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.

Thursday’s games:

Marlins vs. Rockies

Josh Johnson (10-3, 1.62 ERA) and the Marlins finish their series with the Rockies this afternoon. Jorge De La Rosa (3-2, 6.16 ERA) gets the start for Colorado. Game time is 12:10 p.m. in Florida.

Nationals vs. Reds

Livan Hernandez (6-6, 3.27 ERA) takes the mound for the Nationals as they close out their series with the Reds. Edinson Volquez (1-0, 1.50 ERA) starts for the Reds. First pitch is 12:35 p.m. in Cincinnati.

Braves vs. Padres

Tim Hudson (9-5, 2.60 ERA) goes for win number 10 as he and the Braves take on Clayton Richard (7-4, 3.53 ERA) and the Padres. Game time is 1:05 p.m. in Atlanta.

Phillies vs. Cardinals

The Phillies send Cole Hamels (7-7, 3.63 ERA) to the mound against Adam Wainwright (14-5, 2.02 ERA) and the Cardinals. First pitch is 2:15 p.m. in St. Louis.

Mets vs. Dodgers

The Mets begin their series with the Dodgers tonight in Los Angeles. Hisanori Takahashi (7-4, 4.69 ERA) gets the start for the Mets. Hiroki Kuroda (7-8, 3.74 ERA) starts for the Dodgers. Game time is 10:10 p.m.

Hamels with a classic gem

Cole Hamels pitched his second straight great game, the only difference was this time, he didn’t let the bullpen ruin it for him.  Hamels(8-8) went the distance in a 1-0 win versus the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night while only allowing three baserunners on two hits and one walk and using 118 pitches.  The Phillies have been waiting and hoping for Hamels to find his good stuff, and if he has now, it could not have come at a better time with the playoffs around the corner.  Ryan Howard was the only Philly player with two hits as he went 2-4 and contributed the only RBI on a double in the fourth inning, scoring Shane Victorino for the only run of the game.  Check out Phillies Phandom for more on Cole and this game.

The San Francisco Giants did what they did best, but also did exactly what they do worst.  Jonathan Sanchez(6-11) was a tough luck loser going six innings and allowing only three hits and three walks while striking out eight and only allowing Howard’s RBI double.  The Giants bats though only managed three baserunners with Ryan Garko and pinch hitter Rich Aurilia with a single in the ninth before pinch runner Andres Torres was thrown out trying to steal second.  The loss put the Giants down one game in the wildcard to the Rockies who won last night.

He's back!

Tim Hudson came back last night to the Braves after missing over a year with Tommy John surgery and I don’t think any Braves fans are complaining with his performance.  Hudson(1-0) worked into the sixth, getting one out in the inning and allowed six hits and three walks while allowing two runs and striking out five and only using 82 pitches.  The Braves bats got on the board early as Chipper Jones scored Matt Diaz on a double play ground out in the first.  In the third, when the Braves were now down 2-1, Tim Hudson himself scored on a balk after he walked earlier in the inning and Brian McCann later doubled in Martin Prado to give the Braves the lead for good.  The final insurance run that was necessary was scored by Chipper Jones on a Garrett Anderson RBI infield single in the eighth.  The Braves bullpen was solid until the ninth when Rafael Soriano got his 21st save but not without allowing a solo homer to Dan Uggla to pull the Marlins within one and allowing the tying run on base but held on for the 4-3 win.  The Braves Baseball Blog will have more on the Braves win and Hudson’s return.

The Marlins are basically in free fall at this point and they have now lost two in a row to the Braves after a tough weekend against the Padres.  Last night Chris Coghlan continued his hot hitting, going 3-4 with a run scored and Jorge Cantu also contributed three hits and a couple RBI.  Anibal Sanchez(2-6) didn’t pitch terribly, but still took the loss in going five innings allowing five hits and three runs along with two walks and four k’s and a balk to score a run.  FishGuts discusses the Marlins latest struggles.

Rockies break their slide

The Rockies came into this series at home against the Mets having lost their wild card lead and were tied with the Giants for that spot.  Luckily for them, the Mets are the Mets.   Jorge De La Rosa(13-9) survived a tough first inning in which he gave up two runs and threw 28 pitches and rebounded to go six innings allowing only four hits, two runs (1 earned) and three walks while striking out six.  The Rockies offense feasted on bad Met pitching as they scored their first on a bases loaded walk and then had a two run homer by Carlos Gonzalez in the second, a three run homer in the fourth by Todd Helton.  Another interesting note is that Jason Giambi, the former Yankee walked in the seventh as a pinch hitter with the bases loaded to get an RBI in his first at bat for the Rockies who now have a one game lead in the wildcard race.

The New York Mets really wish it was October 4th right now, its just terrible.  Mike Pelfrey(9-10) fell below .500 on the year as he only lasted four innings and allowed six hits, seven runs (only six earned), walked five and gave up two huge home runs and his ERA is now above 5 for the season.  Jeff Francouer did get the Mets on the board with a sac fly in the first inning and Fernando Tatis added an RBI single later in the inning.  The Mets got nothing else until the seventh against the Rockies relief pitching when Angel Pagan hit a triple scoring Corey Sullivan.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog will cover this Mets loss and all the Mets losses for you.

Bell with another save

The San Diego Padres are actually a “hot” team right now, just at the wrong time of the year.  The Padres got single runs in the second, fifth, seventh and eighth on their way to a 4-1 victory against the Nationals.  Will Venable had an RBI single to start the game, Kouzmanoff added a sac fly, Oscar Salazar had a solo home run and finally Drew Macias had the final nail with a single in the eigth scoring a run.  Clayton Richard(4-1) went 6.2 innings and allowedonly a single run and four hits and walking two to get the victory for the Nats and Heath Bell worked a perfect ninth with two k’s for his 33rd save of the season.

The Nationals bats have absolutely gone silent, which is a far cry from a few weeks ago.  The Nats only got four hits as a team last night, luckily one of them a home run.  Josh Bard hit his fourth homer of the year in the seventh inning chasing Clayton Richard and making the only blemish for Pads pitching.  J.D. Martin(3-4) pitched a good game going six innings with five hits, three runs but only two earned and three walks while striking out five and allowing a home run in the game.  Centerfield Gate covers more of the Nats struggles lately.

Howard produces all the runs

The Phillies were able to take the final game of the three game set last night with a score of the Ryan Howard’s 4, Braves 1.  Ryan Howard produced all of the offense for the Phillies as he smashed two home runs, a second inning solo shot and a sixth inning three run bomb.  He finished the night going 3-3 with two runs scored and a walk in addition to those four RBI as the Phillies had J.A. Happ cruising to victory.  Happ(9-2) went into the eighth inning while allowing only three hits and a run but did walk six in getting his rookie leading ninth victory.  Brad Lidge rebounded from a tough outting on Saturday and got the final out of the game to get his 23rd save of the season.  Phillies Phandom will have more on this victory and the Phillies for you.

Javier Vazquez did not pitch very badly in this game, but unfortunately two mistakes to Howard ensured him of an L next to his name.  Vazquez(10-8) went seven strong innings, but gave up four runs and six hits, but three hits to Howard while striking out seven, his ERA stands now barely under 3 at 2.99.  Matt Diaz produced the only run for the Braves in the seventh inning on a solo shot.  The Braves Baseball Blog is your place to go for more Braves news and info.

Coghlan celebrates a 3 run shot

Game 1

In the first game of a double header in Miami on Sunday, the Marlins bats were alive early, as they scored seven runs by the end of the third.  Those runs were care of two home runs, one solo shot by Ramirez and a three run shot by rookie Chris Coghlan amongst a few other run scoring singles.  Chris Volstad(9-9) got the victory after allowing an early run, but then buckled down to go five innings only allowing that one run to get this victory in this one by a score of 10-3.

Rockies starter Aaron Cook just could not do anything against the hot hitting Marlins during the first game of the double dip.  Cook(10-5) stressed the bullpen as he could only make it 2.1 innings and was charged with seven runs and three walks on eight hits.  Carlos Gonzalez had a nice game for the Rockies as he homered in the first and later added a sacrifice fly to produce two of the three runs the Rockies were able to score in this one.

HanRam looks on during a loss

Game 2

In the second game of the double dip, the Rockies knew they needed to take one game in order to ensure they stayed alone in the wildcard race.  Jorge De La Rosa did something not many pitchers can these days and kept the Marlins offense fairly quiet.  De La Rosa(11-8) went 5.2 innings and did not give up an earned run, although one unearned in giving up seven hits and striking out 9 during a 7 -3 Rockies win.  Carlos Gomez got his second homer of the day with a solo shot in the third and Clint Barmes and Brad Hawpe got in the home run fun with two run homers of their own.  Huston Street got his 29th save of the season as he worked 1.1 innings and struck out two allowing no hits.

The Marlins only managed three runs, which is unheard of for them.  They did, however get 10+ hits for the thirteenth consecutive game, but unfortunately could not get more than three runs in this one.  Emilio Bonifacio, Jorge Cantu and Cody Ross had RBI singles for the Marlins, but it wasn’t enough.  Rick VandenHurk(2-2) lasted 5.2 innings but gave up six runs on only five hits and three walks, but with three home runs allowed.  FishGuts has more on the doubleheader.

Is he doing the chicken dance?

Jeff Francouer scored the winning run for the Mets yesterday on a Daniel Murphy single and for one day, the Mets got through the loss of their franchise player, David Wright with a 3-2 walkoff win.  With one out in the bottom of the ninth, a single to right scored Francouer and Murphy was quoted as saying that Wright was in the Mets thoughts and Prayers.  Immediately after the game it was announced Wright was placed on the DL with no timetable for return, so the DL hits continue for the Mets.  Francisco Rodriguez(3-4) worked the ninth inning while striking out the side to get the win a day after taking a loss after a nicely pitched game by Mike Pelfrey.  Luis Castillo also hit a two run home run for the Mets into the second deck in left, yes, into the second deck and by Luis Castillo.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog has all the Mets info you need.

The Giants’ Jonathan Sanchez continues to try to find his rhythm after he got a no hitter a few months back.  Sanchez pitched a good game in this one going seven innings allowing only four hits, four walks and two runs, both on Castillo’s home run and got a no decision.  Eugenio Velez had an RBI single in the fifth to put the Giants up early and then Randy Winn got an RBI double in the eighth inning to temporarily tie the game, scoring Valez.  Sergio Romo(3-2) got the loss as he put the winning run on in the ninth inning but overall worked 1.1 innings and gave up only the one hit and that run scored.

Zimmerman comes up big

Ryan Zimmerman had been given the day off for the Nationals yesterday until he came up in the eighth inning with a chance to tie the game or take the lead.  Zimmerman singled in Adam Dunn and then Josh Willingham scored as a lazy throw to the infield cost the Reds the game 5-4.  Willingham also homered in the fourth to score Dunn and doubled Dunn in in the sixth.  Jorge Sosa(2-1) got the win in relief as he went 1.2 inning sand allowed just one hit and Mike MacDougal got his thirteenth save of the season working 1.1 perfect innings of relief.  CenterfieldGate will cover more of this and all the Nats wins.

The Reds were up 4-2 at the end of the fifth inning thanks to another Jonny Gomes home run, who has been on fire.   Gomes home run in this one was a three run shot and added to what Joey Votto had done earlier in the inning with an RBI single.  Unfortunately Arthur Rhodes could not hold the lead.  Rhodes(0-1) recorded his first loss and blown save of the year working .2 innings and giving up two hits and two runs.

Happ with the complete game gem

Rookie J.A. Happ who had to deal with trade rumors last week and rumors this week of going to the bullpen or possibly being demoted when Pedro comes aboard had a lot on his mind last night.  You sure couldn’t tell with how he pitched though.  Happ(8-2) threw a complete game shutout only allowing four hits and two walks and struck out ten in cooling down the formerly hot Rockies.  He got plenty of run support with a trio of homeruns from the Phillies.   Pedro Feliz hit a solo shot, Rollins hit a two run shot and finally Jayson Werth capped the scoring in the fifth with a three run home run.  The final game is this afternoon, but check out Phillies Phandom for more information on the Phils.

After extending the win streak to five, the Rockies only got four hits and not one batter had more than one hit in being shut out 7-0.  Jorge De La Rosa(9-8) only lasted five innings but got charged with all seven runs on ten hits and only three strike outs.  It was De La Rosa’s first loss since June 16th as he had been on quite a roll.

Are Fish fans sick of this?

The Washington Nationals are on a roll, now winners of foru straight games for the second time in just over a week after beating the Marlins 5-4 last night in Washington.  Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn hit solo home runs in the first and the Nationals would never look back with Lannan on the mound.  John Lannan(8-8) went six innings while allowing eight hits and two runs to get another win.  Mike MacDougal worked the second straight game for his 10th save of the season, but this one was not as stressful.  Ronnie Belliard added a solo home run of his own in the fourth and Christian Guzman tripled and doubled both times scoring Nyjer Morgan to account for two RBI.  CenterfieldGate covers all of the Nationals news here at NLEC.
The Florida Marlins must be wondering what is going on as they have lost two straight to the bottom of the division Nationals after taking two of three from the Cubs and Braves last week.  Rick VandenHurk(1-1) only lasted four innings allowing five runs on seven hits and allowing three home runs in taking his first loss this season.  Dan Uggla also had a big game, with a solo shot and a two RBI single later in the game.  Hanley Ramirez provided the only other run on a double play groundout, but obviously, no RBI.  FishGuts will have more info on how the Marlins fans are feeling about this loss.

Chipper being Chipper

The Braves rebounded the last two days from a bad loss on Monday night against the last place Padres.  Yesterday, rookie Tommy Hanson had another impressive start Wednesday afternoon.  Hanson(6-2) went six innings with five hits and two runs and three walks while striking out five.  He was given runs early, by four RBI singles by Garrett Anderson, two by Nate McClouth and a two RBI  single by Brian McCann.  Martin Prado added a sacrifice fly as well as the Braves won 6-2. Check out The Braves Baseball Blog for more information about this win.

Chad Gaudin(4-10) lost his tenth game of this season and could not get through the fourth inning in this one.  Gaudin gave up nine hits and six runs with two walks in 3.1 innings and the Padres never had a chance.  The only runs they were allowed was on a Will Venable home run scoring two.

Gettin Figgy with it?

New York Mets fans have been through a lot this year, and in the second inning when starter Jonathon Niese went down with an injury, it didn’t help.  Luckily, at least for this game, Nelson Figueroa filled in and did great with the bat and the arm.  Figueroa(1-2) came on and pitched 4.1 scoreless innings of relief while only allowing four hits and striking out five while adding a two rbi triple and a walk at the plate.  The Mets won the game 9-0 behind David Wright going 3-4 with a two run home run and a four RBI day from Angel Pagan who had a two run home run a triple and a sacrifice fly.  Bobby Parnell earned his first major league save by pitching three innings while allowing just one run and striking out three.  Check out The Real Dirty Mets Blog for more information on the Mets and this win.

Kyle Lohse started for the Cardinals and was hit hard and hit early.  Lohse(4-7) went only 2.2 innings and allowed five runs and seven hits for the Cardinals before four relievers combined to give up the nine total runs.  Albert Pujols had two hits and along with Joe Thurston the only two Cardinals batters with more than one hit.

Be sure to check back to NLEC or the team affiliate blog frequently!

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

Sanchez pitches Giants past Phils

McCann hits the winning shot

The Braves needed to at least salvage one game in this series to stay in reach of the wild card and the small possibility of the division.  By the eighth inning they were up 3-1 and looked on their way to that salvaged game.  It seems at that point was when the Braves skipper must have realized he left Vazquez in too long.  Vazquez went 7.1 innings but was charged with three runs in a no decision as he got a no decision.  Lucky for him, Brian McCann hit a three run home run in the 10th inning and that proved to be the difference as the Braves won the game 6-3.  Peter Moylan(3-2) worked the bottom of the ninth inning giving up a single hit to qualify for the win and Rafael Soriano struck out the side in the tenth for his 15th save of the year.  The Braves Baseball Blog has all the Braves info you need.

The Marlins were trying to make have another come from behind win, as they did late in Tuesday’s game but that didn’t happen.  Rick VandenHurk went six innings and only allowing two runs in his third start since being recalled.  After the game went to extra innings, former National and Met, Luis Ayala(0-1) gave up the home run mentioned above to McCann and took the loss.  Ronnie Paulino and Jorge Cantu had RBI’s for the Marlins and Cody Ross had a solo home run as well.  Check out FishGuts for more information on the Marlins.

Santana dominates

Game 1

In the matinee of the doubleheader the Mets and Rockies played today, Johan Santana was on his game.  Santana(12-8) worked seven mainly pain free innings while only allowing four hits, a walk and striking out eight.  The Mets offense supported him with a five run second inning with a two run double by Angel Berroa of all people.  David Wright added two RBI for the Mets who won their fifth straight game in this one.

The Rockies on the other hand have virtually nothing to write about from this game.  Starter Jason Hammel(5-6) lasted only 1.1 innings and was charged with five runs on seven hits and taxed the Rockies bullpen early in the day.  No one in the Rockies lineup had more than one hit against Santana as well.

Barmes with the big blow

Game 2

In the nightcap, Colorado came in looking to avoid a four game sweep and dropping farther out of the wild card race.  Jorge De La Rosa(9-7) was up to the task, giving up only two runs while pitching into the seventh inning.  He even helped himself in the game as he led off the top of the seventh with a double.  He would score on a Clint Barmes home run later in the inning that proved to be the difference.  Ryan Spillborghs had an RBI single in the sixth which was the first run the Rockies had scored since the series opener on Monday.  Tulowitzki added an RBI triple in the eighth for insurance.

The New York Mets sent rookie Jonathon Niese to the hill for his second start since being recalled and he did pitch well.  Going into the sixth inning he was  pitching a shut out, but it unraveled from there.  Niese(1-1) went 6.1 innings giving up four runs and six hits in taking the Mets first loss since he began their winning streak on Saturday.  Jeff Francouer got a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning scoring David Wright and Fernando Tatis had a solo home run in the seventh for all their runs.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog will have all the Mets info on both games today.

Riggleman's first ejection as Nats Mgr!

The Brewers were trying during the Thursday finale of their series with the Nats to salvage a split.  They luckily sent ace, Yovani Gallardo to the hill to try to get that done, and he did just that.  Gallardo(10-7) went seven innings giving up three runs and eleven strike outs.  At one point, it looked bad for the Brewers after a three run homer, but playing small ball worked out for the team from Milwaukee.  Besides Craig Counsell and Prince Fielder home runs, the other four runs from small ball, sacrifice flies, baserunning and RBI ground outs.

The Nationals had one player produce offensively for them today, Ryan Zimmerman.  Zimmerman hit a three run home run in the fourth scoring Nyjer Morgan and Nick Johnson to provide all of the offense.  Rookie J.D. Martin(0-2) went six innings but gave up five runs on seven hits, including the two home runs as the Nats have now lost two in a row after three wins straight.  CenterfieldGate will have more on the Nats for you.

Be sure to check back to NLEC or the team affiliate blog frequently!

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

Today Victorino says "Vote for ME"

On Monday night, Pablo Sandoval did his campaigning for the final All-Star vote, last night it was Shane Victorino.  Shane Victorino singled in the bottom of the ninth with two outs to send Pedro Feliz home with the winning run in Philadelphia.  Working two perfect innings, Ryan Madson(3-4) got the win in the Phillies 3-2 win over the Reds, a much needed solid outing for Madson.  David Weathers(1-2) worked one inning giving up two hits and the winning run for the Reds.  Jayson Werth hit another home run, which gives him three home runs in his last five games and 19 for the season. Phillies Phandom will have more on the Phillies.

The two teams will play the finale of the four game set with Owings going for Cincinnati against Jamie Moyer at 7:05PM.

Volstad with a complete game shutout

Playing their third straight game without All-Star Hanley Ramirez, the Marlins relied on great pitching for most of Wednesday’s series finale in San Francisco.  Chris Volstad(6-8) pitched brlliantly over a complete game shutout, only giving up five hits and throwing 105 pitches on route to the 7-0 Marlins victory to salvage one game of the series.  The Marlins offense put one run on the board in each of the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings and Dan Uggla added the big hit in the ninth on a three run home run to put the game out of reach.  Ryan Sadowski(2-1) went five solid innings but gave up two earned runs which led him to the loss in this game.

The Marlins will head to Arizona for a four game set starting Thursday night, check out the series preview later today.

Kotchman hits a solo shot

The Atlanta Braves got a solid game from Kenshin Kawakami and three relievers to take two out of three from the Cubs yesterday, winning 4-1.  Kawakami(5-6) went six strong innings while allowing only a single run but was lifted after only 85 pitches for the Braves pen.  The Braves bullpen Wednesday consisted of scoreless innings from Peter Moylan, Mike Gonzalez and another save by Rafael Soriano, his 10th of the season.  Braves pitcher Kevin Hart(0-1) took the loss while getting through five innings and only allowing the single run, but the Braves bats couldn’t rescue him late in the game.  Martin Prado continued his hot play by going 2-3 with another RBI and run scored and two additional RBI.  Check out The Braves Baseball Blog for more info.

The Braves will now travel out to Colorado to face the Rox for three, series preview will be out later today

Ollie being Ollie

The New York Mets received their first good injury news of the season, and got Ollie Perez back from the disabled list for last night’s start against the Dodgers.  To start the game, fans were wondering if it was good news as he started walking batters like it was the new style.  Perez(2-2) managed to go five innings only allowing four hits and two runs, but walked an alarming seven for the Mets on route to a 5-4 win over the Dodgers Wednesday.  Daniel Murphy contributed two hits and a run and a spectacular play at first base during the Mets win, which broke a four game skid.  Hiroki Kuroda(3-5) couldn’t get through the fifth and was charged with four earned runs, five total on eight hits and two walks.  Francisco Rodriguez worked a rocky ninth inning, giving up a solo home run to Manny Ramirez, one additional hit and a walk before getting a double play grounder to end the game for his 22nd save of the season.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog is the place for Mets information.

The series will come to a close tonight at 7:10PM EST with Randy Wolf taking on Livan Hernandez.

Detwiler solid until the 5th

Ross Detwiler and the Washington Nationals were hoping to solidify one win in Colorado before heading to Houston for a four game set this weekend.  Detwiler(0-5) couldn’t get through the fifth inning as he was charged with six runs and eight hits in a Nats 10-4 loss yesterday afternoon.  The Rockies waited until the fifth to really unload, putting up four in the fifth and two more in the sixth on route to the victory and sweep of the Nationals.  Jorge De La Rosa(6-7) worked 6.1 innings only allowing three runs getting the win for the Rockies.  Check out CenterfieldGate for more Nationals insight.

The Nats will look to get back on track against Houston including an odd continuation of a usspended game from May 5th in Washington.