Still an odd sight for Phils fans

The Phillies were unsuccessful in their bid to win consecutive games since playing the Mets 2 weeks ago, as they fell to the Rays 7-1 in Tampa.  Former long time Philly Pat “The Bat” Burrell hit a two-run homer in the 2nd that proved to be all the offense Tampa would need and got another RBI in the 8th on a ground out on route to Tampa’s 7-1 win.  Joe Blanton(4-4) took the loss going 7 strong innings while giving up  only two runs and left with the Phillies having a chance to get him off the hook.  J.C. Romero and Chan Ho Park dashed those dreams in the 8th inning as they allowed 5 runs between them in the inning.  Matt Garza(5-5) pitched 8 innings while giving up just a solo home run to Jayson Werth in the 7th  to even his record for the season.   The series finale is tonight when Antonio Bastardo gets the start against Andy Sonnanstine at 7:08PM.

Nieve goes to 3-0

The New York Mets barely recognizeable lineup managed to score a season high in runs against the NL Central leading St. Louis Cardinals last night, winning 11-0.  David Wright contributed four hits while scoring 3 runs, and newly recalled Nick Evans got 2 hits and a 2 run home run in his 1st start of the season for the Mets.  Fernando Nieve(3-0) remained undefeated on the season picking up the win going six strong innings and three other Mets pitchers finished off the 4 hit shutout for the Mets.  Converted reliever Brad Thompson went five innings giving up five runs and eight hits to take the loss in the game.  The Mets and Cardinals finish off the four game series this afternoon at 1:10PM with a great matchup of Chris Carpenter taking on Johan Santana.  Check out The Real Dirty Mets Blog for more Mets info.

Hanley Ramirez with a 2 run single

The Florida Marlins kept up their late resurgence taking their fourth straight and second straight against the Baltimore Orioles in Miami.  Hanley Ramirez was once again a main contributer with a single in the 1st to score 2, and Dan Uggla also contributed two hits and two runs.  Ricky Nolasco(4-6) continues to get back into form after a trip to the minors working 7 innings for the win.  Jason Berken(1-4) took the loss for the Orioles, while Dan Meyer picked up his 1st save while filling in for the Marlins injured closer Matt Lindstrom.  The Marlins send Sean West to the hill against Rich Hill tonight in Miami before they travel north to Tampa this weekend.

You may not see this ever again

The Yankees were finally able to get a win, while jump starting their offense on Wednesday night in Atlanta.  Unlikely hero Francisco Cervelli got a rally started in the 6th inning to give the Yankees the lead, and they never looked back.  Joba Chamberlain(4-2) got his control back for this game, walking zero over 6.1 Innings pitched and giving up three runs, two earned on his way to the victory.  Mariano Rivera worked 1.1 Innings for his 16th save while striking out every batter he faced and even earning a rare at bat(pictured above) where he lined up.  Kenshin Kawakami left the game in the third inning after being hit in the neck with a line drive, the injury is said to not be serious.  Kris Medlen(2-3) took the loss in 2.2 Innings pitched for the Braves.  The series finale will feature Andy Pettitte on the mound for the Yanks and Derek Lowe for the Braves tonight in Atlanta.  More Braves information, always over at The Braves Baseball Blog.

Is this Fenway South - NL?

The Red Sox won their fourth straight last night, while “visiting” Nationals park in Washington D.C. and playing the Nats.  A crowd of 41,530 saw the Red Sox take their second straight in the nations capital, with help from Ortiz and Varitek’s home runs in a 6-4 victory.  Jon Lester went six innings giving up 3 runs and striking out six in getting the victory for the Red Sox and Jonathan Papelbon worked the ninth for his 17th save of the season. Craig Stammen(1-3) couldn’t bring the same magic he had last week at The New Yankee Stadium and worked 5.1 innings and got the loss in this game.  The series finale features Nats rookie Jordan Zimmermann facing off against former long time Brave John Smoltz.  This will be Smoltz’ first start since last season and first pitch is at 7:05PM.  For more Nats info, check out CenterfieldGate.