Phightin's sweep Redbirds in opener

The Phillies continue to have the Cardinals number, sweeping an opening season set.

Game three was "the one that got away" for St. Louis. Entering the ninth inning with a 5 run lead, the Phillies put 9 runs on the board in the bottom half to take a football-like score of a win, 14-10. Chase Utley finished it off with a grand slam.

--submitted by BikeMike--

 

Editor's Note:  Defending Champ Andy Weinrib (lifelong Mets fan) has been crushing it as the Phillies manager.  I guess once Howie Rose (lifelong Ranger fan) started broadcasting for the Islanders, anything can happen :) !

99 Injuns Scalp 13 Tigers to Win Close Series

Omar Vizquel clears the bases with a triple.

The 2013 Tigers and 1999 Indians came into the first series of the year with high-powered offensive teams that both had weaknesses in pitching: Detroit with a potentially shaky bullpen and Cleveland with a shaky starting rotation outside of ace Bartolo Colon. We expected a few slugfests in this round.

Game One: Cleveland 6, Detroit 5
W: Colon (1-0)
L: Scherzer (0-1)
S: Jackson (1)

Cleveland exploded for six runs in the first four innings to chase Max Scherzer, capped by a bases clearing double from Omar Vizquel in the fourth after Scherzer had given up a double to Richie Sexson and then walked two more.  Detroit managed to nibble at the 6--0 lead off Bartolo Colon, who could only go five innings before departing after giving up leadoff homers in the sixth to Andy Dirks and Alex Avila. Relievers Ricardo Rincon and Mike Jackson helped the Indians cling to the slight 6-5 advantage and shut the door on the Tigers late.

Game Two: Cleveland 9, Detroit 7
W: Karsay (1-0)
L: Benoit (0-1)

This game became the slugfest as advertised between these teams. Detroit started the barrage with three runs in the first off shaky Indians starter Dave Burba, led by an Austin Jackson solo homer to top the inning. But Detroit ace Justin Verlander had his own issues, allowing Cleveland to score five times in the first five innings, the big blow being Jim Thome's two run homer in the fifth, the first of many expected. Detroit then blew out Indians reliever and longtime ace Mark Langston for four more runs in the bottom of the fifth, as Langston allows big blasts from Dirks (who would have three in the series) and Prince Fielder.

With Detroit holding a semi-comfortable 7-5 lead in the top of the ninth, reliever Joaquin Benoit blew the save and gave up four more Cleveland runs, including a two-run blast by Robby Alomar and a solo shot by Wil Cordero. Steve Karsay, who had pitched a perfect eighth for theIndians, came back on in the bottom of the ninth to leave Detroit scoreless and winless.

Game Three: Cleveland 5, Detroit 2
W: Nagy (1-0)
L: Sanchez (0-1)
S: Shuey (1)

Charlie Nagy gave Cleveland a strong 7.1 inning performance, helping rest the bullpen after the slugfest the day before. Although giving up nine hits, Nagy only allowed two Detroit runs, one on Torii Hunter's second homer of the series. Anibal Sanchez wasn't so fortunate for Detroit in the fifth, as Cleveland scored four times, two RBIs each on a Kenny Lofton triple and Alomar single. With the score 5-2 Indians, surprisingly, both teams were hold scoreless for the final four frames. Paul Schuey was magnificent for Cleveland, allowing no hits in 1.2 inning of relief.

Game Four: Detroit 11, Cleveland 3
W: Fister (1-0)
L: Wright (0-1)

Detroit takes out its frustration at losing the first three games of the series by walloping Cleveland. The Indians' Jaret Wright gets hammered for seven runs in 2.2 innings, giving up homers to Hunter (3), Jhonny Peralta (1), Alex Avila (2) and Miguel Cabrera (1). Cabrera's bat had been quiet until this game but perhaps the homer will get him started. Doug Fister mowed down the Indians' bats, who were probably tired from playing three other tough games against Detroit.

'06 Twins jump out to 3-1 start vs '93 White Sox

Game 1 @ Comiskey Park

Johan Santana (0-0) vs Jack McDowell (0-0)

Minnesota wins 14-2

WP: Johan Santana (1-0)

LP: Jack McDowell (0-1)

HR: Bo Jackson (1)

MVP: Jason Bartlett (MIN) 4-4, 3 Rbi, 4 runs, 2 2b, 1 3b

  Johan Santana set the tone for the Twins with 6 strong hits allowing just 2 hits while fanning 8 White Sox batters.  Santana threw just 80 pitches and easily could have gone the distance on opening day but his Twins teammates pounded out 11 runs in his innings on the mound meaning Santana was free to hit the showers early.  Jason Bartlett was 4-4 with 3 extra base hits to lead the 19 hit attack that started in the 3rd inning and continued throughout.  Minnesota sent 13 different hitters to the plate in the game with Jason Kubel the only one not to collect a hit.  Bo Jacksons' 8th inning bomb off reliever Juan Rincon was the lone bright spot for Chicago on the day.

Game 2 @ Comiskey Park

Brad Radke (0-0) vs Alex Fernandez (0-0)

Minnesota wins 5-3

WP: Brad Radke (1-0)

LP: Alex Fernandez (0-1)

SV: Pat Neshek (1)

HR: Jason Kubel 2(2), Justin Morneau (1), George Bell (1), Ozzie Guillen (1)

MVP: Jason Kubel 3-4, 2 Rbi, 3 runs, 2 Hr

  Jason Kubel provided the pop for the visiting Twins as they moved to 2-0 on the young season.  Kubels' 2 homers off Chicago stater Alex Fernandez made a winner out of Brad Radke.  Radke went 6 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits.  Three Minnesota relievers closed out the final 3 innings to secure the win for Radke.  Ozzie Guillen had 3 hits including a homer off of Radke in a losing effort. 

Game 3 @ The Metrodome

Carlos Silva (0-0) vs Wilson Alvarez (0-0)

Minnesota wins 8-6

WP: Carlos Silva (1-0)

LP: Wilson Alvarez (0-1)

HR: Robin Ventura (1)

MVP: Justin Morneau 2-4, 2 RBI, 1 run, 2 2b

   Another high hit attack (14) pushed the Twins to 3-0 on the season.  Justin Morneau paced the attack as 4 Twins batters recorded multi hit games while 8 batters either scored a run or drove one in. Carlos Silva hung around long enough to pick up the win allowing 4 runs over 5 and 2/3 shaky innings. Joe Nathan was needed in the 9th after reliever Jesse Crain got himself in trouble while protecting a 4 run lead.  The Minnesota lead was cut to 8-6 and then Nathan walked Frank Thomas to bring the tying run to the plate with only 1 out. But Nathan settled down to overpower Bo Jackson and induce a game ending grounder to George Bell. 

Game 4 @ The Metrodome

Francisco Liriano (0-0) vs Jason Bere (0-0)

Chicago wins 4-1

WP: Donn Pall (1-0)

LP: Francisco Liriano (0-1)

HR: none

SV: Roberto Hernandez (1)

MVP: Lance Johnson 1-4, 2 RBI, 1 run, 1 2b

A four run outburst by the White Sox offense in the 7th inning kept Chicago from being swept to start the season.  Francisco Liriano had been cruising through 6 for the Twins and had been given a 1-0 lead thanks to Juston Morneau RBI in the bottom of the 6th.  But, fell apart quickly for Liriano who may have been tired as he neared 100 pitches.  Robin Ventura and Dan Pasqua walked with Liriano making a costly error in between to load the bases for Chicago.  After retiring Ozzie Guillen via infield pop up, Liriano was pulled for Dennys Reyes who then promptly allowed a 2 run double to Lance Johnson.  The Sox added two more runs in the inning and turned to Donn Pall, Scott Radinsky and Roberto Hernandez to close out the final 3 innings for the much needed victory. Jason Bere did not factor in the decision but was solid for Chicago, allowing just 2 hits a run over 5 2/3 innings.

‘14 Nats go 4-0 in opening series.

GAME 1- Nationals Park
Maddux vs Zimmermann
Nats 3, Cubs 0

Fans came expecting a tight pitcher’s duel for the opener and they got exactly what they were expecting.  Greg Maddux (2ER / 7IP) was real sharp.  His opposing number, Jordan Zimmerman was spectacular.  Young Zimmerman was the story today tossing a 3 hit shutout while fanning 11 and not walking a single solitary batter.  Solo runs in the 3rd, 7th and 8th gave “Zim” the margin for victory.  Ian Desmond’s 353 foot solo blast off of Maddux in the 7th was the only long ball of the game.  Chicago didn’t post a hit until Wilkerson singled with one out in the 6th.  Zimmermann got stronger as the game went on fanning 2 in the 8th and getting Chicago to go 3 up, 3 down in the 9th.

GAME 2
Bielecki vs Strasburg
Nats 5, Cubs 0

Washington jumped out to a 4-0 lead after 3 innings of play off of Mike Bielecki and never looked back.  Flamethrower Stephen Strasburg was dominant fanning 11 in 6 innings of shutout ball.  After throwing 105 pitches this early in the season he was lifted and the pen did the rest of the work.  Ian Desmond hit his 2nd homer in as many days.  Denard Span hit his first while going 3 for 5.  Both Nats combined for 5 of the team’s 7 hits.  For the second day in a row the Cubbies managed just 3 hits.  Manager Nelson was not one bit happy with his anemic offense.

GAME 3 – Wrigley Field
Roark vs Sutcliffe
Nationals 4, Cubs 2 (10 inn)

Call this “the one that got away”.  With Washington up 2-0 after 5, and the anemic Cub offense held scoreless for 23 consecutive innings since the start of the season, the Northsiders rallied for 2 runs in the bottom of the 6th to tie the game.  Jerome Walton’s one out 2 run single posted the first 2 runs of the season for the Cubs.  Neither team would score in regulation and the game went to extras.  In the top of the 10th Span led off with a single, but was caught trying to steal 2nd.  Rendon worked out a walk, then moved to second on Salazar’s error at third.  After Adam LaRoche lined out to second Cub reliever Jeff Pico looked to be out of trouble.  Instead he faced pinch hitter Bryce Harper who lined a single just past the diving Mark Grace to score both base runners and put the Nats up by 2.  Rafael Soriano was brought on to get the save in the bottom of the 10th.  Instead of making it easy, Soriano gave up back to back hits to Salazar and Berryhill.  He the got pinch hitter Wilkerson and Walton to strike out.  When Shawon Dunston popped out in foul ground to the catcher the game was over and the Nats ran their record to 3-0.

GAME 4
Fister vs Sanderson
Nats 11, Cubs 7 (10 inn)

A great see-saw battle where for the the second day in a row the Cubbies rallied back from deficits to force extra innings.  Then in the top of the 10th it all came crashing down as the Nats broke out for 4 unanswered runs to leave the Wrigley crowd in shock.  The Nats roughed up Cub reliever Calvin Schiraldi for all 4 runs.  The dagger came off the bat of Anthony Rendon in the form of a 370 foot shot to left center.  Bleacher Bums ceremonially tossed the ball back onto the field and tossed their beer over the edge.  For good measure Adam LaRoche doubled home Jayson Werth a couple of batters later to put the game firmly out of reach.  Soriano had another interesting 10th, but once again he did his job and closed out the Cubs (non-save situation).  The Nats, who had a similar start in KOD20, swept the series with the final 2 games being tight battles that could have gone in either direction.

Brew crew and Bash Brothers split

Game 1-  All Milwaukee in the opener as the Brewers win 10-0.  Navarro and 2 relievers combine for the shutout.  Molitor goes 5-6 in the victory.

Game 2- Oakland comes back strong in Game 2 with a 7-2 victory.  Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire both go deep in the victory.

Game 3-Oakland also takes the victory in Game 3 as Dave Stewart gets the 4-1 victory.  Stienbach hits a solo HR for Oakland in the win.

Game 4-  This one is a marathon until Robin Yount doubles in Listach in the 16th inning to give Milwaukee a 2-1 victory and split the series

--submitted by Andy Sexton--

M’s take 2 of 3 from O’s

Memorial Stadium
Baltimore 8 Seattle 0
Sele vs Palmer
Game MVP: Palmer

The season opener for both teams at Memorial Stadium, Baltimore.  75 degrees under the lights.  Baltimore ace Jim Palmer faces Seattle's Aaron Sele.  Over the course of the first three innings Baltimore builds a 8-0 lead. The big inning was the second as Baltimore touched Sele for 4 singles, 2 doubles and 5 runs. As the game ran its course the pitching staffs allowed no more runs.  Baltimore collected 11 hits on the night as Palmer held Seattle's potent lineup to 3 hits in pitching the shut out.

Memorial Stadium
Seattle 5 Baltimore 3
Moyer vs Cuellar
Game MCP: Mike Cameron

For 6 innings Seattle's Jamie Moyer held the O's scoreless while the crafty Mike Cuellar worked his way out of a number of jams to hold Seattle to just a 2 run lead after 6 1/2 innings.  With Moyer doing his best Jim Palmer imitation it appeared another shut out was at hand but a tiring Moyer gave up a two run home run to Brooks Robinson to tie the game at 2 after seven tightly contested innings. In the bottom of the 8th, Seattle reliever Jose Paniagua took over for Moyer and after recorded two quick outs he gave up a double to Paul Blair before intentionally waking Tommy Davis to get to Baltimore slugger Earl Williams.  Williams came through for the O's with a run scoring single to put Baltimore up 3-2 heading to the top of the ninth.  At this point Oriole manager Mark Nixon debated pulling Eddie Watt off of the mound, but chose to let him pitch to A Rod instead.  After getting ahead 0-2 Watt sent a fastball straight down the middle of the plate which A Rod launched  over the left field fence to tie the game.  Bob Reynolds entered (one batter too late) to keep the game tied after nine innings. With the game still tied going into the top of the 1th, Reynolds got the first two outs before giving up a walk to Rickey Henderson and an RBI double to Carlos Guillen.  By the time the inning was over, Seattle had built a 5-3 lead for closer Saski to hold.  He did, getting the O's in order and sending the series to Seattle tied at one game apiece.
Safeco Field

 

 Seattle 7 Baltimore 1
Alexander vs Halamala
Gave MVP: Tom Lampkin

In the bottom of the second inning Doyle Alexander gave up consecutive 400+ foot solo home runs to Edgar Martinez and Jay Buhner to put Seattle up 2-0.  In the bottom of the 4th Alexander yielded another solo shot to Tom Lampkin. The O's finally broke through in the top of the 5th on three singles, but Alexander gave up another solo shot to A Rod in the bottom of the inning to keep Seattle out fron 4-1 after 5. In the 6th the wheels fell off for Baltimore as Seattle added three more runs, which is how this one would end as Halamala cruised home going 8 2/3 innings for the win.
Well played series and a lot of fun between two teams from very different eras.

--submitted by Mark Nixon--

2009 Colorado Rockies and 1979 Cincinnati Reds

Opening Day, Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Veteran pitcher Tom Seaver, who will turn 34 this season is on the mound for the home team and 25 year old Ubaldo Jimenez gets the nod from the Rockies. It was all Jimenez today with the youngster pitching 7 2/3 scoreless innings and allowing a single hit to the Reds 2B Joe Morgan in the 7^th. Meanwhile, the top of the Colorado lineup had a great day with Dexter Fowler going 3 for 5, Todd Helton going 4 for 5, and Troy Tulowitzki going 3 for 5 scoring once and driving in 2 runs. Huston Street earned his first Save closing out the game with 1 1/3 innings of work.

FINAL Rockies 4 Reds 0

Game 2 at Riverfront Stadium. 23 year old Righty Mike LaCoss starting for the Reds and veteran Jason Marquis for the Rox. LaCoss gave up 1 hit going into the top of the 6^th. Leading off the 6^th Tulowitzki drew a walk and then 23 year old left fielder Carlos Gonzales drove a LaCoss fastball 380 feet into the RF seats. LaCoss left the game after 6 giving up 2 runs on 3 hits. Marquis had a good outing going 6 innings. With 2 out in the bottom of the 6^th Dave Concepcion singled, Morgan walked, and George Foster singled in Concepcion to make the game Rox 2 Reds 1. Josh Fogg, Matt Daley, and Street pitched the final 3 innings holding the Reds scoreless. Manny Sarmiento, Dave Tomlin, and Pedro Borbon were flawless in their three innings of work for the Reds. Dave Concepcion had a very good game at the plate going 3 for 3 with a walk. Despite mustering only 3 hits, the Rockies take game 2.

FINAL Rockies 2 Reds 1

Game 3 at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. Lefties on the mound Jorge De La Rosa for the home team and Fred Norman for the Reds. The home team got on the board first when Ray Knight made a throwing error allowing Garrett Atkins to reach 2^nd. Clint Barmes grounded a single moving Atkins to 3^rd and Brad Hawpe followed with another groundball single scoring Atkins. The Reds evened the score in the top of the 4^th when Concepcion doubled, Morgan sacrificed him over to 3^rd, and Foster lined out to deep LF scoring Concepcion. The Rockies tallied 3 in the bottom of the inning: Barmes HBP, Bench couldn't handle De La Rosa’s bunt allowing him to reach 1^st, Fowler doubled down the 3B line scoring Barmes and Helton singled in De La Rosa and Fowler. Reds 1 Rockies 4. The Reds scored another run in the 5^th when Heity Cruz walked, Norman sacrificed him to scoring position, and Ken Griffey singled Cruz home. In the bottom of the 5^th Steve Smith doubled, Atkins walked, Smith and Atkins moved up a base on Chris Ianneta’s flyout to deep LF and Smith scored on Barmes’s flyball. Atkins then scored on Hawpe’s double driving Norman from the game. Colorado’s De La Rosa pitched a scoreless 6^th and 7^th inning. Colorado added 2 more runs in the 7^th when Atkins singled, Barmes doubled him in, and Hawpe doubled in Barmes. Reds 2 Rockies 8. The Reds added 2 runs to their total in the 8^th when Concepcion singled, Morgan singled, and Foster doubled them both home. The Reds added their final run in the 9^th.

FINAL Reds 5 Rockies 8

Game 4 at Coors Field. Rockies pitcher was Jason Hammel and the “reeling†Reds sent Bill Bonham to the mound. The Reds got on the board first in the 3^rd inning when Knight walked and after 2 outs were recorded, Ken Griffey hit the ball 360 ft for a 2 run lead. The Reds added another run in the 5^th when Knight singled, Cesar Geronimo singled, and with 2 out, Griffey grounded a single scoring Knight. In the bottom of the 5^th with 2 out, Bonham got just a little too inside on Barmes, PH Jason Giambi followed with a single, and Fowler singled home Barmes. Reds 3 Rockies 1. The bullpens took over for both teams in the 6^th inning. The Reds added a run in the 7^th when Griffey doubled and Concepcion singled him home. Tom Hume pitched the final 3 innings for the Reds giving up 1 hit. Bonham got the win going 5 1/3 giving up 1 run on 3 hits. Ken Griffey went 3 for 4, scoring twice and driving in 3.

FINAL Reds 4 Rockies 1

submitted by JW