom of the fourth as Jamey Carroll hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Trevor Plouffe to score. Detroit shot back in the fifth inning as Fielder doubled Miguel Cabrera across the plate. Minnesota pulled back in the sixth inning on an Alexi Casilla sacrifice fly scoring Justin Morneau and Carroll singling in Plouffe. The Tigers rallied hard in the seventh inning with Fielder singling to score Berry, Young doubling Cabrera across the plate, and Boesch singling to finish Fielder's trip around. The Twins got one back in the bottom of the seventh as Morneau grounded out to bring in Mauer. This made it 10-6, a final, with Smyly credited for the win while Swarzak was stuck holding the loss.

Down to St. Louis, as the Cardinals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee and Kyle Lohse are the reliable starters. Philadelphia got things going in the second inning as Jimmy Rollins singled in Placido Polanco and Juan Pierre reached on an error that allowed Freddy Galvis to dash home. St. Louis answered in the bottom of the second with Shane Robinson doubling in Matt Adams. The Cardinals tied it in the third inning as Rafael Furcal hit a solo home run. St. Louis got the lead in the fourth inning with a Yadier Molina solo shot. The Phillies tied it when Pierre singled in the pitcher Lee. Philadelphia took the lead in the tenth inning as Hunter Pence hit a two-run home run, also scoring Pierre. This held up for a 5-3 win, with Raul Valdes in line for the win, Jonathan Papelbon successfully converting the save, and Jason Motte getting stuck with the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, where the Diamondbacks host the Milwaukee Brewers. Struggling stars Yovani Gallardo and Ian Kennedy are on the hill. Milwaukee started with a second inning solo home run by Rickie Weeks. The Brewers added on in the fourth inning as Ryan Braun hit a two-run home run, also scoring Nyjer Morgan, before Cesar Izturis singled to score Aramis Ramirez. Arizona got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Jason Kubel hit a solo shot. Milwaukee shot back in the eighth inning with a two-run home run by Corey Hart, sweeping in Cody Ransom. The Brewers got a 7-1 lead in the ninth inning as Travis Ishikawa hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Ramirez. This was a final, giving the win to Gallardo and the loss to Kennedy.

Out in California, the Oakland Athletics host the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Tyson Ross are the struggling starters. New York drew first blood in the third inning as Robinson Cano reached on an error to bring in Curtis Granderson before Mark Teixeira blasted a two-run home run to bring Cano all the way home. Oakland got on the board in the fourth inning with a Josh Reddick solo home run. The Yankees answered in the fifth inning as Cano hit a solo shot, followed by a two-run blast off the bat of Nick Swisher, also scoring Raul Ibanez. The Athletics got one back in the bottom of the fifth as Kurt Suzuki hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Josh Donaldson to dart home. Oakland chipped away in the sixth inning on a Kila Ka'aihue solo shot. This was it for the scoring, handing the Yankees a 6-3 win, with Nova getting the win, Rafael Soriano turning the save, and Ross getting stuck with the loss.

Down in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell is mismatched with Clayton Kershaw pitching. Houston opened in the first inning as Carlos Lee grounding into a fielder's choice that combined with an error to bring home Jose Altuve. The Astros added on in the third inning as J.D. Martinez hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jed Lowrie. Los Angeles got on the board in the eighth inning as Jerry Hairston, Jr. drew a bases loaded walk to force in Elian Herrera, producing the eventual 3-1 final. Harrell was in line for the win, Brett Myers converted the save, and Kershaw was unlucky in taking the loss.

Finally, up in Seattle, the Mariners host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Blake Beaven are handed the ball. Seattle was first on the board in the first inning with a Justin Smoak fielder's choice paving the way home for Michael Saunders. The Mariners scored again in the third inning as Smoak singled Ichiro across the dish. Seattle extended the lead in the fifth inning with a two-run home run by Smoak, sweeping in Kyle Seager. Los Angeles got most of them back in the sixth inning on a three-run home run by Albert Pujols, also scoring John Hester and Maicer Izturis. The Angels tied it in the ninth inning when Erick Aybar reached on an error, allowing Peter Bourjos to score, and they took the lead with a 2-RBI Howie Kendrick single, scoring both Alberto Callaspo and Aybar. They held on for a 6-4 win, picked up by Jason Isringhausen, while Scott Downs got the save and Brandon League again imploded for a loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Eastern Conference Final: 1) New York Rangers VS. 6) New Jersey Devils

Welcome to the post for the Eastern Conference Final between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. New York busted things open in the third period as Dan Girardi recorded his second of the postseason, assisted by Chris Kreider and Michael Del Zotto. The Rangers padded the lead with a Kreider power play goal, his third of the playoffs, powered by Artem Anisimov and Girardi. New York iced it with an empty net goal by Anisimov, his third of the postseason, fueled by Brian Boyle and Ruslan Fedotenko. The three stars of the 3-0 game were Lundqvist (21 save shutout), Girardi, and Ryan McDonagh, while Kreider and Anisimov could either take the third slot. New York owns a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. New Jersey opened on an Ilya Kovalchuk power play goal, his sixth of the postseason, powered by Marek Zidlicky and Zach Parise. New York tied it in the second period on a Marc Staal power play goal, his second of the playoffs, made possible by Brad Richards and Dan Girardi. The Rangers took the lead with a Chris Kreider power play goal, coming off of Anton Stralman and Artem Anisimov for his fourth of the postseason. The Devils retied it on a Ryan Carter goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Bryce Salvador and Steve Bernier. New Jersey got the lead in the third period as David Clarkson netted his third of the postseason, thanks to Adam Henrique and Salvador. This made it 3-2, a final for a Devils win, with the three stars being Clarkson, Kreider, and Salvador. The series is tied at 1 as it heads to New Jersey.

Game 3: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Henrik Lundqvist for New York. New York broke a long scoreless tie in the third period with a Dan Girardi power play goal, his third of the postseason, powered by Brad Richards. The Rangers extended the lead on a Chris Kreider goal, his fifth of the playoffs, courtesy of Ryan McDonagh and Ryan Callahan. Callahan iced it with his fourth of the postseason into the empty net, passed from Brian Boyle for a 3-0 final. The three stars were awarded to Lundqvist (36 save shutout), Girardi, and Brodeur (19 for 21 in saves) while Callahan claims the honorable mention.

Game 4: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Henrik Lundqvist for New York. Bryce Salvador got New Jersey on the board first with his third of the postseason, set up by Alexi Ponikarovsky and David Clarkson. The Devils extended the lead on a Travis Zajac goal, his sixth of the playoffs, thanks to Zach Parise and Dainius Zubrus. New Jersey added on in the third period with Parise potting a power play goal, his fifth of the postseason powered by Ilya Kovalchuk and Adam Henrique. New York got on the board late with a Ruslan Fedotenko goal, passed from Brad Richards and Michael Del Zotto. Parise iced it at 4-1 with an empty net goal, his second of the game and sixth of the playoffs, coming off of Salvador and the goalie Brodeur. Parise, Brodeur (27 for 28 in saves), and Salvador got the three stars. Heading back to the city, the series is tied 2-2.

Game 5: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. New Jersey wasted little time in opening the scoring with a Stephen Gionta goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Mark Fayne and Steve Bernier. The Devils added on with a Patrik Elias goal, his fourth of the playoffs, guided in by Adam Henrique and Ilya Kovalchuk. New Jersey rolled along as Travis Zajac netted his seventh of the postseason, with the help of Zach Parise and Bryce Salvador. New York got on the board with a Brandon Prust goal, assisted by Ruslan Fedotenko and Derek Stepan. The Rangers pulled closer in the second period on a Ryan Callahan goal, his fifth of the playoffs, pushed through by Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky. New York tied it in the third period with an unassisted Marian Gaborik goal, his fifth of the postseason. The Devils retook the lead later in the period on a Ryan Carter goal, his third of the playoffs, via Gionta and Marek Zidlicky. New Jersey iced it at 5-3 on a Parise empty net goal, his seventh of the postseason, passed from Kovalchuk and Fayne. The three stars were awarded to Carter, Callahan, and Fedotenko, while Parise, Gionta, Kovalchuk, and Fayne get the honorable mentions. The Devils own a 3-2 series lead.

Game 6: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Henrik Lundqvist for New York. New Jersey started off with a Ryan Carter goal, his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Stephen Gionta and Steve Bernier. The Devils added on with an Ilya Kovalchuk power play goal, his seventh of the playoffs, powered by Dainius Zubrus and David Clarkson. New York got one back in the second period as Ruslan Fedotenko potted his second of the postseason, thanks to Ryan McDonagh and Brad Richards. The Rangers tied it on a Ryan Callahan goal, his sixth of the playoffs, guided in by Dan Girardi and McDonagh. New Jersey won it in the overtime with an Adam Henrique goal, his third of the postseason, set up by Kovalchuk and Alexei Ponikarovsky, for a 3-2 win. The three stars were given to Henrique, Callahan, and Brodeur (33 for 35 in saves), while Kovalchuk and McDonagh get honorable mentions. The Devils win the series 4-2, and play the Los Angeles Kings for the Stanley Cup.

MLB Day 53 2012

Short slate of seven games today on Travel Day. We begin with a lone matinee from...

Cleveland, as the Indians host the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander opposes a man of a similar moniker, Justin Masterson, as the staff aces take the mound. Cleveland opened with a first inning Shin-Soo Choo solo home run. Detroit tied it in the third inning as Miguel Cabrera grounded out, bringing home Quintin Berry. The Indians took the lead back in the fourth inning on a Jose Lopez single driving in Michael Brantley. This was it for the scoring, giving Cleveland and Masterson a 2-1 win, while Chris Perez picked up the save, and Verlander went the distance but was stuck with the loss.

At the normal time, the Miami Marlins host the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and Anibal Sanchez are the underrated starters. Miami got going in the second inning with a solo home run by Giancarlo Stanton. San Francisco answered in the fourth inning as Angel Pagan singled in Melky Cabrera. The Giants rallied to extend the lead in the sixth inning as Pagan doubled to score both Gregor Blanco and Cabrera, followed by Buster Posey scoring on a wild pitch, and Pagan coming home on a Brandon Belt single. San Francisco added on in the seventh inning with Cabrera's 2-RBI double, scoring both Blanco and Brandon Crawford before coming all the way home after Pagan grounded into a fielder's choice. The Marlins got one back in the bottom of the seventh when Greg Dobbs singled to bring around Jose Reyes, followed by a bases-loaded walk drawn by Logan Morrison to force in Omar Infante. The Giants padded the lead in the eighth inning as Crawford doubled home both Emmanuel Burriss and Brett Pill, before coming home with Blanco on a Cabrera double. Miami shot back in the bottom of the eighth on a Donovan Solano 2-RBI single, bringing in Chris Coghlan and Reyes, before he was knocked in by a Stanton double that also scored Infante. San Francisco, not to be outdone, attacked once again in the ninth inning as Burriss reached on an error to squeeze in Nate Schierholtz, and Pill grounded into a double play to allow Joaquin Arias to dash home. This made the eventual final 14-7, with Vogelsong earning the win and Sanchez taking the loss.

Up in Cincinnati, the Reds host the Atlanta Braves. Randell Delgado and Homer Bailey get the starting nods. Cincinnati began in the fourth inning when Todd Frazier doubled in Chris Heisey. Atlanta took the lead in the fifth inning as Michael Bourn hit a two-run home run, driving in the pitcher Delgado. The Reds replied in the sixth inning on a Devin Mesoraco grand slam, sweeping in all of Brandon Phillips, Heisey, and Frazier. The Braves got one back in the seventh inning as Juan Francisco hit a solo home run. Cincinnati shot back in their half of the inning with a solo shot by Drew Stubbs. This made it 6-3, a final, with Bailey picking up the win, Logan Ondrusek getting a spot save, and Delgado suffering the loss.

East to New York, with the Mets hosting the San Diego Padres. Eric Stults and Jeremy Hefner are the completely unknown pitchers. New York started with a second inning run scored by Vinny Rottino, as he stole third and then dashed home on an error. San Diego rallied to a lead in the third inning when Will Venable doubled in Everth Cabrera, followed by Cameron Maybin singling Venable the rest of the way home before he scored alongside Yonder Alonso on a double by Jesus Guzman. The Padres extended the lead in the fourth inning when Venable doubled Cabrera home again, and Maybin kept the déjà vu going with a single to finish Venable's trip around. The Mets got some back in the sixth inning on a two-run home run by David Wright, also scoring Daniel Murphy. San Diego replied with a seventh inning Chase Headley single, knocking in Maybin before he came home with Guzman on an Andy Parrino single. The Padres padded the lead in the eighth inning as Alonso doubled to drive in Maybin. New York struck back in the bottom of the eighth with Ike Davis singling in both Scott Hairston and Lucas Duda. Not to be outdone, San Diego got a solo shot from Nick Hundley in the ninth inning, making the final 11-5. The win went to Stults while Hefner had the loss.

Westward to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Minnesota Twins. Cole De Vries and Philip Humber are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Chicago led off with a second inning solo home run from A.J. Pierzynski. Minnesota tied it in the third inning on a Jamey Carroll single, scoring Alexi Casilla. The White Sox retook the lead in the bottom of the third as Paul Konerko singled to score Alejandro De Aza before coming home alongside Gordon Beckham on a double by Alex Rios. The Twins pulled back in the fifth inning as Denard Span scored on a wild pitch and Joe Mauer hit a solo shot, and then Brian Dozier singled in both Josh Willingham and Justin Morneau to take a lead. Chicago retook the lead with back-to-back solo home runs in the sixth inning, off the bats of Konerko and Rios, followed by a De Aza grand slam to sweep in all of Dayan Viciedo, Alexei Ramirez, and Orlando Hudson. Minnesota chipped away in the seventh inning as Morneau went yard on a solo shot. The White Sox got it right back with an eighth inning Viciedo solo home run. The Twins only got as close as 11-8 after a ninth inning two-run blast from Morneau, also scoring Mauer. Nate Jones was in line for the win while De Vries was stuck holding the loss.

Down in St. Louis, the Cardinals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Joe Blanton and Jake Westbrook take the hill. Philadelphia took little time in the first inning to establish a sizable lead, rallying on a Shane Victorino fielder's choice to bring in Placido Polanco, followed by Ty Wigginton singling home Hunter Pence and Freddy Galvis hitting a 2-RBI single the knocked in both Victorino and Wigginton. The Phillies added on in the second inning with a 2-RBI double from Victorino, scoring both Pence and Carlos Ruiz. St. Louis got number of them back in the third inning, rallying on a Matt Holliday groundout that scored the pitcher Westbrook, followed by Carlos Beltran singling home Skip Schumaker before dashing home on a David Freese double, and Freese was plated by a Yadier Molina single. Philadelphia shot back in the fifth inning as Polanco singled in Galvis. The Cardinals answered in the bottom of the fifth as Holliday hit a solo home run, and they tied it when Molina went yard on a two-run blast, taking Freese with him. The Phillies took the lead back in the sixth inning as Galvis singled to drive in Victorino and Mike Fontenot did the same for Wigginton. St. Louis kept the ping-pong game up with a Freese solo shot in the seventh inning. Philadelphia shot right back with a Wigginton solo home run in the eighth inning. The Cardinals stayed within reach as Schumaker hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Steven Hill to dash home safely. Philadelphia was able to hold on for a 10-9 win. Raul Valdes was in line for the win, Jonathan Papelbon converted the save, and Fernando Salas took the loss.

Finally, on the abbreviated day, we end with the Seattle Mariners hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren and Jason Vargas are the second-in-command starters playing from the mound. Los Angeles quickly got the lead in the first inning as Albert Pujols hit a two-run home run, also scoring Mike Trout. The Angels added on in the sixth inning as Kendrys Morales singled in Pujols. This produced a 3-0 final, with Haren going the distance for a 4-hit and 14-strikeout complete game shutout and Vargas getting no help in the loss.

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MLB Day 52 2012

Full slate on getaway day, beginning in...

Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Boston Red Sox. Daniel Bard and Jake Arrieta are the bottom-of-the-rotation starters. Baltimore was first to score with a first inning Chris Davis sacrifice fly bringing in Xavier Avery. Boston tied it in the second inning as Scott Podsednik grounded into a double play to allow Kevin Youkilis to score. The Orioles replied with a Nick Johnson solo home run in the bottom of the second. The Red Sox shot back in the third inning with Will Middlebrooks doubling in Dustin Pedroia. Boston took the lead in the sixth inning with a Daniel Nava solo shot followed by a Kelly Shoppach two-run home run, also scoring Podsednik. Baltimore shot back in their half of the inning on a two-run blast by Johnson, sweeping in Wilson Betemit. The Red Sox added some breathing room in the eighth inning as Podsednik hit a solo home run. The Orioles got it back in the bottom of the eighth as Betemit hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Nick Markakis. They couldn't tie the game, falling 6-5 with Bard getting the win, Alfredo Aceves turning the save, and Arrieta taking the loss.

Into Pittsburgh, where the Pirates host the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and Charlie Morton are sent out to pitch. New York struck first with a first inning Lucas Duda single, scoring Kirk Nieuwenhuis. The Mets added on in the fifth inning as Nieuwenhuis hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Rob Johnson and David Wright doubled in Mike Baxter. Pittsburgh got one back in the sixth inning on an Andrew McCutchen single, scoring Josh Harrison. This made it 3-1, a final, with Niese getting the win, Frank Francisco picking up the save, and Morton suffering the loss.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Toronto Blue Jays. Staff aces Ricky Romero and James Shields make the starts. Toronto got going early with a first inning Jose Bautista solo home run. Tampa Bay took the lead in the bottom of the first as Drew Sutton doubled in both Carlos Pena and Matt Joyce. The Rays extended the lead with Joyce grounding out in the third inning, allowing Pena to score, followed by Luke Scott grounding into a fielder's choice to bring in B.J. Upton. The Blue Jays pulled back in the fifth inning as Yan Gomes hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Brett Lawrie. Toronto tied it in the eighth inning as Edwin Encarnacion hit a two-run home run, also scoring Bautista. Tampa Bay won 5-4 in the eleventh inning as Upton's walkoff double plated the winning run, Rich Thompson. Jake McGee was in line for the win while Darren Oliver was pinned with the loss.

Northwest in Milwaukee, the Brewers host the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Marco Estrada were tabbed to start, but both had abbreviated outings. This was in part because of the following. Milwaukee busted open the scoring in the first inning as Aramis Ramirez doubled in Corey Hart, Norichika Aoki, and Ryan Braun, before coming home himself on a Cesar Izturis groundout, followed by Estrada doubling in both Jonathan Lucroy and Rickie Weeks for a 6-run first inning. The Brewers padded the lead in the second inning as Lucroy went yard on a two-run home run, also scoring Aoki. San Francisco got some back as Hector Sanchez hit a 3-RBI double of his own in the third inning, sweeping in Angel Pagan, Brandon Crawford, and Melky Cabrera. The Giants pulled closer in the fourth inning as Crawford singled to score Emmanuel Burriss, and Cabrera doubled in Aburey Huff. But after this, there was no more scoring, leaving Milwaukee with an 8-5 win. Jose Veras got the win, John Axford picked up the save, and Zito was stuck holding the loss.

Out in Oakland, the Athletics host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver and Jarrod Parker are the pitchers of similar monikers. Los Angeles opened with a third inning Maicer Izturis single, scoring Alberto Callaspo. Oakland tied it in the sixth inning on a Seth Smith solo shot. The Angels got the win in the eleventh inning as Callaspo doubled in both Peter Bourjos and Howie Kendrick and they held on for a 3-1 win, earned by Jordan Walden, while Ernesto Frieri got the save and Jordan Norberto took the loss.

Up in Seattle, we end the matinees with the Mariners hosting the Texas Rangers. Scott Feldman and Kevin Millwood are the veteran pitchers. Seattle was first to score with a second inning Michael Saunders sacrifice fly bringing in Kyle Seager. The Mariners extended the lead in the fifth inning on an Alex Liddi grand slam, sweeping in all of Saunders, Mike Carp, and Dustin Ackley. Texas got on the board in the eighth inning as Josh Hamilton doubled in Ian Kinsler before coming home on a two-run Adrian Beltre home run. This made it 5-3, a final, with Millwood getting the win, Brandon League converting the save cleanly, and Feldman holding the loss.

Back east, the Cleveland Indians host the Detroit Tigers. Doug Fister and Zach McAllister are set to start. Detroit got things going in the sixth inning when Andy Dirks doubled home Quintin Berry, before coming home when Prince Fielder reached on a fielder's choice. Cleveland tied it in the bottom of the sixth on a two-run home run by Travis Hafner, also scoring Jason Kipnis. The Indians rallied to a lead in the eighth inning as Hafner reached on an error allowing Kipnis to get home, and Carlos Santana hit a sacrifice fly, knocking in Asdrubal Cabrera. This made it 4-2, a final, with Vinnie Pestano getting the win, Chris Perez tossing his fifteenth save of the season, and Phil Coke being pinned with the loss.

East again to Philadelphia, where the Phillies host the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and Cole Hamels are the reliable starters. Philadelphia got started with a second inning Mike Fontenot single, scoring Carlos Ruiz. The Phillies added on in the third inning as Shane Victorino doubled in Hunter Pence. Philadelphia got another in the seventh inning as Juan Pierre sacrificed to bring home Fontenot. The Phillies struck again in the eighth inning as Victorino hit a solo home run. Washington got on the board in the ninth inning with an Adam LaRoche solo shot. The final stood at 4-1, with Hamels being strong and effective in the win, and Jackson getting neither luck nor run support in the loss.

Into the Bronx, as the New York Yankees host the Kansas City Royals. Will Smith and Andy Pettitte get the starting nods. New York began with a first inning solo home run by Curtis Granderson, followed by a two-run homer from Alex Rodriguez, also scoring Mark Teixeira. The Yankees added on in the third inning as Teixeira grounded into a double play to bring in Derek Jeter and then Rodriguez went yard again on a solo shot. Kansas City got on the board in the fourth inning with a Billy Butler solo home run. The Royals got another one in the fifth inning as Mitch Maier mashed a solo shot. New York fired back in the bottom of the fifth as Teixeira drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Jayson Nix, followed by Robinson Cano grounding into a fielder's choice, allowing safe passage home for Granderson, and another bases-loaded walk drawn by Andruw Jones, squeezing in Teixeira. Kansas City got one back in the ninth inning to make the final 8-3 as Eric Hosmer doubled in Alcides Escobar. The win went to Pettitte, while Smith took a rough loss.

Down in Florida again, the Miami Marlins host the Colorado Rockies. Alex White and Carlos Zambrano will be on the hill. Miami led off in the first inning as Greg Dobbs singled in Hanley Ramirez. The Marlins added on in the second inning on a Zambrano single to knock in Chris Coghlan followed by a Jose Reyes single doing the same for Bryan Petersen. Colorado rallied to tie it in the fourth inning as Troy Tulowitzki doubled in Marco Scutaro, followed by sacrifice flies by Jason Giambi and Michael Cuddyer to plate Carlos Gonzalez and Tulowitzki, respectively. Miami got the lead again in the bottom of the fourth as Reyes singled in Brett Hayes. The Rockies tied it again as Gonzalez singled, scoring Ramon Hernandez, before coming home alongside Scutaro on a Tulowitzki three-run home run to take a lead. Colorado added on in the seventh inning as Gonzalez tripled, forcing in Scutaro. This made it 8-4, a final, with White getting the win and Zambrano taking the loss.

Back in Ohio, the Cincinnati Reds host the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Bronson Arroyo are the veteran starters. Atlanta began in the fourth inning with a Dan Uggla solo home run. Cincinnati tied it in the sixth inning on a Jay Bruce fielder's choice allowing safe passage home for Zack Cozart. The Reds won 2-1 with a walkoff solo shot in the bottom of the ninth by Todd Frazier. This set up Aroldis Chapman for the win, while Cristhian Martinez was dealt the loss.

Down in Houston, the Astros host the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and Wandy Rodriguez are given the green light to start. Chicago opened early with a Reed Johnson solo home run. Houston gained the lead in the fourth inning as J.D. Martinez tripled, forcing in both Carlos Lee and Chris Johnson. The Astros added on in the eighth inning when Martinez singled home Lee, followed by Matt Downs drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Johnson, and Jose Altuve was hit by a pitch also with the bases loaded, which finished Martinez's trip. The final stood from here on at 5-1, with Rodriguez getting the win and Samardzija suffering the loss.

Speaking of Chicago, the White Sox host the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond and Chris Sale are the little-known starting pitchers. Chicago got going on a first inning Adam Dunn single, bringing in Alejandro De Aza. The White Sox added on in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Alex Rios, also scoring Paul Konerko. Chicago got another in the sixth inning as A.J. Pierzynski doubled to score Konerko, followed by Orlando Hudson grounding out to bring home Rios. The White Sox kept going in the seventh inning on a Konerko solo shot. This produced a 6-0 final, with Sale picking up the win and Diamond getting no help in the loss.

A bit south in St. Louis, the Cardinals host the San Diego Padres. Jeff Suppan and Lance Lynn are the young arms pitching. San Diego drew first blood in the first inning with a Will Venable solo home run, followed by Chase Headley singling in Yonder Alonso and Nick Hundley grounding into a fielder's choice to bring home Jesus Guzman. St. Louis shot back just as hard in the bottom of the first, as Skip Schumaker doubled in Rafael Furcal before scoring on a David Freese single, and Freese crossed the plate on a Matt Adams single. The Cardinals retook the lead in the fifth inning as Carlos Beltran lifted a two-run home run, sweeping in Matt Holliday. St. Louis got another in the seventh inning as Freese hit a solo shot. This made it 6-3, a final, with the win going to Lynn, the save converted by Jason Motte, and the loss stuck on Suppan.

Finally, we end the day in Arizona, where the Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ted Lilly and Joe Saunders will play from the mound. Arizona led off with the first inning with a Ryan Roberts solo home run, followed by Aaron Hill singling in Justin Upton. The Diamondbacks added on in the second inning with Willie Bloomquist tripling to force in Henry Blanco before coming home on a Roberts sacrifice fly. Arizona struck again in the third inning on a Gerardo Parra single knocking in Paul Goldschmidt. Los Angeles got on the board in the fourth inning with an A.J. Ellis solo shot. The Diamondbacks answered in their half of the inning on a 2-RBI Jason Kubel triple that knocked in Bloomquist and Roberts, before he came home on a Hill single. Arizona rolled on in the fifth inning as Roberts grounded out to get Saunders across the dish, followed by a two-run home run from Upton, sweeping in Bloomquist. The Dodgers chipped away in the seventh inning as Dee Gordon grounded out to push in Ellis, followed by James Loney singling in Ivan De Jesus and Elian Herrera grounding into a fielder's choice, allowing Adam Kennedy to dash home. This left the score at 11-4, a final, with Saunders getting the win and Lilly getting hit early and often in his short outing for a loss.

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Western Conference Final: 3) Phoenix Coyotes VS. 8) Los Angeles Kings

Welcome to the post for the Western Conference Final between the Phoenix Coyotes and the Los Angeles King. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles opened on an Anze Kopitar goal, his fourth of the postseason, fueled by Dustin Brown and Drew Doughty. Phoenix tied it as Derek Morris scored from center ice on his second of the playoffs, thanks to Daymond Langkow. The Kings got the lead back in the second period as Dwight King notched his second of the postseason, with the help of Mike Richards and Trevor Lewis. The Coyotes tied it again on a Mikkel Boedker goal, his fourth of the playoffs, coming off of Shane Doan and Morris. Los Angeles took the lead once more in the third period as Brown potted his seventh of the postseason, guided in by Slava Voynov and Justin Williams. The Kings iced it at 4-2 with King's second of the game and third of the playoffs going into an empty net after being passed from Lewis and Jarret Stoll. The three stars were awarded to Quick (25 for 27 in saves), Smith (44 for 47 in saves), and Brown, while Morris, King, and Lewis get honorable mentions. Los Angeles has a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles began with a Dwight King goal, his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Drew Doughty and Trevor Lewis. The Kings added on in the second period as Jeff Carter recorded his second of the playoffs, coming off of Dustin Penner and Mike Richards. Los Angeles padded the lead with Carter's second of the game and third of the postseason, a power play goal powered by Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams. Carter finished his hat trick in the third period with his fourth of the playoffs, a power play goal made possible by Dustin Brown and Kopitar. The final stuck at 4-0, with Carter, Quick (24 save shutout), and Kopitar. The Kings head home with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Mike Smith for Phoenix. Phoenix started with a second period Daymond Langkow goal, fueled by Keith Yandle and Derek Morris. Los Angeles tied it with the fifth of the postseason by Anze Kopitar, helped along by Dustin Brown and Justin Williams. The Kings took the lead in the third period on a Dwight King goal, his fifth of the playoffs, coming off of Trevor Lewis and Jarret Stoll. This produced a 2-1 final, with King, Kopitar, and Morris taking the three stars. Los Angeles has pushed Phoenix to the brink with a 3-0 series lead.

Game 4: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Mike Smith for Phoenix. Phoenix struck early with the fourth of the postseason by Shane Doan, a power play goal powered by Ray Whitney. Doan added on for the Coyotes in the second period, his second of the game and fifth of the playoffs, courtesy of Antoine Vermette. This was it for the scoring with a silent third period, with Phoenix winning 2-0. The three stars were given to Doan, Smith (36 save shutout), and Trevor Lewis, while either Whitney or Vermette could take the third slot. The Coyotes avoid elimination and now trail in the series 3-1.

Game 5: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Phoenix got things going with a Taylor Pyatt goal, his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Martin Hanzal and Radim Vrbata on the power play. Los Angeles tied it with a shorthanded Anze Kopitar goal, his sixth of the playoffs, passed from Drew Doughty and Dustin Brown. The Coyotes got the lead back in the second period on a Marc-Antoine Pouliot tally, set up by Rostislav Klesla and Kyle Chipchura. Drew Doughty retied it for the Kings with his second of the postseason, courtesy of Colin Fraser and Justin Williams. Los Angeles took the lead with a Mike Richards goal, his fourth of the playoffs, thanks to Dustin Penner and Jeff Carter. Phoenix got an equalizer when Keith Yandle scored, with a lone assist by Pyatt. The tie lasted until late in overtime, when Penner scored his third of the postseason, with the help of Carter and Slava Voynov for a 4-3 Kings win. The three stars were Penner, Doughty, and Richards, while Carter and Pyatt get the honorable mentions. After their 4-1 series win, Los Angeles goes to the Stanley Cup Finals.

MLB Day 51 2012

Full slate once again, beginning in...

Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and James McDonald are the underrated starters. New York began with a second inning Mike Nickeas single scoring Daniel Murphy. Pittsburgh tied it in the sixth inning on an Andrew McCutchen sacrifice fly, allowing safe passage home for Josh Harrison. The Mets got the lead back in the eighth inning as Lucas Duda singled Mike Baxter across the plate, and Murphy reached on a fielder's choice that combined with an error, scored Kirk Nieuwenhuis. The Pirates pulled back a little in the bottom of the eighth with a McCutchen single scoring Jose Tabata. They couldn't tie the game, falling 3-2, with the win belonging to Dickey, the save going to Frank Francisco, and Juan Cruz took the loss.

West into Cleveland, where the Indians host the Detroit Tigers. Rick Porcello and Ubaldo Jimenez get the starting nods. Cleveland was first on the board with a first inning Asdrubal Cabrera double knocking in Jason Kipnis. Detroit took the lead in the second inning on a three-run Alex Avila home run, sweeping in Brennan Boesch and Jhonny Peralta. The Indians got one back in the third inning when Travis Hafner singled in Shin-Soo Choo. Cleveland tied it in the fifth inning as Hafner hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Choo to come home. The Indians took the lead in the sixth inning on a Casey Kotchman single, driving in Michael Brantley, before coming home on a Jose Lopez double. This made it 5-3, a final, with Jimenez getting the win, Chris Perez getting out of a jam for a save, and Porcello was dealt the loss.

Back in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and Roy Halladay pace the game. Philadelphia opened the scoring in the second inning with a Hector Luna ground rule double scoring Hunter Pence. Washington rallied to a lead in the third inning as Bryce Harper tripled in both Zimmermann and Steve Lombardozzi before coming the final 90 feet on an Adam LaRoche sacrifice fly, followed by an Ian Desmond solo home run. The Nationals got another in the fourth inning with Rick Ankiel going yard for a solo shot. The Phillies got one back in the eighth inning as Erik Kratz hit a solo home run. This made it 5-2, a final, with the win going to Zimmermann, the save turned by Tyler Clippard, and the loss pinned on Halladay.

Down in New York, the Yankees welcome the Kansas City Royals. Luke Hochevar and Phil Hughes are the struggling pitchers. Kansas City struck first with Humberto Quintero doubling in Irving Falu in the third inning. The Royals added on with a fourth inning Jeff Francoeur solo home run. New York got on the board with a Robinson Cano solo shot in the bottom of the fourth. The Yankees got to work in the fifth inning as Derek Jeter singled in Mark Teixeira, followed by Curtis Granderson grounding out to bring in Russell Martin. They held on from here for a 3-2 win, earned by Hughes, while Rafael Soriano converted the save and Hochevar held the loss.

Near the Chesapeake, the Baltimore Orioles host the Boston Red Sox. Felix Doubront and Brian Matusz will take their turns in the rotation. Baltimore busted things open in the second inning with a two-run Steve Tolleson home run, also scoring Chris Davis. Boston got one back in the fourth inning on a Kevin Youkilis solo home run. The Orioles extended the lead with an eighth inning two-run home run by Wilson Betemit, sweeping in Matt Wieters. This held up for a 4-1 win, earned by Matusz, while Jim Johnson easily converted the save and Doubront had little help in the loss.

Down in Miami, the Marlins host the Colorado Rockies. Juan Nicasio and Ricky Nolasco are tabbed to start. Colorado rallied to an early lead in the first inning with a pair of singles by Todd Helton and Michael Cuddyer paving the way for Jonathan Herrera and Jordan Pacheco to come home, before a sacrifice fly from Willin Rosario got Troy Tulowitzki home safely. Miami got some back in their half of the first, with Bryan Petersen tripling to force in Jose Reyes before finishing his trip on a Hanley Ramirez single. The Marlins took the lead in the third inning as Giancarlo Stanton doubled home Austin Kearns before coming home alongside Donnie Murphy when the pitcher Nolasco hit a double. Miami got another one in the fourth inning as Chris Coghlan singled in Ramirez. The Rockies replied in the fifth inning as Tulowitzki singled home Carlos Gonzalez. The Marlins answered in the sixth inning as Ramirez singled to score Petersen. Colorado shot back in the seventh inning on a Rosario single to bring Helton home safely, followed by Cuddyer scoring on an error. Miami was able to hold on for a 7-6 win. Nolasco was in line for the win, Heath Bell turned the save, and Nicasio was stuck with the loss.

Staying in Florida, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Toronto Blue Jays. Drew Hutchison and Matt Moore are called on to pitch. Tampa Bay led off with a second inning Luke Scott solo home run. The Rays added on in the fourth inning when Drew Sutton doubled in Scott, and then scored on a fielder's choice from Chris Gimenez, followed by Carlos Pena lifting a three-run home run to score Gimenez and Elliot Johnson, as well as himself. Toronto got on the board in the fifth inning as Jose Bautista singled in both Rajai Davis and Kelly Johnson, before he came home alongside Yunel Escobar when Edwin Encarncaion reached on an error. Tampa Bay shot back in their half of the inning as Gimenez singled in Ben Zobrist. The Blue Jays chipped away in the sixth inning as Yan Gomes hit a solo shot. The Rays continued the ping-pong game as B.J. Upton went yard on a solo home run. They ended up on top by an 8-5 score, allowing the win to go to Burke Badenhop, the save to Fernando Rodney, and the loss to Hutchison.

Up to Cincinnati as the Reds welcome the Atlanta Braves. Brandon Beachy and Mat Latos are the talented young pitchers. Atlanta got things going in the first inning with a Michael Bourn solo home run. Cincinnati responded in their half of the inning as Brandon Phillips hit a two-run home run, also scoring Drew Stubbs. The Reds added on in the third inning with a Zack Cozart solo shot. The Braves replied with a fourth inning Jason Heyward double, driving in Dan Uggla. Cincinnati shot back in the bottom of the fourth when Phillips went yard again, this time as a solo home run. Atlanta got one back in the eighth inning with another Bourn solo shot. This wouldn't be enough to avoid a 4-3 loss, leaving the win with Latos, while Aroldis Chapman converted the save, and Beachy had the loss.

Down in Houston, the Astros host the Chicago Cubs. Travis Wood and J.A. Happ are the relatively unknown starters. Houston began with a first inning Jose Altuve solo home run. Chicago tied it in the fourth inning with an Alfonso Soriano solo shot. The Astros got the lead again in the sixth inning when J.D. Martinez singled to score Justin Maxwell. Houston held on to win 2-1, with the win earned by Happ, while Brett Myers converted the save, and Wood took the loss.

North to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Minnesota Twins. P.J. Walters is mismatched with Gavin Floyd. Chicago started with a first inning Gordon Beckham solo home run. Minnesota rallied to a lead in the second inning as Alexi Casilla doubled to score both Justin Morneau and Ryan Doumit before coming home on a Jamey Carroll single, and Carroll crossed the plate on a Denard Span single. The Twins extended the lead in the fourth inning with a 2-RBI single by Josh Willingham, knocking in Span and Carroll, followed by a three-run home run from Morneau, sweeping in Joe Mauer and Willingham. The White Sox got one back in the ninth inning as Paul Konerko grounded out, giving time for Orlando Hudson to score, producing a 9-2 final, with Walters going the distance for the win while Floyd was stuck with the loss.

Further to the north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the San Francisco Giants. Matt Cain and Shaun Marcum pace the game. San Francisco opened with a first inning Buster Posey ground rule double scoring Brandon Crawford and an Angel Pagan sacrifice fly bringing home Melky Cabrera. The Giants padded the lead in the fourth inning as Joaquin Arias hit a two-run home run, also scoring Aubrey Huff. Milwaukee got on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning as Rickie Weeks doubled in both Aramis Ramirez and Jonathan Lucroy. San Francisco added on in the sixth inning with a two-run home run by Posey, sweeping in Cabrera. The Brewers got one back in the seventh inning as Norichika Aoki doubled George Kotteras home, before he finished his trip on a Ryan Braun single. They couldn't pull closer, losing 6-4 at the hands of Cain, while Santiago Casilla converted the save and Marcum was dealt the loss.

Back to the south, the St. Louis Cardinals host the San Diego Padres. Edinson Volquez and Adam Wainwright are the staff aces pitching. St. Louis wasted little time in scoring first in the first inning as Carlos Beltran singled Daniel Descalso across the plate. The Cardinals got another in the sixth inning as Beltran reached on a fielder's choice, again bringing in Descalso, followed by Tyler Greene grounding into a fielder's choice to score Matt Holliday. St. Louis struck again in the seventh inning as Holliday doubled in Rafael Furcal. This held up for a 4-0 win, with Wainwright tossing a complete game shutout while only giving up 4 hits and a walk, while Volquez had almost no support whatsoever in the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, where the Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Trevor Cahill have the green light to start. Josh Bell got Arizona going with a two-run home run in the second inning, also scoring Lyle Overbay. The Diamondbacks added on in the third inning with a Justin Upton single providing Ryan Roberts time to dash home. Arizona struck again in the fifth inning on an Upton double driving in Willie Bloomquist and a Jason Kubel sacrifice fly allowing Upton to cross the plate. Los Angeles got on the board in the sixth inning with an Andre Ethier sacrifice fly, scoring Tony Gwynn, Jr. The Diamondbacks shot back in the bottom of the sixth as Henry Blanco doubled Overbay across the plate. The Dodgers shot back in the seventh inning as Jerry Sands doubled A.J. Ellis home safely, before coming home alongside Dee Gordon on a Gwynn single, and Gwynn finished his trip on a Bobby Abreu single, before the rally closed on an Ivan De Jesus sacrifice fly to bring home the tying run Elian Herrera. Arizona got the lead again in the eighth inning with Overbay hitting a solo shot. Los Angeles won in the ninth inning as De Jesus doubled in Herrera and Abreu for an 8-7 lead and win. Josh Lindblom picked up the win, Kenley Jansen converted the save, and J.J. Putz choked once again for a blown save and loss.

Northwest to Oakland, as the Athletics bring in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson and Graham Godfrey take to the pitching duties. Los Angeles rallied for a first inning lead beginning with an Albert Pujols sacrifice fly to knock in Mike Trout, followed by Mark Trumbo singling in Maicer Izturis and Howie Kendrick singling to score Kendrys Morales. The Angels extended the lead in the third inning as Pujols hit a solo home run. Los Angeles struck again in the seventh inning when Erick Aybar was hit by a pitch with the bases-loaded to force in Morales. This made it 5-0, a final, with Wilson allowing just a hit and two walks in eight innings for the win, while Godfrey obviously had no help in the loss.

Finally, in Seattle, the Mariners host the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Hector Noesi play from the mound. Seattle began with a first inning Justin Smoak single, scoring Alex Liddi. Texas rallied to a lead in the third inning when Elvis Andrus tripled to force in both Nelson Cruz and Mitch Moreland, before coming the final 90 feet on a Josh Hamilton ground rule double. This was all for the scoring, giving the Rangers a 3-1 win, earned by Matt Harrison, while Joe Nathan picked up his tenth save of the season, and Noesi was stuck holding the loss.

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