MLB Day 100 2012

Today marks the 100th day of games in the season, although there have been a few non-game days in the mix as well. To celebrate, we begin in...

New York, as the Yankees host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jerome Williams and Freddy Garcia are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Los Angeles wasted no time in getting on the board in the first inning with a 2-RBI Alberto Callaspo single, scoring both Mike Trout and Erick Aybar. New York tied it in their half of the inning with a Robinson Cano two-run home run, also scoring Derek Jeter. The Yankees took the lead in the third inning on a two-run Curtis Granderson home run, sweeping in Chris Stewart. The Angels pulled back in the fourth inning with Bobby Wilson grounding out to bring home Howie Kendrick. New York added on in the sixth inning as Cano singled Alex Rodriguez home. This was good for a 5-3 win, picked up by Garcia, while Rafael Soriano converted the save, and Williams was stuck with the loss.

Over in Chicago, the Cubs host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joe Saunders and Ryan Dempster pick up the starts. Chicago got going in the third inning with a Starlin Castro fielder's choice, allowing Luis Valbuena to score. The Cubs added on in the fourth inning as Darwin Barney doubled to drive in Alfonso Soriano, followed by Valbuena singling to finish Barney's trip around. Chicago got another in the sixth inning when Barney grounded into a double play, giving Jeff Baker time to get home. Arizona got on the board in the seventh inning with a Chris Young solo home run. This was all they got, falling 4-1. Dempster got the win, Carlos Marmol tossed the save, and Saunders held the loss.

North to Toronto, as the Blue Jays welcome the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and Aaron Laffey are the uninspiring starters. Toronto opened early in the first inning on an Adam Lind double to score both Colby Rasmus and Jose Bautista. Cleveland got on the board in the second inning as Shelley Duncan was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in Jose Lopez, and they tied it on a Casey Kotchman double play the gave Carlos Santana time to score. The Blue Jays got the lead again in the third inning with two-run home runs from Edwin Encarnacion, also scoring Bautista, and Yunel Escobar, bringing in Lind, followed by J.P. Arencibia doubling to plate Kelly Johnson before scoring on a double by Brett Lawrie, and the eight-run rally ended on a 2-RBI Lind single to bring home Lawrie and Bautista. The Indians got some back in the fourth inning as Duncan hit a two-run home run, allowing Michael Brantley to get home. Toronto fired back in the fifth inning as Encarnacion lifted a solo home run. Cleveland pulled closer in the eighth inning on a pair of two-run home runs, as Brantley went yard and took Santana with him before Kotchman did the same for Duncan, followed by Travis Hafner singling in Asdrubal Cabrera. They couldn't salvage a tie, losing 11-9, with Laffey taking a rough win, Casey Janssen throwing the save, and Jimenez getting shelled in the loss.

Back in the states, the Baltimore Orioles host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Wei-Yin Chen are handed the ball. Detroit led off in the first inning with a Prince Fielder double to plate Austin Jackson. Baltimore tied it in their half of the inning on a Jim Thome double to knock in Nick Markakis. The Orioles took the lead in the second inning on a two-run home run from Robert Andino, also scoring Chris Davis. Baltimore extended the lead in the third inning as Davis grounded into a fielder's choice that saw Adam Jones score. Detroit rallied to tie the game in the ninth inning as Jhonny Peralta singled in Miguel Cabrera, followed by Brennan Boesch doubling to plate Delmon Young and Quintin Berry singling in Danny Worth as the tying run. The Tigers took a lead in the eleventh inning as Alex Avila singled, plating Young. The Orioles retied it in the bottom of the eleventh with a Jones single to drive home Markakis. Detroit got the lead again in the thirteenth inning on a Berry single to bring home Worth. Baltimore tied it again in their half of the inning on a J.J. Hardy solo home run before winning on a two-run home run by Taylor Teagarden, sweeping in Jones for the 8-6 win. Kevin Gregg was in line for the win while Joaquin Benoit was on the hook for the loss.

Out west, the Cincinnati Reds host the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse and Mike Leake are the underrated pitchers. Cincinnati finally got things going in the fifth inning on a Jay Bruce double to score Brandon Phillips. The Reds added on in the sixth inning as Zack Cozart's sacrifice fly allowed Scott Rolen to get home. St. Louis tied it in the seventh inning with a Yadier Molina solo home run followed by a Rafael Furcal bunt single to bring in David Freese. Cincinnati won it with a walkoff tenth inning solo shot by Ryan Ludwick for a 3-2 final. Sam LeCure was given the win while Victor Marte was stuck with the loss.

South to Atlanta, as the Braves host the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and Tommy Hanson are the staff aces pitching. New York began with a second inning Josh Thole double to drive in Ike Davis. Atlanta took the lead in the bottom of the second with a 2-RBI Eric Hinske double, scoring both Freddie Freeman and Brian McCann, followed by Michael Bourn singling to finish Dan Uggla's trip around. The Mets got one back in the fourth inning as Davis hit a solo home run, followed by Andres Torres singling in Daniel Murphy. The Braves took the lead again in the fifth inning on a 2-RBI double from Freeman, plating both Martin Prado and Jason Heyward. New York went to work in the sixth inning with Justin Turner singling in Thole, followed by Ruben Tejada doing the same for Torres, and Jordany Valdespin following suit to finish Turner's trip. The Mets got another in the eighth inning on a Tejada single to bring in Torres. Atlanta fired back in the bottom of the eighth, pulling closer as Bourn singled to get McCann home, tying it with a Prado single to drive in Uggla, and gaining the lead as Bourn scored on a Heyward single. This 8-7 lead held up, giving the win to Anthony Varvaro, while Craig Kimbrel turned the save and Bobby Parnell was handed the loss.

Up into Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and Marco Estrada are the average starters. Milwaukee started in the second inning on a Corey Hart triple to force in Aramis Ramirez and a Rickie Weeks groundout to finish Hart's trip around. Pittsburgh tied it in the third inning on a two-run Andrew McCutchen home run, also scoring Neil Walker. The Brewers took the lead again in the bottom of the third as Ramirez reached on an error, allowing Norichika Aoki to score before Hart hit a sacrifice fly giving Ryan Braun time to dash home. The Pirates pulled back in the sixth inning with a Casey McGehee single to bring in Walker. Pittsburgh took the lead in the seventh inning when Josh Harrison reached on an error providing safe passage home for Clint Barmes and McCutchen walked on a passed ball that finished Harrison's trip. The Pirates extended the lead in the eighth inning on a McGehee solo home run. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 6-4, with Correia picking up the win, Joel Hanrahan getting the save, and Kameron Loe was responsible for the loss.

Back to the south, as the Miami Marlins host the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Mark Buehrle are the reliable pitchers. Miami led off with a fourth inning Carlos Lee single to drive in Jose Reyes. Washington tied it in the fifth inning on a Jesus Flores single to plate Ian Desmond. The Marlins took the lead back in the bottom of the fifth as John Buck singled, allowing Emilio Bonifacio to come home. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 2-1, with Buehrle picking up the win, Steve Cishek notching the save, and Gonzalez suffering a hard-luck loss.

Northwest to Kansas City, as the Royals host the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy and Luke Hochevar have the pitching responsibilities. Chicago got going in the third inning as Alejandro De Aza doubled in Gordon Beckham. Kansas City took the lead in their half of the inning when Alex Gordon singled to score Jarrod Dyson before coming home on a two-run home run by Alcides Escobar. The White Sox answered in the sixth inning as Adam Dunn hit a solo home run, followed by Dayan Viciedo tripling to force in Paul Konerko. The Royals took the lead back in the seventh inning on an Escobar solo shot. Kansas City extended the lead in the eighth inning when Jeff Francoeur singled, knocking in Jason Bourgeois, followed by a Lorenzo Cain sacrifice fly that got Mike Moustakas across the dish. This was good for a 6-3 win, given to Greg Holland, while Jonathan Broxton turned the save, and Peavy was dealt the loss.

Back north, the Minnesota Twins host the Oakland Athletics. Tommy Milone and Cole De Vries are the unknown pitchers. Oakland quickly got a first inning lead as Yoenis Cespedes doubled in Josh Reddick and then scored alongside Brandon Moss on a three-run home run from Chris Carter. The Athletics added on in the third inning with a two-run Cespedes home run, also scoring Reddick. Minnesota got on the board in the bottom of the third as Brian Dozier hit a solo home run. Oakland replied in the fifth inning on a Seth Smith solo shot. The Athletics got another in the sixth inning as Moss hit a solo home run. The Twins got one back in their half of the inning on a Justin Morneau single to drive in Joe Mauer. Minnesota got another in the eighth inning on a Josh Willingham solo shot. Oakland re-extended the lead with a ninth inning Smith triple to force in Kurt Suzuki. This was it for a 9-3 final, with Milone getting the win and De Vries taking the loss.

South again to Tampa Bay, where the Rays host the Boston Red Sox. Clay Buchholz and David Price take the mound. Tampa Bay opened in the third inning on a Sean Rodriguez sacrifice fly to drive in Desmond Jennings. Boston took the lead in the fourth inning on a two-run Will Middlebrooks home run, sweeping in David Ortiz. The Rays retied in the fifth inning when Jose Molina reached on an error, allowing Jeff Keppinger to dash home. The Red Sox took the lead back in the sixth inning when Cody Ross scored on an error by Price. Tampa Bay pulled back in the seventh inning when Jose Lobaton drew a bases loaded walk to force in Luke Scott before Elliot Johnson hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly to plate Keppinger. The Rays extended the lead in the eighth inning on a B.J. Upton solo home run, for a 5-3 lead. This was a final, with Price nothing the win, Fernando Rodney turning the save, and Buchholz on the hook for the loss.

Out in Colorado, the Rockies host the Philadelphia Phillies. Vance Worley and Jeremy Guthrie will be pitching. Philadelphia started in the first inning on a Chase Utley single to knock in Shane Victorino and a Carlos Ruiz three-run home run, sweeping in Utley and Ryan Howard. Colorado got on the board in the third inning with a Dexter Fowler single to bring in Josh Rutledge and a Carlos Gonzalez double to finish Fowler's trip around. The Phillies extended their lead in the sixth inning as the pitcher Worley doubled home both Juan Pierre and Mike Fontenot. The Rockies took some back in the eighth inning on a three-run home run by Willin Rosario, also scoring Tyler Colvin and Jordan Pacheco. Philadelphia extended the lead with a ninth inning Victorino triple to force in Rollins, before he came the final 90 feet on an Utley single. This made the final 8-5, with Worley getting the win, Jonathan Papelbon turning the save, and Guthrie was hit hard in the loss.

Into California, where the San Francisco Giants host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Tim Lincecum take their turns in the rotation. San Francisco finally got things going in the fifth inning on a Melky Cabrera single to knock in Lincecum. The Giants added on in the sixth inning with a Hector Sanchez double to drive in Angel Pagan. Houston rallied in the ninth inning, as Justin Maxwell doubled in Scott Moore before scoring on a combined wild pitch and error to tie the game. San Francisco salvaged a 3-2 win in the twelfth inning as Sanchez made up for his error by singling to plate Sandoval. Jeremy Affeldt was in line for the win while Brett Myers was on the hook for the loss.

Down into Los Angeles, where the Dodgers host the San Diego Padres. Edinson Volquez and Aaron Harang are on the hill. San Diego opened with a first inning Carlos Quentin fielder's choice that got Logan Forsythe home. Los Angeles tied it in the bottom of the first on a Andre Ethier single to drive in Mark Ellis. The Dodgers took the lead in the third inning on a Ethier single plating Bobby Abreu, followed by a bases-loaded walk drawn by Juan Rivera to force in Ellis. The Padres got one back in the fourth inning on a Quentin solo home run. Los Angeles answered with a fifth inning Adam Kennedy double to knock in Rivera. San Diego fired back in the sixth inning on a two-run Chase Headley home run to tie the game as Forsythe also scored. The Dodgers took the lead back in the bottom of the sixth as Ethier went yard on a two-run home run and took Matt Kemp with him. The Padres took one back in the eighth inning when Quentin singled home Alexi Amarista. The Padres took the lead in the ninth inning as Everth Cabrera stole home and Will Venable scored on the same play via error. Alex Hinshaw was given the win in the 7-6 game, while Huston Street notched the win, and Kenley Jansen's brain fart gave him the loss.

Finally, up in Seattle, where the Mariners host the Texas Rangers. Yu Darvish and Felix Hernandez pace the game. Seattle was first on the board with a first inning rally, including John Jaso drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Dustin Ackley, Michael Saunders reaching on an error to get Ichiro home, and Kyle Seager singling home both Casper Wells and Jaso. The Mariners added on in the fourth inning as Ackley doubled Seager home. Seattle got another in the fifth inning when Jaso hit a solo home run. The Mariners struck again in the seventh inning as Saunders doubled to plate Wells. This was all they needed for a 7-0 win, with Hernandez going the distance for a complete game shutout, allowing just three hits while striking out twelve, and Darvish obviously had no run support.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion. 

MLB Day 99 2012

After four days off revolving around the All-Star Game, we get back to the grind on a fine Friday. The first game is a matinee at...

Wrigley Field, where the Chicago Cubs host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Paul Maholm are set to open the second half. After a lengthy rain delay, Arizona quickly found the scoreboard in the first inning when Justin Upton grounded into a double play to get Willie Bloomquist home. Chicago tied it in the second inning when Alfonso Soriano scored on a wild pitch. The Cubs took the lead in the fourth inning with a Soriano solo home run. Chicago padded the lead in the fifth inning as Soriano hit a three-run home run, sweeping in David DeJesus and Anthony Rizzo. The Cubs added on in the sixth inning as Maholm reached on a fielder's choice that allowed Geovany Soto to dash home. Chicago extended the lead in the seventh inning with a Soriano ground rule double to force in Starlin Castro and Bryan LaHair reached on an error to get Rizzo in. This made it 8-1, a final, with Maholm taking the win and Kennedy getting crushed in the loss.

Back east, the New York Yankees host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson and Hiroki Kuroda receive the starting nods. Los Angeles began in the third inning when Erick Aybar hit a solo home run. New York answered in the bottom of the third as Mark Teixeira hit a two-run home run, also scoring Derek Jeter. The Angels fired back in the seventh inning on a three-run Mark Trumbo home run, sweeping in Albert Pujols and Kendrys Morales. Los Angeles added on in the eighth inning when Pujols hit a ground rule double to force in Mike Trout. The Yankees replied in the bottom of the eighth with a three-run homer by Teixeira, plating Jeter and Curtis Granderson, followed by a Russell Martin single bringing in Dewayne Wise. This gave them a 6-5 lead that they held onto, which set up Chad Qualls for the win, Rafael Soriano closed for the save, and Scott downs was on the hook for the loss.

Into Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Detroit Tigers. Doug Fister pitches against Jason Hammel. Detroit began with a 2-RBI Brennan Boesch single to drive in Austin Jackson and Miguel Cabrera in the first inning. Baltimore got one back in the third inning as Nick Markakis hit a ground rule double to force in Wilson Betemit. The Tigers answered in the fourth inning as Ryan Raburn doubled in Alex Avila. Detroit extended the lead in the fifth inning with a solo home run by Cabrera, followed by a three-run homer from Jhonny Peralta, sweeping in Delmon Young and Boesch. The Orioles tried a ninth inning rally when Matt Wieters doubled to score Adam Jones, but this only made it 7-2, a final. Fister picked up the win while Hammel was dealt the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays welcome the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Ricky Romero are the well-known starters. Cleveland started with a second inning Travis Hafner solo home run. This was all the scoring here, with the final sitting at 1-0. Masterson pitched extremely well for a win, while Chris Perez notched his twenty-fifth save of the season, and Romero took a hard luck loss.

Back stateside, the Cincinnati Reds host the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and Mat Latos are the staff aces pitching. St. Louis got going in the second inning as Skip Schumaker singled home Yadier Molina. The Cardinals added on in the third inning with a Matt Holliday fielder's choice allowing Rafael Furcal to get home. Cincinnati got on the board in the fifth inning with a Todd Frazier solo home run. The Reds added on in the seventh inning, as Ryan Hanigan singled in Brandon Phillips, and also Jay Bruce when an error occurred, followed by Zack Cozart hitting a sacrifice fly to provide time for Frazier to dash home. St. Louis got one back in the eighth inning as Shane Robinson singled to drive in Allen Craig. Cincinnati took it back in their half of the inning on a Ryan Ludwick triple to force in Phillips. This made it 5-3, a final, where Alfredo Simon was in line for the win, Aroldis Chapman turned the save, and Wainwright was on the hook for the loss.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Boston Red Sox. Franklin Morales and Jeremy Hellickson are slated to start. Boston led off with a David Ortiz solo home run in the first inning. The Red Sox added on in the second inning with a 2-RBI Pedro Ciriaco single to plate both Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Ryan Sweeney. Tampa Bay got on the board with a sixth inning Sean Rodriguez double to knock in Ben Zobrist. They got no closer, falling 3-1, with Morales earning the win, Alfredo Aceves tossing his twentieth save of the season, and Hellickson suffered the loss.

Still in Florida, the Miami Marlins host the Washington Nationals. Jordan Zimmermann and Josh Johnson take the mound. Washington opened in the second inning on an Ian Desmond single to knock in Adam LaRoche. The Nationals padded the lead in the third inning as Ryan Zimmerman hit a two-run home run, also scoring Bryce Harper. Washington struck again in the sixth inning with a 2-RBI Jesus Flores single, driving in LaRoche and Desmond. Miami found the scoreboard in the seventh inning as John Buck singled to plate Justin Ruggiano. This only made it 5-1, which was final, with Zimmermann picking up the win and Johnson was stuck holding the loss.

Up a little to Atlanta, where the Braves host the New York Mets. Chris Young and Tim Hudson are given the green light to pitch. Atlanta opened in the first inning with a Jason Heyward single to knock in Michael Bourn, followed by a bases-loaded walk drawn by David Ross to force Heyward in. The Braves added on in the third inning with a three-run Ross home run, sweeping in Chipper Jones and Freddie Freeman. New York got going in the fourth inning as Scott Hairston doubled home David Wright before scoring alongside Lucas Duda on a Kirk Nieuwenhuis single, followed by Ruben Tejada singling Nieuwenhuis the rest of the way home. Atlanta responded in the sixth inning as Jones hit a solo home run, followed by Dan Uggla singling to knock in Freeman. The Mets got some back in the eighth inning when Andres Torres singled to get Ronny Cedeno home. This wasn't good enough, and they lost 7-5, with Cristhian Martinez picking up the win, Craig Kimbrel notching the save, and Young taking the loss.

Northwest to Milwaukee, where the Brewers host the Pittsburgh Pirates. James McDonald and Zack Greinke take the hill. Milwaukee quickly established a lead in the first inning with a Ryan Braun solo home run followed by a Rickie Weeks double to knock in both Aramis Ramirez and Corey Hart. Pittsburgh got on the board in the third inning when Garrett Jones reached on an error, allowing the pitcher McDonald to come home. The Pirates pulled closer in the fourth inning when Drew Sutton doubled in Rod Barajas before taking the lead on a three-run home from Neil Walker, also scoring Clint Barmes and Sutton. The Brewers answered in the fourth inning on a Braun single to bring in Martin Maldonado. Pittsburgh shot back in the fifth inning on a solo shot from Pedro Alvarez. Milwaukee fired back in their half of the inning on a Travis Ishikawa single to get Weeks safely home. The Brewers tied it in the sixth inning on another solo home run by Braun. Milwaukee took the lead in the eighth inning on a grand slam from Cody Ransom to sweep in all of Braun, Ramirez, and Weeks. The Pirates tried a ninth inning rally on an Andrew McCutchen solo shot, but it wasn't good enough and they lost 10-7. Francisco Rodriguez was in line for the win while Tony Watson was handed the loss.

Down in Kansas City, the Royals host the Chicago White Sox. Jose Quintana and Bruce Chen are tabbed to pitch. Chicago led off in the first inning with a two-run home run by Adam Dunn, also scoring Kevin Youkilis, followed by a solo home run from Alex Rios. Kansas City replied in the second inning, with Mike Moustakas hitting a solo shot, followed by Lorenzo Cain singling home Salvador Perez and then coming home himself on an Alex Gordon single. The Royals took the lead in the fourth inning as Jeff Francoeur hitting a solo home run and Alcides Escobar reaching on a bunt single to knock in Cain. The White Sox retook the lead in the fifth inning on a three-run home run by Dayan Vicieco, sweeping in Dunn and A.J. Pierzynski. Kansas City stormed back ahead in the eighth inning as Escobar tripled to force in both Cain and Gordon. Chicago tied it in the ninth inning with a Pierzynski single that allowed Youkilis to come home. The White Sox took the lead in the twelfth inning as Gordon Beckham doubled to plate Jordan Danks. The Royals tied it in the bottom of the twelfth on a Gordon groundout to get Francoeur in safely. Chicago took another lead in the fourteenth inning as Youkilis hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Beckham to cross the dish. This stood up for a 9-8 win. Dylan Axelrod was in line for the win while Everett Teaford was given the loss.

Back north, the Minnesota Twins host the Oakland Athletics. A.J. Griffin and Francisco Liriano have the manager's approval to start. Minnesota was first to score in the second inning on a Josh Willingham solo home run. Oakland took the lead in the fourth inning with a Jonny Gomes grand slam, sweeping in Jemile Weeks, Yoenis Cespedes, and Chris Carter. The Twins shot back in the bottom of the fourth as Willingham hit another home run, a two-run blast that also scored Joe Mauer. The Athletics padded the lead in the ninth inning with Gomes singling in Cespedes and Brandon Inge doing the same for Carter, making it 6-3 in the end. Griffin got the win, Ryan Cook picked up the save, and Liriano was stuck with the loss despite striking out fifteen batters.

Southwest to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee and Christian Friedrich were sent out to pitch. Colorado drew first blood in the second inning with a Josh Rutledge double to score Michael Cuddyer. Philadelphia answered in the third inning as Jimmy Rollins doubled in John Mayberry. The Rockies fired back in the sixth inning as Rutledge hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Tyler Colvin and Eric Young singled to knock in Jordan Pacheco. Colorado padded the lead in the seventh inning when Ramon Hernandez singled home Carlos Gonzalez, followed by Cuddyer tripling to force in Hernandez and then scoring on an error by Carlos Ruiz. The Phillies got one back in the eighth inning as Chase Utley hit a sacrifice fly that got Rollins home. This made the eventual final 6-2, setting Friedrich up for a win while Lee was given the loss.

Up in Seattle, the Mariners host the Texas Rangers. Derek Holland and Kevin Millwood are the underrated pitchers. Texas started in the fifth inning as Ian Kinsler singled home Michael Young. The Rangers added on in the sixth inning as Adrian Beltre hit a two-run home run, also scoring Josh Hamilton. Seattle tried a ninth inning rally as Michael Saunders reached on an error to get Kyle Seager home, followed by Justin Smoak scoring on a passed ball, but they couldn't tie the game, falling 3-2. Holland was given the win, Joe Nathan turned an ugly save, and Millwood was not freed from the loss.

South to Los Angeles, where the Dodgers welcome the San Diego Padres. Claytons Richard and Kershaw pace the game. San Diego began with a second inning Everth Cabrera groundout to bring in Yasmani Grandal. Los Angeles replied in the sixth inning as Mark Ellis hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jerry Hairston, Jr. This was all the Dodgers needed for a 2-1 win. Kershaw got the win, Kenley Jansen closed for the save, and Richard was dealt the loss.

Finally, we end in San Francisco, where the Giants host the Houston Astros. Wandy Rodriguez and Madison Bumgarner are the staff aces pitching. San Francisco led off in the first inning with a two-run Buster Posey home run, also scoring Ryan Theriot. The Giants added on in the second inning as Joaquin Arias singled to score Angel Pagan, followed by Justin Christian grounding out to bring in Brandon Belt. Houston got on the board in the seventh inning with a solo home run by Chris Snyder. San Francisco replied in the eighth inning on a Pagan sacrifice fly to drive in Pablo Sandoval. This made the final 5-1, with Bumgarner getting a dominant win, Santiago Casilla mopping up a mess for a save, and Rodriguez having little help in the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion again. Everything's back to normal.

The 2012 MLB All-Star Game

Hello everyone, and welcome to the All-Star Game, from Kauffman stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Changing the format for the recap tonight only, to allow detailed reports of all that goes on as baseball's best join together on one field. Here's how it goes down.

In the first inning, American League starting pitcher Justin Verlander took the mound. He struck out leadoff hitter Carlos Gonzalez, but allowed a single to Melky Cabrera. Ryan Braun doubled Cabrera home to open the scoring. Verlander settled down, striking out Joey Votto next, but walks to Carlos Beltran and Buster Posey loaded the bases. Braun, Beltran, and Posey all scored when Pablo Sandoval tripled (no small feat even if it is in an exhibition level game). Sandoval then scored on a single by Dan Uggla. Verlander induced Rafael Furcal to ground into a fielder's choice to end the inning, handing the ball over to his National League counterpart, Matt Cain. Cain let leadoff hitter Derek Jeter aboard with a single, but his teammate Robinson Cano fouled out (much to the pleasure of the hometown crowd). The third batter, Josh Hamilton, followed with a flyout, and then finished the inning by striking out Jose Bautista. The National League led 5-0 at this point.

After the ugly first inning, Joe Nathan was called on to relieve a tired Verlander for the second inning on the American League side. He got Gonzalez to groundout for the first out, following up with Cabrera doing the same thing for the second out, and finished the 1-2-3 inning by having Braun flyout, minimizing the damage of the previous inning. The National League trotted Cain back out on the hill for the bottom of the second. He continued his success by getting Prince Fielder to flyout, Adrian Beltre popped up, and David Ortiz also flew out to end the inning, with the score remaining at 5-0.

The American League continued their pitcher shuffle, sending David Price to pitch in the third inning. Price made quick work of Votto, getting him to groundout, as well as Beltran, who flew out, and Posey got the last out of the inning by fouling out. The National League changed pitchers for the third inning, putting Gio Gonzalez on the mound. He quickly struck out Mike Napoli, and got Curtis Granderson to fly out, before finishing the inning with a Jeter grounder good for the third out. The strong performance kept the score at 5-0.

The American League switched to Matt Harrison for the fourth inning, and he got both Sandoval and Uggla to fly out, but gave up a triple to the last batter in the order, Furcal. Gonzalez was the first batter pulled, in favor of Matt Holliday, who singled in his teammate Furcal before scoring on a Cabrera two-run home run. Braun put Harrison back in trouble by tripling, but he got out of it by inducing Votto into a groundout. The National League chose to throw Stephen Strasburg out for the fourth inning, as well as pulling Sandoval for David Wright at third base. Strasburg allowed Cano a single, but was freed from the miscue when Hamilton hit into a double play. Bautista was then walked, but a Fielder flyout ended the inning with the National League up 8-0.

Jered Weaver was next for the American League for pitching in the fifth inning, and he walked his first batter, Bryce Harper, a pinch-hitter for Beltran. Weaver got Posey to fly out next, but Harper moved to second base on the play. Harper got no further, as Wright hit into a fielder's choice that saw Harper out at third base. Uggla's flyout ended the inning. The National League switched to Clayton Kershaw at pitcher, as well as putting Andrew McCutchen in center field for Cabrera, Jay Bruce in right field for Beltran, Harper in left field to relieve Braun, Jose Altuve at second base in favor of Uggla, and David Freese at first base over Votto. Kershaw got the first out by having Beltre ground out, but Ortiz singled to get on base. Napoli made things tricky for Kershaw by singling too, while Granderson got both runners in scoring position by grounding out. Asdrubal Cabrera was called on to hit for Jeter, who was walked to load the bases, leaving Ian Kinsler in the position of power, but he flew out to end the inning. The score remained at 8-0 over halfway through the game.

Looking for answers, or at least a hindrance to the opponents, the American League fielded Chris Sale at pitcher in the sixth inning, as well as swapping Cabrera in at shortstop over Jeter, Kinsler at second base instead of Cano, Mike Trout over Hamilton in left field, Mark Trumbo over Bautista in right field, Paul Konerko replaced Fielder at first base, Miguel Cabrera took over at third base for Beltre, Matt Wieters catching instead of Napoli, and Adam Jones taking over center field for Granderson. Furcal was first up, but he was retired by a groundout, followed by Chipper Jones replacing Holliday at designated hitter for the National League, and he got a single in his first visit to this particular park. McCutchen followed this was a single of his own, but Bruce flied out for the second out, and Freese struck out to end the inning. The National League turned the ball over to R.A. Dickey, and this meant that Carlos Ruiz took his turn behind the plate, relieving Posey. Dickey's appearance started rough, as Trout singled aboard and stole second base, trying to spark some offense into his team. Trumbo was next up, and he struck out. Dickey then plunked Konerko, but got off the hook when Cabrera hit into a double play to end the inning, keeping the score at 8-0. 

For the seventh inning, it was Ryan Cook pitching for the American League. He struck out his first batter, Harper, before getting Ruiz to fly out and Wright also struck out for a quick inning of work. The National League called on Cole Hamels to relieve Dickey, and Bryan LaHair took over first base for Freese. Hometown hero Billy Butler took the first at-bat in the bottom of the seventh, but he grounded out. Wieters was next, but he flew out, and his teammate Jones grounded out to finish another inning.

The eighth inning saw the American League put Jim Johnson atop the mound to pitch, and Joe Mauer took over for Konerko at first base. Johnson put Altuve away with a groundout and pinch hitter Starlin Castro (in for Furcal) was taken out on a flyout. Michael Bourn was called on to replace Chipper Jones, but he struck out and ended the inning. The pinch hitters took over their respective positions, and Craig Kimbrel did something rare for him, as in pitching the eighth inning for the National League. He struck out Asdrubal Cabrera first, and did the same to Kinsler, but wasn't given the chance to go after Trout, as that was Aroldis Chapman's honor. He didn't take it, walking the young phenom, and he moved to second on fielder's indifference, but Chapman settled down to strike out Trumbo.

Looks line the ninth inning will be the final inning, and Fernando Rodney is given the ball for the American League, while Elvis Andrus makes an appearance at third base for his team. McCutchen was first up, but he grounded out, as did the next two batters, Bruce and LaHair. The National League looked to close up the game with Wade Miley on the hill for the bottom of the ninth. This started off a bit rough, as Mauer singled, but was out at second when Andrus reached on a fielder's choice. Joel Hanrahan replaced the ineffective Miley, but fielder's indifference put Andrus in scoring position, and he moved to third on a wild pitch. Hanrahan calmed down by striking out Butler, but wasn't allowed to go for the last out, as that was Jonathan Papelbon's honor. He took care of things by getting Wieters to fly out, ending the game at 8-0 for the National League. Whichever National League team plays in the World Series can thank these stars for the home field advantage.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip, and come back here on Friday when regular baseball resumes.

Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 14 2012

As we head into the official all-star break, the following players had monstrous weeks.

Batters
1. Andrew McCutchen
2. Ian Desmond
3. Mike Trout
4. Tyler Colvin
5. Kevin Youkilis
6. Justin Ruggiano
7. Brian McCann
8. Neil Walker
9. Mark Teixeira
10. Garrett Jones

Pitchers
1. Jered Weaver
2. Kenley Jansen
3. James McDonald
4. Bronson Arroyo
5. Homer Bailey
6. Chris Tillman
7. Jeff Karstens
8. Jose Quintana
9. Casey Janssen
10. Mark Buehrle

MLB Day 98 2012

Last day of games before the All-Star Break. I will recap the All-Star Game on Tuesday, but other than that, it's four days off for me. Also, while the Ultimate Baseball "Fantasy" Trip has come to a close, the post-trip stuff is only beginning. Check out ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for Q&A, reflections, and a big surprise. To the current games, we head to...

Cleveland, where the Indians host the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields and Zach McAllister receive the starting nods. Cleveland got going in the second inning on a Casey Kotchman single bringing in Travis Hafner. The Indians struck again in the third inning when Johnny Damon scored on an error by Shields and Hafner reached on an error by Jeff Keppinger to get Jason Kipnis home. Cleveland padded the lead in the fourth inning with a solo home run by Kotchman. Kotchman helped the Indians more in the fifth inning, singling home Kipnis. Tampa Bay got one the board in the sixth inning with a Luke Scott double scoring both Carlos Pena and Ben Zobrist before finishing his trip on a Desmond Jennings double that also knocked in Keppinger. Cleveland extended the lead in the eighth inning with a solo shot from Shin-Soo Choo. The Rays fired back in the ninth inning with Will Rhymes hitting a solo home run, Pena tripling to force in Elliot Johnson, and Zobrist singling Pena the final 90 feet home to give his team a lead. This proved just good enough for a 7-6 win, with the win going to Joel Peralta, the save turned by Fernando Rodney in a jam as his twenty-fifth of the season, and the ugly loss went to Chris Perez.

North into Detroit, as the Tigers host the Kansas City Royals. Everett Teaford and Max Scherzer were given the ball. Detroit started in the second inning on a Jhonny Peralta two-run home run, also scoring Brennan Boesch. Kansas City answered in the third inning with a Salvador Perez solo home run. The Tigers replied in the fourth inning on a Delmon Young solo shot. Detroit extended the lead in the fifth inning with a three-run home run by Prince Fielder, sweeping in Austin Jackson and Quintin Berry. The Tigers padded the lead in the eighth inning on a Peralta double to knock in Young, producing a 7-1 final score. Scherzer took the win and Teaford was given the loss.

Back east, the New York Mets host the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster returned from the disabled list against Jonathon Niese. Chicago rallied to a lead in the first inning when Alfonos Soriano singled home Reed Johnson, followed by Jeff Baker doubling in Starlin Castro, and Geovany Soto hitting a 2-RBI single to plate both Soriano and Baker. The Cubs added on in the seventh inning as Castro hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Luis Valbuena and Johnson. This made it 7-0, a final, with Dempster picking up the win and Niese suffering the loss.

Over in Philadelphia, the Phillies host the Atlanta Braves. Jair Jurrjens and Vance Worley are the underrated pitchers. Philadelphia was first to score in the second inning on a two-run home run by Jason Pridie, also scoring Carlos Ruiz. Atlanta answered in the fourth inning with a two-run Dan Uggla home run, sweeping in Freddie Freeman. The Phillies took the lead back in the bottom of the fourth as Pridie doubled in Hunter Pence. The Braves shot back to tie in the fifth inning as Freeman singled to score Martin Prado. Atlanta took the lead in the seventh inning on a Brian McCann solo home run. This was it for the scoring, giving the Braves a 4-3 win on the arm of Jurrjens, while Craig Kimbrel converted his twenty-fifth save of the season and Raul Valdes was handed the loss.

Across Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Pirates welcome the San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum and A.J. Burnett are on the mound. Pittsburgh quickly took a first inning lead on an Andrew McCutchen two-run home run, also scoring Neil Walker. The Pirates got another in the third inning on a Walker solo home run. Pittsburgh extended the lead in the fourth inning as the pitcher Burnett singled in Casey McGehee, followed by Drew Sutton hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Rod Barajas, and Walker singled to plate Clint Barmes. The Pirates continued in the fifth inning when Barmes singled Garrett Jones safely home. Pittsburgh padded the lead in the sixth inning with McGehee's 2-RBI single to knock in Walker and McCutchen, followed by Pedro Alvarez reaching on an error that finished pinch-runner Gorkys Hernandez's trip around. San Francisco found the scoreboard in the seventh inning on a two-run Pablo Sandoval home run, sweeping in Buster Posey. The Pirates shot back in their half of the inning as McCutchen went yard again with another two-run home run, and he took Walker with him. Pittsburgh got one more in the eighth inning as reliever Brad Lincoln singled Alvarez across the dish, producing the 13-2 final. Burnett earned an easy win while Lincecum was shelled in the loss.

Back into Washington, as the Nationals host the Colorado Rockies. Jeremy Guthrie will face Jordan Zimmermann in pitching. Colorado led off with a second inning Wil Nieves sacrifice fly to bring in Tyler Colvin. Washington answered in the fourth inning on a two-run home run by Ian Desmond, sweeping in Adam LaRoche. The Nationals extended the lead in the seventh inning as Steve Lombardozzi singled to score Roger Bernadina. The Rockies retied it in the eighth inning with an Eric Young solo home run and Dexter Fowler scoring on a wild pitch. Colorado would take the lead in the ninth inning in a similar fashion, as Jordan Pacheco dashed safely home on a wild pitch for a 4-3 lead, and later, win. Rex Brothers was in line for the win, Rafael Betancourt turned the save, and Tyler Clippard's errant throw was on the hook for the loss.

Down into Houston, where the Astros host the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke gets another go at it on the mound against Jordan Lyles. Houston rallied to an early first inning lead as Jose Altuve doubled in Jordan Schafer, J.D. Martinez singled to knock in Altuve, and Martinez scored when Chris Snyder drew a bases-loaded walk. Milwaukee got one back in the second inning with a Rickie Weeks solo home run. The Brewers got another in the sixth inning as Aramis Ramirez singled to drive in Ryan Braun. Milwaukee tied it in the eighth inning on a Braun single to plate Norichika Aoki. The Brewers rallied ahead in the tenth inning as Corey Hart singled home Nyjer Morgan and Weeks did the same for Braun. This made it 5-3, a final, with Manny Parra picking up the win, John Axford getting his fifteenth save of the year, and Fernando Rodriguez suffered the loss.

Back north into Chicago, as the White Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays. Brett Cecil and Dylan Axelrod are the struggling starters. Toronto opened with a pair of two-run home runs in the first inning, as Colby Rasmus went yard and took Rajai Davis with him before Edwin Encarnacion did the same for Jose Bautista. Chicago pulled back in their half of the inning on a three-run home run from Alex Rios, sweeping in Alejandro De Aza and Kevin Youkilis. The Blue Jays shot back with a second inning Rasmus double to drive in Omar Vizquel. Toronto added on in the third inning with a two-run homer by Kelly Johnson, also scoring Yunel Escobar. The Blue Jays padded the lead in the fourth inning on a Jeff Mathis solo home run. The White Sox rallied in the fifth inning when Adam Dunn grounded into a fielder's choice to get De Aza home, Rios doubled to finish Dunn's trip, and Alexei Ramirez forced in both Paul Konerko and Rios with a triple. Toronto shot back in the sixth inning as Rasmus walked and Davis scored on a wild pitch, followed by Bautista doubling Rasmus across the dish, and Adam Lind following suit for Bautista. Chicago pulled back in the bottom of the sixth as Youkilis doubled De Aza safely home. The White Sox got another in the seventh inning on a Dayan Viciedo sacrifice fly to give Rios time to dash home. This was as close as they got, losing 11-9. Jesse Chavez was the recipient of the win, while Casey Janssen turned the save and Axelrod was not freed from the loss.

South into St. Louis, where the Cardinals host the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez opposes a lesser foe in Joe Kelly. Miami led off with a first inning Logan Morrison strikeout that combined with an error to score Hanley Ramirez. St. Louis tied it in the second inning on a Skip Schumaker single to knock in Allen Craig. The Cardinals took the lead in the fifth inning when Rafael Furcal singled home Tony Cruz. The Marlins took the lead back in the seventh inning on a three-run home run by Austin Kearns, sweeping in Omar Infante and John Buck. St. Louis tried a ninth inning rally as Cruz hit a sacrifice fly to allow Craig to come home, followed by a 2-RBI Furcal single for a 5-4 win when Matt Carpenter and David Freese crossed the dish. Mitchell Boggs was in line for the win and Heath Bell was stuck with another loss.

Out west, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Brad Mills are the little-known pitchers. Los Angeles began in the second inning with an Erick Aybar solo home run. The Angels added on in the third inning with a solo shot from Mike Trout, followed by Albert Pujols hitting a two-run blast, sweeping in Torii Hunter. Los Angeles padded the lead in the fourth inning when Maicer Izturis singled to score Aybar. The Angels struck again in the fifth inning with a Mark Trumbo solo home run. This was all the scoring we'd see, with Mills earning the win and Chen getting no run support in the loss, a 6-0 final.

Further north, the Oakland Athletics host the Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez and Bartolo Colon again face each other on the hill. For a detailed recap, visit ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the final Game of the Day. Oakland started in the first inning as Yoenis Cespedes singled home Coco Crisp. Seattle tied it in the sixth inning when Michael Saunders singled to score Dustin Ackley. The Athletics took the game in the thirteenth inning by a 2-1 score on a Josh Reddick double to knock in Jemile Weeks. Jordan Norberto was in line for the win while Oliver Perez was handed the loss.

Down to San Diego, where the Padres welcome the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Jason Marquis will be pitching. Cincinnati opened in the fourth inning on a two-run Jay Bruce home run, also scoring Brandon Phillips, followed by a Ryan Ludwick solo home run. San Diego got one back in the fifth inning on a Chris Denorfia fielder's choice allowing Cameron Maybin to dash home. The Padres pulled closer in the sixth inning when Mark Kotsay drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Yasmani Grandal. The Reds re-extended their lead in the seventh inning on a single from Phillips to drive in Zack Cozart. This was good for a 4-2 win. Cueto earned the win, Aroldis Chapman turned the save, and Marquis was dealt the loss.

Backtracking east a bit to Arizona, where the Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano and Trevor Bauer pace the game. Arizona quickly got going in the first inning as Justin Upton tripled to force in Willie Bloomquist before being knocked in by a Paul Goldschmidt ground rule double. The Diamondbacks added on when Goldschmidt put one over the fence on the fly this time for a three-run home run, sweeping in Upton and Jason Kubel. Arizona padded the lead in the seventh inning on a 2-RBI Miguel Montero single, driving in Aaron Hill and Upton. Los Angeles avoided the shutout in the ninth inning on a Juan Uribe sacrifice fly to bring in Bobby Abreu, making the final 7-1. Bauer was given the win, Patrick Corbin pitched a three-inning save, and Capuano suffered the loss.

Further east, the Texas Rangers host the Minnesota Twins. Cole De Vries and Roy Oswalt will try and fix their seasons by pitching tonight. Minnesota finally opened the scoring in the sixth inning on a Justin Morneau single to plate Joe Mauer. The Twins added on in the ninth inning on a Brian Dozier sacrifice giving Ryan Doumit time to come home, followed by a Denard Span sacrifice fly plating Trevor Plouffe. Texas got on the board in the bottom of the ninth with an Elvis Andrus groundout to bring in Ian Kinsler, before tying it with a 2-RBI Michael Young single to get both Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz across the dish. The Rangers finished the comeback in the thirteenth inning on a Kinsler single to knock in David Murphy for a 4-3 win. Scott Feldman was in line for the win while Alex Burnett was on the hook for the loss.

Northeast to our finishing point of the unofficial first half of baseball, as the Boston Red Sox host the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Jon Lester are the reliable pitchers. New York started in the first inning on a Mark Teixeira double to plate Derek Jeter and a Nick Swisher fielder's choice that brought in Curtis Granderson. Boston got one back in the bottom of the first with Cody Ross reaching on an error that allowed Pedro Ciriaco to dash home. The Yankees replied in the second inning on a Chris Stewart sacrifice fly to score Jayson Nix. The Red Sox answered again in the third inning when David Ortiz doubled in Ciriaco. New York shot back in the fifth inning on an Alex Rodriguez triple to force in Teixeira, followed by Andruw Jones singling to finish Rodriguez's trip around. The Yankees padded the lead in the seventh inning as Jones hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Swisher. Boston took one back in the eighth inning on a Mike Aviles double to drive in Jarrod Saltalamacchia. This was as close as it got, leaving the final at 7-3, with Nova getting the win and Lester taking the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip (soon reverting back to @KipperScorpion) and check out the ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com page for the end of the adventure of a lifetime, and some post-travel nuggets of information.

MLB Day 97 2012

Full slate plus one, as our pair of teams play a pair of games to open the post. The doubleheader comes from...

Boston, with the Red Sox hosting the New York Yankees. Freddy Garcia and Franklin Morales are called on for the morning game starts. New York wasted no time in getting the lead in the first inning with a three-run home run from Nick Swisher, sweeping in Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano, followed by a solo home run by Andruw Jones. The Yankees added on in the fourth inning with solo shots from Jones and Jayson Nix. Boston got one back in their half of the inning on a Mauro Gomez single to get David Ortiz home. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 6-1. Garcia got the win and Morales was blitzed in the loss.

In game two, the pitchers are Phil Hughes and Felix Doubront. New York struck first with a Mark Teixeira three-run home run in the first inning, sweeping in Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson. Boston got one back in the third inning on a Daniel Nava double play allowing Mauro Gomez to get home. The Red Sox got another in the fifth inning as Nick Punto hit a sacrifice fly to plate Pedro Ciriaco. Ciriaco helped Boston take the lead in the sixth inning with a 3-RBI double to plate all of Adrian Gonzalez, Cody Ross, and Gomez. The Yankees got one back in the seventh inning on an Andruw Jones solo home run. The Red Sox re-extended the lead in the bottom of the seventh with Ryan Sweeney tripling to force in Gonzalez before coming the final 90 feet on a Gomez double, and Mike Aviles scored when Ciriaco reached on an error, and Ciriaco used another error to cross the plate later. New York got one back in the ninth inning as Eric Chavez hit a solo shot, but they still ended up losing 9-5. Doubront came out with the win and Hughes was pinned with the loss.

Down into Houston, as the Astros host the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke and Wandy Rodriguez and the staff aces pitching. Houston began with a first inning Jose Altuve single to bring in Jordan Schafer. The Astros rallied to added on in the third inning as Scott Moore hit a solo home run, followed by Jed Lowrie doubling to score J.D. Martinez and Lowrie finishing his trip on a Jason Castro sacrifice fly. Houston got another in the fourth inning when Schafer scored on a Martin Maldonado error. The Astros tacked on one more in the fifth inning with Castro's sacrifice fly to bring in Lowrie. Milwaukee found the scoreboard in the sixth inning as Rickie Weeks reached on an error allowing Ryan Braun to dash home and then Aramis Ramirez scored on a wild pitch. The Brewers got another in the eighth inning as Cody Ransom doubled in Corey Hart. This made it a 6-3 final, with Rodriguez getting the win, Brett Myers picking up the save, and Greinke taking the loss as well as an early ejection for misbehavior.

Back north, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and James McDonald are the underrated pitchers. Pittsburgh found the scoreboard in the third inning on a Neil Walker double to knock in the pitcher McDonald. The Pirates got another in the fourth inning on a Michael McKenry solo home run. San Francisco took one back in the sixth inning as Ryan Theriot singled to score Gregor Blanco. Pittsburgh answered in their half of the inning on a Pedro Alvarez double, plating Andrew McCutchen. This was it for the scoring, with a 3-1 final giving McDonald the win, Joel Hanrahan the save, and Vogelsong was the recipient of an unlucky loss.

East into DC, as the Washington Nationals host the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Francis is mismatched with Gio Gonzalez. Washington was first on the board with a second inning Ian Desmond solo home run. Colorado tied it in the fourth inning as Jordan Pacheco hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Michael Cuddyer. The Nationals rallied for a lead in the sixth inning as Ryan Zimmerman singled to score Danny Espinosa, and he moved to second on a wild pitch that combined with an error to get Bryce Harper home, before finishing his trip on another throwing error from Josh Roenicke. This ended the scoring at 4-1, allowing Gonzalez a solid win, Tyler Clippard converted the save, and Francis was dealt the loss.

Westward again into Detroit, with the Tigers hosting the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Doug Fister will be sent out to pitch. Kansas City opened in the first inning with a Billy Butler singling in Alcides Escobar and Mike Moustakas doing the same for Eric Hosmer. Detroit tied it in the bottom of the first with a two-run Prince Fielder home run, also scoring Austin Jackson. The Tigers took the lead in the second inning with a Gerald Laird double bringing in Jhonny Peralta, and later Ramon Santiago on an error, before a Jackson single got Laird all the way home. Detroit added on in the fourth inning with a Miguel Cabrera sacrifice fly, scoring Santiago. The Royals answered in the fifth inning on a Moustakas solo home run. Kansas City pulled closer in the seventh inning with Yuniesky Betancourt's sacrifice fly to plate Escobar. The Tigers extended the lead again in their half of the seventh on a two-run Delmon Young home run, sweeping in Cabrera. The Royals tried a ninth inning rally on a 2-RBI Butler single to drive in Alex Gordon and Escobar, followed by a Moustakas sacrifice fly allowing Hosmer to dart home, but it wasn't enough to tie the game, and they lost 8-7. Fister was credited with the win, and Chen was handed the loss.

South into St. Louis, where the Cardinals welcome the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano and Kyle Lohse are the well-known pitchers. Miami got things going in the second inning as Justin Ruggiano hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Giancarlo Stanton. St. Louis answered in the fourth inning as Skip Schumaker singled Allen Craig home before being swept in alongside David Freese on a 2-RBI Tony Cruz triple. This held up for a 3-2 win, earned by Lohse, while Jason Motte picked up his twentieth save of the season and Zambrano was the victim of the loss.

Eastward to New York, with the Mets hosting the Chicago Cubs. Jeff Samardzija and Dillon Gee are the pitchers prone to misfortune. New York started with a second inning Jordany Valdespin solo home run. the Mets added on in the third inning with a two-run home run by Ike Davis, also scoring Ruben Tejada. Chicago got one back in the sixth inning on a David DeJesus single to plate Luis Valbuena. They didn't score again, falling 3-1, with Gee picking up a dominant win, Bobby Parnell shutting the door for a save, and Samardzija suffered the loss.

Speaking of Chicago, we head back west as the White Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky Romero and Gavin Floyd are the struggling starters. Chicago finally opened the scoring in the fifth inning with a two-run Kevin Youkilis home run, also scoring Alexei Ramirez. This was the only scoring play, allowing Floyd to get the 2-0 win, Matt Thornton to turn the spot save, and Romero was stuck holding the loss.

East into Cleveland, as the Indians host the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore and Ubaldo Jimenez are the under-performing pitchers. Cleveland rallied to a second inning lead as Lou Marson doubled in Michael Brantley, Jack Hannahan grounded out to give Shelley Duncan time to score, and Marson came home on an Aaron Cunningham single. The Indians added on in the third inning as Brantley grounded out to bring in Asdrubal Cabrera and Carlos Santana doubled home Jose Lopez. Tampa Bay got on the board in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Luke Scott, also scoring Ben Zobrist. Cleveland answered in the eighth inning on a two-run homer from Duncan, sweeping in Santana. The Rays took one back in the ninth inning on a B.J. Upton solo shot, but this only made it 7-3 for a final. Jimenez was in line for the win, while Moore was given the loss.

Farther east, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Joe Blanton are the serviceable starters. Atlanta was first to score with a second inning Brian McCann solo home run. Philadelphia rallied ahead in the bottom of the second with Juan Pierre doubling home Hunter Pence, Blanton singling to score Placido Polanco, and Pierre finished his trip around on a Jimmy Rollins fielder's choice. The Braves shot back in the third inning with Martin Prado doubling to knock in Michael Bourn. Atlanta took the lead in the fourth inning on a McCann single to bring in Chipper Jones and an Andrelton Simmons sacrifice fly to get Freddie Freeman across the dish. The Braves got some more in the seventh inning as Prado singled to drive in Simmons and Jason Heyward's strikeout gave Bourn time to dash home. This made it 6-3, a final, with Hanson picking up the win, Craig Kimbrel tossing the save, and Blanton suffered the loss.

Southwest to Texas, where the Rangers host the Minnesota Twins. Samuel Deduno and Derek Holland will have the green light to pitch. Minnesota opened in the second inning as Trevor Plouffe grounded out to get Justin Morneau home and Brian Dozier singled in Ryan Doumit. Texas got one back in the bottom of the second on a Nelson Cruz double scoring Adrian Beltre. The Rangers tied it in the fourth inning on a Josh Hamilton solo home run. The Twins got the lead back in the sixth inning on a Josh Willingham solo shot. Texas replied with a solo home run from Beltre in the bottom of the sixth.The Rangers won it in the tenth inning as Cruz doubled in Beltre again for a walkoff 4-3 victory. Joe Nathan was in line for the win, while Kyle Waldrop was on the hook for the loss.

Out west, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel and Jered Weaver pace the game. For a detailed recap, visit ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Los Angeles began in the fourth inning on a Howie Kendrick single to drive in Mark Trumbo. The Angels got another in the seventh inning on a Torii Hunter double to knock in Mike Trout, before he scored on a single by Kendrys Morales. This was good for a 3-0 final, with the win going to an especially dominant Weaver, while Scott Downs tossed the save and Hammel had no run support in the loss.

South to San Diego, with the Padres hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and Clayton Richard will take the mound. Cincinnati quickly took a lead in the first inning on a Drew Stubbs solo home run. San Diego tied it in their half of the inning as Chris Denorfia hit a solo shot. The Reds got the lead back in the fifth inning as Devin Mesoraco grounded out to get Todd Frazier home, followed by the pitcher Bailey doubling to score Chris Heisey. The Padres got one back in the bottom of the fifth when Logan Forsythe singled to drive in Cameron Maybin. San Diego tied it in the sixth inning on a Carlos Quentin single to bring in Chase Headley. Cincinnati took the lead back in the seventh inning as Heisey went yard for a two-run home run, taking Frazier with him, followed by Stubbs using a fielder's choice to get Mesoraco home. The Padres answered in the bottom of the seventh when Alexi Amarista singled to plate Will Venable. San Diego got one more in the eighth inning when Forsythe singled to bring in Quentin. They couldn't tie the game, falling 6-5. Bailey picked up the win, Aroldis Chapman picked up his tenth save of the season, and Richard was given the loss.

North into Oakland, where the Athletics host the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Jarrod Parker are on the hill. Seattle was first on the board with John Jaso reaching on an error in the first inning that brought in Michael Saunders. Oakland tied it in the bottom of the first with a Josh Reddick solo home run. The Mariners retook the lead in the second inning as Brendan Ryan doubled in both Casper Wells and Justin Smoak. Seattle padded the lead in the fourth inning on a Wells solo shot. The Mariners kept going in the fifth inning as Kyle Seager doubled in all of Ichiro, Saunders, and Jaso. This was good enough for a 7-1 win, as Vargas went the distance for the win, and Parker was unusually off in the loss.

Finally, the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad Billingsley and Trevor Cahill are the staff aces sent out for pitching purposes. Los Angeles led off with a first inning two-run home run by Jerry Hairston, Jr., also scoring Luis Cruz. Arizona tied it in the fifth inning when Gerardo Parra doubled Miguel Montero and Geoff Blum home, before taking the lead as a Stephen Drew sacrifice fly finished Parra's trip. The Diamondbacks added on in the sixth inning as Paul Goldschmidt hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Justin Upton. The Dodgers got one back in the seventh inning on an A.J. Ellis solo home run. Arizona answered in the eighth inning on a Jason Kubel solo shot. This proved enough for a 5-3 win, with the win belonging to Cahill, while J.J. Putz turned the save, and Billingsley was dealt the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and visit ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com as we hit the last stretch to complete the adventure of a lifetime.

MLB Day 96 2012

Back to the full slate of games, beginning in...

Ohio, with the Cleveland Indians hosting the Tampa Bay Rays. Alex Cobb and Justin Masterson will draw the starts. Tampa Bay scored first with a first inning Ben Zobrist two-run home run, also scoring Desmond Jennings. Cleveland got one back in their half of the inning as Travis Hafner grounded into a double play that got Shin-Soo Choo home, before tying the game with Asdrubal Cabrera scoring on a balk. The Rays took the lead again in the third inning on a Jose Lobaton single to score both Zobrist and B.J. Upton. Tampa Bay padded the lead in the fifth inning with a two-run homer by Luke Scott, sweeping in Upton, and a 2-RBI Elliot Johnson double to finish the trips of Lobaton and Will Rhymes, followed by Johnson scoring on a Zobrist sacrifice fly and Upton singling Jennings across the dish. The Indians got one back in their half of the inning as Choo singled to score Johnny Damon. This was it for the scoring, with the final standing at 10-3, giving Cobb the win and Masterson the loss.

North into Detroit, as the Tigers host the Kansas City Royals. Jonathan Sanchez and Drew Smyly will try to correct their stats with the starts. Detroit started on a third inning Quintin Berry triple to force in both Ramon Santiago and Austin Jackson. Kansas City tied it in the fifth inning on a Brayan Pena double to plate Mike Moustakas before Pena came home on a Jason Bourgeois single. The Tigers took the lead again in the sixth inning with a two-run Delmon Young home run, also scoring Prince Fielder. This stood up for a 4-2 win, with Smyly picking up the win, Jose Valverde notching the save, and Sanchez was given the loss.

Down into Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Erik Bedard are the veteran pitchers. Pittsburgh opened with a first inning Andrew McCutchen single to drive in Josh Harrison. The Pirates added on in the third inning with McCutchen tripling to force in Harrison before scoring on a Neil Walker double. San Francisco rallied in the fourth inning, as Ryan Theriot double to plate Justin Christian, before helping tie the game when he scored on a two-run Melky Cabrera home run, followed by Hector Sanchez singling in Buster Posey and Joaquin Arias reaching on an error that allowed Pablo Sandoval to score. Pittsburgh got one back in the fifth inning on a Casey McGehee solo home run. The Giants replied on a Theriot sacrifice fly to bring in Arias. The Pirates pulled closer in the eighth inning on a Pedro Alvarez solo shot. They still fell 6-5, allowing Zito the win, Sergio Romo the save, and Bedard was on the hook for the loss.

Across the state, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Atlanta Braves. Tim Hudson faces a lesser foe in Kyle Kendrick. Atlanta finally got things going in the eighth inning when Freddie Freeman drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Matt Diaz before Brian McCann hit a grand slam to sweep in Michael Bourn, Chipper Jones, and Freeman. This was all there was in scoring, with the Braves winning 5-0. Hudson earned the win and Antonio Bastardo was on the hook for the loss.

Down into D.C., with the Washington Nationals hosting the Colorado Rockies. Drew Pomeranz has the difficult task of pitching against Stephen Strasburg. Colorado got a lead in the second inning on a Tyler Colvin solo home run. The Rockies added on in the fourth inning when Colvin went yard again, taking Carlos Gonzalez with him on the two-run blast. Colorado got another in the seventh inning on a Dexter Fowler solo shot. The Rockies padded the lead in the eighth inning on a Michael Cuddyer sacrifice fly to drive in Gonzalez. Washington got on the board in the ninth inning with a Ryan Zimmerman solo home run. This made the final 5-1, with the win going to Pomeranz, the save to Rafael Betancourt, and the loss to Strasburg.

Up in Boston, the Red Sox host their fierce rivals, the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Josh Beckett are the well-known pitchers. New York rallied to a first inning lead as Robinson Cano walked with the bases loaded to force in Derek Jeter, followed by a 2-RBI Mark Teixeira single to get Curtis Granderson and Alex Rodriguez home, a sacrifice fly by Nick Swisher to plate Cano, and another sacrifice fly from Eric Chavez that got Teixeira the rest of the way home. Boston responded in their half of the inning as Ryan Kalish hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Daniel Nava, Adrian Gonzalez doubled in David Ortiz, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia tied it up on a three-run home run, sweeping in Cody Ross and Gonzalez. The Yankees got the lead again in the second inning as Rodriguez grounded out to bring in Granderson. The Red Sox retied it with an Ortiz single, plating Nava. Boston gained the lead in the fifth inning as Mauro Gomez singled Gonzalez across the dish. New York retook the lead in the seventh inning when Teixeira tripled to force in Granderson and Rodriguez, before coming the final 90 feet on a Raul Ibanez double, and Ibanez was knocked in by a single from Chavez. The Red Sox took one back in the bottom of the seventh on a Ross solo home run. It wasn't enough, as they lost 10-8. Boone Logan was in line for the win, Rafael Soriano picked up his twentieth save of the season, and Andrew Miller was handed the loss.

Speaking of New York, the Mets host the Chicago Cubs. Travis Wood and Johan Santana are the reliable starters. Chicago quickly took a first inning lead on a Reed Johnson lead off solo home run. New York tied it with a second inning solo shot from Lucas Duda. The Mets took the lead on a third inning Ronny Cedeno double to get Ruben Tejada home. The Cubs answered in the fourth inning with a Joe Mather sacrifice fly giving time for Jeff Baker to dart home. Chicago rallied ahead in the fifth inning with a three-run home run from Anthony Rizzo, sweeping in Johnson and Darwin Barney, followed by a solo home run from Baker, and a Luis Valbuena single to knock in Geovany Soto. New York took one back in the sixth inning on a Mike Nickeas sacrifice fly giving Duda time to get home safely. The Cubs answered in the eighth inning with Alfonso Soriano singling Johnson across the plate. The Mets shot back in their half of the inning on a Justin Turner single to get David Wright home. New York tried a ninth inning rally on a Jordany Valdespin solo home run, followed by a 2-RBI Ike Davis single scoring Tejada and Daniel Murphy, but they still lost 8-7. Wood was able to get the win while Santana was not freed from the loss.

Southwest to Texas, as the Rangers welcome the Minnesota Twins. Francisco Liriano and Martin Perez receive the starting nods. Minnesota struck in the third inning to get the lead as Joe Mauer singled home Ben Revere, Josh Willingham reached on an error to knock in Mauer, and Willingham scored on a Justin Morneau single. The Twins got another in the fourth inning as Mauer's sacrifice fly brought in Drew Butera. Texas found the scoreboard in the sixth inning as Nelson Cruz singled to score Adrian Beltre. Minnesota answered with a Morneau solo home run. This was all they needed to win 5-1, with the win going to Liriano, and the loss to Perez.

Staying in the state, the Houston Astros host the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and J.A. Happ are the veteran pitchers. Milwaukee established an early lead with solo home runs from Norichika Aoki and Ryan Braun in the first inning. Houston got one back in the bottom of the first with a Scott Moore solo shot. The Brewers padded their lead in the sixth inning as Rickie Weeks hit a two-run home run, also scoring Corey Hart. Milwaukee added on in the seventh inning with a Carlos Gomez triple to force in Martin Maldonado, before scoring on an Aoki single, and Aoki scored on a double from Aramis Ramirez. This made the final 7-1, giving Gallardo the win and Happ was dealt the loss.

North to Chicago, as the White Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays. Aaron Laffey is mismatched with Jake Peavy. Toronto opened in the second inning as Adam Lind hit a solo home run. Chicago tied it in the fifth inning as Alexei Ramirez singled in Dayan Viciedo, before taking the lead as Gordon Beckham double Ramirez in, and then Beckham scored on a Kevin Youkilis single. The White Sox added on with an A.J. Pierzynski solo shot. The Blue Jays tried a ninth inning rally as Yunel Escobar hit a sacrifice fly to get Edwin Encarnacion home, but this only made it 4-2 for a final. Peavy picked up the win, Addison Reed turned in a sloppy save, and Laffey was stuck holding the loss.

South a touch again, as the St. Louis Cardinals host the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Jake Westbrook will try to turn things around with the starts. St. Louis began with a second inning David Freese double, scoring Allen Craig. Miami tied it in the sixth inning as Carlos Lee reached on an error, giving time for Hanley Ramirez to score. The Marlins took the lead in the seventh inning on a Jose Reyes single knocking in Greg Dobbs. Miami got another in the eighth inning on a Logan Morrison solo home run. The Cardinals tried a ninth inning rally, with Rafael Furcal singling Skip Schumaker safely home, but they didn't get the equalizer, falling 3-2. Nolasco was given the win, Heath Bell turned a rocky save, and Westbrook was handed the loss.

Out in Arizona, the Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw opposes Josh Collmenter pitching. Los Angeles was first on the board with a third inning Bobby Abreu double to knock in Tony Gwynn, Jr. The Dodgers got another in the fourth inning on an Adam Kennedy solo home run. Arizona took the lead in the sixth inning as Aaron Hill singled Henry Blanco home and then scored alongside Willie Bloomquist on a Justin Upton triple, followed by a Jason Kubel double to finish Upton's trip, and Kubel scored on a wild pitch. Los Angeles took one back in the seventh inning when Juan Rivera singled to drive in Gwynn.This was as close as they got, falling 3-2 in the end, with Collmenter getting the win, J.J. Putz converting his fifteenth save of the season, and Kershaw taking an unlucky loss.

Up into Oakland, with the Athletics hosting the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Tommy Milone take the mound. Seattle led off in the first inning on a Kyle Seager single to drive in Casper Wells. Oakland tied it in the eighth inning as Jemile Weeks singled home Brandon Hicks. The Athletics won it in the eleventh inning with a three-run Chris Carter home, sweeping in Josh Reddick and Seth Smith for the 4-1 win. Jordan Norberto was in line for the win while Oliver Perez was responsible for the loss.

Back south, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Baltimore Orioles. Miguel Gonzalez will attempt to pitch against C.J. Wilson. Los Angeles started with a fourth inning Mark Trumbo solo home run. Baltimore took the lead in the fifth inning on a three-run Steve Pearce home run, also scoring Wilson Betemit and Mark Reynolds. The Angels got one back in the eighth inning as Mike Trout hit a solo shot. They couldn't tie the game, losing 3-2. Gonzalez picked up the win, Jim Johnson turned the save, and Wilson was stuck with the loss.

Finally, in San Diego, the Padres host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Kip Wells pace the game. For a more detailed recap, go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com for the Game of the Day. Cincinnati got things moving in the first inning on a Zack Cozart solo home run. The Reds added on in the seventh inning with a two-run Ryan Hanigan home run, also scoring Todd Frazier. Cincinnati padded the lead in the eighth inning on a two-run home run by Frazier, sweeping in Jay Bruce. The Reds got another in the ninth inning on a Joey Votto double to drive in Drew Stubbs. This made the final 6-0, with Arroyo going the distance and allowing just three hits and a walk for the shutout win, while Wells suffered the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @UltBaseballTrip and go to ultimatebaseballfantasytrip.blogspot.com as we dart north through California to finish the trip.