Phils looking for Wang?

According to  Nova Fantasy Sports, and other published reports, the Phillies sent scouts to Citi Field last night to watch former Yankee ace Chien-Ming Wang.  If he is made available, the Phillies are rumored to be VERY interested in acquiring him, the same is also said about Red Sox’ Brad Penny.  Stay tuned to NLEC for more info on this.

Lidge returns to action

The Phillies won their first series since taking two out of three from the Mets in early June by beating the Blue Jays 5-4 in Toronto yesterday.  Jamie Moyer(6-6) went five innings while giving up four earned runs, but giving up three earned runs in earning the win for the Phils.  Brian Tallet(5-5) went slightly longer than Jamie Moyer, giving up the same number of earned runs but because of an unearned run, took the loss in this game.  Brad Lidge worked a shaky ninth inning to get his first save since returning from the disabled list, his 14th of the year.  The Phillies will take Monday off before heading to Atlanta to take on the Braves on Tuesday.

Rivera joins the elite 500 save club

During the nightcap for Sunday’s games, the Mets were hoping to manage one game in this edition of the Subway Series against the Yankees.  Unfortunately, mental issues stopped them from doing that early in the game once again.  Livan Hernandez(5-3) worked seven innings, while only giving up three runs in the first inning of a game in which Daniel Murphy, the young and unexperienced first basemen made another odd play.  In the first inning, on a ground ball, he decided to throw to third to hope to get a tag down on Jeter rather than taking a sure out at first base which likely made a huge difference in the game.  Chien-Ming Wang(1-6) got his first win of the year with just over five innings of two run ball, but was not the Wang of old yet.  Mariano Rivera worked 1.1 innings and got an RBI to earn his first RBI of his career on a bases loaded walk and earn his 500th save of his amazing career.  The Mets hope that returning to regular National League play this week will allow them to right their ship, check out The Real Dirty Mets Blog for more information.

Fredi is concerned

The Florida Marlins managed just four hits yesterday against the Tampa Bay Rays in the finale of their three game set and interleague play.  After a successful week against the Yankees and Orioles, the Marlins could not manage a win versus the defending American League champions.  David Price(2-2) worked 6.1 innings while only giving up two hits and one run, but five bases on balls to get the win, as Andrew Miller(2-4) gave up all five Rays runs in the same amount of time.  J.P. Howell who had earned wins in the first two games of this series, got the last two outs of this game on strike outs for his fifth save of the season.  The Marlins welcome the last place Nationals into Miami this week for a three game set.

Chipper and Garret go yard

Tommy Hanson continues to impress everyone and show that he is the phenom prospect he was supposed to be.  Hanson(4-0) went six innings of two hit ball to get his fourth win in five starts this season for the Braves.  The closer revolving door for the Braves let Mike Gonzalez get his ninth save of the year in a 2-1 Braves win with Rafael Soriano getting the hold today.  The Braves were propelled to victory but two solo home runs by Chipper Jones and Garret Anderson and that’s all the pitching needed.  Brad Penny(6-3) worked six strong innings only giving up the solo shots in taking the loss.  The Braves will welcome in the Phillies tomorrow night, check out The Braves Baseball Blog for more information.

The Nats celebrate a win

The Nats were another NL East team which was looking to avoid a sweep at the hands of an AL East team yesterday.  Like the Braves, the Nationals managed to get the win and avoid the series sweep by the Orioles.  Adam Dunn hit yet another monster home run and John Lannan(5-5) pitched another solid game into the eighth inning to get the win for the Nationals.  Mike MacDougal picked up his third save of the season while David Hernandez(1-2) went 5.2 innings pitched while giving up three runs in taking the loss for the O’s.  The Nationals will travel to Miami and take on the Marlins this week, more will be available at CenterfieldGate.

Make sure to check back later for the NL East Series Preview for this week.

Werth with a big game

Jayson Werth went four for four at the plate with a walk, three runs scored and three RBI for Philadelphia yesterday on the to a 10-0 victory.  Fueled by two four run innings from the offense, J.A. Happ(5-0) stayed undefeated and went the distance for the win.  Brad Mills(0-1) lasted only four innings while giving up eight earned runs while taking the loss for the Blue Jays.  This was the first time in the five times the teams met so far this year that Toronto did not win.  The interleague schedule ends for these teams today as Jamie Moyer goes up against Brian Tallet for the Jays.

Redding can't do much without offense

The New York Mets “B” team seems to be really getting the effect of playing versus other Major League teams now.  The New York Mets have now gone down in order in eighteen out of twenty-three of their last offensive innings, and scored 1 run in that time on a home run by Gary Sheffield.  Last night A.J. Burnett(6-4) worked seven innings of one hit ball, before being relieved for the final two innings of perfect relief in a 5-0 Yankees win.  Tim Redding(1-3) worked into the sixth inning but it all fell apart in that inning as he gave up five earned runs in the loss.  The Mets hope to salvage a game of this series tonight at 8PM on ESPN when Chien-Ming Wang goes up against Livan Hernandez.

Tampa Bay celebrates a walk off win

J.P. Howell(4-2) is getting used to these wins in relief lately, as he was the benefactor in a 3-2 Rays walk off win in Tampa last night.  Willy Aybar came up big again as he hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning scoring Carlos Pena for the Rays sixth win in their last eight games.  Burke Badenhop(5-3) took the loss in the ninth for the Marlins in the game.  The fish will look to salvage the final game of the series today as Andrew Miller takes on David Price at 1:38PM EST.

Braves lose a tough one

The Atlana Braves had a tough offensive game yesterday, as they couldn’t muster up a run while losing 1-0 to the Boston Red Sox.  Three Boston pitchers combined in a four hit shutout, including Tim Wakefield(10-3) pitching six strong for the win and Jonathan Papalbon pitching the ninth inning to get his eighteenth save of the season.  Javier Vazquez(5-7) pitched into the eighth inning while only giving up 6 hits and one earned run and took a tough loss.  The series concludes today at 1:30PM EST with Brad Penny for the Sox taking on Tommy Hanson of the Braves.

Rookie Reimold has a big game

Rookie Nolan Reimold hit his ninth home run of the year and contributed three RBI to help the Baltimore Orioles beat the Washington Nationals 6-3.  Greg Zaun and Aubrey Huff also contributed home runs during the win in Baltimore last night as Jeremy Guthrie(6-7) pitched the minimum five innings for the win.  Sharon Martis(5-3) took his third loss in a row after going five straight decisions in his career without a loss for the Nats last night.  The Nationals will hope to avoid the sweep as John Lannon takes on David Hernandez at 1:35PM EST today.

If interested in helping the NLEC, please contact mrose@nleastchatter.com

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Chase Utley hits his 16th of the season

The Phillies got back on track temporarily reliving some World Series magic in Tampa.  Helped by home runs by rookie John Mayberry and Chase Utley and innings of 6 and 4 runs, they broke their 6 game losing streak.  Phenom David Price(1-2) worked 4.1 very tough innings giving up 7 hits and 10 runs, but only 5 earned runs because of errors behind him.  The ageless wonder Jamie Moyer(5-6) worked 6 solid innings to get the win in this game.  The Phillies will hope to continue their road success tonight with Joe Blanton taking the mound against the Rays’ Matt Garza at 7:08PM.

Joel Pineiro helps with his bat too

The Mets injuries may have finally caught up to them, either that or Joel Pineiro is making a bid for the Cy Young by playing the Mets for all his starts.  Joel Pineiro(6-8) pitched a complete game shutout of the Mets, while only allowing 2 hits, one walk and one hit by pitch, while going 2 for 4 at the plate and scoring what turned out to be the only run that mattered for the Cardinals.  Pineiro is now 2-0 against the Mets this season with only 2 earned runs allowed in 17 innings pitched.  Livan Hernandez took a tough loss for the Mets, going 7 innings and giving up 3 runs, 2 earned on 8 hits, and 3 walks.  The series continues tonight with Brad Thompson taking on Fernando Nieve at 7:10pm.  Head to The Real Dirty Mets Blog for more information.

Jorge Cantu celebrates with Bonifacio

The Marlins have now won 3 of their past 4 games after Jorge Cantu singled home the games winning run in the 12th inning of a 7-6 win against the Baltimore Orioles.  Matt Lindstrom should be buying Cantu a steak dinner, as he was rescued from headlines after he gave up 3 runs in just 0.2 innings pitched as the Orioles got 5 straight hits to tie the game in the 9th.  The actual blown save was credited to Brian Sanches, but the runs were all charged to Lindstrom.  Burke Badenhop(5-2) got the win in relief,  and Brian Bass(4-2) took the loss for the Orioles who lost for the first time in their last 6 games.  The Orioles will try to rebound and continue their hot play sending Jason Berken to the mound against Ricky Nolasco tonight in South Florida.

McCann has a big night

Brian McCann had a big night against the New York Yankees last night in Atlanta with 3 hits and 2 RBI including a solo home run in the 8th inning.  Braves rookie phenom Tommy Hanson also appears to be living up to the hype as he won his third straight decision and stayed undefeated.  Hanson(3-0) went 5.1 IP and only gave up 4 hits, but walked 5 and struck out 4 while Chien-Ming Wang(0-6) lasted 5 innings giving up 6 hits and 3 earned runs and a walk, his ERA is down to 11.20.  The Yankees will send Joba Chamberlain to the mound against Kenshin Kawakami tonight in hopes of ending their 6 game losing streak.  The Braves Baseball Blog should be the next place you visit for more Braves info.

Another solid start for Lannon

John Lannon put together another solid start against a tough AL East opponent last night, but this time it wasn’t enough.  John Lannon put together 6.1 IP and only gave up 3 runs on 9 hits and left with a no decision against the Boston Red Sox last night.  Unfortunately the Nationals bullpen gave up 8 runs in the final 2.2 innings and it handed the Nationals an 11-3 loss.  Julian Tavarez(3-5) was charged with the loss while giving up a run on one hit and a walk while only recording one out.  Manny Delcarmen(2-1) got the win in relief for the Sox also in only 1/3rd of an inning.  The two teams match up tonight with Jon Lester facing off against Craig Stammen.  Check out CenterfieldGate for more information about the Nationals.

If interested in helping the NLEC, please contact mrose@nleastchatter.com

Werth Strikes out with bases jammed

The Phillies lost their 2nd straight game and fourth in their last five, losing to the Toronto Blue Jays and Scott Richmond.  Richmond(5-3) went 8 strong innings giving up only 1 run and fanning 11 batters while Jamie Moyer(4-6) was tagged for the loss in 6 innings while giving up 6 earned runs.  Former Philly Scott Rolen hit his 4th home run along with Rod Barajas and Aaron Hill.  Philadelphia will look to salvage one game as the two teams finish their series this afternoon at 1:05PM with Casey Janssen for the Jays facing off against Joe Blanton for the Phils.

Feliciano has a rare bad outting

The Orioles evened up their series versus the Mets last night behind the bat of Aubrey Huff.  Huff connected on a deep drive to righ field, giving the usual reliable Pedro Feliciano(2-2) the loss.  Jim Johnson(3-3) picked up the win in relief for the Birds going 2 innings while giving up 1 hit and George Sherill picked up his 13th save of the season.  The series finale is tonight at 7:05pm with Livan Hernandez facing off against rookie Jason Berken of the Orioles.  For additional Mets news, go to The Real Dirty Mets Blog.

Miller longs for early April 2009

The Marlins were knocked around for the second straight game in Boston as the Red Sox remain hot.  The Marlins starting pitching once again wasn’t as good as it needed to be and gave the Red Sox all the runs they needed for this win and the offense was non existent.  Andrew Miller(2-3) went just over 5 innings giving up 4 earned runs while Brad Penny(6-2) went the minimum 5 innings for the win while giving up just one run.  The Marlins will try to take one game from the Sox who have won 7 of their last 8 and send Ricky Nolasco to the hill against Boston lefty Jon Lester tonight at 7:10pm.

Owings already has 2 hr

In the Great American Bandbox, err Ballpark, the Braves lost their second straight game and 4th in the last 5 to the Cincinnati Reds.  Micah Owings(4-7) got the win and helped with his arm and his bat supplying 3 of the Reds total 4 runs on a 3 run homer in the fifth off losing pitcher Javier Vazquez(4-6).  Francisco Cordero pitched a scoreless ninth inning collecting his 16th save of the season.  They play a Thursday matinee beginning at 12:35PM this afternoon with rookie Tommy Hanson going for the Braves against Matt Maloney of the Reds.  For additional Braves information, check out The Braves Baseball Blog.

Did this home run land yet?

In a game that likely surprised most baseball fans, the Nats took a game from the Yankees behind a great performance by New York native John Lannan.  John Lannan(4-5) went 8.1 innings giving up 2 earned runs out performing disappointing Yankee pitcher Chien-Ming Wang(0-5) who took yet another loss.  Mike MacDougal got the final 2 stressful outs in the 9th to earn the save on a Robinson Cano double play ball.  Adam Dunn hit a home run to right field in the 4th inning that likely hasn’t landed yet and has nothing to do with the wind at Yankee Stadium.  The series finishes tonight at 1:05PM with Craig Stammen for the Nationals going against Joba Chamberlain for the Yankees.  For more Nationals news and insight, please visit The CenterFieldGate.

Ryan Madson walks in the tying run

In Philadelphia, Ryan Madson walked in the tying run in the top of the 9th for his 1st blown save since taking over for the injured Brad Lidge.  The Blue Jays went on to win the game with a 5 run 10th inning, with all runs and the loss being charged to reliever Clay Condrey(4-2).  Scott Downs pitched a perfect ninth for the Blue Jays to pick up the win(1-0).  The Phillies look to bounce back tonight with Jamie Moyer facing off against Scott Richmond.

Huff pulls a Castillo

At Camden Yards in Baltimore, the Mets got help from three Oriole errors on their way to a 6-4 victory.  The Castillo error fresh in their minds, Aubrey Huff botched a fly ball in the 7th inning off a David Wright blooper.  Two runs scored on the play and they proved to be the winning runs.  A dicey ninth inning started by Bobby Parnell and finished off by Francisco Rodriguez made the game closer than it should have been.  Mike Pelfrey(5-2) got his first win since early May, Rodriguez picked up his 17th save and Jeremy Guthrie(4-7) took the loss.  The two teams meet back up tonight at 7:10pm with Tim Redding facing off against the O’s Koji Uehara.  For additional Mets information and news go to The Real Dirty Mets Blog.

Ortiz heating up?

The Marlins started a three game set against the Red Sox at classic Fenway Park in Boston.    This game was all Red Sox from the beginning as they had all the runs they needed by the 4th inning.  David Ortiz hit his 5th home run of the year, and he may finally be breaking out of his season long slump.  Chris Volstad(4-7) took the loss for the Marlins with only 3.2 Innings pitched and 8 ER and Tim Wakefield(9-3) earned the win.  Tonight Andrew Miller takes on former Marlin Brad Penny at 7:10PM.

Herrera gets his 1st win

In Cincinnati, the teams waited through  an almost 2 hour rain delay to take the opening game of the set from the Braves.  Danny Herrera went three innings in rain delay relief of Aaron Harang, who only went 2 innings.  It was Herrera’s 1st major league victory and it was helped out by 3 RBI from Lance Nix of the Reds.  Herrera(1-2) got the win and Jair Jurrjens(5-5) took the loss in only 2 IP with 2 ER.  Tonight the Braves send Javier Vazquez to the hill against Micah Owings to try to get out of a small funk.  Check out The Braves Baseball Blog for more Braves information.

A-Hern can even hit a HR at Yankee stadium

Finally, over at Yankee Stadium, Manny Acta(for now) and the Washington Nationals took on the New York Yankees.  Anderson Hernandez even took advantage of the winstream or whatever it is at Yankee Stadium causing balls to fly out and put the Nats in a temporary lead with a 3 run homer in the 5th.  This lead held up until the 7th when Ron Villone(3-4) of the Nats(16-46) bullpen coughed it up, sending them to their 46th loss of the year.  The Yankees(37-27) got almost 8 innings from their ace, C.C. Sabathia(6-4) for the win and Mariono Rivera got his 15th save of the year.  The David vs Goliath matchup continues tonight in the Bronx with John Lannon taking on Chien-Ming Wang.  For more Nationals news and information, go to CenterfieldGate.com