Welcome to the postseason everyone. For historical purposes, this is the first season baseball has been played with a ten-team playoff format. Most recently, an eight-team system was used, but in the offseason it was expanded to what is before us today. Without further delay, I present you the wild card play-in games.
First up, the National League Wild Card Game in Atlanta, Georgia at Turner Field. Kyle Lohse and Kris Medlen pace the game. Atlanta got going in the second inning on a two-run home run by David Ross, also scoring Dan Uggla. St. Louis replied in the fourth inning as Allen Craig doubled in Carlos Beltran, followed by Yadier Molina grounding out to bring in Matt Holliday, before gaining the lead as David Freese hit a sacrifice fly to score Craig. The Cardinals padded the lead in the sixth inning as Holliday hit a solo home run. St. Louis struck again in the seventh inning as Pete Kozma reached on an error to allow Adron Chambers to dart home, before scoring on a Matt Carpenter single. The Braves took one back in their half of the inning as Michael Bourn grounded out to provide time for Jose Constanza to safely come home. They got no closer, losing 6-3, with the win going to Lohse, the save tossed by Jason Motte, and the loss pinned on Medlen. The Braves head home empty-handed while the Cardinals prepare to face the Washington Nationals in the NLDS.
In the American League, the Wild Card Game comes from Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas, with the Rangers hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Joe Saunders is mismatched with Yu Darvish pitching. Baltimore began in the first inning as J.J. Hardy singled Nate McLouth home. Texas tied the game in the bottom of the first as Josh Hamilton grounded into a double play that allowed Ian Kinsler to dash home. The Orioles took the lead in the sixth inning on an Adam Jones sacrifice fly to bring in Hardy. Baltimore padded the lead in the seventh inning with McLouth singling Robert Andino across the dish. The Orioles extended the lead in the ninth inning as Manny Machado singled to drive in Lew Ford, followed by a McLouth sacrifice fly to give Andino time to score again. This made it 5-1, a final, with Saunders picking up the win and Darvish taking an unlucky loss. The Rangers are eliminated from postseason play, while the Orioles get to play their division rivals, the New York Yankees in the ALDS.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Thursday Night Football Week 5 2012
This evening, the St. Louis Rams host the Arizona Cardinals. St. Louis began in the first quarter as Sam Bradford passed 7 yards to Lance Kendricks for a touchdown, and Greg Zuerlein made the extra point. Arizona got on the board as Jay Feely kicked a 35 yard field goal. The Rams padded the lead in the second quarter as Zuerlein booted in a 53 yard field goal. St. Louis extended the lead in the fourth quarter as Bradford tossed a 51 yard touchdown pass to Chris Givens, and Zuerlein made another PAT. This made it 17-3, the final, with the Rams moving to 3-2, and the Cardinals dropping to 4-1.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion, and thanks for helping me reach 7,500 views on the blog.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion, and thanks for helping me reach 7,500 views on the blog.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
MLB Day 181 2012
As you baseball fans know, this is the last day of the regular season. Unless the Yankees and Orioles end up tied when it's all over, I will be baseball free tomorrow, gearing up for the playoffs. Football is still on for tomorrow. Finally, I'd like to say that staring on November 1st, I will take my down time and turn it into KHL blogging. That's right, daily recaps of all Kontinental Hockey League games from November onward. I'm excited to take a shot at blogging European hockey as my first non-North American effort. Happy Game 162 Day, which begins in...
Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Atlanta Braves. Ben Sheets makes the last start of his career against A.J. Burnett. Atlanta began in the first inning as Martin Prado singled to knock in Michael Bourn. The Braves added on in the fourth inning on a Dan Uggla single to plate Jason Heyward. Atlanta extended the lead as J.C. Boscan singled Chipper Jones around for his final regular season run (congrats to one of the best third basemen of this generation), followed by Juan Francisco grounding out to get Heyward home. This stood for a 4-0 win, with the win belonging to Luis Avilan, while Burnett had no help in the loss. The Braves finished 94-68, good for a wild card game, while the Pirates ended at 79-83.
Over in Washington, the Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee and Edwin Jackson take the mound. Philadelphia got going in the fourth inning as Darin Ruf hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Carlos Ruiz. Washington tied it in the bottom of the fourth as Ryan Zimmerman hit a solo home run, followed by Tyler Moore doubling to knock in Michael Morse. The Nationals got another in the sixth inning on a Moore solo shot. Washington extended the lead in the eighth inning as Morse hit a two-run home run, also scoring Bryce Harper. This made the final 5-1, with the win going to Jackson, while Lee was dinged for the loss. The Nationals finish at 98-64 with the playoffs on tap, while the Phillies end even at 81-81.
West to Chicago, for the last Wrigley Field matinee of the year, with the Cubs hosting the Houston Astros. Edgar Gonzalez and Travis Wood are the young starters. Houston started in the first inning as Carlos Corporan singled in Matt Dominguez. Chicago tied it in the second inning on a Bryan LaHair solo home run. The Cubs took the lead in the fourth inning as Anthony Recker walked with the bases loaded to force in Dave Sappelt, followed by Wood singling Josh Vitters and Brett Jackson around. The Astros tied it in the eighth inning on a three-run home run by Justin Maxwell, sweeping in Jed Lowrie and Dominguez. Chicago won 5-4 in the ninth inning as LaHair singled to drive in Darwin Barney. This set the win up for Carlos Marmol, while Hector Ambriz was stuck with the loss. The Cubs finish 61-101, and the Astros end at 55-107.
Out in California, the Oakland Athletics host the Texas Rangers for AL West supremacy. Ryan Dempster and A.J. Griffin are set to start. Oakland was first to score in the first inning on a Brandon Moss double, plating Stephen Drew. Texas rallied ahead in the third inning as Adrian Beltre singled in Ian Kinsler, Michael Young doubled to knock in Josh Hamilton, David Murphy singled both Nelson Cruz and Young home, and Geovany Soto singled to finish Murphy's trip around. The Athletics got them all back and then some in the fourth inning as Josh Reddick doubled to plate Moss before scoring on a Seth Smith single, followed by Coco Crisp doubling both Josh Donaldson and Smith across the dish, and Yoenis Cespedes reached on an error to allow both Crisp and Drew to come home. Oakland got another in the fifth inning as Derek Norris singled to drive in Donaldson. The Athletics padded the lead in the eighth inning as Norris hit a solo home run, followed by Moss singling both Crisp and Drew home, and also Cespedes after an error. This made the final 12-5, with the win belonging to Evan Scribner, while Derek Holland was dealt the loss. The Athletics secured the division with a 94-68 record, while the Rangers face a wild card fate at a 93-69 record.
Way southeast to Miami, as the Marlins host the New York Mets. Jeremy Hefner and Tom Koehler are the unknown pitchers. New York opened in the third inning on an Andres Torres solo home run. The Mets added on in the fourth inning as Scott Hairston hit a two-run home run, also scoring Ike Davis. New York struck again in the sixth inning as Davis hit a solo shot. Miami got on the board in their half of the inning when Gorkys Hernandez singled in Donnie Murphy. The Marlins pulled closer in the eighth inning with Bryan Petersen scoring on a passed ball. This wasn't enough to escape a 4-2 loss, with Hefner notching the win and Koehler taking the loss. The Mets end the season at 74-88, while the Marlins finish 69-93.
As far northwest as you can go, the Seattle Mariners host the Los Angeles Angels. Jered Weaver faces a lesser foe in Blake Beavan. Seattle began in the first inning with Kyle Seager doubling in Dustin Ackley, followed by Jesus Montero grounding into a fielder's choice to give Seager time to score. The Mariners added on in the third inning as Montero doubled both Casper Wells and Seager across the dish. Seattle padded the lead in the sixth inning with a Wells single to knock in Montero and Michael Saunders. The Mariners kept going in the seventh inning when Montero singled, which combined with an error to get John Jaso home, followed by Carlos Triunfel singling both Justin Smoak and Montero safely home, and a Wells three-run home run, sweeping in Trayvon Robinson and Triunfel. This ended the beatdown at 12-0, with Beavan pitching very well in the win and Weaver was on the hook for the loss. The Mariners finished with a 75-87 record, while the Angels ended the season at 89-73.
Back east, the Cleveland Indians host the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and David Huff are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Chicago led off in the second inning as Dan Johnson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Dayan Viciedo. The White Sox added on in the fourth inning as Hector Gimenez singled Viciedo around. Chicago padded the lead in the fifth inning on a two-run blast by Paul Konerko, sweeping in Ray Olmedo, followed by Johnson going yard on another two-run homer, bringing Viciedo with him again. The White Sox kept going in the ninth inning with solo shots by Viciedo and Johnson. This produced a 9-0 final, with the win going to a dominant Floyd, while Huff was dealt the loss. The White Sox end the year at 85-77, while the Indians are closing out at 68-94.
A little more east, the New York Yankees welcome the Boston Red Sox. Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hiroki Kuroda are the Japanese pitchers. Boston was first to score with a first inning Cody Ross single to drive in Jacoby Ellsbury. New York took the lead in the second inning on a three-run home run by Curtis Granderson, sweeping in Robinson Cano and Nick Swisher. The Yankees padded the lead in the third inning as Cano hit a two-run home run, also scoring Alex Rodriguez. New York got some more in the fifth inning as Cano hit another two-run home run, again scoring Rodriguez. The Yankees extended the lead in the sixth inning with Cano singling to plate both Russell Martin and Ichiro Suzuki. The Red Sox took one back in the seventh inning on a Jose Iglesias single to score Pedro Ciriaco. New York shot back in their half of the inning as Granderson hit a solo home run, followed by Suzuki doubling in Raul Ibanez and Brett Gardner, Swisher singling to finish Suzuki's trip around, and Mark Teixeira hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Eduardo Nunez. This concluded the 14-2 drubbing, with Kuroda earning the win and Matsuzaka getting pinned with the loss. The Yankees end the year with a playoff bound 95-67, while the Red Sox finish with a 69-93 record.
Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond and Brandon Morrow are on the hill. Toronto established a lead in the third inning with Rajai Davis singling in Anthony Gose before scoring on an Adeiny Hechavarria single. Minnesota took one back in the fourth inning as Matt Carson grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Ben Revere. This was as close as it got, with the final being 2-1. Morrow was dominant in the win, while Brandon Lyon picked up a spot save, and Diamond took a hard-luck loss. The Blue Jays finish at 73-89, while the Twins end the season with a 66-96 record.
Back stateside, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Baltimore Orioles. Chris Tillman and Jeremy Hellickson are the reliable starters. Tampa Bay got going in the first inning on an Evan Longoria solo home run. The Rays added on in the fourth inning with solo shots from Longoria and Ryan Roberts. Tampa Bay struck again in the sixth inning as Longoria went yard for his third solo home run of the game. Baltimore got on the board in the ninth inning as Adam Jones hit a sacrifice fly to bring in J.J. Hardy, but this only made it a 4-1 final. Hellickson notched a strong win, Fernando Rodney closed out for the save, and Tillman was given the loss. The Rays end the year at 90-72, while the Orioles will be designated to the wild card game against the Rangers with a record of 93-69.
Way to the west, the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Francis and Ian Kennedy receive the starting nods. Arizona opened in the third inning as A.J. Pollock hit a solo home run. Colorado pulled ahead in the fourth inning with Wilin Rosario reaching on an error to bring in Charlie Blackmon, followed by DJ LeMahieu singling to knock in Jordan Pacheco. This stood for a 2-1 final, with the win going to Francis, the save finished off by Matt Belisle, and the loss pinned on Kennedy. The Rockies finish the year at 64-98, while the Diamondbacks end at an even 81-81.
Out in California again, the Los Angeles Dodgers welcome the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and Clayton Kershaw pace the game. San Francisco started in the fourth inning as Buster Posey grounded out to get Marco Scutaro home. Los Angeles tied it in the fifth inning with Kershaw singling home Luis Cruz. The Dodgers took the lead in the sixth inning on an Adrian Gonzalez single to plate Andre Ethier. Los Angeles extended the lead in the eighth inning on an Alex Castellanos solo home run, followed by Juan Rivera hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Elian Herrera. This produced a 5-1 final, with the win going to Kershaw, while Clay Hensley was handed the loss. The Dodgers end the year at 86-76 while the Giants are playoff bound on a 94-68 mark.
Northeast to Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the San Diego Padres. Andrew Werner and Josh Stinson are the unknown pitchers. Milwaukee led off in the first inning as Aramis Ramirez singled home Rickie Weeks. The Brewers added on in the second inning as Travis Ishikawa grounded out to give time for Carlos Gomez to dash home. Milwaukee padded the lead in the third inning as Jonathan Lucroy doubled in Norichika Aoki, followed by a 3-RBI Ishikawa double, sweeping in Ryan Braun, Lucroy, and Gomez. San Diego got on the board in the fourth inning on a Chris Denorfia solo home run. The Padres got another in the fifth inning as Alexi Amarista scored on an error as Everth Cabrera stole second base, and Cabrera was able to score on a ground rule double by Chase Headley. San Diego pulled closer in the sixth inning as Cameron Maybin hit a two-run home run, also scoring Denorfia. The Padres took the lead in the seventh inning as Headley tripled to force in Will Venable before coming the final 90 feet on a Yonder Alonso sacrifice fly. This was good for a 7-6 win, Tommy Layne in line for the win, Luke Gregerson finishing off for the save, and the loss was pinned on Jim Henderson. The Padres finish at 76-86, while the Brewers end at 83-79.
South to Kansas City, as the Royals host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Luis Mendoza are the inconsistent starters. Detroit began in the fifth inning as Austin Jackson doubled home Omar Infante. This was the only run scored, with the final being 1-0. The win was handed to Luis Marte, the save was finished off by Luke Putkonen, and the loss was stuck on Mendoza. The Tigers end the year postseason bound with an 88-74 record, and the Royals head into the offseason at 72-90. Another big congratulations is in order for Miguel Cabrera, the first Triple Crown winner (batting average, home runs, and RBIs) since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967.
Across Missouri, we end with last year's World Series champions, the St. Louis Cardinals, hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey makes his follow up to a no-hitter pitching against Shelby Miller. St. Louis got going in the eighth inning on a Matt Carpenter single to bring in Shane Robinson. This was the only run, giving Victor Marte the win, Jason Motte the save, and Jonathan Broxton the loss. The Cardinals head to the wild card game with an 88-74 record, while the Reds get some time off before playoff ball, sitting on a 97-65 record.
Again, I'd like to thank everyone for sticking with me throughout the MLB regular season. It has been the most difficult season to complete, but here we are, over six months from the season opener in Japan. Keep an eye out for the playoff posts, as well as the usual for football, and starting on November 1st, the KHL to feed the hockey-hungry among us. As always, follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion, and I wish you all a happy postseason.
Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Atlanta Braves. Ben Sheets makes the last start of his career against A.J. Burnett. Atlanta began in the first inning as Martin Prado singled to knock in Michael Bourn. The Braves added on in the fourth inning on a Dan Uggla single to plate Jason Heyward. Atlanta extended the lead as J.C. Boscan singled Chipper Jones around for his final regular season run (congrats to one of the best third basemen of this generation), followed by Juan Francisco grounding out to get Heyward home. This stood for a 4-0 win, with the win belonging to Luis Avilan, while Burnett had no help in the loss. The Braves finished 94-68, good for a wild card game, while the Pirates ended at 79-83.
Over in Washington, the Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee and Edwin Jackson take the mound. Philadelphia got going in the fourth inning as Darin Ruf hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Carlos Ruiz. Washington tied it in the bottom of the fourth as Ryan Zimmerman hit a solo home run, followed by Tyler Moore doubling to knock in Michael Morse. The Nationals got another in the sixth inning on a Moore solo shot. Washington extended the lead in the eighth inning as Morse hit a two-run home run, also scoring Bryce Harper. This made the final 5-1, with the win going to Jackson, while Lee was dinged for the loss. The Nationals finish at 98-64 with the playoffs on tap, while the Phillies end even at 81-81.
West to Chicago, for the last Wrigley Field matinee of the year, with the Cubs hosting the Houston Astros. Edgar Gonzalez and Travis Wood are the young starters. Houston started in the first inning as Carlos Corporan singled in Matt Dominguez. Chicago tied it in the second inning on a Bryan LaHair solo home run. The Cubs took the lead in the fourth inning as Anthony Recker walked with the bases loaded to force in Dave Sappelt, followed by Wood singling Josh Vitters and Brett Jackson around. The Astros tied it in the eighth inning on a three-run home run by Justin Maxwell, sweeping in Jed Lowrie and Dominguez. Chicago won 5-4 in the ninth inning as LaHair singled to drive in Darwin Barney. This set the win up for Carlos Marmol, while Hector Ambriz was stuck with the loss. The Cubs finish 61-101, and the Astros end at 55-107.
Out in California, the Oakland Athletics host the Texas Rangers for AL West supremacy. Ryan Dempster and A.J. Griffin are set to start. Oakland was first to score in the first inning on a Brandon Moss double, plating Stephen Drew. Texas rallied ahead in the third inning as Adrian Beltre singled in Ian Kinsler, Michael Young doubled to knock in Josh Hamilton, David Murphy singled both Nelson Cruz and Young home, and Geovany Soto singled to finish Murphy's trip around. The Athletics got them all back and then some in the fourth inning as Josh Reddick doubled to plate Moss before scoring on a Seth Smith single, followed by Coco Crisp doubling both Josh Donaldson and Smith across the dish, and Yoenis Cespedes reached on an error to allow both Crisp and Drew to come home. Oakland got another in the fifth inning as Derek Norris singled to drive in Donaldson. The Athletics padded the lead in the eighth inning as Norris hit a solo home run, followed by Moss singling both Crisp and Drew home, and also Cespedes after an error. This made the final 12-5, with the win belonging to Evan Scribner, while Derek Holland was dealt the loss. The Athletics secured the division with a 94-68 record, while the Rangers face a wild card fate at a 93-69 record.
Way southeast to Miami, as the Marlins host the New York Mets. Jeremy Hefner and Tom Koehler are the unknown pitchers. New York opened in the third inning on an Andres Torres solo home run. The Mets added on in the fourth inning as Scott Hairston hit a two-run home run, also scoring Ike Davis. New York struck again in the sixth inning as Davis hit a solo shot. Miami got on the board in their half of the inning when Gorkys Hernandez singled in Donnie Murphy. The Marlins pulled closer in the eighth inning with Bryan Petersen scoring on a passed ball. This wasn't enough to escape a 4-2 loss, with Hefner notching the win and Koehler taking the loss. The Mets end the season at 74-88, while the Marlins finish 69-93.
As far northwest as you can go, the Seattle Mariners host the Los Angeles Angels. Jered Weaver faces a lesser foe in Blake Beavan. Seattle began in the first inning with Kyle Seager doubling in Dustin Ackley, followed by Jesus Montero grounding into a fielder's choice to give Seager time to score. The Mariners added on in the third inning as Montero doubled both Casper Wells and Seager across the dish. Seattle padded the lead in the sixth inning with a Wells single to knock in Montero and Michael Saunders. The Mariners kept going in the seventh inning when Montero singled, which combined with an error to get John Jaso home, followed by Carlos Triunfel singling both Justin Smoak and Montero safely home, and a Wells three-run home run, sweeping in Trayvon Robinson and Triunfel. This ended the beatdown at 12-0, with Beavan pitching very well in the win and Weaver was on the hook for the loss. The Mariners finished with a 75-87 record, while the Angels ended the season at 89-73.
Back east, the Cleveland Indians host the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and David Huff are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Chicago led off in the second inning as Dan Johnson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Dayan Viciedo. The White Sox added on in the fourth inning as Hector Gimenez singled Viciedo around. Chicago padded the lead in the fifth inning on a two-run blast by Paul Konerko, sweeping in Ray Olmedo, followed by Johnson going yard on another two-run homer, bringing Viciedo with him again. The White Sox kept going in the ninth inning with solo shots by Viciedo and Johnson. This produced a 9-0 final, with the win going to a dominant Floyd, while Huff was dealt the loss. The White Sox end the year at 85-77, while the Indians are closing out at 68-94.
A little more east, the New York Yankees welcome the Boston Red Sox. Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hiroki Kuroda are the Japanese pitchers. Boston was first to score with a first inning Cody Ross single to drive in Jacoby Ellsbury. New York took the lead in the second inning on a three-run home run by Curtis Granderson, sweeping in Robinson Cano and Nick Swisher. The Yankees padded the lead in the third inning as Cano hit a two-run home run, also scoring Alex Rodriguez. New York got some more in the fifth inning as Cano hit another two-run home run, again scoring Rodriguez. The Yankees extended the lead in the sixth inning with Cano singling to plate both Russell Martin and Ichiro Suzuki. The Red Sox took one back in the seventh inning on a Jose Iglesias single to score Pedro Ciriaco. New York shot back in their half of the inning as Granderson hit a solo home run, followed by Suzuki doubling in Raul Ibanez and Brett Gardner, Swisher singling to finish Suzuki's trip around, and Mark Teixeira hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Eduardo Nunez. This concluded the 14-2 drubbing, with Kuroda earning the win and Matsuzaka getting pinned with the loss. The Yankees end the year with a playoff bound 95-67, while the Red Sox finish with a 69-93 record.
Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond and Brandon Morrow are on the hill. Toronto established a lead in the third inning with Rajai Davis singling in Anthony Gose before scoring on an Adeiny Hechavarria single. Minnesota took one back in the fourth inning as Matt Carson grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Ben Revere. This was as close as it got, with the final being 2-1. Morrow was dominant in the win, while Brandon Lyon picked up a spot save, and Diamond took a hard-luck loss. The Blue Jays finish at 73-89, while the Twins end the season with a 66-96 record.
Back stateside, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Baltimore Orioles. Chris Tillman and Jeremy Hellickson are the reliable starters. Tampa Bay got going in the first inning on an Evan Longoria solo home run. The Rays added on in the fourth inning with solo shots from Longoria and Ryan Roberts. Tampa Bay struck again in the sixth inning as Longoria went yard for his third solo home run of the game. Baltimore got on the board in the ninth inning as Adam Jones hit a sacrifice fly to bring in J.J. Hardy, but this only made it a 4-1 final. Hellickson notched a strong win, Fernando Rodney closed out for the save, and Tillman was given the loss. The Rays end the year at 90-72, while the Orioles will be designated to the wild card game against the Rangers with a record of 93-69.
Way to the west, the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Francis and Ian Kennedy receive the starting nods. Arizona opened in the third inning as A.J. Pollock hit a solo home run. Colorado pulled ahead in the fourth inning with Wilin Rosario reaching on an error to bring in Charlie Blackmon, followed by DJ LeMahieu singling to knock in Jordan Pacheco. This stood for a 2-1 final, with the win going to Francis, the save finished off by Matt Belisle, and the loss pinned on Kennedy. The Rockies finish the year at 64-98, while the Diamondbacks end at an even 81-81.
Out in California again, the Los Angeles Dodgers welcome the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and Clayton Kershaw pace the game. San Francisco started in the fourth inning as Buster Posey grounded out to get Marco Scutaro home. Los Angeles tied it in the fifth inning with Kershaw singling home Luis Cruz. The Dodgers took the lead in the sixth inning on an Adrian Gonzalez single to plate Andre Ethier. Los Angeles extended the lead in the eighth inning on an Alex Castellanos solo home run, followed by Juan Rivera hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Elian Herrera. This produced a 5-1 final, with the win going to Kershaw, while Clay Hensley was handed the loss. The Dodgers end the year at 86-76 while the Giants are playoff bound on a 94-68 mark.
Northeast to Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the San Diego Padres. Andrew Werner and Josh Stinson are the unknown pitchers. Milwaukee led off in the first inning as Aramis Ramirez singled home Rickie Weeks. The Brewers added on in the second inning as Travis Ishikawa grounded out to give time for Carlos Gomez to dash home. Milwaukee padded the lead in the third inning as Jonathan Lucroy doubled in Norichika Aoki, followed by a 3-RBI Ishikawa double, sweeping in Ryan Braun, Lucroy, and Gomez. San Diego got on the board in the fourth inning on a Chris Denorfia solo home run. The Padres got another in the fifth inning as Alexi Amarista scored on an error as Everth Cabrera stole second base, and Cabrera was able to score on a ground rule double by Chase Headley. San Diego pulled closer in the sixth inning as Cameron Maybin hit a two-run home run, also scoring Denorfia. The Padres took the lead in the seventh inning as Headley tripled to force in Will Venable before coming the final 90 feet on a Yonder Alonso sacrifice fly. This was good for a 7-6 win, Tommy Layne in line for the win, Luke Gregerson finishing off for the save, and the loss was pinned on Jim Henderson. The Padres finish at 76-86, while the Brewers end at 83-79.
South to Kansas City, as the Royals host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Luis Mendoza are the inconsistent starters. Detroit began in the fifth inning as Austin Jackson doubled home Omar Infante. This was the only run scored, with the final being 1-0. The win was handed to Luis Marte, the save was finished off by Luke Putkonen, and the loss was stuck on Mendoza. The Tigers end the year postseason bound with an 88-74 record, and the Royals head into the offseason at 72-90. Another big congratulations is in order for Miguel Cabrera, the first Triple Crown winner (batting average, home runs, and RBIs) since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967.
Across Missouri, we end with last year's World Series champions, the St. Louis Cardinals, hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey makes his follow up to a no-hitter pitching against Shelby Miller. St. Louis got going in the eighth inning on a Matt Carpenter single to bring in Shane Robinson. This was the only run, giving Victor Marte the win, Jason Motte the save, and Jonathan Broxton the loss. The Cardinals head to the wild card game with an 88-74 record, while the Reds get some time off before playoff ball, sitting on a 97-65 record.
Again, I'd like to thank everyone for sticking with me throughout the MLB regular season. It has been the most difficult season to complete, but here we are, over six months from the season opener in Japan. Keep an eye out for the playoff posts, as well as the usual for football, and starting on November 1st, the KHL to feed the hockey-hungry among us. As always, follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion, and I wish you all a happy postseason.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
MLB Day 180 2012
Second to last day of the regular season, and the playoff field is nearly set. Sorry to all of you who were looking forward to an ending like last year. Today, we start with...
The Washington Nationals hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. B.J. Rosenberg and Tom Gorzelanny are the uninspiring pitchers. Philadelphia started in the fourth inning on a Darin Ruf solo home run. Washington tied it in the bottom of the fourth as Roger Bernadina singled Adam LaRoche home. The Nationals took the lead in the sixth inning on a LaRoche solo shot, followed by Steve Lombardozzi singling Mark DeRosa safely home. The Phillies shot back in the eighth inning as Ruf hit another solo home run. Washington replied in their half of the inning on a Lombardozzi sacrifice fly to allow Bernadina to score. This made it 4-2, a final, with the win going to Zach Duke, the save turned by Drew Storen, and the loss was given to Josh Lindblom.
Over in New York, the Yankees host the Boston Red Sox. Jon Lester and David Phelps are set to start. Boston got going in the first inning as Dustin Pedroia doubled in Jacoby Ellsbury before scoring on a Cody Ross sacrifice fly. New York got on the board in the second inning as Eduardo Nunez singled to drive in Curtis Granderson. The Red Sox padded the lead in the ninth inning on a James Loney solo home run. The Yankees tied it in their half of the inning as Raul Ibanez hit a two-run home run, also scoring Granderson. New York won in the twelfth inning as Ibanez singled Francisco Cervelli safely home to end the game at 4-3. Derek Lowe picked up the win and Andrew Miller was responsible for the loss.
West to Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Kevin Correia are the well-known starters. Pittsburgh was first to score in the first inning with Andrew McCutchen grounding out to bring in Starling Marte. The Pirates added on in the second inning as Clint Barmes singled Josh Harrison around. Atlanta shot back in the fourth inning on a Juan Francisco double to plate Lyle Overbay. Pittsburgh extended the lead in the fifth inning as Alex Presley doubled Marte across the dish, before scoring on a two-run home run by Garrett Jones. This produced the 5-1 final, with the win going to Correia and the loss pinned on Hanson.
Over in Ohio, the Cleveland Indians welcome the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy and Justin Masterson are on the mound. Cleveland opened in the fourth inning on a Shin-Soo Choo solo home run. Chicago tied it in the sixth inning as Orlando Hudson singled to drive in Dewayne Wise. The White Sox took the lead in the ninth inning as Dayan Viciedo hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jose Lopez. The Indians tied it as Travis Hafner hit a two-run home run bottom of the ninth inning, driving in Jason Donald. Cleveland won it 4-3 in the twelfth inning as Donald singled Lonnie Chisenhall across the dish. Chris Seddon was in line for the win while Matt Thornton was given the loss.
Into Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Minnesota Twins. Anthony Swarzak and Chad Jenkins are the unknown pitchers. Toronto began in the third inning as Rajai Davis singled to knock in Adeiny Hechavarria. The Blue Jays added on in the fourth inning on a Kelly Johnson two-run home run, also scoring J.P. Arencibia. Toronto kept going in the fifth inning as Yunel Escobar singled home Anthony Gose. Minnesota got on the board in the sixth inning as Denard Span hit a two-run home run, bringing in Eduardo Escobar. The Twins got closer in the seventh inning with Alexi Casilla doubling Trevor Plouffe around. They failed to tie the game, falling 4-3. Jenkins was given the win, Casey Janssen turned the save, and Swarzak was handed the loss.
Back stateside, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Baltimore Orioles. Miguel Gonzalez and James Shields receive the starting nods. Baltimore was first to score in the fourth inning on a Chris Davis solo home run. This was all for the scoring, with the final being 1-0. Gonzalez was strong in the win, Jim Johnson closed out for the save, and Shields went the distance in the loss while striking out fifteen.
Staying in Florida, the Miami Marlins host the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and Jacob Turner are sent out to pitch. Miami led off with a fourth inning Gorkys Hernandez solo home run. The Marlins got another in the fifth inning on a Rob Brantly solo shot. Miami padded the lead in the sixth inning as Carlos Lee singled to drive in Jose Reyes. New York got on the board in the eighth inning when David Wright singled to knock in Jordany Valdespin, followed by Daniel Murphy scoring on a wild pitch, and then they tied the game as Scott Hairston singled Wright the rest of the way home. The Marlins won it 4-3 in the eleventh inning when Donovan Solano singled Reyes across the dish to end the game. Chad Gaudin was in line for the win and Collin McHugh was pinned with the loss.
Northwest to Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Chris Volstad are the veteran starters. Houston struck first in the second inning on a Jason Castro solo home run, followed by Tyler Greene singling in Justin Maxwell. The Astros padded the lead in the eighth inning as Brian Bogusevic scored on a wild pitch. This made it 3-0, the final, with the win going to Norris, the save to Wilton Lopez as his tenth of the year, and the loss to Volstad.
Down in Kansas City, the Royals host the Detroit Tigers. Doug Fister and Jeremy Guthrie have the green light to pitch. Kansas City started in the first inning with Alcides Escobar hitting a solo home run. Detroit took the lead in the third inning as Miguel Cabrera singled both Danny Worth and Quintin Berry around. The Royals retied it in the fifth inning when Escobar singled to drive in Irving Falu, before going ahead on a Salvador Perez fielder's choice to allow Jarrod Dyson to dash home. Kansas City struck again in the eighth inning as Jeff Francoeur hit a solo shot. This was all they needed for a 4-2 win, earned by Guthrie, while Greg Holland shut the door for a save, and Fister was on the hook for the loss.
North to Milwaukee, as the Brewers welcome the San Diego Padres. Anthony Bass and Tyler Thornburg are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Milwaukee established a lead in the third inning as Martin Maldonado hit a grand slam, sweeping in Norichika Aoki, Ryan Braun, and Travis Ishikawa. San Diego got on the board in the fourth inning with Will Venable singling in Chase Headley. The Padres got another in the sixth inning as Jesus Guzman singled to score Headley, followed by Yasmani Grandal doing the same to finish Guzman's trip around. They failed to tie the game, falling 4-3, with Jim Henderson picking up the win, John Axford closing for the save, and Bass was given the loss.
Back in Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds. Mat Latos and Chris Carpenter are on the hill. St. Louis got going in the first inning as Matt Holliday hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Jon Jay. Cincinnati tied it in the fourth inning on a Scott Rolen solo home run. The Reds took the lead in the sixth inning as Jay Bruce singled Joey Votto around, followed by Dioner Navarro doing the same for Ryan Ludwick. This made it 3-1, a final, with Latos earning the win, Aroldis Chapman converting the save, and Carpenter suffering the loss.
Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Colorado Rockies. Jhoulys Chacin and Patrick Corbin are the underrated pitchers. Colorado was first to score in the second inning as Charlie Blackmon grounded into a double play that gave Andrew Brown time to score. Arizona grabbed the lead in the seventh inning as John McDonald hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jason Kubel. The Rockies went back ahead in the eighth inning on a Jordan Pacheco double, plating both Josh Rutledge and Tyler Colvin. The Diamondbacks walked off in the ninth inning on a three-run Aaron Hill home run, sweeping in Tyler Graham and Gerardo Parra for a 5-3 win. Brad Ziegler picked up the win and Rafael Betancourt was stuck with the loss.
Northwest to Oakland, with the Athletics hosting the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison faces a lesser foe in Travis Blackley. Texas began in the third inning as Josh Hamilton doubled in Ian Kinsler. Oakland gained the lead in the fifth inning as Derek Norris singled to plate Josh Donaldson and also Brandon Moss after an error. The Athletics got another in the sixth inning on a Jonny Gomes solo home run. This ended the scoring at 3-1, with the win going to Blackley, the save tossed by Grant Balfour, and Harrison was on the hook for the loss.
North to Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren and Hisashi Iwakuma pace the game. Seattle opened in the first inning as Kyle Seager hit a solo home run. The Mariners extended the lead in the fourth inning on a Michael Saunders doubled plating both John Jaso and Justin Smoak. Seattle padded the lead in the sixth inning as Jaso singled, which combined with an error to bring in Seager, followed by Saunders doubling Jesus Montero around. The Mariners got another in the eighth inning as Montero doubled Jaso across the dish. Los Angeles got on the board in the ninth inning as Howie Kendrick singled Andrew Romine safely home. This made the final 6-1, with Iwakuma earning the win and Haren taking the loss.
Finally, we end in Los Angeles as the Dodgers welcome the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Chris Capuano are set to pitch. San Francisco led off in the second inning with a Buster Posey solo home run. Los Angeles tied it in their half of the inning on a Luis Cruz groundout to bring in Hanley Ramirez. The Giants reclaimed the lead in the third inning on a Joaquin Arias solo shot. San Francisco extended the lead as Marco Scutaro doubled in both Arias and Angel Pagan. The Dodgers chipped back in the seventh inning on a two-run home run by A.J. Ellis, also scoring Andre Ethier. They got no closer, falling 4-3, with Zito in line for the win, Sergio Romo closing out for the save, and Capuano was dealt the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
The Washington Nationals hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. B.J. Rosenberg and Tom Gorzelanny are the uninspiring pitchers. Philadelphia started in the fourth inning on a Darin Ruf solo home run. Washington tied it in the bottom of the fourth as Roger Bernadina singled Adam LaRoche home. The Nationals took the lead in the sixth inning on a LaRoche solo shot, followed by Steve Lombardozzi singling Mark DeRosa safely home. The Phillies shot back in the eighth inning as Ruf hit another solo home run. Washington replied in their half of the inning on a Lombardozzi sacrifice fly to allow Bernadina to score. This made it 4-2, a final, with the win going to Zach Duke, the save turned by Drew Storen, and the loss was given to Josh Lindblom.
Over in New York, the Yankees host the Boston Red Sox. Jon Lester and David Phelps are set to start. Boston got going in the first inning as Dustin Pedroia doubled in Jacoby Ellsbury before scoring on a Cody Ross sacrifice fly. New York got on the board in the second inning as Eduardo Nunez singled to drive in Curtis Granderson. The Red Sox padded the lead in the ninth inning on a James Loney solo home run. The Yankees tied it in their half of the inning as Raul Ibanez hit a two-run home run, also scoring Granderson. New York won in the twelfth inning as Ibanez singled Francisco Cervelli safely home to end the game at 4-3. Derek Lowe picked up the win and Andrew Miller was responsible for the loss.
West to Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Kevin Correia are the well-known starters. Pittsburgh was first to score in the first inning with Andrew McCutchen grounding out to bring in Starling Marte. The Pirates added on in the second inning as Clint Barmes singled Josh Harrison around. Atlanta shot back in the fourth inning on a Juan Francisco double to plate Lyle Overbay. Pittsburgh extended the lead in the fifth inning as Alex Presley doubled Marte across the dish, before scoring on a two-run home run by Garrett Jones. This produced the 5-1 final, with the win going to Correia and the loss pinned on Hanson.
Over in Ohio, the Cleveland Indians welcome the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy and Justin Masterson are on the mound. Cleveland opened in the fourth inning on a Shin-Soo Choo solo home run. Chicago tied it in the sixth inning as Orlando Hudson singled to drive in Dewayne Wise. The White Sox took the lead in the ninth inning as Dayan Viciedo hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jose Lopez. The Indians tied it as Travis Hafner hit a two-run home run bottom of the ninth inning, driving in Jason Donald. Cleveland won it 4-3 in the twelfth inning as Donald singled Lonnie Chisenhall across the dish. Chris Seddon was in line for the win while Matt Thornton was given the loss.
Into Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Minnesota Twins. Anthony Swarzak and Chad Jenkins are the unknown pitchers. Toronto began in the third inning as Rajai Davis singled to knock in Adeiny Hechavarria. The Blue Jays added on in the fourth inning on a Kelly Johnson two-run home run, also scoring J.P. Arencibia. Toronto kept going in the fifth inning as Yunel Escobar singled home Anthony Gose. Minnesota got on the board in the sixth inning as Denard Span hit a two-run home run, bringing in Eduardo Escobar. The Twins got closer in the seventh inning with Alexi Casilla doubling Trevor Plouffe around. They failed to tie the game, falling 4-3. Jenkins was given the win, Casey Janssen turned the save, and Swarzak was handed the loss.
Back stateside, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Baltimore Orioles. Miguel Gonzalez and James Shields receive the starting nods. Baltimore was first to score in the fourth inning on a Chris Davis solo home run. This was all for the scoring, with the final being 1-0. Gonzalez was strong in the win, Jim Johnson closed out for the save, and Shields went the distance in the loss while striking out fifteen.
Staying in Florida, the Miami Marlins host the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and Jacob Turner are sent out to pitch. Miami led off with a fourth inning Gorkys Hernandez solo home run. The Marlins got another in the fifth inning on a Rob Brantly solo shot. Miami padded the lead in the sixth inning as Carlos Lee singled to drive in Jose Reyes. New York got on the board in the eighth inning when David Wright singled to knock in Jordany Valdespin, followed by Daniel Murphy scoring on a wild pitch, and then they tied the game as Scott Hairston singled Wright the rest of the way home. The Marlins won it 4-3 in the eleventh inning when Donovan Solano singled Reyes across the dish to end the game. Chad Gaudin was in line for the win and Collin McHugh was pinned with the loss.
Northwest to Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Chris Volstad are the veteran starters. Houston struck first in the second inning on a Jason Castro solo home run, followed by Tyler Greene singling in Justin Maxwell. The Astros padded the lead in the eighth inning as Brian Bogusevic scored on a wild pitch. This made it 3-0, the final, with the win going to Norris, the save to Wilton Lopez as his tenth of the year, and the loss to Volstad.
Down in Kansas City, the Royals host the Detroit Tigers. Doug Fister and Jeremy Guthrie have the green light to pitch. Kansas City started in the first inning with Alcides Escobar hitting a solo home run. Detroit took the lead in the third inning as Miguel Cabrera singled both Danny Worth and Quintin Berry around. The Royals retied it in the fifth inning when Escobar singled to drive in Irving Falu, before going ahead on a Salvador Perez fielder's choice to allow Jarrod Dyson to dash home. Kansas City struck again in the eighth inning as Jeff Francoeur hit a solo shot. This was all they needed for a 4-2 win, earned by Guthrie, while Greg Holland shut the door for a save, and Fister was on the hook for the loss.
North to Milwaukee, as the Brewers welcome the San Diego Padres. Anthony Bass and Tyler Thornburg are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Milwaukee established a lead in the third inning as Martin Maldonado hit a grand slam, sweeping in Norichika Aoki, Ryan Braun, and Travis Ishikawa. San Diego got on the board in the fourth inning with Will Venable singling in Chase Headley. The Padres got another in the sixth inning as Jesus Guzman singled to score Headley, followed by Yasmani Grandal doing the same to finish Guzman's trip around. They failed to tie the game, falling 4-3, with Jim Henderson picking up the win, John Axford closing for the save, and Bass was given the loss.
Back in Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds. Mat Latos and Chris Carpenter are on the hill. St. Louis got going in the first inning as Matt Holliday hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Jon Jay. Cincinnati tied it in the fourth inning on a Scott Rolen solo home run. The Reds took the lead in the sixth inning as Jay Bruce singled Joey Votto around, followed by Dioner Navarro doing the same for Ryan Ludwick. This made it 3-1, a final, with Latos earning the win, Aroldis Chapman converting the save, and Carpenter suffering the loss.
Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Colorado Rockies. Jhoulys Chacin and Patrick Corbin are the underrated pitchers. Colorado was first to score in the second inning as Charlie Blackmon grounded into a double play that gave Andrew Brown time to score. Arizona grabbed the lead in the seventh inning as John McDonald hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jason Kubel. The Rockies went back ahead in the eighth inning on a Jordan Pacheco double, plating both Josh Rutledge and Tyler Colvin. The Diamondbacks walked off in the ninth inning on a three-run Aaron Hill home run, sweeping in Tyler Graham and Gerardo Parra for a 5-3 win. Brad Ziegler picked up the win and Rafael Betancourt was stuck with the loss.
Northwest to Oakland, with the Athletics hosting the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison faces a lesser foe in Travis Blackley. Texas began in the third inning as Josh Hamilton doubled in Ian Kinsler. Oakland gained the lead in the fifth inning as Derek Norris singled to plate Josh Donaldson and also Brandon Moss after an error. The Athletics got another in the sixth inning on a Jonny Gomes solo home run. This ended the scoring at 3-1, with the win going to Blackley, the save tossed by Grant Balfour, and Harrison was on the hook for the loss.
North to Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren and Hisashi Iwakuma pace the game. Seattle opened in the first inning as Kyle Seager hit a solo home run. The Mariners extended the lead in the fourth inning on a Michael Saunders doubled plating both John Jaso and Justin Smoak. Seattle padded the lead in the sixth inning as Jaso singled, which combined with an error to bring in Seager, followed by Saunders doubling Jesus Montero around. The Mariners got another in the eighth inning as Montero doubled Jaso across the dish. Los Angeles got on the board in the ninth inning as Howie Kendrick singled Andrew Romine safely home. This made the final 6-1, with Iwakuma earning the win and Haren taking the loss.
Finally, we end in Los Angeles as the Dodgers welcome the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Chris Capuano are set to pitch. San Francisco led off in the second inning with a Buster Posey solo home run. Los Angeles tied it in their half of the inning on a Luis Cruz groundout to bring in Hanley Ramirez. The Giants reclaimed the lead in the third inning on a Joaquin Arias solo shot. San Francisco extended the lead as Marco Scutaro doubled in both Arias and Angel Pagan. The Dodgers chipped back in the seventh inning on a two-run home run by A.J. Ellis, also scoring Andre Ethier. They got no closer, falling 4-3, with Zito in line for the win, Sergio Romo closing out for the save, and Capuano was dealt the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Fantasy Football All-Stars Week 4 2012
Quarter pole already for football, and here's who led the league as the bye-season begins.
Quarterback: Tom Brady
Running Backs: Michael Turner and Stevan Ridley
Wide Receivers: Brian Hartline and Roddy White
Tight End: Scott Chandler
Kicker: Greg Zuerlein
Team Defense: San Francisco
Defensive Players: Cameron Wake and Charles Johnson
Quarterback: Tom Brady
Running Backs: Michael Turner and Stevan Ridley
Wide Receivers: Brian Hartline and Roddy White
Tight End: Scott Chandler
Kicker: Greg Zuerlein
Team Defense: San Francisco
Defensive Players: Cameron Wake and Charles Johnson
Monday, October 1, 2012
MLB Day 179 2012
Final series of the year. It has been quite the task to provide my readers with every run in every game, but I've managed to do it this year. Thank you all for your continued support. The games today begin in...
Pittsburgh, as the Pirates host the Atlanta Braves. Paul Maholm and Jeff Locke get the starts. Atlanta got going in the third inning on a Jason Heyward single to knock in Michael Bourn. Pittsburgh tied it in the bottom of the third as Chase d'Arnaud grounded out to give time for Starling Marte to dash home. The Pirates took the lead in the fifth inning on a Marte solo home run. This was good for a 2-1 win, picked up by Locke, while Jared Hughes got a spot save, and Maholm took a hard-luck loss.
Over in New York, as the Yankees host the Boston Red Sox. Clay Buchholz and CC Sabathia are on the mound. New York established a lead in the second inning on a Robinson Cano solo home run, followed by a two-run home run by Curtis Granderson, also scoring Nick Swisher, a solo shot from Russell Martin, an Alex Rodriguez sacrifice fly to bring in Eric Chavez, a Cano double to plate both Derek Jeter and Ichiro Suzuki, and another two-run home run off the bat of Mark Teixeira to finish Cano's trip around. Boston got on the board in the fourth inning as Daniel Nava hit a solo home run. The Red Sox got another in the seventh inning when Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a sacrifice fly to allow Mauro Gomez to cross the plate. The Yankees replied in the eighth inning as Melky Mesa singled Eduardo Nunez around. This made the final 10-2, with the win going to Sabathia and the loss to Buchholz.
Moving into DC, as the Washington Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and John Lannan are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Philadelphia started in the second inning as Darin Ruf tripled to force in both Carlos Ruiz and Domonic Brown. This was the only scoring in the game, with the final being 2-0, giving Kendrick the win, while Phillippe Aumont turned a spot save, and Lannan had no help in the loss.
West to Cleveland, as the Indians welcome the Chicago White Sox. Hector Santiago and Corey Kluber are the uninspiring starters. Chicago began in the sixth inning as Adam Dunn singled to knock in Dewayne Wise, followed by Alex Rios doing the same to finish Dunn's trip around, A.J. Pierzynski following suit for Paul Konerko, and Dayan Viciedo singling to finish Rios' trip. The White Sox struck again in the eighth inning as Alexei Ramirez singled Pierzynski safely home. Chicago padded the lead in the ninth inning as Dunn singled Wise around, followed by Konerko doing the same for Kevin Youkilis, and then Viciedo hit a grand slam, sweeping in all of Jordan Danks, Ray Olmedo, and Pierzynski. This produced the 11-0 final, with Santiago dominating in the drubbing victory, while Kluber was shelled for a loss.
North to Toronto, with the Blue Jays hosting the Minnesota Twins. Esmerling Vasquez and Aaron Laffey are the unknown pitchers. Toronto was first to score in the first inning when Adam Lind singled home Rajai Davis. Minnesota took the lead in the second inning as Trevor Plouffe hit a two-run home run, also scoring Chris Parmelee. The Twins added on in the third inning as Plouffe doubled in Jamey Carroll. Minnesota got another in the fifth inning as Joe Mauer singled Carroll around. The Blue Jays replied in the sixth inning as Jeff Mathis doubled, scoring both Adam Lind and Kelly Johnson. The Twins shot back in the seventh inning when Carroll singled to give Ben Revere time to dash home. Toronto shot back in their half of the seventh as Lind doubled to drive in Brett Lawrie. The Blue Jays tied it in the ninth inning on a Yan Gomes solo home run. Toronto won 6-5 in the tenth inning as Anthony Gose singled Adeiny Hechavarria across the dish. Brandon Lyon was in line for the win and Brian Duensing was stuck with the loss.
Back in the States, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Alex Cobb are the young starters. Tampa Bay led off in the fourth inning on a Ben Zobrist solo home run. Baltimore tied it in the seventh inning on a Matt Wieters solo shot. The Rays retook the lead in the bottom of the seventh with a Ben Francisco sacrifice fly to allow Evan Longoria to score, followed by Chris Gimenez doubling both Rich Thompson and Sam Fuld around. Tampa Bay got another in the eighth inning when Carlos Pena grounded into a fielder's choice to give time for B.J. Upton to dash home. The Orioles tried a ninth inning rally on a two-run home run by Chris Davis, also scoring J.J. Hardy, but they failed to tie the game and lost 5-3. Cobb picked up the win, Fernando Rodney mopped up a mess for a save, and Chen was the unlucky losing pitcher.
Staying in Florida, the Miami Marlins welcome the New York Mets. Jeurys Familia and Wade Leblanc are the weak pitchers. New York struck first with a fifth inning David Wright single, scoring Ronny Cedeno. The Mets padded the lead in the sixth inning as Mike Baxter doubled Kelly Shoppach around. Miami got on the board in the bottom of the sixth as Giancarlo Stanton hit a solo home run. The Marlins tied it in the seventh inning on a Jose Reyes sacrifice fly to allow Austin Kearns to come home. Miami took the lead in the eighth inning as Rob Brantly doubled to drive in Carlos Lee. This was good enough for a 3-2 win, picked up by Heath Bell, while Steve Cishek turned his fifteenth save of the year, and Ramon Ramirez was on the hook for the loss.
Northwest to Chicago, where the Cubs host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Jason Berken are penciled in to pitch. Houston opened in the second inning with a Fernando Martinez solo home run. The Astros added on in the fourth inning as Matt Dominguez tripled to force in Martinez. Houston extended the lead in the eighth inning on a Scott Moore single to drive in Brandon Barnes. This made it 3-0, a final, with the win going to Harrell, the save finished off by Wesley Wright, and Berken was dealt the loss.
A little more north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Shaun Marcum take the hill. Milwaukee got going as Aramis Ramirez hit a first inning single to drive in Ryan Braun. San Diego tied it in the third inning as the pitcher Richard hit a solo home run. The Brewers took the lead again in the fourth inning on a Carlos Gomez solo shot. Milwaukee extended the lead with a two-run home run in the fifth inning from Rickie Weeks, also scoring Norichika Aoki. The Padres shot back in the sixth inning as Jesus Guzman singled to plate Will Venable. The Brewers got it back with a Jonathan Lucroy solo home run in the bottom of the sixth. San Diego shot back in the seventh inning as Yasmani Grandal singled to knock in Everth Cabrera. They got no closer, losing 5-3, with the win going to Marcum, the save converted by John Axford, and the loss pinned on Richard.
Back south, the Kansas City Royals host the Detroit Tigers. Rick Porcello and Bruce Chen are the struggling pitchers. Detroit began in the fifth inning as Jhonny Peralta hit a solo home run. The Tigers added on in the sixth inning on a Miguel Cabrera solo shot, followed by Peralta reaching on an error that allowed Prince Fielder to score, and then Gerald Laird doubled, sweeping in all of Peralta, Andy Dirks, and Avisail Garcia. Kansas City got on the board in their half of the inning when Alex Gordon hit a solo home run, followed by Jeff Francoeur grounding into a double play to bring in Billy Butler. The Royals got another in the eighth inning on a Francoeur single that gave time for Gordon to dash home. They scored no more, losing 6-3, with the win belonging to Porcello, the save turned by Jose Valverde as his thirty-fifth of the season, and the loss was handed to Chen.
Across Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Jaime Garcia have the green light to pitch. Cincinnati was first to score in the third inning on a Brandon Phillips single to score Drew Stubbs. St. Louis tied it in the bottom of the third as the pitcher Garcia hit a solo home run, followed by Allen Craig doubling in Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Matt Holliday to dash home. The Cardinals padded the lead in the sixth inning as Daniel Descalso tripled to force in Molina. The Reds shot back in the seventh inning on a Ryan Hanigan sacrifice fly to give Scott Rolen time to dash home. This wasn't enough to avoid a 4-2 loss, with Garcia notching the win, Jason Motte closing up for the save, and Arroyo suffered the loss.
Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Colorado Rockies. Drew Pomeranz and Wade Miley are the young starters. Arizona led off in the first inning as Aaron Hill hit a solo home run. The Diamondbacks got another in the fifth inning when Gerardo Parra hit a solo shot. Colorado got on the board in the seventh inning when Wilin Rosario hit a solo home run. The Rockies took the lead in the eighth inning when Josh Rutledge doubled home Charlie Blackmon before scoring on a Tyler Colvin double. Arizona tied the game in the ninth inning on a Paul Goldschmidt solo shot. Colorado rallied to a lead in the thirteenth inning with Chris Nelson singling Colvin across the dish before scoring on a Blackmon single, followed by Jonathan Herrera reaching on a fielder's choice to give time for DJ LeMahieu to score, and Matt McBride scored on a wild pitch. The Diamondbacks tried to rally in their half of the inning as Konrad Schmidt walked with the bases loaded to force in A.J. Pollock, followed by Chris Johnson's sacrifice fly to allow Justin Upton to score, but they lost 7-5. Josh Outman was in line for the win, Josh Roenicke turned a spot save, and Brad Bergesen was given the loss.
Northwest to Oakland, as the Athletics host the Texas Rangers. Martin Perez is mismatched with Jarrod Parker. Oakland quickly got the lead in the first inning with Josh Reddick singling in Coco Crisp, and Chris Carter scoring on a balk. Texas got on the board in the third inning on an Elvis Andrus single scoring Mike Napoli. The Rangers tied it in the fourth inning as Michael Young hit a solo home run. The Athletics retook the lead in the fifth inning as Crisp doubled to knock in Adam Rosales, before scoring on a Brandon Moss sacrifice fly. Texas got another in the seventh inning when Napoli hit a solo shot. They failed to tie the game, losing 4-3, with Parker picking up the win, Grant Balfour finishing off the save, and Perez was dealt the loss.
South to Los Angeles, where the Dodgers welcome the San Francisco Giants. Matt Cain and Aaron Harang pace the game. San Francisco opened in the first inning with a Buster Posey double to plate Marco Scutaro. Los Angeles took the lead in the fourth inning on a two-run Andre Ethier home run, also scoring Mark Ellis. The Giants tied it in the eighth inning when Scutaro singled to knock in Angel Pagan. The Dodgers won 3-2 in the ninth inning on an Elian Herrera single to bring in Hanley Ramirez. Brandon League was in line for the win and Santiago Casilla was responsible for the loss.
Finally, we end in Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson and Felix Hernandez are the reliable pitchers. Los Angeles started with a first inning Albert Pujols double to knock in Mike Trout, followed by Mark Trumbo singling Pujols the rest of the way home and Howie Kendrick singling to get Alberto Callaspo around. Seattle answered in their half of the inning when Casper Wells hit a solo home run. The Angels replied as Trout singled to plate Maicer Izturis in the fourth inning. Los Angeles kept going in the sixth inning when Trout tripled to force in both Kendrick and Izturis before coming the final 90 feet on a Torii Hunter single. The Mariners pulled back in the seventh inning as Justin Smoak doubled Wells around, followed by Miguel Olivo reaching on an error to bring in Jesus Montero, and Trayvon Robinson singling to finish Smoak's trip around. Los Angeles answered in the ninth inning with a Kendrick double to score Kole Calhoun. This produced an 8-4 final, with the win going to Wilson while Hernandez was handed the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Pittsburgh, as the Pirates host the Atlanta Braves. Paul Maholm and Jeff Locke get the starts. Atlanta got going in the third inning on a Jason Heyward single to knock in Michael Bourn. Pittsburgh tied it in the bottom of the third as Chase d'Arnaud grounded out to give time for Starling Marte to dash home. The Pirates took the lead in the fifth inning on a Marte solo home run. This was good for a 2-1 win, picked up by Locke, while Jared Hughes got a spot save, and Maholm took a hard-luck loss.
Over in New York, as the Yankees host the Boston Red Sox. Clay Buchholz and CC Sabathia are on the mound. New York established a lead in the second inning on a Robinson Cano solo home run, followed by a two-run home run by Curtis Granderson, also scoring Nick Swisher, a solo shot from Russell Martin, an Alex Rodriguez sacrifice fly to bring in Eric Chavez, a Cano double to plate both Derek Jeter and Ichiro Suzuki, and another two-run home run off the bat of Mark Teixeira to finish Cano's trip around. Boston got on the board in the fourth inning as Daniel Nava hit a solo home run. The Red Sox got another in the seventh inning when Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a sacrifice fly to allow Mauro Gomez to cross the plate. The Yankees replied in the eighth inning as Melky Mesa singled Eduardo Nunez around. This made the final 10-2, with the win going to Sabathia and the loss to Buchholz.
Moving into DC, as the Washington Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and John Lannan are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Philadelphia started in the second inning as Darin Ruf tripled to force in both Carlos Ruiz and Domonic Brown. This was the only scoring in the game, with the final being 2-0, giving Kendrick the win, while Phillippe Aumont turned a spot save, and Lannan had no help in the loss.
West to Cleveland, as the Indians welcome the Chicago White Sox. Hector Santiago and Corey Kluber are the uninspiring starters. Chicago began in the sixth inning as Adam Dunn singled to knock in Dewayne Wise, followed by Alex Rios doing the same to finish Dunn's trip around, A.J. Pierzynski following suit for Paul Konerko, and Dayan Viciedo singling to finish Rios' trip. The White Sox struck again in the eighth inning as Alexei Ramirez singled Pierzynski safely home. Chicago padded the lead in the ninth inning as Dunn singled Wise around, followed by Konerko doing the same for Kevin Youkilis, and then Viciedo hit a grand slam, sweeping in all of Jordan Danks, Ray Olmedo, and Pierzynski. This produced the 11-0 final, with Santiago dominating in the drubbing victory, while Kluber was shelled for a loss.
North to Toronto, with the Blue Jays hosting the Minnesota Twins. Esmerling Vasquez and Aaron Laffey are the unknown pitchers. Toronto was first to score in the first inning when Adam Lind singled home Rajai Davis. Minnesota took the lead in the second inning as Trevor Plouffe hit a two-run home run, also scoring Chris Parmelee. The Twins added on in the third inning as Plouffe doubled in Jamey Carroll. Minnesota got another in the fifth inning as Joe Mauer singled Carroll around. The Blue Jays replied in the sixth inning as Jeff Mathis doubled, scoring both Adam Lind and Kelly Johnson. The Twins shot back in the seventh inning when Carroll singled to give Ben Revere time to dash home. Toronto shot back in their half of the seventh as Lind doubled to drive in Brett Lawrie. The Blue Jays tied it in the ninth inning on a Yan Gomes solo home run. Toronto won 6-5 in the tenth inning as Anthony Gose singled Adeiny Hechavarria across the dish. Brandon Lyon was in line for the win and Brian Duensing was stuck with the loss.
Back in the States, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Alex Cobb are the young starters. Tampa Bay led off in the fourth inning on a Ben Zobrist solo home run. Baltimore tied it in the seventh inning on a Matt Wieters solo shot. The Rays retook the lead in the bottom of the seventh with a Ben Francisco sacrifice fly to allow Evan Longoria to score, followed by Chris Gimenez doubling both Rich Thompson and Sam Fuld around. Tampa Bay got another in the eighth inning when Carlos Pena grounded into a fielder's choice to give time for B.J. Upton to dash home. The Orioles tried a ninth inning rally on a two-run home run by Chris Davis, also scoring J.J. Hardy, but they failed to tie the game and lost 5-3. Cobb picked up the win, Fernando Rodney mopped up a mess for a save, and Chen was the unlucky losing pitcher.
Staying in Florida, the Miami Marlins welcome the New York Mets. Jeurys Familia and Wade Leblanc are the weak pitchers. New York struck first with a fifth inning David Wright single, scoring Ronny Cedeno. The Mets padded the lead in the sixth inning as Mike Baxter doubled Kelly Shoppach around. Miami got on the board in the bottom of the sixth as Giancarlo Stanton hit a solo home run. The Marlins tied it in the seventh inning on a Jose Reyes sacrifice fly to allow Austin Kearns to come home. Miami took the lead in the eighth inning as Rob Brantly doubled to drive in Carlos Lee. This was good enough for a 3-2 win, picked up by Heath Bell, while Steve Cishek turned his fifteenth save of the year, and Ramon Ramirez was on the hook for the loss.
Northwest to Chicago, where the Cubs host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Jason Berken are penciled in to pitch. Houston opened in the second inning with a Fernando Martinez solo home run. The Astros added on in the fourth inning as Matt Dominguez tripled to force in Martinez. Houston extended the lead in the eighth inning on a Scott Moore single to drive in Brandon Barnes. This made it 3-0, a final, with the win going to Harrell, the save finished off by Wesley Wright, and Berken was dealt the loss.
A little more north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Shaun Marcum take the hill. Milwaukee got going as Aramis Ramirez hit a first inning single to drive in Ryan Braun. San Diego tied it in the third inning as the pitcher Richard hit a solo home run. The Brewers took the lead again in the fourth inning on a Carlos Gomez solo shot. Milwaukee extended the lead with a two-run home run in the fifth inning from Rickie Weeks, also scoring Norichika Aoki. The Padres shot back in the sixth inning as Jesus Guzman singled to plate Will Venable. The Brewers got it back with a Jonathan Lucroy solo home run in the bottom of the sixth. San Diego shot back in the seventh inning as Yasmani Grandal singled to knock in Everth Cabrera. They got no closer, losing 5-3, with the win going to Marcum, the save converted by John Axford, and the loss pinned on Richard.
Back south, the Kansas City Royals host the Detroit Tigers. Rick Porcello and Bruce Chen are the struggling pitchers. Detroit began in the fifth inning as Jhonny Peralta hit a solo home run. The Tigers added on in the sixth inning on a Miguel Cabrera solo shot, followed by Peralta reaching on an error that allowed Prince Fielder to score, and then Gerald Laird doubled, sweeping in all of Peralta, Andy Dirks, and Avisail Garcia. Kansas City got on the board in their half of the inning when Alex Gordon hit a solo home run, followed by Jeff Francoeur grounding into a double play to bring in Billy Butler. The Royals got another in the eighth inning on a Francoeur single that gave time for Gordon to dash home. They scored no more, losing 6-3, with the win belonging to Porcello, the save turned by Jose Valverde as his thirty-fifth of the season, and the loss was handed to Chen.
Across Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Jaime Garcia have the green light to pitch. Cincinnati was first to score in the third inning on a Brandon Phillips single to score Drew Stubbs. St. Louis tied it in the bottom of the third as the pitcher Garcia hit a solo home run, followed by Allen Craig doubling in Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Matt Holliday to dash home. The Cardinals padded the lead in the sixth inning as Daniel Descalso tripled to force in Molina. The Reds shot back in the seventh inning on a Ryan Hanigan sacrifice fly to give Scott Rolen time to dash home. This wasn't enough to avoid a 4-2 loss, with Garcia notching the win, Jason Motte closing up for the save, and Arroyo suffered the loss.
Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Colorado Rockies. Drew Pomeranz and Wade Miley are the young starters. Arizona led off in the first inning as Aaron Hill hit a solo home run. The Diamondbacks got another in the fifth inning when Gerardo Parra hit a solo shot. Colorado got on the board in the seventh inning when Wilin Rosario hit a solo home run. The Rockies took the lead in the eighth inning when Josh Rutledge doubled home Charlie Blackmon before scoring on a Tyler Colvin double. Arizona tied the game in the ninth inning on a Paul Goldschmidt solo shot. Colorado rallied to a lead in the thirteenth inning with Chris Nelson singling Colvin across the dish before scoring on a Blackmon single, followed by Jonathan Herrera reaching on a fielder's choice to give time for DJ LeMahieu to score, and Matt McBride scored on a wild pitch. The Diamondbacks tried to rally in their half of the inning as Konrad Schmidt walked with the bases loaded to force in A.J. Pollock, followed by Chris Johnson's sacrifice fly to allow Justin Upton to score, but they lost 7-5. Josh Outman was in line for the win, Josh Roenicke turned a spot save, and Brad Bergesen was given the loss.
Northwest to Oakland, as the Athletics host the Texas Rangers. Martin Perez is mismatched with Jarrod Parker. Oakland quickly got the lead in the first inning with Josh Reddick singling in Coco Crisp, and Chris Carter scoring on a balk. Texas got on the board in the third inning on an Elvis Andrus single scoring Mike Napoli. The Rangers tied it in the fourth inning as Michael Young hit a solo home run. The Athletics retook the lead in the fifth inning as Crisp doubled to knock in Adam Rosales, before scoring on a Brandon Moss sacrifice fly. Texas got another in the seventh inning when Napoli hit a solo shot. They failed to tie the game, losing 4-3, with Parker picking up the win, Grant Balfour finishing off the save, and Perez was dealt the loss.
South to Los Angeles, where the Dodgers welcome the San Francisco Giants. Matt Cain and Aaron Harang pace the game. San Francisco opened in the first inning with a Buster Posey double to plate Marco Scutaro. Los Angeles took the lead in the fourth inning on a two-run Andre Ethier home run, also scoring Mark Ellis. The Giants tied it in the eighth inning when Scutaro singled to knock in Angel Pagan. The Dodgers won 3-2 in the ninth inning on an Elian Herrera single to bring in Hanley Ramirez. Brandon League was in line for the win and Santiago Casilla was responsible for the loss.
Finally, we end in Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson and Felix Hernandez are the reliable pitchers. Los Angeles started with a first inning Albert Pujols double to knock in Mike Trout, followed by Mark Trumbo singling Pujols the rest of the way home and Howie Kendrick singling to get Alberto Callaspo around. Seattle answered in their half of the inning when Casper Wells hit a solo home run. The Angels replied as Trout singled to plate Maicer Izturis in the fourth inning. Los Angeles kept going in the sixth inning when Trout tripled to force in both Kendrick and Izturis before coming the final 90 feet on a Torii Hunter single. The Mariners pulled back in the seventh inning as Justin Smoak doubled Wells around, followed by Miguel Olivo reaching on an error to bring in Jesus Montero, and Trayvon Robinson singling to finish Smoak's trip around. Los Angeles answered in the ninth inning with a Kendrick double to score Kole Calhoun. This produced an 8-4 final, with the win going to Wilson while Hernandez was handed the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Monday Night Football Week 4 2012
This week's game features the Dallas Cowboys hosting the Chicago Bears. Chicago led off in the second quarter with a 43 yard field goal by Robbie Gould. The Bears extended the lead as Charles Tillman picked off Tony Romo and took the ball 25 yards for a touchdown, followed by a Gould extra point. Dallas got some back as Romo threw a 10 yard touchdown to Miles Austin, and Dan Bailey was there with the extra point. Chicago shot back in the third quarter as Jay Cutler tossed a 34 yard touchdown pass to Devin Hester, and Gould was true on the PAT. The Bears padded the lead as Lance Briggs intercepted Romo and turned it into another touchdown after 74 yards to get in the end zone, allowing Gould another extra point. The Cowboys chipped away as Bailey made a field goal from 39 yards. Chicago answered in the fourth quarter on a Gould field goal of 21 yards. The Bears kept going as Cutler found Brandon Marshall for a 31 yard touchdown connection, and Gould iced the drive with the extra point. Dallas got some back late as Kyle Orton threw 5 yards for a touchdown to Jason Witten, before converting the two-point attempt by throwing to Dez Bryant. This produced the 34-18 final, with the Bears moving to 3-1 and the Cowboys dropping to 2-2.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
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