Nationals vs. Tigers

The Tigers beat the Nationals in a score of 8-3.  Alex Avila doubled in 2 runs in the 2nd scoring Carlos Guillen and Brandon Inge.   In the 5th and 6th inning they tacked on 5 more runs thanks to hits by Carlos Guillen, Miguel Cabrera, and Ramon Santiago.   The Nationals scored in the 6th when Christian Guzman singled home Ian Desmond.  In the 7th they added another run from an Adam Dunn homer and again in the 8th when he singled home Christian Guzman.  Magglio Ordonez added the 8th run for the Tigers in the 8th inning when he singled home Ramon Santiago.

Jeremy Bonderman got the win pitching 7 innings giving up 5 hits, 2 runs, and 7 strikeouts.  The lose went to Luis Atilano who pitched 4.1 innings giving up 9 hits, 5 runs, with 1 strikeout.

Mets vs. Indians

The Mets beat the Marlins in a score of 8-4.  The Mets scored 3 runs in the first thanks to singles by Ike Davis, Henry Blanco, and a sac fly by Jeff Francoeur.  The Indians scored 2 runs in the 2nd and 3rd  but the Mets countered with 2 more runs in the 4th.  Travis Hafner grounded in runs from both the 5th and 7th inning.  Jose Reyes added the 8th run for the Mets when he tripled home Ruben Tejada.

R.A Dickey got the win pitching 6 innings giving up 7 hits, 3 runs, with 5 strikeouts.   Jake Westbrook  took the loss pitching 7 innings, giving up 11 hits, 5 runs, and 5 strikeouts.

Phillies vs. Yankees

The Phillies beat the Yankees in a score of 7-1.  Ryan Howard singled home Shane Victorino in the 4th to score the first run of the game.  In the 5th Shane Victorino hit a homerun with Carlos Ruiz on base.  The Yanks scored the only run of the game in the 6th when Robinson Cano singled home Mark Teixeira.  The Phillies added 4 more runs thanks to Wilson Valdez, Plácido Polanco, Ryan Howard, and Raul Ibanez.

Kyle Kendrick got the win pitching 7 innings, 4 hits, 1 run with 3 strikeouts.  Andy Pettitte got the loss pitching 7 innings, 6 hits, 3 runs with 7 strikeouts.

Braves vs. Rays

The Braves beat the Rays in a score of 3-1.  Carlos Pena singled home Carl Crawford in the 4th to score the 1st run of the game.  Jason Heyward hit a solo shot in the 4th to tie the game.  In the 6th Troy Glaus doubled home Tim Hudon and Martin Prado.

Tim Hudson got the win pitching 7 innings giving up 4 hits, 1 run and 5 strikeouts.  James Shields got the loss pitching 6 innings giving up 5 hits, 3 runs with 2 strikeouts.  Billy Wagner got his 12th save of the season with 1 strikeout.

Marlins vs. Rangers

The Rangers beat the Marlins in a score of 6-4.  The Marlins struck 1st scoring 3 runs in the 2nd from hits by Ronnie Paulino and Chris Coghlan.  Guerrero put the Rangers on the board with a solo shot in the 4th.   The Rangers added 3 more runs in the 5th thanks to Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler and 2 more runs in the 7th when Michael Young singled home David Young and Ian Kinsler hit a sac fly to score Elvis Andrus.  The Marlins added another run in the 8th when Cody Ross doubled home Dan Uggla.

Dustin Nippert pitched 3 innings giving up 7 hits, 4 runs, and 4 strikeouts.  Alexi Ogando got the win pitching just 2.1 innings with 4 strikeouts.  Ricky Nolasco got the loss pitching 6 innings with 7 hits, 4 runs, and 4 strikeouts.  Neftali Feliz got his 18th save of the season including 1 strikeout.

Howard rescues the Phils bullpen

Last night in Pittsburgh, the Philadelphia bullpen tried to give up another game to the Pirates late in the game.  Ryan Madson(5-4) was charged with his fifth blown save as he tried to save Cole Hamels eight inning no run gem, but allowed a pinch hit game tying home run.  Ryan Howard got him off the hook in the top of the tenth with a three run blast as the Phillies went on to win 4-1 and Madson actually got the win.  The Phillies only other run was on a Chase Utley solo bomb in the first and although the Phillies won, it wasted a classic Hamels start.  Check out Phillies Phandom for more.

Brandon Moss came up as a pinch hitter for the Pirates shortstop in the bottom of the ninth and hit a shot to right center field and the Pirates had hope.  Unfortunately Steven Jackson(2-3) put two runners on before recording an out in the ninth and gave way to Phil Dumatrait who gave up the home run to Ryan Howard.  Paul Maholm got a no decision but pitched very well, holding the Phillies to five hits and one run over seven innings of work.

"Ace" Mike Pelfrey

Josh Johnson has owned the Mets over his career, and although he was shaky last night, he got another win against them.  Johnson(13-3) was off his game in going six innings and allowing nine hits and three runs, but held on until his offense could come through for him.  Cody Ross got the Marlins even with a triple scoring two runs and later Ronnie Paulino hit a two run home run… the deciding blow in 1 5-3 final.  Leo Nunez pitched the ninth again, striking out two and allowing one hit and recorded his 16th save of the season, FishGuts has more on the game.

Mike Pelfrey is now the defacto ace of the Mets staff, now that Johan Santana and Oliver Perez have joined the army on the disabled list.  Pelfrey(9-9) went 5.2 innings allowing 11 hits and five runs, including five walks, only two strikeouts and a home run.  He still seems to have a lot of trouble with men on base and should be his number one issue going into the offseason.  Fernando Tatis stayed hot against Josh Johnson as he doubled, scored a run and had one RBI while accumulating three total hits.  Corey Sullivan and Anderson Hernandez added the two other RBI’s for the Mets as they dropped their fifth in a row, The Real Dirty Mets Blog will have more.

Apparently the photographers in Atlanta took the night off, but so did the Braves relief pitching.  The Padres went into the sixth inning down 3-0, and left that inning up 6-4 on their way to a 12-5 victory and second in a row against the Braves.  that sixth inning included RBI doubles by Will Venable and Nick Hundley, as well as RBI singles by Luis Rodriguez and Adrian Gonzalez.  Eckstein added two more RBI singles later in the game, amont a Kouzmanoff two run shot and another Adrian Gonzalez RBI single.  Tim Stauffer(2-6) got the win going five innings and leaving only giving up three runs and six hits in this game.

Kenshin Kawakami had pitched five scoreless innings in this game, and then only recorded one out in the sixth and ended up charged with seven hits and four runs in the game.  Braves relief pitching over the final 3.2 innings gave up 11 hits and eight runs to put this game out of reach.  Brian McCann hit a three run homer in the first and an RBI single in the ninth and Ryan Church had an RBI single in the sixth for all the Braves offense.  The Braves Baseball Blog has more info on this game.

Finally, a win!

The Cubs looked like they were gonna have to fight for a win, late in the game yesterday, but luckily they ran in to the Nationals relief pitching.  The Cubs got six in the eighth to extend their lead and won the game 9-4 against the Nats.  In the eighth inning Koy Hill had a two RBI double, followed by doubles also by Mike Fontenot and Derek Lee and finally an infield single by Aramis Ramirez to score the final run.  Angel Guzman(3-3) got the victory in the game after Rich Harden pitched six strong innings but left with a tie score.

Livan Hernandez only found himself out of work for a few days as the Nats picked him up and had him right into the rotation.  Hernandez went six innings only allowing two runs on five hits and received a no decision in his first start back with the Nats.  Jason Bergmann(2-3) was charged with the loss as he gave up the go ahead run in the seventh on two hits and the bullpen gave up six more runs after that in just one more inning of work.  Willingham, Guzman, Nieves and Willy Harris all had RBI’s for the Nationals in the loss.  Check out CenterfieldGate for more.

Really? Did that just happen?

The Philadelphia Phillies guaranteed at the least a series split in New York against the Mets yesterday with a 9-7 victory.  A game that started out looking like a laugher, as the Phillies got three run home runs from Jayson Werth and Carlos Ruiz in the first, ended up being much closer.  Pedro Martinez started against his former team and pitched ok through six innings and helped himself with an RBI single in the third as well.  Martinez(2-0) went six innings and gave up seven hits and four runs, but allowing two home runs to Angel Pagan but must have felt good to get the win.  Brad Lidge worked a troubled ninth inning and was saved by an unassisted triple play by backup infielder Eric Bruntlett to get out of the inning allowing only one run.  Phillies Phandom has more on this game and series which wraps up this afternoon.

Just when you thought you couldn’t see anything else as a Mets fan, they lose on a triple play in what should have been a gift wrapped blown save.  Jeff Francouer hit a line drive to Eric Bruntlett who was up the middle because he was going to cover second as both runners were going on the play, he easily stepped on second and then tagged Murphy to complete the unimaginable.  In a game the Mets were down 6-0, Angel Pagan had both a solo inside the park shot and a solo home run and also scored the final run the Mets would get in the bottom of the ninth.  Oliver Perez was horrendous on this day as he only recorded two outs in the first inning and had run the count to 3-0 against Pedro Martinez before being pulled , giving up two three run home runs, four hits and two walks.  The Mets bullpen combined for 8.1 innings more and allowed three more runs.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog will have more on this game and the floundering Mets season.

McCann comes through again

Brian McCann came through with a big hit in the bottom of the eighth inning yesterday, giving the Bravos a 7-5 win and a series victory at a crucial time.  McCann singled home two runs and finished with five total including a home run in the first, and moved the Braves into second place in a game where the Braves were down earlier in the game, but got to the Fish bullpen.  Peter Moylan(6-2) picked up the win in relief pitching one inning and allowing one hit in relief of a bad Derek Lowe outting of only five innings and five runs(three earned).  Rafael Soriano now has 20 saves on the year, as he went the final innings striking one out and giving up a hit, The Braves Baseball Blog will have more.

The Florida Marlins are in serious danger of falling out of the playoff races at this point, in what began as a promising weekend.  Ricky Nolasco could only get through 4.1 innings allowing four runs and nine hits, but left with a lead, and ended with a no decision.  Kiko Calero(2-2) ended up taking the loss as he worked one inning and was charged with the eventual winning run.  Hanley Ramirez went 3-4 and continues his hot hitting and continues to treck towards a batting title and Ronnie Paulino added a three RBI day for the Marlins.  Check out FishGuts for more info on the Marlins.

Zimmerman is good..i got nothin else

The Washington Nationals were able to finally snap out of their most recent losing streak yesterday, winning 8-3 against the Brewers.  Ryan Zimmerman added three RBI on a two run home run and RBI single and Guzman and Adam Dunn also had two hits a piece.  Craig Stammen(4-6) went 6.1 innings and held the Brewers to five hits and three runs as he got his fourth victory of the season.  CenterfieldGate has more information on the Nats for you.

The Brewers offense could not do much in this game, Alicides Escobar got his first home run, but Lopez was the only other starter to register an RBI.  Manny Parra(8-10) only got through 3.1 inning sand allowed eight hits and eight runs, although five earned, but the relief held the Nats scoreless, unfortunately the Brewers bats were asleep.

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.

Sanchez pitches Giants past Phils

McCann hits the winning shot

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

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

Santana dominates

Game 1

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

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

Barmes with the big blow

Game 2

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

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

Riggleman's first ejection as Nats Mgr!

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

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

A long game, just to lose

The Marlins were helped out by the rain gods last night in Miami but that didn’t stop the Phillies.  The Phillies took an early 4-1 lead on hits by Utley, Werth and Feliz and Hamels was rolling with only 68 pitches through five.  Then there was a rain delay of over one hour, and Cole Hamels had to leave the game and the Marlins were able to fight back to send the game to extra innings.  Finally, in the twelfth inning, run scoring singles by Chase Utley and finally Jayson Werth put the game out of reach in an eventual 6-5 victory for the phillies, their 11th in 12 games. Clay Condrey(5-2) who was just activated off the disabled list, got the win while working a scoreless bottom of the 11th inning.  Phillies Phandom will always have your up to date news and info on the Phillies.

The Marlins were able to fight back mostly with singles throughout the game.  Ross Gload, Ronnie Paulino and Wes Helms all had rbi singles in the seventh and eighth innings to send the game to extras.  Burke Badenhop(5-4) got the loss by giving up two runs in the twelfth inning and also the new Scott Olsen Mugshot Memorial Award over at Fish Guts!

This was before a hit...i think every pitch was

In Atlanta on Friday night, first the Braves retired future hall of famer Greg Maddux’ number, then they retired what seems to be the New York Mets season.  The Braves put up three in the first, three more in the third and four in the fifth while routing the Mets 11-0 while pitching a two hit shutout.  Brian McCann went three for four with four RBI and three runs scored for the Braves while hitting a home run, and Yunel Escobar also went three for four with three RBI and two runs scored to lead the Braves.  Jair Jurrjens(8-7) pitched six innings of two hit ball to get the win for the Braves.  Three Braves relieves finished off the game for them, guaranteeing them at least a series split.  Check out The Braves Baseball Blog for more information on them.

There isn’t much to write about the Mets here.  Mike Pelfrey(7-5) worked into the fifth inning but allowed nine runs on nine hits for a bad loss for the Mets.  Tim Redding had another bad outting and he could be headed out of town, read more about that at The Real Dirty Mets Blog.

Zambrano does it with the bat too

The Cubs are enjoying playing in the Nations capital, while collecting their second straight win on Friday night while there.  Carlos Zambrano realized his teammates were having an off-night with the bat and decided to take matters into his own hands.  In the second inning he ripped a two RBI double which gave the Cubs a 2-1 lead, as they went towards a 3-1 win on the night.  Zambrano(6-4) pitched the five inning minimum for a win while only allowing four hits and a run.  Aramis Ramirez added a solo home run for insurance later on.

Craig Stammen(2-5) went six innings while giving up six hits and all three runs in taking a loss on a night his bats were silent and he couldn’t help himself.  The Nats after having some optimism weeks ago during interleague play are now back to their losing ways.  They hope to salvage a couple games throughout the rest of the weekend, but check out Centerfieldgate for great insight about the Nats and other baseball information.

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.