Sunday’s games:

Mets vs. Astros

The Mets look to take the rubber game of their three-game set with Houston. R.A. Dickey (8-5, 2.64 ERA) starts for New York. Bud Norris (6-7, 5.03 ERA) starts for Houston. Game time is 1:10 p.m. in N.Y.

Braves vs. Marlins

The Braves and Marlins close out their series this afternoon in Atlanta. Derek Lowe (11-12, 4.33 ERA) gets the start for the Braves. Josh Johnson (11-5, 2.36 ERA) starts for Florida. First pitch is 1:35 p.m.

Nationals vs. Cardinals

The Nationals send John Lannan (5-6, 5.23 ERA) to the mound in their series finale with the Cardinals this afternoon in D.C. Adam Wainwright (17-8, 2.18 ERA) takes the hill for St. Louis. Game time is 1:35 p.m.

Phillies vs. Padres

Cole Hamels (7-10, 3.47 ERA) and the Phillies take on Clayton Kershaw (12-5, 3.55 ERA) and the Padres in the final game of the series. First pitch is 4:05 p.m. in San Diego.

Phillies vs. Astros

The Phillies and Astros played a wild game Tuesday night in Philadelphia.  The game featured a pitcher’s duel, ninth inning home run, and a key ejection that forced the Phillies to use a pitcher in the field.  In the end, the Astos defeated the Phillies by a score of 4-2 in a 16 inning marathon.

The Astros got on the board first in the fourth inning when Carlos Lee hit a two-run homer off of Phillies’ starter Cole Hamels.  The Phils got a run back off of Houston starter Bud Norris in the sixth on a Raul Ibanez RBI double, but the Astros held on to a 2-1 lead entering the ninth inning.    With two outs in the ninth, Jimmy Rollins blasted a solo home run off of Houston reliever Wilton Lopez to tie the game and send it to extra innings.  Then things got really interesting.

 Neither team could find a way to score in extra frames.  In the bottom of the 14th, Ryan Howard came up with two runners on and two outs.  Howard had two check swings ruled strikes by third base umpire Scott Barry, the last being strike three.  When Howard tossed his bat and helmet after the strike out, Barry ejected Howard, causing the Phillies first baseman to charge towards the umpire before being restrained.  The ejection left the Phillies short a position player, and forced manager Charlie Manuel to insert pitcher Roy Oswalt in left field. 

The Astros finally broke the tie in the top of the 16th off of reliever David Herndon (1-3), scratching out two runs on an infield single and fielder’s choice.  In the bottom of the inning, Howard’s ejection loomed large again.   Astros’ reliever Jeff Fulchino (1-0) retired the first two batters, but after walking Placido Polanco, Houston intentionally walked Chase Utley to bring up “clean up hitter” Roy Oswalt.   Fulchino got Oswalt to ground out to end the game and give Houston the victory.

 

Marlins vs. Mets

 The Mets’ slumbering offense knocked out Marlins’ ace Josh Johnson after five innings and used single runs in the final two innings to defeat Florida by a score of 6-5 at Citi Field.

The Mets broke a 2-2 tie with two runs in the fifth off of Johnson, thanks to an RBI single by Carlos Beltran and Jeff Francoeur‘s second sacrifice fly of the game.  Mets’ starter R.A. Dickey kept the Mets in the lead until the seventh.  With two outs and two on in the seventh, Dickey allowed a three-run homer to Gaby Sanchez to give Florida a 5-4 lead.  However, the Mets came back against the Marlins’ bullpen.

With two outs in the eighth, Angel Pagan doubled and Beltran drove in his second run of the game with a run-scoring single off of Clay Hensley to tie the game at 5.   After Hisanori Takahashi (8-6) retired the Marlins in the top of the ninth, Luis Castillo hit a two-out single off of Will Ohman (0-2) to score Ike Davis and give the Mets the walk-off victory.

 

Nationals vs. Cubs

The Cubs’ Carlos Zambrano pitched effectively into the eighth inning, and closer Carlos Marmol survived a shaky ninth as Chicago held on to defeat the Nationals 5-4 in Washington.

Nationals’ starter John Lannan (5-6) allowed a three-run homer to Alfonso Soriano and a two-run shot to Tyler Colvin as the Cubs built a 5-1 lead.  Meanwhile, Zambrano (5-6) allowed just one run and five hits over 7 1/3 innings, striking out eight.   Marmol entered the game in the bottom of the eighth with the bases loaded, but struck out Ian Desmond to keep the score at 5-1.

In the ninth, Marmol created his own bases loaded mess, and with two outs, Adam Kennedy cleared the bases with a three-run double to cut Chicago’s lead to 5-4.  Luckily for the Cubbies, Marmol rebounded to retire Ryan Zimmerman on a fly ball to preserve the victory.  Despite allowing three runs, Marmol was credited with his 23rd save of the season since he entered the game with the tying run at the plate.

 

Braves vs. Rockies

The first place Atlanta Braves received a solid starting pitching performance from Derek Lowe, but the Rockies’ Jorge De La Rosa was better on Tuesday night, and the Braves fell by a score of 5-2 in Colorado.

The Rockies opened the scoring when Carlos Gonzalez hit a two-run homer off of Lowe (11-12) in the bottom of the first.  The Braves got a run back in the second off of De La Rosa (5-4) on an Alex Gonzalez solo shot, but Rockies got that run back with a Seth Smith home run in the sixth.  Alex Gonzalez cut the Rockies lead to 3-2 with a seventh inning RBI single, but that was as close as the Braves would get.

The Rockies added some insurance in the eighth inning courtesy of a Dexter Fowler two-run single.  Huston Street pitched a perfect ninth inning to notch his 12th save of the season.

Braves vs. Nationals

The Nationals took the final game of their series with the Braves by a score of 6-2. Michael Morse got things started for Washington in the 2nd inning, hitting his 9th home run of the season to left field. The next inning, Nyjer Morgan scored on an RBI single off the bat of Ian Desmond to make it 2-0 Nats. Washington tagged on two more runs in the 6th on a double by Roger Bernadina, followed by a single from Ryan Zimmerman. Willie Harris also contributed to the Nationals offense with a two-run home run in the 9th off Atlanta’s Kyle Farnsworth. The only two runs for Atlanta came in the bottom of the 6th thanks to a two-run RBI double off the bat of Matt Diaz.

Washington’s John Lannan got the win, going 5.1 innings and giving up two runs on seven hits while striking out five. Derek Lowe took the loss for Atlanta, going 7 innings and allowing four runs on six hits while striking out six.

Marlins vs. Pirates

The Marlins won the series finale against the Pirates by a score of 4-2. The game was scoreless until the 6th inning when the Marlins put up four runs in the inning. Gaby Sanchez hit a three-run home run to center field. A few batters later, Wes Helms hit an RBI single to drive home Cody Ross. A ground-rule double in the bottom of the 8th by Argenis Diaz to score Chris Snyder put Pittsburgh on the board. The Pirates added another run in the bottom of the 9th with a solo shot off the bat of Andrew McCutchen.

Alex Sanabia got the win for Florida, going 7.2 innings and giving up one run on four hits while striking out five. Paul Maholm took the loss for Pittsburgh, going 5.2 innings and allowing four runs on eight hits while striking out two. Leo Nunez recorded his 28th save for Florida.

Phillies vs. Giants

The Phillies lost to the Giants 5-2, and are now only one game up on San Francisco in the wild card. An RBI double by Buster Posey followed by back-to-back RBI singles by Jose Guillen and Juan Uribe gave the Giants a three-run lead in the 1st inning. Another double by Posey in the 3rd and a home run by Pablo Sandoval in the 4th gave San Francisco a 5-0 lead. The Phillies were only able to get two hits off Giants’ starter Jonathan Sanchez. Philadelphia’s two runs came in the bottom of the 9th on a double by Mike Sweeney off reliever Sergio Romo.

Sanchez got the win for San Francisco, going 8 innings and giving up one run on two hits while striking out seven. Cole Hamels, who once again got little run support, took the loss, going 5 innings and allowing five runs on seven hits while striking out five.

Mets vs. Astros

The Mets fell to the Astros 3-2. New York scored two runs in the 4th inning. The first run coming on a ground out by Jeff Francoeur to score Angel Pagan. The second on an RBI single by Chris Carter. Houston was held to just one hit through 6 innings by Pat Misch, who retired 16 straight, but broke through in the 7th. After singles by Angel Sanchez and Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee hit a three-run home run to give the Astros a 3-2 lead.

Bud Norris got the win for Houston, going 7 innings and allowing two runs on two hits while striking out four. Pat Misch took the loss, going 6 innings and giving up three runs on four hits while striking out one. Brandon Lyon got the save for Houston.

Thursday’s games:

Braves vs. Nationals

The Braves and Nationals close out their series this afternoon as Atlanta goes for the sweep of Washington. Derek Lowe (11-10, 4.29 ERA) starts for Atlanta. John Lannan (4-5, 5.23 ERA) starts for Washington. Game time is 1:05 p.m. in Atlanta.

Marlins vs. Pirates

The Marlins send Alex Sanabia (1-1, 4.63 ERA) to the mound in the series finale against the Pirates tonight in Pittsburgh. Paul Maholm (7-11, 4.86 ERA) gets the start for the Pirates. First pitch is 7:05 p.m.

Phillies vs. Giants

The Phillies look to extend their lead in the NL wild card with a win tonight against the Giants. Cole Hamels (7-9, 3.33 ERA) gets the start for Philadelphia. Jonathan Sanchez (8-8, 3.60 ERA) starts for San Francisco. Game time is 7:05 p.m. in Philadelphia.

Mets vs. Astros

The Mets take on the Astros in their series finale tonight in Houston. Pat Misch (0-1, 1.50 ERA) makes the start for New York. Bud Norris (5-7, 5.42 ERA) takes the mound for Houston. First pitch is 8:05 p.m.

Saturday’s games:

Nationals vs. Diamondbacks

Jason Marquis (0-4, 15.32 ERA) takes the mound for the first time at Nationals Park since returning from the disabled list, as the Nationals take on Arizona. Ian Kennedy (6-9, 4.47 ERA) starts for Arizona. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Braves vs. Dodgers

The Braves send Derek Lowe (11-9, 4.40 ERA) to the mound as they try to take game two against the Dodgers tonight in Atlanta. Ted Lilly (2-0, 2.77 ERA) gets the start for Los Angeles. First pitch is 7:10 p.m.

Marlins vs. Reds

Rookie Sean West (0-1, 7.20 ERA) will make his second start for the Marlins tonight as they try and bounce back from last night’s loss. Mike Leake (7-4, 3.75 ERA) takes the mound for the Reds. First pitch is 7:10 p.m. in Cincinnati.

Mets vs. Phillies

The Mets and Phillies continue their series tonight in New York. Pat Misch (-,-.–) has been called up to make his first start of the year for the Mets. Roy Halladay (14-8, 2.34 ERA) starts for Philadelphia. Game time is 7:10 p.m.

Sunday’s games:

Marlins vs. Cardinals

Sean West (0-1, 7.20 ERA)  makes his second major league start this afternoon against St. Louis. Jeff Suppan (1-4, 4.14 ERA) gets the start for the Cardinals. Game time is 1:10 p.m. in Florida.

Braves vs. Giants

Derek Lowe (10-9, 4.44 ERA) and the Braves take on Jonathan Sanchez (8-6, 3.38 ERA) and the Giants in the series finale this afternoon. First pitch is 1:35 p.m. in Atlanta.

Mets vs. Phillies

The Mets and Phillies bring their three-game series to a close this afternoon in Philadelphia. R.A. Dickey (7-4, 2.36 ERA) starts for the Mets. Roy Halladay (13-8, 2.17 ERA) gets the start for Philadelphia. Game time is 1:35 p.m.

Nationals vs. Dodgers

Jason Marquis (0-3, 20.52 ERA) makes his first start for Washington since coming off the disabled list. Ted Lilly (1-0, 1.29 ERA) starts for the Dodgers. First pitch is 4:10 p.m. in Los Angeles.

Marlins vs. Phillies

The Phillies beat the Marlins in a score of 6-1. In the 2nd inning Ben Francisco and Carlos Ruiz both went deep for the Phillies with a pair of solo shots.  In the bottom of the inning Dan Uggla also went deep with a solo shot.  In the 4th Roy Halladay singled scoring Ben Francisco and Carlos Ruiz.  In the 5th the Phillies added another run when Carlos Ruiz singled home Raul Ibanez.  In the 7th the Phillies added another  a final run when Wilson Valdez singled home Placido Polanco.

Roy Halladay got the win and pitched 7 innings giving up 5 hits, 1 run, and 9 strikeouts.  The loss went to Sean West who pitched 5 innings giving up 9 hits, 5 runs, and 4 strikeouts.

Mets vs. Braves

The Mets beat the Braves in a score of 3-2. The Braves struck first in the 2nd when Melkey Cabrera grounded out into a fielders choice scoring Alex Gonzalez.  In the bottom of the inning Jose Reyes doubled scoring Luis Castillo.  The Braves took the lead in the 5th when Melkey Cabrera single home Rick Ankiel.  The Mets tied it up in the 7th when Chris Carter singled home Jeff Francoeur.  The Mets took the lead in the 9th when Jeff Francoer hit a solo home run.

Derek Lowe pitched 6 innings giving up 6 hits, 1 run, and 3 strikeouts.  RA Dickey pitched 6 innings giving up 5 hits, 2 runs, and 2 strikeouts.  Manny Acosta got the win after pitching 1.2 innings giving up no hits with 1 strikeout.  Billy Wagner got the loss after pitching 1 inning giving up 1 hit, 1 run, and 1 strikeout.  Francisco Rodríguez got the save after pitching a perfect 9th.

Nationals vs. Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks beat the Nationals in a score of 6-1. The Nationals took an early lead when Ryan Zimmerman hit a solo shot in the 1st.  In the 3rd the Diamondbacks tied it up when Stephen Drew hit a solo shot.  In the 4th the Diamondbacks took the lead when Mark Reynolds homered to score Adam LaRoche and Miguel Montero.  In the 6th the Diamondbacks added another run when Miguel Montero hit a sac fly to score Justin Upton.  In the 7th Kelly Johnson singled scoring Rusty Ryal to add another run.

Joe Saunders got the win after pitching a complete game with 5 hits, 1 run, and 5 strikeouts.  Scott Olsen got the loss and pitched 5.2 innings giving up 7 hits, 5 runs and 3 strikeouts.

Tuesday’s games:

Marlins vs. Phillies

Roy Halladay (12-8, 2.21 ERA) and the Phillies take on Sean West (-,-.–) and the Marlins tonight in Florida. Game time is 7:10 p.m.

Braves vs. Mets

Derek Lowe (10-9, 4.58 ERA) and the Braves look to extend their lead in the NL East with a win over R.A. Dickey (7-4, 2.32 ERA) and the Mets tonight in Atlanta. First pitch is 7:10 p.m.

Nationals vs. Diamondbacks

The Nationals send Scott Olsen (3-2, 3.67 ERA) to the mound as they take on Joe Saunders (6-10, 4.51 ERA) and the Diamondbacks. Game time is 9:40 p.m. in Arizona.

Mets vs. Cardinals

The Mets beat the Cardinals 4-0 Thursday afternoon. Ike Davis hit his 15th home run of the season in the bottom of the 3rd, a three-run shot to center field. Angel Pagan scored in the bottom of the 5th on a single by Carlos Beltran. The Cardinals were held to just four hits all day.

R.A. Dickey got the win, going 8.1 innings and gave up no runs on four hits. Blake Hawksworth took the loss, throwing 6 innings and allowing four runs on seven hits.Francisco Rodriguez recorded his 22nd save of the season.

Braves vs. Nationals

The Nationals beat the Braves 5-3 Thursday in Washington. Mike Morse grounded out, scoring Adam Dunn in the 2nd, and Ian Desmond hit his 7th homer of the season, to give the Nationals a 2-0 lead. Atlanta tied it up in the 4th on a two-run shot off the bat of Matt Diaz. Washington responded in the bottom of the inning with a two RBI single by Wil Nieves. In the 6th, Atlanta cut the Nationals lead to 4-3 on an RBI single by Omar Infante. In the 8th, Dunn hit a solo shot to center field, making it 5-3 Washington.

Scott Olsen got the win, going 6 innings and giving up three runs on five hits. Derek Lowe took the loss, lasting 5 innings and allowing four runs on five hits. Matt Capps recorded his 26th save of the season for Washington.

Marlins vs. Giants

Florida won their game over the Giants 5-0. Double by Mike Stanton in the 2nd and 4th innings gave Florida a 2-0 lead. Cody Ross scored on a sacrifice fly by Ronny Paulino in the 4th. Ross doubled in the 8th to drive in the Marlins 4th run. Paulino drove in his second run of the game in the 8th on another sac fly. The Giants were kept to just one hit in the game. Pablo Sandoval singled in the 5th to give San Francisco their only hit.

Anibal Sanchez got the win, pitching a complete game and holding the Giants to just three baserunners. Madison Bumgarner took the loss, going 6 innings and allowing three runs on six hits.

Phillies vs. Diamondbacks

The Phillies won their 8th straight, beating the Diamondbacks in walk-off fashion 3-2. A double by Carlos Ruiz in the 5th and a solo shot by Raul Ibanez in the 6th gave Philadelphia a 2-0 lead. Miguel Montero cut the lead to 2-1 in the 7th with his third home run of the year for Arizona. Montero drove in the tying run in the top of the 9th on a ground out to score Justin Upton. The game remained tied until the bottom of the 11th when Wilson Valdez singled home the game-winning run.

Kyle Kendrick went 6.1 innings and allowed one run on four hits in his no decision. Joe Saunders also had a no decision, throwing 7 innings and giving up two runs on nine hits. Jose Contreras got the win for Philadelphia. Esmerling Vasquez took the loss for Arizona.

Thursday’s games:

Mets vs. Cardinals

R.A. Dickey (6-4, 2.55 ERA) and the Mets close out their series with the Cardinals this afternoon. Blake Hawksworth (4-6, 5.23 ERA) gets the start for St. Louis. Game time is 12:10 p.m. in N.Y.

Braves vs. Nationals

The Braves send Derek Lowe (10-8, 4.48 ERA) to the mound against Scott Olsen (2-2, 3.77 ERA) and the Nationals. First pitch is 12:35 p.m. in D.C.

Marlins vs. Giants

The Marlins go for the win as they finish their series with the Giants. Anibal Sanchez (7-6, 3.59 ERA) takes the mound for Florida. Madison Bumsgarner (4-2, 2.43 ERA) starts for the Giants. Game time is 3:45 p.m. in San Francisco.

Phillies vs. Diamondbacks

Kyle Kendrick (6-4, 4.60 ERA) and the Phillies take on Joe Saunders (6-10, 4.62 ERA) and the Diamondbacks in Philadelphia. Game time is 7:05 p.m.