Mets vs. Nationals

The Mets beat the Nationals Saturday afternoon 7-2. Ruben Tejada scored on a sacrifice fly in the 3rd inning to give the Mets a 1-0 lead. The next inning, Lucas Duda homered to make it 2-0. In the 6th, Michael Morse hit a solo shot for Washington, cutting the lead to 2-1. In the 7th, the Nationals tied it up on an infield single by Wilson Ramos. In the bottom of the 7th, David Wright hit a big three-run blast to center field to give the Mets a 5-2 lead. The following inning, Chris Carter hit a two-run shot.

Both starters got a no decision after today’s outting. Raul Valdes went 5.1 innings and gave up one run on three hits while striking out five. Yunesky Maya went 5 innings and allowed two runs on six hits while striking out four. Ryota Igarashi got the win for the Mets. Tyler Clippard took the loss.

Braves vs. Phillies

It was a tight game through 7 innings, but Philadelphia went on to beat the Braves 7-0. The Phillies scored four runs in the 7th. Three of those runs were on singles and one came on a wild pitch. Philadelphia went on to score one run in the 8th, and two more runs in the 9th. Atlanta hitters were held to just three hits all night. With the loss, Atlanta is not tied for the Wild Card.

Both starters got a no decision. Vance Worley went 5 innings for Philadelphia, and gave up just one hit while striking out three. Tommy Hanson went 5 innings for Atlanta and allowed six hits while striking out six. Antonio Bastardo got the win for the Phillies. Jonny Venters took the loss for Atlanta.

Marlins vs. Pirates

Florida took game two against the Pirates by a score of 2-0. Florida’s runs came in the bottom of the 4th inning when Mike Stanton started things with an RBI single. Chad Tracy would later hit a sacrifice fly in the inning to make it 2-0.

Jorge Sosa got the start for Florida in place of Alexa Sanabia who sat out with a stiff elbow. Sosa got a no decision after going 4 innings and giving up five hits while striking out one. Reliever Brian Sanches got the win for Florida. Charlie Morton took the loss for Pittsburgh. Morton went 6 innings and allowed two runs on four hits while striking out nine. Clay Hensley recorded his 6th save for the Marlins.

Nationals vs. Braves

The Nationals beat the Braves in a score of 4-2.  In the top of the 2nd Justin Maxwell hit a grand slam for the Nationals to take a 4-0 lead. In the 4th Melkey Cabrera grounded out scoring Troy Glaus to put the Braves on the board.  In the 5th Martin Prado singled scoring Omar Infante.

John Lannan got the win pitching 6 innings giving up 8 hits, 2 runs, and 6 strikeouts.  The loss went to Mike Minor who pitched 5 innings giving up 4 hits, 4 runs, and 6 strikeouts.  Drew Storen got the save giving up no hits with 1 strikeout.

Marlins vs. Phillies

The Phillies beat the Marlins in a score of 10-5. The Phillies scored 3 runs in the 1st when Jason Werth singled home Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez doubled home Ryan Howard and Jason Werth.  In the bottom of the 1st The Marlins got on the board when Dan Uggla singled home Emilio Bonifacio.  The Phillies scored 3 more runs in the 3rd when Chase Utley hit a solo home run, Wilson Valdez singled home Ryan Howard, and Shane Victorino singled home Raul Ibanez.  In the 4th Wilson Valdez singled home Jason Werth and Raul Ibanez scored on a wild pitch.  In the bottom of the 4th the Marlins scored when Hector Luna hit a sac fly to score Gaby Sanchez.  In the 5th Placido Polanco singled home Shane Victorino.  The Marlins added a run in the 6th when Gaby Sanchez hit a solo homerun and in the 7th Hanley Ramirez grounded out scoring Logan Morrison.  In the 9th Ross Gload doubled home Carlos Ruiz.  In the bottom of the inning with the bases loaded Gaby Sanchez walked bringing home Emilio Bonifacio.

Roy Halladay got the win after pitching 6 innings giving up 10 hits, 3 runs, and 9 strikeouts.  Jorge Sosa got the loss pitching just 2.1 innings giving up 6 hits, 6 runs, with 1 strikeout.

Mets vs. Pirates

The Mets beat the Pirates in a score of 8-7. The Pirates scored a run in the 3rd when Jose Tabata hit a sac fly to score Ronny Cedeno.  In the 4th then Pirates scored when Pedro Alvarez tripled scoring Garrett Jones,  John Bowker doubled home Pedro Alvarez, and Andrew McCutchen singled home John Bowker and Chris Snyder.  The Mets took the lead in the 4th when Ike Davis doubled home Carlos Beltran, Mike Hesserman singled home David Wright, Ike Davis and Nick Evans, and Mike Hesserman scored  due to 2  fielding errors, and Angel Pagan singled home Ruben Tejada and Joaquín Árias.  In the 6th Jose Reyes hit a solo homerun.  The Pirates fought back scoring in the 8th when Ryan Doumit doubled home Ronny Cedeno and in the 9th Andrew McCutchen hit a solo homerun.

Jenrry Mejía left early due to injury after pitching just 2.1 innings giving up no hits, 1 unearned run, and 1 strikeout.  Raul Valdez got the win pitching only 1.2 innings giving up 4 hits, 4 runs, and no strikeouts.  The loss went to  Paul Maholm who pitched 3.2 innings giving up 7 hits, 7 runs, and 1 strikeout.  Hisanori Takahashi got the save after giving up 1 hit, 1 run, and 2 strikeouts.

Braves vs. Marlins

The Marlins beat the Braves 5-4 in 11 innings. An RBI single in the first by Brian McCann and a home run off the bat of Eric Hinske in the 3rd gave Atlanta a 2-0 lead. Florida got on the board in the bottom of the 4th, scoring four runs in the inning. Cody Ross drove in Hanley Ramirez with a single, followed by two more runs thanks to a triple by Wes Helms. Helms would score the 4th run of the inning on a single by Brad Davis. A sacrifice fly by Melky Cabrera in the 6th cut the Marlins lead to 4-3. Atlanta tied up the game in the 8th on a double by Chipper Jones. It would remain 4-4 until the bottom of the 11th when Ramirez scored the winning run on a walk-off single by Helms.

Chris Volstad went 6 innings, giving up three runs on five hits in his no decision. Jair Jurrjens got a no decision as well, throwing 7 innings and allowing four runs on six hits. Jorge Sosa got the win for Florida. Jesse Chavez took the loss for Atlanta.

Nationals vs. Brewers

The Nationals fell to the Brewers 8-3 Sunday. Milwaukee jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first on a single by Jonathan Lucroy and a wild pitch by Ross Detwiler allowed Prince Fielder to score. Milwaukee scored three more in the 4th thanks to a throwing error by Ian Desmond and a two run shot off the bat of Rickie Weeks. A sacrifice fly by Josh Willingham and an RBI single by Adam Dunn in the 6th got the Nationals on the board and cut the Brewers’ lead to 5-2. Nyjer Morgan singled home a run in the 7th making it 5-3. Milwaukee responded in the bottom of the 7th with a three-run shot off the bat of Casey McGehee.

Ross Detwiler took the loss in his first game back since undergoing hip surgery in February.  Detwiler lasted only 3.2 innings and gave up five runs on three hits. Dave Bush got the win, going 6 innings and allowing three runs on six hits.

Phillies vs. Rockies

Philadelphia beat the Rockies 4-3. The Rockies, Clint Barmes, drove in the game’s first run in the 1st.  The Phillies responded in the bottom of the inning with a two-run shot to left field off the bat of Ben Francisco. Ryan Spilborghs homered in the 4th for Colorado to give the Rockies a 3-2 lead. The Phillies came back in the 7th as Jimmy Rollins drove in and scored the Phillies’ 3rd and 4th runs.

J.A. Happ got a no decision, throwing 5 innings and allowing three runs on four hits.  Jeff Francis also got a no decision, going 5 innings and giving up two runs on six hits. Ryan Madson got the win for Philadelphia. Joe Beimel took the loss for Colorado. Brad Lidge recorded his 9th save for the Phillies.

Mets vs. Dodgers

The Mets fell to the Dodgers 1-0, finishing their road trip with a 2-9 record. Russell Martin doubled to left field in the 8th inning, scoring Casey Blake from first base for the game’s only run. The Mets threatened in the 5th, 6th, and 7th innings, but couldn’t break through against Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw.

R.A. Dickey left the game after landing awkwardly while pitching to Martin in the 6th.  Dickey was pulled after pitching 5.2 brilliant innings, and giving up two hits.  Kershaw pitched 8 very good innings to get the win. He allowed seven hits and no runs. Pedro Feliciano gave up the winning run giving him the loss. Kenley Jansen recorded his 1st save for the Dodgers.

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.

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.

Martinez makes a good first impression

Pedro Martinez made his debut for the Philadelphia Phillies last night, replacing Jamie Moyer in the rotation and managed to get a win.  Martinez(1-0) went five innings allowing seven hits and three runs, while striking out five and he allowed two of his three runs in the fifth.  He was helped by a Phillies offense finally breaking out after a number of mediocre games, mainly with an eight run fourth.  In the fourth inning alone, Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez hit three run home runs, and Feliz and Ruiz added RBI singles as well.  The Phillies cruised after that to a 12-5 win for their second straight after being swept over the weekend, check out Phillies Phandom for more on them.

Jeff Samardzija made the start for the Cubbies on this day and could not do much against the Phillies offense.  Samardzija(1-2) went only 3.1 innings and allowed eight hits and seven runs and raised his era to 7.81 on the season.  RBI singles from Jake Baker, Milton Bradley and Ryan Theriot produced most of the offense for the Cubs.  They will hope to take the final game of the series today.

bound to have a bad start or two

The Florida Marlins couldn’t make it six in a row last night in south Florida, as they were beat up 14-6 by the Houston Astros.  The Astros got five runs in the first and added another in the second before the Marlins could get on the board.  Hunter Pence had the big blow in the first with a three run home run and actually finished the game with six RBI as he added another three run shot in the fourth inning.  Starter Bud Norris(3-0) went the minimum and allowed ten hits and four runs, five overall but was bailed out by stellar offense on this day.

Ricky Nolasco just had one of those days for the Marlins, they just hope its only one, unlike early this season.  Nolasco(8-8) only got through 3.1 innings and was tagged for eight hits and TEN earned runs which you don’t see very often.  He did help himself with the bat in the second with an RBI single and Hanley Ramirez contributed a two run home run in the fourth, but they could not manage enough to climb back into this one.  FishGuts has more on the Marlins and this win.

LaRoche - A welcome addition

The Atlanta Braves broke the Nationals winning streak Tuesday night and last night, they started them on a losing streak.  Derek Lowe(12-7) went seven strong innings and only allowed two runs on four walks and five strikeouts to get back in teh swing of things ans he had some offense behind him.  On their way to a 6-2 victory, the Braves hit four home runs of the solo variety, including two from Adam LaRoche and one each by Garrett Anderson and Martin Prado.  LaRoche even added an RBI later in the game while walking with the bases loaded for more insurance for the Braves.  The Braves Baseball Blog is your place to go for all Braves related info.

Nationals starter Craig Stammen had the opposite problem of Derek Lowe on this night, his offense did not do much for him.  Stammen got a no decision as he went six innings and allowed two runs, both on solo shots.  Jorge Sosa(1-1) who had been lights out so far for the Nats only got one out in the seventh and allowed what would eventually be the winning run to score on a home run.  Adam Dunn and Ronnie Belliard both had RBI singles for the Nationals and that produced both runs they would get, but once again, Christian Guzman singled to extend his streak to 17 games and Zimmerman now has a 15 game streak.  Centerfieldgate will have more on the Nats.

Whats this? A Save? a WIN?

The New York Mets managed once again to take the final game of a series, as they won 6-4 in Arizona yesterday.  For five innings of the game, it looked like the same old Mets offense as they were down 1-0 going into the top of the sixth.  At that point the Mets got three runs, on a wild pitch, and two more on a single while Tatis tried to stretch his hit to a double.  The Mets promptly lost the leadi n the seventh, only to uncharacteristically get it back in the eighth and ninth with three more runs.  Castillo singled home a run and then Corey Sullivan tripled home Castillo with what proved to be the winner.  Pedro Feliciano(5-4) got a blown save and a win in this one as he was on the mound to give up the tying runs in the seventh but got credit for the win as well, and Francisco Rodriguez got his 25th save of the season.  Check out The Real Dirty Mets Blog for more.

Jon Garland may have been his own worst enemy yesterday as he got the Mets on the board with his own error and wild pitch.  After that, the wheels came off for the inning nad he was headed for a loss except for Mets relief pitching.  Josh Whitesell and Miguel montero got him off the hook with RBI singles in the seventh inning.  Jon Rauch(2-1) got the loss as he gave up two runs on three hits in the eighth inning.  Josh Whitesell added another RBI single in the ninth, but that was all the D’Backs got in losing 6-4.

Not this time Jamie

The Florida Marlins made up for their dismal showing in Washington earlier in the week, but going into division leading Philadelphia and sweeping them.  Hanley Ramirez led the way going 4-6 with three RBI and three runs scored as the Marlins won 12-3 to complete the weekend sweep.  Chris Coghlan joined Ramirez while racking up four hits and Wes Helms evened his three RBI among a flurry of other Marlins with good days at the plate.  Ace Josh Johnson(11-2) went six inning allowing only four hits and one run while striking out six batters to pick up his 11th win this year.  Check out FishGuts for more happiness regarding the Marlins play this weekend.

Jamie Moyer(10-9) managed to get through five shaky innings in this game and only allowed two earned runs, but three overall but with eleven total hits.  Rodrigo Lopez put the game to bed though pitching two thirds of an inning and giving up a whopping six runs while allowing three hits and three walks.  Pedro Feliz contributed a two run homer for the Phils and Ryan Howard added a sacrifice fly for all their runs.  Phillies Phandom will have more information on this game and the Phillies for you.

Prado again

The Braves finished up a great weekend in Los Angeles this weekend, as they took three of four from the Dodgers winning Sunday by a score of 8-2.  The Braves went up early with single runs in the second, third and fourth on a Diaz homer, a Prado RBI single and an Adam LaRoche double play groundout.  Prado and Diaz added RBI singles in the ninth inning for insurance runs and added five runs in all in the frame.  Javier Vazquez(10-7) went eight innings of one run ball while only allowing five total hits, two walks and fanning seven.  Check out The Braves Baseball Blog for more.

Dodgers starter Eric Stults(4-3) had a solid start while going five innings allowing only three runs and five hits, but he was pulled after only 75 pitches.  The game stayed close until Ramon Transoco gave up four runs while recording one out in the ninth and Mota allowed the final run that inning.  Casey Blake had the only RBI for the Dodgers with a sacrifice fly and Matt Kemp grounded into a double play for the final run in the ninth on a bad offensive day for the Dodgers.

Santana has to do things himself

Johan Santana went into Sunday’s start likely realizing that to get a win, he had to do things himself on the mound and with the bat.  Santana(13-8) pitched eight innings allowing five hits and only one run on his way to a 5-1 victory.  Santana at the plate also went 2-3 with a run scored and an RBI as he helped himelf too.  Re-Metted Anderson Hernandez had two hits in his first start back along with Francouer, Castillo and Murphy to lead the Mets in hits.  Francisco Rodriguez worked the ninth inning and did not allow a run or earn a save, but this was good news for the Mets after two bad outtings.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog will have more information on the win and the Mets.

The Padres could not manage to get the fourth game of the series, even with a solid performance by Tim Stauffer.  Stauffer(1-4) went five innings and actually only allowed one run and was charged with the loss in this one, as the Mets tacked on late.  Chase Headley had the only RBI on the night for the Padres as he singled home Kevin Kouzmanoff  in the sixth inning.

Permanent?

The Nationals have now done what probably everyone that surrounds baseball thought was possible for them this year, win eight in a row and two series sweeps straight.  The Nats behind J.D. Martin’s first win, beat the Diamondbacks 9-2 on Sunday afternoon.  Martin(1-2) went five innings allowing only one run and on a solo home run as his only mistake.  Elijah Dukes contributed another three RBI game and Adam Dunn hit yet another home run in the first inning to lead the Nats on their way to victory and Jorge Sosa picked up his second save in as many days.  You have to wonder now if Jim Riggleman is looking more like a permanent solution at manager for the Nats.  Check out Centerfieldgate for more.

Yusmeiro Petit(2-6) had a rough day on the mound as he only lasted four innings allowing nine hits and three earned runs, four in total in taking this loss.  Trent Oeltjen and Mark Reynolds hit solo home runs to give all the run support they could to Petit on this day.

Hamels comes up short again

Cole Hamels and the Phillies weer looking to take the second game of the series against the Marlins and hoping last season’s post season hero would get back in form.  Through five innings it looked good for Hamels, who had a 3-2 lead and was pitching well, but then he gave up a two run bomb to Cody Ross to be down 4-3.  Jeremy Hermida and Chris Coghlan added RBI singles later in addition to Coghlan’s home run in the first and the Marlins went on to win 6-4.  Brian Sanches(2-1) worked the fifth inning and was credited for the win as the Marlins took the lead in the sixth and ran with it, and Leo Nunez worked the ninth allowing two hits and a run for his 11th save.  FishGuts has more information on this win and the Fish getting closer to the Phils in the division.

The Phillies bats were fairly silent on Saturday, as groundouts by Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley produced two of their four runs.  The other two were on an RBI single by Shane Victorino and by a dropped popup by first baseman Nick Johnson temporarily giving the Phils the lead.  Hamels(7-7) went 5.1 innings and allowed four runs on five hits while allowing four walks and two bombs.  Phillies Phandom will cover more of the Phillies troubles this weekend against the Marlins.

Kelly Johnson with the big blast

In Los Angeles, another nail biter and extra inning game took place, and had a similar result.  The Braves and Dodgers were scoreless for nine innings but in the tenth inning, Kelly Johnson changed that.  Johnson hit a two run pinch hit home run also scoring Adam LaRoche to give the Braves a 2-0 lead and eventually give them a 2-1 win.  The Braves had three hits in the entire game, but luckily got excellent pitching throughout including seven shutout innings from starter Kenshin Kawakami.  Kris Medlen(3-3) pitched two shutout innings being rewarded with a win and Rafael Soriano nailed it down, but did give up a run in earning save number 17.  The Braves Baseball Blog is your place for all Braves information.

Clayton Kershaw pitched seven innings of no run ball himself, only allowing two hits a walk and striking out ten while leaving with 103 pitches.  Guillermo Mota(3-3) took the loss working the tenth and walking Adam LaRoche before giving up the blast to Kelly Johnson.  Andre Ethier produced the only run for the Dodgers as he doubled in Juan Pierre in the tenth inning but that was all they got.

Talking about winter vacations?

The San Diego Padres were looking to take their third straight agains the once again Reeling New York Mets.  They sent rookie Mat Latos to the hill, and Latos looked great, except for a first inning run.  Will Venable and David Eckstein had RBI singles and Cabrera walked to score a run as the Padres won 3-1.  Latos(4-1) went six innings and allowed four hits and only a first inning home run for the win.  Former Met Heath Bell worked the ninth inning and got his 28th save of the season, the Padres go for a four game sweep on Sunday afternoon.

What can you say about the Mets that hasn’t been said?  They started Bobby Parnell as Mike Pelfrey had to attend to the birth of his son.  Parnell(2-4) lasted only 2.1 innings allowing two runs on four hits, but had an extremely high pitch count of 68 before leaving.  Five Met relievers got them through the game only allowing one extra run and Alex Cora gave all the offense with a 1st inning home run. The Real Dirty Mets Blog will have more information on the Mets as they just hope to get a quick ending to the season.

The Nats are happy

The Washington Nationals have won yet again, making it seven in a row Saturday by a score of 5-2.  Garret Mock(1-4) got his first win of the year while going six innings and allowing two runs on five hits with seven K’s.  The offense was carried by Homeruns by Willingham and Josh Bard as well as an RBI single from Adam Dunn.  The team looks good lately, and you have to wonder if it is care free play, the youth, or the new manager.  Jorge Sosa got the save in the ninth as Mike MacDougal had been in need of a day off.  Make sure to check out CenterfieldGate for more information on the new Nats.

Danny Haren(11-7) had his second straight rough outting against a NL East opponent but this time got the loss.  Haren gave up five runs and seven hits in six innings after giving up five runs against the Mets earlier this week on his way to this loss.  Mark Reynolds hit a two run home which proved to be all the offense the Diamondbacks would muster as they look to avoid a sweep on Sunday.

Lee outstanding in home debut

The person that appears to be the new Phillies ace helped them take two of three from the formerly hot Rockies Wednesday afternoon in Philly.  Cliff Lee(2-0) went seven innings and only allowed six hits, one walk and one run while striking out nine.  He was not given a lot of run support, but he didn’t need it in the 3-1 victory.  Jimmy Rollins went 3-4 with two runs scored as he had a triple and a double and Paul Bako hit a solo home run as well.  Brad Lidge worked the ninth while striking out two and giving up a hit to get his 21st save of the season.  Phillies Phandom has more information on the Phils and this series for you.

Aaron Cook didn’t pitch terrible for the Rockies and left after five innings while only throwing 73 pitches.  Cook(10-4) gave up seven hits and three runs but being the Rockies offense could not do anything against Lee, he had no hope.  Todd Helton hit a sacrifice fly in the first inning to put the Rockies ahead early, but that would be all they would muster.

Zimmerman is on fire

The Washington Nationals are on fire right now.  Yesterday, they came backfrom a 6-0 early deficit and were able to beat the Marlins 12-8.  After starter Craig Stammen was knocked out of the game in 1.2 innings while allowing five earned runs on six hits, the Nationals offense came to life.  Elijah Dukes had a big game going 3-4 with four RBI including a home run, two singles and a sacrifice fly and he book ended the Nationals scoring.  Ryan Zimmerman also added four hits and three RBI on his own as he homered yet again, his 23rd of the season.  Jorge Sosa(1-0) worked 1.2 innings of relief allowing just one hit and got the win.   CenterfieldGate has more coverage of this game and the Nationals sweep.

The Marlins got three hist from Hanley Ramirez yesterday and two RBI from John Baker.  Unfortunately, they couldn’t hold the lead and all of these runs didn’t count for anything.  Even getting to the Nationals continuously revamped bullpen early didn’t help them in the long run as the Nationals bullpen went almost seven innings while only allowing two runs.  Marlins starter Chris Volstad only lasted 4.1 innings while he allowed four earned runs and got a no decision in the game.  Luis Ayala(0-2) gave up the go ahead runs on two hits and four runs in an inning of work and his era now stands at 8.59.  Fishguts will have more.

Ethier with the big blast

Andre Ethier hit a huge home run last night in the bottom of the ninth, down two runs to send the Dodgers to a classic come from behind win, 5-4.  Andre Ethier came to the plate with Rafael Furcal and Juan Pierre already on base with no one out against the Braves closer and sent everyone home happy.  Ethier also scored a run on a Ramirez single in the third and Juan Pierre added a sacrifice fly in the fourth.  Randy Wolf went seven innings allowing nine hits and four runs and was saved from a tough loss by the heroics.  Scott Elbert(2-0) got the win by recording the final out in the top of the ninth for the Dodgers.

The Braves got a couple runs early on Matt Diaz and Adam LaRoche RBI singles in the second and a Nate McClouth based loaded walk in the fourth.  Chipper Jones added an insurance run in the seventh inning with a solo home run, but the bullpen couldn’t hold it after Derek Lowe had also pitched 6.1 strong innings of work.  Rafael Soriano(1-3) blew his third save of the season by giving up the shot to Ethier in the bottom of the ninth and could not record an out after giving up hits to each batter he faced.  The Braves Baseball Blog has more information for you on the Braves.

Kouz with an RBI

The Padres got to the Mets early last night and the Mets could never recover.  The Padres got two in the first on a AGon sac fly and a Kouzmanoff single, and then Adrian Gonzalez added a two run shot in the third before the Pads added two more that inning.  In all, the Padres got eight runs, but seven in the first five innings as they won 8-3.  Clayton Richard(1-0) got his first win in the National League in this one and his first RBI.  Richard went 5.2 innings while allowing three runs and five hits and four walks, but allowed all the runs in his final inning of work.

Livan Hernandez absolutely just did not have it last night from the start.  Hernandez(7-6) got through five innings and gave up seven runs on eight hits and could not find his location as well, with four walks.  He admitted after the game to not having his best stuff and not being able to find the location.  The Mets tried a comeback in the sixth on an error scoring a run after a Francouer single, and a Fernando Tatos single as well.  Daniel Murphy hit into a double play that scored their third run, but also gave them two outs and cleared the bases and that was all they would get.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog will have all the info you need on the Mets.