Braves vs. Mets

If the Mets are trying to be spoilers, they aren’t doing a very good job of it, as Atlanta beat New York for the second straight game 4-2. With the loss, the Mets have been eliminated from contention in the NL East. Nate McLouth got things started for Atlanta in the 2nd inning with a double to score Derrek Lee. The Mets tied it up in the bottom of the 3rd, however, on a solo shot off the bat of Jose Reyes. Atlanta struck again in the top of the 4th, scoring two more runs on an Alex Gonzalez double to center field. The second run for the Mets came in the 5th. After fouling a ball off his right foot, Luis Hernandez drove the next pitch into the right field seats, hitting his second home run as a Met, and cutting the Atlanta lead to 3-2. Hernandez would come out of the game with a broken bone in his foot.  It remained 3-2 until the top of the 9th when Atlanta tagged on an insurance run with a solo shot to right field by McLouth.

Tim Hudson got the win, going 7 innings and giving up two runs on six hits while striking out seven. Dillon Gee took the loss, going 7 innings and allowing three runs on six hits while striking out three. Billy Wagner recorded his 35th save for Atlanta.

Nationals vs. Phillies

The Phillies beat the Nationals 5-2, keeping their three-game lead in the NL East. Washington got on the board with a run in 1st inning when Ian Desmond tripled to score Danny Espinosa. Philadelphia put up two runs in the 2nd on a homer run by Jayson Werth and an RBI double by Wilson Valdez. The Phillies followed with three more runs in the 3rd on a two-run homer by Ryan Howard and a solo shot off the bat of Raul Ibanez. The only other run for Washington came in the 6th when Michael Morse singled to score Ryan Zimmerman.

Kyle Kendrick got the win for the Phillies, going 6 innings and giving up two runs on six hits while striking out three. Jordan Zimmermann took the loss for Washington, going only 3 innings and allowing five runs on nine hits while striking out three. Brad Lidge recorded his 23rd save for Philadelphia.

Marlins vs. Cubs

The Marlins lost to the Cubs 5-3 and are now only one game from being mathematically eliminated from contention in the NL East, and four games away from being eliminated from postseason play altogether. Florida took an early 1-0 lead in the 1st inning with an RBI single by Mike Stanton.  It remained 1-0 until the 5th when Chicago put up four runs in the inning. Three of those runs scored as a result of walks. An RBI double by Brad Davis and an RBI single by Logan Morrison helped Florida cut the lead to 4-3. Chicago added on another run though in the 8th on a double by Blake DeWitt, making it 5-3.

Anibal Sanchez took the loss for Florida, going 5 innings and giving up four runs on five hits while striking out six. Casey Coleman got the win for Chicago, going 6 innings and allowing three runs on five hits while striking out five. Carlos Marmol recorded his 33rd save for Chicago.

Marlins vs. Nationals

Jason Marquis was good, but Anibal Sanchez was better, as the Marlins beat the Nationals 4-1. Marquis had himself a no-hitter through the first four innings before Florida got to him in the 5th. With two outs in the top of the 5th, Emilio Bonifacio singled to drive in Chad Tracy and Mike Stanton, giving the Marlins a 2-0 lead. Florida would score another run in the 8th on an RBI single by Logan Morrison, and again in the 9th on a fielding error by Washington’s Adam Dunn. Sanchez had his own no-hitter going until the 5th inning. Washington was held to just five hits in the game. Their only run came in the bottom of the 8th on a double by Wilson Ramos to score Nyjer Morgan.

Sanchez got the win, going 7.2 innings and giving up one run on four hits while striking out four. Marquis took the loss, going 6 innings and allowing two runs on five hits while striking out eight. Clay Hensley recorded his 2nd save for the Marlins.

Mets vs. Phillies

The Mets held on to play spoilers today, beating Philadelphia 4-3. New York got it going early against Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick. Ike Davis drove in the Mets first run in the 1st on a ground-rule double. New York would later add a run in the 3rd on a solo shot off the bat of Jose Reyes. Davis drove in two more runs in the 7th to make it 4-0 Mets. Philadelphia, however, made things interesting in the top of the 8th. Ross Gload scored the first run for Philadelphia on a single by Shane Victorino. A few batters later, Ryan Howard knocked in two runs on a single to center field. The Mets bullpen was able to hold on though and finish the game to get the win.

Mike Pelfrey got the win, going 7.1 strong innings and giving up two runs on six hits while striking out five. Kyle Kendrick took the loss, going 5 innings and allowing two runs on five hits while striking out only one. Hisanori Takahashi recorded his 6th save for the Mets.

Braves vs. Cardinals

It took 12 innings, but the Braves were able to hang on and beat the Cardinals 6-3 in yet another walk-off win, putting them back in a tie for first place in the NL East. With two outs in the 1st inning, Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook walked Nate McLouth to force home the first run for Atlanta. It remained 1-0 until the 5th when McLouth tripled to drive in Martin Prado. St. Louis tied it up in the top of the 6th on a two-run double by Albert Pujols. Jason Heyward put the Braves ahead in the 7th with a solo shot to right field. In the top of the 8th, however, it was Pujols once again who tied up the game. Pujols grounded into a force out allowing Brendan Ryan to score. The game was tied until the bottom of the 12 when, with two men on, Alex Gonzalez hit his second career walk-off home run.

Atlanta’s starter Tommy Hanson went 7 innings to get the no decision. He allowed two runs on five hits while striking out five. Reliever Craig Kimbrel got the win for Atlanta. Westbrook went 6 innings in his start for St. Louis to also get a no decision. He gave up two runs on seven hits while striking out three. Mitchell Boggs took the loss for St. Louis.

Marlins vs. Braves

The Marlins blew a 6-0 lead to the first place Braves, but scored a run in the bottom of the 10th to earn a 7-6 victory Sunday afternoon in Florida. 

The Marlins jumped on Atlanta starter Mike Minor for six runs in the first three innings.  Hanley Ramirez ignited Florida’s offense with a run-scoring single in the first inning, and then hit a two-run homer in the third to put the Marlins up 6-0.  Marlins starter Alex Sanabia held the Braves scoreless until Nate McLouth singled home a run in the fifth, and Atlanta rallied for five more runs in the sixth to even the score.  Florida outfielder Cameron Maybin kept the Braves from taking the lead when he robbed McLouth of what would have been a go-ahead grand slam.  Instead, McLouth’s long drive turned into an unusual two-run sacrifice fly which tied the game at 6.

The score remained tied at 6 until the bottom of the 10th.   After lining a foul ball off of on-deck batter Logan Morrison, Florida’s Emilio Bonifacio tripled off of Atlanta reliever Eric O’Flaherty (3-2) to open the inning.  With Morrison unable to take his turn at bat, pinch hitter Scott Cousins delivered his first major league hit to score Bonifacio with the winning run.  Burke Badenhop (2-5) earned the victory in relief for the Marlins.

Phillies vs. Brewers

The Phillies remained a game back of the Braves as they fell by a score of 6-2 to former Phillie Randy Wolf and the Brewers in Philadelphia.

Prince Fielder blasted a three-run homer off of Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick (9-8) in the first inning to give Milwaukee an early lead.  The Phillies pulled to within a run in the second inning when Carlos Ruiz doubled home two runs off of Wolf, but the Brewers answered back with single runs in the third and fourth innings.   The Brew Crew pounded out 13 hits, including three each by Rickie Weeks and Ryan Braun.

Wolf (11-10) allowed just two runs and seven hits over 6 2/3 innings, and John Axford pitched two scoreless innings to earn save number 20.

Mets vs. Cubs

The sliding Mets avoided a sweep as their offense exploded for 18 runs and 21 hits in an 18-5 victory over the Cubs in Chicago.

The Cubs built a 4-2 lead off of New York starter Jonathon Niese, helped by a two run homer from Aramis Ramirez.  However, the Mets knocked out Chicago starter Ryan Dempster (12-10) in the fifth with a five run inning.  Ruben Tejada singled home two runs to break a 4-4 tie, and added his first major league home run in the seventh as the Mets took the lead for good.   The Mets broke open the game by scoring five runs in both the eighth and ninth innings.  Tejada drove in five runs on the afternoon, and Ike Davis added four hits, including a home run.  Niese (9-7) wasn’t on top of his game, allowing five runs over six plus innings, but earned the victory thanks to New York’s offensive outburst.

Nationals vs. Pirates

The Nationals used a five run inning and solid starting pitching on their way to a 8-1 victory against the Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

After scoring a run in the first on an RBI ground out from Ryan Zimmerman, the Nationals took control of the game in the fourth inning off of Charlie Morton (1-11) and the Pirates.  Adam Dunn homered, and Zimmerman singled home two more in the five run frame.  Meanwhile, Washington starter Jason Marquis (2-7) allowed just one run over six innings, courtesy of a Pedro Alvarez solo homer.  Zimmerman added another run scoring single in the sixth, finishing the game with four RBI to lead the Nationals to the victory.

Braves vs. Phillies

The Braves ended a sweep of the Phillies in a score of 2-1.  The Braves struck early scoring in the first inning when Martin Prado scored with Chipper Jones grounding into a double play.  The Phillies tied it up in the third inning when Brian Schnieder scored on a single hit by Jason Werth. In the eight inning the Braves took the lead for good when Nate McLouth scored on a single by Omar Infante.

Derek Lowe got the win pitching 8 innings giving up 6 hits and striking out 7.  Kyle Kendrick got a no decision pitching 7 innings giving up 5 hits and 4 strikeouts.  Billy Wagner got the save with 1 strike out.

Mets vs. Padres

The Mets lost in extra innings to the Padres in a score of 1-5.  The Mets struck early scoring in the 4th on a Jeff Francoeur single that scored Jason Bay.  In the bottom of the 9th David Eckstein singled scoring Tony Gwynn to tie up the game.  Adrian Gonzalez had the big blast hitting a grand slam in the 11th inning.

Johan Santana pitched 7 innings giving up 5 hits with 3 strikeouts while Clayton Richard pitched 6 innings with 4 hits and 5 strikouts.  The winner was Ryan Webb who pitched 2 innings giving up 1 hit.  The loss went to Raul Valdez who gave up the big blast.

Nationals vs. Astros

The Astros beat the Nationals in a score of 5-1.  The Nationals scored the only run of the game in the first inning on an Adam Dunn double that scored Nyjer Morgan.  Carlos Lee homered in the third with Michael Bourn on base. Hunter Pence scored on a throwing error in the sixth.  In the seventh Hunter Pence tripled scoring Jeff Keppinger and Lance Berkman.

Wandy Rodrigiuez got the win pitching 5 innings giving up 5 hits, 8 strikeouts, and 1 run.  John Lannan got the lose pitching 6.1 innings giving up 8 hits, 2 strikeouts, and 5 runs.

Brewers vs. Marlins

The Brewers beat the Marlins in a score of 7-3.  In a back and forth game the Brewers scored 2 runs in the 8th inning from a home run by George Kottaras making the score 5-2.  Dan Uggla scored on a Ronny Paulino ground out making the sscore 5-3 but in the 9th inning Prince Fielder hit a solo shot and Craig Counsell singled scoring Carlos Gomez.   In the bottom of the 9th Hanley Ramirez doubled scoring Brett Caroll for the final runs of the game.

Yovani Gallardo got the win pitching 7 innings giving up 4 hits with 4 strikeouts. Chris Volstad got a no decision pitching 5.2 innings giving up 4 hits with 4 strikeouts.  The lose went to Jorge Sosa pitching 1.2 innings giving up 3 hits with 3 runs and 1 strikeout.

Hamels is thinking about Playoffs

The Houston Astros continued to have the Phillies number last night in Philly, beating Hamels and the Phils 8-2.  Miguel Tejada went 4-5 with three runs and an RBI, CarlosLee added tow hits, two runs and an RBI and even former Met Jeff Keppinger got into things going 3-5 with two RBI on the day.  Yorman Bazardo(1-2) got his first win by lasting 5.2 innings and only allowed two hits and two runs to the heavy hitting Phillies.

Cole Hamels(10-10) dropped back to .500 on the season with a 6.2 inning stinker, allowing nine hits and six runs in this game.  The offense obviously didn’t help wither as Shane Victorino was the only Philly with two hits and only Chase Utley recorded the only RBI for them.  Phillies Phandom will have more on the Phillies and their struggles against the Astros.

Jurrjens with another gem

Jair Jurrjens is keeping the playoff hopes of the Braves alive, with a gem last night in a 4-0 win against the Fish.  Jurrjens(14-10) went seven innings and allowed just five hits and a walk with no runs, his season ERA is now 2.61, impressive.  The Braves only had three hits, but had ELEVEN walks to put up their four runs.  The RBI’s were credited to Nate McLouth, Chipper Jones, Brian McCann and Garrett Anderson.  The Braves Baseball Blog covers the Braves.

ELEVEN walks, that is absolutely insane and you can not expect to win with that.  Anibal Sanchez(3-8) went five innings and his line was two hits, three runs and EIGHT walks in the game.  No one in the offense had more than two hits, those went to John Baker and Chris Coghlan as the Marlins flounder down the stretch, check out FishGuts for more.

Is he doing the robot?

Ah, the matchup of the week, the last place Nats against the should be last place Mets, the Nats took the first game, 2-1.  Ross Detwiler(1-6) got his first major league win as he went six innings and allowed just seven hits and one run in the game, congrats.  Ryan Zimmerman got the Nats on the board in the first with a sacrifice fly and Mike Morse had a solo shot in the sixth that proved to be the game winning run.  Mike MacDougal got his 17th save of the season with a perfect ninth as well.  Centerfield Gate has more on the Nationals and many things baseball.

Nelson Figueroa pitched well enough to win yet again, but he does play on the 2009 Mets, so that didn’t happen.  Figueroa(2-8) got the loss in six innings allowing six hits and two runs, basically just on that home run in this one.  Fernando Tatis had the only RBI with a single to Center field in the sixth scoring Carlos Beltran, temporarily tying the game.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog covers this and many other issues the Mets face entering the offseason.

Entering our final week of the season and recaps..here we go

Raul Ibanez scores in the fifth

Joe Blanton helped the Phillies finally cut some games off their magic number yesterday as he helped them win in Milwaukee 6-5.  Blanton(12-7) did not have one of his best games of the year, but went 5.2 innings and allowed seven hits and five runs on 124 pitches for the win.  Jimmy Rollins led off with a solo home run and Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino had RBI doubles to put the Phils up 4-0 in the second inning.  Ryan Madson got his ninth save of the year but did give up a double to Prince Fielder to make it anothe r stressful game.  Check out Phillies Phandom for more on this game and the Phils march to the postseason.

For a while in this one, it looked like the Brewers might be blown out, but in the sixth, they got a bit closer.  Matt Gamel, the rookie had a three run home run scoring Cameron and Escobar and Ryan Braun later singled home Corey Hart to make it a one run game.  Dave Bush(5-9) was chased after only 4.1 innings of work and giving up nine hits and five runs for the Brewers and taking the loss in this one.

Prado and Chipper score go ahead runs in the tenth

The Braves were looking for a sweep yesterday and some tenth inning heroics helped them get that win 6-3.  Brian McCann grounded out to score Nate McLouth to put them ahead 4-3 and then Omar Infante put the insurance runs on with a two run single scoring Martin Prado and Chipper Jones.  Mike Gonzalez(5-4) got credit for the win as he pitched the ninth giving up only one hit and Rafael Soriano got his 27th save of the season with a perfect bottom of the tenth inning, check out The Braves Baseball Blog for more on this incredible run by the Braves.

Well, one goo thing in this game was Zimmerman and Willingham hitting back to back home runs in the first inning to put the Nats up early, unfortunately the lead didn’t last.  Livan Hernandez pitched 6.1 innings allowing three runs on six hits for a solid Livan type start, but MacDougal couldn’t hold the tie for the Nats.  MacDougal(1-1) gave up two hits and three runs in his one inning of work, sending the Nats to the sweep, check out Centerfield Gate for more.

Misch with a CG shutout..wow

Pat Misch helped the Mets extract a bit of revenge on the pesky Marlins yesterday, winning 4-0.  Pat Misch(2-4) went a full nine innings allowing eight hits and three walks , but no runs as the Mets eliminated the Marlins from the Playoffs, as was done to them the past two seasons.  Jeff Francouer continued a solid half season as a Met going 2-5 with two runs scored and a two run home run as well.  Check out The Real Dirty Mets Blog for insight on the Mets offseason plans or what they should do at least.

Chris Volstad definitely lost his good stuff this year, and needs to find it in the offense.  Volstad(9-13) went only four innings and allowed five hits and three runs with the big blow being the home run to Francouer.  Even worse, the Marlins could not manage a run in the game, with Coghlan and Maybin leading the way with two hits, check out FishGuts for the latest on the Marlins.

Utley rounds the bases after a three run shot

Philly fans were able to relax very early last night, as the Phillies put up a 10 spot in the first inning against the Reds last night in Philly.  In the first inning alone, Victorino and Rollins scored two runs and Victorino, Dobbs and Utley hit home runs.  Johnny Cueto(8-5) only lasted two outs in the first and was charged with nine runs on five hits and three walks.  The Phillies still managed to add on more runs, as they won the game 22-1.  Cole Hamels(5-5) was able to cruise through seven innings only giving up three hits, including a home run and even added two hits and an RBI of his own.  The two teams meet up again tonight in Philadelphia, Cincinnati will hope to put up any fight.

Sandoval says "vote for me!"

Pablo Sandoval made a loud audition to get votes in the MLB Final NL All-Star vote when he put the Giants ahead in the fifth inning with a grand slam on way to a 5-4 victory.  Marlins pitcher Sean West(3-3) got through six innings and the main blemish he had was the grand slam, as he gave up a total of five runs in taking the loss.  Matt Cain(10-2) worked into the seventh and picked up his tenth victory of the season after being named an NL All-Star on Sunday.  Not to be outdone, Brian Wilson earned his 22nd save of the season but not before allowing two runs on three hits and a walk to allow the game to be closer than it was.  The Marlins continue the west coast trip tonight after falling two games behind the Phillies in the East.

Lee stays hot

Derek Lee continued to play great baseball going two for four with a two run home run in the first inning for the Cubs.  They added all four runs in the first two innings and that would be all they needed.  Randy Wells(4-3) worked six innings giving up seven hits and two runs, including a home run to McLouth in getting his fourth victory this year.  Sean Marshall and Carlos Marmol got holds as Kevin Gregg got his 15th save this season during a 4-2 Cubs victory.  Jair Jurrjens(6-7) went six innings but gave up those four runs in the first two innings in getting the loss for the Braves.  The series will continue in Chicago tonight.

Pitching this well in Colorado?

Oddly enough, Jason Marquis is having a wonderful season in what is known as a great hitters ballpark in Colorado.  Marquis(11-5) got his league leading 11th victory as he worked eight innings and giving up zero earned runs during a 1-0 Colorado victory.  Colorado got their first and only needed run in the first as Todd Helton doubled in Clint Barmes in the opening inning.  Craig Stammen(1-4) took a tough loss for the Nats as he went seven innings and giving up only five hits, but that double gave him the loss.  Huston Street worked a perfect ninth inning earning his 20th save of the year for the Rockies.  The Nats look to rebound tonight again in Colorado.

Blanton outpitches Santana

Sunday afternoon, Joe Blanton pitched the Phillies to a series sweep of falling fast divisional rival New York Mets.  Blanton(5-4) pitched 7.1 shutout innings and was assisted by three double plays the only times he was in any trouble.  Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley provided the offense each with a solo home run as the Phillies only managed a total of three hits on the day and Brad Lidge got another 1-2-3 save and his 16th save of the season and 2nd of the weekend.  The Phillies will welcome the Cincinnati Reds to Philadelphia for a four game set starting tomorrow night.  Check out Phillies Phandom for more info, and check back tomorrow for the NLEC Series Preview.

The Mets are now 2-8 in their past 10 games and have even lost their last two starts by the team ace, Johan Santana(9-7).  They will look to limp into the All-Star break with a day off on Monday and then a three game set with the 1st place Dodgers, with Manny.  Check out The Real Dirty Mets Blog to get more Mets information.

Another gem from Ricky

Ricky Nolasco must have figured something out during his brief minor league demotion, as he is the pitcher the Marlins expected now.  Ricky Nolasco(6-6) pitched eight innings with twelve strikeouts in a shutout of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday afternoon.  The win was his fourth straight decision and the Marlins stayed hot and on the tail of the Phillies with the victory.  With Hanley Ramirez getting a day off the offense was supported by Coughlan, Uggla, Hermida and Baker each getting an RBI a piece.  The Marlins will now head to the west coast, starting with a game with the Giants tomorrow night.

Ross Ohlendorf(7-7) took the loss for the Pirates on Sunday afternoon.

Olsen Delivers

Newly acquired Nyjer Morgan made an immediate impact today in Washington.  Morgan had three hits, a run scored and an RBI during a Nationals 5-3 win on Sunday in D.C.  Scott Olsen(2-4) pitched 8.2 innings, just one short of a complete game as Mike MacDougal came on for the second game in a row to get his fifth save this season.  Nick Johnson and newly named all-star Ryan Zimmerman also had RBI in the game as the last place Nats took two of three from the formerly hot Atlanta Braves.  The Nationals now travel to Colorado for a series starting tomorrow night, CenterfieldGate will have more about the Nats.

Derek Lowe(7-7) has been in a rut of late, and Sunday was no better as he only lasted into the six inning while giving up four runs on ten hits in taking another loss.  A bright spot for the Braves was that Nate McLouth looks healthy and hit a two run home run in the ninth to give the Braves some late hope.  The Braves end the weekend tied with the Mets for third and four games back of the Phillies.  They will go to Chicago for three, to find out more go to The Braves Baseball Blog.

There were only two games in the National League East on Monday June 22nd, as the Philadelphia Phillies, Florida Marlins and Washington Nationals had the night off.  Here is the summary of the rest of the action:

Daniel Murphy hits his 5th HR of the season

Only hours after a barrage of roster moves for the NY Mets, a team which was barely recognizable took the field to face the NL Central leading St. Louis Cardinals.  Mainly Mets fill-in players or surprises helped them take the opening game of a 4 game series, including Tim Redding(1-2) working into the 8th to get his 1st win as a New York Met.  Todd Wellemeyer(6-7) got the loss with 5.2 innings, giving up 5 runs on 10 hits and 4 walks.  Daniel Murphy pictured above hit his 5th home run of the year and Omir Santos continued to be a pleasant surprise for the Mets getting his first 4 hit game of his career with an RBI and a run scored.  Francisco Rodriguez worked his second straight 1-2-3 ninth inning since his blown save in Baltimore to get his 19th save.  Tonight Livan Hernandez will face off against Joel Pineiro for the Cards.  Visit The Real Dirty Mets Blog for more info on the Mets.

McLouth continues to produce as a Brave

The Braves returned home after a disappointing trip to Boston and welcomed in the Chicago Cubs to play a rained out game from earlier this year.  Javier Vazquez(5-6) got his 5th win of the season with 6.2 IP and 0 earned runs, while pitching out of trouble a few times.  Nate McLouth and Chipper Jones provided the offense for the Braves with an RBI each and 3 Atlanta relivers finished it off.  Rafael Soriano got his 6th save of the season and appears to have taken the role from Mike Gonzalez who did pitch a perfect 8th for his 4th hold of the year.  The Braves now will begin a three game set against the Yankees at Turner Field.  Check out The Braves Baseball Blog for more Braves news.

Ryan Madson watches Barajas

In a series finale matinee in Philadelphia, fans were treated to plenty of offense.  The Blue Jays completed the sweep of the NL East leading Philadelphia Phillies behind 8 runs and 3 home runs.  The Phillies were led by 4 home runs of their own including Jayson Werth’s 12th and newly recalled rookie John Mayberry’s second.  Ryan Madson(2-2) gave up the winning home run to pinch hitter Rod Barajas in the top of the 9th to take the loss, following his blown save on Tuesday night.  Jason Frasor(5-0) picks up the win in relief even though he was charged with a blown save for allowing the tying run to score in the eighth, while Jeremy Accardo picked up his first save.  The Phillies will welcome in the Orioles for a three game set at Citizens Bank Park tomorrow night.

Franky blows a save

The Mets missed a golden opportunity to pick up more ground on the Phillies tonight in Baltimore.  Going to the 9th inning with a 4-3 lead, Francisco Rodriguez(1-2) didn’t have nearly his best stuff and gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks while recording only one out to take the loss and have his 2nd (but really 1st) blown save.  Aubrey Huff hurt the Mets again when he singled to right field in the bottom of the 9th with the bases loaded and the game tied to give the O’s the win.  Matt Albers(1-2) pitched a scoreless 9th and was rewarded with an unexpected win for the Orioles.  The Mets will travel back to Flushing and start a 10 game homestand beginning with 3 against the defending AL champion Tampa Bay Rays tomorrow night.  For more Mets news and info, head on over to The Real Dirty Mets Blog.

Paulino hits one out

In a rain shortened game in Boston, the Marlins avoided a 3 game sweep of the Red Sox.  Ronnie Paulino and Dan Uggla each hit solo shots off of started Jon Lester(5-6) who took the loss while pitching 5 full innings and one batter in the 6th.  Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco(3-6) got the win in a “complete game” pitching 5 innings of 1 run ball for the win.  The Marlins will welcome the New York Yankees into LandShark Stadium in Miami this weekend for a three game set.

Hanson goes 6 shutout

Braves super-hyped rookie pitcher Tommy Hanson(2-0) showed signs of the future for the Braves today going 6 shutout innings for the win.  He was helped by the recently aquired Nate McLouth who hit his 11th home run of the year and added a 2 rbi single on route to a 7-0 Braves win.  Hanson even added an rbi single himself to give some added run support.  Cincinnati Reds rookie Matt Maloney(0-2) took the loss in 5.2IP giving up 6 earned runs on 6 hits, including 2 homeruns.  The Braves will travel to Boston to face the Red Sox this weekend and continue their interleague schedule after a small hiatus.  For more Braves information, go to The Braves Baseball Blog.

Stammen gets his 1st win

Over at The New Yankee Stadium, David slayed Goliath for the second straight night.  Nationals rookie Craig Stammen(1-2) pitched 6.1 shutout innings in the bronx for his 1st MLB win against the big bats of the Yankees.  He was helped by 3 hits and an rbi from Ryan Zimmerman and 2 hits and an rbi from Adam Dunn and some good defense behind him.  Joba Chamberlain(3-2) only gave up 3 runs over 6 innings for the loss, but once again the walks hurt him, as he had 3 walks in the 4th inning and 4 overall.  Reclaimation project Mike MacDougal picked up his 2nd save of the year and in as many days pitching to the minimum in the 9th inning.  One injury note for the Yankees is that rookie Brett Gardner left the game in the 8th after a violent collision with the wall in left centerfield, we here at NLEC hope he is ok.  The Nationals will welcome in the Blue Jays to Nationals Park for a weekend series beginning tomorrow night.  Be sure to log onto CenterfieldGate for more Nationals news and information.

Be sure to check back later for the weekend series previews and if you are interested in writing for NLEC, please contact mrose@nleastchatter.com.