Friday, May 30, 2008

White Sox Take Series Opener In Florida



Joe Crede and Paul Konerko both launched solo home runs as the White Sox beat the Rays 5-1 in the opener of a four-game series at Tropicana Field. Carlos Quentin, Jim Thome and Orlando Cabrera all drove in a run for the White Sox, who won for the fourth time in five games. John Danks struck out eight over six innings of one-run ball to even his record at 4-and-4 on the season. Carl Crawford's RBI single provided the only run of the game for the Rays, who had won five-of-six. Edwin Jackson allowed four runs on 10 hits over six frames to dip to 3-and-4 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:13 AM | | Comments

Braves Salvage Finale Against Brewers

Mark Teixeira's three-run home run highlighted a five-run fifth inning as the Braves trounced the Brewers 8-1 to salvage the finale of a three-game set at Miller Park. Teixeira finished 2-for-3 with four RBI, and Kelly Johnson and starter Jorge Campillo each drove in two runs. On the mound, Campillo went five innings, allowing a run on four hits and striking out six to pick up his second win. Overall, the Braves have won eight of their last 12. Russell Branyan's solo shot accounted for Milwaukee's lone run. Seth McClung gave up six runs on eight hits and six walks in four-and-two-thirds innings to suffer the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:12 AM | | Comments

Nady, Bay Power Pirates Past Reds



Xavier Nady had an RBI double and a solo homer as the Pirates beat the Reds 7-2 to salvage the finale of their three-game set at Great American Ball Park. Jason Bay clubbed a two-run shot, and Jack Wilson and Jason Michaels each had an RBI double for the Pirates. Phil Dumatrait allowed one unearned run in seven innings while striking out nine to even his record at 2-and-2 with the win. Brandon Phillips hit a solo homer for Cincinnati, which had won four-of-five. Aaron Harang was roughed up for 10 hits and six runs in just four innings to fall to 2-and-7 on the season.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:11 AM | | Comments

Mets Double Up Dodgers 8-4



David Wright hit a pair of two-run homers to lead the Mets to an 8-4 victory over the Dodgers in the opener of a four-game set at Shea Stadium. Luis Castillo had three hits, drove in a run and scored twice for New York, which has won three in-a-row to move to 25-and-25 on the season. Claudio Vargas allowed four runs on five hits and a walk over five-and-two-thirds innings to improve to 2-and-2. Blake DeWitt smacked a two-run homer and Jeff Kent added a solo shot for Los Angeles, which has dropped four straight and six of its last seven. Brad Penny gave up six runs on eight hits over four frames to drop to 5-and-6 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:10 AM | | Comments

Cubs Score Late To Double Up Rockies



Geovany Soto lofted a tiebreaking sac-fly in the seventh and the Cubs added three runs in the eighth to pull away for an 8-4 win over the Rockies at Wrigley Field. Alfonso Soriano went 2-for-5 with two RBI and Derrek Lee homered as Chicago opened the four-game set with its fourth straight victory. Michael Wuertz gave up one run over an inning-and-a-third of relief, but got credit for the win. Matt Herges took the loss after his throwing error in the seventh led to two unearned runs that gave the Cubs the lead. Ryan Spilborghs and Ian Stewart each had three hits, and Willy Taveras drove in two runs for Colorado, which has lost four in-a-row.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:10 AM | | Comments

Slowey, Twins Deal Royals 11th Straight Loss

Kevin Slowey tossed a complete game gem as the Twins handed the Royals their 11th straight loss with a 5-1 victory at Kauffman Stadium. Slowey struck out six and didn't allow a run until Alex Gordon's RBI double brought home David DeJesus with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. Slowey scattered six hits and didn't walk a batter en route to improving to 2-and-4 with the victory. Carlos Gomez went 4-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored for Minnesota, which swept the three-game series and has won four straight overall. Luke Hochevar allowed all five runs over five-and-a-third-innings to fall to 3-and-5 with the loss. Kansas City is stuck in its longest losing streak since dropping 13 straight in May of 2006.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:09 AM | | Comments

Cardinals Hold Off Astros 3-2



Albert Pujols' solo blast in the sixth inning proved to be the difference as the Cardinals held on for a 3-2 win over the Astros in the rubber match of a three-game set at Busch Stadium. Pujols had two hits and scored twice, and Chris Duncan added a two-run single for St. Louis, which took two-of-three in the series and has won five-of-seven overall. Kyle Lohse tossed six innings of five-hit, one-run ball to move to 5-and-2 with the win. Ryan Franklin allowed a run in the ninth, but settled down to earn his fourth save. Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman each hit solo home runs for Houston in defeat. Roy Oswalt surrendered all three runs over seven frames to fall to 4-and-5 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:08 AM | | Comments

Giants Complete Sweep Of D'backs



Randy Winn hit a pair of solo homers, including the go-ahead shot in the ninth, as the Giants completed a three-game sweep of the Diamondbacks with a 4-3 win at Chase Field. Omar Vizquel had an RBI single in the fourth and Fred Lewis drew a bases-loaded walk in the eighth to tie the game at three for San Francisco, which outscored Arizona 21-9 in the three games. Tyler Walker got the win and Brian Wilson his 16th save. Barry Zito pitched six innings of three-run ball in a no-decision. Randy Johnson allowed two runs in seven innings, striking out nine to tie Roger Clemens for second place on the all-time list. Chad Qualls took the loss. Justin Upton hit a solo homer and a run-scoring triple for the Diamondbacks in defeat.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:07 AM | | Comments

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Rays Walk To Victory Over Rangers



Matt Garza was solid, allowing two runs on four hits and striking out 10 over eight innings as the Rays beat the Rangers 5-3 at The Trop. Tampa Bay was the recipient of five walks in a four-run fifth inning, with two of the walks forcing in runs. Akinori Iwamura had two hits, scored twice and drove in another run as the Rays took the rubber match of the three-game set. Troy Percival got two outs in the ninth before leaving with an apparent left leg injury. Dan Wheeler got the save as the the Rays won their fifth game in their last six tries. Milton Bradley had a two-run double for Texas and Frank Catalanotto tacked on another run in the ninth. Kason Gabbard was the loser. He allowed five runs on five hits and six walks over four-and-a-third innings as the Rangers lost for the third time in their last five games.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:31 AM | | Comments

Angels To Host Midsummer Classic In '10

The 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be played at Angel Stadium. MLB Commissioner Bud Selig made the announcement on Wednesday in Anaheim, along with Angels owner Arte Moreno and mayor Curt Pringle. It will be the third time the city hosts the game, and the first time since 1989 that the Midsummer Classic will be played there. The first time the Halos hosted the All-Star Game was 1967, when the contest went a record 15 innings before the National League won, 2-1. This year's All-Star Game will be in New York's Yankee Stadium, while next year's contest will be in St. Louis.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:31 AM | | Comments

Mets Win See-Saw Battle With Marlins



A two-run double by Fernando Tatis in the bottom of the 12th inning rallied the Mets to a 7-6 win over the Marlins at Shea Stadium. Endy Chavez hit a pinch-hit, solo shot in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game at five for New York. Luis Castillo and Jose Reyes also homered for the Mets, who won the final two games of the three-game series. Duaner Sanchez gave up a go-ahead solo homer to Alfredo Amezega in the top of the 12th, but got credit for the victory. Justin Miller blew the save in the bottom half and took the loss for Florida. Cody Ross homered twice and Mike Rabelo also went deep for the Fish in defeat.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:30 AM | | Comments

Cubs Rally Late To Down Dodgers

Alfonso Soriano singled in the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning as the Cubs pulled out a 2-1 win over the Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Geovany Soto plated the tying run with a sac-fly in the bottom of the ninth for Chicago, which notched its third straight win. Bob Howry pitched the top of the 10th to get the win. Starter Carlos Zambrano pitched eight innings of one-run ball in a no-decision. Takashi Saito blew the save in the ninth and Chan Ho Park took the loss in the 10th for Los Angeles, which has lost three in-a-row and five of its last six games. Blake DeWitt's bases-loaded walk plated LA's lone run in the fourth.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:29 AM | | Comments

Nationals Hold Off Padres



Jesus Flores went 2-for-4 with a grand slam to lead the Nationals to a 6-4 win over the Padres at Petco Park. Lastings Milledge added a solo shot and Cristian Guzman had three hits for Washington, which snapped a two-game skid. Oliver Perez pitched six and a third innings of three-run ball for his second win. Jon Rauch fanned two in the ninth for his 11th save. Flores' slam broke open a scoreless game in the fifth and the Nats built a 6-1 lead in the seventh. Tony Clark had an RBI double and Scott Hairston a two-run homer for San Diego, which had won two straight. Shawn Estes gave up four runs in five frames to take the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:28 AM | | Comments

M's Bedard Baffles BoSox 1-0



Erik Bedard combined with two relievers on a two-hitter as the Mariners beat the Red Sox 1-0 at Safeco Field. Yuniesky Betancourt homered in the third inning for the game's only run. Bedard gave up two hits and three walks while striking out eight over seven innings for his fourth win. Brandon Morrow and J.J. Putz worked one inning each, with Putz posting his sixth save. Tim Wakefield also fanned eight, while allowing just five hits and one run in a complete-game loss. Mike Lowell and Manny Ramirez had hits for Boston.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:27 AM | | Comments

Thames Powers Tigers Past Halos



Marcus Thames hit a pair of two-run homers and Armando Galarraga took a shutout into the ninth inning as the Tigers turned back the Angels 6-2 in Anaheim. Edgar Renteria went 2-for-4 with an RBI for Detroit, which salvaged the finale of the three-game series after losing the previous two games in walk-off fashion. Galarraga pitched eight-and-a-third innings, giving up a two-run homer to Maicer Izturis in the ninth to spoil the shutout. Joe Saunders allowed five runs in five innings to fall to 8-and-2 with the setback.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:26 AM | | Comments

Twins Come Back To Beat Royals In 10



The Twins scored five times in the ninth inning to tie the game and Justin Morneau hit a solo homer in the 10th to pull out a 9-8 win over the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Craig Monroe's three-run, pinch-hit homer capped the ninth-inning comeback for Minnesota, which notched its third straight win. Jesse Crain got the final out in the ninth to get the win and Joe Nathan worked a 1-2-3 10th for his 14th save. Joel Peralta gave up the tying homer to Monroe and the go-ahead shot to Morneau to take the loss for Kansas City, which suffered its 10th straight setback. Joey Gathright and Alex Gordon each had three hits, an RBI and scored twice for the Royals. Miguel Olivo had two hits and two RBI.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:25 AM | | Comments

Surging Phillies Complete Sweep Of Rockies



Chase Utley belted a three-run homer in a five-run fifth inning as the Phillies completed a three-game sweep of the Rockies with a 6-1 win at Citizens Bank Park. Geoff Jenkins belted a two-run shot and drove in three for Philadelphia, which has won four in-a-row. Adam Eaton tossed six innings of four-hit, one-run ball to notch his first win of the season. Todd Helton plated Colorado's only run with a single in the third. Greg Reynolds allowed all six runs on five hits and eight walks over five-and-two-thirds innings to fall to 0-and-2 with the loss. The defending National League champions fell to 20-and-33 on the season.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:21 AM | | Comments

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Enter the State Farm "Call Your Shot" Contest!

Be a part of State Farm’s Newest Contest - Call Your Shot!

Fans can enter the promotion daily through June 24 at www.sfCallYourShot.com/2008. The grand prize winner of Call Your Shot will stand beside famed baseball slugger David “Big Papi” Ortiz during the State Farm Home Run Derby and call the home run location of a single delivery for Ortiz. The winner will also receive:

All-expense paid trip for four to the All-Star Game and State Farm Home Run Derby
First class hotel accommodations in New York
Tickets to a Broadway show
$1,000 MasterCard gift card
Additionally, 10 fans will win first place prizes consisting of a $300 MLB.com gift card and 25 second prize winners will receive $100 MLB.com gift cards.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 11:51 AM | | Comments

Pence Paces Astros Past Cards



Hunter Pence went 5-for-5 with two RBI to lead the Astros to an 8-2 win over the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Kaz Matsui added three hits and scored twice for Houston, which built a 4-0 lead in the top of the first and cruised from there. Shawn Chacon struck out seven over seven innings of two-run ball for his second win. Braden Looper was charged with all eight runs in four and a third frames to fall to 6-and-4 with the loss. Albert Pujols went 4-for-4 with a home run, and Brian Barton added a pinch-hit homer for St. Louis in the setback. The 'Stros have won five of their last seven games, while the Redbirds have lost their last two.

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

Giants Double Up D'backs 6-3

Bengie Molina hit a three-run homer in the third and Jose Castillo added a solo shot in the fourth to power the Giants to a 6-3 win over the Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Ray Durham's RBI double in the fifth staked San Francisco to a 5-0 lead and Aaron Rowand added a run-scoring single in the seventh. Tim Lincecum fanned seven while pitching seven-and-a-third innings of three-run ball for his seventh win. Brian Wilson worked the ninth for his 15th save. Dan Haren was tagged for nine hits and five runs in six frames to fall to 5-and-4 with the loss. Chris Young and Chad Tracy drove in runs for Arizona in the setback.

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

Padres Power Past Nats



Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Kouzmanoff slugged back-to-back home runs in the seventh inning to power the Padres to a 4-2 win over the Nationals at Petco Park. Michael Barrett's two-run single in the third tied the game at two for San Diego, which has won two in-a-row for the first time since May 10th and 11th against Colorado. Heath Bell got the win in relief and Trevor Hoffman posted his 10th save. Charlie Manning took the loss in relief for the Nats. Aaron Boone belted a two-run homer in the first inning to account for the Washington offense.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:59 AM | | Comments

Indians Thump Pale Hose 8-2



Franklin Gutierrez hit a grand slam in the first inning and the Indians went on to beat the White Sox 8-2 in the middle contest of a three-game set at Progressive Field. Ryan Garko had an RBI double and scored twice for the Indians, who won for just the second time in 11 games. Aaron Laffey threw six innings of two-run ball to even his record at 3-and-3 with the win. Toby Hall and Orlando Cabrera each had an RBI for Chicago, which had its brief two-game winning streak snapped with the setback. Mark Buehrle was shelled for seven runs, including six earned, in five innings to fall to 2-and-6 on the season.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:57 AM | | Comments

O's Rally To Beat Yankees In 11



Alex Cintron singled in the winning run in a two-run bottom of the 11th as the Orioles outlasted the Yankees 10-9 in a wild one at Camden Yards. Aubrey Huff's run-scoring double knotted the game at nine for Baltimore after Hideki Matsui's RBI single had given New York a 9-8 lead in the top of the 11th. Kevin Millar went 3-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI for Baltimore. Ramon Hernandez, Melvin Mora and Luke Scott also went deep for the O's. Matt Albers got credit for the win. LaTroy Hawkins gave up three hits, two walks and both runs in the bottom of the 11th while retiring just one batter to take the loss. Jason Giambi, Johnny Damon, Bobby Abreu and Alex Rodriguez hit home runs for New York.

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

Hamilton, Rangers Rip Rays 12-6



Josh Hamilton belted a grand slam as part of a five-run eighth inning as the Rangers ripped the Rays 12-6 at Tropicana Field. Hamilton drove in five and scored three times, and Brandon Boggs had three hits and three RBI, as Texas won for the fifth time in seven games to get back to .500 at 27-and-27. The Rangers built a 7-0 lead in the second inning. Vicente Padilla allowed five runs, but also struck out 10 in six innings to improve to 7-and-2 with the victory. Cliff Floyd and Eric Hinske each hit two-run homers for Tampa Bay, which had its four-game winning streak ended. Andy Sonnanstine fell to 6-and-3 with the loss for the Rays.

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

Twins Triumph Over Royals In 12



Michael Cuddyer singled in the go-ahead run in the top of the 12th inning to lift the Twins to a 4-3 triumph over the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Cuddyer finished 3-for-6 with two RBI for Minnesota, which has won three of its last four games. Alexi Casilla also went 3-for-6 with an RBI and Justin Morneau had three hits and scored a run for the Twins. Jesse Crain got the win and Matt Guerrier the save. Leo Nunez took the loss for Kansas City, which suffered its ninth straight setback. Mark Teahen hit a three-run, inside-the-park homer in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game for the Royals.

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

Halos Rally Late To Trim Tigers 3-2



Gary Matthews, Jr. singled in the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Angels rallied for a 3-2 triumph over the Tigers at the Big A. Reggie Willits and Garret Anderson singled home runs in the eighth inning as the Halos erased a 2-0 deficit. Ervin Santana struck out seven while allowing just three hits and two runs in a complete-game victory to move to 7-and-2. Aquilino Lopez retired the first two men in the ninth, but walked the next two before Matthews' game-winning hit. Jeremy Bonderman took a shutout into the eighth, but settled for a no-decision. Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run homer for Detroit.

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

M's Prevail Over Red Sox In Ninth

Jose Lopez singled in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Mariners a 4-3 victory over the Red Sox at Safeco Field. Raul Ibanez drove in two runs, and Ichiro Suzuki had two hits and scored twice for Seattle. J.J. Putz got the win in relief for the M's, who snapped a seven-game losing streak. Mike Timlin suffered the loss for Boston, which has dropped four of its last five. Manny Ramirez slugged a three-run homer in the sixth inning to tie the game for the Red Sox. It was Ramirez's 499th career homer.

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

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Best in Baseball? Rays Win Again Topping Rangers 7-3



Scott Kazmir struck out 10 over seven innings of one-run ball to lead the Rays to a 7-3 victory over the Rangers in the opener of a three-game set at Tropicana Field. Kazmir improved to 4-and-1 on the season as Tampa Bay won for the sixth time in seven games to improve to 31-and-20 on the season. Eric Hinske clubbed a three-run homer and Dioner Navarro went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in the win. Ian Kinsler hit a two-run shot and drove in all three runs for the Rangers, who lost for just the second time in six games. Sidney Ponson was shelled for 12 hits and five runs over five innings to fall to 3-and-1 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:11 AM | | Comments

Pale Hose Score Three In 12th To Top Tribe



Orlando Cabrera singled in the go-ahead run in the top of the 12th inning as the White Sox beat the Indians 6-3 in the first installment of a three-game set at Progressive Field. Carlos Quentin and Brian Anderson plated insurance runs for the Southsiders, who have won three straight and 11-of-13 overall. Jim Thome clubbed a solo homer and drove in two for Chicago. Boone Logan picked up the win and Bobby Jenks recorded his 13th save. David Dellucci and Jhonny Peralta hit solo home runs for Cleveland. Scott Elarton absorbed the loss. The Tribe has dropped nine of its last 10 contests.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:10 AM | | Comments

Orioles Bounce Bronx Bombers 6-1



Aubrey Huff blasted a three-run homer to highlight a five-run seventh inning as the Orioles cruised past the Yankees 6-1 in the opener of a three-game series at Camden Yards. Garrett Olson struck out seven over seven innings of three-hit ball to improve to 4-and-1 on the season. Nick Markakis homered and had an RBI single for the O's, who snapped a five-game skid. Chad Moeller knocked in the lone run for New York in the setback. Darrell Rasner allowed only one run on five hits in six innings of duty to take the tough-luck loss. The Yanks had won their previous five games.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:10 AM | | Comments

Jays Complete Four-Game Sweep Of Royals



Gregg Zaun blasted a two-run homer and Marco Scutaro added a solo shot as the Blue Jays ripped the Royals 7-2 at Rogers Centre. Alex Rios plated a pair to back seven-plus solid innings by Shaun Marcum. Marcum allowed two-runs, with just one of them earned, on five hits with six strikeouts to improve to 5-and-3 on the season. Toronto swept the four-game set with Kansas City and has won five straight overall. Alex Gordon scored on a fielder's choice and Billy Butler crossed the plate on a sacrifice fly to account for all of the Royals offense. Brett Tomko was shelled for seven runs, six of them earned, in six innings to suffer the loss. Kansas City has dropped its last eight games, getting swept in consecutive series by the Red Sox and Jays.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:09 AM | | Comments

Dempster Pitches Cubs Past Dodgers 3-1



Derek Lee's two-run homer in the first inning held up as the Cubs went on to beat the Dodgers 3-1 in the first of a three-game set at Wrigley Field. Aramis Ramirez provided an insurance run with a solo shot in the eighth. Ryan Dempster improved to 6-and-2 with the win, allowing one run on seven hits over seven frames. Kerry Wood struck out two in the ninth to earn his 11th save. The victory was just the Cubs' second in six games. Jeff Kent had three hits and Juan Pierre drove in the only run for the Dodgers, who have dropped three-of-four. Chad Billingsley fell to 4-and-6 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:08 AM | | Comments

Brewers Edge Nats In Extras



Gabe Kapler drove in the go-ahead run in the top of the 11th inning to lift the Brewers to a 4-3 win over the Nationals in the finale of a four-game set at Nationals Park. Prince Fielder and Jason Kendall both drove in a run for Milwaukee in the win. Carlos Villanueva struck out five of the six batters he faced in relief to get the win. Soloman Torres pitched a perfect ninth to get the save. Cristian Guzman homered and Jesus Flores had an RBI double for the Nats in the setback. Saul Rivera absorbed the loss. The Nationals went 3-and-4 during their seven-game homestand, including a split with the Brewers.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:07 AM | | Comments

Braves Down D'backs 7-3 in the ATL



Mark Teixeira drove in four runs and Brian McCann hit a solo homer as the Braves downed the Diamondbacks 7-3 at Turner Field. Jair Jrrjens allowed three runs on eight hits, but lasted only four-and-two-thirds innings to not factor in the decision. Manny Acosta got the win in relief. Ruben Gotay plated a run for Atlanta, which split the four-game set with Arizona. Orlando Hudson smacked a two-run shot and Jeff Salazar singled in the other run for the D'backs in defeat. Brandon Webb gave up seven runs, four of them earned, on 10 hits in just four-and-a-third innings to take the loss. Webb fanned eight but lost his second consecutive start after winning nine in-a-row to begin the season. Arizona went just 2-and-5 on their seven-game road trip.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:05 AM | | Comments

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Mets Score 5 in First, Overwhelm Rockies 9-2



The New York Mets finally found a way to get out of their 5-game losing streak as they exploded for 5 runs in the first inning of their game Saturday as they annihilated the Colorado Rockies 9-2 at Coors Field. Ramon Castro and rookie Nick Evans led New York with 3 hits apiece - with Evans debuting with 3 doubles; David Wright and Carlos Delgado homered for the Mets. Claudio Vargas (1-2) picked up the win as he pitched 7 strong innings, allowing only 4 hits, 2 earned runs, walking 1 while striking out 3. Colorado was led by Matt Holliday as he went 1-for-4 with a home run, driving home a run while scoring once; Jeff Francis (1-5) took the loss as he pitched 6 innings, allowing 7 hits, 6 earned runs, walking 3 while striking out 8. New York (23-24) plays again Sunday as they face Colorado (19-30); John Maine (5-3) gets the start for the Mets while Aaron Cook (6-3) toes the rubber for the Rockies.

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Posted by Stephen G. Rhodes at 8:22 AM | | Comments

Weaver, Rodriguez Combine For 3-Hitter As Halos Blank White Sox 2-0



Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver, after Saturday's game against the Chicago White Sox, appears to have their number; over 4 starts, Weaver has compiled an impressive 3-0 record with a minuscule 0.34 ERA during that stretch. Weaver would continue his mastery over the Southsiders as he and Francisco Rodriguez combined for a 3-hitter, leading Los Angeles over Chicago 2-0 at U.S Cellular Field. Los Angeles was led by the trio of Gary Matthews, Jr., Torii Hunter and Casey Kotchamn with 2 hits apiece while Vladimir Guerrero belted his 7th home run of the season. The aforementioned Weaver (4-5) picked up the win, pitching 8 innings while allowing only 3 hits, walking 2 while striking out 6; Rodriguez notched his AL-leading 21st save of the season. Jim Thome, Nick Swisher and Brian Anderson provided a hit apiece for Chicago; John Danks (3-4) took the loss as he pitched 5 innings, allowing 5 hits, 2 earned runs, walking 2 while striking out 4. Los Angeles (30-21) plays again on Sunday as they face Chicago (26-22); John Lackey (1-0) gets the start for the Angels while Jose Contreras (5-3) will start for the White Sox.

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Posted by Stephen G. Rhodes at 8:02 AM | | Comments

Litsch Pitches Complete Game, Blue Jays Blank Royals 6-0



If anything else, the Toronto Blue Jays are getting lots of innings from their starting rotation as of late - Roy Halladay and Jesse Litsch especially. Along with the innings eaten up by the aforementioned pitchers, good results followed them. Litsch on Saturday pitched a complete game, allowing only 7 hits, as Toronto shut out the Kansas City Royals 6-0 at Rogers Centre. Toronto was led by Aaron Hill as he went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored while Brad Wilkerson went 1-for-4 with a grand slam home run, driving home 4 while scoring once. The aforementioned Litsch (6-1) pitched 9 innings of 7-hit ball to pick up the win. Kansas City was led by Mark Grudzielanek with 2 hits, including a double. Luke Hochevar (3-4) took the loss for the Royals as he pitched 6 innings, allowing 6 hits, 5 earned runs, walking 4 while striking out 4. Toronto (26-25) looks to take 4 in a row from Kansas City (21-28) as they host the Royals on Sunday; Dustin McGowan (2-4) takes the mound for the Blue Jays while Gil Meche (3-6) gets the start for the Royals.

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Posted by Stephen G. Rhodes at 7:41 AM | | Comments

Friday, May 23, 2008

White Sox Stretch Streak To Eight With Sweep Of Tribe



Carlos Quentin and Jermaine Dye singled in runs in the eighth inning to propel the streaking White Sox to a 3-1 win over the Indians at U.S. Cellular Field. Quentin also had an RBI groundout in the first for Chicago, which completed a three-game sweep with its eighth straight win overall. Mark Buehrle allowed just two hits and one run over seven innings, but Scott Linebrink picked up the win with a scoreless eighth. Bobby Jenks worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his 12th save. Aaron Laffey gave up six hits and two runs in seven-plus frames to take the tough-luck loss. Grady Sizemore doubled in the only run for Cleveland in the third.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:29 AM | | Comments

Blue Jays Edge Angels 4-3

Lyle Overbay hit a go-ahead solo homer in the sixth inning to back six innings of three-run ball from A.J. Burnett as the Blue Jays edged the Angels 4-3 at Rogers Centre. Burnett scattered six hits and struck out six to improve to 5-and-4 on the season. B.J. Ryan closed it out with a perfect ninth for his 10th save. Toronto blew an early 3-0 lead before salvaging the finale of the three-game series. Ervin Santana struck out seven, but gave up nine hits and all four runs in six innings to take the loss. Sean Rodriguez and Maicer Izturis plated a run each in the fifth inning, and Jeff Mathis singled in the tying run in the sixth for Los Angeles.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:29 AM | | Comments

Yanks Get Walk-Off Win Against O's



Robinson Cano singled in the Hideki Matsui with the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth to lift the Yankees to a 2-1 victory over the Orioles in the finale of a three-game set at Yankee Stadium. Matsui had had two hits and scored both runs for the Yanks, who took the final two games of the series. Starter Ian Kennedy allowed just one run over six innings. Mariano Rivera pitched a scoreless ninth to get the win. Freddie Bynum had an RBI triple for the O's, who have lost three of their last four. Brian Burres got a no-decision after pitching seven-and-two-thirds innings of one-run ball. Jim Johnson absorbed the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:28 AM | | Comments

"Dice-K" Stays Perfect, BoSox Hold Off Royals



J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell both smacked grand slams as the Red Sox held off the Royals 11-8, sweeping the four-game series at Fenway Park. Drew and Lowell became the first Red Sox teammates since 1984 to hit slams in the same game at Fenway. Lowell finished with three hits and three runs scored for the Red Sox, who have won seven straight overall. Daisuke Matsuzaka struck out seven over five-and-two-thirds innings, yielding three runs on six hits to up his mark to 8-and-0. Jonathan Papelbon tossed a scoreless ninth for his 14th save. Miguel Olivo went 3-for-5 with a three-run homer and five RBI for Kansas City, which has lost five-of-six. Jose Guillen hit a solo homer, drove in three and scored three runs in defeat. Brian Bannister was lit up for seven runs and 12 hits in five-and-a-third frames to drop to 4-and-6.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:27 AM | | Comments

Hamilton's 10th-Inning Homer Gives Rangers Win



Josh Hamilton drove in two runs, including the eventual game-winner on a 10th-inning solo homer, to lead the Rangers to an 8-7 win over the Twins at the Metrodome. Hamilton and David Murphy each had three hits as Texas earned a split in the four-game set. Joaquin Benoit worked two innings of relief for the win while C.J. Wilson picked up his ninth save. Carlos Gomez went 4-for-5 with a solo home run and plated two more runs for Minnesota in the loss. Starter Livan Hernandez did not factor in the loss, although he allowed six runs, five earned, on 10 hits over five and-a-third innings. Brian Bass was hung with his first career loss, which was the Twins' fourth defeat in their last six games.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:26 AM | | Comments

Inge Leads Tigers To Sweep Of Mariners

Brandon Inge clubbed a three-run homer and Matt Joyce added a two-run shot as the Tigers crushed the Mariners 9-2 for a three-game sweep at Comerica Park. Magglio Ordonez had a pair of RBI doubles as Detroit won its fourth game in five tries. Jeremy Bonderman went six innings for his third win, giving up two runs on eight hits. Freddy Dolsi picked up his first career save the hard way, working three innings of hitless ball. Raul Ibanez had Seattle's only RBI, and hit into a double play that scored the team's second run. Miguel Batista lasted just three innings as he dropped to 3-and-6. He allowed five runs, four earned, on seven hits as the M's lost their sixth game in their last nine tries.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:26 AM | | Comments

Phillies Slip Past 'Stros With Two-Run Eighth



Pat Burrell snapped a 5-all tie with a solo homer in the top of the eighth inning as the Phillies beat the Astros 7-5 at Minute Maid Park. Chase Utley singled in an insurance run for Philadelphia, which opened the four-game set with its third straight win. Ryan Howard went 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and three runs scored for the Phils. Chad Durbin got the win in relief and Brad Lidge nailed it down for his 12th save. Wesley Wright took the loss for Houston, which had won three of its previous four games. Ty Wigginton went 3-for-4 with two RBI for the 'Stros, and Lance Berkman added three hits to raise his batting average to .388.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:25 AM | | Comments

Miller, Marlins Baffle Diamondbacks Again



Justin Miller threw seven shutout innings as the Marlins completed a three-game sweep of the Diamondbacks with a 4-0 victory at Dolphin Stadium. Miller allowed just five hits and struck out a career-high nine to up his record to 4-and-3 with the win. Alfredo Amezaga went 3-for-3 and Jorge Cantu drove in two as Florida improved to 27-and-19 on the season. Orlando Hudson and Augie Ojeda had two hits apiece for Arizona, which scored just three runs the entire series. Dan Haren surrendered all four runs in six-and-a-third innings to take the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:24 AM | | Comments

Braves Complete Four-Game Sweep Of Mets



Chipper Jones singled in the go-ahead score in a three-run seventh inning as the Braves beat the Mets 4-2 to complete a four-game sweep at Turner Field. Mark Tiexiera singled in an insurance run for Atlanta, which has won five in a row and six of its last seven games. Kelly Johnson finished 3-for-4 with an RBI in the win. Tim Hudson scattered seven hits and struck out four over eight innings of two-run ball to improve to 7-and-3 with the win. Will Ohman recorded the final out for his his first save. Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado hit back-to-back homers in the second for New York, which was outscored 27-to-9 in the series. Johan Santana gave up 12 hits and all four runs in seven frames to take the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:20 AM | | Comments

Pirates Double Up Brewers

Jason Bay blasted a two-run shot and Xavier Nady added a solo shot to power the Pirates to a 8-4 win over the Brewers at PNC Park. Chris Gomez plated two runs and Nate McLouth went 4-for-4 with three runs scored as Pittsburgh salvaged the finale of the three-game series to snap a three-game skid. Tom Gorzelanny evened his record at 4-and-4 with the win, tossing five innings of eight-hit, two-run ball. Corey Hart and Richie Weeks both slammed solo home runs for Milwaukee in the setback. Dave Bush took the loss, giving up six runs on nine hits in five innings of work. The Brew Crew has dropped six of its last eight games.

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

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Interview with "Working at the Ballpark" Author Tom Jones



1. How did your idea to do this book come about?

While in graduate school at the University of Arizona, I took a class in 1974 called “Sociology of Work.” The professor assigned readings from Studs Terkel’s oral history book Working. I expected the book to merely be another assignment, but I was immediately moved by the powerful voices of Terkel’s interviewees. Each person, regardless of their occupation, had a personal story to share about the details of their day at work, and also what their job meant to them. Over the years, I’ve reread sections of Working and have been moved each time about the honest accounts of the people Terkel interviewed.

I remember taking my oldest daughter, Sarah, to Giants games to Candlestick Park in San Francisco. Except for Opening Day and when the Dodgers were in town, it always was possible to buy cheap tickets, get into the game, and then after the first few innings find better seats closer to the playing field. We befriended a Giants usher name John (his primary job was to ring a cable car bell over the stadium speaker system each time a Giants player scored) who recognized us and always would keep his eye out for empty choice seats in the home plate area for us.

On game day, it takes about 800 people---like John--plus the 25 players on each baseball team, to produce a game for 40,000 fans. I wanted to know why people, regardless of their position in a team’s hierarchy, chose a major league baseball stadium as their place of work. That’s their job site, whether their making millions, or barely getting by.

Thus, Studs Terkel and John the bell ringer were my inspirations for Working at the Ballpark.

2. How long did it take you to compile all the stories for the book?

The interviews were conducted during the 2006-2007 major league seasons.

3. Was the book well received by those that you interviewed? Anyone tough to get things out of?

Generally, the ushers, vendors, groundskeepers—those who rarely apeak with the media—spoke freely and easily. The coaches usually were quickly entertaining, informative, and chatty. Front office staff tended to be guarded initially, seemingly concerned how their words might reflect on their teams; while players commonly were at first sensitive about how an interview might reflect on them personally.

I explained to each person that I wasn’t seeking controversy; rather I wanted to talk about baseball and their jobs. I wasn’t looking for a story; I was looking for their story. We talked primarily about three questions: What do you do for a living? How did you get into this line of work? What does the job mean to you? From there, we simply talked.

Since the book was released in April 2008, it has been well received by the people interviewed. They’ve told me they appreciate how honestly their words are reflected in the book.

4. The foward by Nolan Ryan is fantastic, how did you get him to agree to do it?

I approached Nolan through the Triple-A team he owns: the Round Rock Express. I already had interviewed Ron “Papa Jack” Jackson while Papa Jack was the hitting coach for the Red Sox. At the end of the 2006 season, his contract was not renewed so Nolan hired him as the hitting coach for the Express (Nolan and Papa Jack are longtime friends, having played together with the Angels). In the book, I include a follow-up interview with Papa Jack about having worked in the big leagues and then working again in the minors.

5. Who was the most interesting person you interviewed?

I came to like each person very much. It’s difficult to select one as the most interesting because so many gave candid self-protraits, from Steve Calovsky talking about his job as a beer vendor for the Milwaukee Brewers, Peter Magowan as the principal owner of the San Francisco Giants, Derrick Turnbow on his struggles as a closer, to Leo Mazzone’s sage pitching advice, Jim Fregosi’s scouting of players, and Jim Trdinich of the Pittsburgh Pirates talking about the tension in the clubhouse between players and the media.

I especially enjoyed Johnny “from Connecticut” talking about being a ticket hustler (he wouldn’t give his last name). And there is 11-time Gold Glove winner Omar Vizquel telling about why changing glove models so late in his career gives him an edge, and also outfielder Eric Byrnes sharing about how tough holding onto a major league baseball job can be: “It's very, very simple. I mean, shoot, it’s just really trying to play the game as long as you can, and enjoying every minute of it. It's a grind because you constantly have to produce, you know. You’re constantly measured by your next performance. If you don’t stay on top of your game, it will wash you out quick. Each day, it's a battle to come out here and perform. One or two things to help the team win a game, and if you do that you can continue to have a job. If you don’t, the game could turn on you quickly.”

I should add that I truly enjoyed interviewing umpire Fieldin Culbreth talking about the stresses of his job. In his slow, southern South Carolina voice he said, “I am absolutely amazed at just how tough it is. I think people think, ‘Well, hell, it’s just a strike or a ball, what can be so tough about that? ’You’re talking about the best players in the world. [Randy] Johnson isn’t just throwing that thing over the plate just to be throwing it over the plate. He’s trying to make it do different things and doing it at 95 to 100 miles per hour, and I’m supposed to tell you if it’s a ball or a strike in this imaginary box out in space with this thing that’s lying on the ground .And there’s somebody in front of me and somebody to the side of me. It’s a whole lot more complex than it seems.”

I also interviewed Colleen Reilly, a public affairs assistant with the Boston Red Sox. I hadn’t planned to interview her, but she was ushered into an office to talk with me when a front office employee I had been interviewing was called away to meet with the team’s president. She was nervous about being interviewed and I hadn’t given any thought to her kind of job. To gather a few minutes to think about how to approach this interview, I suggested we move outside her office setting to find a couple of empty seats along the third baseline at Fenway Park. Feeling that afternoon’s gentle breeze passing though the stands reminded Colleen of a young boy named Jesse who was losing his sight and hearing, and was the biggest Red Sox fan in his class. On page 319 of the book, you can almost hear Colleen speak loving about Jesse. Listen: “…Jesse is this young fella from New Hampshire that I met a few years ago. Fourteen. He loved the Red Sox. He had this very quiet, humble, refreshing passion. There’s a lot of ways that people express their passion, and sometimes in someone’s quiet presence it’s even more powerful than it is in someone’s hollering, ranting, sign waving. I’m not judging that, but there is something about Jesse that inspired me. It renewed my passion for the job.

Jesse was losing his sight and his hearing and did not let that deter him from playing ball, or any other pursuits in his life. Something I loved about his company was his genuine delight in the now. He came to visit the park a couple of weeks ago with his fellow classmates, his beautiful mom and grandmother, and his terrific teacher.

So we went out to home plate, and we felt grass, dirt, and took a tour of
the ballpark. We were filming it because I wanted to Jesse to be on “Red Sox
Stories” for two reasons: One, I wanted to honor how special he was, simply; and two, I believed in the inspiration that he would be to other people. It was glowing. It was morning—a gorgeous June summer morning. June has a feeling like no other month. The way the grass smells after it’s watered, or the guys run their laps. The thing about my presence that day was I wanted to let go of my vision—like the wind that’s moving through the park right now. It sort of kisses your skin.”

6. Was there any job or position that you interviewed for the book that really surprised you and blew you away?

I wasn’t really surprised at the types of jobs people have in baseball. I was surprised at how honestly revealing so many of the people are. They opened themselves up.

One surprise I had was interviewing Todd Hutcheson, the head trainer for the San Diego Padres. His detailed descriptions of helping pitchers Jake Peavy and Trevor Hoffman prepare for games are fascinating. Todd almost helps them disassemble, and then reassemble, their arms between games.

7. Anyone that you really wanted for the book that you just couldn't get on the same page with?

At first, I wasn’t sure how I would carry out the interviews with managers, coaches, and players because I knew they generally only give the media a few minutes of conversation—for a quick quote to a newspaper beat writer or a sound bite to a radio interviewer. I needed at least 30 minutes for my work. Most interviews lasted 60 to 90 minutes.

These interviews all were conducted either in a team’s clubhouse or dugout before a game, while they were preparing for that day’s game so sometimes it was difficult engaging a player or a manager in this kind of book. They already were on the job working, whether it was going over scouting reports, getting ready for batting practice, or maybe finishing stretching. I had to build trust immediately, or an interview wouldn’t happen.

It was difficult only a couple of times to get a lengthy interview. For example, I was told by Boston Red Sox staff that Alex Cora agreed to be interviewed. A few hours before a night game, I approached Alex as was getting dressed for batting practice. About three minutes into the interview he said, “This isn’t working for me.” I understood and appreciated his honesty because he realized that the oral history format of the book would take longer than the brief quote he might typically give to a newspaper beat reporter.

There also was third baseman Jeff Cirillo who asked teasingly what I was doing in the Milwaukee Brewers’ clubhouse, and later stopped me on his way to the field to volunteer an impromptu interview about the reason he wears a tattered T-shirt that reads “No More Stinking Tacos,” under his uniform top (it has to do with a time when he joined a team in Mexico under the assumed name of Jake Taylor—a fictional player in the movie Major League—so he could rid himself of a toe-tap habit that nearly ruined his hitting career. Cirillo and I tried to meet again—this time after he signed with the Minnesota Twins—but he was too rushed to complete the interview because he preparing for that day’s game, being interrupted by a reporter and other players, eating a sandwich, and at the same time, trying to focus on our conversation.

8. How did you do a lot of the interviews? Phone, email, in-person?

All but two interviews were held face to face, usually in clubhouses and dugouts for the managers, coaches, and players. For example, the first half of the two-part interview with Ron Jackson occurred in the summer of 2006 when he was the hitting coach for the Boston Red Sox. We sat in the stands, on the first base side, at Fenway Park. After his contract was not renewed by the Sox at the end of the season, I caught up with him the next year to talk about his new job with the Triple-A Round Rock Express. This time, we sat on metal folding chairs in a parking lot, at a minor league stadium. Boston Globe sports columnist Dan Shaughnessy invited me to his house where he gave the first interview for the book. When ticket hustler Johnny “from Connecticut” heard someone wanted to talk about his trade, he unexpectedly appeared on Brookline Avenue in Boston during the early innings of a Mets-Red Sox interleague game. While he was on the road, umpire Fieldin Culbreth agreed to meet in his hotel room to talk about calling balls and strikes. Padres’ CEO Sandy Alderson spoke on the field during batting practice at PETCO Park before a game against the Mariners. Bob Watson talked while we sat in the commissioner’s office in New York on a late Friday afternoon. And Philadelphia sports talk show host Howard Eskin took time before his afternoon show, and during commercial breaks while on the air, to describe what he does for a living.

I interviewed Bob Boone of the Washington Nationals and architect Joe Spear by phone.

9. Any thoughts of a follow up?

I’m not planning a follow-up to Working at the Ballpark, however, I’m nearing completion of a new book called Risky Living. Risky Living is about people who have physically risky jobs. I want to know what a day at work is like for them, why they do what they do, and what they feel about it. For example, I’ve interviewed one of the only three female rescue swimmers in the U.S. Coast Guard. She’s made daring rescues in the cold Alaskan waters. I’ve also interviewed a brave American soldier who was wounded while helping fellow Marines in the major battle known as Operation Phantom Fury at Fullujah, Iraq. Other interviews include a storm chaser, crab fisherman, bounty hunter, world champion bull rider, electrical power lineman, Blue Angels pilot, and a hockey player. In the coming weeks, I’ll be interviewing a coal miner, logger, forest firefighter, prison guard, war correspondent, NASCAR driver, and a high-rise window wisher.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 12:22 PM | | Comments

Angels Nip Blue Jays Again



Vladimir Guerrero hit a solo homer in the first inning and a three-run shot in the third as the Angels edged the Blue Jays 4-3 in the middle test of a three-game set at Rogers Centre. Jon Garland got the win for the Angels, who won their third straight game despite managing only four hits. Garland yielded three runs on eight hits over six innings to improve to 5-and-3 with the win. Francisco Rodriguez closed things out to notch his MLB-leading 19th save. Shaun Marcum struck out seven over six-and-two-thirds innings, but allowed all four runs to fall to 4-and-3 with the loss. The Jays have dropped two in-a-row.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:57 AM | | Comments

Yankees Moving Chamberlain Into Starting Rotation

Yankees phenom Joba Chamberlain has begun the process of moving out of the bullpen and into the starting rotation. Chamberlain worked two scoreless innings of relief during Wednesday's 8-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles, and the team announced after the game that his transition to the rotation is underway. Chamberlain, who had been used as Mariano Rivera's primary set-up man, worked the extra frame to begin stretching out his arm. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that moving Chamberlain to the rotation was the plan all along, but it will take some time for his arm to be ready to handle the workload of a starter. The 22-year-old Chamberlain is 1-and-2 with a 2.66 ERA over 18 games this season.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:56 AM | | Comments

Tigers Topple Mariners 9-4



Marcus Thames clubbed a grand slam as part of a seven-run third inning as the Tigers trampled the Mariners 9-4 in second installment of a three-game set at Comerica Park. Brandon Inge had two hits, drove in two and scored once for Detroit, which has won two straight and three-of-four overall. Kenny Rogers allowed all four runs on eight hits over five-and-a-third-innings, but still improved to 4-and-4 with the win. Yuniesky Betancourt and Richie Sexson each hit solo shots for Seattle in the lopsided loss. Jarrod Washburn was shelled for 12 hits and nine runs in less than three innings to fall to 2-and-6 with the setback.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:55 AM | | Comments

Colon Wins Red Sox Debut



Bartolo Colon threw five solid innings in his Boston debut as the Red Sox doubled up the Kansas City Royals 6-3 at Fenway Park. Colon allowed two runs on six hits with four walks and two strikeouts over five innings to pick up the win. Jason Varitek hit a solo home run, and Jacoby Ellsbury had three hits, including a homer, and scored three times, as the BoSox improved to 30-and-19 with their sixth straight victory. Joey Gathright had two hits and scored all three runs for the Royals, who have dropped the first three of the four-game set. Brett Tomko gave up five runs over four-and-a-third innings to fall to 2-and-5 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:53 AM | | Comments

A-Rod, Rasner Lead Yankees Over Orioles



Alex Rodriguez homered for the second straight game to back seven scoreless innings from Darrell Rasner as the Yankees roughed up the Orioles 8-0 at Yankee Stadium. Rasner scattered five hits while striking out six to improve to 3-and-0 with the victory. Rodriguez smacked three hits, drove in two and scored twice as New York snapped a four-game losing streak. After leaving in the third inning of Tuesday's game when he was hit by a pitch, Derek Jeter plated a run and scored another in the win. Garrett Olson failed to make it out of the third inning, getting rocked for six runs on eight hits and three walks to suffer his first loss for the O's.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:52 AM | | Comments

A's Pound Rays 9-1 in Oakland



Jack Cust homered twice to back Dana Eveland's first career complete game as the Athletics crushed the Rays 9-1 at McAfee Coliseum. Eveland struck out five while giving up just one run on three hits to up his mark to 4-and-3 with the win. Cust hit a pair of two-run homers, while Jack Hannahan added a solo shot for the A's, who salvaged the finale of the three-game set. Bobby Crosby went 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored in the victory. Jonny Gomes' solo homer in the eighth was all the offense for Tampa Bay. Andy Sonnanstine was lit up for seven runs and nine hits over six frames to drop to 6-and-2 on the year.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:51 AM | | Comments

Young, Padres Knocked Out By Cardinals



Ryan Ludwick and Troy Glaus drove in three runs each as the Cardinals cruised to an 11-3 win over the Padres at Petco Park. Scott Schumaker went 4-for-5 and scored twice for St. Louis, which took two-of-three in the series. Aaron Miles added three hits and scored twice for the Redbirds. Braden Looper pitched five innings of three-run ball for his sixth win. Chris Young gave up three runs in two-and-a-third innings, but left the game with a broken nose after taking a line drive to the face off the bat of Albert Pujols. Adrian Gonzalez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and three RBI for San Diego, which has lost six of its last eight games. The Pads also lost catcher Josh Bard to a sprained ankle when Pujols slid into his leg on a play at the plate. San Diego is 17-and-31.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:50 AM | | Comments

Marlins Hand Webb First Loss



Cody Ross' solo homer in the fifth inning held up as the Marlins handed Brandon Webb his first loss of the season with a 3-1 win over the Diamondbacks at Dolphin Stadium. Webb gave up three runs on six hits over seven frames to fall to 9-and-1 on the year. He was trying to become the first pitcher since Andy Hawkins in 1985 to win his first 10 starts. Matt Treanor and Luis Gonzalez also plated runs for the Fish, who have won three of their last four games. Ricky Nolasco fanned seven over seven innings of three-hit, one-run ball to even his record at 3-and-3. Kevin Gregg closed it out for his ninth save. Stephen Drew had three hits, including a solo homer, for Arizona, which will try to avoid a three-game sweep on Thursday.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:49 AM | | Comments

Braves Bash Mets 11-4 at Turner Field



Brian McCann went 3-for-4 with two RBI and three runs scored as the Braves bashed the Mets 11-4 at Turner Field. Jeff Francoeur finished a double short of the cycle and drove in four runs for Atlanta, which has won the first three in the four-game set. Chipper Jones hit his 398th career home run in the victory. Jair Jurrjens hurled seven innings of five-hit, two-run ball to improve to 5-and-3. David Wright and Carlos Beltran each went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored for New York, which fell to 22-and-22 with the loss. Mike Pelfrey was knocked around for eight hits and six runs in just four innings to drop to 2-and-5 with the setback.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:48 AM | | Comments

Sheets Shines, Brewers Best Pirates



Ben Sheets gave up just one run in a complete game effort as the Brewers downed the Pirates 4-1 in the middle test of a three-game series at PNC Park. Sheets struck out six while scattering 11 hits and a run to move to 5-and-1 with the win. Rickie Weeks homered and Ryan Braun tripled home a run for Milwaukee, which has won two in-a-row on the heels of a five-game skid. J.J. Hardy and Corey Hart also plated a run each in the victory. Xavier Nady hit a solo homer for the Pirates, who have lost three straight. Ian Snell permitted four runs, but just two earned, on nine hits over six frames to dip to 2-and-3 on the year.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:47 AM | | Comments

Giants Edge Rockies In 10



Omar Vizquel plated the decisive run in the top of the 10th inning as the Giants rallied past the Rockies, 3-2, in the rubber match of a three-game set at Coors Field. San Francisco battled back from two runs down in the ninth inning when Bengie Molina hit an RBI single and Steve Holm laced a pinch-hit run-scoring double. Tyler Walker tossed a perfect inning of relief to improve to 2-and-2 with the win. Brian Wilson closed things out to notch his 14th save. The Giants have won two straight on the heels of a of a six-game losing streak. Ubaldo Jimenez tossed seven innings of three-hit, shutout ball, but Brian Fuentes spoiled the outing by giving up both runs in the ninth. Matt Herges allowed the winning run to fall to 2-and-1 with the loss. Matt Holliday and Jeff Baker had an RBI apiece for Colorado, which is only 18-and-29 on the season.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:46 AM | | Comments

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Detroit Drills Seattle 12-8



Edgar Renteria went 4-for-4 with five RBI as the Tigers mashed the Mariners 12-8 in the opener of a three-game set at Comerica Park. Renteria also scored twice and finished just a double short of the cycle. Curtis Granderson homered and drove in three, and Carlos Guillen and Magglio Ordonez each belted solo homers for Detroit, which built an 11-1 lead in the sixth inning and hung on to win for only the second time in eight games. Justin Verlander fanned seven over six innings of four-hit, one-run ball to improve to 2-and-7. Adrian Beltre went deep, knocked in three and scored twice for Seattle, which had won its previous two games. Carlos Silva was lit up for seven runs in four innings to fall to 3-and-3 with the loss.

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

BoSox Nip Royals 2-1 at Fenway



Julio Lugo and Coco Crisp both plated a run in the second inning and the Red Sox held on for a 2-1 victory over the Royals at Fenway Park. Justin Masterson improved to 1-and-0 after allowing just one run on three hits over five-and-a-third innings. Jonathan Papelbon struck out three of the final four hitters to notch his 13th save. The Red Sox have won five in-a-row to climb to 29-and-19 on the season. Alex Gordon went 3-for-3 with a walk for the Royals, who have lost three of their last four games. Gil Meche allowed two runs while striking out eight over seven frames to take the tough-luck loss and fall to 3-and-6.

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

Orioles Blow Out Yankees In A-Rod's Return



Adam Jones went 4-for-5 with four RBI as the Orioles spoiled Alex Rodriguez's return to the Yankees with a 12-2 trouncing at Yankee Stadium. Luke Scott smashed a two-run homer and scored three times, and Kevin Millar added a solo shot, as Baltimore won for the fifth time in six tries. Daniel Cabrera worked seven strong innings to improve to 5-and-1 win the win. Rodriguez provided the only offense for New York with a two-run homer in the in the sixth inning. Seven runs crossed the plate on Mike Mussina in the first inning, but only one was earned. Mussina lasted just two-thirds of an inning and dropped to 6-and-4 with the loss. Derek Jeter left the game after being hit by a pitch on the left wrist in the bottom of the third. The benches cleared in the sixth after Yankees pitcher LaTroy Hawkins threw inside twice to Scott. Hawkins was immediately ejected. New York has lost four in-a-row to fall to 20-and-25.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:03 AM | | Comments

Giants Hold Off Rockies In Ninth 6-5



Aaron Rowand went 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI singles as the Giants held on for a 6-5 win over the Rockies at Coors Field. Fred Lewis homered in the ninth inning and Rowand singled in another to stake San Francisco to a 6-3 lead. Clint Barmes hit a two-run shot in the bottom half, but Brian Wilson hung on for his 13th save. Tim Lincecum gave up three runs in six innings to move to 6-and-1 with the win. Rich Aurilia also homered for the Giants, who snapped a six-game skid. Scott Podsednik, Todd Helton and Omar Quintanilla all had two hits for Colorado, which had won its previous three games. Aaron Cook took the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:59 AM | | Comments

Pence Powers Astros Past Cubs

Hunter Pence's grand slam in the fourth inning turned out to be all the runs the Astros would need to post a 4-2 win over the Cubs in the second-of-three at Minute Maid Park. Pence ended with three hits, and Lance Berkman had a hit and scored for Houston, which won for only the second time in five games. Chris Sampson allowed two runs over six-and-two-thirds innings to up his record to 3-and-3 with the win. Jose Valverde shut the door in the ninth to notch his 13th save. Aramis Ramirez hit a two-run homer to provide the offense for Chicago, which had won its previous two games. Ryan Dempster fanned five over six frames, but gave up Pence's blast to fall to 5-and-2 with the setback.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:59 AM | | Comments

Marlins Sink Diamondbacks 3-2



Dan Uggla's solo homer in the sixth inning proved to be the difference as the Marlins held off the Diamondbacks 3-2 in the opener of a three-game set at Dolphin Stadium. Uggla also doubled and scored twice for Florida, which has won three-of-four. Mark Hendrickson struck out seven over five innings of one-run ball to improve to 6-and-2. Kevin Gregg pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth before throwing a scoreless ninth to earn his 12th save. Chris Snyder homered for Arizona, which lost for just the second time in seven games. Micah Owings fanned 10, but gave up three runs in seven frames to take the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:58 AM | | Comments

Dobbs Pushes Phillies Past Nats 1-0



Greg Dobbs laced a pinch-hit RBI single in the top of the ninth inning to lift the Phillies to a 1-0 win over the Nationals in the second installment of a three-game series at Nationals Park. Cole Hamels fired seven innings of four-hit, shutout ball for Philadelphia, which put the brakes on a three-game skid. Hamels struckout 11 and walked only two in the no-decision. Tom Gordon tossed a scoreless inning of relief to move to 4-and-2 with the win. Brad Lidge closed things out for his 11th save. Jason Bergmann also pitched seven scoreless innings for Washington, but did not factor in the decision. Jon Rauch allowed the decisive run to suffer his first loss for the Nats, who had won their previous two games.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:53 AM | | Comments

Brewers Pound Pirates 7-2



Mike Cameron went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer as the Brewers beat the Pirates 7-2 in the first of a three-game series at PNC Park. Corey Hart also went yard and scored twice as Milwaukee snapped a five-game skid. Manny Parra evened his record at 2-and-2, scattering four hits and striking out six over five-and-two-thirds innings of shutout ball. Jason Bay hit a two-run homer to account for the Pittsburgh offense. The Bucs have lost three-of-four. Paul Maholm fell to 2-and-5 with the loss. Both teams are 21-and-24 on the season.

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

Braves Complete Day-Night Sweep Of Mets



Jorge Campillo tossed six shutout innings for his first major league win as the Braves completed a day-night doubleheader sweep of the Mets with a 6-2 win in the nightcap at Turner Field. Mark Kotsay homered and Kelly Johnson drove in two runs for Atlanta, which has won three in-a-row. Campillo allowed just three hits and struck out seven in just his second career start and first since August of 2005. Manny Acosta got the final four outs for his third save. Claudio Vargas gave up four runs in five innings to take the loss. Ramon Castro and Jose Reyes each plated runs in defeat. Mets outfielder Ryan Church suffered a mild concussion when he collided with Yunel Escobar on Damion Easley's game ending double play. The Braves won the first game 6-1 behind six solid innings from former Met Tom Glavine.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:51 AM | | Comments

Glavine Strong As Braves Beat Mets



Veteran Tom Glavine was solid against his old team, holding the Mets to a run on three hits, as the Braves won the opener of a day-night doubleheader 6-1 at Turner Field. Glavine struck out four over six innings for his second win of the year. Brian McCann had three RBI including a two-run home run as Atlanta won for the third time in its last four games. Luis Castillo's first-inning homer was all the scoring for New York, which had won its previous two games. Starter John Maine took the loss, allowing eight hits and four runs in four innings.

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

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Boston's Lester No-Hits Royals at Fenway



Jon Lester tossed the 18th no-hitter in Red Sox history in a 7-0 win over the Royals at Fenway Park. Lester walked two and struck out nine en route to the first complete game of his career. The 24-year-old Lester, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma during his rookie season in 2006, is the first pitcher this season to throw a no-hitter, and the first since teammate Clay Buchholz accomplished the feat on September 1st, 2007 against the Baltimore Orioles. The Royals were no-hit only one other time in team history. Nolan Ryan completed a no-no while with the California Angels on May 15th, 1973. Jason Varitek was 2-for-3 with a two-run homer for Boston, which reeled off its fourth straight win. Manny Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis each plated a run in the victory. Luke Hochevar was roughed up for seven runs on five hits and six walks over six innings to fall to 3-and-3 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:33 AM | | Comments

Pujols Pounds A Pair As Redbirds Pound Padres



Albert Pujols hit two of the Cardinals' four home runs in an 8-2 win over the Padres at Petco Park. Ryan Ludwick hit a two-run shot in the first inning, Cesar Izturis hit a solo shot in the fourth, and Pujols added solo blasts in the fifth and eighth as St. Louis won its third in-a-row. Todd Wellemeyer pitched six innings of two-run ball to improve to 5-and-1 with the win. Wil Ledezma gave up four runs in four innings to take the loss for San Diego, which owns the majors' worst record at 16-and-30. Brian Giles had two hits and an RBI for the Padres. Kahlil Greene also had two hits in the setback. The Padres have also put ace Jake Peavy on the 15-day DL with inflammation in his right elbow.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:32 AM | | Comments

Rockies Ruin Giants With Three-Run Sixth



Yorvit Torrealba doubled home the go-ahead runs to cap a three-run sixth inning as the Rockies rallied for a 4-3 win over the Giants at Coors Field. Garrett Atkins' RBI single brought Colorado to within 3-2 before Torrealba's two-run, two-bagger put the Rockies ahead. Clint Barmes hit a solo homer for Colorado, which notched its third straight win. Jason Grilli got the win in relief and Brian Fuentes his sixth save. Vinnie Chulk fell to 0-and-3 with the loss for San Francisco, which has dropped six in a row and seven of its last eight. Randy Winn homered and drove in two for the Giants in defeat.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:32 AM | | Comments

Redding, Nats Shut Out Phillies



Tim Redding and three relievers combined to toss a seven-hit shutout as the Nationals blanked the Phillies 4-0 in the opener of a three-game series at Nationals Park. Redding struck out two in six-and-a-third innings of duty to improve to 6-and-3 on the season. Lastings Milledge plated a pair of runs and Dmitri Young drove in a run for Washington, which has won back-to-back games. Cristian Guzman scored three times in the victory. Brett Myers gave up three runs on eight hits in six frames to suffer the loss for Philadelphia. Chase Utley, Shane Victorino and Geoff Jenkins had two hits each for the Phils, who have lost three in-a-row.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:29 AM | | Comments

Cubs Crush Astros 7-2 in Houston



Geovany Soto blasted a three-run, inside-the-park home run to back five-plus frames of two-run ball from Ted Lilly as the Cubs beat the Astros 7-2 in the first of three at Minute Maid Park. Lilly scattered four hits with six strikeouts to improve to 5-and-4 on the season. Aramis Ramirez slammed a two-run shot in the ninth and scored twice for Chicago, which has won two straight and nine of its last 11 games. Carlos Lee and Michael Bourn knocked in a run apiece for Houston in the setback. Brian Moehler gave up three runs in five innings to take the loss. The 'Stros have lost three of their last four games. Lance Berkman's 17-game hitting streak and Hunter Pence's 16-game streak both came to an end in the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:28 AM | | Comments

Monday, May 19, 2008

ESPN: BBTN Minute: Lester, Red Sox Make History

Posted by Jeff Sack at 11:20 PM | | Comments

ESPN: Jon Lester Reacts After Tossing A No-Hitter Vs. Kansas City

Posted by Jeff Sack at 11:17 PM | | Comments

Friday, May 16, 2008

Book Review: Hammerin Hank, George Almighty and The Say Hey Kid



If you love baseball history, or have someone that you know that loves the genuine history of the game, take a flyer on a book by John Rosengren - Hammerin Hank, George Almighty and The Say Hey Kid. I know for one that this is going to make a fabulous Father's Day gift for the baseball fan that is also a Dad! The book is a great look back at the 1973 season, a year that as Rosengren puts it - "Changed baseball Forever."

So what exactly took place in 73 that could make up a 312-page book you ask? Really what didn't take place that season? It was the year that focused on the race for Hank Aaron, a man on a pace to take over the home run title from the beloved Babe Ruth. Aaron faced threats day in and day out due to his race, but not only did he overcome it, but he also faced it and conquered it and took the record for homers and made it his own.

That's not all that happened in 73. From highlighting some of the biggest and best stars in the game - Reggie Jackson, Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda, Pete Rose and others, Rosengren puts his stamp on some of the great stories and talents of the game from that season. He also paints a great picture on the exciting races that engulfed baseball that season, making you can't wait to read how it all ended.

Bottom line is "Hammerin Hank, George Almighty and The Say Hey Kid" is a great story with great profiles about what ended up as one of the most historical seasons in baseball history that came at a pivotal point in our countries history. Father's Day, Birthday, or just for a great read, check out "Hammerin Hank, George Almighty and The Say Hey Kid" at a bookstore, or on Amazon.com today!

Here is the amazon.com link

Posted by Matt Loede at 11:49 AM | | Comments

Royals Double Up Tigers 8-4



Jose Guillen used a solo home run and a bases-loaded walk to help drive in three runs and lead the Royals to a 8-4 victory over the Tigers at Kauffman Stadium. Billy Butler drove in two for Kansas City, which scored five of their runs in the first two innings. Gil Meche improved to 3-and-5 with the win. Over seven frames, he struck out six while giving up three runs on six hits. The Royals swept the three-game series with the AL Central-rival Tigers and won their fourth straight game. Matt Joyce homered for Detroit and plated two runs. Kenny Rogers took the loss, which was the Bengals' fourth straight setback. Over four innings, he allowed seven runs on 11 hits.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:25 AM | | Comments

Rays Take Three-Of-Four From Yankees



Shawn Riggans smacked a two-run homer and scored twice as the red-hot Rays downed the Yankees, 5-2, in the finale of a four-game set at Tropicana Field. Akinori Iwamura hit a solo shot, and B.J. Upton and Carl Crawford each plated a run for Tampa Bay, which took three-of-four in the series. Scott Kazmir tossed six scoreless innings to improve to 2-and-1 with the win. Troy Percival struck out two in the ninth en route to his 10th save of the year. The Rays have won seven of their last eight games to take a one-game lead over the idle Red Sox in the AL East. Melky Cabrera and Derek Jeter each hit RBI singles in the seventh inning for New York, which heads into this weekend's "Subway Series" with the Mets in last place in the AL East at 20-and-22. Ian Kennedy was tagged for all five runs on five hits over five frames to fall to 0-and-3.

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

Astros Rally Past Giants



Lance Berkman smacked a go-ahead solo homer in the top of the ninth inning as the Astros rallied past the Giants 8-7 in the finale of a four-game series at AT&T Park. Berkman knocked in three total for Houston, which overcame a six-run deficit to win three-of-four in the series. Carlos Lee hit a solo shot in the eighth inning and Darin Erstad followed with a pinch-hit, game-tying three-run bomb in the eighth. Tim Byrdak was credited with the win. Jose Valverde tossed a perfect ninth for his 11th save. Aaron Rowand went 2-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored, while John Bowker drove in three for the Giants, who have dropped eight-of-11. Omar Vizquel added three hits and three runs scored in defeat. Vinnie Chulk gave up the homer to Berkman to absorb the loss.

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

Pirates Rally Past Cards



Jason Bay smacked a pinch-hit, go-ahead, three-run homer in the eighth inning as the Pirates rallied past the Cardinals, 11-5, in the rubber match of a three-game set at Busch Stadium. Raul Chavez hit an RBI-double and Freddy Sanchez added a two-run single in the ninth. Nate McLouth clubbed his 11th homer of the season and Jason Michaels plated two runs for Pittsburgh, which has won eight of its last 10 games. Jason Grabow was credited with the win after recording the final two outs in the seventh. Chris Duncan doubled home a pair of runs and Troy Glaus had three hits and an RBI for the Cards, who have dropped four-of-five. Jason Isringhausen gave up four runs, three earned, while recording just one out in the eighth to absorb his sixth blown save and fifth loss.

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

Hamels Hurls Phils Past Braves



Cole Hamels tossed his first career complete-game shutout as the Phillies blanked the Braves 5-0 in the finale of a three-game set at Citizens Bank Park. Hamels scattered four hits and walked two while striking out six to improve to 5-and-3 with the victory. Pedro Feliz homered and drove in two, and Shane Victorino belted a two-run shot, as Philadelphia took two-of-three in the series to move to 23-and-19 on the season. Ryan Howard hit his ninth home run of the season in the win. Chuck James allowed all five runs on five hits and five walks over only four innings of work to fall to 2-and-3 with the loss. Atlanta dropped to 6-and-16 on the road and 20-and-20 overall with the setback.

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

Webb Moves To 9-and-0 As Snakes Sweep Rox



Brandon Webb took a shutout into the seventh inning and became the majors' first nine-game winner as the Diamondbacks hung on to beat the Rockies 8-5 at Chase Field. Webb struck out eight while allowing six hits and three runs in seven and a third innings to move to 9-and-0 on the season. Brandon Medders gave up two more in the ninth, but Brandon Lyon came on to get the final three outs and record his 12th save. Stephen Drew went 4-for-5 with an RBI and Chris Snyder slugged a three-run homer for Arizona, which leads the NL West by four and a half games. Aaron Cook was touched for 10 hits, four walks and five runs in five innings to fall to 6-and-2 with the loss. Clint Barmes and Scott Podsednik each had two hits and an RBI for Colorado, which had dropped five in-a-row to fall 11 games out in the division.

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

White Sox Nip Angels With Ninth-Inning Run



Jim Thome singled in the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth inning as the White Sox pulled out a 4-3 win over the Angels in the finale of a four-game set at the Big A. A.J. Pierzynski went 3-for-5 with an RBI for Chicago, which won the final two games to earn a series split. Octavio Dotel pitched an inning and a third of relief to get the win and Bobby Jenks closed it out for his eighth save. Francisco Rodriguez allowed the go-ahead score to suffer his first loss of the year. Garret Anderson and Casey Kotchman each had two hits and an RBI for Los Angeles, which has dropped six of its last eight games.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:12 AM | | Comments

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Soriano Homers, Lilly Whiffs 11 In Cubs' Win



Alfonso Soriano went 2-for-5 with a solo homer and three RBI to help power the Cubs to an 8-5 win over the Padres at Wrigley Field. Geovany Soto also homered and knocked in three for Chicago, which has won five of its last six games. Kosuke Fukudome had three hits and scored twice for the NL Central-leading Cubs. Ted Lilly struck out a season-high 11 over six innings of four-run ball to even his record at 4-and-4. Jake Peavy fanned eight but gave up seven hits and four runs in four frames to fall to 4-and-3 with the loss. Tadahito Iguchi went 2-for-5 with three RBI to lead San Diego.

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

Dodgers Dump Brewers With Three-Run Ninth



Juan Pierre doubled home the go-ahead runs in the top of the ninth and Andruw Jones plated an insurance run as the Dodgers rallied for a 6-4 win over the Brewers at Miller Park. Pierre finished 3-for-5 with three RBI and a stolen base for Los Angeles, which overcame a 4-1 deficit with two in the seventh and three in the ninth. Jonathan Broxton got credit for the win and Takashi Saito struck out two in a perfect ninth for his sixth save. Guillermo Mota gave up all three runs in the ninth to take the loss for Milwaukee, which had its winning streak stopped at three. Starter Manny Parra singled in two runs for the Crew.

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

Hochevar, Pen Tame Tigers

Rookie Luke Hochevar and three relievers combined on a six-hitter as the Royals blanked the Tigers 2-0 in the second-of-three at Kauffman Stadium. Hochevar scattered four hits and three walks with five strikeouts in six innings to improve to 3-and-2. Ron Mahay, Leo Nunez and Joakim Soria followed with an inning each, with Soria fanning two in the ninth for his 10th save. Joey Gathright's two-run single in the second provided the offense for Kansas City, which has won three in-a-row. Justin Verlander allowed just two runs in six innings, but fell to 1-and-7 with the loss. Miguel Cabrera had two of the six hits for Detroit, which did not have an extra-base hit and has lost nine-of-11.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:03 AM | | Comments

Wellemyer, Cards Pick Off Pirates



Todd Wellemeyer allowed just two hits and a run over seven solid innings to pitch the Cardinals to a 5-1 win over the Pirates at Busch Stadium. The right-hander walked three and struck out five to improve to 4-and-1 with the win. Troy Glaus and Cesar Izturis each had three hits and an RBI for St. Louis, which won for just the second time in its last eight games. Albert Pujols went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored for the Redbirds, who remain a game behind the Cubs in the NL Central. Paul Maholm allowed 11 hits and four runs in six innings to take the loss. Nate McLouth singled in the Pirates only run in the eighth innings. Pittsburgh was outhit 15-to-4.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:59 AM | | Comments

Reds Blow Big Lead, Beat Fish In 10



Making his major league debut, Paul Janish singled in the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Reds a 7-6 win over the Marlins at Great American Ball Park. It salvaged a bullpen meltdown in the ninth inning for Cincinnati, which blew a 6-0 lead when Florida scored six times in the top of the ninth off Mike Lincoln and Francisco Cordero. Cody Ross hit a three-run homer to cap the frame and tie the score at six for Florida. Jerry Hairston, Jr. went 3-for-4 with an RBI and Adam Dunn homered for the Reds. Jared Burton picked up the win in relief. Renyel Pinto gave up the winning run to take the loss for the Fish.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:58 AM | | Comments

Snakes Hold On To Nip Rox 4-3



Orlando Hudson had a two-run double and Micah Owings hurled six shutout innings as the Diamondbacks held on to beat the Rockies 4-3 at Chase Field. Owings scattered five hits and two walks with five strikeouts to move to 5-and-1 with the win. Four relievers followed, with Brandon Lyon surviving a two-hit ninth for his 11th save. Stephen Drew had two hits and Conor Jackson an RBI single for Arizona, which leads the majors at 25-and-15. Jorge De La Rosa gave up four runs in four-and-two-thirds frames to take the loss as Colorado lost its fourth in-a-row. Todd Helton had three hits and Scott Podsednik a two-run single for the Rox.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:57 AM | | Comments

Astros Pull Away Late To Beat Giants



Miguel Tejada singled in the go-ahead run in the seventh and Brad Ausmus added a two-run homer in the ninth as the Astros downed the Giants 6-3 at AT&T Park. Tejada also had a run-scoring single in the first and Lance Berkman followed with his 14th home run of the year to stake Houston to an early 3-0 lead. Aaron Rowand hit a two-run homer in a three-run second to get San Francisco even. Oscar Villarreal got the final out of the sixth to get credit for the win and Jose Valverde pitched the ninth for his 10th save. Jack Taschner was charged with the go-ahead run in the seventh to take the loss for San Fran.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:56 AM | | Comments

Quentin's Slam Propels Pale Hose



Carlos Quentin snapped a 1-1 tie with a grand slam in the eighth inning and the White Sox went on to beat the Angels 6-1 in Anaheim. Quentin also had an RBI single in the first inning and Nick Swisher added a solo homer in the ninth for Chicago, which stopped a three-game losing streak. Jose Contreras gave up just four hits and one run over seven innings to earn his fourth win. Scot Shields loaded the bases and gave up the grand slam in the eighth without recording an out to take the loss for LA. John Lackey pitched seven innings of six-hit, one-run ball in his season debut for the Halos. Mike Napoli's sac-fly plated the Angels' lone run.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:54 AM | | Comments

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Cubs Pound Padres 13-2



Alfonso Soriano slugged a go-ahead, two-run homer to ignite a six-run fifth inning as the Cubs went on to crush the Padres 13-2 at Wrigley Field. Chicago tacked on five more in the sixth inning to blow the game open and win its fourth in a row. Mark DeRosa went 2-for-4 with two RBI Geovany Soto singled in two as the Cubs banged out 13 hits. Carlos Zambrano had two hits and scored a run to help his own cause. He tossed seven innings of six-hit, three-run ball to improve to 6-and-1 with the win. Randy Wolf gave up eight hits, five walks and seven runs in four-plus frames to fall to take the loss. Jody Gerut went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and Scott Hairston had two for San Diego, which has lost 19 of its last 25.

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

Twins Take Three-Of-Four From Red Sox



The Twins scored seven unanswered runs after allowing three in the first frame to down the Red Sox 7-3 at the Metrodome. Delmon Young and Craig Monroe drove in a pair of runs apiece and Joe Mauer scored three times for the Twins, who won three of a four-game set with the BoSox. Livan Hernandez tossed six innings of three-run, 10-hit ball to improve to 6-and-1 on the season. Manny Ramirez blasted a two-run shot in the top of the first for his eighth of the season and 498th of his career. Ramirez is now only two homers shy of becoming the 24th player in major league history to hit 500 home runs. Clay Buchholz lasted only four-and-a-third innings after getting tagged for seven runs on eight hits to take the loss.

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

Nats Maul Mets 10-4 at Shea Stadium



Starting pitcher Odalis Perez went 3-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored as the Nationals rocked the Mets 10-4 in the first of a four-game set at Shea Stadium. Perez also fanned five over six-and-a-third innings to pick up his first win of the season. Jesus Flores had two RBI and scored twice for Washington, which ended a three-game slide. Lastings Milledge laced a two-run double against his former team in the victory. David Wright and Damion Easley hit solo homers for New York, which has dropped two-of-three. Nelson Figueroa was shelled for six runs, including four earned, on five hits and five walks in five innings of work to take the loss.

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

Reds Outslug, Cool Off Marlins



Jeff Keppinger and Brandon Phillips each clubbed two-run homers in the seventh inning as the Reds outslugged the Marlins 8-7 in the opener of a four-game set at Great American Ball Park. Corey Patterson went 4-for-5 with an RBI as Cincinnati won for the third time in five games. Aaron Harang surrendered four runs on seven hits with four strikeouts and two walks over seven frames to improve to 2-and-5 with the win. Francisco Cordero recorded the final four outs to notch his sixth save. Jeremy Hermida, Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla each launched solo shots for Florida, which had its seven-game winning streak snapped. Taylor Tankersley allowed four runs in one inning of work to suffer the loss and fall to 0-and-1.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:41 AM | | Comments

Brew Crew Power Past Cardinals 8-3



Ryan Braun hit a pair of home runs for the second straight game to power the Brewers to an 8-3 win over the Cardinals at Miller Park. Braun connected for a pair of solo shots, and Bill Hall also went deep, all of St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright. Corey Hart had two hits and drove in two for Milwaukee, which scored five times in the third inning to snap a 1-1 tie. Dave Bush allowed just four hits and one run over six innings for his first win of the season. Mitch Stetter walked four batters in the ninth, but Guillermo Mota came on to get the final out and post his first save. Wainwright gave up all eight runs, including six earned, in six frames to take the loss. Rick Ankiel hit a solo homer in the first inning for the Redbirds.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:36 AM | | Comments

Angels Outslug White Sox 10-7



Vladimir Guerreo slugged a three-run homer in the fifth inning to put the Angels ahead for good in a 10-7 win over the White Sox at the Big A. Los Angeles erased a 4-2 deficit with four runs in the fifth and sixth to open a 10-4 lead. Casey Kotchman contributed a pinch-hit, two-run single, and Garret Anderson had three hits and an RBI for the Halos. Nick Adenhart tossed five-and-two-thirds innings of four-run ball for his first win and Francisco Rodriguez got the final two outs for his 15th save. Mark Buehrle was touched for 10 hits and eight runs in five-and-two-thirds frames to fall to 1-and-5 with the loss. Jermaine Dye went 4-for-5 and scored twice for Chicago, which two in the eighth and one in the ninth to make it close. Joe Crede and Juan Uribe each had two hits and two RBI for the Pale Hose.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:35 AM | | Comments

Late Runs Lift Astros Over San Fran 7-3



Hunter Pence lofted a sac-fly in the seventh inning to snap a 3-3 tie and propel the Astros to a 7-3 win over the Giants at AT&T Park. Lance Berkman went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer for Houston, which scored three times in the sixth, once in the seventh and three more in the eighth to erase an early 3-0 deficit. Roy Oswalt stuck out six while allowing five hits and three runs in eight innings for his fourth win. After Geoff Geary put two on in the ninth, Jose Valverde got the final out in the ninth for his ninth save. Vinny Chulk took the loss in relief of starter Barry Zito, who tossed six innings of three-run ball. John Bowker hit a solo homer, and Fred Lewis went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored for San Francisco.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:33 AM | | Comments

Monday, May 12, 2008

A's Salvage Series Finale Against Rangers



Emil Brown had two hits, including a three-run homer, and four RBI to help the Athletics beat the Rangers 12-6 in the series finale in Arlington. Daric Barton launched a two-run shot as the A's won for the fifth time in seven games to improve to 23-and-16 on the season. Rich Harden allowed five runs on eight hits over three-and-two-thirds innings to take a no decision in his first start since early April. Santiago Casilla picked up the win after tossing three-and-two-thirds innings of scoreless relief. Ian Kinsler had three hits, an RBI and two runs scored for the Rangers, who had won five straight. Franklyn German took the loss.

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

Bannister, Royals Blank Baltimore

Brian Bannister tossed eight innings of two-hit, shutout ball as the Royals blanked the Orioles 4-0 to avoid a four-game sweep at Kauffman Stadium. Bannister struck out five and walked only two en route to improving to 4-and-4. Jose Guillen went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI for Kansas City, which won for only the second time in seven games. Alex Gordon, Billy Butler and Mark Teahen plated a run apiece in the victory. Brian Burres yielded all four runs on nine hits over six frames to drop to 3-and-4 with the loss. Luke Scott and Guillermo Quiroz had the only hits of the game for Baltimore, which slipped to 19-and-19 on the year.

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

Rays Stay Red-Hot in 8-5 Win



Carl Crawford blasted a go-ahead, three-run homer in the sixth inning to power the Rays past the Angels 8-5 at Tropicana Field. Cliff Floyd plated a pair of runs and B.J. Upton drove in another and scored three times for Tampa Bay, which swept the three-game set with the Halos and has won four straight overall. J.P. Howell tossed three frames of one-hit ball to pick up the win, and Troy Percival notched his ninth save of the season with a perfect ninth inning. The Rays are five games over .500 for the first time in their team's history. Torii Hunter and Garrett Anderson knocked in two runs apiece, and Vladimir Guerrero plated the other for Anaheim in the setback. Justin Speier was tagged for three runs on three hits in only a third of an inning to take the loss. The Angels have dropped their last four games.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:12 AM | | Comments

Holm's Homer Lifts Giants Over Phillies



Steve Holm's two-run homer in the seventh proved to be the difference as the Giants edged the Phillies 4-3 in the rubber match of a three-game set at AT&T Park. The shot was Holm's first of his major league career. John Bowker was 2-for-3 with an RBI for San Francisco, which has won two straight on the heels of a five-game losing streak. Jack Taschner tossed a scoreless inning of relief to improve to 2-and-0 with the win. Brian Wilson shut the door in the ninth for his 11th save. Ryan Howard tripled in a run, and Pat Burrell and starting pitcher Adam Eaton had an RBI apiece for Philadelphia, which lost for the fourth time in six games. J.C. Romero was tagged for two runs in an inning of relief to fall to 3-and-1.

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

Cubs Rally To Complete Sweep Of Snakes



Daryle Ward ripped a pinch-hit, two-run double in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the Cubs a 6-4 win over the Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field. Reed Johnson tied the game at four with a two-run homer in the seventh for Chicago, which swept the three-game series and has won four-of-five overall. Derrek Lee clubbed his 10th home run of the season in the victory. Carlos Marmol tossed a perfect inning of relief to pick up his first win, and Kerry Wood closed things out to notch his seventh save. Conor Jackson tripled in a run and plated another with a bases-loaded walk in the fifth for Arizona, which came up short for the sixth time in eight games. Tony Pena allowed two runs in relief to suffer his first loss of the year. The start of the game was delayed for an hour due to rain. Carlos Zambrano and Randy Johnson were scheduled to start on the mound for Chicago and Arizona, respectively, but were both scratched due to the rainy conditions.

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

Braun Powers Brewers Past Cardinals



Ryan Braun clubbed a pair of solo home runs to lead the Brewers in a 5-3 win over the Cardinals at Miller Park. Corey Hart and J.J. Hardy each had an RBI double, and Prince Fielder knocked in a run with a sac fly for Milwaukee, which has won two of the first three games in the four-game set. Jeff Suppan allowed only a run on six hits and five walks over seven strong innings to improve to 2-and-2 with the win. Brian Shouse recorded the final out of the game to notch his first save. Ryan Ludwick homered and Yadier Molina and Chris Duncan each plated a run for St. Louis, which lost for the fourth time in five games. Braden Looper permitted four runs on seven hits over six frames to fall to 5-and-2.

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

Surging Marlins Nip Nats 5-4



Dan Uggla's second solo shot of the day capped off a three-run eighth inning that lifted the Marlins over the Nationals, 5-4, in the finale of a three-game set at Nationals Park. Jeremy Hermida clubbed a two-run blast in the eighth for Florida, which swept the series and has won a season-high seven straight overall. Uggla scored three times and Wes Helms knocked in a run in the victory. Logan Kensing tossed a scoreless inning of relief to pick up his second win, and Kevin Gregg closed things out for his seventh save. Aaron Boone went 3-for-4 with a homer, a triple, a run scored and two RBI for Washington, which has lost five-of-six. Ronnie Belliard hit a two-run homer for the Nats in defeat. Luis Ayala was charged for all three runs in the eighth to fall to 1-and-3 with the loss.

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

Mets Maul Reds 8-3 at Shea



Carlos Beltran and Ryan Church hit back-to-back homers in the fifth inning as the Mets ripped the Reds 8-3 in the finale of a three-game set at Shea Stadium. Beltran finished 2-for-5 with two runs scored and three RBI for New York, which took two-of-three in the series and has won three-of-four overall. Luis Castillo laced an RBI triple, but had to leave the game after the fifth inning due to a left quad injury. Oliver Perez fanned eight over six innings of three-hit, three-run ball to improve to 3-and-3 with the victory. Jeff Keppinger was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored for Cincinnati in defeat. Johnny Cueto was tagged for six runs over four-and-two-thirds innings to fall to 2-and-4 with the loss.

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

Friday, May 09, 2008

White Sox Rally To Top Twins



Juan Uribe belted a go-ahead, two-run homer in the fifth inning as the White Sox went on to top the Twins 6-2 at U.S. Cellular Field. Jermaine Dye homered for the third straight game, while Carlos Quentin added two hits and an RBI. Toby Hall knocked in a run and Joe Crede scored twice for the White Sox, who had dropped six straight before taking two-of-three from the Twins. John Danks allowed two runs on six hits over five innings to improve to 3-and-3. Matt Tolbert and Joe Mauer both hit RBI-singles in the fifth for Minnesota, which lost for just the second time in eight games. Kevin Slowey gave up three runs on four hits over five frames to drop to 0-and-2 with the setback.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:59 AM | | Comments

Braves Place Pena On DL, Activate Infante

The Braves placed catcher Brayan Pena on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a mid-back strain. The move is retroactive to May 5th. Pena has appeared in 14 games this season and has four hits in 14 at-bats. The Braves also activated infielder Omar Infante from the 15-day DL. Infante was out with a broken left hand. He was in the starting lineup and batted leadoff in today's 5-4 win over San Diego. Infante finished 1-for-3 in his first appearance of the season.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:58 AM | | Comments

Major League Baseball Celebrates Mother's Day

Major League Baseball continues an annual tradition this weekend as it celebrates Mother's Day. Once again, the league will use the day to promote breast cancer awareness and raise money to combat the disease. Special game programs will be sold wherever there is a home game on Sunday, and players from each team will use pink bats when they head to the plate. As in past years, the league will auction off the game-used bats, as well as team-autographed bats, on its website. Proceeds from the sales will go to support the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to help fight breast cancer. Fans will also be able to buy personalized pink Louisville Sluggers online with 10-dollars from each sale going to Komen for the Cure. Players will also wear pink items such as wristbands and necklaces for the day.

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:58 AM | | Comments

Braves Walk Off On Padres 5-4



Matt Diaz singled home the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Braves edged the Padres 5-4, sweeping the three-game series at Turner Field. Greg Norton had a pinch-hit two-run single and Mark Teixeira also plated a run for the Braves, who have won six straight on the heels of a four-game skid. Yunel Escobar had two hits and scored three runs including the game-winner. Atlanta starter Jo-Jo Reyes left in the third inning with a blister on his left hand. Then his replacement, Buddy Carlyle, had to leave in the fifth with a strained muscle in his neck. Manny Acosta recorded the final out of the ninth to pick up his first win. Kevin Kouzmanoff doubled home a pair of runs and Khalil Greene added an RBI-double for San Diego, which has dropped four in-a-row. Joe Thatcher absorbed the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:57 AM | | Comments

Nationals Catcher Out At Least A Month

The Nationals will be without starting catcher Paul Lo Duca for at least a month because of a broken hand. Lo Duca fractured the fourth metacarpal bone in his right hand swinging at a pitch Wednesday night in Houston. An injury to the same hand put him on the disabled list last month, and this time he's expected to miss between four and six weeks while he recovers. The Nationals still have backups Johnny Estrada and Wil Nieves to put behind the plate. A roster move is expected to be made before Friday night's home game against Florida.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:57 AM | | Comments

Bucs Acquire Outfielder Michaels from Cleveland

The Pirates acquired outfielder Jason Michaels and an undetermined amount of cash from the Indians Thursday for a player to be named later. Michaels hit .207 with no home runs and nine RBI with the Indians before they designated him for assignment on Tuesday. To make room on their roster, the Bucs sent outfielder Nyjer Morgan back to their Triple-A farm team in Indianapolis.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:56 AM | | Comments

Markakis, Cabrera Lead O's Past Royals



Nick Markakis slugged a three-run homer in the third inning to help power the Orioles to a 4-1 win over the Royals in the first of a four-game series at Kauffman Stadium. Markakis also scored on a wild pitch in the first for Baltimore, which snapped a five-game losing streak. Daniel Cabrera threw a three-hitter, allowing just three hits and a run while striking out seven to improve to 3-and-1. Luke Hochevar surrendered five hits and four runs over seven innings to fall to 2-and-2 with the loss. Tony Pena, Jr. singled in a run in the fifth inning for Kansas City, which has lost four of its last six.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:53 AM | | Comments

Rangers Beat M's As Benches Clear



Ian Kinsler clubbed a two-run homer and Ramon Vazquez went 4-for-5 with an RBI as the Rangers rolled to a 5-0 win over the Mariners at Safeco Field. Five Texas pitchers combined on a four-hitter, with Franklyn German fanning three over an inning-and-two-thirds to get credit for the win. Starter Kason Gabbard left in the fourth inning with bruised legs after a brush back pitch to Richie Sexson led to a bench-clearing brawl. Sexson, who charged the mound and threw his helmet at Gabbard, was subsequently ejected. Ichiro Suzuki, Miguel Cairo and Yuniesky Betancourt had the lone hits for Seattle, which has lost 12 of its last 15 games.

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

Rays Break Through In 13th To Jolt Jays



Carl Crawford's sac-fly plated the go-ahead run in the top of the 13th inning and Dioner Navarro added a grand slam as the Rays outlasted the Blue Jays 8-3 at Rogers Centre. Gabe Gross hit a two-run homer in the fifth and Carlos Pena pelted his eighth of the year in the seventh to stake the Rays to a 3-0 lead. Toronto answered with three in the ninth to tie the game on a two-run homer by Vernon Wells and Aaron Hill's RBI single. Troy Percival blew his first save for the Rays, with J.P. Howell pitching three innings of scoreless relief for the win. Shawn Camp gave up all five runs in the 13th to take the loss for the Jays.

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

Beckett, BoSox Cage Tigers 5-1



Josh Beckett scattered six hits and struck out eight over seven innings of one-run ball to lead the Red Sox to a 5-1 victory over the Tigers in the finale of a four-game set at Comerica Park. Beckett improved to 4-and-2 with the victory as Boston took three-of-four in the series and has won six of its last seven overall. Kevin Youkilis had a two-run homer and Jason Varitek added a two-run single for the BoSox. Ramon Santiago plated the only run for the Tigers, who have dropped six-of-seven to fall to 15-and-21 on the season. Justin Verlander surrendered all five runs over six frames to fall to 1-and-6 with the loss.

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

Marlins Complete Sweep Of Brewers



Matt Treanor went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer as the Marlins completed a three-game sweep of the Brewers with a 7-2 victory at Dolphin Stadium. Jorge Cantu launched a two-run shot and Luis Gonzalez went 3-for-3 as the Fish improved to 20-and-14 with their fifth win in six games. Logan Kensing struck out four over two-and-two-thirds innings of scoreless relief to get the win. Mike Rivera had an RBI single for the Brewers, who have dropped six in-a-row. Starting pitcher Carlos Villanueva had two hits and an RBI, but was shelled for seven runs on 10 hits in five innings to suffer the loss.

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

Nationals Cool Off Astros with 8-3 Win



Rob Mackowiak went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and Willie Harris also went deep as the Nationals knocked off the Astros 8-3 at Minute Maid Park. Ryan Zimmerman had three hits and scored twice for Washington, which extended a 2-1 lead with two in the sixth and three in the eighth. John Lannan allowed seven hits and one run over six innings to even his record at 3-and-3 with the win. Brandon Backe struck out nine, but allowed four runs in six frames to fall to 2-and-4 with the loss. Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee and Ty Wigginton knocked in runs for Houston, which had won five straight and six of its previous seven games.

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

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Anderson Propels Halos Past Royals



Garret Anderson went 3-for-5 with a three-run homer and five RBI as the Angels rallied for a 5-3 win over the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Anderson's fourth home run of the season tied the game at three in the fourth inning. He added RBI singles in both the fifth and sixth for Los Angeles, which has won four in-a-row and six of its last eight games. Darren Oliver got the win in relief and Francisco Rodriguez his 14th save. Brian Bannister was tagged for 13 hits and all five runs in six-and-two-thirds innings to fall to 3-and-4 with the loss. Miguel Olivo, Ross Gload and Alex Gordon all had RBI doubles for KC, which has dropped four-of-six.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:14 AM | | Comments

Rays Sting Blue Jays 5-4

Eric Hinske's solo homer in the top of the sixth proved to be the difference as the Rays edged the Blue Jays 5-4 in the first-of-three at Rogers Centre. Akinori Iwamura had a double and two RBI as Tampa Bay improved to 17-and-15 on the year. Andy Sonnanstine upped his mark to 5-and-1 with the win and Troy Percival pitched a perfect ninth for his seventh save. Lyle Overbay went 2-for-2 with two RBI for Toronto, which had won five in-a-row. A.J. Burnett struck out 10 but allowed all five runs in six innings to fall to 3-and-3.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:13 AM | | Comments

Dellucci's Pinch-Hit Homer Lifts Indians to 5-3 Win



David Dellucci clubbed a pinch-hit, three-run homer in the top of the eighth inning to lift the Indians to a 5-3 victory over the Yankees in the opener of a three-game set at Yankee Stadium. Jhonny Peralta added a two-run shot for Cleveland, which had lost two in-a-row. Rafael Perez hurled two innings of scoreless relief to earn the win. Rafael Betancourt pitched a perfect ninth for his third save. Hideki Matsui had three hits and Jason Giambi drove in a pair of runs for New York, which fell back to .500 at 17-and-17 with the setback. Joba Chamberlain surrendered Dellucci's homer to fall to 1-and-2 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:09 AM | | Comments

Dodgers Rally to Top Mets in LA 5-4



Blake DeWitt went 3-for-4 with four RBI, including the go-ahead, inside-the-park home run in the fifth inning, as the Dodgers defeated the Mets 5-4 at Chavez Ravine. DeWitt's drive off the top of the right-field fence scored Russell Martin in front of him to erase a 4-3 deficit and put LA ahead for good. Juan Pierre had a run-scoring single and stole his 11th base for the Dodgers, who overcame 3-0 and 4-1 deficits. Hong-Chih Kuo got the win in relief and Takashi Saito his fifth save. The Dodgers have won 10 of their last 11 games. Ryan Church went 2-for-5 with a solo homer for New York, which has lost three of its last four. Nelson Figuerora gave up all five runs in five frames to take the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:07 AM | | Comments

Cards Keep Rockies Reeling with 6-5 Win



Ryan Ludwick went 4-for-4 with an RBI and Rick Ankiel homered as the Cardinals held on to beat the Rockies 6-5 at Coors Field. Cesar Izturis, Adam Kennedy and Braden Looper all had RBI singles for St. Louis, which built a 5-0 lead in the third inning. Looper allowed 10 hits and four runs in eight-and-a-third innings to move to 5-and-1 with the win. Ryan Franklin gave up two hits and a run in the ninth, but held on for his first save. Mark Redman was rocked for nine hits and five runs in less than three innings to fall to 2-and-3 with the loss. Chris Iannetta hit a solo shot in the fifth and a two-run double in the ninth for Colorado, which has lost 13 of its last 16 games. Clint Barmes also had an RBI double in the ninth.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:06 AM | | Comments

Marlins Stop Brewers 3-0 in Dolphin Stadium



Scott Olsen allowed just two hits while striking out eight and walking four over eight-and-two-thirds scoreless innings to lead the Marlins to a 3-0 victory over the Brewers in the opener of a three-game set at Dolphin Stadium. Olsen improved to 4-and-1 with the win. Kevin Gregg recorded the final out to notch his sixth save after Olsen loaded the bases in the top of the ninth. Luis Gonzalez had an RBI single and Mike Jacobs smacked a two-run homer for the Fish, who upped their record to 18-and-14 on the season. Jeff Suppan allowed all three runs over five frames to fall to 1-and-2 with the loss. The Brewers have dropped four straight.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:05 AM | | Comments

Braves Stay Hot Topping Padres 5-3



Chipper Jones hit a two-run homer as the Braves beat the Padres 5-3 in the opener of a three-game set at Turner Field. Mark Kotsay also went yard for the Braves, who have won four in-a-row. Jair Jurrjens allowed one run on seven hits while striking out eight over six innings to improve to 4-and-2 with the win. Jeff Bennett recorded the final out to notch his first save. Brian Giles had four hits and Adrian Gonzalez drove in two runs for the Padres, who fell to 12-and-21 with their fourth loss in five games. Chris Young fell to 2-and-3 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:00 AM | | Comments

Zambrano Leads Cubs to 3-0 Shutout of Reds



Carlos Zambrano tossed eight innings of three-hit ball as the Cubs shut out the Reds 3-0 at Great American Ball Park. Zambrano fanned three to improve to 5-and-1 on the season and Kerry Wood closed it out with a one-hit ninth for his fifth save. Aramis Ramirez plated a run for Chicago after missing three games with a sore left wrist when he was hit by a pitch last Friday. Ronny Cedeno drove in two for the Cubs, who snapped a two-game skid. Aaron Harang gave up all three runs on seven hits in seven frames to fall to 1-and-5 with the loss. Cincinnati has dropped six of its last seven games.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 4:58 AM | | Comments

Pirates Pound Giants 12-6 at PNC Park



Nate McLouth hit a pair of homers, drove in three runs and scored twice as the Pirates crushed the Giants 12-6 at PNC Park. Freddy Sanchez knocked in two runs and Adam LaRoche blasted a two-run shot to back seven-plus strong innings by Zach Duke. Duke gave up three runs on eight hits to notch his first win of the season and help Pittsburgh snap a three-game losing skid. Jose Castillo slammed a three-run dinger in the eighth for San Francisco in the setback. Jonathan Sanchez took the loss after getting tagged for seven runs on six hits in only four-and-a-third innings. The Giants have lost three of their last four games.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 4:57 AM | | Comments

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Cueto, Reds Clip Cubs 5-3 in Cincy



Adam Dunn blasted a two-run homer to back six innings of six-hit, three-run ball by Johnny Cueto as the Reds clipped the Cubs 5-3 at Great American Ball Park. Cueto fanned eight to improve to 2-and-3 on the season. Francisco Cordero notched his fifth save of the year, despite giving up two walks and two hits in the ninth. Jeff Keppinger drove in a pair of runs and Edwin Encarnacion plated another for Cincinnati, which snapped a five-game skid. Geovany Soto went a perfect 3-for-3 with a home run, double, and single for Chicago. Ryan Theriot and Derrek Lee knocked in the other two runs for the Cubs, who have dropped four of their last five games. Ryan Dempster suffered his first loss of the season, giving up five unearned runs on four hits with seven punchouts in six innings.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:31 AM | | Comments

Toronto Shuts Down Chicago 1-0



Dustin McGowan scattered four hits and stuck out six over seven-and-a-third shutout innings to lead the Blue Jays to a 1-0 win over the White Sox at Rogers Centre. McGowan evened his record at 2-and-2 with the win. B.J. Ryan walked the bases loaded in the ninth but held on for his fifth save. Matt Stairs clubbed a solo homer in the seventh inning for the only run of the game as the Blue Jays swept the four-game set to improve to 16-and-17 on the season. Javier Vazquez fell to 3-and-3 with the tough-luck loss. Vazquez struck out nine over seven-and-two-thirds innings for the Pale Hose, who have lost a season-high six in-a-row.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:30 AM | | Comments

Dice-K Effectively Wild As Red Sox Top Tigers



Mike Lowell went 3-for-5 with a double and a two-run homer as the Red Sox doubled up the Tigers 6-3 in the opener of a four-game series at Comerica Park. Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz also went yard for the Red Sox, who won for the seventh time in eight games. Daisuke Matsuzaka allowed one run on two hits and eight walks over five frames to move to 5-and-0 with the win. Jonathan Papelbon pitched a perfect ninth to notch his 10th save. Marcus Thames had a pinch-hit, two-run single for the Tigers, who fell to 14-and-19 with their fourth consecutive defeat. Jeremy Bonderman fell to 2-and-3 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:28 AM | | Comments

Homers Help Mariners Top Rangers 7-3



Richie Sexson and Wladimir Balentien homered as the Mariners scored seven times in the first three innings and cruised to a 7-3 win over the Rangers at Safeco Field. Raul Ibanez had a two-run double in the first and Jose Lopez singled in a run in the second as Seattle snapped a five-game losing streak. Jarrod Washburn gave up three runs in six innings to improve to 2-and-4 with the win. Kevin Millwood was manhandled for nine hits and all seven runs in just three frames to fall to 2-and-3 with the loss. Milton Bradley had a two-run double and Michael Young had two hits and scored for Texas, which lost its second straight.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:26 AM | | Comments

Phillies Drill D'backs With 17-Hit Attack



Eric Bruntlett went 2-for-5 with a three-run triple to highlight a 17-hit attack as the Phillies downed the Diamondbacks 11-4 at Chase Field. Ryan Howard drove in two runs, and Geoff Jenkins and Carlos Ruiz each had three hits and an RBI for Philadelphia. Jamie Moyer pitched seven innings of six-hit, two-run ball for his second win. Max Scherzer allowed five runs, but just two earned, in four frames to take the loss in his first major league start. Stephen Drew had two hits and an RBI, and Chris Snyder homered in the loss for Arizona.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:22 AM | | Comments

Cards Nip Rockies With Ninth-Inning Run



Rick Ankiel's swinging bunt plated the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth inning as the Cardinals clipped the Rockies 6-5 at Coors Field. Ryan Ludwick had an RBI double and starter Joel Piniero doubled home two runs for the Redbirds, who have won seven of their last nine games. Randy Flores gave up the tying run in the bottom of the eighth, but got credit for the win. Jason Isringhausen worked the ninth for his 11th save. Brian Fuentes took the loss for Colorado, which had dropped 12 of its last 15 games. Brad Hawpe homered and drove in two, and Todd Helton had two hits and an RBI in defeat.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 6:21 AM | | Comments

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Burrell's Walk-Off HR Lifts Phillies Past Giants 6-5



The San Francisco Giants on Friday outhit the Philadelphia Phillies 16-8, yet neither team could score in regulation; a walk-off home run by Pat Burrell in the bottom of the 10th inning boosted Philadelphia past San Francisco 6-5 at Citizens Bank Park. Philadelphia was led by Chase Utley and Pedro Feliz with 2 hits each - with Utley hitting a HR, scoring twice while driving in 2; Feliz also homered, scoring once while driving in 2. Burrell went 1-for-4 with a homer while scoring twice and driving in 2. The winning pitcher was J.C. Romero (2-0) who pitched an inning, allowing 3 hits, an earned run, walking 1 while striking out 1.

San Francisco was led by John Bowker with 4 hits while Randy Winn had 3 hits; Aaron Rowand, Jose Castillo and Emmanuel Burriss had 2 hits apiece for the Giants - with Rowand hitting a double, a HR, scoring twice while driving in a run. Closer Brian Wilson (0-1) took the loss as he pitched 2/3 of an inning, allowing 2 hits, 2 earned runs while striking out 2. Philadelphia (17-13) plays again on Saturday as they host San Francisco (13-17); Brett Myers (2-2) gets the start for the Phillies while Matt Cain (1-2) will start for the Giants.

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Posted by Stephen G. Rhodes at 7:33 AM | | Comments

Friday, May 02, 2008

Cordero Placed On 15-Day DL



Fortunately for the Washington Nationals, they have a reliever who is relatively good in closing out games while their main closer recovers from a lat injury; according to the Associated Press, Nationals closer Chad Cordero was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a torn lat muscle; he is expected to miss between 4-to-6 weeks. In the meantime, Jon Rauch will assume Cordero's duties in the closer role.

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Posted by Stephen G. Rhodes at 2:37 PM | | Comments

Nats Top Pirates in DC 3-2



Austin Kearns singled in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift the Nationals to a 3-2 win over the Pirates in the opener of a four-game set at Nationals Park. Wil Nieves knocked in a pair of runs for Washington, which has won four in-a-row and six-of-seven overall. Luis Ayala worked a flawless eighth to pick up his first win. Jon Rauch shut the door in the ninth for his sixth save. Freddy Sanchez and Ryan Doumit each launched solo homers for Pittsburgh, which came up short for the fifth time in seven games. John Grabow allowed the deciding run to fall to 1-and-1.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:50 AM | | Comments

Indians Best Mariners 3-2 in 11 Innings



Asdrubal Cabrera singled home the winning run in the bottom of the 11th as the Indians nipped the Mariners 3-2 at Progressive Field. Cabrera also scored in the bottom of the 10th after Richie Sexson gave the M's the lead in the top half of the frame with a solo homer. Travis Hafner returned to the lineup with two doubles and an RBI for the Tribe, who won the final two games of the three-game set. Masa Kobayashi pitched two innings of relief to get the win. Ichiro scored to tie the game in the top of the ninth and force extra innings. J.J. Putz suffered a blown save, while Mark Lowe was saddled with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:49 AM | | Comments

Yankees' Hughes Has Fractured Rib

The Yankees announced Thursday that a second examination of starting pitcher Phil Hughes revealed a fractured rib. Hughes was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday with what was originally believed to be a strained right oblique. X-rays and MRIs showed that he had a stress fracture of his ninth rib on the right side. In six starts this season, Hughes is 0-and-4 with a 9.00 ERA. Darrell Rasner will be called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to take Hughes' place in the rotation and will start Sunday against Seattle.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:48 AM | | Comments

Cust's Big Night Helps A's to 15-8 Win over Angels



Jack Cust was 4-for-4 with a homer, two walks and three runs scored as the Athletics pounded the Angels 15-8 to earn a split of their four-game set at Angel Stadium. Emil Brown also had four hits for the A's, who pounded out a season-high 20 hits and had five different players finish with two RBI. Justin Duchscherer improved to 2-and-1 with the win. Erick Aybar launched a three-run shot, and Mike Napoli hit a solo homer and drove in two for the Halos. Nick Adenhart was lit up in his major league debut, allowing five runs on three hits and five walks in two-plus frames for LA. Dustin Moseley was charged with five runs in two innings of relief to absorb the loss. Both teams are 18-and-12 on the season.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:47 AM | | Comments

Howard's Homer Lifts Phillies to a 3-2 Win



Ryan Howard clubbed a go-ahead solo home run in the bottom of the eighth to propel the Phillies past the Padres, 3-2, in the rubber match of a three-game set at Citizen's Bank Park. Howard also had an RBI double for the Phillies, who improve to 16-and-13 on the season. Tom Gordon pitched a scoreless eighth inning to move to 3-and-2 with the win, and Brad Lidge threw a perfect ninth to notch his seventh save. Adrian Gonzalez's two-run homer in the top of the first was the only offense for the Padres, who fall to 11-and-18 with their eighth loss in 10 games. Joe Thatcher surrendered Howard's homer to absorb the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:45 AM | | Comments

Tigers Finish Off Sweep of Yankees in NY 8-4



Magglio Ordonez went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBI as the Tigers doubled up the Yankees 8-4 to sweep a three-game set in the Bronx. Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run homer and tripled in another run for the Tigers, who recorded their first three-game sweep at Yankee Stadium since 1966. Ramon Santiago smacked a two-run triple, and Curtis Granderson knocked in a run for Detroit in the victory. Nate Robertson pitched into the sixth inning to pick up his first win of the season. Bobby Abreu hit a three-run shot, and Shelley Duncan had an RBI for New York, which has dropped six-of-eight to fall to 14-and-16 on the season. Reliever Jonathan Albaladejo was shelled for four runs on six hits over one-and-two-thirds innings to suffer the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 5:31 AM | | Comments

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Ponson Wins First Game In Year, Rangers Edge Royals 2-1



Sidney Ponson is a good case of major league baseball teams giving players second - and sometimes more - chances; Ponson, who signed a minor-league contract this spring and was recalled by the Texas Rangers on Saturday for his first start in a year, had an impressive outing as he pitched 8 strong innings, leading the Rangers to a 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals Thursday at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Texas was led by Ramon Vazquez with 2 hits, including a home run, a run scored and an RBI while Ian Kinsler added a HR, as well. Winning pitcher Ponson (1-0) pitched 8 innings, allowing 6 hits, an earned run, walking 2 while striking out 5; closer C.J. Wilson picked up his 6th save, pitching a scoreless 9th inning. Kansas City was led by David DeJesus with 2 hits while Mark Grudzielanek had a hit and an RBI; Zack Greinke (3-1), despite pitching very well, took the loss; he pitched 7 innings, allowing only 4 hits - 2 of them HR's - along with 2 earned runs while striking out 9. Texas (11-18) plays again on Friday as they travel to Oakland to face the Athletics (17-12); Vicente Padilla (3-2) gets the start for the Rangers while Joe Blanton (2-4) gets the nod for the A's. Kansas City (12-16) plays again on Friday as they travel to Cleveland to face the Indians (13-15); Luke Hochevar (1-1) starts for the Royals while C.C. Sabathia (1-4) gets the starting assignment for the Indians.

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Posted by Stephen G. Rhodes at 7:53 PM | | Comments

Kemp's 9th Inning Single Helps Dodgers Edge Marlins 5-3



Assuming the Los Dodgers keep up their torrid pace, they may supplant Arizona atop the National League West standings in a very short span of time; the team's "hero du jour" (hero of the day in French) in their game Thursday against the Florida Marlins was Matt Kemp as he had a tie-breaking base hit in the 9th inning, leading Los Angeles past Florida 5-3 at Dolphin Stadium. Los Angeles was led by Juan Pierre with 2 hits, including a double, a stolen base, a run scored and 2 RBIs. The winning pitcher was Joe Beimel (3-0) who pitched 1/3 of an inning while Takashi Saito notched his 4th save. Florida was led by Matt Treanor with 2 hits and a run scored while Cody Ross hit his first home run of the season, adding a run scored and 2 RBIs. Kelvin Gregg took the loss as he pitched an inning, allowing a hit, an earned run while walking 2. Los Angeles (15-13) plays again on Friday as they travel to Denver to face the Colorado Rockies (11-17); Brad Penny (4-2) gets the start for the Dodgers while Jeff Francis (0-2) will start for the Rockies. Florida (15-13) plays again on Friday as they host the San Diego Padres (11-17); Mark Hendrickson (4-1) will start for Florida while Justin Germano (0-2) gets the assignment for San Diego.

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Posted by Stephen G. Rhodes at 7:36 PM | | Comments

Buzzie Bavasi, Former Dodgers General Manager, Dead At 93



A rather sad event took place in the world of baseball as according to Bill Bavasi, Seattle Mariners general manager, former Dodgers GM Buzzie Bavasi passed away on Thursday; he was 93. Bavasi was the chief architect of the Dodgers teams - both the Brooklyn and Los Angeles franchises - that would win four World Series titles; Bavasi's Dodgers teams included such greats as Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. Bavasi would later become part-owner and president of the San Diego Padres before becoming executive vice president of the Califonia - now Los Angeles - Angels. Bavasi spent 44 years working in baseball - including 34 at the major league level; he began his career as a traveling secretary and publicity director for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1939; after serving in various capacities for the team, he was promoted to GM just before the 1951 season.

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Posted by Stephen G. Rhodes at 7:17 PM | | Comments

Quad Injury Shelves Tulowitzki



As it stands, Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was having issues recently with a quadriceps muscle injury; unfortunately for him, the injury is more severe than previously believed as according to the Associated Press, Tulowitzki has a torn tendon in his left quadriceps and could be out until the All-Star break - maybe longer. According to Paul Cohen, Tulowitzki's agent, he told AP that, "Best case scenario is six weeks. The realistic one is a few months. We're hoping it's a couple months, but we won't know until they do further medical tests." Team doctors will not be able to establish a timeline for Tulowitzki until the swelling and bleeding subside.

Tulowitzki suffered the injury as he was charging a grounder in the first inning of the Rockies' game at San Francisco Tuesday night, and an MRI exam performed on Wednesday found a complete tear of the tendon near his hip. Tulowitzki, prior to the injury, was batting only 152 with a homer and 11 RBIs in 105 at-bats; shortstop Clint Barmes - the Rockies' starting shortstop in 2005 and 2006 - will assume the role until Tulowitzki's return.

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Posted by Stephen G. Rhodes at 7:01 PM | | Comments

Lee Moves To 5-and-0 As Indians Top Mariners



Franklin Gutierrez went 2-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored as the Indians roughed up the Mariners 8-3 in the second-of-three at Progressive Field. Grady Sizemore smacked a solo homer and scored twice as Cleveland put the brakes on a three-game skid. Cliff Lee gave up three runs on eight hits over six-plus innings to improve to 5-and-0 with the win. He struck out three and didn't walk a batter in the victory. Wladimir Balentien clubbed a three-run homer for Seattle in defeat. Jarrod Washburn fanned seven, but was charged with five runs on six hits and two walks over four-and-a-third frames to fall to 1-and-4 with the loss.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:42 AM | | Comments

Rays Sting Orioles 8-1 in Baltimore



Andy Sonnanstine hurled eight innings of one-run ball as the Rays crushed the Orioles 8-1 at Camden Yards. Sonnanstine allowed six hits and struck out five to improve to 4-and-1 on the season. Eric Hinske launched a two-run homer and drove in three for the Rays, who have won seven of their last eight games. Carlos Pena and Dioner Navarro both hit two-run singles as part of a five-run seventh inning for Tampa Bay. Brian Roberts had two hits and drove in the only run of the game for Baltimore, which has dropped three-of-four. Matt Albers suffered his first loss of the season for the O's. Both teams are 15-and-12 on the season.

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

Dodgers Drill Marlins 13-1



Blake DeWitt drove in four runs as the Dodgers decimated the Marlins 13-1 in the second installment of a three-game series at Dolphin Stadium. Russell Martin was 2-for-2 with a homer, three walks, three runs scored and an RBI for Los Angeles, which has won five in-a-row. Matt Kemp had three hits, three RBI and two runs scored, while James Loney smacked a three-run triple in the victory. Chad Billingsley struck out eight over seven innings of three-hit, one-run ball to pick up his first win of the season. Jeremy Hermida plated Florida's only run with an infield single in the fifth. Scott Olsen gave up four runs on seven hits over five frames to fall to 3-and-1. The Marlins were outhit 15-to-5 in the lopsided loss.

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

Tigers Trounce Yankees 6-2



Jeremy Bonderman overcame a rough start to pitch into the eighth inning and lead the Tigers in a 6-2 win over the Yankees in the Bronx. After giving up two runs on three hits in the first inning, Bonderman allowed just two more hits in his seven-and-two-thirds innings to even his record at 2-and-2. Placido Polanco clubbed a pair of solo homers, and Marcus Thames hit a two-run blast for Detroit, which has won the first two in the three-game set. Edgar Renteria had a hit, an RBI and scored a run in the win. Jason Giambi and Melky Cabrera plated runs for the Yankees, who have lost five-of-seven to end April 14-and-15. Andy Pettitte was tagged for five runs over six frames to fall to 3-and-3 with the loss.

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

Yankees Place Hughes On DL

The Yankees placed starting pitcher Phil Hughes on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday due to a strained right oblique. Hughes is 0-and-4 with a 9.00 ERA over six starts this season. Darrell Rasner will be called up from Triple-A to fill Hughes' spot in the rotation. Hughes joins third baseman Alex Rodriguez and catcher Jorge Posada on the DL.

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

Soto Slugs Two Homers As Cubs Crush Crew



Geovany Soto slugged a pair of three-run homers, including one in a six-run first inning, as the Cubs bombed the Brewers 19-5 at Wrigley Field. Aramis Ramirez and Ronny Cedeno each drove in three runs for Chicago, which also had a five-run fourth and six-run eighth in the blowout victory. Ryan Dempster worked six innings of three-run ball to move to 4-and-0 with the win. Jeff Suppan was scorched for 11 hits and 11 runs, including eight earned, in less than four frames to take the loss. Ryan Braun had an RBI single and a two-run double for Milwaukee, which was outhit 17-to-6 in the loss. Rickie Weeks had two hits and scored three time, and Mike Rivera hit a two-run homer for the Brew Crew.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:37 AM | | Comments

Santana Moves To 5-and-0 As Angels Beat A's



Casey Kotchman went 3-for-4 with three RBI as the Angels beat the Athletics 6-1 at Angel Stadium. Juan Rivera added two hits and scored twice for the Halos, who have won six of their last eight games. Ervin Santana allowed just four hits and an unearned run in six-and-two-thirds innings to improve to 5-and-0 for Los Angeles. Dana Eveland was touched for seven hits and all six runs in five and a third frames to fall to 3-and-2 with the loss. Ryan Sweeney singled in the only run for Oakland, which has won eight of its previous 10 games.

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Posted by Matt Loede at 7:36 AM | | Comments

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