Cliff Lee makes it 5-0

Yesterday, fresh off a stunning triple play ender to a ball game, Cliff Lee looked to make it three of four against the deteriorated Mets.  Lee(5-0) went seven innings allowing six hits and two runs, while striking out five and both runs allowed were in the first inning.  He got plenty of support from big man Ryan Howard as well.  Howard homered twice in the first three innings of the game, first with a three run shot, and later with a two run blow.  Raul Ibanez produced the only other run on a RBI double, which scored Chase Utley.  Phillies Phandom will have more info on the Phils.

The Mets learned of another injury prior to yesterday’s game and were forced to play with Jeff Francouer, and possibly won’t have him for some time.  With Bobby Parnell on the mound and a team full of backups, Parnell could not come through.  Parnell(3-6) gave up four hits and five runs in five innnings worked, but if you take away the bombs to Howard, did not do that bad, but still gets collared with the loss.  The Mets first run was scored on a wild play in the first where Chase Utley dropped a popup allowing Angel Pagan to score and then a throwing error to second, allowed him to score.  Later in the inning, Fernando Tatis hit a sac fly to score Sheffield, but the Mets could get nothing more against Cliff Lee.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog has more on this game and Johan Santana’s injury.

Balester gets roughed up in the 6th

For a while, Yovani Gallardo probably wondered what he would have to do to get another win, as his team was down 1-0 until the sixth.  In the sixth inning, Ryan Braun got them ahead with a two run homer and was helped by RBI singles from Jason Kendall and Jody Gerut and finally an RBI groundout by Felipe Lopez.  Jody Gerut also added a solo shot in the eighth for insurance.  Gallardo(12-10) held on and gave up only one run and four hits in five innings but walked four against eight strike outs to throw 108 pitches.

The Nationals for a while looked like they may take a pitchers dual and split the four game set.  Unfortunately Colin Balester could not hold the lead in the sixth.  Balester(1-4) finished the day with five complete innings and five hits and four runs, including the shot to Ryan Braun.  The only run for the Nationals came from Will Nieves RBI groundout.  CenterfieldGate has more on the Nats latest struggles.

Really? Did that just happen?

The Philadelphia Phillies guaranteed at the least a series split in New York against the Mets yesterday with a 9-7 victory.  A game that started out looking like a laugher, as the Phillies got three run home runs from Jayson Werth and Carlos Ruiz in the first, ended up being much closer.  Pedro Martinez started against his former team and pitched ok through six innings and helped himself with an RBI single in the third as well.  Martinez(2-0) went six innings and gave up seven hits and four runs, but allowing two home runs to Angel Pagan but must have felt good to get the win.  Brad Lidge worked a troubled ninth inning and was saved by an unassisted triple play by backup infielder Eric Bruntlett to get out of the inning allowing only one run.  Phillies Phandom has more on this game and series which wraps up this afternoon.

Just when you thought you couldn’t see anything else as a Mets fan, they lose on a triple play in what should have been a gift wrapped blown save.  Jeff Francouer hit a line drive to Eric Bruntlett who was up the middle because he was going to cover second as both runners were going on the play, he easily stepped on second and then tagged Murphy to complete the unimaginable.  In a game the Mets were down 6-0, Angel Pagan had both a solo inside the park shot and a solo home run and also scored the final run the Mets would get in the bottom of the ninth.  Oliver Perez was horrendous on this day as he only recorded two outs in the first inning and had run the count to 3-0 against Pedro Martinez before being pulled , giving up two three run home runs, four hits and two walks.  The Mets bullpen combined for 8.1 innings more and allowed three more runs.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog will have more on this game and the floundering Mets season.

McCann comes through again

Brian McCann came through with a big hit in the bottom of the eighth inning yesterday, giving the Bravos a 7-5 win and a series victory at a crucial time.  McCann singled home two runs and finished with five total including a home run in the first, and moved the Braves into second place in a game where the Braves were down earlier in the game, but got to the Fish bullpen.  Peter Moylan(6-2) picked up the win in relief pitching one inning and allowing one hit in relief of a bad Derek Lowe outting of only five innings and five runs(three earned).  Rafael Soriano now has 20 saves on the year, as he went the final innings striking one out and giving up a hit, The Braves Baseball Blog will have more.

The Florida Marlins are in serious danger of falling out of the playoff races at this point, in what began as a promising weekend.  Ricky Nolasco could only get through 4.1 innings allowing four runs and nine hits, but left with a lead, and ended with a no decision.  Kiko Calero(2-2) ended up taking the loss as he worked one inning and was charged with the eventual winning run.  Hanley Ramirez went 3-4 and continues his hot hitting and continues to treck towards a batting title and Ronnie Paulino added a three RBI day for the Marlins.  Check out FishGuts for more info on the Marlins.

Zimmerman is good..i got nothin else

The Washington Nationals were able to finally snap out of their most recent losing streak yesterday, winning 8-3 against the Brewers.  Ryan Zimmerman added three RBI on a two run home run and RBI single and Guzman and Adam Dunn also had two hits a piece.  Craig Stammen(4-6) went 6.1 innings and held the Brewers to five hits and three runs as he got his fourth victory of the season.  CenterfieldGate has more information on the Nats for you.

The Brewers offense could not do much in this game, Alicides Escobar got his first home run, but Lopez was the only other starter to register an RBI.  Manny Parra(8-10) only got through 3.1 inning sand allowed eight hits and eight runs, although five earned, but the relief held the Nats scoreless, unfortunately the Brewers bats were asleep.

Utley with the eventual winner

Chase Utley and the Phillies were able to get back in the win column on Saturday with a 4-1 victory at Citi Field, ruining the Mets ’69 World Series celebration.  After being shut out for five innings, Chase Utley got to the Mets relief pitchers with a two run home run, and the Phillies needed no more.  Starter J.A. Happ(10-2) gave up one run over seven innings scattering eight hits and got his 10th win of the season, to continue leading all rookies.  Brad Lidge got his 24th save of the season and Carlos Ruiz and Pedro Feliz added RBI’s for the Phillies, Phillies Phandom will have more information on the Phillies.

Tim Redding started the game for the Mets after Livan Hernandez was released and pitched five shutout, one hit innings before giving way to the relief corp.  Pat Misch(0-1) came in to start the sixth after being recalled and walked Victorino and gave up the two run shot to Utley immediately afterwards, taking the loss.  The Mets only recorded a run on a single by Omir Santos in the second which scored Jeff Francouer from third.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog will have more on the Mets loss.

Hanson keeps winning

Two home runs and four runs in the first inning yesterday proved to be all the offense Atlanta would get, but more importantly, all they would need in a 4-3 victory.  Omar Infante led off the game with a home run for the Braves, LaRoche added an RBI single and finally Yunel Escobar capped the inning with a two run blast scoring LaRoche, and Hanson cruised.  Tommy Hanson(9-2) went seven innings giving up three runs on four hits while striking out seven in keeping the Braves playoff hopes alive.  Rafael Soriano worked the ninth to get his 19th save of the season.  The Braves Baseball Blog has more.

Chris Volstad(9-10) only got through four innings of work, but except for a bad blemish in the first, had a pretty solid start.  Volstad was charged with four runs on six hits and all four runs coming in the first inning, but the Marlins offense could not get him off the hook.  The Marlins got their three runs in the fifth on a double by Wes Helms and then a two run single by Jorge Cantu.  The Marlins looks to take the series today in Atlanta, but FishGuts has more on the team.

How silly does this look?

The Milwaukee Brewers appear to have found the Nationals of early season, as they took their second in a row by a score of 11-9 on Saturday.  Ths win did not come easy though, after being up 7-0 going to the bottom of the second, Mike Burns and the Brewers relief let the Nats right back in the game.  Casey McGehee went 2-5 for the Brewers but drove in the eventual winning run, and Mike Cameron contributed four hits and three runs and three RBI including a home run during the victory.  Chris Narverson(1-0) picked up the win as he pitched 2.2 scoreless innings of relief and Trevor Hoffman got his 27th save of the season in this game.

John Lannan may have had his worst start of the year in this one, going only 1.2 innings and allowing seven earned runs and putting the Nats in an early hole.  Luckily, they got him off the hook, but still lost the game.  Ronnie Belliard produced the biggest blow with a grand slam home run in the third and had two other hits and a total of two runs scored.  Jason Bergmann(2-2) took the loss as he worked one inning giving up two hits and a run.  CenterfieldGate has more on the Nationals latest losing streak.

Pelf comes up big

In a series in which the Mets best hope is to begin playing spoiler, they sent the up and down Mike Pelfrey to the mound against the struggling Cole Hamels.  Pelfrey(9-8) got the best of the Phillies for the third time this season in this one, going six innings and allowing just two runs and six hits and striking out five on route to a 4-2 victory.  He was helped by the Mets getting two runs each in the second and third inning, including Pagan having an RBI single and Jeff Francouer with a solo home run, continuing his hot play with the Mets.  The Mets bullpen did not allow another run, though they did give up four more hits, including Franky Rodriguez allowing two hits before striking out Ryan Howard to end the game, it was his 27th save.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog is the place to go for more Mets information

Cole Hamels had another tough game as his disappointing season continues after an outstanding 2008.  After a rain delay of over an hour, Hamels could not find his best stuff in this one.  Hamels(7-8) only lasted five innings but allowed all four Mets runs and ten hits in the loss.  The only run support he got as well was a Ryan Howard RBI single in the first and a Pedro Feliz RBI single in the sixth, but they squandered other opportunities.  The four game set should continue Saturday night, weather permitting, check out Phillies Phandom for more Phillies insight.

the Marlins welcome Sanchez back

The Florida Marlnis had just allowed the Braves to come back and tie them for second in the NL East and for third in the Wild Card this week.  They rebounded last night by sending newly back Anibal Sanchez to the mound while visiting the Braves in Atlanta.  Sanchez(2-4) pitched into the seventh inning allowing only two hits and one run while striking out seven Braves as the Marlins won 5-3.  Lucky for him, Hanley Ramirez recorded an RBI single in the top of the sixth to allow him to be the winning pitcher and then they added in the seventh.  In the seventh Jeremy Hermida hit a solo shot, Ramirez added a two run blow and sandwiched between was a Ross Gload RBI single.  Sanchez and Dan Meyer combined to give up three runs in the seventh inning, but that was all the Braves would get.  Leo Nunez worked the ninth giving up just one hit to get his 14th save of the year as Cody Ross threw out Adam LaRoche trying to stretch a single to a double to end the game.  FishGuts has more on this game.

Javier Vazquez(10-9) lost again to a division rival, this time going 6.2 innings.  He was charged with ten hits and all five runs, including two home runs and eight strikeouts this time.  Adam LaRoche produced all the Braves runs as he continued his hot play since returning to the Braves with a three run home run in the seventh scoring Ryan Church and Chipper Jones. The Braves Baseball Blog is your one stop shop for Braves info.

Fielder with another blast

The Milwaukee Brewers are trying to get their team straight and were able to get on their way last night with a 7-3 win in Washignton.  Prince Fielder hit a two run shot and Casey McGehee had solo shots on the way to the victory for the Brew Crew.  Former Met Braden Looper(11-6) got the win as he pitched six innings allowing only two runs on four hits, with one blemish being a shot to Adam Dunn.

J.D. Martin was pitching a pretty solid game until the seventh inning came around.  In the seventh, Martin gave up an RBI single which made the game 4-2 and with the lack of Nats offense at that point, he was headed for a loss.  Martin(2-3) had a final line of 6.2 innings pitched with four runs on eight hits in the game.  Ryan Zimmerman had an RBI groundout and a solo shot in the ninth and Adam Dunn also had a solo home run the game.  It was the Nats fourth loss in a row, check out CenterfieldGate for more on them.

Please feel free to email any recommend questions or comments about the segment to mrose@nleastchatter.com or go to this forum topic and post a reply.

Welcome to Chatter Up! This week features Matt Smith of Phillies Phandom against DirtySanchez of  The Real Dirty Mets Blog.  When this idea was first created by NLEC, we thought this would be a much more exciting matchup, but that is why they play the games right?  Lets get to it!

DirtySanchez(TRDMB) & Mark(CFG): Jamie Moyer clearly believes that his relegation to the bullpen is unfair. Will his attitude stand in the way of his ability to provide the Phils with the necessary late innings relief they need?

Matt S(PP): I guess you missed Tuesday’s game. Jamie came in after the rain delay and pitched six shutout innings. I’d say that’s pretty effective . It’s no secret that he is upset about the demotion, but he’s a professional. He’s 46-years-old. He’s been through it all during his major league career. Right now, Moyer is the team’s long man out of the bullpen. While everyone has been happy with Pedro (the guy is an absolute blast in the clubhouse — he meshes right in with this close-knit group. Not to mention, he’s pitched pretty well), if he completely falters in his next 3-4 start, he could be moved to the bullpen before the end of the regular season. But, at this point, the idea is for Pedro to continue being the No. 5 starter and, come playoff time, a reliable, experienced arm out of the pen.

DirtySanchez(TRDMB):Has the league caught up with Lidge and that’s what has caused his 8 bs or is he pitching through injury?

Matt S(PP):I think you’re right — the league has caught up to him a bit. From what I understand, hitters aren’t chasing the slider as often as last year. But the worst thing about Lidge this season has been his total lack of command of his fastball. He has no idea where it’s going, and typically, he leaves it in spots where guys can put a good swing on the ball. The team and Lidge have said a thousand times since he returned from the disabled list that he is not injured. In fact, pitching coach Rich Dubee has been on record as saying that his stuff is BETTER than what it was last season. Actually, Lidge has also said that he feels better than ever and he feels as though his stuff is better, too. Obviously, it hasn’t shown in the results.

DirtySanchez(TRDMB) & Mark P(CFG): For Phillies: What’s wrong with Cole Hamels? He’s struggling. Can he return to form?

Matt S(PP): I’ve answered this question a few times… but it’s cool! Cole Hamels just hasn’t been able to get going this year. Last year’s playoff run took a huge physical toll on him. Remember, he hadn’t thrown 200-plus innings at any level in his career (including high school) before last year, when he threw 240-plus frames. I also think hitters have adjusted well to his change up. He’s getting too predictable. His curveball is average at best, so at this point in his young career, the guy has two pitches (change-up/fastball). Like I said, hitters can guess easily. For the most part, though, Hamels hasn’t been making very good pitches this year. Even though batters have adjusted against him, when Hamels is rolling, he’s unhittable. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case for most of the year. He’s been, in two words, very ordinary. Also keep in mind that Hamels isn’t a Cliff Lee. Sure Hamels has proven to be a clutch pitcher, but he’s not a bulldog. You have to treat him like fragile glass. Something tells me that he’ll work on some things in the offseason and come back a completely different pitcher next season. That said, I still have all the confidence that he’s on the verge of breaking out in September and in October, as he did last year when he carried the pitching staff.

DirtySanchez(TRDMB) & TRS(TRDMB): How do you feel the Phillies will react to being the hunted rather than the hunter going into September with the marlins and possibly the braves within striking distance?

Matt S(PP):The Phillies have handled the pressure very well. I know the Marlins sweep left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth, but they responded very nicely winning 7 of 8 through Wednesday. That’s the thing about this team: they respond. When you think they’re on the verge of a New York Mets-like collapse job (I’m sorry Mets friends!), they keep coming back. These guys are winners. The “pressure” argument is moot at this point. If they were “feeling the pressure,” would they be 19 games over .500 and 6 games up in the division? I don’t think so. There is no pressure on this team. And if there is, they use it to their advantage. There’s no question in my mind that they will play their best baseball in September and win the division handily.

TRS(TRDMB): To Mets fans it seems as though the Phillies and their fans are obsessed with the Mets. Does it seem that the opposite is true to the Phillies fans?

Matt S(PP):Obsessed with Mets fans? Listen… both fanbases have their idiots. I’m sure idiot Phillies fans go on Mets message boards rubbing it in that the Mets are having a lousy season. The same can be said about Mets fans, you know, the idiotic fans who go on Phillies message boards claiming the Mets are better than the Phillies when healthy. I don’t think for one second that Phillies are obsessed with Mets fans. At this point, the Mets are as irrelevant as Paris Hilton in the eyes of Phillies fans (the majority, that is). It sucks that the rivalry is no where near as passionate as it’s been the last two years, but that’s because the Mets resemble a semi-pro club right now. Let’s hope that next year will be a different story so we can all have some fun again. Maybe this upcoming series will rekindle the fire just a bit.

Thanks Matt and on to DirtySanchez of The Real Dirty Mets Blog.

Mark(CFG): The Mets are going to revamp in the offseason, what would recommend as their first move?

DirtySanchez(TRDMB): Fire Omar Minaya…just kidding(sort of). We are in need of a #2 starter or power from the OF. I believe their first move should be trying to either sign a #2 type FA pitcher or work on a trade for one. Most likely Bay will remain in Boston and the fight for Holiday will get ugly.

Mark(CFG): The signing of Stephen Strasburg has made every GM focus on their own farm system. Do the Mets have a Stephen Strasburg-in waiting that they can look forward to next year of the year after?

DirtySanchez(TRDMB): We have pitching prospects but none on the caliber of Stephen Strasburg. Our two best pitching prospects are Jenrry Mejia and Brad Holt. Neither of them will be ready by next year but Mejia may be ML ready come 2011.

Mark(CFG): Will Omar Minaya get fired? Should he?

DirtySanchez(TRDMB): That is the magic question. There are several factors to consider with a move like that. Omar Minaya executed an extension prior to this season that will go into effect in 2010. Now that extension is chump change but it would seem rather unprecedented for someone to get canned before their extension kicks in. Another factor has been his body of work. Since Omar took over the Mets payroll has increased every year and they were able to put a competitive team together(except for this year of course). The problem with the evaluation of that is in all that time(5 yrs) the Mets only have a Division title(2006) to show for it. With the Adam Rubin situation and Tony Bernazard most likely not helping Omars chances, it will defiantly be a focal point going into the offseason. The one thing you never want to do is take on the NY media…Should be interesting to see if Omar Minaya can live to tell about it

Mark(CFG): The injury to David Wright was part of a spate of similar beanings — and thankfully he’s okay. But he lacks the power this year he had last year and seems uncertain at third. Will he bounce back? What can we expect of him playing an entire career in non-homer friendly Citi Field?

DirtySanchez(TRDMB):David Wright has been very consistent every year he has been up in the major leagues, given his history im sure he will bounce back. David Wright made it known that he made an adjustment to hit more line drives this year. Now, many people do not buy this as an excuse but I think Davids production should be treated with a certain degree of latitude. This is his first year in Citi Field and im sure there is always an adjustment period(unless you play at Yankee Stadium) to the quirks and dimensions of a new ballpark. The first opposite field HR in Citi Field was hit by David Wright in August! I think David will adjust to Citi Field and learn where to swing to go for the homeruns. As many people have proven(Mark Reynolds especially)..it is possible to hit HR in Citi Field, you just got to know where to hit them.

Matt R(NLEC): How much has the Mets season and injuries effected what was and is still being advertised as a great weekend for Mets games, complete with the 1969 celebration? Will you still watch/go?

DirtySanchez(TRDMB): I believe the new ballpark has a lot to do with the fans continued interest on this season. The injuries have played a HUGE role in this season as Im sure anyone would be hard pressed to find a team that can lose quality players such as Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Jose Reyes, David Wright, John Maine and JJ Putz and still remain competitive. I will still watch only because it should be interesting to see the Mets play the role of spoiler to contending teams…a role they have not had to be in for quite some time.

Please feel free to email any recommend questions or comments about the segment to mrose@nleastchatter.com or go to this forum topic and post a reply.  Lets also hope thats the first and last time that Paris Hilton was referenced on this blog eh? 

Maybe he can pitch better with 1 eye?

Joe Blanton continues to be a rock in the Phillies rotation, with another good start last night.  Blanton(8-6) went eight innings and scattered ten hits and three runs while striking out four in a 12-3 Phils win.  Ryan Howard once again had a huge game as he hit a three run home run and also added an RBI double in the game and was joined by Jayson Werth and Carlos Ruiz in the home run game.  The Phillies completed another three game sweep and are on a nice role heading into New York to face the Mets this weekend, check out Phillies Phandom for more.

Doug Davis couldn’t stop the Phillies offense, but not many can at this point in the season.  Davis(7-11) only got through five innings in taking the loss as he gave up five hits, six runs (five earned) and four walks in cluding a home run.  Alex Romero, Miguel Montero and Chad Tracy all had RBI hits for the Diamondbacks, but that couldn’t save them.

A rare bad start for JJ

Wandy Rodriguez of the Astros continues to have a nice bounce back and surprising year.  Rodriguez(12-7) went eight innings and only gave up four hits and a run, which is a rarity against the Florida Marlins as the Astros won 4-1 to take the series.  He was supported by two fourth inning home runs, a two run shot by Lee and a solo shot by Hunter Pence and Wandy Rodriguez capped the scoring himself with an RBI double in the fifth.  Jose Valverde pitched a perfect ninth with two k’s for his 18th save of the season.

The Marlins have now broken their consecutive ten hit games streak and are on a two game losing streak heading into a weekend against the Braves.  Josh Johnson(12-3) took only his third loss of the year, and could not get out of the fifth inning, recording one out in the fifth but allowing seven hits and four runs with two home runs in all.  Dan Uggla had an RBI ground out to score the only run of the game for the Fish, but check FishGuts for more.

best part of the night for the Mets fans

Former Met Ryan Church took it to the Mets last night, which must not be fun for Mets fans.  He went 2-3 with a run scored and an RBI as the Braves won 3-2 for a series victory in New York.  Brian McCann added a solo home run in the fourth inning and Omar Infante also had an RBI for the Braves.  Starter Kenshin Kawakami(6-9) was able to pick up a win as he went seven innings allowing seven hits and only a single run while striking out five and Rafael Soriano got his 18th save of the season while allowing only a hit in the ninth.  The Braves Baseball Blog will have more information on the Braves for you.

Johan Santana couldn’t even get the win last night , even though he pitched ok..but it certainly wasn’t a Johan classic game.  Santana(13-9) went seven innings and allowed nine hits and three runs and only struck out two for the game.  Corey Sillivan and Omir Santos produced the Mets only runs on RBI singles in the third and eighth.  The best point of the game was Billy Wagner pitching a perfect inning in the eighth on only fourteen pitches and striking out two.  Check out The Real Dirty Mets Blog for more info on the Mets.

a sweep...ouch

The Rockies were able to complete a three game sweep in Washington last night as they rode Jason Hammel’s pitching to a 4-1 victory.  Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki and Brad Hawpe were credited with RBI hits and Torrealba was able to score on a wild pitch in the fifth.  Jason Hammel(8-7) went seven innings and allowed only a single run and three hits and once again Huston Street worked the ninth, this time a perfect one and got his 32nd save of the year.

The Nationals are back to the Nationals everyone knew of, but part of it is surprising.  The pitching wasn’t terrible as Garret Mock(2-5) worked five innings allowing three hits and two runs and struck out eight.  Adam Dunn produced the only run for the Nationals with an RBI double in the sixth but he was the only hitter with two hits and only Guzman and Willingham even had a single hit besides him.  Check out CenterfieldGate for more on the Nats.

Roy who?

Cliff Lee has been absolutely outstanding for the Phillies since being traded in late July.  Lee(4-0) turned in his fourth straight solid, or in this case terrific outting as he threw a complete game while allowing only two hits and one run while striking out eleven while winning 8-1.  His ERA in the National League is now 0.82 in his four starts, and the Phillies must have no regrets about not picking up Roy Halladay.  Ryan Howard and the Phillies supported him with eight runs, including a three run home from Ryan Howard, two solo shots from Jayson Werth and a two run shot from Chase Utley.  Since the Marlins lost,  they added a game to their lead in the division, Phillies Phandom will have more on this.

The Diamondbacks sent their ace to the hill in this game as well, and the game didn’t have the magic that everyone expected.  Danny Haren could only last five innings and he allowed six runs and nine hits.  Haren(12-8) has now given up five or more runs in three of his past four starts, raising his ERA from 2.19 at the end of July to 2.74 now.  For the second straight night, the D’backs only managed a single run and Stephen Drew produced it, this time on a sacrifice fly.

Couldn't get the big hit

The Houston Astros managed to get the win 6-3 last night, despite using six different pitchers throughout the game.  The offense took the lead in the bottom of the first though and never looked back, happy that Lance Berkman got back in the swing of things with an RBI double to tie it early.  Starting pitcher Yorman Bazardo only lasted 4.2 innings and gave up only two runs in the first but left with runners on and a high pitch count.  Sammy Gervacio(1-0) got his first win while recording the final out in the fifth inning and using only five pitches.  Jose Valverde got his 17th save of the season in the 6-3 win.

The Florida Marlins once again did get more than ten hits a game, extending the franchise record and getting closer to the National League record.  Too bad hits don’t always turn into runs though, as they could only muster three runs and one after the first.  Jorge Cantu and Dan Uggla contributed RBI singles and then Ross Glaud capped the Fish scoring in the sixth with an RBI double.  Sean West(4-5) lasted only four and gave up three earned runs and four total and left after only 62 pitches.  FishGuts has more on this Marlins loss and their push to the playoffs.

Ouch

The Atlanta Braves were able to return the favor the Mets gave them on Tuesday night with their own eight run inning.  The Braves scored eight in the second and the game was more than over at that point on their way to a 15-2 victory.  Brian McCann hit a three run home run and Adam LaRoche and Matt Diaz joined him in that homer party.  Diaz finished with four RBI and Infante added three RBI as well.  Jair Jurrjens(10-8) didn’t have to work hard for this win and got six innings done with only two runs and allowed eight hits.  The Braves Baseball Blog is the place to go for all Braves info as well.

Once again, what is to say about the Mets game?  Luis Castillo made a mental error and didn’t cover second on a double play ball and Bobby Parnell never recovered.  Parnell(3-5) got through three innings and allowed nine runs on nine hits and two walks a far cry from his previous gem of a game.  Angel Pagan had an RBI double and Luis Castillo also drove in a run, but this one was over early and the Mets even replaced many of the starters to save them from the looming injury cloud on the team.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog is the place to go for all Mets info.

on fire!

Last night Carlos Gonzalez once again got the big hit for the Rockies, as he hit what would be the eventual winning home run in the eighth inning for the Rockies.  Clint Barmes also hit his second homer in as many days and the Rockies went on to win 5-4.  Jason Marquis(14-8) worked six innings allowing nine hits and three runs and only striking out one and once again Huston Street got the save, his 31st, but not without a problem as he gave up a solo shot.  The Rockies go for the sweep tonight.

Colin Balester(1-3) was awful for the Nationals last night, he only got through 1.1 innings and allowed three runs only three hits but five walks.  Ryan Zimmerman stayed hot, going 2-3 with a walk and two RBI’s on a double and a triple in the game.  Josh Bard contributed a solo shot in the ninth inning to bring the Nationals within a run, but they could not get closer.  Centerfieldgate has more info on the Nationals and what is going on with their team.

head over to The Braves Baseball Blog between now and September 1st and enter to win a Braves Book!  http://www.nleastchatter.com/BravesBaseballBlog/2009/08/15/win-a-braves-book/ is the URL or just click here

Good luck!