Mets vs. Phillies

The Phillies beat the Mets in a score of 7-5. In the first Placido Polanco doubled to score Raul Ibanez to put the Phillies on the board.  In the 3rd Jose Reyes singled scoring Jeff Francoeur to tie the game.  In the 4th Josh Thole singled scoring David Wright giving the Mets the lead.  The Phillies scored 6 runs in the 8th with hits from Ben Francisco, Carlos Ruiz, Jimmy Rollins, and Mike Sweeney.  The Mets fought back scoring 3 runs in the 9th when Mike Hessman hit a 3 run homer but it wasn’t enough.

Jon Niese pitched 7 innings giving up 4 hits, 1 run, and 7 strikeouts.  Joe Blanton pitched 7 innings giving up 7 hits, 2 runs, and 4 strikeouts.  Chad Durbin got the win pitching 1 inning giving up no hits with 1 strikeout.  Bobby Parnell got the loss while not retiring a batter and giving up 4 hits and 4 runs.

Marlins vs. Cardinals

The Cardinals beat the Marlins in a score of 7-0.  In the first inning Albert Pujols hit a 3 run home run scoring Felipe López and Jon Jay.  In the 3rd inning Matt Holiday doubled scoring Jon Jay.  In the 4th The Cardinals added 3 more runs when Brendan Ryan doubled scoring Aaron Miles, Jon Jay doubled scoring Brendan Ryan, and  Albert Pujols doubled scoring Jon Jay.

Adam Wainwright got the win after pitching a complete game shutout giving up just 2 hits with 7 strikeouts.  The loss went to Ricky Nolasco who pitched 5 innings giving up 10 hits, 7 runs, and 6 strikeouts.

Braves vs. Giants

The Giants beat the Braves in a score of 3-2. The Giants scored in the 1st when Aubrey Huff grounded out scoring Andres Torres.  The Braves tied it up in the 5th when Alex Gonzalez hit a solo shot.  The Braves took the lead in the 6th when Chipper Jones hit a solo home run.  The Giants tied it up in the 9th when Aubrey Huff scored due to an error by Chipper Jones.  In the 11th Pat Burell hit a sac fly to score Aubrey Huff.

Barry Zito pitched 7 innings giving up 4 hits, 2 runs, and 10 strikeouts.  Tommy Hanson pitched 7 innings giving up 3 hits, 1 run, and 3 strikeouts.  Javier Lopez got the win after pitching 1 inning giving up 1 hit, no runs, and 1 strikeout.  The loss went to Peter Moylan who pitched 1.2 innings giving up 1 hit, 1 run, and no strikeouts.  The save went to Brian Wilson who pitched a perfect 9th with 1 strikeout.

Nationals vs. Dodgers

The Nationals beat the Dodgers in a score of 6-3. The Nationals scored 3 runs in the 1st when Adam Dunn hit a 3 run homer scoring Ian Desmond and Ryan Zimmerman.  In the 3rd Adam Dunn hit another 3 run bomb scoring Desmond and Zimmerman making the score 6-0.   The Dodgers scored 3 runs in the 4th when Andre Either homered scoring Ryan Theriot and Casey Blake singled scoring James Loney.

John Lannan got the win and pitched 6 innings giving up 5 hits, 3 runs, and 2 strikeouts.  Clayton Kershaw got the loss and pitched 6 innings giving up 7 hits, 6 runs, and 9 strikeouts.  Drew Storen got his 1st save of the season giving up no hits with 1 walk.

Mets vs. Yankees

The Mets got off to a fast start in the Bronx, but the Yankees answered back and went on to defeat their crosstown rivals 5-3 to end the Mets’ winning streak at eight games.

Jose Reyes led off the game with a home run off of Phil Hughes, and added a two-run shot in the third inning to give the Mets an early 3-1 lead.  However, Mike Pelfrey allowed two-run homers to Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson in the third and fourth innings to put the Yankees on top.  Pelfrey (9-2) settled down after Granderson’s homer and gave the Mets seven innings, but took the loss.  Hughes (10-1) shut down the Mets after Reyes’ second home run and earned the victory.   Mariano Rivera pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to pick up his 16th save on the season.

 

Phillies vs. Twins

The Phillies and Twins played home run derby at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday afternoon.  Philadelphia was poised to take their second straight from Minnesota, but the Phillies could not hold onto a five run 9th inning lead and fell to the Twins 13-10 in 11 innings.

The Phils jumped on Twins starter Kevin Slowey for seven runs in 1 2/3 innings, powered by home runs from Wilson Valdez (yes, that’s right) and Ryan Howard.  Longballs by Raul Ibanez and Jayson Werth helped the Phillies build a 9-4 lead in support of starting pitcher Cole Hamels.  Jose Contreras started the ninth for the Phillies and allowed a two run homer to Jim Thome before giving way to closer Brad Lidge.  Lidge allowed an RBI single to Denard Span and a two run shot to Joe Mauer to cap off the Twins’ five run ninth and tie the game at 9.

In the 10th, Chad Durbin allowed a solo homer to Drew Butera to give the Twins a 10-9 lead, but the Phillies answered back with a Ross Gload home run in the bottom of the inning off Twins’ closer Jon Rauch to tie it up.   However, the Twins went ahead for good in the 11th off of Danys Baez (2-3), scoring three runs thanks to a Delmon Young RBI single and a two run double from Matt Tolbert.  Rauch (2-1) bounced back from his blown save to pitch a scoreless 11th and earn the victory.

 

Nationals vs. White Sox

The Nationals and White Sox engaged in a pitcher’s duel for the second straight day in Washington.  The pitchers were different, but the result was the same as the Sox defeated the Nats 1-0 on Saturday.

Jake Peavy (6-5) was the story of the day, allowing just three hits and pitching a complete game shutout.  Nationals starter J.D. Martin (0-3) pitched well, allowing just one run over six innings, but that one run was the difference.  Carlos Quentin singled home Omar Vizquel in the fourth for the game’s only run.  The Nats threatened in the ninth off of Peavy, but couldn’t break through.  Nyjer Morgan walked to open the inning and was sacrificed to second.   However, Ryan Zimmerman struck out, and after an intentional walk to Adam Dunn, Peavy got Josh Willingham to pop out to seal the shutout.

 

Braves vs. Royals

The first place Braves hosted the Royals on Saturday night in Atlanta and used a walk-off home run to defeat Kansas City 5-4.

The Braves jumped out to a 3-0 lead off of Royals’ ace Zack Greinke, scoring two in the first and adding one more in the fourth on Brian McCann‘s solo homer.  Braves starter Kris Medlen entered the top of the seventh with a 4-2 lead, but Medlen and reliever Eric O’Flaherty allowed two runs in the inning as the Royals tied up the game at 4 apiece.   The game remained tied until the bottom of the ninth, when Troy Glaus led off the inning with a home run off of Robinson Tejeda (2-3) to win it for the Braves.  Closer Billy Wagner (5-0) pitched a scoreless ninth and picked up the win for Atlanta.

 

Marlins vs. Rays

The Florida teams played a wild game in Miami on Saturday night.  Played to a soundtrack of vuvuzelas (you know, those air horn instruments that have been the “buzz” of the World Cup), the Marlins scored three in the 8th inning to send the game to extra innings.  Florida mounted another furious comeback in the 11th, but couldn’t bring home the tying run and fell to the Rays by a score of 9-8.

The Marlins got solo home runs from Chris Coghlan and Hanley Ramirez  off of Rays’ starter Jeff Niemann, but the Rays scored four runs against Marlins’ starting pitcher Chris Volstad and entered the bottom of the eighth with a 5-2 lead.  However, Ramirez doubled in two runs, and Ramirez scored the tying run after Evan Longoria couldn’t field Cody Ross‘ ground ball cleanly.

In the top of the 11th, the Rays scored four runs thanks to the wildness of reliever Jorge Sosa (1-2).  Sosa allowed an infield single and walked two to load the bases, and then walked B.J. Upton and Reid Brignac with the bases full to force in two runs.  Jason Bartlett added a two run single as the Rays built a 9-5 lead.

The Marlins fought back, as Chris Coghlan singled home two and Gaby Sanchez singled home another to cut the lead to 9-8.  With runners on the corners and no outs, the Rays called on Andy Sonnanstine, who had pitched 4 2/3 innings the night before.   Sonnanstine struck out two and got Dan Uggla to fly out to right to end it and earn his first career save.  James Shields (6-6), who started on Thursday for the Rays, pitched the 10th inning and earned the victory in relief.

Welcome to another edition of Chatter Up! here at NLEC. This week will match up Mark P Centerfield Gate against Matt Smith of Phillies Phandom. Enjoy!

MrNorthJersey(NLEC): Do you want and expect Willingham back in a Nationals uniform in 2010?

Mark P(CFG): There was talk of trading Willingham all season, but it never happened — and for good reason. The guy proved to be the hitter that we anticipated (and that I anticipated) when we got him from the Marlins. I think he’s now untouchable. You know, nothing’s impossible: but it would be hard to name a guy who the nats could get for him that would be as good. The fans love him and the guy just hits the hell out of the ball: who knows what he might have done had he started the season in the outfield, instead of that other guy … what’s his name? Oh yeah, Austin Kearns. How the Nationals brain trust could have ever concluded that he was better than Willingham is a question so embarassing it cannot be asked: and gives the term brain trust a whole different meaning.

MrNorthJersey(NLEC): Do you think MacDougal will opt out of his contract and test free agency?

Mark P(CFG): Good question. I somehow don’t think so. The Nats front office seems to think he will be back, talking endless of getting a set up guy that will make him the reliever for the team in 2010. This scares me, because MacDougal is one of those 9th inning guys who just scrapes by — but barely. The last thing this team needs is another collapses bullpen in 2010. Th next to last thing it needs is placing its trust in just one closer. I wouldn’t hold an audition for the spot necessarily (Joel Hanrahan won the audition in the Spring, for pity sake) but I sure wouldn’t think that “Heart Attack Mike” is the only answer we have.

Matt S(PP): The Nationals have been a much-improved squad over the last several weeks. Adam Dunn has had a tremendous season. Are you surprised by Dunn’s production this year and do you view him as a vital piece to the puzzle for next year?

Mark P(CFG): Yes, I’m surprised. You know, Dunn came with baggage: that he was a good hitter but with an indifferent attitude. That turned out to be false, or rather, perhaps it was true because Dunn got bored in Cincinnati (which is more than possible). I thought he would come in with about 29 to 32 homers and make a mash of the outfield. I could see it in my dreams: Dunning chasing down a ball hit over his head, dropping a line drive, tripping over his feet going into the corner. But not only has he really hit the cover off the ball, he has made a real effort to get better as a first baseman. You can see his defensive improvement, which is key, considering Guzman’s boot em and throw em away capabilities. If his defense gets better and he keeps hitting I would expect that the Nats would try to extend him. There aren’t many guys in the majors who can hit 40 homers and drive in 100 runs. And for some reason (stop the presses) Dunn seems to love it here. Who knew?

Matt S(PP): Are Nats fans clamoring for Stephen Strasburg at this point? Can you explain how Strasburg making the team out of spring training would impact the franchise and its fanbase?

Mark P(CFG): I am surprised and gratified by the patience showed by Nats fans. We regularly draw 20,000 to games in which the late innings are so painful that people have to wish they were somewhere else. But they keep coming back for more, night after night. That same patience is being shown now by fans who realize that while it would be nice to see Strasburg right now — or early next year — it would be far better to see him in the post-seasons, with a healthy arm, in 2011. If Strasburg makes the team out of spring training I would advise the front office (they’re not exactly on the phone with me all the time, but there you have it) to pitch him during the third or even fourth home game — when they absolutely need to fill the stadium. My sense is that when Strasburg arrives DC will have to assign more cops for crowd control. The place will be packed. We’re patient, very patient. But honestly, we can’t wait to see this guy.

Matt R(NLEC): I read on your site that it seems the Nats have asked Christian Guzman to move to 2b, how helpful will this truly be for the Nats going forward or does it just shift his suspect defense to a different position?

Mark P(CFG): I think this is a bad decision that confirms the kind of decision making that baseball eggheads rightly criticize: which is based on the assumption that a bad shortstop will somehow improve when he moves to second. I don’t buy it. Not even a little bit. You know, I am such a fan of Alberto Gonzalez (for those who don’t know, a kid out of the DR) that I hope the Nats put him at second, keep Ian Desmond (our rookie phenom) at short — and work a trade for Guzman. He will command an $8 million dollar salary next year and freeing it up would help us to get some middle infielders who can do the job. Or, better yet, we can use the money to sign a guy like Jon Garland. But then, of course, we’d really need a replacement for Guzman, as Garland is a ground ball specialist. To answer your question: putting Guzman at second simply shifts his suspect defense to a different position

Thanks again Mark, now onto Matt Smith of Phillies Phandom

MrNorthJersey(NLEC): With names like Brett Myers, Joe Blanton, Shane Victorino, Chan Ho Park, Scott Eyre, Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey, Tyler Walker, and possibly Pedro Feliz ($0.5mil buyout), becoming free agents this year who do you feel will they miss most if they do not resign them for 2010?

Matt S(PP): Well, most of these players are arbitration eligible. Blanton, Victorino, Durbin, Walker and Condrey won’t be free agents until after the 2010 season. In fact, I’m pretty sure Victorino has at least two more seasons until he can become a free agent. That said, I’m positive Victorino will be signed to a long-term deal in the neighborhood of three-four years. I have a feeling Blanton will ask for a lot of money, so he could go to arbitration. I don’t expect Myers back unless the Phillies feel he can compete with Brad Lidge for the closer role. At the same time, I don’t think Myers will turn down starter’s money in free agency, and the Phillies don’t really have a spot for him in the rotation. I think Chan Ho Park will re-sign, unless, of course, he’s hellbent on being a starter again. The Phillies should pick up Feliz’s option, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they let him go. And don’t be stunned if Pedro re-signs, too.

Matt R(NLEC): Continuing from the question above, I know the Phillies have bigger fish to fry (literally?) but do you think there are any obvious off-season targets?

Matt S(PP):Not at the moment. I’m sure they’ll look for a left-handed reliever and some bench help. If they part ways with Feliz, they’ll obviously be in the market for a third baseman.

Matt R(NLEC): If you had to choose today, rank what potential National League playoff teams you’d like to see the Phils play and why.

Matt S(PP): Dodgers, Cardinals, Rockies, Giants in order of which team I’d like to see them play in the first round. There is nothing the Dodgers are doing that worries me. I don’t think they have the starting pitching to win a playoff series. The Cardinals have an excellent lineup and an awesome one-two punch at the top of their rotation, but we’ve played them well this year, winning four of five games. The Rockies are hot right now, so they can be a scary opponent. If the Giants somehow get in, I fear facing Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain in the first two games of a five-game series.

Matt R(NLEC): What about the American League? The Phils took two of three from the Yanks early in the year, but this Yankees team is very different now, what about the Angels and Tigers? How well do you see the Phils matching up if they get there?

Matt S(PP):I actually think they match up well with any AL team. It’s so far off the radar, I prefer not to think about any potential World Series match ups right now In the AL, starting pitching isn’t as worrisome as some of those NL teams I mentioned.

Matt R(NLEC): Health check: Bullpen.. . after this weekend, are you more, less, or just about the same confidence in the bullpen?

Matt S(PP):Less. It’s been a struggle. It’s not a good thing having question marks at the back of the bullpen. It’s a different situation from last year, when the team was good to go in the pen. I know the offense has been hit-or-miss the last month or so, but the ninth inning is the biggest concern right now. Nothing will really change from now until October, either.

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. We need questions for our next Chatter Up! Those games are Nats @ Mets and Phillies @ Braves.  Thanks for everyone’s participation!

Francisco is the new hero for the night

So at this point, the Phillies have won four games since trading for Cliff Lee, and former Indians have contributed highly to three of them.  Last night, Ben Francisco hit a solo shot in the twelth inning off the Cubs’ Kevin Gregg which led to a 4-3 win for the Philadelphia Phillies to break a three game skid.  Prior to this, Brad Lidge blew his first save in a while and seventh overall allowing a run in the bottom of the ninth.  Jimmy Rollins hit a two run home run to get the Phillies even with the Cubs in the sixth and in the eight, Ryan Howard got an RBI on a bases loaded walk to temporarily give them the lead.  J.A. Happ pitched well again, going six innings allowing only two runs and got a no decision.  Scott Eyre(2-1) got the win in relief and Chad Durbin got his second save of the year working a perfect bottom of the twelth.  Phillies Phandom will have more on this win as well as all Phillies information.

The Cubs got off to an early lead in this one, as in the third inning Jake Fox got an RBI single followed by an Alfonso Soriano sacrifice fly later in the inning.  Rich Harden though gave up the two run shot to Rollins in the sixth, but did pitch seven strong innings only allowing two total hits and two walks.  Milton Bradley was the one who got them even in the ninth, driving in Fukudome to tie the game.  Kevin Gregg(4-4) worked two innings and allowed only the home run to Francisco in taking the loss.

Uggla comes through

The Marlins stayed hot last night, with heroics coming from Dan Uggla in the bottom of the 11th.  With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th of a tie game, Uggla singled to score Chris Coghlan and send the Marlins to another win, 9-8.  The Marlins came all the way back from a 7-2 deficit in this game, and that was only in the sixth inning.  The Marlins scored four in the sixth and another two in the seventh to actually take a late lead in this one.  John Baker contributed a RBI single and a two RBI double in those innings to help, and Hanley Ramirez had a two RBI double in the third.  Chris Volstad was bailed out of a bad start as he only went 4.2 innings and allowed eight hits and six runs while walking three.  Brian Sanches(3-1) got the win in relief working one inning allowing a single hit and Leo Nunez blew his fourth save of the year as he couldn’t hold on for the win in the ninth.  FishGuts has more on this game.

Roy Oswalt looked well on his way to a win in this one, until the sixth inning.  Through five innings, Oswalt had only allowed two runs and was cruising toward a win.  In the sixth though, as mentioned earlier, he gave up four more runs and left with a small lead, which the Astros bullpen lost in the seventh.  Wesley Wright (2-2) took the loss as he walked three while recording two outs in the eleventh inning.  Miguel Tejada had another strong game, going 3-5 with three RBI and two runs scored, including the tying run in the ninth and Carlos Lee contributed two RBI as well.

winning streak? nothing for Hanson!

The Braves entered last night’s game against the Nationals with a tough task ahead of them, to slow down the Nats bats and end their winning streak.  Tommy Hanson was able to do just that.  Hanson(4-2) pitched 6.2 innings allowing seven hits and one run while striking out nine to end the streak, the final score of the game was 8-1.  Hanson also had plenty of run support, as five Braves contributed an RBI each and two errors doomed the Nats.   Former Met Ryan Church even went 2-3 with two runs scored, an RBI and two walks while in the leadoff spot for the Braves.  Check out The Braves Baseball Blog to read more about this win and the Braves.

I guess this was bound to happen to the Nats, after such offensive explosions and so many great starts from John Lannan, something had to give, but unfortunately both were on the same night.  John Lannan(8-9) only got through 4.2 innings while allowing six runs, five earned and walked four for his worst start in a while.  The Nationals offense also only managed a 1st inning RBI single from Ryan Zimmerman in the first scoring Nyjer Morgan, and the bats went silent from there.  Christian Guzman did extend his hitting streak to 16 games though.

Aren't the Mets sick of this?

The Arizona Diamondbacks took another game from the New York Mets, this is now five out of six on the season, with the last coming later today.  rookie Trent Oeltjen went 4-4 with two runs scored including a double and a triple while leading the Diamondbacks.  Gerrardo Parra got two RBIs in the game and the Diamondbacks went on to win 6-2.  Max Scherzer(7-6) went 6.2 innings while allowing eight hits and two runs in earning a win in his second try against the Mets this year and he had plenty of offense behind him.

Another day, another loss for the Mets, who just can’t seem to do anything right or get the timely hits.  Livan Hernandez(7-7) only lasted four innings and allowed six hits and five runs and took another loss and stressed the Mets bullpen.  The bullpen did however go four innigns allowing only one more run and it was unearned.  Jeff Francouer is still a bright spot for the Mets going 2-4 with a home run and a triple and joining Alex Cora with the only two runs in the game.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog will have more information on this loss.

Zambrano finally beats the Phils

The Philadelphia Phillies were looking to extend their team winning streak to eleven games yesterday afternoon in Philadelphia.  Carlos Zambrano and though were finally able to slow down the Phillies, their offense and their pitching to salvage a game in the series.  Zambrano(7-4) went 6.2 innings giving up only four earned runs on ten scattered hits and striking out four to get the win in the game.  Jeff Baker and Aramis Ramirez had big hits, each getting two RBI doubles to lead the Cubbies.  Seven Cubs players in all had at least one RBI on Wednesday afternoon and Kevin Gregg came in for a four out save.  Gregg got his 19th save by coming in with the two men on in the eighth and after walking Utley, got Howard to ground out to end the inning and then worked a perfect ninth to secure a 10-5 win.

The Phillies’ Jamie Moyer couldn’t bring the magic he had against the Marlins back to Philly on this day.  Moyer(9-7) went only five innings and gave up four earned runs, five total and took the loss even though Philly tried to claw back.  Chad Durbin couldn’t record an out while giving up two hits and three runs and three walks and Brad Lidge couldn’t get out of the ninth while giving up two hits, two runs, and two walks while recording only two outs.  Victorino, Feliz and Dobbs had the RBI’s for the Phillies, but Check out Phillies Phandom for more.

Escobar helps the Braves again

The Braves keep winning, and even against the wild card leading San Francisco Giants.  The Braves won their fourth straight game and now have won six of seven since the all-star break as they beat Tim Lincecum and the Giants.  Jair Jurrjens(9-7) pitched into the eighth inning and was charged with one earned run while only giving up three hits and a walk, but striking out nine batters getting the win.  Brian McCann got another RBI, but the offensive highlight on Wednesday night was once again shortstop Yunel Escobar who is on fire of late, as he hit a three run home run which proved to be the winning RBI’s in this game.  Rafael Soriano gave up a run in the ninth while preserving a save, his 14th of the year for the Braves as they won 4-2.  Check out The Braves Baseball Blog for more information about the Braves.

The Giants sent reighning Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum(10-3) to the mound, but he only got through five troubling innings, giving up four runs on four hits and two walks even though he struck out nine.  It was only the third loss of the year for the young ace, but he was up against another young up and coming star.  Randy Winn and Travis Ishikawa had the two RBI’s for the Giants.

Nolasco with another great game

An afternoon finale in San Diego brought an opportunity for the Marlins to sweep the Padres and get back on track with three straight wins.  Starter Ricky Nolasco(7-7) didn’t disappoint as he pitched 6.1 shutout innings only giving up two hits and three walks but striking out ten batters.  He was supported  later in the game as for the first six innings, he was only given a one run lead.  Jeremy Hermida and Chris Coghlan homered for the Marlins and Hermida added another RBI on a fielders’ choice and Uggla had the other RBI in a 5-0 win.  Check out FishGuts for more information on the Marlins and all about their team.

There isn’t much to say again for the Padres in this game.  Josh Geer(1-6) lasted six strong innings and only gave up two runs, but the horrendous San Diego offense could only muster three hits against the Marlins pitching.

Willingham with a huge game

The Mets walked into Washington this week as a struggling team playing another struggling team.  The home struggling team got the best of them, as Wednesday night they took the rubber game of the series 3-1.  Josh Willingham went 4-4 with a run scored and two RBI, both RBI on a home run in the sixth inning.  The sixth inning home run put the Nats in the lead of a previously tied game and sent the Mets to yet another series loss.  Ronny Belliard drove in the other run for the Nats on a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning.  Craig Stammen(3-5) pitched 7.1 strong innings only giving up four hits and a run in the sixth but got mainly good defense and timely hitting behind him.  Mike MacDougal got his sixth save of the year while working a perfect ninth inning for the Nationals.  Check out CenterfieldGate if you want more information about the Nats and their team.

The New York Mets sent Mike Pelfrey(7-6) to the hill after a horrible outting last Thursday in Atlanta.  He managed to get through seven innings, only giving up three runs on six hits, but unfortunately as always is the story, the Mets meager lineup couldn’t support him.  Angel Pagan hit a triple in the sixth inning and was able to score on a throwing error by the Nationals shortstop for the Mets only run.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog has all the Mets info you need.

Lopez with another strong outting

Rodrigo Lopez, who is in for the injured Antonio Bastardo who is in for the injured Brett Myers is trying to keep Pedro Martinez out of the starting rotation as long as possible.  Lopez(2-0) got his second win of the season while holding the hot Cubs to only one run over six strong innings of work.  Of course, the Phillies offense which appears unstoppable gave him nine runs of support in those same six innings.  Raul Ibanez hit a three run home run in the first inning and Carlos Ruiz and Ryan Howard added home runs later in the game for the surging Phillies, on way to a 10-1 victory.  Chad Durbin got his 1st save of the year while working three innings of one hit ball to close out the game.  Check out Phillies Phandom for additional information about the Phils.

Ted Lilly(9-7) was rocked for nine runs(seven earned) and eight hits in only four innings of work for the Cubs and Ryan Theriot produced their only run with an RBI single in the fifth.

Diaz' triple puts the Braves in the lead

The Atlanta Braves are continuing their winning ways, unfortunately for them and the rest of the NL East, the Phillies are too.  After Tommy Hanson gave up the tying run in the top of the seventh inning to the Giants, Matt Diaz came through driving in what proved to be the two winning runs on a triple in the bottom of the inning.  Tommy Hanson(5-0) stayed undefeated on a day he probably didn’t figure to factor in the decision.  The Braves actually scored six runs in the frame to put the game away late, and even added two more in the eighth inning.  Ryan Church got his first home run as a Brave on this night as well.  Check out The Braves Baseball Blog for more Braves commentary and information.

The Giants got another quality start from Jonathan Sanchez, although not of the no hit variety.  The Giants offense got him off the hook of a possible loss in the seventh as Sanchez went six innings giving up three runs.  Sergio Romo(2-1) got the loss while not retiring a batter in the seventh and giving up four earned runs for the Giants.

Ramirez helps out VandenHurk

Hanley Ramirez helped Rick VandenHurk get off to a good start on his trip back to the big leagues.  Hanley Ramirez homered in the first inning of what turned out to be a 3-2 Marlins win last night in San Diego.  VandenHurk(1-0) worked six strong innings while giving up two runs on five hits and two walks, but being hurt by the long ball, giving up two home runs.  Three Marlin relievers got holds during the game and current closer Leo Nunez got his fifth save of the year with Matt Lindstrom out.  The Marlins used smallball to get their other two runs on a groundout scoring a run and a bases loaded walk both in the seventh inning.  Check out FishGuts for great info on the Florida Marlins.

San Diego starter Tim Stauffer had his second straight strong start, but once again was not able to get a win, but at least this time he didn’t receive the loss.  Stauffer left with the lead after the sixth but Greg Burke(2-2) blew the save and took the loss giving up two runs in the seventh inning.  Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Kouzmanoff provided all the offense for the Giants on solo home runs both in the sixth.

Hernandez continues to dominate the Nats

Livan Hernandez might be the Nationals worst nightmare…. no, seriously!  Hernandez has won his last eight decisions this versus the Nats including 3-0 this year.  Hernandez(6-5) left after seven innings giving up two runs on five hits and two walks and didn’t even reach the 100 pitch mark in that time.  He was helped by a 2-4 day from Daniel Murphy including two RBI’s and the same two RBI from Jeff Francouer as the Mets won 6-2.  Francouer now has seven RBI in seven games with the Mets after his ninth inning solo shot. Check out The Real Dirty Mets blog for more.

J.D. Martin(0-1) had a rough first couple innings for the Nationals allowing five runs in those two innings.  He then settled down but was pulled after four innings giving up five runs on eight hits.  The Nationals relief pitching was solid, only giving up the ninth inning home run to Francouer in five innings of work between Tyler Clippard and Logan Kensing.  Josh Bard provided all the offense for them on a double down the line scoring Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns.  Check out Centerfieldgate for more Nationals info.