Tuesday, July 01, 2008

D'backs Double Up Brew Crew



Mark Reynolds went 3-for-3 with a home run and three RBI as the Diamondbacks doubled up the Brewers 6-3 at Chase Field. Stephen Drew and Augie Ojeda each had two hits and scored twice for Arizona, which won for just the third time in its last 10 games. Doug Davis gave up three runs in five and two thirds innings to even his record at 3-and-3 with the win. Brandon Lyon fanned two in a perfect ninth for his 17th save. Dave Bush was charged with five runs in five innings to fall to 4-and-8 with the loss. J.J. Hardy went 3-for-3 with an RBI and Prince Fielder drove in a run for Milwaukee, which has lost four of its last five.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:53 AM | | Comments

Royals Come Back To Beat Birds In 11



Jose Guillen singled in the go-ahead run in the 11th inning as the Royals rallied to beat the Orioles 6-5 in the first of a four-game series at Camden Yards. Miguel Olivo's pinch-hit solo homer off George Sherrill tied the game at five in the ninth. Guillen, John Buck and Mike Aviles all had two hits and an RBI for Kansas City, which overcame a 5-1 deficit after five innings to win for the seventh time in its last nine games. Ron Mahay got the win in relief and Joakim Soria his 22nd save. Chad Bradford took the loss for Baltimore, which has lost three-of-four. Ramon Hernandez homered in defeat.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:51 AM | | Comments

Streaking Tigers Rally To Top Twins



Matt Joyce tripled in the tying run in the eighth inning and scored on Curtis Granderson's single as the Tigers rallied for a 5-4 win over the Twins at the Metrodome. Placido Polanco and Carlos Guillen each had RBI singles in the seventh for Detroit, which came back from a 4-1 deficit to stretch its winning streak to six games. Casey Fossum got the win with an inning-and-a-third of one-hit relief. Joel Zumaya recorded the final five outs for his first save. Matt Guerrier was tagged with the loss in relief for Minnesota, which has dropped two-of-three since a 10-game winning streak. Joe Mauer went 2-for-4 with two RBI in the setback.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:50 AM | | Comments

Rangers Clip Yanks



Josh Hamilton plated his major league-leading 80th run of the season to help the Rangers clip the Yankees 2-1 in the Bronx. Chris Davis drove in the other run for Texas, which has won two straight and the first of a three-game set at Yankee Stadium. Scott Feldman tossed five-and-two-thirds innings of one-run ball to improve to 2-and-3 on the year. C.J. Wilson closed it out with a perfect ninth for his 18th save. Alex Rodriguez blasted a bomb that traveled an estimated 460 feet in the fourth inning for New York's lone run. A-Rod's 534th career homer tied him for 14th all-time with Jimmie Foxx. Mike Mussina gave up two runs in six innings to suffer the loss and fall to 10-and-6. The Bronx Bombers have dropped back-to-back games.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:49 AM | | Comments

Willingham Lifts Marlins Over Nats



Josh Willingham's second home run of the game was a walk-off shot in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Marlins to a 6-5 win over the Nationals in the first of a three-game set at Dolphin Stadium. Willingham drove in three runs and scored three times. Hanley Ramirez sent the game into extra innings by popping a solo shot in the bottom of the ninth. Kevin Gregg pitched a scoreless inning of relief to improve to 6-and-2 with the victory. Elijah Dukes and Dmitri Young hit solo homers for Washington. Jon Rauch suffered the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:48 AM | | Comments

Astros Ride Oswalt To Win Over Dodgers



Lance Berkman hit his 22nd home run to back six innings of one-run ball from Roy Oswalt as the Astros downed the Dodgers 4-1 in the first-of-four at Minute Maid Park. Oswalt stuck out nine and didn't walk a batter en route to his seventh win of the season. Jose Valverde pitched the ninth for his 22nd save. Mark Lorett had an RBI single and Brad Ausmus singled in two for Houston, which has won three in a row. Eric Stults gave up all four runs in five-and-a-third frames to suffer his first loss in three decisions. James Loney's sac-fly in the first inning was all the offense for Los Angeles. The Dodgers have lost their last two games.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:45 AM | | Comments

Pale Hose Power Past Tribe



Jim Thome hit a three-run homer in the first inning and Nick Swisher went deep twice, including a grand slam, as the White Sox outslugged the Indians 9-7 at The Cell. The Pale Hose powered their way to an 8-1 lead in the third inning and held on from there. Gavin Floyd struck out 10 while allowing four runs in six innings for his ninth win. Matt Thornton came on to get the final out in the ninth for his first save. Jeremy Sowers was rocked for eight runs in three frames to fall to 0-and-4 with the loss. Jhonny Perala went 5-for-5 with a solo homer and three RBI for Cleveland. Shin-Soo Choo added two hits and two RBI for the Tribe. Chicago has won five in-a-row, while the Indians have dropped six of their last eight.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:44 AM | | Comments

Griffey's Walk-Off Shot Sinks Bucs



Ken Griffey, Jr. clubbed a two-run, walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Reds a 4-3 win over the Pirates in the opener of a three-game series at Great American Ball Park. Jerry Hairston smacked a solo shot and Jay Bruce plated a run for Cincinnati, which has won three in-a-row. Francisco Cordero pitched the top of the ninth to pick up the win. Adam LaRoche went 3-for-3 with a homer and three RBI for Pittsburgh, which fell for the fourth time in five games. Paul Maholm tossed seven innings of two-run ball, but Matt Capps spoiled the outing by blowing the save.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:41 AM | | Comments

Cards Crush Mets 7-1



Chris Duncan hit a two-run homer as the Cardinals crushed the Mets 7-1 in the opener of a four-game series at Busch Stadium. Albert Pujols knocked in a pair of runs, and Aaron Miles had three hits and scored twice, as St. Louis won its third straight. Kyle Lohse allowed just an unearned run in seven innings to improve to 10-and-2. Mark Mulder tossed a scoreless inning of relief in his first appearance of the season. Andy Phillips scored New York's only run on an error in the fifth. John Maine lasted only four innings, giving up five runs, including three earned, on seven hits and three walks to suffer the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:40 AM | | Comments

Rays Edge Red Sox To Extend Division Lead



Gabe Gross hit a two-run homer to back six-and-a-third innings of two-run ball by James Shields as the Rays squeaked by the Red Sox 5-4 at Tropicana Field. B.J Upton added a solo shot, and Carlos Pena and Jonny Gomes plated runs, as Tampa Bay won for the sixth time in seven games. Rays closer Troy Percival recorded two outs in the ninth before leaving with an apparent leg injury. J.P Howell came in to get the final out and notch his second save. Justin Masterson gave up four runs in six innings to take the loss for Boston. J.D Drew hit a solo-homer, and Mike Lowell, Brandon Moss and Jason Varitek had an RBI in defeat. The win moved the Rays a game-and-a-half ahead of the Red Sox for first place in the AL East.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:39 AM | | Comments

Friday, June 27, 2008

Rays' Garza Flirts With No-No



Matt Garza allowed just one hit and struck out 10 as he went the distance in the Rays 6-1 win over the Marlins at Dolphin Stadium. Garza allowed just one walk and a solo home run to Hanley Ramirez as he improved to 6-and-4. Evan Longoria and Ben Zobrist each hit solo homers as Tampa swept the Interleague set against their Florida rivals. Overall, it was the Rays seventh win in their last nine games. Ramirez hit the first pitch in the bottom of the seventh inning out to break up the no-hitter. Mark Hendrickson was the loser, allowing five runs on five hits and five walks over four and-two-thirds frames. It was the fourth loss in-a-row for the Fish and their fifth loss in their last six games.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:19 AM | | Comments

Tigers Win Wild One In 10

Clete Thomas walked twice with the bases loaded, including a game-winning walk in the 10th inning, to give the Tigers a 3-2 win over the Cardinals at Comerica Park. After the Redbirds took a 2-1 lead in the top of the ninth, Gary Sheffield homered to force the extra frame. Curtis Granderson had four of Detroit's 11 hits. Bobby Seay took the win after throwing one inning in relief. The Tigers took two-of-three in the Interleague series and have won four of their last five games. Albert Pujols went 4-for-4 with an RBI in his return off the disabled list. Aaron Miles added three hits and plated a run as the Cards had 14 hits overall. Mike Parisi fell to 0-and-4 with the loss. In two-thirds of an inning, he surrendered the winning run on a walk and three hits. St. Louis has lost three of its last four games.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:18 AM | | Comments

O's Rough Up Cubs At Wrigley



Aubrey Huff went 4-for-5 with two RBI and three runs scored, and Jay Payton plated three as the Orioles dismantled the Cubs 11-4 at Wrigley Field. Nick Markakis and Guillermo Quiroz both drove in two as Baltimore took two-of-three at the "Friendly Confines." Radhames Liz was the winner, improving to 2-and-0. He allowed two runs on four hits and struck out four over five innings. It was the sixth win for the O's in their last nine games. Eric Patterson drove in two for Chicago in the loss. Mike Fontenot finished with two hits and a run scored. Starter Jason Marquis was hung with the loss in the four-run performance. He surrendered seven runs on seven hits and walked three. The Northsiders have lost five of nine, but remain atop the NL Central with a four and-a-half game lead over the Cardinals.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:17 AM | | Comments

White Sox Take Two-Of-Three At Chavez Ravine



John Danks threw six innings of scoreless ball as the White Sox shut out the Dodgers 2-0 in Los Angeles. Danks allowed four runs and four walks and struck out three as he improved to 5-and-4. Alexei Ramirez and Carlos Quentin provided the runs while Bobby Jenks collected his 17th save. Chicago took two-of-three in the Interleague series and has won five of its last nine. Matt Kemp had one of LA's four hits and walked twice. Starter Clayton Kershaw was the loser. In four frames, he gave up both runs on six hits and four walks. The Dodgers have lost four of their last six.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:17 AM | | Comments

Harden, A's Blank Phillies



Rich Harden struck out 11 over eight shutout innings to lead the Athletics in a 5-0 win over the Phillies in the rubber match of a three-game Interleague set at McAfee Coliseum. Harden scattered only two hits and walked just one to improve to 5-and-0 with the dominating performance. Carlos Gonzalez hit a solo homer, and Ryan Sweeney, Jack Cust and Jack Hannahan each plated a run in the victory. Sweeney had to leave the game after the first inning due to a sprained left ankle. Adam Eaton fanned six, but allowed three runs over seven frames to fall to 2-and-6 with the loss. Philadelphia has dropped nine of its last 11 games

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:16 AM | | Comments

Surging Twins Sweep Padres



Justin Morneau homered and drove in three as the red-hot Twins completed a three-game sweep of the Padres with a 4-3 win at Petco Park. Brian Buscher added two hits and an RBI for Minnesota, which has reeled off nine straight wins. Scott Baker worked six innings of six-hit, three-run ball to move to 4-and-2 with the win. Joe Nathan pitched a perfect ninth to notch his 21st save. Khalil Greene hit a solo homer, and Brian Giles plated a run for San Diego, which has dropped five in-a-row and nine of its last 10 overall. Padres starter John Banks yielded all four runs to fall to 2-and-2 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:15 AM | | Comments

Astros Rout Rangers Early



The Astros scored seven times in the first two innings and cruised to a 7-2 win over the Rangers in the final of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park. Hunter Pence tripled in three runs in the opening frame and David Newhan doubled in a two in a four-run second as Houston took two-of-three in the interleague matchup. Wandy Rodriguez struck out nine while allowing just five hits and one run over eight innings to even his record at 3-and-3. Kevin Millwood was rocked for 12 hits and all seven runs in five innings of work to fall to 5-and-4 with the loss. Ian Kinsler singled in a run in the eighth inning and Marlon Byrd had an RBI triple in the ninth for Texas. Josh Hamilton left in the bottom of the second inning with a hand injury.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:14 AM | | Comments

Lee Notches 11th Win As Tribe Trims Giants



Cliff Lee struck out a career-high 11 batters in eight steller innings to pitch the Indians to a 4-1 win over the Giants in the finale of a three-game set at Progressive Field. Lee allowed just one run on four hits and a walk to improve to 11-and-1 on the season. Jamey Carroll went 2-for-3 with two RBI for Cleveland, which snapped a three-game skid to salvage the series finale. Jhonny Peralta had two hits, including a two-run double for the Tribe, which won for just the third time in its last nine games. Matt Cain gave up all four runs in five innings of work to fall to 4-and-6 with the loss. Rich Aurilia singled in the only run for San Francisco.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:13 AM | | Comments

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Mets Maul Mariners 8-2



David Wright clubbed a pair of homers and drove in three as the Mets mauled the Mariners 8-2 to salvage the finale of a three-game interleague set at Shea Stadium. Jose Reyes hit a three-run shot and scored twice, and Luis Castillo and Marlon Anderson knocked in a run apiece for New York. John Maine worked six innings of five-hit, two-run ball to improve to 8-and-5 with the win. Ichiro Suzuki and Willie Bloomquist plated Seattle's runs in the lopsided loss. Miguel Batista was lit up for all eight runs, but just four earned, over two-and-two-thirds-innings to fall to 3-and-10 with the setback.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:11 AM | | Comments

Rangers Edge Astros Behind Ramirez Homer

Catcher Max Ramirez went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer in the fourth inning that proved to be the difference as the Rangers edged the Astros 3-2 at Minute Maid Park. The two hits were the first of Ramirez's major league career. Ian Kinsler went 2-for-4 with a triple and a run scored for Texas, which has won three of its last four games. Luis Mendoza pitched three shutout innings in relief of Scott Feldman to get the win. C.J. Wilson allowed a hit and a walk in the ninth, but held on for his 16th save. Roy Oswalt allowed three runs in seven frames to fall to 6-and-8 with the loss. Michael Bourn hit a two-run homer for Houston in the second.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:10 AM | | Comments

Cubs Bounce Back Against Birds



Geovany Soto went 2-for-3 with three RBI to lead the Cubs to a 7-4 win over the Orioles in the second of a three-game set at Wrigley Field. Soto's two-run single highlighted a four-run first inning for Chicago, which has won 14 of it last 15 games at the "Friendly Confines". Jim Edmonds hit his seventh home run since joining the Cubs, walked three times and drove in two in the win. Ted Lilly allowed just five hits and four runs in seven innings to pick up his eighth win of the season. Kerry Wood fanned the side in the ninth for his 20th save. Matt Albers gave up four runs in the first inning, recording just one out, to fall to 3-and-3 with the loss. Jay Payton hit a pair of two-run homers for Baltimore, which has lost three of its last four.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:09 AM | | Comments

Astros' Chacon Suspended After Confrontation With GM

Astros pitcher Shawn Chacon has been suspended indefinitely after a violent confrontation with Astros GM Ed Wade in the team's clubhouse. The "Houston Chronicle" reports Chacon admitted to grabbing Wade by the neck and throwing him to the ground after the two exchanged words in front of Chacon's locker. Chacon lost his spot in the starting rotation June 19th after giving up six runs to the Orioles, and is 2-and-3 on the season with a 5.04 ERA in 15 starts. Chacon is in his first year with the Astros, on a one-year, $2-million deal.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:09 AM | | Comments

Royals Complete Sweep Of Rockies



Ross Gload went 3-for-3 with two RBI as the Royals completed a three-game sweep of the Rockies with a 4-2 win at Kauffman Stadium. David DeJesus had two hits and an RBI for Kansas City, which has won 10 of its last 11 games and improved to 12-and-3 in interleague play this season. Luke Hochevar scattered seven hits and two runs over eight innings to even his record at 5-and-5. Joakim Soria fanned two in the ninth for his 21st save. Aaron Cook was charged with all four runs in five-and-a-third frames to fall to 10-and-5 with the loss. Brad Hawpe homered in the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:08 AM | | Comments

Nats Nip Angels in Ninth



Jesus Flores singled home Elijah Dukes in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Nationals topped the Angels 5-4 to salvage the finale of a three-game set at Nationals Park. Lastings Milledge clubbed a two-run homer, and Ronnie Belliard and Wily Mo Pena each had an RBI for Washington, which snapped a four-game skid. Jon Rauch recorded the final five outs to improve to 4-and-1 with the win. Casey Kotchman had two hits and two RBI, and Gary Matthews, Jr. and Howie Kendrick each drove in a run for LA. Ervin Santana fanned eight over six innings in a no-decision. Scot Shields gave up the game-winning run to suffer the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:07 AM | | Comments

Joba, Abreu Lead Yanks Over Pirates



Joba Chamberlain pitched six-and-two-thirds scoreless innings as the Yankees rolled the Pirates 10-0 at PNC Park. Chamberlain struck out seven and walked only one en route to capturing his first win as a starter this season. Bobby Abreu clubbed a three-run homer, drove in four and scored two runs for the Yankees in the victory. Jason Giambi added two RBI, and Robinson Cano hit a solo shot in the romp. Pirates starter Zach Duke allowed three earned runs over five innings to fall to 4-and-5 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:06 AM | | Comments

Dodgers, Stults Shut Down White Sox



Eric Stults pitched a four-hit shutout as the Dodgers blanked the White Sox 5-0 in the second game of a three-game set at Chavez Ravine. Stults struck out three and walked one to up his mark to 2-and-0. Andre Ethier and Russell Martin singled in runs in the second and Blake DeWitt doubled home two in a three-run fourth inning for Los Angeles. The Dodgers had dropped three of their previous four games. Gavin Floyd gave up five runs in five-and-a-third innings to fall to 8-and-4 for Chicago, which has lost 10 of its last 11 road games.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:05 AM | | Comments

Tigers Trim Cardinals In Ninth



Gary Sheffield went 4-for-5 and singled in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Tigers outlasted the Cardinals 8-7 at rainy Comerica Park. Magglio Ordonez singled home the tying run in the eighth inning for Detroit, which evened the three-game series at a game apiece. Carlos Guillen also went 4-for-5 with a three-run homer for the Tigers, who banged out 19 hits in all. Todd Jones picked up the win, while Kyle McClellan took the loss for St. Louis. Jason Isringhausen blew his seventh save of the season for the Redbirds. Skip Schumaker homered and Rick Ankiel hit two for the Cardinals in defeat. The game included a two-and-a-half hour rain delay in the top of the fifth inning.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:04 AM | | Comments

Twins Trounce Padres For Eighth Straight Win



Brendan Harris and Craig Monroe hit two-run homers to help power the red-hot Twins to a 9-3 win over the Padres in the second-of-three at Petco Park. Carlos Gomez went 3-for-4 with two steals, two RBI and a run scored for Minnesota, which stretched its winning streak to eight games. Glen Perkins gave up three runs in the first two innings, but settled down to get through five and pick up the win. Greg Maddux failed to hold a 3-0 lead, giving up seven runs in five-and-two-thirds innings to fall to 3-and-6 with the loss. Kevin Kouzmanoff had an RBI triple and Scott Hairston hit a run-scoring double for San Diego in defeat.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:04 AM | | Comments

Phillies Blank A's Behind Kendrick



Kyle Kendrick and J.C. Romero combined on a four-hitter as the Phillies snapped a six-game losing streak with a 4-0 win over the A's at McAfee Coliseum. Kendrick gave up four hits and a walk with four strikeouts in eight innings to up his mark to 7-and-3. Chase Utley went 4-for-5 and Chris Coste had two hits and two RBI for Philadelphia. Greg Smith gave up all four runs in five-and-two-thirds innings to take the loss for Oakland, which had won three-of-four. Jack Hannahan's double was the Athletics' only extra-base hit.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:00 AM | | Comments

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Rays Rally Late To Top Marlins



Akinori Iwamura went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer as the Rays rallied to beat the Marlins 6-4 in the opener of a three-game series at Dolphin Stadium. Tampa Bay took a 4-3 lead on back-to-back bases-loaded walks in the eighth and Evan Longoria added a two-run double in the ninth for Tampa Bay, which has won five of its last seven games. J.P. Howell tossed two innings of relief to improve to 6-and-0 with the win. Troy Percival allowed a run in the ninth, but held on to notch his 18th save. Jorge Cantu collected two hits and an RBI for Florida, which is 1-and-3 against the Rays this season. Renyel Pinto took the loss for the Fish.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:52 AM | | Comments

Four-Run Eighth Lifts Red Sox Over Diamondbacks



Jason Varitek's RBI single capped a four-run eighth inning that pushed the Red Sox to a 5-4 win over the Diamondbacks at Fenway Park. Dustin Pedroia homered and drove in two, and Mike Lowell doubled in a pair in the eighth for Boston. Chris Smith tossed two scoreless innings of relief to pick up his first win of the season. Jonathan Papelbon closed it out to notch his 22nd save. Chad Tracy went deep and knocked in all four runs for Arizona, which lost for the fourth time in five games. Doug Davis struck out six over seven innings in a no-decision. Chad Qualls permitted two runs in relief to suffer his sixth loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:50 AM | | Comments

Astros Hold On To Edge Rangers



Lance Berkman went 2-for-3 with his 21st home run as the Astros edged the Rangers 4-3 at Minute Maid Park. Ty Wigginton added two hits and an RBI for Houston, which has won three of its last four games since an eight-game losing streak. Brian Moehler allowed just five hits and one run over six-and-a-third innings for his fourth win. Jose Valverde gave up a two-run homer to Ramon Vazquez in the ninth, but held on for his 19th save. Eric Hurley allowed just two runs in six frames, but took the loss for Texas. Michael Young had an RBI single in the first inning for the Rangers, who had won three of their previous four games.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:49 AM | | Comments

Mariners Maul Mets 11-0 at Shea

Kenji Johjima went 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBI and two runs scored as the Mariners crushed the Mets 11-0 at Shea Stadium. Raul Ibanez hit a solo shot and drove in three, and Richie Sexson plated three runs for Seattle, which has won the first two games in the three-game interleague set. R.A. Dickey hurled seven shutout innings, fanning five and walking two, to improve to 2-and-3 with the win. Oliver Perez gave up six runs in five frames to fall to 5-and-5 with the loss. Mets manager Jerry Manuel and center fielder Carlos Beltran were both ejected in the fourth inning for arguing balls and strikes.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:48 AM | | Comments

Cardinals Double Up Tigers 8-4



Brian Barton went deep and drove in two runs as the Cardinals doubled up the Tigers 8-4 in the opener of a three-game series at Comerica Park. Brendan Ryan had three hits, two RBI and a run scored for St. Louis, which won for the third time in four games. Skip Schumaker knocked in a pair of runs, and Yadier Molina had three hits and scored twice in the victory. Braden Looper permitted four runs over six innings to move to 9-and-5 with the win. Gary Sheffield blasted a two-run homer in his return to the lineup, and Ivan Rodriguez and Miguel Cabrera each hit solo shots in defeat. Kenny Rogers yielded five runs on nine hits over five-and-a-third-innings to fall to 5-and-5 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:47 AM | | Comments

Giants Clip Tribe



Jonathan Sanchez gave up one run over seven-and-two-thirds innings to lead the Giants to a 3-2 win over the Indians at Progressive Field. Sanchez scattered five hits and struck out eight to improve to 7-and-4 on the season. Brian Wilson allowed a run in the ninth, but hung on to notch his 20th save. Jose Castillo and Omar Vizquel both plated a run, and Ray Durham scored on a throwing error for San Francisco, which snapped a two-game skid in the opener of a three-game interleague set. Ryan Garko and David Dellucci each knocked in a run for Cleveland in defeat. Rafael Betancourt allowed an unearned run in an inning-and-a-third of relief to take the loss. The Indians have lost two straight and five-of-seven overall.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:46 AM | | Comments

Brewers Hold Off Braves 4-3

Dave Bush tossed seven innings of four-hit, one-run ball and the Brewers held on to beat the Braves 4-3 in the second-of-three at Turner Field. Bush struck out five and walked only one to move to 4-and-7 with the win. J.J. Hardy went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, and Rickie Weeks, Ryan Braun and Corey Hart plated a run each for Milwaukee, which has won four straight and eight-of-nine overall. Salomon Torres gave up two runs in the ninth, but hung on to record his 13th save. Mark Teixeira clubbed a two-run homer in the ninth for Atlanta in the setback. Charlie Morton allowed all four runs, but just two earned, over six frames to fall to 1-and-1 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:45 AM | | Comments

Blue Jays Slam Reds 14-1 at Rogers Centre



Scott Rolen went 2-for-4 with a homer and four RBI as the Blue Jays blasted the Reds 14-1 at Rogers Centre. Gregg Zaun slammed a solo shot and plated three, and Alex Rios also went yard and scored three times for Toronto, which outhit Cincinnati 22-to-4 in the opener of the three-game Interleague set. Jay Bruce knocked in the Reds' lone run with a second-inning sacrifice fly. Bronson Arroyo lasted only one inning after getting shelled for 10 runs on 11 hits, including three homers, to take the loss. Cincinnati has dropped two straight and seven of its last nine overall.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:44 AM | | Comments

Pirates Pound Yankees 12-5



Ryan Doumit homered, drove in two and scored twice as the Pirates pounded the Yankees 12-5 in the opener of a three-game interleague set at PNC Park. Adam LaRoche had three hits and two RBI, and Jose Bautista belted a two-run homer for Pittsburgh, which has won three of its last four games. Nyjer Morgan added a pinch-hit, two-run double and Freddy Sanchez scored three times in the win. Pittsburgh pounded out a season-high 19 hits en route to beating the Yankees for the first time in regular season play. Tom Gorzelanny yielded three runs over six innings to even his record at 6-and-6 with the win. Bobby Abreu hit a two-run homer and Robinson Cano went 3-for-4 with an RBI for New York. Darrell Rasner was rocked for 10 hits and seven runs over five innings to fall to 4-and-5 with the setback.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:40 AM | | Comments

Twins Humble Hoffman In Ninth For Seventh Straight Win



Brendan Harris and Brian Buscher hit back-to-back home runs in the top of the ninth inning to lift the Twins to a 3-1 win over the Padres at Petco Park. Michael Cuddyer singled in a run in the first inning for Minnesota, which reeled off its seventh straight victory. Dennys Reyes recorded the final out of the eighth inning to get credit for the win and Joe Nathan worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his 20th save. Trevor Hoffman served up both home runs in the ninth to take the loss for San Diego. Chase Headley drove in the Padres' lone run with a fielder's choice grounder in the seventh. The Padres have dropped seven-of-eight.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:39 AM | | Comments

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Sheets, Brewers Shut Down Braves



Ben Sheets tossed a complete game gem as the Brewers beat the Braves 4-1 in the opener of a three-game set at Turner Field. Sheets scattered four hits, struck out seven and didn't walk a batter to improve to 9-and-1 with the victory. Sheets has thrown three complete games in 12 starts against Atlanta in his career. Mike Cameron hit a two-run homer, and J.J. Hardy and Ryan Braun each doubled in a run for Milwaukee, which has won three straight and seven-of-eight overall. Jo-Jo Reyes lasted only two-and-a-third innings, allowing all four runs to fall to 3-and-5 with the loss. Kelly Johnson scored Atlanta's only run of the game on a double-play grounder by Brian McCann in the fourth inning.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:49 AM | | Comments

Hernandez Powers Mariners Past Santana, Mets



Felix Hernandez became the first American League pitcher in 37 years to hit a grand slam during the Mariners' 5-2 win over the Mets at Shea Stadium. Hernandez went deep off Johan Santana in the first inning to become the first AL pitcher to accomplish the feat since Cleveland's Steve Dunning on May 11th, 1971. However, Hernandez left the game in the fifth inning after a collision at home plate with Carlos Beltran. He suffered an apparent left ankle injury when Beltran slid into him at full speed after a wild pitch. Ryan Rowland-Smith tossed two scoreless innings of relief to pick up the win. Jose Lopez had two hits and an RBI for Seattle, which snapped a two-game skid. Arthur Rhodes recorded the final two outs for his first save. Beltran had two hits, drove in a run and scored once for New York. Santana surrendered all five runs, but just one earned, over seven innings to fall to 7-and-6 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:48 AM | | Comments

Angels Rally To Nip Nats 3-2



Garret Anderson singled in the go-ahead score in a two-run eighth inning as the Angels edged the Nationals 3-2 in the first of a three-game series at Nationals Park. Erick Aybar scored the tying run on an error by Felipe Lopez as Los Angeles pulled out its fourth straight win. Jeff Mathis lofted a sac-fly in the fifth to tie the game at one for the Halos, who have won five-of-six overall. John Lackey allowed six hits and two runs over eight innings to improve to 5-and-1 with the win. Francisco Rodriguez struck out the side in the ninth for his 31st save. Saul Rivera gave up both runs in the eighth to take the loss for Washington, which has dropped six-of-seven. Willie Harris hit a solo homer in the third inning for the Nats.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:47 AM | | Comments

Royals Power Past Rockies



Mark Teahen's three-run homer capped a four-run first inning and the Royals went on to double up the Rockies 8-4 in the first-of-three at Kauffman Stadium. Jose Guillen went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI for Kansas City, which has won eight of its last nine games. Ross Gload also homered in the win. Brian Bannister walked six, but allowed just three hits and three unearned runs in seven innings to move to 7-and-6 with the win. Jeff Francis was rocked for seven runs in four-and-a-third innings to fall to 3-and-7 with the loss. Matt Holliday went 3-for-3 with a home run for Colorado, which has lost three of its last four.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:46 AM | | Comments

Haren Outduels Beckett As Snaked Edge BoSox



Dan Haren tossed seven innings of two-hit shutout ball as the Diamondbacks downed the Red Sox 2-1 at Fenway Park. Haren fanned five with one walk to improve to 8-and-4 on the season. Brandon Lyon worked a 1-2-3 ninth to notch his 16th save. Chris Young slammed an RBI double off the Green Monster and Mark Reynolds scored on Chris Snyder's groundout as Arizona snapped a three-game skid. Josh Beckett allowed just five hits and two runs with eight strikeouts, but fell to 7-and-5 with the tough-luck loss. J.D. Drew's sac-fly in the eighth provided the only run for Boston, which has lost three-of-four. Kevin Youkilis left before the fifth inning when Mike Lowell's warmup throw bounced up and struck him in the right eye.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:40 AM | | Comments

Nats' Johnson To Undergo Wrist Surgery

Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson will have arthroscopic surgery on his right wrist on Tuesday. Johnson has been on the disabled list since mid-May after tearing a tendon in the wrist during an at-bat against the New York Mets. Johnson was batting a paltry .220 with five homers and 20 RBI in 38 games before the injury.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:40 AM | | Comments

Jeter Takes Overall Lead In AL All-Star Voting

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is now the overall American League leader in All-Star voting. In the latest results, Jeter took about a 55-hundred-vote lead over former front-runner, Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz. Jeter's New York teammate Alex Rodriguez remains in the lead at third base, and is under 50-thousand nods off the overall pace. Meantime, a number of Ortiz's Boston teammates remain atop the polls at their respective positions. First baseman Kevin Youkilis, second baseman Dustin Pedroia and outfielder Manny Ramirez all lead in fan voting.

However, BoSox catcher Jason Varitek has lost his lead to Twins backstop Joe Mauer. The Minnesota catcher now leads Varitek by nearly 45-thousand votes. Rounding out the All-Star team for the latest tally are outfielders Josh Hamilton of Texas and Ichiro Suzuki of the Mariners. The fan-selected starting lineup, plus the reserves, will be announced on July 6th. The Midsummer Classic is scheduled for July 15th at Yankee Stadium.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:39 AM | | Comments

Rockies' Baker Named NL Player Of The Week

Rockies infielder Jeff Baker has been named the National League Player of the Week for the period ending June 22nd. Baker hit .435 with four homer, seven RBI and eight runs scored last week. The 27-year-old homered in four consecutive games and hit safely in all six games played last week. Others considered for the honor include Brewers slugger Prince Fielder, Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla and St. Louis' Aaron Miles.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:39 AM | | Comments

Dye Takes AL Weekly Honor

White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye has been selected as the American League Player of the Week for the period ending June 22nd. Dye batted .417 with five homers and 13 RBI last week. Dye went 5-for-13 with two home runs and four RBI against the crosstown rival Cubs this past weekend. Others considered for the honor were Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, Athletics catcher Kurt Suzuki, and Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:38 AM | | Comments

Monday, June 23, 2008

Youkilis, Red Sox Clip Cards In 13



Kevin Youkilis clubbed a two-run, walk-off homer in the bottom of the 13th inning to lift the Red Sox to a 5-3 win over the Cardinals at Fenway Park. Youkilis also hit a solo shot in the seventh, and Mike Lowell and Julio Lugo each plated a run for Boston, which had dropped the first two games in the three-game interleague set. Javier Lopez recorded two outs in relief to improve to 2-and-0 with the win. Adam Kennedy tied the game in the ninth inning for St. Louis with a pinch-hit, RBI double off Jonathan Papelbon. Brian Barton and Ryan Ludwick each drove in a run for the Cards in defeat. Mike Parisi was charged with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:03 AM | | Comments

A's Maul Marlins

Justin Duchscherer pitched into the eighth inning as the Athletics mauled the Marlins 7-1 in the rubber match of a three-game Interleague set at McAfee Coliseum. Duchscherer allowed a run on six hits over seven-and-two-thirds to improve to 8-and-4 with the win. Emil Brown went 2-for-2 with a pair of walks and two RBI, while Mark Ellis collected three hits and scored twice for Oakland in the victory. Andrew Miller yielded four earned runs over only four innings to fall to 5-and-6 with the loss. Jeremy Hermida drove in Florida's lone run with a solo homer in the first inning.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:01 AM | | Comments

Blue Jays Snap Skid, Sink Pirates



Scott Rolen stroked a two-run homer as the Blue Jays beat the Pirates, 8-5, to salvage the finale of their three-game Interleague set at PNC Park. Vernon Wells and Lyle Overbay both had two RBI, and Marco Scutaro scored three runs for the Jays, who snapped a season-high seven-game skid. Adam Lind also homered, while Dustin McGowan got through five innings to get the win. B.J. Ryan notched his 15th save. Jose Bautista drove in a pair for the Pirates, who had their modest two-game winning streak snapped. T.J. Beam absorbed the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:00 AM | | Comments

Pelfrey, Mets Sink Rockies 3-1



Carlos Beltran hit a two-run homer to back a solid outing from Mike Pelfrey, as the Mets slipped past the Rockies 3-1 in the rubber match of a three-game set at Coors Field. Pelfrey scattered three hits while walking five and striking out five over five-and-two-thirds shutout innings to improve to 4-and-6 with the win. David Wright plated a run and scored another for New York, which moved to 37-and-37 on the season and to within three-and-a-half games of the Phillies in the NL East. Billy Wagner worked a perfect ninth to collect his 17th save. Yorvit Torrealba provided Colorado's only run with a solo shot in the seventh. Greg Reynolds allowed all three runs over seven innings of work to fall to 2-and-5 with the hard-luck loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:58 AM | | Comments

Fielder, Brewers Bash Orioles



Prince Fielder hit a pair of home runs, drove in three runs and scored three times as the Brewers knocked off the Orioles 7-3 in the rubber match of a three-game Interleague series at Miller Park. Corey Hart clubbed a two-run shot, and Bill Hall added a solo blast for the Brewers, who have won six of their last seven games. Manny Parra allowed three runs over five innings to improve to 7-and-2 with the win. Salomon Torres recorded the last two outs to capture his 12th save. Kevin Millar had two RBI for Baltimore in the loss. Garrett Olson yielded four runs over five frames to fall to 5-and-3.