Full slate on a normal Tuesday. We begin in...
Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Texas Rangers. Neftali Feliz and Jake Arrieta take their turns in the rotation. Texas began with a first inning Josh Hamilton two-run home run, also scoring Elvis Andrus. The Rangers added on in the third inning with another Hamilton homer, again scoring Andrus, followed by an Adrian Beltre solo home run. Baltimore got on the board in the sixth inning when Nick Markakis singled home Endy Chavez. Texas struck again in the seventh as Hamilton went yard once more, another two-run shot that had Andrus as the other run, followed by a Nelson Cruz double to drive in Beltre. The Rangers kept going in the eighth inning as Hamilton went yard once again, becoming the first player in nearly 9 years to hit four homers in a game, and once more, Andrus was on base for the blast. The Orioles got some back in the bottom of the eighth when J.J. Hardy and Markakis hit solo shots. This cut the final to 10-3 Rangers, with Feliz earning the win and Arrieta being crushed in the loss.
Over in Cleveland as the Indians host the Chicago White Sox. John Danks and Justin Masterson get the starting nods. Chicago got going early with a Paul Konerko groundout giving time for Gordon Beckham to score and A.J. Pierzynski singling in Adam Dunn in the first inning. The White Sox added on in the seventh inning when Pierzynski grounded out to bring home Alejandro De Aza. Cleveland got on the board in the eighth inning as Jason Kipnis grounded out, giving time for Casey Kotchman to come home, followed by a 2-RBI Carlos Santana single, scoring both Jack Hannahan and Johnny Damon. Chicago got the lead again in the tenth inning as Alex Rios tripled, forcing in Brent Lillibridge, before coming the final 90 feet on an Alexei Ramirez fielder's choice, for a 5-3 lead and victory. Hector Santiago got the win, Addison Reed converted the save, and Chris Perez was dinged for the loss.
Back east, the New York Yankees host the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields and Ivan Nova are tabbed for the starts. New York drew first blood with a two-run home run from Raul Ibanez, sweeping in Nick Swisher in the fourth inning. The Yankees struck again with Curtis Granderson solo home run in the fifth inning. Tampa Bay got on the board in the sixth inning when Jose Molina hit a solo shot. The Rays got another back in the seventh inning as Luke Scott went yard for a solo home run. New York answered with another Ibanez home run in the bottom of the seventh, a solo shot. Tampa Bay pulled closer as Ben Zobrist scored on a wild pitch in the eighth inning. The Yankees shot back in the bottom of the eighth as Mark Teixeira doubled to score Alex Rodriguez. The final here was 5-3 New York, with the win going to Nova, the save to David Robertson, and the loss to Shields.
Into Pennsylvania, with the Phillies hosting the New York Mets. Miguel Batista and Joe Blanton are the veteran starters. Philadelphia was first on the board as Hunter Pence hit a two-run home run, also scoring Juan Pierre in the first inning. The Phillies padded the lead in the second inning when Pete Orr singled home John Mayberry and Shane Victorino doubled to finish Orr's trip around. New York got one back in the fourth inning as Daniel Murphy singled home Kirk Nieuwenhuis. The Mets got another one in the seventh inning when Nieuwenhuis singled to score Jordany Valdespin, followed by David Wright doing the same for Andres Torres, and Nieuwenhuis scoring on an error to tie the game, and then they got the lead as Lucas Duda singled to finish Wright's trip around. New York added on in the ninth as Nieuwenhuis hit a sacrifice fly that brought in Mike Baxter, followed by Duda's single allowing Torres to come home safely. The final stood at 7-4 Mets, with Manny Acosta getting the win, Jon Rauch picking up a spot save, and Chad Qualls getting stuck with the loss.
Across the state, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and A.J. Burnett are throwing. Washington opened with a third inning Wilson Ramos solo home run. The Nationals extended the lead in the fourth inning when Rick Ankiel singled, driving in Bryce Harper. Pittsburgh tied it with a pair of solo shots by Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones in the bottom of the fourth. The Pirates took the lead in the eighth inning on a Neil Walker sacrifice fly that allowed time for Nate McLouth to dart home. Washington got the lead back in the ninth inning with a two-run Adam LaRoche home run, sweeping in Ryan Zimmerman. Pittsburgh took the game in the bottom of the ninth on a two-run homer by Rod Barajas, also scoring Alex Presley for a 5-4 win. Tony Watson was in line for the win while Henry Rodriguez was stuck with a blown save and loss.
Way to the south, the Houston Astros host the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and Aneury Rodriguez have the green light to pitch. Miami got things going with a fourth inning Omar Infante solo home run. The Marlins added on in the fifth inning as John Buck hit a solo shot. Houston answered in the sixth inning as Travis Buck reached on an error, giving time for both Marwin Gonzalez and Jose Altuve to get home, tying the game. The Astros took the lead in the eighth inning as Brian Bogusevic doubled home Travis Buck. Houston held on to win 3-2, with the win going to Wilton Lopez, the save to Brett Myers, and the loss to Ryan Webb.
North again, as the Chicago Cubs host the Atlanta Braves. Randall Delgado and Ryan Dempster will be on the hill. Atlanta started off as Tyler Pastornicky hit a fifth inning sacrifice fly to bring home Jason Heyward. Chicago tied it in the sixth inning when Alfonso Soriano doubled in Tony Campana. The Braves gained the lead in the eighth inning as Dan Uggla hit a 2-RBI single, scoring both Michael Bourn and Freddie Freeman. This made it 3-1, a final, with Kris Medlan getting the win, Craig Kimbrel picking up his tenth save of the season, and Kerry Wood getting dealt the loss.
Down in Missouri, the Kansas City Royals host the Boston Red Sox. Daniel Bard and the more casual Danny Duffy will play from the mound. Boston was first on the scoreboard with a second inning Kelly Shoppach single bringing around Will Middlebrooks in the second inning, followed by a bases-loaded walk by Dustin Pedroia to force in Marlon Byrd. Kansas City got one back as Eric Hosmer scored on a balk in the bottom of the second, and they tied it when Chris Getz singled in Mike Moustakas, before taking a lead as Humberto Quintero singled to finish Getz's trip around. The Red Sox retied it in the fourth inning when Pedroia singled to drive in Mike Aviles. Boston got the lead in the fifth inning when Ryan Sweeney grounded into a fielder's choice, providing the time it took for Adrian Gonzalez to score after an error. The Royals took the led back on a three-run homer by Billy Butler in the eighth inning, knocking in Jarrod Dyson and Alex Gordon. This led them to a 6-4 win, with the victory picked up by Jose Mijares, the save converted by Jonathan Broxton, and the loss handed to Bard.
Farther north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and Yovani Gallardo are the middle-rotation pitchers. Milwaukee led off with a first inning Jonathan Lucroy single that scored both Ryan Braun and Aramis Ramirez. The Brewers padded the lead with a ground rule double by Braun in the second inning, forcing in Nyjer Morgan. Milwaukee extended the lead in the fourth inning as Ramirez cleared the bases with a 3-RBI triple, sweeping in Cesar Izturis, Morgan, and Braun. The Brewers padded the lead in the fifth inning as the pitcher Gallardo singled, and Lucroy had time to dash home safely. Cincinnati got on the board in the sixth inning as Jay Bruce hit a two-run home run, also scoring Brandon Phillips. Milwaukee got going again with an seventh inning Izturis solo home run. The Reds got one back in the eighth inning as Scott Rolen doubled in Phillips. This made it 8-3, a final, with the win earned by Gallardo and the loss served to Bailey.
A bit west, the Minnesota Twins host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren goes up against a lesser foe in Scott Diamond. Minnesota busted out to an early lead with Josh Willingham doubling in Brian Dozier before coming the rest of the way home on a two-run homer by Ryan Doumit. The Twins added on in the fourth inning when Eric Komatsu hit a sacrifice fly to bring around Trevor Plouffe, and a Dozier single that knocked in Drew Butera. The scoring ended here, at 5-0, with the win going to Diamond and the loss to Haren.
Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jake Westbrook and Ian Kennedy have the manager's approval to start. St. Louis got going with a first inning Carlos Beltran two-run home run, also scoring Jon Jay. The Cardinals padded the lead in the second inning as Beltran went yard with a grand slam, sweeping in Skip Schumaker, Westbrook, and Jay. Arizona avoided the shutout in the ninth inning as Miguel Montero doubled to score Justin Upton. This made it 6-1, a final, with the win going to Westbrook and the loss to Kennedy.
Out west, the San Diego Padres host the Colorado Rockies. Alex White and Jeff Suppan are the relatively unknown starters. Colorado was first on the board with a Todd Helton single knocking in Carlos Gonzalez in the first inning. San Diego tied it in the bottom of the first as Yonder Alonso singled home Will Venable. The Padres took the lead in the fifth as Venable doubled to drive in Jason Bartlett. San Diego added on in the eighth inning when Orlando Hudson tripled, forcing in Alonso, and creating a 3-1 score. This was a final, where the win went to Suppan, Dale Thayer converted the save, and White was stuck with the loss.
North to Oakland, with the Athletics hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky Romero is up against Jarrod Parker on the hill. Toronto led off with a third inning Kelly Johnson two-run home run, also scoring J.P. Arencibia. Oakland tied it in the fifth inning as Josh Reddick hit a two-run home to score Jemile Weeks.The Blue Jays gained the lead again in the ninth inning when Johnson singled to score Rajai Davis. The Athletics tied it in the bottom of the ninth as Cliff Pennington singled home Michael Taylor before coming home on a Brandon Inge grand slam that made it 7-3, also sweeping in Reddick and Jonny Gomes. The win went to Grant Balfour, while the loss belonged to Francisco Cordero.
Back south, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelson and Clayton Kershaw are pacing the game. San Francisco opened with a second inning Brett Pill two-run home run, also scoring Buster Posey. Los Angeles got one back in their half of the inning when James Loney doubled to drive in Andre Ethier. This was all the scoring in the game, as the Giants got a 2-1 win, earned by Vogelsong, while Santiago Casilla converted the save and Kershaw was stuck with the tough loss.
Finally, we end in Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander mismatches with Kevin Millwood pitching. Detroit began with a first inning Andy Dirks single, scoring Austin Jackson. The Tigers added on in the second inning as Dirks doubled home Brennan Boesch and Gerald Laird before coming home alongside Prince Fielder on a Delmon Young double. Seattle got on the board in the third inning as Ichiro singled in Dustin Ackley and then came home on a Kyle Seager, as well as Brendan Ryan. Detroit extended the lead in the seventh inning with Fielder hitting a solo home run. The Mariners shot back in the bottom of the inning when Ryan singled in Michael Saunders. The final stood at 6-4, with the win going to Verlander, the save to Jose Valverde, and the loss was dealt to Millwood.
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Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Eastern Conference Semifinal: 5) Philadelphia Flyers VS. 6) New Jersey Devils
Welcome to the post for the semifinal series between the Philadelphia Flyers and the New Jersey Devils. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.
Game 1: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. New Jersey scored first in the with a Zach Parise goal, his third of the postseason, with a lone assist from Patrik Elias. Philadelphia tied it in the second period as Danny Briere netted his sixth of the playoffs, coming off of Jakub Voracek. The Flyers grabbed the lead thirty-seven seconds later on a James van Riemsdyk goal, fueled by Erik Gustafsson. The Devils retied it on a Travis Zajac power play goal, his fourth of the postseason, powered by Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk. Philadelphia got the lead back in the third period with a power play goal off the tape of Claude Giroux, his seventh of the playoffs, assisted by Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell. New Jersey got an equalizer when Petr Sykora scored, thanks to David Clarkson. The Flyers won in overtime as Briere put away his second (legal, he had one taken away moments earlier) goal of the game and seventh of the postseason, with the help of Voracek and Matt Carle. The three stars of the 4-3 game were Briere, van Riemsdyk, and Parise, while Voracek gets an honorable mention. Philadelphia owns a 1-0 series lead.
Game 2: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. Philadelphia led off with a Matt Read goal, his third of the postseason, assisted by Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds. New Jersey tied it in the third period as Adam Larsson scored, thanks to Dainius Zubrus and Peter Harrold. The Devils took the lead on a David Clarkson goal, with help from Zach Parise. New Jersey extended the lead with the fifth of the playoffs by Travis Zajac, fueled by Stephen Gionta and Zubrus. Bryce Salvador iced it at 4-1 for the Devils with a shorthanded empty net goal, going in off of Adam Henrique. The three stars went to Bryzgalov (31 for 34 in saves), Clarkson, and Parise, while Zubrus gets an honorable mention. The series is now tied at 1.
Game 3: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia. Philadelphia struck first with a Brayden Schenn power play goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Danny Briere and Jaromir Jagr. New Jersey tied it with a power play goal of their own, off the tape of Patrik Elias, his third of the playoffs, powered by Marek Zidlicky and Ilya Kovalchuk. Twenty seconds later, Kovalchuk sniped in his fourth of the postseason, helped along by Travis Zajac and Alexei Ponikarovsky. The Flyers tied it in the second period as Matt Carle sank his second of the playoffs, assisted by Jakub Voracek and Scott Hartnell. New Jersey retook the lead in the third period as Zach Parise put away his fourth of the postseason, fueled by Elias and Zidlicky. Philadelphia got another equalizer as Briere potted his eighth of the playoffs, passed from James van Riemsdyk and Wayne Simmonds. The Devils won 4-3 with a Ponikarovsky goal in the overtime, with a lone Kovalchuk helper. The three stars were given to Ponikarovsky, Kovalchuk, and Briere, while Elias and Zidlicky get the honorable mentions. New Jersey takes a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia. Philadelphia opened with a Scott Hartnell power play goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Claude Giroux and Kimmo Timonen. The Flyers added on with a Giroux shorthanded goal, his eighth of the playoffs, passed from Max Talbot. New Jersey got one back with a power play goal by Petr Sykora, his second of the postseason, powered by Marek Zidlicky and Travis Zajac. The Devils tied it with a Zidlicky goal, fueled by Bryce Salvador and Ilya Kovalchuk. New Jersey got the lead in the second period as Dainius Zubrus netted his second of the playoffs, guided in by Adam Henrique and Sykora. The Devils iced it at 4-2 with an empty netter by Zubrus, his second of the game and third of the postseason in the third period from Mark Fayne and the goalie Brodeur. Zubrus, Brodeur (20 for 22 in saves), and Zidlicky got the three stars while Sykora and Giroux get the honorable mentions. New Jersey has Philadelphia at the brink, holding a 3-1 lead.
Game 5: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. Philadelphia got started with a Max Talbot goal, his fourth of the postseason, made possible by Brayden Schenn and Danny Briere. New Jersey tied it on a Bryce Salvador goal, his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Adam Henrique and Ilya Kovalchuk. The Devils gained the lead on a David Clarkson tally, his second of the postseason, officially going in unassisted even though Bryzgalov had a lot to do with that one. New Jersey extended the lead in the third period as Ilya Kovalchuk netted his fifth of the playoffs, via Henrique and Dainius Zubrus. This made the final 3-1, where Kovalchuk, Henrique, and Brodeur (27 for 28 in saves) got the three stars. The Devils won the series 4-1, and await an opponent for the Eastern Conference Finals.
Game 1: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. New Jersey scored first in the with a Zach Parise goal, his third of the postseason, with a lone assist from Patrik Elias. Philadelphia tied it in the second period as Danny Briere netted his sixth of the playoffs, coming off of Jakub Voracek. The Flyers grabbed the lead thirty-seven seconds later on a James van Riemsdyk goal, fueled by Erik Gustafsson. The Devils retied it on a Travis Zajac power play goal, his fourth of the postseason, powered by Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk. Philadelphia got the lead back in the third period with a power play goal off the tape of Claude Giroux, his seventh of the playoffs, assisted by Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell. New Jersey got an equalizer when Petr Sykora scored, thanks to David Clarkson. The Flyers won in overtime as Briere put away his second (legal, he had one taken away moments earlier) goal of the game and seventh of the postseason, with the help of Voracek and Matt Carle. The three stars of the 4-3 game were Briere, van Riemsdyk, and Parise, while Voracek gets an honorable mention. Philadelphia owns a 1-0 series lead.
Game 2: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. Philadelphia led off with a Matt Read goal, his third of the postseason, assisted by Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds. New Jersey tied it in the third period as Adam Larsson scored, thanks to Dainius Zubrus and Peter Harrold. The Devils took the lead on a David Clarkson goal, with help from Zach Parise. New Jersey extended the lead with the fifth of the playoffs by Travis Zajac, fueled by Stephen Gionta and Zubrus. Bryce Salvador iced it at 4-1 for the Devils with a shorthanded empty net goal, going in off of Adam Henrique. The three stars went to Bryzgalov (31 for 34 in saves), Clarkson, and Parise, while Zubrus gets an honorable mention. The series is now tied at 1.
Game 3: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia. Philadelphia struck first with a Brayden Schenn power play goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Danny Briere and Jaromir Jagr. New Jersey tied it with a power play goal of their own, off the tape of Patrik Elias, his third of the playoffs, powered by Marek Zidlicky and Ilya Kovalchuk. Twenty seconds later, Kovalchuk sniped in his fourth of the postseason, helped along by Travis Zajac and Alexei Ponikarovsky. The Flyers tied it in the second period as Matt Carle sank his second of the playoffs, assisted by Jakub Voracek and Scott Hartnell. New Jersey retook the lead in the third period as Zach Parise put away his fourth of the postseason, fueled by Elias and Zidlicky. Philadelphia got another equalizer as Briere potted his eighth of the playoffs, passed from James van Riemsdyk and Wayne Simmonds. The Devils won 4-3 with a Ponikarovsky goal in the overtime, with a lone Kovalchuk helper. The three stars were given to Ponikarovsky, Kovalchuk, and Briere, while Elias and Zidlicky get the honorable mentions. New Jersey takes a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia. Philadelphia opened with a Scott Hartnell power play goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Claude Giroux and Kimmo Timonen. The Flyers added on with a Giroux shorthanded goal, his eighth of the playoffs, passed from Max Talbot. New Jersey got one back with a power play goal by Petr Sykora, his second of the postseason, powered by Marek Zidlicky and Travis Zajac. The Devils tied it with a Zidlicky goal, fueled by Bryce Salvador and Ilya Kovalchuk. New Jersey got the lead in the second period as Dainius Zubrus netted his second of the playoffs, guided in by Adam Henrique and Sykora. The Devils iced it at 4-2 with an empty netter by Zubrus, his second of the game and third of the postseason in the third period from Mark Fayne and the goalie Brodeur. Zubrus, Brodeur (20 for 22 in saves), and Zidlicky got the three stars while Sykora and Giroux get the honorable mentions. New Jersey has Philadelphia at the brink, holding a 3-1 lead.
Game 5: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. Philadelphia got started with a Max Talbot goal, his fourth of the postseason, made possible by Brayden Schenn and Danny Briere. New Jersey tied it on a Bryce Salvador goal, his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Adam Henrique and Ilya Kovalchuk. The Devils gained the lead on a David Clarkson tally, his second of the postseason, officially going in unassisted even though Bryzgalov had a lot to do with that one. New Jersey extended the lead in the third period as Ilya Kovalchuk netted his fifth of the playoffs, via Henrique and Dainius Zubrus. This made the final 3-1, where Kovalchuk, Henrique, and Brodeur (27 for 28 in saves) got the three stars. The Devils won the series 4-1, and await an opponent for the Eastern Conference Finals.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Western Conference Semifinal: 3) Phoenix Coyotes VS. 4) Nashville Predators
Welcome to the post for the semifinal series between the Phoenix Coyotes and the Nashville Predators. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.
Game 1: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix, Pekka Rinne for Nashville. Phoenix was first to score as Radim Vrbata scored on the power play with help from Ray Whitney and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Nashville tied it when Brandon Yip scored, thanks to Francis Bouillon and Craig Smith. The Coyotes gained the lead again in the second period with Rostislav Klesla's second of the postseason, set up by Daymond Langkow and Adrian Aucoin. The Predators tied it again on an Andrei Kostitsyn goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Patric Hornqvist and Bouillon. Phoenix retook the lead with a Mikkel Boedker goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Antoine Vermette and Klesla. Nashville tied it in the third period with a Martin Erat power play goal made possible by Hornqvist and Ryan Suter. The Coyotes won it in overtime on a Whitney goal, his second of the playoffs, via Martin Hanzal. The three stars of the 4-3 game were Whitney, Klesla, and Boedker, while Bouillon and Hornqvist get honorable mentions. Phoenix leads the series 1-0.
Game 2: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix, Pekka Rinne for Nashville. Phoenix got started with an Antoine Vermette goal, his fifth of the postseason, courtesy of Keith Yandle and Mikkel Boedker. Nashville tied it on an Andrei Kostitsyn goal, his third of the playoffs, guided in by Kevin Klein and Nick Spaling. The Coyotes got the lead back in the second period as Martin Hanzal netted his second of the postseason, via Radim Vrbata and Ray Whitney. Phoenix extended the lead on the second of the playoffs for Vrbata, passed from Whitney and Yandle. The Predators got one back as Patric Hornqvist netted a power play goal, powered by Ryan Suter and Mike Fisher. Thirty seconds later, the Coyotes answered on a Taylor Pyatt goal, his third of the postseason set up by Shane Doan. Nashville pulled back with a Suter power play goal in the third period, coming off of Shea Weber and Martin Erat. Phoenix shot back with a Doan goal, his second of the playoffs, pushed through by Derek Morris and Vermette. This was good for a 5-3 win, with Smith (29 for 32 in saves), Vrbata, and Doan getting the three stars, while Suter, Vermette, Whitney, and Yandle all get honorable mentions. The Coyotes take a 2-0 series lead on the road.
Game 3: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Pekka Rinne for Nashville; Mike Smith for Phoenix. Nashville led off with a David Legwand goal, his third of the postseason, courtesy of Gabriel Bourque. The Predators extended the lead as Mike Fisher scored, with the help of Sergei Kostitsyn and Martin Erat. This was the eventual final, with Rinne (32 save shutout), Legwand, and Fisher getting the three stars. Phoenix still has a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Pekka Rinne for Nashville; Mike Smith for Phoenix. Phoenix opened with a Shane Doan goal, his third of the postseason, with a lone helper by Mikkel Boedker. This held up for a 1-0 win, with Smith (25 save shutout), Doan, and Colin Wilson getting the three stars, while Rinne (23 for 24 in saves), or Boedker could take the third star. The Coyotes have pushed the Predators to the brink with a 3-1 series lead.
Game 5: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix, Pekka Rinne for Nashville. Phoenix began with a second period Derek Morris goal passed from Antoine Vermette and Shane Doan. The Coyotes added on as Martin Hanzal scored his third of the postseason, thanks to Kyle Chipchura and Daymond Langkow. Nashville got on the board in the third period with a Colin Wilson goal, set up by David Legwand and Ryan Suter, but they never tied it and fell 2-1. The three stars were handed to Smith (32 for 33 in saves), Morris, and Mikkel Boedker, while anyone with a point can take the third slot. The Coyotes win the series 4-1, setting a date with the Los Angeles Kings for the right to battle for the Stanley Cup.
Game 1: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix, Pekka Rinne for Nashville. Phoenix was first to score as Radim Vrbata scored on the power play with help from Ray Whitney and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Nashville tied it when Brandon Yip scored, thanks to Francis Bouillon and Craig Smith. The Coyotes gained the lead again in the second period with Rostislav Klesla's second of the postseason, set up by Daymond Langkow and Adrian Aucoin. The Predators tied it again on an Andrei Kostitsyn goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Patric Hornqvist and Bouillon. Phoenix retook the lead with a Mikkel Boedker goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Antoine Vermette and Klesla. Nashville tied it in the third period with a Martin Erat power play goal made possible by Hornqvist and Ryan Suter. The Coyotes won it in overtime on a Whitney goal, his second of the playoffs, via Martin Hanzal. The three stars of the 4-3 game were Whitney, Klesla, and Boedker, while Bouillon and Hornqvist get honorable mentions. Phoenix leads the series 1-0.
Game 2: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix, Pekka Rinne for Nashville. Phoenix got started with an Antoine Vermette goal, his fifth of the postseason, courtesy of Keith Yandle and Mikkel Boedker. Nashville tied it on an Andrei Kostitsyn goal, his third of the playoffs, guided in by Kevin Klein and Nick Spaling. The Coyotes got the lead back in the second period as Martin Hanzal netted his second of the postseason, via Radim Vrbata and Ray Whitney. Phoenix extended the lead on the second of the playoffs for Vrbata, passed from Whitney and Yandle. The Predators got one back as Patric Hornqvist netted a power play goal, powered by Ryan Suter and Mike Fisher. Thirty seconds later, the Coyotes answered on a Taylor Pyatt goal, his third of the postseason set up by Shane Doan. Nashville pulled back with a Suter power play goal in the third period, coming off of Shea Weber and Martin Erat. Phoenix shot back with a Doan goal, his second of the playoffs, pushed through by Derek Morris and Vermette. This was good for a 5-3 win, with Smith (29 for 32 in saves), Vrbata, and Doan getting the three stars, while Suter, Vermette, Whitney, and Yandle all get honorable mentions. The Coyotes take a 2-0 series lead on the road.
Game 3: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Pekka Rinne for Nashville; Mike Smith for Phoenix. Nashville led off with a David Legwand goal, his third of the postseason, courtesy of Gabriel Bourque. The Predators extended the lead as Mike Fisher scored, with the help of Sergei Kostitsyn and Martin Erat. This was the eventual final, with Rinne (32 save shutout), Legwand, and Fisher getting the three stars. Phoenix still has a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Pekka Rinne for Nashville; Mike Smith for Phoenix. Phoenix opened with a Shane Doan goal, his third of the postseason, with a lone helper by Mikkel Boedker. This held up for a 1-0 win, with Smith (25 save shutout), Doan, and Colin Wilson getting the three stars, while Rinne (23 for 24 in saves), or Boedker could take the third star. The Coyotes have pushed the Predators to the brink with a 3-1 series lead.
Game 5: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix, Pekka Rinne for Nashville. Phoenix began with a second period Derek Morris goal passed from Antoine Vermette and Shane Doan. The Coyotes added on as Martin Hanzal scored his third of the postseason, thanks to Kyle Chipchura and Daymond Langkow. Nashville got on the board in the third period with a Colin Wilson goal, set up by David Legwand and Ryan Suter, but they never tied it and fell 2-1. The three stars were handed to Smith (32 for 33 in saves), Morris, and Mikkel Boedker, while anyone with a point can take the third slot. The Coyotes win the series 4-1, setting a date with the Los Angeles Kings for the right to battle for the Stanley Cup.
MLB Day 36 2012
Thirteen games on today, including a doubleheader to lead us off as the...
Cleveland Indians host the Chicago White Sox to make up an earlier rainout. Philip Humber and Zach McAllister get the nods in the first game. Chicago began with a first inning Brent Lillibridge sacrifice fly to bring in Alejandro De Aza. Cleveland rallied to a second inning lead as Travis Hafner hit a solo home run, followed by Michael Brantley singling Carlos Santana, and Casey Kotchman grounding into a fielder's choice to provide time for Shin-Soo Choo to get home. The White Sox answered in the third inning when Gordon Beckham scored on an error. The Indians replied with a rally in the bottom of the third inning, as Brantley doubled in both Asdrubal Cabrera and Santana before coming home alongside Choo as Kotchman doubled, followed by Cabrera drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Kotchman. Chicago got some back in the fourth inning when Alexei Ramirez doubled, providing time for Paul Konerko to score, followed by Kosuke Fukudome hitting a sacrifice fly that brought around A.J. Pierzynski. The White Sox attempted a ninth inning rally when Ramirez hit a 2-RBI single that knocked in Pierzynski and Alex Rios, but they couldn't tie it up, falling 8-6. McAllister was the winning pitcher, while Nick Hagadone picked up a spot save and Humber took an ugly loss.
In game 2, the pitchers were Eric Stults for the White Sox and Josh Tomlin for the Indians. Chicago was first on the board in the fifth inning when Brent Morel grounded out, giving Dayan Viciedo time to get home. Cleveland gained the lead in the bottom of the fifth when Michael Brantley singled in Lou Marson and then came home on a Jason Kipnis single. The White Sox tied it in the eighth inning as Alex Rios singled in Alejandro De Aza. The Indians took the lead again in the bottom of the eighth as Shelley Duncan doubled in Asdrubal Cabrera. They won this game 3-2, with Joe Smith picking up the win, Tony Sipp earning the save, and Matt Thornton taking the loss.
To the east, the Baltimore Orioles host the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Brian Matusz will get the ball tonight. Texas got going in the second inning as Brandon Snyder singled home both Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz. The Rangers added on in the third inning when Michael Young hit a sacrifice fly to bring around Ian Kinsler. Texas extended the lead again in the sixth inning as Mike Napoli singled in Young before coming home with Cruz as Snyder hit a three-run home run. Baltimore got on the board in the bottom of the sixth with a solo home run by Robert Andino. The Orioles pulled closer with a seventh inning two-run Wilson Betemit home run, sweeping in Matt Wieters. The Rangers got them back in the ninth inning when Young went yard for a two-run homer, also scoring David Murphy, followed by Snyder singling in Cruz, Kinsler grounding into a double play to get Napoli home, Elvis Andrus hitting a double to finish Snyder's trip, and finally Hamilton hitting a two-run home run to get Andrus the rest of the way home, for a 7 run rally. This finished the game at 14-3, with Harrison picking up the win while Matusz took the loss.
Into Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese is mismatched with Roy Halladay as a pitching opponent. Philadelphia was first to score when John Mayberry hit a sacrifice fly in the first inning, allowing Jimmy Rollins to get home. The Phillies added on in the second inning when Placido Polanco doubled home Carlos Ruiz. New York tied it in the sixth inning as David Wright hit a 2-RBI double, scoring both Andres Torres and Kirk Nieuwenhuis. The Mets gained a ninth inning lead as Jordany Valdespin hit a three-run home run as a pinch hitter, driving in Ike Davis and Mike Nickeas. This made it 5-2, a final, with the win going to Tim Byrdak, the save to Frank Francisco, and the loss to Jonathan Papelbon.
Down in Houston, the Astros host the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano and Wandy Rodriguez are the well-known pitchers. Miami started with a fourth inning Giancarlo Stanton two-run home run, also scoring Logan Morrison. The Marlins added on with a John Buck solo home run in the fifth inning. Miami padded the lead with a ninth inning Hanley Ramirez solo shot. This was it for scoring, with Zambrano dominantly winning with a three-hit and one-walk complete game shutout and Rodriguez getting no help in the loss.
North to Chicago, as the Cubs host the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Jeff Samardzija will be throwing. Atlanta opened with a second inning Jason Heyward solo home run. Chicago took the lead in the fourth inning with solo shots from the bats of Bryan LaHair and Ian Stewart. The Cubs padded the lead in the seventh inning as Starlin Castro singled home David DeJesus. Chicago struck again in the eighth inning on a two-run homer by Geovany Soto, also scoring Darwin Barney. The final stood at 5-1, with Samardzija in line for the win and Hanson taking the loss.
South a little, as the Kansas City Royals host the Boston Red Sox. Felix Doubront and Jonathan Sanchez play from the mound. Boston got an early lead as Adrian Gonzalez singled home Dustin Pedroia, before coming home with David Ortiz as Will Middlebrooks hit a three-run home run. Kansas City got some back in the second inning as Brayan Pena grounded out to give time for Jeff Francoeur to score, followed by Chris Getz hitting a sacrifice fly to bring around Mike Moustakas. The Red Sox answered in the third inning when Ortiz hit a solo shot. The Royals got one back in the bottom of the third as Alex Gordon singled, allowing Jarrod Dyson to get home after an error, followed by Eric Hosmer grounding out to finish Gordon's trip around. Boston shot back in the fourth inning as Pedroia went yard with a two-run homer, knocking in Kelly Shoppach. Kansas City got one back in the seventh on a bases-loaded walk by Gordon, forcing in Pena. The Red Sox shot back with an eighth inning Cody Ross double, scoring both Pedroia and Ortiz, and then Ross came home on Middlebrooks' two run home run. The final was 11-5, with the win going to Doubront, the save to Vicente Padilla, and the loss to Sanchez.
Up to Milwaukee as the Brewers host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Marco Estrada will be on the hill. Milwaukee was first on the board with a Ryan Braun solo home run in the first inning. Cincinnati answered in the fourth inning on a Zack Cozart solo shot, followed by Joey Votto doubling in Drew Stubbs before coming home on a Jay Bruce three-run home run, also sweeping in Brandon Phillips. The Reds added another for good measure in the ninth inning as Miguel Cairo hit a ground rule double to bring in Chris Heisey. This made it 6-1, allowing Arroyo the win while Estrada was pinned with the loss.
West a bit to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver and Francisco Liriano were tabbed to start. Los Angeles was first to score with Albert Pujols grounding out to get Maicer Izturis home. The Angels added on in the third inning when Alberto Callaspo hit a two-run home run, also scoring Izturis. Los Angeles extended the lead again when Peter Bourjos hit a fourth inning sacrifice fly, driving in Howie Kendrick. Minnesota got on the board in the fifth inning as Denard Span grounded into a fielder's choice that gave time for Chris Parmelee to get home. The Angels struck again in the seventh inning when Pujols singled to push in Chris Iannetta. The Twins got some back in the eighth inning as Joe Mauer singled in Jamey Carroll and Ryan Doumit hit a sacrifice fly so Brian Dozier could dart home. Los Angeles iced it in the ninth inning as 8-3 when Callaspo singled to drive in Bourjos, and Mark Trumbo reached on an error that provided both Callaspo and Torii Hunter time to cross the plate. Weaver picked up a less-dominant win, while Liriano was stuck with the loss.
Southwest to Arizona, the Diamondbacks hosted the St. Louis Cardinals. Lance Lynn and Joe Saunders are the surprisingly good starters. St. Louis rallied to an early first inning lead with Rafael Furcal hitting a solo home run, followed by David Freese doubling in Allen Craig and then coming home when Yadier Molina singled. The Cardinals added on in the third inning with a pair of solo shots, as both Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday went yard. St. Louis padded the lead in the fourth inning as Furcal singled to score Tyler Greene and Craig drew a bases loaded walk to force in the pitcher Lynn. Arizona got on the board in the sixth inning with a two-run home run by Cody Ransom, also scoring Miguel Montero, followed by Ryan Roberts doubling in both Lyle Overbay and Aaron Hill, before he came all the way home as Gerardo Parra laid down a bunt single, and Montero singled in A.J. Pollock. The Cardinals regained a little breathing room with Craig hitting a solo shot in the seventh inning, followed by a solo home run by Freese. This made it 9-6, a final, where Lynn got the win, Jason Motte turned the save, and Saunders suffered an ugly loss.
Westward to San Diego, with the Padres welcoming the Colorado Rockies. Drew Pomeranz and Edinson Volquez get the manager's approval to start. San Diego started off with a Yonder Alonso single that scored Cameron Maybin in the first inning. The Padres added on in the second inning when Orlando Hudson scored on a wild pitch. Colorado got one back as the pitcher Pomeranz pounded a solo home run in the third inning. San Diego shot back in their half of the third inning as Alonso singled, driving in Chase Headley. The Rockies got one back in the sixth inning as Carlos Gonzalez singled to bring around Marco Scutaro. This was it for the scoring, with San Diego holding on for a 3-2 victory, earned by Volquez, while Dale Thayer picked up the save and the powerful Pomeranz got a loss despite helping himself with a homer during the game.
To the north, the Seattle Mariners hosted the Detroit Tigers. Doug Fister opposes his old team, who put Blake Beaven on the mound. Detroit led off with a first inning Prince Fielder double, knocking in Andy Dirks. The Tigers struck again in the fourth inning as Brennan Boesch singled to drive in Fielder. Seattle attempted a ninth inning rally as Brendan Ryan scored on a passed ball, Jesus Montero hit a double to knock in Ichiro, and John Jaso hit a sacrifice fly allowing Munenori Kawasaki to cross home as a winning run, making the final 3-2. The win went to Steve Delabar, while the loss belonged to Octavio Dotel.
Back south, we end in Los Angeles with the Dodgers hosting their northern rivals, the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Ted Lilly pace the game. Los Angeles began in the third inning with Juan Rivera grounding out, providing time for Mark Ellis to come home. San Francisco tied it in the sixth inning as Joaquin Arias singled in Melky Cabrera. The Dodgers regained the lead in the bottom of the sixth on an A.J. Ellis double that knocked in Bobby Abreu, followed by Tony Gwynn, Jr. laying down a bunt single to score Juan Uribe. Los Angeles added on in the seventh inning as Rivera reached on a fielder's choice, giving Matt Kemp time to get home. The Dodgers rallied to extend the lead in the eighth inning when Mark Ellis' bases loaded walk forced in A.J. Ellis, followed by Adam Kennedy, singling in Gwynn, Jr., Andre Ethier hitting a 2-RBI single that scored both Dee Gordon and Mark Ellis, and Rivera grounding out to bring in Kennedy. This made it a 9-1 final, with the win going to Lilly and the loss to Zito.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Cleveland Indians host the Chicago White Sox to make up an earlier rainout. Philip Humber and Zach McAllister get the nods in the first game. Chicago began with a first inning Brent Lillibridge sacrifice fly to bring in Alejandro De Aza. Cleveland rallied to a second inning lead as Travis Hafner hit a solo home run, followed by Michael Brantley singling Carlos Santana, and Casey Kotchman grounding into a fielder's choice to provide time for Shin-Soo Choo to get home. The White Sox answered in the third inning when Gordon Beckham scored on an error. The Indians replied with a rally in the bottom of the third inning, as Brantley doubled in both Asdrubal Cabrera and Santana before coming home alongside Choo as Kotchman doubled, followed by Cabrera drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Kotchman. Chicago got some back in the fourth inning when Alexei Ramirez doubled, providing time for Paul Konerko to score, followed by Kosuke Fukudome hitting a sacrifice fly that brought around A.J. Pierzynski. The White Sox attempted a ninth inning rally when Ramirez hit a 2-RBI single that knocked in Pierzynski and Alex Rios, but they couldn't tie it up, falling 8-6. McAllister was the winning pitcher, while Nick Hagadone picked up a spot save and Humber took an ugly loss.
In game 2, the pitchers were Eric Stults for the White Sox and Josh Tomlin for the Indians. Chicago was first on the board in the fifth inning when Brent Morel grounded out, giving Dayan Viciedo time to get home. Cleveland gained the lead in the bottom of the fifth when Michael Brantley singled in Lou Marson and then came home on a Jason Kipnis single. The White Sox tied it in the eighth inning as Alex Rios singled in Alejandro De Aza. The Indians took the lead again in the bottom of the eighth as Shelley Duncan doubled in Asdrubal Cabrera. They won this game 3-2, with Joe Smith picking up the win, Tony Sipp earning the save, and Matt Thornton taking the loss.
To the east, the Baltimore Orioles host the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Brian Matusz will get the ball tonight. Texas got going in the second inning as Brandon Snyder singled home both Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz. The Rangers added on in the third inning when Michael Young hit a sacrifice fly to bring around Ian Kinsler. Texas extended the lead again in the sixth inning as Mike Napoli singled in Young before coming home with Cruz as Snyder hit a three-run home run. Baltimore got on the board in the bottom of the sixth with a solo home run by Robert Andino. The Orioles pulled closer with a seventh inning two-run Wilson Betemit home run, sweeping in Matt Wieters. The Rangers got them back in the ninth inning when Young went yard for a two-run homer, also scoring David Murphy, followed by Snyder singling in Cruz, Kinsler grounding into a double play to get Napoli home, Elvis Andrus hitting a double to finish Snyder's trip, and finally Hamilton hitting a two-run home run to get Andrus the rest of the way home, for a 7 run rally. This finished the game at 14-3, with Harrison picking up the win while Matusz took the loss.
Into Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese is mismatched with Roy Halladay as a pitching opponent. Philadelphia was first to score when John Mayberry hit a sacrifice fly in the first inning, allowing Jimmy Rollins to get home. The Phillies added on in the second inning when Placido Polanco doubled home Carlos Ruiz. New York tied it in the sixth inning as David Wright hit a 2-RBI double, scoring both Andres Torres and Kirk Nieuwenhuis. The Mets gained a ninth inning lead as Jordany Valdespin hit a three-run home run as a pinch hitter, driving in Ike Davis and Mike Nickeas. This made it 5-2, a final, with the win going to Tim Byrdak, the save to Frank Francisco, and the loss to Jonathan Papelbon.
Down in Houston, the Astros host the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano and Wandy Rodriguez are the well-known pitchers. Miami started with a fourth inning Giancarlo Stanton two-run home run, also scoring Logan Morrison. The Marlins added on with a John Buck solo home run in the fifth inning. Miami padded the lead with a ninth inning Hanley Ramirez solo shot. This was it for scoring, with Zambrano dominantly winning with a three-hit and one-walk complete game shutout and Rodriguez getting no help in the loss.
North to Chicago, as the Cubs host the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Jeff Samardzija will be throwing. Atlanta opened with a second inning Jason Heyward solo home run. Chicago took the lead in the fourth inning with solo shots from the bats of Bryan LaHair and Ian Stewart. The Cubs padded the lead in the seventh inning as Starlin Castro singled home David DeJesus. Chicago struck again in the eighth inning on a two-run homer by Geovany Soto, also scoring Darwin Barney. The final stood at 5-1, with Samardzija in line for the win and Hanson taking the loss.
South a little, as the Kansas City Royals host the Boston Red Sox. Felix Doubront and Jonathan Sanchez play from the mound. Boston got an early lead as Adrian Gonzalez singled home Dustin Pedroia, before coming home with David Ortiz as Will Middlebrooks hit a three-run home run. Kansas City got some back in the second inning as Brayan Pena grounded out to give time for Jeff Francoeur to score, followed by Chris Getz hitting a sacrifice fly to bring around Mike Moustakas. The Red Sox answered in the third inning when Ortiz hit a solo shot. The Royals got one back in the bottom of the third as Alex Gordon singled, allowing Jarrod Dyson to get home after an error, followed by Eric Hosmer grounding out to finish Gordon's trip around. Boston shot back in the fourth inning as Pedroia went yard with a two-run homer, knocking in Kelly Shoppach. Kansas City got one back in the seventh on a bases-loaded walk by Gordon, forcing in Pena. The Red Sox shot back with an eighth inning Cody Ross double, scoring both Pedroia and Ortiz, and then Ross came home on Middlebrooks' two run home run. The final was 11-5, with the win going to Doubront, the save to Vicente Padilla, and the loss to Sanchez.
Up to Milwaukee as the Brewers host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Marco Estrada will be on the hill. Milwaukee was first on the board with a Ryan Braun solo home run in the first inning. Cincinnati answered in the fourth inning on a Zack Cozart solo shot, followed by Joey Votto doubling in Drew Stubbs before coming home on a Jay Bruce three-run home run, also sweeping in Brandon Phillips. The Reds added another for good measure in the ninth inning as Miguel Cairo hit a ground rule double to bring in Chris Heisey. This made it 6-1, allowing Arroyo the win while Estrada was pinned with the loss.
West a bit to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver and Francisco Liriano were tabbed to start. Los Angeles was first to score with Albert Pujols grounding out to get Maicer Izturis home. The Angels added on in the third inning when Alberto Callaspo hit a two-run home run, also scoring Izturis. Los Angeles extended the lead again when Peter Bourjos hit a fourth inning sacrifice fly, driving in Howie Kendrick. Minnesota got on the board in the fifth inning as Denard Span grounded into a fielder's choice that gave time for Chris Parmelee to get home. The Angels struck again in the seventh inning when Pujols singled to push in Chris Iannetta. The Twins got some back in the eighth inning as Joe Mauer singled in Jamey Carroll and Ryan Doumit hit a sacrifice fly so Brian Dozier could dart home. Los Angeles iced it in the ninth inning as 8-3 when Callaspo singled to drive in Bourjos, and Mark Trumbo reached on an error that provided both Callaspo and Torii Hunter time to cross the plate. Weaver picked up a less-dominant win, while Liriano was stuck with the loss.
Southwest to Arizona, the Diamondbacks hosted the St. Louis Cardinals. Lance Lynn and Joe Saunders are the surprisingly good starters. St. Louis rallied to an early first inning lead with Rafael Furcal hitting a solo home run, followed by David Freese doubling in Allen Craig and then coming home when Yadier Molina singled. The Cardinals added on in the third inning with a pair of solo shots, as both Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday went yard. St. Louis padded the lead in the fourth inning as Furcal singled to score Tyler Greene and Craig drew a bases loaded walk to force in the pitcher Lynn. Arizona got on the board in the sixth inning with a two-run home run by Cody Ransom, also scoring Miguel Montero, followed by Ryan Roberts doubling in both Lyle Overbay and Aaron Hill, before he came all the way home as Gerardo Parra laid down a bunt single, and Montero singled in A.J. Pollock. The Cardinals regained a little breathing room with Craig hitting a solo shot in the seventh inning, followed by a solo home run by Freese. This made it 9-6, a final, where Lynn got the win, Jason Motte turned the save, and Saunders suffered an ugly loss.
Westward to San Diego, with the Padres welcoming the Colorado Rockies. Drew Pomeranz and Edinson Volquez get the manager's approval to start. San Diego started off with a Yonder Alonso single that scored Cameron Maybin in the first inning. The Padres added on in the second inning when Orlando Hudson scored on a wild pitch. Colorado got one back as the pitcher Pomeranz pounded a solo home run in the third inning. San Diego shot back in their half of the third inning as Alonso singled, driving in Chase Headley. The Rockies got one back in the sixth inning as Carlos Gonzalez singled to bring around Marco Scutaro. This was it for the scoring, with San Diego holding on for a 3-2 victory, earned by Volquez, while Dale Thayer picked up the save and the powerful Pomeranz got a loss despite helping himself with a homer during the game.
To the north, the Seattle Mariners hosted the Detroit Tigers. Doug Fister opposes his old team, who put Blake Beaven on the mound. Detroit led off with a first inning Prince Fielder double, knocking in Andy Dirks. The Tigers struck again in the fourth inning as Brennan Boesch singled to drive in Fielder. Seattle attempted a ninth inning rally as Brendan Ryan scored on a passed ball, Jesus Montero hit a double to knock in Ichiro, and John Jaso hit a sacrifice fly allowing Munenori Kawasaki to cross home as a winning run, making the final 3-2. The win went to Steve Delabar, while the loss belonged to Octavio Dotel.
Back south, we end in Los Angeles with the Dodgers hosting their northern rivals, the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Ted Lilly pace the game. Los Angeles began in the third inning with Juan Rivera grounding out, providing time for Mark Ellis to come home. San Francisco tied it in the sixth inning as Joaquin Arias singled in Melky Cabrera. The Dodgers regained the lead in the bottom of the sixth on an A.J. Ellis double that knocked in Bobby Abreu, followed by Tony Gwynn, Jr. laying down a bunt single to score Juan Uribe. Los Angeles added on in the seventh inning as Rivera reached on a fielder's choice, giving Matt Kemp time to get home. The Dodgers rallied to extend the lead in the eighth inning when Mark Ellis' bases loaded walk forced in A.J. Ellis, followed by Adam Kennedy, singling in Gwynn, Jr., Andre Ethier hitting a 2-RBI single that scored both Dee Gordon and Mark Ellis, and Rivera grounding out to bring in Kennedy. This made it a 9-1 final, with the win going to Lilly and the loss to Zito.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 5 2012
Again switching the style of these things. Will list a top 10, the stats are on you if you want to know them.
1. Carlos Gonzalez
2. Hunter Pence
3. Jason Kipnis
4. Freddie Freeman
5. Felix Hernandez
6. Chipper Jones
7. Matt Holliday
8. Pedro Alvarez
9. Jered Weaver
10. Ryan Braun
1. Carlos Gonzalez
2. Hunter Pence
3. Jason Kipnis
4. Freddie Freeman
5. Felix Hernandez
6. Chipper Jones
7. Matt Holliday
8. Pedro Alvarez
9. Jered Weaver
10. Ryan Braun
Sunday, May 6, 2012
MLB Day 35 2012
Looks like a full slate of games today, with the first game coming in...
Detroit, as the Tigers host the Chicago White Sox. Dylan Axelrod and Rick Porcello are the interestingly named pitchers. Chicago was first on the board with an Adam Dunn solo home run in the first inning. Detroit tied it in the bottom of the first as Austin Jackson hit a solo home run. The Tigers took the lead in the third inning as Prince Fielder went yard for a solo shot. Detroit padded their lead in the eighth inning on an Andy Dirks solo shot. The final stood at 3-1, with Porcello getting the win, Jose Valverde working out of a jam for the save, and Axelrod taking the loss.
Down in Cleveland, the Indians host the Texas Rangers. The well hyped Yu Darvish pitches against the formerly hyped Ubaldo Jimenez. Cleveland got going in the third inning on an Asdrubal Cabrera double scoring both Johnny Damon and Jason Kipnis, followed by Shin-Soo Choo singling, which combined with an error gave time for Cabrera to get home. The Indians extended the lead in the fifth inning with a Kipnis solo home run. Texas got going in the eighth inning as Josh Hamilton grounded out, giving time for Ian Kinsler to score, followed by Michael Young singling in Elvis Andrus. This was all they got, falling 4-2, with Jimenez earning the win, Chris Perez converting another save, and Darvish finally taking a loss.
East to New York, as the Mets host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Cahill and R.A. Dickey are the well known starters. New York began in the first inning with a 2-RBI Daniel Murphy single, scoring Andres Torres and David Wright. The Mets added on in the fourth inning as Josh Thole singled to drive in Ike Davis. Arizona got on the board in the ninth inning as Justin Upton doubled home Gerardo Parra, but they got no closer and fell 3-1. Dickey picked up the win, Frank Francisco cleaned up for the save, and Cahill had little support in the loss.
Into Pennsylvania, as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds. Mat Latos and Charlie Morton will take the mound. Cincinnati started off with a Joey Votto single to bring around Drew Stubbs. The Reds added on in the second inning with a Todd Frazier solo home run. Cincinnati kept going in the third inning on a two-run homer by Stubbs, also scoring Zack Cozart. The Reds padded their lead in the fifth inning as Brandon Phillips hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Stubbs. This made it 5-0, a final, with Latos getting an easy win and Morton getting no help to avoid a loss.
Over in Boston, the Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Tommy Hunter and Clay Buchholz were given the starting nods. Baltimore struck early with a J.J. Hardy solo home run in the first inning. Hardy hit another solo shot in the third inning to add on for the Orioles. Baltimore padded the lead in the fourth inning as Robert Andino hit a three-run blast, also scoring Matt Wieters and Mark Reynolds. Boston got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Ryan Sweeney singled to score Mike Aviles. The Red Sox tied it with a Will Middlebrooks grand slam in the fifth inning, knocking in David Ortiz, Cody Ross, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Orioles retook the lead in the eighth inning as Reynolds doubled and Adam Jones came home. Boston retied it in the bottom of the eighth with a Saltalamacchia sacrifice fly, allowing Darnell McDonald to dart home. Baltimore took the game in the seventeenth inning on a three-run home run by Adam Jones, forcing in Hardy and Nick Markakis. Starting designated hitter Chris Davis picked up the win in the 9-6 game, while McDonald took the mound but also a loss.
Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Oakland Athletics. Tommy Milone and Matt Moore are called on for the starts. Tampa Bay was first to score with a first inning rally including Jeff Keppinger hitting a sacrifice fly to bring home Desmond Jennings, Sean Rodriguez singling in B.J. Upton, and Matt Joyce's single driving in Carlos Pena and Luke Scott. Oakland answered with a third inning blitz starting with Yoenis Cespedes singling in Cliff Pennington, Jonny Gomes doing the same for Josh Reddick, and then both Cespedes and Gomes came home when Brandon Inge hit a three-run home run. The Athletics added onto their lead in the fifth inning as Gomes doubled to bring home Michael Taylor, before coming home with Inge as Daric Barton ripped a double. The Rays got one back in the bottom of the fifth with an Upton solo shot. Oakland extended their lead in the seventh inning on an Inge sacrifice fly that gave time for Reddick to come home. The final stuck at 9-5 for Oakland, with the win going to Milone and the loss to Moore.
West into Texas, with the Houston Astros hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and J.A. Happ get the ball today. St. Louis opened with a first inning Allen Craig two-run home run, also scoring Matt Holliday. The Cardinals added on in the second inning as Tyler Greene doubled home Yadier Molina. St. Louis kept going in the third inning with Craig hitting a double to knock in Holliday. The Cardinals struck again in the fourth inning as Greene went yard on a two-run home run, sweeping in Jon Jay. Houston got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Carlos Lee dashed home on a wild pitch. St. Louis answered in the sixth inning when Rafael Furcal single Greene across the plate. The Cardinals extended the lead in the eighth inning when Greene hit a solo home run. This made it an 8-1 final, with the win going to Wainwright and the loss to Happ.
Up in Kansas City, the Royals host the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Luke Hochevar took their turns in the rotation. Kansas City started off with a Billy Butler double to bring around Alex Gordon in the first inning. New York tied it in the second inning as Raul Ibanez singled home Mark Teixeira. The Yankees added on with a third inning rally including Curtis Granderson singling in Dewayne Wise, Robinson Cano hitting a grand slam to clear the bases of Derek Jeter, Granderson, and Alex Rodriguez, and a solo shot by Nick Swisher. The Royals got one back in the fifth as Gordon singled, and Irving Falu dashed home safely. Kansas City struck again with a Humberto Quintero seventh inning solo home run. New York extended their lead in the eighth inning on a Rodriguez three-run homer, forcing in Wise and Jeter. The Royals made it 10-4 with a ninth inning Jarrod Dyson single that brought around Brayan Pena. Hughes was in line for the win while Hochevar was humiliated in the loss.
After a long delay up a bit north, the Chicago Cubs host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Travis Wood will be pitching as scheduled. Los Angeles led off with Harang grounding into a fielder's choice that provided time for Adam Kennedy to get home in the second inning. The Dodgers added on in the third inning with a two-run homer from Juan Rivera, also scoring Mark Ellis. Chicago got some back in the bottom of the third as Starlin Castro singled in both Wood and David DeJesus. The Cubs tied it in the ninth inning when Tony Campana doubled in Ian Stewart. Chicago completed the comeback in the eleventh inning as DeJesus drew the infamous walkoff walk with loaded bases, forcing in Darwin Barney. Rafael Dolis was in line for the win, while Jamey Wright was on the hook for the loss.
Out west, the Colorado Rockies host the Atlanta Braves. Brandon Beachy and Juan Nicasio are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Atlanta got started with a third inning three-run homer by Freddie Freeman, sweeping in Michael Bourn and Martin Prado. The Braves got another one in the fourth inning as Tyler Pastornicky grounded into a fielder's choice, providing Jason Heyward time to get home. Atlanta added on in the sixth inning when Dan Uggla singled home Freeman before coming home himself when Juan Francisco singled. Colorado got on the board in the seventh inning when Michael Cuddyer singled to bring home Troy Tulowitzki, before coming home himself as Tyler Colvin grounded into a fielder's choice. The Braves replied in the eighth inning when Uggla hit a solo shot. The final stood at 7-2 Atlanta, with the win credited to Beachy, the save to Cristhian Martinez, and Nicasio was stuck with the loss.
Farther west, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Toronto Blue Jays. Drew Hutchison and Jerome Williams will be throwing. Toronto was first on the board with a third inning Eric Thames single to drive in J.P. Arencibia. Los Angeles gained the lead in the fourth inning as Maicer Izturis was singled in by Mark Trumbo and Alberto Callaspo also hit a single, driving in Kendrys Morales. The Angels added on in the fifth as Albert Pujols lifted a two-run home run, sweeping in Mike Trout. The Blue Jays took one back as Edwin Encarnacion hit a sacrifice fly to allow safe passage home for Jose Bautista. Toronto pulled closer as Kelly Johnson singled, giving Arencibia time to dash home. They couldn't tie it, allowing Williams to pick up the 3-2 win, while LaTroy Hawkins converted the save and Hutchison was dealt the loss.
Down in San Diego, the Padres host the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Joe Wieland are slated for the starts. San Diego drew first blood with a fifth inning Wieland double that knocked in Cameron Maybin and Andy Parrino. Miami got on the board with Hanley Ramirez grounding into a fielder's choice, scoring the pitcher Nolasco, before being forced in by a Logan Morrison triple. The Marlins rallied to an eighth inning lead with Giancarlo Stanton's bases-loaded walk forcing in Jose Reyes, followed by a passed ball that got Emilio Bonifacio safely home, a Gaby Sanchez single driving in Morrison, and Stanton finishing the long trip around by coming home on a passed ball. The Padres got one back in the bottom of the eighth as Yonder Alonso grounded into a fielder's choice and Chris Denorfia eventually came home after an error provided the time. They couldn't manage a tying rally, falling 6-3 to the winner, Nolasco, while Edward Mujica backed it up with a save and Andrew Cashner was pinned with the loss.
A bit to the north, the San Francisco Giants host the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum and Matt Cain pace the game. Milwaukee opened early with a first inning Aramis Ramirez single to drive in Nyjer Morgan. San Francisco answered in the bottom of the first as Conor Gillaspie doubled in Gregor Blanco before coming home himself on an Angel Pagan fielder's choice. The Giants padded the lead in the fourth inning when Ryan Theriot singling in Pagan. The Brewers got one back in the sixth inning as Ramirez hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Rickie Weeks. Milwaukee tied it in the ninth inning when Travis Ishikawa doubled to bring in Corey Hart. San Francisco won the game with an eleventh inning Hector Sanchez single, allowing Emmanuel Burriss to score for a 4-3 win. Javier Lopez was in line for the win, while Tim Dillard was stuck with the loss.
North again to Seattle, as the Mariners welcome the Minnesota Twins. Nick Blackburn and Hector Noesi have the green light to start. Seattle began with a first inning Jesus Montero double, driving in Dustin Ackley and Brendan Ryan before he came home himself on a Kyle Seager single. The Mariners added on in the second inning as Mike Carp hit a solo home run. Seattle kept going with a fourth inning Ryan sacrifice fly, providing time for Ackley to dash home. Minnesota got on the board in the seventh inning with a solo shot by Ryan Doumit. The Twins attempted a ninth inning rally as Doumit hit another solo home run, but they only got as close as 5-2, with Noesi in line for the win while Blackburn suffers the loss.
Finally, we go to the other Washington, as the Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels and Jordan Zimmermann will be on the hill. Washington began with a first inning Bryce Harper stealing of home plate (or 4th base as the box scores will list it). Philadelphia answered with a two-run home run by Hunter Pence in the fourth inning, also scoring Shane Victorino, followed by Placido Polanco singling in Laynce Nix. The Phillies extended the lead in the ninth inning as Juan Pierre singled to drive in Jimmy Rollins, before being forced in on a Victorino triple, then Pence went yard again to finish Victorino's trip around on another two-run blast, and they refilled the bases so Freddy Galvis could single in both Carlos Ruiz and Polanco. The Nationlas attempted a rally in the bottom of the ninth as Roger Bernadina doubled to allow time for Rick Ankiel to get home, followed by Ian Desmond singling in Wilson Ramos making it a 9-3 game, which was a final. The win went to Hamels, while Zimmermann was stuck with the loss.
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Detroit, as the Tigers host the Chicago White Sox. Dylan Axelrod and Rick Porcello are the interestingly named pitchers. Chicago was first on the board with an Adam Dunn solo home run in the first inning. Detroit tied it in the bottom of the first as Austin Jackson hit a solo home run. The Tigers took the lead in the third inning as Prince Fielder went yard for a solo shot. Detroit padded their lead in the eighth inning on an Andy Dirks solo shot. The final stood at 3-1, with Porcello getting the win, Jose Valverde working out of a jam for the save, and Axelrod taking the loss.
Down in Cleveland, the Indians host the Texas Rangers. The well hyped Yu Darvish pitches against the formerly hyped Ubaldo Jimenez. Cleveland got going in the third inning on an Asdrubal Cabrera double scoring both Johnny Damon and Jason Kipnis, followed by Shin-Soo Choo singling, which combined with an error gave time for Cabrera to get home. The Indians extended the lead in the fifth inning with a Kipnis solo home run. Texas got going in the eighth inning as Josh Hamilton grounded out, giving time for Ian Kinsler to score, followed by Michael Young singling in Elvis Andrus. This was all they got, falling 4-2, with Jimenez earning the win, Chris Perez converting another save, and Darvish finally taking a loss.
East to New York, as the Mets host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Cahill and R.A. Dickey are the well known starters. New York began in the first inning with a 2-RBI Daniel Murphy single, scoring Andres Torres and David Wright. The Mets added on in the fourth inning as Josh Thole singled to drive in Ike Davis. Arizona got on the board in the ninth inning as Justin Upton doubled home Gerardo Parra, but they got no closer and fell 3-1. Dickey picked up the win, Frank Francisco cleaned up for the save, and Cahill had little support in the loss.
Into Pennsylvania, as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds. Mat Latos and Charlie Morton will take the mound. Cincinnati started off with a Joey Votto single to bring around Drew Stubbs. The Reds added on in the second inning with a Todd Frazier solo home run. Cincinnati kept going in the third inning on a two-run homer by Stubbs, also scoring Zack Cozart. The Reds padded their lead in the fifth inning as Brandon Phillips hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Stubbs. This made it 5-0, a final, with Latos getting an easy win and Morton getting no help to avoid a loss.
Over in Boston, the Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Tommy Hunter and Clay Buchholz were given the starting nods. Baltimore struck early with a J.J. Hardy solo home run in the first inning. Hardy hit another solo shot in the third inning to add on for the Orioles. Baltimore padded the lead in the fourth inning as Robert Andino hit a three-run blast, also scoring Matt Wieters and Mark Reynolds. Boston got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Ryan Sweeney singled to score Mike Aviles. The Red Sox tied it with a Will Middlebrooks grand slam in the fifth inning, knocking in David Ortiz, Cody Ross, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Orioles retook the lead in the eighth inning as Reynolds doubled and Adam Jones came home. Boston retied it in the bottom of the eighth with a Saltalamacchia sacrifice fly, allowing Darnell McDonald to dart home. Baltimore took the game in the seventeenth inning on a three-run home run by Adam Jones, forcing in Hardy and Nick Markakis. Starting designated hitter Chris Davis picked up the win in the 9-6 game, while McDonald took the mound but also a loss.
Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Oakland Athletics. Tommy Milone and Matt Moore are called on for the starts. Tampa Bay was first to score with a first inning rally including Jeff Keppinger hitting a sacrifice fly to bring home Desmond Jennings, Sean Rodriguez singling in B.J. Upton, and Matt Joyce's single driving in Carlos Pena and Luke Scott. Oakland answered with a third inning blitz starting with Yoenis Cespedes singling in Cliff Pennington, Jonny Gomes doing the same for Josh Reddick, and then both Cespedes and Gomes came home when Brandon Inge hit a three-run home run. The Athletics added onto their lead in the fifth inning as Gomes doubled to bring home Michael Taylor, before coming home with Inge as Daric Barton ripped a double. The Rays got one back in the bottom of the fifth with an Upton solo shot. Oakland extended their lead in the seventh inning on an Inge sacrifice fly that gave time for Reddick to come home. The final stuck at 9-5 for Oakland, with the win going to Milone and the loss to Moore.
West into Texas, with the Houston Astros hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and J.A. Happ get the ball today. St. Louis opened with a first inning Allen Craig two-run home run, also scoring Matt Holliday. The Cardinals added on in the second inning as Tyler Greene doubled home Yadier Molina. St. Louis kept going in the third inning with Craig hitting a double to knock in Holliday. The Cardinals struck again in the fourth inning as Greene went yard on a two-run home run, sweeping in Jon Jay. Houston got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Carlos Lee dashed home on a wild pitch. St. Louis answered in the sixth inning when Rafael Furcal single Greene across the plate. The Cardinals extended the lead in the eighth inning when Greene hit a solo home run. This made it an 8-1 final, with the win going to Wainwright and the loss to Happ.
Up in Kansas City, the Royals host the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Luke Hochevar took their turns in the rotation. Kansas City started off with a Billy Butler double to bring around Alex Gordon in the first inning. New York tied it in the second inning as Raul Ibanez singled home Mark Teixeira. The Yankees added on with a third inning rally including Curtis Granderson singling in Dewayne Wise, Robinson Cano hitting a grand slam to clear the bases of Derek Jeter, Granderson, and Alex Rodriguez, and a solo shot by Nick Swisher. The Royals got one back in the fifth as Gordon singled, and Irving Falu dashed home safely. Kansas City struck again with a Humberto Quintero seventh inning solo home run. New York extended their lead in the eighth inning on a Rodriguez three-run homer, forcing in Wise and Jeter. The Royals made it 10-4 with a ninth inning Jarrod Dyson single that brought around Brayan Pena. Hughes was in line for the win while Hochevar was humiliated in the loss.
After a long delay up a bit north, the Chicago Cubs host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Travis Wood will be pitching as scheduled. Los Angeles led off with Harang grounding into a fielder's choice that provided time for Adam Kennedy to get home in the second inning. The Dodgers added on in the third inning with a two-run homer from Juan Rivera, also scoring Mark Ellis. Chicago got some back in the bottom of the third as Starlin Castro singled in both Wood and David DeJesus. The Cubs tied it in the ninth inning when Tony Campana doubled in Ian Stewart. Chicago completed the comeback in the eleventh inning as DeJesus drew the infamous walkoff walk with loaded bases, forcing in Darwin Barney. Rafael Dolis was in line for the win, while Jamey Wright was on the hook for the loss.
Out west, the Colorado Rockies host the Atlanta Braves. Brandon Beachy and Juan Nicasio are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Atlanta got started with a third inning three-run homer by Freddie Freeman, sweeping in Michael Bourn and Martin Prado. The Braves got another one in the fourth inning as Tyler Pastornicky grounded into a fielder's choice, providing Jason Heyward time to get home. Atlanta added on in the sixth inning when Dan Uggla singled home Freeman before coming home himself when Juan Francisco singled. Colorado got on the board in the seventh inning when Michael Cuddyer singled to bring home Troy Tulowitzki, before coming home himself as Tyler Colvin grounded into a fielder's choice. The Braves replied in the eighth inning when Uggla hit a solo shot. The final stood at 7-2 Atlanta, with the win credited to Beachy, the save to Cristhian Martinez, and Nicasio was stuck with the loss.
Farther west, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Toronto Blue Jays. Drew Hutchison and Jerome Williams will be throwing. Toronto was first on the board with a third inning Eric Thames single to drive in J.P. Arencibia. Los Angeles gained the lead in the fourth inning as Maicer Izturis was singled in by Mark Trumbo and Alberto Callaspo also hit a single, driving in Kendrys Morales. The Angels added on in the fifth as Albert Pujols lifted a two-run home run, sweeping in Mike Trout. The Blue Jays took one back as Edwin Encarnacion hit a sacrifice fly to allow safe passage home for Jose Bautista. Toronto pulled closer as Kelly Johnson singled, giving Arencibia time to dash home. They couldn't tie it, allowing Williams to pick up the 3-2 win, while LaTroy Hawkins converted the save and Hutchison was dealt the loss.
Down in San Diego, the Padres host the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Joe Wieland are slated for the starts. San Diego drew first blood with a fifth inning Wieland double that knocked in Cameron Maybin and Andy Parrino. Miami got on the board with Hanley Ramirez grounding into a fielder's choice, scoring the pitcher Nolasco, before being forced in by a Logan Morrison triple. The Marlins rallied to an eighth inning lead with Giancarlo Stanton's bases-loaded walk forcing in Jose Reyes, followed by a passed ball that got Emilio Bonifacio safely home, a Gaby Sanchez single driving in Morrison, and Stanton finishing the long trip around by coming home on a passed ball. The Padres got one back in the bottom of the eighth as Yonder Alonso grounded into a fielder's choice and Chris Denorfia eventually came home after an error provided the time. They couldn't manage a tying rally, falling 6-3 to the winner, Nolasco, while Edward Mujica backed it up with a save and Andrew Cashner was pinned with the loss.
A bit to the north, the San Francisco Giants host the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum and Matt Cain pace the game. Milwaukee opened early with a first inning Aramis Ramirez single to drive in Nyjer Morgan. San Francisco answered in the bottom of the first as Conor Gillaspie doubled in Gregor Blanco before coming home himself on an Angel Pagan fielder's choice. The Giants padded the lead in the fourth inning when Ryan Theriot singling in Pagan. The Brewers got one back in the sixth inning as Ramirez hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Rickie Weeks. Milwaukee tied it in the ninth inning when Travis Ishikawa doubled to bring in Corey Hart. San Francisco won the game with an eleventh inning Hector Sanchez single, allowing Emmanuel Burriss to score for a 4-3 win. Javier Lopez was in line for the win, while Tim Dillard was stuck with the loss.
North again to Seattle, as the Mariners welcome the Minnesota Twins. Nick Blackburn and Hector Noesi have the green light to start. Seattle began with a first inning Jesus Montero double, driving in Dustin Ackley and Brendan Ryan before he came home himself on a Kyle Seager single. The Mariners added on in the second inning as Mike Carp hit a solo home run. Seattle kept going with a fourth inning Ryan sacrifice fly, providing time for Ackley to dash home. Minnesota got on the board in the seventh inning with a solo shot by Ryan Doumit. The Twins attempted a ninth inning rally as Doumit hit another solo home run, but they only got as close as 5-2, with Noesi in line for the win while Blackburn suffers the loss.
Finally, we go to the other Washington, as the Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels and Jordan Zimmermann will be on the hill. Washington began with a first inning Bryce Harper stealing of home plate (or 4th base as the box scores will list it). Philadelphia answered with a two-run home run by Hunter Pence in the fourth inning, also scoring Shane Victorino, followed by Placido Polanco singling in Laynce Nix. The Phillies extended the lead in the ninth inning as Juan Pierre singled to drive in Jimmy Rollins, before being forced in on a Victorino triple, then Pence went yard again to finish Victorino's trip around on another two-run blast, and they refilled the bases so Freddy Galvis could single in both Carlos Ruiz and Polanco. The Nationlas attempted a rally in the bottom of the ninth as Roger Bernadina doubled to allow time for Rick Ankiel to get home, followed by Ian Desmond singling in Wilson Ramos making it a 9-3 game, which was a final. The win went to Hamels, while Zimmermann was stuck with the loss.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Western Conference Semifinal: 2) St. Louis Blues VS. 8) Los Angeles Kings
Welcome to the post for the semifinal series between the St. Louis Blues and the Los Angeles Kings. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.
Game 1: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Brian Elliott for St. Louis; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. St. Louis began with a David Backes goal, his second of the postseason, coming off of David Perron and Alex Pietrangelo. Los Angeles tied it on a Slava Voynov goal, via Dustin Penner and Mike Richards. The Kings scored again in the second period on a Matt Greene shorthanded goal with a lone Dustin Brown assist. Los Angeles made it 3-1 in the third period as Penner scored an empty net goal, his second of the playoffs, helped along by Rob Scuderi. The three stars were awarded to Quick (28 for 29 in saves), Elliott (26 for 28 in saves), and Brown, with honorable mention for Penner. Los Angeles leads 1-0 in the series.
Game 2: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Brian Elliott for St. Louis; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Mike Richards put Los Angeles up early with his second of the postseason, thanks to Dustin Penner. The Kings added on with an Anze Kopitar shorthanded goal, his second of the playoffs, passed from Dustin Brown. Los Angeles struck again with a Jeff Carter goal, assisted by Penner and Richards. Shortly after that, Kopitar scored again, his second of the game and third of the postseason for the Kings, helped along by Justin Williams and Brown. St. Louis got on the board in the second period, as Andy McDonald scored eighteen seconds in with his fifth of the playoffs, courtesy of David Backes and Kris Russell. Williams shot back for Los Angeles just over a minute later, with a goal guided in by Brown, who gets a sock trick, and Matt Greene. The Blues got one back in the third period as Matt D'Agostini scored, coming off of Backes. The final was 5-2 Kings, with the three stars named as Kopitar, Brown, and T.J. Oshie, while Richards, Williams, or Penner could take the third slot. Los Angeles has a 2-0 series lead.
Game 3: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Brian Elliott for St. Louis. The first action of this game was a fight, between Mike Richards and Jamie Langenbrunner. Justin Williams opened things for Los Angeles with his second of the postseason, made possible by Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar. St. Louis tied it in the second period on a Chris Stewart goal, via Kris Russell. The Kings took the lead back with a Dwight King goal, with a lone assist from Matt Greene. Los Angeles extended the lead with a power play goal by Richards, his third of the playoffs, powered by Kopitar and Doughty. The Blues pulled back in the third period on Stewart's second of the game, via Alex Pietrangelo and David Perron. Doughty shot back for the Kings with a goal, set up by Richards, who completed the Gordie Howe Hat Trick, and Jeff Carter. This made it 4-2, a final, with the three stars going to Doughty, Richards, and Stewart, and Kopitar gets the honorable mention. Los Angeles pushes the Blues on the brink with a 3-0 series lead.
Game 4: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Brian Elliott for St. Louis. Los Angeles was first to score with a Jordan Nolan goal, set up by Dustin Penner. St. Louis tied it on a Kevin Shattenkirk goal, passed from Barret Jackman. The Kings got the lead later in the period as Dustin Brown scored his fifth of the postseason, thanks to Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. Los Angeles iced it at 3-1 in the third period with a Brown empty net goal, his second of the game and sixth of the playoffs, passed from Kopitar and Matt Greene. The three stars went to Quick (23 for 24 in saves), Brown, and Shattenkirk, while Kopitar gets an honorable mention. The Kings win the series 4-0 and await an opponent in the Western Conference Finals.
Game 1: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Brian Elliott for St. Louis; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. St. Louis began with a David Backes goal, his second of the postseason, coming off of David Perron and Alex Pietrangelo. Los Angeles tied it on a Slava Voynov goal, via Dustin Penner and Mike Richards. The Kings scored again in the second period on a Matt Greene shorthanded goal with a lone Dustin Brown assist. Los Angeles made it 3-1 in the third period as Penner scored an empty net goal, his second of the playoffs, helped along by Rob Scuderi. The three stars were awarded to Quick (28 for 29 in saves), Elliott (26 for 28 in saves), and Brown, with honorable mention for Penner. Los Angeles leads 1-0 in the series.
Game 2: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Brian Elliott for St. Louis; Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Mike Richards put Los Angeles up early with his second of the postseason, thanks to Dustin Penner. The Kings added on with an Anze Kopitar shorthanded goal, his second of the playoffs, passed from Dustin Brown. Los Angeles struck again with a Jeff Carter goal, assisted by Penner and Richards. Shortly after that, Kopitar scored again, his second of the game and third of the postseason for the Kings, helped along by Justin Williams and Brown. St. Louis got on the board in the second period, as Andy McDonald scored eighteen seconds in with his fifth of the playoffs, courtesy of David Backes and Kris Russell. Williams shot back for Los Angeles just over a minute later, with a goal guided in by Brown, who gets a sock trick, and Matt Greene. The Blues got one back in the third period as Matt D'Agostini scored, coming off of Backes. The final was 5-2 Kings, with the three stars named as Kopitar, Brown, and T.J. Oshie, while Richards, Williams, or Penner could take the third slot. Los Angeles has a 2-0 series lead.
Game 3: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Brian Elliott for St. Louis. The first action of this game was a fight, between Mike Richards and Jamie Langenbrunner. Justin Williams opened things for Los Angeles with his second of the postseason, made possible by Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar. St. Louis tied it in the second period on a Chris Stewart goal, via Kris Russell. The Kings took the lead back with a Dwight King goal, with a lone assist from Matt Greene. Los Angeles extended the lead with a power play goal by Richards, his third of the playoffs, powered by Kopitar and Doughty. The Blues pulled back in the third period on Stewart's second of the game, via Alex Pietrangelo and David Perron. Doughty shot back for the Kings with a goal, set up by Richards, who completed the Gordie Howe Hat Trick, and Jeff Carter. This made it 4-2, a final, with the three stars going to Doughty, Richards, and Stewart, and Kopitar gets the honorable mention. Los Angeles pushes the Blues on the brink with a 3-0 series lead.
Game 4: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles; Brian Elliott for St. Louis. Los Angeles was first to score with a Jordan Nolan goal, set up by Dustin Penner. St. Louis tied it on a Kevin Shattenkirk goal, passed from Barret Jackman. The Kings got the lead later in the period as Dustin Brown scored his fifth of the postseason, thanks to Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. Los Angeles iced it at 3-1 in the third period with a Brown empty net goal, his second of the game and sixth of the playoffs, passed from Kopitar and Matt Greene. The three stars went to Quick (23 for 24 in saves), Brown, and Shattenkirk, while Kopitar gets an honorable mention. The Kings win the series 4-0 and await an opponent in the Western Conference Finals.
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