Feliz with a granny

Pedro Feliz helped the Phillies finally cut down on their magic number to win the National League East, during a 7-4 win against the Astros.  Pedro Feliz  hit a fourth inning grand slam in the fourth inning putting the Phillies up for good in this one.  J.A. Happ(12-4) pitched 5.2 innings giving up only nine hits and four runs (three earned) and threw 199 pitches for the win in this one.  Ryan Madson got his tenth save of the year as he appears to be the closer of the week, but did give up two hits before recording the final out and needed 27 pitches to do it, check out Phillies Phandom for more.

Wilton Lopez(0-1) couldn’t do what the no name pitcher on Monday could do to the Phillies and was tagged for five runs and six hits in only 3.2 innings.  The Astros got home runs from Lance Berkman early and a two run shot from Kaz Matsui in the sixth inning but they ended their four game winning streak for the year against the Phils.

Once again the photographers took the night off for the game… thanks!

Anyway, the Braves finally lost a game, and it was a damaging loss as both the Rockies and the Phillies both won.

Chris Coghlan had three hits and two runs scored and Cameron Maybin had two RBI as the Marlins went on to beat the Braves by a score of 5-4.  Josh Johnson pitched well through five, giving up three hits and a run but left with a no decision in this one as the Braves eventually tied it.  Renyel Pinto(4-1) worked 1.1 scoreless innings to get the victory in this one and Leo Nunez got his 25th save of the season, check FishGuts for more.

Tim Hudson had a rough start for the Braves as he went five innings and allowed seven hits and four runs and three walks, but was bailed out by the bats to not get the loss.  Kenshin Kawakami(7-12) went 1.2 innings of relief and gave up three hits and a run in taking the loss in this one.  Matt Diaz had the big blow in this one, a three run shot in the sixth to tie the game off Brian Sanches, but it wasn’t enough.  Check out The Braves Baseball Blog for more.

MacDougal gets another S

The Nationals took advantage of bad defense for the Mets last night on way to their second straight win, 4-3.  Sean Green(1-4) gave up an unearned run with a walkwhile there were errors by the middle infielders for the Mets allowing the Nats to take the lead.  Tyler Clippard(3-2) worked two innings of scoreless relief to get the win as well and then passed to MacDougal for his 18th save of the season even though he gave up a hit, but struck out two.  Centerfield Gate has more on the Nats win.

Going to the eighth inning, the Mets were up 3-0, then it fell apart.  In the eighth, Pelfrey gave up a two run home run to rookie Ian Desmond and later, a RBI single to Ryan Zimmerman to allow the game to be tied.  The Mets got an RBI walk to Beltran in the first and two RBI singles, one by Pagan and one by Wright in the second inning.  They had a chance to tie it on a deep fly by Wright in the top of the ninth, but a great running catch by Elijah Dukes killed that momentum.  Check out The Real Dirty Mets Blog for more.

Rollins with the big blast

Jimmy Rollins had one of many hits in the fifth inning in Milwaukee last night, a three run home run on way to a 9-4 route of the Brewers.  Rookie J.A. Happ(11-4) notched his 11th win and went 5.2 innings allowing only two runs on six hits to tie for the National League win victory for rookies.  Pedro Feliz and Shane Victorino also had three hits a piece for the Phillies who got back on track after another tough loss, check out Phillies Phandom for more.

Jeff Suppan is just terrible when he faces the Phillies, first it was in the NLDS last year, now this.  Suppan(7-11) only went 4.1 innings but allowed twelve hits and eight runs (seven earned) and raised his ERA for the year over 5 to 5.04.  Prince Fielder and Ryan Howard continue to slug it out for the NL RBI lead as they both finished this game at 132 for the year.

Furcal hits the go ahead homer

Going to the eighth inning, it looked like the Dodgers may have another let down against the National League’s worst team, until Furcal took the game into his hands.  Rafael Furcal hit a solo home run in the eighth inning and gave the Dodgers a 7-6 lead which would be the eventual final score.  Ramon Tronsoco(5-4) got the win in relief as he worked 1.1 innings of scoreless relief prior to the eighth inning and Jonathan Broxton got his 36th save of the season with a perfect ninth inning.

Nats starter J.D. Martin had a rough outting but was let off the hook late in the game.  Martin went only three innings and allowed five runs on six hits, but his offense got him a no decision.  Willie Harris drove in two runs in the game including what tied the game in the sixth.  Ron Villone(4-6) took the loss though as he gave up the homerun to Furcal in the eighth inning, Centerfield Gate has more on this loss, it is number 100 on the year.

Welcome to another edition of Chatter Up! here at NLEC. This week will match up Mark P Centerfield Gate against Matt Smith of Phillies Phandom. Enjoy!

MrNorthJersey(NLEC): Do you want and expect Willingham back in a Nationals uniform in 2010?

Mark P(CFG): There was talk of trading Willingham all season, but it never happened — and for good reason. The guy proved to be the hitter that we anticipated (and that I anticipated) when we got him from the Marlins. I think he’s now untouchable. You know, nothing’s impossible: but it would be hard to name a guy who the nats could get for him that would be as good. The fans love him and the guy just hits the hell out of the ball: who knows what he might have done had he started the season in the outfield, instead of that other guy … what’s his name? Oh yeah, Austin Kearns. How the Nationals brain trust could have ever concluded that he was better than Willingham is a question so embarassing it cannot be asked: and gives the term brain trust a whole different meaning.

MrNorthJersey(NLEC): Do you think MacDougal will opt out of his contract and test free agency?

Mark P(CFG): Good question. I somehow don’t think so. The Nats front office seems to think he will be back, talking endless of getting a set up guy that will make him the reliever for the team in 2010. This scares me, because MacDougal is one of those 9th inning guys who just scrapes by — but barely. The last thing this team needs is another collapses bullpen in 2010. Th next to last thing it needs is placing its trust in just one closer. I wouldn’t hold an audition for the spot necessarily (Joel Hanrahan won the audition in the Spring, for pity sake) but I sure wouldn’t think that “Heart Attack Mike” is the only answer we have.

Matt S(PP): The Nationals have been a much-improved squad over the last several weeks. Adam Dunn has had a tremendous season. Are you surprised by Dunn’s production this year and do you view him as a vital piece to the puzzle for next year?

Mark P(CFG): Yes, I’m surprised. You know, Dunn came with baggage: that he was a good hitter but with an indifferent attitude. That turned out to be false, or rather, perhaps it was true because Dunn got bored in Cincinnati (which is more than possible). I thought he would come in with about 29 to 32 homers and make a mash of the outfield. I could see it in my dreams: Dunning chasing down a ball hit over his head, dropping a line drive, tripping over his feet going into the corner. But not only has he really hit the cover off the ball, he has made a real effort to get better as a first baseman. You can see his defensive improvement, which is key, considering Guzman’s boot em and throw em away capabilities. If his defense gets better and he keeps hitting I would expect that the Nats would try to extend him. There aren’t many guys in the majors who can hit 40 homers and drive in 100 runs. And for some reason (stop the presses) Dunn seems to love it here. Who knew?

Matt S(PP): Are Nats fans clamoring for Stephen Strasburg at this point? Can you explain how Strasburg making the team out of spring training would impact the franchise and its fanbase?

Mark P(CFG): I am surprised and gratified by the patience showed by Nats fans. We regularly draw 20,000 to games in which the late innings are so painful that people have to wish they were somewhere else. But they keep coming back for more, night after night. That same patience is being shown now by fans who realize that while it would be nice to see Strasburg right now — or early next year — it would be far better to see him in the post-seasons, with a healthy arm, in 2011. If Strasburg makes the team out of spring training I would advise the front office (they’re not exactly on the phone with me all the time, but there you have it) to pitch him during the third or even fourth home game — when they absolutely need to fill the stadium. My sense is that when Strasburg arrives DC will have to assign more cops for crowd control. The place will be packed. We’re patient, very patient. But honestly, we can’t wait to see this guy.

Matt R(NLEC): I read on your site that it seems the Nats have asked Christian Guzman to move to 2b, how helpful will this truly be for the Nats going forward or does it just shift his suspect defense to a different position?

Mark P(CFG): I think this is a bad decision that confirms the kind of decision making that baseball eggheads rightly criticize: which is based on the assumption that a bad shortstop will somehow improve when he moves to second. I don’t buy it. Not even a little bit. You know, I am such a fan of Alberto Gonzalez (for those who don’t know, a kid out of the DR) that I hope the Nats put him at second, keep Ian Desmond (our rookie phenom) at short — and work a trade for Guzman. He will command an $8 million dollar salary next year and freeing it up would help us to get some middle infielders who can do the job. Or, better yet, we can use the money to sign a guy like Jon Garland. But then, of course, we’d really need a replacement for Guzman, as Garland is a ground ball specialist. To answer your question: putting Guzman at second simply shifts his suspect defense to a different position

Thanks again Mark, now onto Matt Smith of Phillies Phandom

MrNorthJersey(NLEC): With names like Brett Myers, Joe Blanton, Shane Victorino, Chan Ho Park, Scott Eyre, Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey, Tyler Walker, and possibly Pedro Feliz ($0.5mil buyout), becoming free agents this year who do you feel will they miss most if they do not resign them for 2010?

Matt S(PP): Well, most of these players are arbitration eligible. Blanton, Victorino, Durbin, Walker and Condrey won’t be free agents until after the 2010 season. In fact, I’m pretty sure Victorino has at least two more seasons until he can become a free agent. That said, I’m positive Victorino will be signed to a long-term deal in the neighborhood of three-four years. I have a feeling Blanton will ask for a lot of money, so he could go to arbitration. I don’t expect Myers back unless the Phillies feel he can compete with Brad Lidge for the closer role. At the same time, I don’t think Myers will turn down starter’s money in free agency, and the Phillies don’t really have a spot for him in the rotation. I think Chan Ho Park will re-sign, unless, of course, he’s hellbent on being a starter again. The Phillies should pick up Feliz’s option, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they let him go. And don’t be stunned if Pedro re-signs, too.

Matt R(NLEC): Continuing from the question above, I know the Phillies have bigger fish to fry (literally?) but do you think there are any obvious off-season targets?

Matt S(PP):Not at the moment. I’m sure they’ll look for a left-handed reliever and some bench help. If they part ways with Feliz, they’ll obviously be in the market for a third baseman.

Matt R(NLEC): If you had to choose today, rank what potential National League playoff teams you’d like to see the Phils play and why.

Matt S(PP): Dodgers, Cardinals, Rockies, Giants in order of which team I’d like to see them play in the first round. There is nothing the Dodgers are doing that worries me. I don’t think they have the starting pitching to win a playoff series. The Cardinals have an excellent lineup and an awesome one-two punch at the top of their rotation, but we’ve played them well this year, winning four of five games. The Rockies are hot right now, so they can be a scary opponent. If the Giants somehow get in, I fear facing Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain in the first two games of a five-game series.

Matt R(NLEC): What about the American League? The Phils took two of three from the Yanks early in the year, but this Yankees team is very different now, what about the Angels and Tigers? How well do you see the Phils matching up if they get there?

Matt S(PP):I actually think they match up well with any AL team. It’s so far off the radar, I prefer not to think about any potential World Series match ups right now In the AL, starting pitching isn’t as worrisome as some of those NL teams I mentioned.

Matt R(NLEC): Health check: Bullpen.. . after this weekend, are you more, less, or just about the same confidence in the bullpen?

Matt S(PP):Less. It’s been a struggle. It’s not a good thing having question marks at the back of the bullpen. It’s a different situation from last year, when the team was good to go in the pen. I know the offense has been hit-or-miss the last month or so, but the ninth inning is the biggest concern right now. Nothing will really change from now until October, either.

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. We need questions for our next Chatter Up! Those games are Nats @ Mets and Phillies @ Braves.  Thanks for everyone’s participation!

Hamels leads the Phils in the rain

Phillies ace Cole Hamels seemed to have found his stuff last night as he led the Phillies to a 4-2 victory in a rainy night.  Hamels(9-9) pitched 6.2 innings while allowing seven hits and one run including six strikeouts for him to get a rare win versus the Mets.  Rollins, Utley, Feliz and Ruiz added solo RBI each during the win and Ryan Madson worked a shaky ninth allowing two hits and a run for his seventh save of the season,  Phillies Phandom will have more on this game.

Nelson Figueroa did not pitch badly, but used a lot of pitches in this one.  Figueroa(2-5) gave up nine hits and five walks but only two runs in 5.1 innings of work but was charged with the loss.  Mets relief gave up two more runs later in the game to put it out of reach and the offense was stagnant.  Castillo’s sacrifice fly in the seventh and Cory Sullivan’s double play ground out scored the Mets only runs of the game.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog has all the Mets info for you.

JD Martin leads the Nats to the win

The Nationals have a chance to really hurt the playoff chances of the Florida Marlins this weekend in South Florida.  J.D. Martin(4-4) started the task off well last night as he went five strong innings only allowing two runs during a 5-3 Nationals victory.  Mike Morse doubled in the eventual winning run for the Nationals in the sixth and Zimmerman added a solo shot later to seal it as Mike MacDougal got his 15th save of the season.  Check out Centerfield Gate for more.

The Florida Marlins had just finally gained a game in the division, but lost it right back tonight with faulty pitching.  After Josh Johnson could only get through five innings of two run ball, Brian Sanches(4-2) gave up the two run double and took the loss in this one for the Marlins.  Hanley Ramirez’ two run homer and Dan Uggla’s solo shot later produced all the runs the Marlins would get, check out FishGuts for more.

Jurrjens with a gem

Jair Jurrjens pitched an absolute gem of a game on Friday night.  Jurrjens(11-10) went eight innings of six hit and no run ball with seven strike outs to get a nailbiting victory for the Braves.  Omar Infante got the only RBI on a fielders choice that turned into an error by Albert Pujols and Rafael Soriano was back on the mound closing, getting his 23rd of the year.  Check out The Braves Baseball Blog for more on the game.

The Cardinals also got a great game from Joel Piniero.  Piniero(14-10) went seven innings and only allowed that one run on five hits in the game.  The umpiring was a bit suspect for Cardinals fans as it appeared that Holliday did score earlier in the game but was called out by the home plate ump, they will hope to get revenge today.

Madson closes this one out

The Phillies put their big trade aquisition on the mound last night in Washington, hoping that he could get back in form.  Cliff Lee looked great through four innings, while only allowing a run and then things got scary.  Lee(6-2) ended up allowing ten hits and five runs(four earned) in seven innings plus of work.  He allowed three in the fifth, temporarily allowing the Nats to tie the game before the Phillies came back to secure the win.  The win was secured by back to back jacks by Jayson Werth and Pedro Feliz, even though Lee gave one more back in the eighth.  Brad Lidge stayed on the bench and gave way to Ryan Madson in the ninth who gave up one hit as he recorded his sixth save of the year by a 6-5 score.  Phillies Phandom has more on this.

Garrett Mock put the Nats in the hole early as he allowed three runs in the second and an additional run in the fifth inning, giving up six hits, and walking three in five innings of work, but the Nats got him off the hook.  Tyler Clippard(2-2) ended up taking the loss as he went one inning and allowed two solo home runs in the eighth inning.  Adam Dunn had two RBI for the Nationals as well as Christian Guzman joining him with two as well during the loss, Centerfield Gate has more.

Cody Ross with the big blow

Last night the Marlins put the Mets down really early, with a four run first inning, with three runs coming on Cody Ross’ 21st home run, a three run shot.  Ricky Nolasco(11-8) held down the Mets for 6.1 innings and allowed only three runs and four hits and Leo Nunez once again worked a perfect ninth to get his 20th save of the season in the 6-3 victory.  Dan Uggla also added a solo home run and an RBI groundout in the first for the Fish, check out FishGuts for more on this game and the Marlins.

Pat Misch(1-2) who had a nice start his last couple times out, one earning his major league win just did not have it last night, especially early.  Misch went six innings allowing five runs on six hits including two home runs and hit one batter.  All the Mets offense came in the seventh with a Daniel Murphy RBI double, a sac fly by Francouer and a Tatis RBI groundout.  The Mets will look to salvage one game today, check out The Real Dirty Mets Blog for more.

Tejada gets the walk-off hit!

The Houston Astros ruined another beautiful game from rookie Tommy Hanson last night with a ninth inning rally.  Miguel Tejada singled home Kaz Matsui and Lance Berkman with a one out single in the ninth, giving the Astros a 2-1 victory over the floundering Braves.  Wandy Rodriguez got off the hook of taking a tough loss as he went seven innings allowing only three hits and a single run as well.  Jose Valverde(4-2) worked a perfect top of the ninth with two k’s to get the credit for the win.

Tommy Hanson went eight innings allowing only five hits and struck out seven and allowed zero runs, is he a true candidate for rookie of the year?  Matt Diaz was the only person who could give any run support with a second inning RBI single scoring Yunel Escobar.  Rafael Soriano(1-5) blew his fourth save of the year getting only one out and giving up three hits and two runs and a walk, check out The Braves Baseball Blog for more.

Utley with the eventual winner

Chase Utley and the Phillies were able to get back in the win column on Saturday with a 4-1 victory at Citi Field, ruining the Mets ’69 World Series celebration.  After being shut out for five innings, Chase Utley got to the Mets relief pitchers with a two run home run, and the Phillies needed no more.  Starter J.A. Happ(10-2) gave up one run over seven innings scattering eight hits and got his 10th win of the season, to continue leading all rookies.  Brad Lidge got his 24th save of the season and Carlos Ruiz and Pedro Feliz added RBI’s for the Phillies, Phillies Phandom will have more information on the Phillies.

Tim Redding started the game for the Mets after Livan Hernandez was released and pitched five shutout, one hit innings before giving way to the relief corp.  Pat Misch(0-1) came in to start the sixth after being recalled and walked Victorino and gave up the two run shot to Utley immediately afterwards, taking the loss.  The Mets only recorded a run on a single by Omir Santos in the second which scored Jeff Francouer from third.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog will have more on the Mets loss.

Hanson keeps winning

Two home runs and four runs in the first inning yesterday proved to be all the offense Atlanta would get, but more importantly, all they would need in a 4-3 victory.  Omar Infante led off the game with a home run for the Braves, LaRoche added an RBI single and finally Yunel Escobar capped the inning with a two run blast scoring LaRoche, and Hanson cruised.  Tommy Hanson(9-2) went seven innings giving up three runs on four hits while striking out seven in keeping the Braves playoff hopes alive.  Rafael Soriano worked the ninth to get his 19th save of the season.  The Braves Baseball Blog has more.

Chris Volstad(9-10) only got through four innings of work, but except for a bad blemish in the first, had a pretty solid start.  Volstad was charged with four runs on six hits and all four runs coming in the first inning, but the Marlins offense could not get him off the hook.  The Marlins got their three runs in the fifth on a double by Wes Helms and then a two run single by Jorge Cantu.  The Marlins looks to take the series today in Atlanta, but FishGuts has more on the team.

How silly does this look?

The Milwaukee Brewers appear to have found the Nationals of early season, as they took their second in a row by a score of 11-9 on Saturday.  Ths win did not come easy though, after being up 7-0 going to the bottom of the second, Mike Burns and the Brewers relief let the Nats right back in the game.  Casey McGehee went 2-5 for the Brewers but drove in the eventual winning run, and Mike Cameron contributed four hits and three runs and three RBI including a home run during the victory.  Chris Narverson(1-0) picked up the win as he pitched 2.2 scoreless innings of relief and Trevor Hoffman got his 27th save of the season in this game.

John Lannan may have had his worst start of the year in this one, going only 1.2 innings and allowing seven earned runs and putting the Nats in an early hole.  Luckily, they got him off the hook, but still lost the game.  Ronnie Belliard produced the biggest blow with a grand slam home run in the third and had two other hits and a total of two runs scored.  Jason Bergmann(2-2) took the loss as he worked one inning giving up two hits and a run.  CenterfieldGate has more on the Nationals latest losing streak.

Pelf comes up big

In a series in which the Mets best hope is to begin playing spoiler, they sent the up and down Mike Pelfrey to the mound against the struggling Cole Hamels.  Pelfrey(9-8) got the best of the Phillies for the third time this season in this one, going six innings and allowing just two runs and six hits and striking out five on route to a 4-2 victory.  He was helped by the Mets getting two runs each in the second and third inning, including Pagan having an RBI single and Jeff Francouer with a solo home run, continuing his hot play with the Mets.  The Mets bullpen did not allow another run, though they did give up four more hits, including Franky Rodriguez allowing two hits before striking out Ryan Howard to end the game, it was his 27th save.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog is the place to go for more Mets information

Cole Hamels had another tough game as his disappointing season continues after an outstanding 2008.  After a rain delay of over an hour, Hamels could not find his best stuff in this one.  Hamels(7-8) only lasted five innings but allowed all four Mets runs and ten hits in the loss.  The only run support he got as well was a Ryan Howard RBI single in the first and a Pedro Feliz RBI single in the sixth, but they squandered other opportunities.  The four game set should continue Saturday night, weather permitting, check out Phillies Phandom for more Phillies insight.

the Marlins welcome Sanchez back

The Florida Marlnis had just allowed the Braves to come back and tie them for second in the NL East and for third in the Wild Card this week.  They rebounded last night by sending newly back Anibal Sanchez to the mound while visiting the Braves in Atlanta.  Sanchez(2-4) pitched into the seventh inning allowing only two hits and one run while striking out seven Braves as the Marlins won 5-3.  Lucky for him, Hanley Ramirez recorded an RBI single in the top of the sixth to allow him to be the winning pitcher and then they added in the seventh.  In the seventh Jeremy Hermida hit a solo shot, Ramirez added a two run blow and sandwiched between was a Ross Gload RBI single.  Sanchez and Dan Meyer combined to give up three runs in the seventh inning, but that was all the Braves would get.  Leo Nunez worked the ninth giving up just one hit to get his 14th save of the year as Cody Ross threw out Adam LaRoche trying to stretch a single to a double to end the game.  FishGuts has more on this game.

Javier Vazquez(10-9) lost again to a division rival, this time going 6.2 innings.  He was charged with ten hits and all five runs, including two home runs and eight strikeouts this time.  Adam LaRoche produced all the Braves runs as he continued his hot play since returning to the Braves with a three run home run in the seventh scoring Ryan Church and Chipper Jones. The Braves Baseball Blog is your one stop shop for Braves info.

Fielder with another blast

The Milwaukee Brewers are trying to get their team straight and were able to get on their way last night with a 7-3 win in Washignton.  Prince Fielder hit a two run shot and Casey McGehee had solo shots on the way to the victory for the Brew Crew.  Former Met Braden Looper(11-6) got the win as he pitched six innings allowing only two runs on four hits, with one blemish being a shot to Adam Dunn.

J.D. Martin was pitching a pretty solid game until the seventh inning came around.  In the seventh, Martin gave up an RBI single which made the game 4-2 and with the lack of Nats offense at that point, he was headed for a loss.  Martin(2-3) had a final line of 6.2 innings pitched with four runs on eight hits in the game.  Ryan Zimmerman had an RBI groundout and a solo shot in the ninth and Adam Dunn also had a solo home run the game.  It was the Nats fourth loss in a row, check out CenterfieldGate for more on them.

Howard breaks out of a slump

The Phillies did something yesterday they had not done since 1984, sweep the Cubs in Chicago.  In the fourth inning, Ryan Howard broke out of the longest home run drought of his career, depositing a three run homer that would provide all the runs the Phillies needed with Cliff Lee on the mound.  Cliff Lee(3-0) went eight strong innings and only allowed six hits and run run, but did walk three to get his third win in as many tries and he is now undefeated in the NL with a 1.12 ERA.  Pedro Feliz also hit a home run in the fourth inning a few batters after Ryan Howard and drove Howard in for an insurance run in the sixth.  Phillies Phandom has more on the Phillies sweep.

Ryan Desmpter started out well for the Cubs as through the first three innings he looked virtually unhittable.  Dempster(6-6) ended up going six innings and gave up all six runs and eight hits in taking a loss for the Cubs.  Ryan Theriot produced the only run for the Cubs as he drove in Jake Baker in the fifth inning.

Cantu with a blast to start it off

Jorge Cantu hit a two run home run for the Marlins and that was the start of another win, and series win for the Marlins.  They never relinquished that lead and they exploded once starter Mike Hampton left after the fifth against the Astros relief.  Ronnie Paulino contributed a solo home run in that inning and Hanley Ramirez had a two run single as well.  Sean West(4-4) went six innings and allowed only one run and was able to cruise to the victory after the sixth inning outburst.  FishGuts has more information on this win for the Marlins and their march to get closer to the playoffs.

Mike Hampton started yesterdays game with a slightly bum leg.  Hampton(7-10) lasted five decent innings and left with his team having a shot at the game after allowing six hits and three runs, but allowing two home runs.  The Bullpen imploded and only Hampton’s RBI single and Darren Erstad’s single in the ninth put a dent in the scoreboard for the Astros.

Gomes hits three straight bombs

Jonny Gomes had a humongous games yesterday for the Cincinnati Reds as he went 3-4 with three runs scored and five RBI on THREE straight at bats with a home.  The Reds did not need much more offense to win this one but Ryan Hanigan also homered and Brandon Phillips had an RBI double late to lead the Reds to the 7-0 win over the Nats.  Bronson Arroyo(11-11) went the distance while being virtually unhittable giving up only two hits and one walk against the suddenly hapless Nationals.

The Nationals, as CenterfieldGate mentions, have now only scored three runs in their past three games and the offense has completely shut down.  Ryan Zimmerman did extend his hitting streak with a single, but Christian Guzman’s has ended, with the entire lineup looking terrible.  Colin Balester(1-2) did not help much either as he only went five innings and allowed five runs and two walks while giving up three home runs.  CenterfieldGate covers this game and more for all the Nats fans.

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.