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.

Phillies vs. Diamondbacks

Justin Upton scored in a bases loaded walk in the first inning for the Diamondbacks.  The Phillies scored 2 runs in the third when Ryan Howard singled home Placido Polanco and Carlos Ruiz walked with the bases loaded scoring Raul Ibanez.  Mark Reynolds hit a solo shot in the fourth to time the game and added another in the fifth when Stephen Drew singled home Adam LaRoche.  In the bottom of the inning Jason Werth homered scoring Ryan Howard to take the lead.  The diamondbacks took the lead in the 6th when they scored 2 runs Adam LaRoche hit a sac fly to score Chris Young and a Miguel Montero ground out scored Kelly Johnson.  The Phillies then took the lead in the bottom of the inning when they scored 3 runs when Raul Ibanez singled home Shane Victorino and Ryan Howard homered scoring Raul Ibanez.  In the seventh Cody Ransom homered scoring Carlos Ruiz adding 2 more runs for the Phils.

Cole Hamels pitched 5 innings giving up 6 hits, 3 runs, and 8 strikeouts.  Rodrigo Lopez pitched 5 innings giving up 7 hits, 4 runs, and 4 strikeouts.  David Herndon got the win pitching 1 inning giving up  1 hit, 2 runs and no strikeouts.  The loss went to Jordan Norberto who did not record an out and pitched 2 hits and 2 runs.

Braves vs. Nationals

The Nationals beat the Braves in a score of 3-0. Nyjer Morgan scored in the first for the Nationals on a throwing error by Brian McCann.  In the third the Nationals added 2 more runs when Ian Desmond singled home Ivan Rodriguez and Roger Bernadina.

Miguel Batista won and pitched 5 innings giving up 3 hits, no runs with 6 strikeouts.  Tommy Hanson got the lose and pitched 6 innings, giving up 6 hits, 3 runs, and 8 strikeouts.  Matt Capps got his 25th save of the season giving up no hits with 1 strikeout.

Mets vs. Cardinals

The Mets beat the Cardinals in a score of 8-2. Ryan Ludwick singled home Matt Holliday in the first.  The Mets struck back in the second when Ike Davis grounded out scoring David Wright.  In the third Jeff Francoeur homered scoring Carlos Beltran and Ike Davis.  In the fifth they added on 2 more runs when David Wright hit a sac fly to score Luis Castillo and Carlos Beltran singled home Angel Pagan.  In the sixth Jose Reyes homered scoring Jon Niese for 2 more runs in the inning.  In the eight the Cardinals added a run when Randy Winn grounded into a double play scoring Ryan Ludwick.

Jon Niese got the win and pitched 6 innings giving up 7 hits, 1 run, and 1 strikeout.  The loss went to Adam Wainwright who pitched 5 innings giving up 6 hits, 6 runs, and 6 strikeouts.

Marlins vs. Giants

The Giants beat the Marlins in a score of 6-4. The Giants scored 2 runs in the third when Aubrey Huff doubled home Andrés Torres and Buster Posey singled home Aubrey Huff.  In the fifth the Marlins tied it up when Cody Ross homered scoring Wes Helms.  In the bottom of the inning the Giants reclaimed the lead when Freddy Sanchez singled home Andres Torres.  The Marlins again tied it up when Dan Uggla hit a solo shot in the seventh inning.  In the eighth Juan Uribe and Édgar Rentería both went deep adding 3 more runs for the Giants.  The Marlins added 1 more run in the ninth when Dan Uggla hit another solo shot.

Matt Cain pitched 7 innings giving up 4 hits, 3 runs, and 6 strikeouts.  Josh Johnson pitched 7 innings giving up 8 hits, 3 runs, and 5 strikeouts.  The win went to Sergio Romo who pitched 1 inning giving up no hits and the loss went to Brian Sanches who pitched 0.1 of an inning giving up 3 hits and 3 runs. Brian Wilson got the save but gave up a run and a hit with 2 strikeouts.

Marlins vs. Rockies

The Marlins beat the Rockies 5-2 Wednesday. Florida jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the 1st on back-to-back doubles by Dan Uggla and Jorge Cantu. The Marlins added three more runs in the 2nd on a home run to center field off the bat of Gaby Sanchez. The Rockies did not get on the board until the 8th, when Seth Smith homered, cutting the Marlins lead to 5-2.

Ricky Nolasco got the win, going 8 innings and giving up two runs on four hits. Jason Hammel took the loss, lasting 7 innings and allowing five runs on six hits. Leo Nunez recorded his 23rd save of the season for Florida.

Nationals vs. Reds

The Nationals beat the Reds 8-5. Cincinnati struck first, scoring in the 3rd inning on a single by Orlando Cabrera. Washington tied it up in the top of the 4th, and scored two more in the 5th and added 4 runs in the 6th.  The Reds tacked on two runs in the bottom of the 6th on a Miguel Cairo single. Ryan Hanigan scored in the 7th for Cincinnati, cutting the Nationals lead to 7-4. Chris Heisey singled in the Reds 5th run of the game in the 8th. Willie Harris homered in the 9th to make it 8-5 Washington.

Stephen Strasburg got the win, going 5.2 innings and giving up three runs on seven hits. Bronson Arroyo took the loss, throwing 5.2 innings and allowing seven runs on six hits. Matt Capps recorded his 24th save for Washington.

Phillies vs. Cardinals

The Phillies fell to the Cardinals 5-1. The Cardinals took a 1-0 lead in the 4th inning on a single by Albert Pujols. The Phillies tied it up in the 5th on a home run off the bat of Ryan Howard. Matt Holliday gave St. Louis the lead in the 7th with a homer to left field. The Cardinals would go on to score three more runs in the 8th.

Jaime Garcia got the win, going 7 innings and giving up one run on four hits. Joe Blanton took the loss, throwing 7 innings and giving up five runs on seven hits. Ryan Franklin got his 18th save for  St. Louis.

Braves vs. Padres

The Braves lost to the Padres in  12 innings 6-4. Singles by Everth Cabrera and Jerry Hairston Jr. gave San Diego a 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning. Atlanta tied it up in the 3rd when Chipper Jones singled, scoring Martin Prado and Jason Heyward. Brian McCann homered in the inning, giving Atlanta a 4-2 lead. It remained 4-2 until the 9th, when the Padres tied up the game on a Scott Hairston home run and Yorvit Torrealba double. The game was tied until the 12th when Nick Hundley hit a two-run double giving San Diego a 6-4 lead.

Starting pitchers Tommy Hanson and Jon Garland both had a no decision. Hanson went 6.1 innings and gave up two runs on six hits. Garland lasted 5 innings and allowed four runs on six hits. Tim Stauffer got the win for San Diego. Heath Bell recorded his 27th save.

Mets vs. Diamondbacks

The Mets lost to the Diamondbacks 4-3 in extra innings. The Mets took an early 1-0 lead in the first thanks to a home run off the bat of Angel Pagan. Chris Young led off the bottom of the inning with a home run for Arizona. Rusty Ryal and Mark Reynolds both homered for the Diamondbacks as well, giving Arizona a 3-2 lead in the 4th. Rod Barajas homered for the Mets in the 6th to tie the game. The game was tied until the 14th inning when Arizona’s Chris Snyder hit walkoff single.

Jon Niese went 5 innings and allowed three runs on six hits to get a no decision. Dan Haren got a no decision as well as he went 6 innings and gave up three runs on six hits. Oliver Perez returned for the Mets, and threw 1.1 innings, giving up one hit and walking two. Fernando Nieve took the loss for New York. Blaine Boyer got the win for Arizona.

Phillies vs. Cardinals

The Cardinals beat the Phillies in a score of 8-4.  The Phillies scored 3 runs in the first when Ryan Howard doubled home Placido Polanco and Shane Victorino singled home Raul Ibanez and Ryan Howard.  The Cardinals scored  a run when Albert Pujols grounded out to score Felipe López in the bottom of the inning.  The Cardinals added another run in the 2nd when Brenden Ryan grounded out to score Skip Schumaker.  In the 4th the Phillies added there 4th run of the game when Jimmy Rollins singled home Carlos Ruiz.  In the 5th inning the Cardinals tapped on 5 more runs thanks to a Jay Bruce double and 3 home runs from  Albert Pujols, Allen Craig and Skip Schumaker.  The Cardinals added another run in the 6th when Randy Winn hit a solo shot.

Blake Hawksworth got the win and pitched 6 innings giving up 10 hits, 4 runs and 1 strikeout.  Kyle Kendrick got the lose and he pitched 5 innings giving up 7 hits, 7 runs and 2 strikeouts.

Marlins vs. Rockies

The Marlins beat the Rockies in a score of 9-8. The Rockies struck first adding 2 runs in the top of the 3rd when Jason Giambi singled home Jonathan Herrera and Carlos González scored.  The Marlins had 3 runs of there own in the bottom of the inning when Emilio Bonifacio singled home Mike Stanton and Hanley Ramirez reached on a bunt single that scored Emilio Bonifacio.  In the 6th the Rockies added 2 more runs when Ubaldo Jimenez and Seth Smith singled home Brad Hawpe and Clint Barmes.  In the bottom of the inning Mike Stanton homered scoring Jorge Cantu and Cody Ross.  The Marlins added another run when Jorge Cantu singled home  Emilio Bonifacio.  The Rockies struck back adding 4 runs in the 8th when Ian Stewart hit a solo shot and Jonathan Herrera hit a homer that scored Clint Barmes and Seth Smith.  The Marlins came back to win it when they scored 2 runs in the 9th when Donnie Murphy homered scoring Dan Uggla.

Ubaldo Jiménez pitched 5.1 innings giving up 6 hits, 6 runs with 5 strikeouts.  Anibal Sánchez pitched 6 innings giving up 8 hits, 4 runs with 4 strikeouts.  Jhan Maríñez got the win pitching 1.1 innings giving up 2 hits, 1 run with 2 strikeouts.  Houston Street got the lose pitching .2 of an inning giving up 1 hit and 2 runs with no strikeouts.

Nationals vs. Reds

The Reds beat the Nationals in a score of 7-2.  The Reds scored 4 runs in the 2nd thanks to a Drew Stubbs double and Johnny Cueto singled that scored Jonny Gomes, Jay Bruce, Miguel Cairo, and Stubbs. In the 3rd the Nationals got 2 runs when Nyjer Morgan hit a sac fly to score Willie Harris and Christian Guzman singled home Ian Desmond.  The Reds added 2 more runs when Jonny Gomes and Miguel Cairo both hit solo shots.  The Reds scored 1 more run in the 8th when Miguel Cairo singled home Jonny Gomes.

Johnny Cueto won and pitched 6 innings, giving up 4 hits, 2 runs, and 4 strikeouts.  JD Martin got the loss and pitched 5.1 innings giving up 6 hits, 6 runs, and 2 strikeouts.

Mets vs. Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks beat the Mets in a score of 13-2. The Diamondbacks scored 4 runs in the 1st thanks to hits from Kelly Johnson, Mark Reynolds, and Gerardo Parra.  They scored 2 more runs in the 2nd inning when Justin Upton doubled home Chris Young and Adam LaRoche singled home Justin Upton.  The Mets scored in the 5th when Angel Pagan singled home Josh Thole.  In the 6th the Diamondbacks added 5 runs when Justin Upton tripled, Miguel Montero doubled, and Mark Reynolds homered and they added  2 more runs in the 8th.  The Mets added 1 more run in the 9th when Jose Reyes doubled home Luis Castillo.

Ian Kennedy got the win and pitched 5 innings giving up 4 hits, 1 run and 1 strikeout.  Mike Pelfrey got the loss and pitched only 1.1 innings giving up 7 hits, 6 runs with 1 strikeout.

The Braves were off.

Braves vs. Mets

The Braves beat the Mets Saturday 4-0, and have a five-game lead over New York in the NL East standings. The only runs of the game came in the 5th innings for Atlanta. Singles by Troy Glaus and Omar Infante gave the Braves a 2-0 lead. Tim  Hudson helped himself out at the plate, capping off the 5th with an RBI double. Atlanta had a total of 15 hits off Mets pitching. The Mets offense struggled, only getting four hits off Hudson. Three of those hits belonged to Angel Pagan.

Tim Hudson got the win, throwing 7 innings of shut out baseball. He only gave up four hits. Mike Pelfrey struggled and took the loss, only lasting 4 innings while giving up four runs on 12 hits.

Phillies vs. Reds

The game took 11 innings, but Philadelphia beat the Reds 1-0. This game was all about pitching as Roy Halladay and Travis Wood were locked in a pitchers dual through 9 innings. Wood had a perfect game going into the bottom of the 9th inning, but Carlos Ruiz began the inning for the Phillies by hitting a double to center field. Jimmy Rollins hit the game winning single for the Phillies, scoring Carlos Ruiz.

Roy Halladay threw 9 innings and gave up five hits. Phillies reliever Jose Contreras pitched a scoreless 11th and got the win. Wood got a no decision and allowed only one hit in 9 innings. Reds reliever Bill Bray took the loss.

Nationals vs. Giants

San Francisco beat Washington by a score of 10-5. The Nationals scored two runs in the 1st on a double by Ryan Zimmerman and again on a wild pitch allowing Christian Guzman to score. San Francisco responded in the 2nd on a double by Nate Schierholtz and a two-RBI single by Jonathan Sanchez, giving the Giants a 3-2 lead. Mike Morse tied it up for Washington with a home run to right center field. The game was tied until the 4th when the Nationals scored on doubles by Ivan Rodriguez and Craig Stammen, making it 5-3 Washington. The Giants went on to have a four-run 7th and scored two more in the 9th, taking a 10-5 lead.

Craig Stammen went 5.1 innings and allowed four runs on six hits. Jonathan Sanchez lasted only 3.2 innings, and gave up five runs on five hits. Both pitchers got a no decision. Giants reliever Santiago Casilla got the win, while Washington’s Tyler Clippard took the loss.

Marlins vs. Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks jumped out to an early lead scoring in the 1st on a sacrifice fly by Chris Young. Arizona scored again in the 3rd on a Justin Upton single and again in the 4th on a home run to center field off the bat of Mark Reynolds. The Marlins got on the board in the 5th when Mike Stanton sent the ball over the center field wall for his 5th home run of the season. An RBI single by Jorge Cantu in the 6th cut the Diamondbacks lead to 3-2. Arizona extended their lead in the bottom of the 6th on a two-run shot off the bat of Chris Snyder.   Trailing 5-2 going into the 9th, the Marlins tagged on two more runs, cutting Arizona’s lead to 5-4.

Nate Robertson took the loss, going 6 innings and giving up five runs on six hits. Ian Kennedy got the win, throwing 5.1 innings and allowing two runs on five hits. Juan Gutierrez got the save.

Welcome to Chatter Up! This week features Matt Smith of Phillies Phandom against DirtySanchez of  The Real Dirty Mets Blog.  When this idea was first created by NLEC, we thought this would be a much more exciting matchup, but that is why they play the games right?  Lets get to it!

DirtySanchez(TRDMB) & Mark(CFG): Jamie Moyer clearly believes that his relegation to the bullpen is unfair. Will his attitude stand in the way of his ability to provide the Phils with the necessary late innings relief they need?

Matt S(PP): I guess you missed Tuesday’s game. Jamie came in after the rain delay and pitched six shutout innings. I’d say that’s pretty effective . It’s no secret that he is upset about the demotion, but he’s a professional. He’s 46-years-old. He’s been through it all during his major league career. Right now, Moyer is the team’s long man out of the bullpen. While everyone has been happy with Pedro (the guy is an absolute blast in the clubhouse — he meshes right in with this close-knit group. Not to mention, he’s pitched pretty well), if he completely falters in his next 3-4 start, he could be moved to the bullpen before the end of the regular season. But, at this point, the idea is for Pedro to continue being the No. 5 starter and, come playoff time, a reliable, experienced arm out of the pen.

DirtySanchez(TRDMB):Has the league caught up with Lidge and that’s what has caused his 8 bs or is he pitching through injury?

Matt S(PP):I think you’re right — the league has caught up to him a bit. From what I understand, hitters aren’t chasing the slider as often as last year. But the worst thing about Lidge this season has been his total lack of command of his fastball. He has no idea where it’s going, and typically, he leaves it in spots where guys can put a good swing on the ball. The team and Lidge have said a thousand times since he returned from the disabled list that he is not injured. In fact, pitching coach Rich Dubee has been on record as saying that his stuff is BETTER than what it was last season. Actually, Lidge has also said that he feels better than ever and he feels as though his stuff is better, too. Obviously, it hasn’t shown in the results.

DirtySanchez(TRDMB) & Mark P(CFG): For Phillies: What’s wrong with Cole Hamels? He’s struggling. Can he return to form?

Matt S(PP): I’ve answered this question a few times… but it’s cool! Cole Hamels just hasn’t been able to get going this year. Last year’s playoff run took a huge physical toll on him. Remember, he hadn’t thrown 200-plus innings at any level in his career (including high school) before last year, when he threw 240-plus frames. I also think hitters have adjusted well to his change up. He’s getting too predictable. His curveball is average at best, so at this point in his young career, the guy has two pitches (change-up/fastball). Like I said, hitters can guess easily. For the most part, though, Hamels hasn’t been making very good pitches this year. Even though batters have adjusted against him, when Hamels is rolling, he’s unhittable. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case for most of the year. He’s been, in two words, very ordinary. Also keep in mind that Hamels isn’t a Cliff Lee. Sure Hamels has proven to be a clutch pitcher, but he’s not a bulldog. You have to treat him like fragile glass. Something tells me that he’ll work on some things in the offseason and come back a completely different pitcher next season. That said, I still have all the confidence that he’s on the verge of breaking out in September and in October, as he did last year when he carried the pitching staff.

DirtySanchez(TRDMB) & TRS(TRDMB): How do you feel the Phillies will react to being the hunted rather than the hunter going into September with the marlins and possibly the braves within striking distance?

Matt S(PP):The Phillies have handled the pressure very well. I know the Marlins sweep left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth, but they responded very nicely winning 7 of 8 through Wednesday. That’s the thing about this team: they respond. When you think they’re on the verge of a New York Mets-like collapse job (I’m sorry Mets friends!), they keep coming back. These guys are winners. The “pressure” argument is moot at this point. If they were “feeling the pressure,” would they be 19 games over .500 and 6 games up in the division? I don’t think so. There is no pressure on this team. And if there is, they use it to their advantage. There’s no question in my mind that they will play their best baseball in September and win the division handily.

TRS(TRDMB): To Mets fans it seems as though the Phillies and their fans are obsessed with the Mets. Does it seem that the opposite is true to the Phillies fans?

Matt S(PP):Obsessed with Mets fans? Listen… both fanbases have their idiots. I’m sure idiot Phillies fans go on Mets message boards rubbing it in that the Mets are having a lousy season. The same can be said about Mets fans, you know, the idiotic fans who go on Phillies message boards claiming the Mets are better than the Phillies when healthy. I don’t think for one second that Phillies are obsessed with Mets fans. At this point, the Mets are as irrelevant as Paris Hilton in the eyes of Phillies fans (the majority, that is). It sucks that the rivalry is no where near as passionate as it’s been the last two years, but that’s because the Mets resemble a semi-pro club right now. Let’s hope that next year will be a different story so we can all have some fun again. Maybe this upcoming series will rekindle the fire just a bit.

Thanks Matt and on to DirtySanchez of The Real Dirty Mets Blog.

Mark(CFG): The Mets are going to revamp in the offseason, what would recommend as their first move?

DirtySanchez(TRDMB): Fire Omar Minaya…just kidding(sort of). We are in need of a #2 starter or power from the OF. I believe their first move should be trying to either sign a #2 type FA pitcher or work on a trade for one. Most likely Bay will remain in Boston and the fight for Holiday will get ugly.

Mark(CFG): The signing of Stephen Strasburg has made every GM focus on their own farm system. Do the Mets have a Stephen Strasburg-in waiting that they can look forward to next year of the year after?

DirtySanchez(TRDMB): We have pitching prospects but none on the caliber of Stephen Strasburg. Our two best pitching prospects are Jenrry Mejia and Brad Holt. Neither of them will be ready by next year but Mejia may be ML ready come 2011.

Mark(CFG): Will Omar Minaya get fired? Should he?

DirtySanchez(TRDMB): That is the magic question. There are several factors to consider with a move like that. Omar Minaya executed an extension prior to this season that will go into effect in 2010. Now that extension is chump change but it would seem rather unprecedented for someone to get canned before their extension kicks in. Another factor has been his body of work. Since Omar took over the Mets payroll has increased every year and they were able to put a competitive team together(except for this year of course). The problem with the evaluation of that is in all that time(5 yrs) the Mets only have a Division title(2006) to show for it. With the Adam Rubin situation and Tony Bernazard most likely not helping Omars chances, it will defiantly be a focal point going into the offseason. The one thing you never want to do is take on the NY media…Should be interesting to see if Omar Minaya can live to tell about it

Mark(CFG): The injury to David Wright was part of a spate of similar beanings — and thankfully he’s okay. But he lacks the power this year he had last year and seems uncertain at third. Will he bounce back? What can we expect of him playing an entire career in non-homer friendly Citi Field?

DirtySanchez(TRDMB):David Wright has been very consistent every year he has been up in the major leagues, given his history im sure he will bounce back. David Wright made it known that he made an adjustment to hit more line drives this year. Now, many people do not buy this as an excuse but I think Davids production should be treated with a certain degree of latitude. This is his first year in Citi Field and im sure there is always an adjustment period(unless you play at Yankee Stadium) to the quirks and dimensions of a new ballpark. The first opposite field HR in Citi Field was hit by David Wright in August! I think David will adjust to Citi Field and learn where to swing to go for the homeruns. As many people have proven(Mark Reynolds especially)..it is possible to hit HR in Citi Field, you just got to know where to hit them.

Matt R(NLEC): How much has the Mets season and injuries effected what was and is still being advertised as a great weekend for Mets games, complete with the 1969 celebration? Will you still watch/go?

DirtySanchez(TRDMB): I believe the new ballpark has a lot to do with the fans continued interest on this season. The injuries have played a HUGE role in this season as Im sure anyone would be hard pressed to find a team that can lose quality players such as Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Jose Reyes, David Wright, John Maine and JJ Putz and still remain competitive. I will still watch only because it should be interesting to see the Mets play the role of spoiler to contending teams…a role they have not had to be in for quite some time.

Please feel free to email any recommend questions or comments about the segment to mrose@nleastchatter.com or go to this forum topic and post a reply.  Lets also hope thats the first and last time that Paris Hilton was referenced on this blog eh? 

I love the odd faces pitchers make

Tommy Hanson continues to impress for the Braves, as the Bravos rolled to victory in a makeup game versus the Diamondbacks yesterday, 9-4.  Hanson(8-2) went six strong innings and allowed only six hits and two runs in earning his eighth win of the season.  Hanson also helped himself with a run scoring fielders choice groundout and LaRoche added a two run homer late in joining Garrett Anderson in Braves who hit balls out.  The Braves Baseball Blog is your place to go for more Braves info.

Max Scherzer struggled today, but also was not helped by his defense in this game.  Scherzer(7-7) went five innings and was charged with nine runs, but only THREE of them were earned as the Diamondbacks made two errors behind him.    Mark Reynolds and Stephen Drew added home runs for the Diamondbacks and Miguel Montero had an RBI single as well, but the errors allowed the game to get out of hand.

how much longer in the rotation?

The San Francisco Giants, a typically low scoring, good pitching team, got a gift wrapped game from the Mets last night.  The Giants scored in six of nine innings and put up crooked numbers within two of them to win by a score of 10-1.  Aaron Rowand hitting out of the seven hole was 4-5 with two runs scored and two RBI and even added a home run in the fourth.  Randy Winn was also 3-5 with two runs scored batting in front of Winn in the blowout.  Rookie Joe Martinez(3-1) went five innings and only allowed a third inning run and walked two.

Livan Hernandez was awful again for the Mets in receiving his eighth loss and costing the Mets a chance to win this series.  Hernandez(7-8) went 5.1 innings and allowed 11 hits and six runs, including a home run while actually only throwing 76 pitches on the day.  Gary Sheffield knocked in Cory Sullivan in the second inning to score the Mets only run.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog has more on the Mets and be sure to check NLEC out for the Chatter Up! Between the Braves and the Mets later.

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

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

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

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

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.