Sunday, August 31, 2008
Pedroia Unstoppable; Ramirez Helps LA End Slide
Players of the Day from Saturday, August 30, 2008
American League
Dustin Pedroia has been absolutely on fire. In his last four games, he's had 12 hits in 17 at-bats for a sizzling .706 batting average.
In Boston's 8-2 win over the White Sox on Saturday, Pedroia was literally unstoppable, going 4-for-4 for the second day in a row, with a walk in his only other plate appearance, scoring twice. Pedroia took over the AL batting lead at .327. The Red Sox kept the pressure on Tampa Bay, who beat Baltimore, 10-9. The Rays remain 4 1/2 in front.
In the Central, the Twins also lost, remaining 1/2 behind the White Sox for the division lead. With the Red Sox knocking off Chicago for the second straight game, Boston is beginning to distance themselves in the wild card race, now 3 1/2 ahead of the Twins, who face a tough September.
After Sunday's series finale at Oakland, the Twins play 13 of their next 19 games on the road prior to finishing the season with a pair of 3-game series with the White Sox and the Royals. The four series on the road are 3-game sets at Toronto, Baltimore and Cleveland, ending with a 4-gamer at Tampa Bay, Sept. 18-21.
Notes: In the West, everything is going just swimmingly for the Angels. On Saturday, they topped the Rangers 4-3, Francisco Rodriguez earned his 53rd save and the team's magic number dropped to 9. They lead the Rangers by 18 games with just 27 left to play.
National League
So far, Manny Ramirez has enjoyed the change from the East coast to the West, from the Red Sox to the Dodgers, from the AL to the NL.
On Saturday, he knocked around Arizona pitching, with a single, double and a pair of solo homers, driving in 2 runs and scoring 3 times as the Dodgers broke their 8-game losing streak and toppled the Diamondbacks, 6-2.
In 28 games as a Dodger, Ramirez is hitting .416 with 9 home runs and 25 RBI. One cannot argue with the production, and, despite the prolonged losing streak, the Dodgers are just 3 1/2 behind Arizona with a chance to draw to within 2 1/2 in Sunday's rubber game of their 3-game set in Arizona.
Notes: Both the East and Central division races tightened on Saturday, as the Cubs and Mets both lost, while the Phillies and Brewers won. The Phillies are just one game behind the Mets, but the Brewers still trail the Cubs by 5 1/2.
American League
Dustin Pedroia has been absolutely on fire. In his last four games, he's had 12 hits in 17 at-bats for a sizzling .706 batting average.In Boston's 8-2 win over the White Sox on Saturday, Pedroia was literally unstoppable, going 4-for-4 for the second day in a row, with a walk in his only other plate appearance, scoring twice. Pedroia took over the AL batting lead at .327. The Red Sox kept the pressure on Tampa Bay, who beat Baltimore, 10-9. The Rays remain 4 1/2 in front.
In the Central, the Twins also lost, remaining 1/2 behind the White Sox for the division lead. With the Red Sox knocking off Chicago for the second straight game, Boston is beginning to distance themselves in the wild card race, now 3 1/2 ahead of the Twins, who face a tough September.
After Sunday's series finale at Oakland, the Twins play 13 of their next 19 games on the road prior to finishing the season with a pair of 3-game series with the White Sox and the Royals. The four series on the road are 3-game sets at Toronto, Baltimore and Cleveland, ending with a 4-gamer at Tampa Bay, Sept. 18-21.Notes: In the West, everything is going just swimmingly for the Angels. On Saturday, they topped the Rangers 4-3, Francisco Rodriguez earned his 53rd save and the team's magic number dropped to 9. They lead the Rangers by 18 games with just 27 left to play.
National League
So far, Manny Ramirez has enjoyed the change from the East coast to the West, from the Red Sox to the Dodgers, from the AL to the NL. On Saturday, he knocked around Arizona pitching, with a single, double and a pair of solo homers, driving in 2 runs and scoring 3 times as the Dodgers broke their 8-game losing streak and toppled the Diamondbacks, 6-2.
In 28 games as a Dodger, Ramirez is hitting .416 with 9 home runs and 25 RBI. One cannot argue with the production, and, despite the prolonged losing streak, the Dodgers are just 3 1/2 behind Arizona with a chance to draw to within 2 1/2 in Sunday's rubber game of their 3-game set in Arizona.
Notes: Both the East and Central division races tightened on Saturday, as the Cubs and Mets both lost, while the Phillies and Brewers won. The Phillies are just one game behind the Mets, but the Brewers still trail the Cubs by 5 1/2.
Labels: Dustin Pedroia, Manny Ramirez
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Dice-K Overpowers ChiSox; Atkins Diet Includes Pair of Homers
Players of the Day from Friday, August 29, 2008
American League
Daisuke Matsuzaka improved to 16-2 as he 2-hit Central-division leader Chicago over 8 innings, leading to an 8-0 rout by the Red Sox.
Boston holds a 2 1/2 game lead in the wild card race over Minnesota, now 1/2 behind the White Sox in the Central, so any wins over either of those teams aids Boston's cause greatly. The Red Sox continue to trail Tampa Bay by 4 1/2 in the East. The Rays notched a 14-3 win over Baltimore Friday night.
Notes: The Angels have run away in the West, and, despite taking a 3-1 loss to Texas on Friday, still lead the division by 17 games. Their magic number is 11 and the Angels could clinch by next weekend.
National League
Garrett Atkins socked a three-run homer in the 3rd inning and a two-run shot in the 9th to seal a 9-4 win for Colorado over San Diego and keep the Rockies in the NL West hunt, 6 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks. The homers were the 17th and 18th for Atkins.
Arizona handed LA their 8th straight loss, 9-3, dropping the Dodgers to 4 1/2 back.
Notes: Chicago maintained their 6 1/2 game lead over Milwaukee in the Central, with a 3-2 win over the Phillies, while Milwaukee beat down Pittsburgh, 3-1. The Mets helped themselves as Carlos Beltran drove in all five runs with a grand slam and an RBI single in a 5-4 win over the Marlins. The Mets are 2 games better than Philly and 7 up on Florida.
American League
Daisuke Matsuzaka improved to 16-2 as he 2-hit Central-division leader Chicago over 8 innings, leading to an 8-0 rout by the Red Sox.Boston holds a 2 1/2 game lead in the wild card race over Minnesota, now 1/2 behind the White Sox in the Central, so any wins over either of those teams aids Boston's cause greatly. The Red Sox continue to trail Tampa Bay by 4 1/2 in the East. The Rays notched a 14-3 win over Baltimore Friday night.
Notes: The Angels have run away in the West, and, despite taking a 3-1 loss to Texas on Friday, still lead the division by 17 games. Their magic number is 11 and the Angels could clinch by next weekend.
National League
Garrett Atkins socked a three-run homer in the 3rd inning and a two-run shot in the 9th to seal a 9-4 win for Colorado over San Diego and keep the Rockies in the NL West hunt, 6 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks. The homers were the 17th and 18th for Atkins.Arizona handed LA their 8th straight loss, 9-3, dropping the Dodgers to 4 1/2 back.
Notes: Chicago maintained their 6 1/2 game lead over Milwaukee in the Central, with a 3-2 win over the Phillies, while Milwaukee beat down Pittsburgh, 3-1. The Mets helped themselves as Carlos Beltran drove in all five runs with a grand slam and an RBI single in a 5-4 win over the Marlins. The Mets are 2 games better than Philly and 7 up on Florida.
Labels: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Garrett Atkins
Friday, August 29, 2008
Rodriguez Notches 51st Save; Guzman Hits for Cycle
Players of the Day from Thursday, August 28, 2008
American League
The LA Angels got two steps closer to the AL West pennant as they rallied for 5 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning to defeat 2nd-place Texas, 7-5, and reduce their magic number to 13. Francisco Rodriguez recorded his 51st save, shutting down the Rangers in the 9th to preserve the win.
Rodriguez is just 6 saves shy of the AL and major league record of 57, set by Bobby Thigpen of the White Sox in 1990. Atlanta's John Smoltz (2002) and the Dodgers' Eric Gagne (2003) share the National League single-season saves record at 55.
Notes: Tampa Bay beat Toronto and Boston lost at New York, both by 3-2 scores, boosting the Rays back to a 4 1/2 game lead in the AL East. Minnesota lost at Oakland, 3-2, and now trial the White Sox by 1 1/2 in the Central and are 2 1/2 behind Boston for the wild card.
National League
Manny Ramirez gave the Dodgers a 2-0 lead with a home run in the top of the 1st, but Cristian Guzman answered with a solo shot in the bottom of the inning and went on to hit for the cycle as Washington completed a three game sweep of LA with an 11-2 win.
Guzman added a 2nd inning single, doubled in the 6th and tripled in the 8th, drove in 3 runs and scored twice in 5 at-bats.
LA's 7th straight loss dropped them 3 1/2 behind idle Arizona, which has lost 4 in row themselves. Even the Rockies, at 63-72, are in the mix, 6 games back.
Notes: The Mets got help from the Cubs, who beat the Phillies, 6-4, and the Braves, winners over Florida, 4-2, to lead Philly by 1 game and Florida by 6. Chicago has won 6 straight and lead the Brewers by 6 1/2 games.
American League
The LA Angels got two steps closer to the AL West pennant as they rallied for 5 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning to defeat 2nd-place Texas, 7-5, and reduce their magic number to 13. Francisco Rodriguez recorded his 51st save, shutting down the Rangers in the 9th to preserve the win.Rodriguez is just 6 saves shy of the AL and major league record of 57, set by Bobby Thigpen of the White Sox in 1990. Atlanta's John Smoltz (2002) and the Dodgers' Eric Gagne (2003) share the National League single-season saves record at 55.
Notes: Tampa Bay beat Toronto and Boston lost at New York, both by 3-2 scores, boosting the Rays back to a 4 1/2 game lead in the AL East. Minnesota lost at Oakland, 3-2, and now trial the White Sox by 1 1/2 in the Central and are 2 1/2 behind Boston for the wild card.
National League
Manny Ramirez gave the Dodgers a 2-0 lead with a home run in the top of the 1st, but Cristian Guzman answered with a solo shot in the bottom of the inning and went on to hit for the cycle as Washington completed a three game sweep of LA with an 11-2 win.Guzman added a 2nd inning single, doubled in the 6th and tripled in the 8th, drove in 3 runs and scored twice in 5 at-bats.
LA's 7th straight loss dropped them 3 1/2 behind idle Arizona, which has lost 4 in row themselves. Even the Rockies, at 63-72, are in the mix, 6 games back.
Notes: The Mets got help from the Cubs, who beat the Phillies, 6-4, and the Braves, winners over Florida, 4-2, to lead Philly by 1 game and Florida by 6. Chicago has won 6 straight and lead the Brewers by 6 1/2 games.
Labels: Cristian Guzman, Francisco Rodriguez
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Yankees' Season Withers on Pedroia Slam; Delgado Puts Mets Back in First
Players of the Day from Wednesday, August 27, 2008
American League
Dustin Pedroia may have finally delivered the blow that ended the Yankees' post-season hopes.
With the Red Sox already ahead 7-2 in the and three runs already plated in the 8th inning, Pedroia drove a David Robertson offering to left center, up and over the wall, a grand slam that finally, maybe mercifully, ended New York's season.
The Red Sox won, 11-3, the second straight one-sided Boston win over the Yankees, leaving New York 7 games behind Boston in the wild card race with only 30 games left to play. The task seems too gargantuan, the opposition too strong, for the Yankees to do anything except slip quietly into the oblivious off-season.
Notes: Tampa Bay got another exceptional performance from Matt Garza (12-7), topping Toronto, 1-0, to remain 3 1/2 ahead of Boston in the East. The Central is still very much up in the air as the White Sox lost and the Twins won, leaving Minnesota a game behind Chicago. The Indians won their 10th straight, a 9-7 win over Detroit, solidifying their hold on third place, 10 1/2 back, but hopelessly out of any kind of playoff contention.
In the West, the Angels dropped a 6-5 decision to Oakland, keeping their magic number at 15.
National League
Carlos Delgado is feeling it. A night after the Mets blew a 7-run lead and lost to the Phillies in extra innings, Delgado stepped up with a pair of solo homers and an RBI single to lead the
Mets to a 6-3 win over Philly and back into first place by 1/2 game. Delgado has hit 4 homers (30) and driven in 9 runs (93) in his past 3 games.
Notes: The Marlins beat Atlanta, 4-1, and remain 5 1/2 back in the East. The Cubs got some help from the Cardinals, who beat Milwaukee, 5-3, while Chicago was winning, 2-0, over the Pirates. That left Chicago 6 games in front of Milwaukee and the Brewers hanging onto a 3 1/2 game edge over the Cards in the wild card.
The Dodgers lost their 6th straight and Arizona lost their 4th straight, as the West race turns into a war of attrition. All of a sudden, the Rockies are just 6 games back. The Diamondbacks are the only team in the West with a winning record, at 68-65.
American League
Dustin Pedroia may have finally delivered the blow that ended the Yankees' post-season hopes.With the Red Sox already ahead 7-2 in the and three runs already plated in the 8th inning, Pedroia drove a David Robertson offering to left center, up and over the wall, a grand slam that finally, maybe mercifully, ended New York's season.
The Red Sox won, 11-3, the second straight one-sided Boston win over the Yankees, leaving New York 7 games behind Boston in the wild card race with only 30 games left to play. The task seems too gargantuan, the opposition too strong, for the Yankees to do anything except slip quietly into the oblivious off-season.
Notes: Tampa Bay got another exceptional performance from Matt Garza (12-7), topping Toronto, 1-0, to remain 3 1/2 ahead of Boston in the East. The Central is still very much up in the air as the White Sox lost and the Twins won, leaving Minnesota a game behind Chicago. The Indians won their 10th straight, a 9-7 win over Detroit, solidifying their hold on third place, 10 1/2 back, but hopelessly out of any kind of playoff contention.In the West, the Angels dropped a 6-5 decision to Oakland, keeping their magic number at 15.
National League
Carlos Delgado is feeling it. A night after the Mets blew a 7-run lead and lost to the Phillies in extra innings, Delgado stepped up with a pair of solo homers and an RBI single to lead the Mets to a 6-3 win over Philly and back into first place by 1/2 game. Delgado has hit 4 homers (30) and driven in 9 runs (93) in his past 3 games.
Notes: The Marlins beat Atlanta, 4-1, and remain 5 1/2 back in the East. The Cubs got some help from the Cardinals, who beat Milwaukee, 5-3, while Chicago was winning, 2-0, over the Pirates. That left Chicago 6 games in front of Milwaukee and the Brewers hanging onto a 3 1/2 game edge over the Cards in the wild card.
The Dodgers lost their 6th straight and Arizona lost their 4th straight, as the West race turns into a war of attrition. All of a sudden, the Rockies are just 6 games back. The Diamondbacks are the only team in the West with a winning record, at 68-65.
Labels: Carlos Delgado, Dustin Pedroia
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Cabrera Leads ChiSox; Soto's 7 RBI Slaughter Pirates
Players of the Day from Tuesday, August 26, 2008
American League
Batting in the leadoff position, Orlando Cabrera went 4-for-5, with two doubles, a triple, 2 RBI and 3 runs, as the White Sox buried the Orioles, 8-3, and took a 2 game lead in the Central division.
A steady performer, Cabrera ranks 15th in the AL with 148 hits, despite his rather pedestrian .276 batting average.
Notes: The rest of the Central division keeps looking up at the White Sox, who have led the division most of the season. The Twins lost their 4th straight and are two back, while Cleveland hopped past Detroit into 3rd place with their 9th straight win - a 10-4 pasting of the Tigers. Cliff Lee won his 19th, tops in the AL and tied with Arizona's Brandon Webb for best in the majors.
In the East, all eyes were on Alex Rodriguez, who went 0-5, grunded into 2 double plays, struck out twice and stranded seven runners as the Red Sox took the first game of the final series between the Sox and Yankees at Yankee stadium, 7-3. With Tampa Bay losing, 6-2, to Toronto, Boston is now just 3 1/2 behind the Rays with the fading Yankees 9 1/2 back.
The Angels got a complete game, 7-hit performance from John Lackey, topping the A's, 5-1, reducing their magic number for clinching the West to 15.
National League
Rookie Geovany Soto has been a solid contributor at the bottom of the Cubs' lineup all year, but on Tuesday, he was incredible, socking his 20th home run and a pair of bases-loaded doubles to drive in 7 runs in Chicago's 14-9 thrashing of Pittsburgh.
Soto is batting .285 with 20 homers and 78 RBI, mostly from the #7 or 8 spot in the order. He's the leading candidate for NL Rookie of the Year honors.
Notes: Ben Sheets (12-7) shut the Cardinals out for 6 innings and then took a seat as the Brewers clubbed St. Louis, 12-0, keeping Milwaukee 5 games behind the Cubs and solidly in front in the wild card chase. The Cardinals and Mets both trail the Brewers in the wild card by 4 1/2 games.
Speaking of the chokers... er, Mets, they seem to be starting their September swoon a week early, blowing a 7-run lead to the Phillies on Tuesday, as Philly won, 8-7, in 13 innings to take over first place in the NL East by 1/2 game. The Mets have had bullpen issues all season, but especially since closer Billy Wagner went on the DL August 3rd.
Wagner is expected to be out at least until the middle of September. The Mets used 8 pitchers on Tuesday.
In the West, Arizona and the Dodgers both lost, keeping the Diamondbacks 3 games in front. Bandon Webb failed to win his 20th, as the Padres knocked him around in a 9-2 San Diego win.
American League
Batting in the leadoff position, Orlando Cabrera went 4-for-5, with two doubles, a triple, 2 RBI and 3 runs, as the White Sox buried the Orioles, 8-3, and took a 2 game lead in the Central division.A steady performer, Cabrera ranks 15th in the AL with 148 hits, despite his rather pedestrian .276 batting average.
Notes: The rest of the Central division keeps looking up at the White Sox, who have led the division most of the season. The Twins lost their 4th straight and are two back, while Cleveland hopped past Detroit into 3rd place with their 9th straight win - a 10-4 pasting of the Tigers. Cliff Lee won his 19th, tops in the AL and tied with Arizona's Brandon Webb for best in the majors.
In the East, all eyes were on Alex Rodriguez, who went 0-5, grunded into 2 double plays, struck out twice and stranded seven runners as the Red Sox took the first game of the final series between the Sox and Yankees at Yankee stadium, 7-3. With Tampa Bay losing, 6-2, to Toronto, Boston is now just 3 1/2 behind the Rays with the fading Yankees 9 1/2 back.
The Angels got a complete game, 7-hit performance from John Lackey, topping the A's, 5-1, reducing their magic number for clinching the West to 15.
National League
Rookie Geovany Soto has been a solid contributor at the bottom of the Cubs' lineup all year, but on Tuesday, he was incredible, socking his 20th home run and a pair of bases-loaded doubles to drive in 7 runs in Chicago's 14-9 thrashing of Pittsburgh.Soto is batting .285 with 20 homers and 78 RBI, mostly from the #7 or 8 spot in the order. He's the leading candidate for NL Rookie of the Year honors.
Notes: Ben Sheets (12-7) shut the Cardinals out for 6 innings and then took a seat as the Brewers clubbed St. Louis, 12-0, keeping Milwaukee 5 games behind the Cubs and solidly in front in the wild card chase. The Cardinals and Mets both trail the Brewers in the wild card by 4 1/2 games.
Speaking of the chokers... er, Mets, they seem to be starting their September swoon a week early, blowing a 7-run lead to the Phillies on Tuesday, as Philly won, 8-7, in 13 innings to take over first place in the NL East by 1/2 game. The Mets have had bullpen issues all season, but especially since closer Billy Wagner went on the DL August 3rd.
Wagner is expected to be out at least until the middle of September. The Mets used 8 pitchers on Tuesday.
In the West, Arizona and the Dodgers both lost, keeping the Diamondbacks 3 games in front. Bandon Webb failed to win his 20th, as the Padres knocked him around in a 9-2 San Diego win.
Labels: Geovany Soto, Orlando Cabrera
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sizemore Joins 30-30 Club; Delgado Bombs Astros
Players of the Day from Monday, August 25, 2008
American League
Grady Sizemore socked a pair of solo home runs to become the latest member of the 30-30 club as the Indians downed the Tigers, 4-3, in 11 innings.
Sizemore hit his 30th and 31st homers, along with his 34 stolen bases, puts him in an elite class with 13 other AL players who have hit 30 homers and stolen 30 bases in a season.
Notes: The White Sox actually won one and lost one on Monday, losing the completion of an April 28 game which was halted by rain in the 11th inning with the score tied 3-3. The game was finished in the 14th, as the Sox played the role of home team at Camden Yards, with the Orioles coming out on top, 4-3. In the regularly scheduled game, Jim Thome cracked his 535th career home run to give the Sox a 4-3 win and move past Jimmie Foxx into 15th place on the all time home run list.Thome needs one more homer to tie Mickey Mantle. The "split" gave Chicago a 1-game edge over the Twins in the Central division as Minnesota dropped their third straight, losing 4-2, at Seattle.
Boston visits the Yankees for three games beginning Tuesday night in the most crucial series of the season, especially for New York. The Yankees have been hanging around, and are 5 games behind the Red Sox in the AL East and wild card standings. Unless the Yankees take at least 2 out of these 3 games, their season may be all but over.
National League
With just two swings, Carlos Delgado bombed the Houston Astros and kept the NY Mets in first place in the NL East.
Delgado unloaded with a pair of three run homers as the Mets toppled Houston, 9-1, and remained 1/2 game in front of the Phillies in the division. The Mets visit Philly for two games beginning Tuesday before a 3-game trip to Florida on Friday. It should prove to be the most important 5-game road trip of the season for the Mets. Florida is only 5 1/2 behind.
Notes: The Cubs won their 3rd straight, 12-3, at Pittsburgh, to improve to a 5 game lead over second place Milwaukee, idle on Monday. Philadelphia completed a 4-game sweep of the Dodgers, winning 5-0 on Monday. Arizona also lost, 4-2, at San Diego, to remain 3 games in front of LA.
American League
Grady Sizemore socked a pair of solo home runs to become the latest member of the 30-30 club as the Indians downed the Tigers, 4-3, in 11 innings.Sizemore hit his 30th and 31st homers, along with his 34 stolen bases, puts him in an elite class with 13 other AL players who have hit 30 homers and stolen 30 bases in a season.
Notes: The White Sox actually won one and lost one on Monday, losing the completion of an April 28 game which was halted by rain in the 11th inning with the score tied 3-3. The game was finished in the 14th, as the Sox played the role of home team at Camden Yards, with the Orioles coming out on top, 4-3. In the regularly scheduled game, Jim Thome cracked his 535th career home run to give the Sox a 4-3 win and move past Jimmie Foxx into 15th place on the all time home run list.
Thome needs one more homer to tie Mickey Mantle. The "split" gave Chicago a 1-game edge over the Twins in the Central division as Minnesota dropped their third straight, losing 4-2, at Seattle.Boston visits the Yankees for three games beginning Tuesday night in the most crucial series of the season, especially for New York. The Yankees have been hanging around, and are 5 games behind the Red Sox in the AL East and wild card standings. Unless the Yankees take at least 2 out of these 3 games, their season may be all but over.
National League
With just two swings, Carlos Delgado bombed the Houston Astros and kept the NY Mets in first place in the NL East.Delgado unloaded with a pair of three run homers as the Mets toppled Houston, 9-1, and remained 1/2 game in front of the Phillies in the division. The Mets visit Philly for two games beginning Tuesday before a 3-game trip to Florida on Friday. It should prove to be the most important 5-game road trip of the season for the Mets. Florida is only 5 1/2 behind.
Notes: The Cubs won their 3rd straight, 12-3, at Pittsburgh, to improve to a 5 game lead over second place Milwaukee, idle on Monday. Philadelphia completed a 4-game sweep of the Dodgers, winning 5-0 on Monday. Arizona also lost, 4-2, at San Diego, to remain 3 games in front of LA.
Labels: Carlos Delgado, Grady Sizemore
Monday, August 25, 2008
Feliz Heroic for Phillies; Cano Continues Second Half Surge
Players of the Day from Sunday, August 24, 2008
American League
Robinson Cano singled, doubled twice and hit a game-winning solo homer in the 7th inning to lead the Yankees to an 8-7 win over the Baltimore Orioles.
Cano, who has raised his batting average from .246 to .269 since the All Star break, scored twice and drove in 2 runs as the Yankees remained 5 games behind the Red Sox in the wild card race.
The Rays lost, 6-5, to the White Sox, pulling Boston to within 4 1/2. While the Angels were knocking off Minnesota, 5-3, Chicago regained 1st place in the Central by 1/2 game.
Notes: Texas lost their third straight and trail the Angels by 17 games. LA's magic number is down to 16.
National League
Maybe he should have started. Pedro Feliz, who came on as a defensive replacement for 3rd baseman Greg Dobbs with two outs in the top of the 7th, delivered in the clutch as the Phillies knocked off the Dodgers, 5-2, in 11 innings.
Feliz singled home the tying run in the bottom of the 9th, then ended the proceedings with a 3-run homer in the 11th. After the Mets lost to Houston in extra innings earlier in the day, Philly's win tightened the NL East race to just 1/2 game. The Marlins won, 5-2, at Arizona, and continue to lurk in third place, 5 games back.
Notes: The Cubs, Brewers and Cardinals all won, so the standing remain the same: Chicago leads Milwaukee by 4 1/2 and St. Louis by 8. Arizona leads LA by 3 games in the West.
American League
Robinson Cano singled, doubled twice and hit a game-winning solo homer in the 7th inning to lead the Yankees to an 8-7 win over the Baltimore Orioles.Cano, who has raised his batting average from .246 to .269 since the All Star break, scored twice and drove in 2 runs as the Yankees remained 5 games behind the Red Sox in the wild card race.
The Rays lost, 6-5, to the White Sox, pulling Boston to within 4 1/2. While the Angels were knocking off Minnesota, 5-3, Chicago regained 1st place in the Central by 1/2 game.
Notes: Texas lost their third straight and trail the Angels by 17 games. LA's magic number is down to 16.
National League
Maybe he should have started. Pedro Feliz, who came on as a defensive replacement for 3rd baseman Greg Dobbs with two outs in the top of the 7th, delivered in the clutch as the Phillies knocked off the Dodgers, 5-2, in 11 innings.Feliz singled home the tying run in the bottom of the 9th, then ended the proceedings with a 3-run homer in the 11th. After the Mets lost to Houston in extra innings earlier in the day, Philly's win tightened the NL East race to just 1/2 game. The Marlins won, 5-2, at Arizona, and continue to lurk in third place, 5 games back.
Notes: The Cubs, Brewers and Cardinals all won, so the standing remain the same: Chicago leads Milwaukee by 4 1/2 and St. Louis by 8. Arizona leads LA by 3 games in the West.
Labels: Pedro Feliz, Robinson Cano
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Ramirez Delivers for Cubs; Burrell Bombs Dodgers; Wells Whacks BoSox
Players of the Day from Saturday, August 23, 2008
American League
Toronto, 12 1/2 back in the AL East, may not catch the Red Sox or the Yankees, but they're certain to add some drama to the pennant proceedings. On Saturday, Vernon Wells led a 16-hit, 11-0 rout of Boston with 4 hits in 5 at-bats, including a solo and 2-run homer, scoring four times and driving in three.
Wells has played in only 76 games this season, having spent most of May and July on the DL, but with him playing regularly, the Jays are a threat every time they take the field. They are 8-3 since August 11, taking 3 each from Detroit and Boston and two of three from the Yankees over that span.
Notes: With Boston struggling with the Blue Jays, Tampa Bay knocked off the White Sox, 5-3 and improved their lead in the East to 5 1/2 games. The Yankees won, but are still 10 1/2 off the pace. Minnesota lost to the Angels, 7-5, but retained their 1/2 game lead in the Central. LA leads the West by 16 games and has shrunk their magic number to just 18. Boston leads the White Sox by 1/2 game in the wild card.
National League
The Chicago Cobs have plenty of big bats in their lineup, including the one carried by Aramis Ramirez, who blasted a pair of 3-run homers as the Cubs beat up the Nationals, 9-2.
A mainstay in the Chicago lineup since being traded by the Pirates midway through the 2003 season, Ramirez has 22 homers and 90 RBI. He's driven in more than 100 runs five times. With 30+ games remaining, it's a good bet that 2008 will mark the sixth time.
The win by Chicago kept them 4 1/2 clear of 2nd place Milwaukee, 6-3 winners over Pittsburgh. St. Louis, desperately chasing in third place, dropped an 8-4 decision to Atlanta and is 8 games back.
In the East,
Pat Burrell was keeping the Phillies in the hunt, driving in five runs with a single, double and 3-run homer in Philadelphia's 9-2 downing of the Dodgers.
With the Mets losing to Houston, 8-4, Philly closed to within 1 1/2 games of the East division leader. Florida continues in third place, 6 games out.
Notes: Arizona knocked off Florida, 7-1, and with Philly's help, improved to a 3 game edge over LA in the West. The Diamondbacks and Marlins have split the first two games of their three-game set, with the rubber game tonight at Arizona.
American League
Toronto, 12 1/2 back in the AL East, may not catch the Red Sox or the Yankees, but they're certain to add some drama to the pennant proceedings. On Saturday, Vernon Wells led a 16-hit, 11-0 rout of Boston with 4 hits in 5 at-bats, including a solo and 2-run homer, scoring four times and driving in three.Wells has played in only 76 games this season, having spent most of May and July on the DL, but with him playing regularly, the Jays are a threat every time they take the field. They are 8-3 since August 11, taking 3 each from Detroit and Boston and two of three from the Yankees over that span.
Notes: With Boston struggling with the Blue Jays, Tampa Bay knocked off the White Sox, 5-3 and improved their lead in the East to 5 1/2 games. The Yankees won, but are still 10 1/2 off the pace. Minnesota lost to the Angels, 7-5, but retained their 1/2 game lead in the Central. LA leads the West by 16 games and has shrunk their magic number to just 18. Boston leads the White Sox by 1/2 game in the wild card.
National League
The Chicago Cobs have plenty of big bats in their lineup, including the one carried by Aramis Ramirez, who blasted a pair of 3-run homers as the Cubs beat up the Nationals, 9-2.A mainstay in the Chicago lineup since being traded by the Pirates midway through the 2003 season, Ramirez has 22 homers and 90 RBI. He's driven in more than 100 runs five times. With 30+ games remaining, it's a good bet that 2008 will mark the sixth time.
The win by Chicago kept them 4 1/2 clear of 2nd place Milwaukee, 6-3 winners over Pittsburgh. St. Louis, desperately chasing in third place, dropped an 8-4 decision to Atlanta and is 8 games back.
In the East,
Pat Burrell was keeping the Phillies in the hunt, driving in five runs with a single, double and 3-run homer in Philadelphia's 9-2 downing of the Dodgers.With the Mets losing to Houston, 8-4, Philly closed to within 1 1/2 games of the East division leader. Florida continues in third place, 6 games out.
Notes: Arizona knocked off Florida, 7-1, and with Philly's help, improved to a 3 game edge over LA in the West. The Diamondbacks and Marlins have split the first two games of their three-game set, with the rubber game tonight at Arizona.
Labels: Aramis Ramirez, Pat Burrell, Vernon Wells
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Span Leads Twins Into First; Harris Has 6 RBI in Nats Win
Players of the Day from Friday, August 22, 2008
American League
Here's a name you'll likely be hearing more about as the AL Central and wild card race heats up: Denard Span.
Span, who has only played in 58 major league games, played 12 games in April before being sent back down to Triple A Rochester, but since returning June 30, he's raised his batting average from a pedestrian .258 to a sparkling .325.
On Friday, the Twins played the second of a four-game series with the Angels and won their second straight, crushing LA, 9-0, as Span went 3-for-5 with a run-scoring single in the 4th inning and a three-run homer in the 6th.
With the win, the Twins took over first place in the Central, as the White Sox were losing, 9-4, to Tampa Bay.
Notes: Speaking of the Rays, they continue to lead the East by 4 1/2 games over the Red Sox and 10 1/2 over the Yankees, both winners on Friday.
What's wrong with the Angels? Despite their magic number dropping to 20 on Friday, they've lost 7 of their last 9, including two each to Minnesota and Tampa Bay. Are they just cruising and not taking these games seriously while their opponents are locked into the heat of pennant races? Could be, but the biggest concern is that they're just being overmatched by better teams. They've already lost playoff home field advantage (that now belongs to the Rays) and further deterioration may raise serious concerns about their post-season potential. With a 15-game lead in the West, the Angels can cruise to the division title, but is that the best way to enter the playoffs?
National League
The Cubs may win the Central division, but Willie Harris made their path to the post-season a little tougher, hammering a pair of home runs - a grand slam and a two-run shot - in Washington's 13-5 pounding of Chicago.
While the Cubs were taking their lumps, the Brewers continued their relentless pursuit with a 10-4 win over Pittsburgh. The Cardinals banged out 26 hits, bombing Atlanta, 18-3. Milwaukee is 4 1/2 behind the Cubs; St. Louis is 7 back.
Notes: The Mets won their 4th straight and kept a 2 1/2 game edge over Philly and a 6 game lead over Florida in the East. The Phillies beat the Dodgers, 8-1, while the Marlins topped Arizona, 5-4. Those results kept Arizona's 2 game lead over LA in the West intact.
American League
Here's a name you'll likely be hearing more about as the AL Central and wild card race heats up: Denard Span.Span, who has only played in 58 major league games, played 12 games in April before being sent back down to Triple A Rochester, but since returning June 30, he's raised his batting average from a pedestrian .258 to a sparkling .325.
On Friday, the Twins played the second of a four-game series with the Angels and won their second straight, crushing LA, 9-0, as Span went 3-for-5 with a run-scoring single in the 4th inning and a three-run homer in the 6th.
With the win, the Twins took over first place in the Central, as the White Sox were losing, 9-4, to Tampa Bay.
Notes: Speaking of the Rays, they continue to lead the East by 4 1/2 games over the Red Sox and 10 1/2 over the Yankees, both winners on Friday.What's wrong with the Angels? Despite their magic number dropping to 20 on Friday, they've lost 7 of their last 9, including two each to Minnesota and Tampa Bay. Are they just cruising and not taking these games seriously while their opponents are locked into the heat of pennant races? Could be, but the biggest concern is that they're just being overmatched by better teams. They've already lost playoff home field advantage (that now belongs to the Rays) and further deterioration may raise serious concerns about their post-season potential. With a 15-game lead in the West, the Angels can cruise to the division title, but is that the best way to enter the playoffs?
National League
The Cubs may win the Central division, but Willie Harris made their path to the post-season a little tougher, hammering a pair of home runs - a grand slam and a two-run shot - in Washington's 13-5 pounding of Chicago.While the Cubs were taking their lumps, the Brewers continued their relentless pursuit with a 10-4 win over Pittsburgh. The Cardinals banged out 26 hits, bombing Atlanta, 18-3. Milwaukee is 4 1/2 behind the Cubs; St. Louis is 7 back.
Notes: The Mets won their 4th straight and kept a 2 1/2 game edge over Philly and a 6 game lead over Florida in the East. The Phillies beat the Dodgers, 8-1, while the Marlins topped Arizona, 5-4. Those results kept Arizona's 2 game lead over LA in the West intact.
Labels: Danard Span, Willie Harris
Friday, August 22, 2008
Sizemore's Seven Smacks Royals; Webb Wins 19th
Players of the Day from Thursday, August 21, 2008
American League
Cleveland hasn't had a very rewarding season, but Grady Sizemore has put up some amazing numbers from his position atop the Indians' lineup.
In Cleveland's 10-3 thumping of the Royals, Sizemore, in 5 at-bats, rapped out a pair of singles, a bases-loaded triple and a three-run homer, driving in 7 runs. Sizemore has 29 homers and 79 RBI. While Sizemore was going off at the plate, starter Cliff Lee was working around it, giving up 6 hits and 2 earned runs over 7 innings while fanning 7. Lee recorded his AL-leading 18th win against just two losses.
Lee and Sizemore's feats are all the more incredible considering that Cleveland has been out of the Central division race since before the All Star break. At 59-67, Lee (18-2) has accounted for nearly a third of the Indians' wins.
Notes: Minnesota downed the Angels, 2-1, in 12 innings, and moved to within 1/2 game of idle Chicago in the Central. In the East, the Yankees were hammered, 14-3, by Toronto as both the Red Sox and Rays had a day off. That put the Jays just one game behind the Yankees, though NY is 10 1/2 out of first place.
The Angels, losers of 4 of their last 5, haven't been bothered by their mini losing streak, still 15 games ahead of Texas in the West. Their magic number is now 21.
National League
Might as well just give Brandon Webb the NL Cy Young award now. On Thursday, Webb posted his 19th win against 4 losses, shutting out the Padres on 3 hits over 7 innings as the Diamondbacks downed San Diego, 4-1.
Notes: Arizona maintained their 2 game bulge on the Dodgers in the West as LA dropped the Rockies, 3-1. The Mets won, while the Phillies and Marlins both lost, giving NY a 2 1/2 game lead over Philly and 6 over Florida in the East.
Chicago knocked off the Reds, 3-2, and improved by 1/2 game over idle Milwaukee and St. Louis. The Cubs are 5 1/2 in front in the Central.
American League
Cleveland hasn't had a very rewarding season, but Grady Sizemore has put up some amazing numbers from his position atop the Indians' lineup.In Cleveland's 10-3 thumping of the Royals, Sizemore, in 5 at-bats, rapped out a pair of singles, a bases-loaded triple and a three-run homer, driving in 7 runs. Sizemore has 29 homers and 79 RBI. While Sizemore was going off at the plate, starter Cliff Lee was working around it, giving up 6 hits and 2 earned runs over 7 innings while fanning 7. Lee recorded his AL-leading 18th win against just two losses.
Lee and Sizemore's feats are all the more incredible considering that Cleveland has been out of the Central division race since before the All Star break. At 59-67, Lee (18-2) has accounted for nearly a third of the Indians' wins.Notes: Minnesota downed the Angels, 2-1, in 12 innings, and moved to within 1/2 game of idle Chicago in the Central. In the East, the Yankees were hammered, 14-3, by Toronto as both the Red Sox and Rays had a day off. That put the Jays just one game behind the Yankees, though NY is 10 1/2 out of first place.
The Angels, losers of 4 of their last 5, haven't been bothered by their mini losing streak, still 15 games ahead of Texas in the West. Their magic number is now 21.
National League
Might as well just give Brandon Webb the NL Cy Young award now. On Thursday, Webb posted his 19th win against 4 losses, shutting out the Padres on 3 hits over 7 innings as the Diamondbacks downed San Diego, 4-1.Winnipeg Food Caterers
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Webb, sporting a 2.74 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP, leads the majors in wins and has won his last 8 decisions. He ranks third in ERA among qualified starters and 6th in strikeouts with 153.Affordable, quality catering for weddings or events of any size.
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Notes: Arizona maintained their 2 game bulge on the Dodgers in the West as LA dropped the Rockies, 3-1. The Mets won, while the Phillies and Marlins both lost, giving NY a 2 1/2 game lead over Philly and 6 over Florida in the East.
Chicago knocked off the Reds, 3-2, and improved by 1/2 game over idle Milwaukee and St. Louis. The Cubs are 5 1/2 in front in the Central.
Labels: Brandon Webb, Grady Sizemore
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Dunn's Blast Helps Boost D-Backs; Mora Rips Red Sox
Players of the Day from Wednesday, August 20, 2008
American League
Here's a guy that doesn't get nearly the credit he deserves. Playing for the Baltimore Orioles, Melvin Mora doesn't get much notice, but his 95 RBI are 5th best in the AL. On Wednesday, Mora hit a three run homer (21), drove in another run with a sac fly, stole a base and drove in four runs total as the Orioles knocked down the Red Sox, 11-6.
The loss wasn't a killer for Boston, as the Rays were being beaten by the Angels, 5-4, and remain 4 1/2 in front in the AL East.
Notes: The Yankees won, 5-1, over Toronto, and are 10 back of the Rays and 5 1/2 behind the Red Sox in the wild card. There are still people who believe the Yankees have a chance at making the post-season via the wild card route, but unless Boston and either the White Sox or Twins collapse, it's not going to happen.
The White Sox and Twins both won on Wednesday, so the Central has Chicago up by one game over the Twins, who are currently 1/2 behind Boston for the wild card. It all adds up to mission impossible for the Yankees.
National League
Adam Dunn is providing the big bat the Diamondbacks have been seeking. In Wednesday night's
8-6 win over San Diego, Dunn launched his 34th home run of the season, a 3-run, first inning shot off Padres' starter Jake Peavy, which helped as the D-Backs rallied from a 4-0 deficit. By the end of the second, Arizona was ahead 6-4 and never trailed again, adding a game on 2nd place Los Angeles, losers to Colorado, 4-3, now 2 back in the West standings.
Dunn's homer was his second in as many nights and gave him the NL lead over Philly's Ryan Howard (33).
American League
Here's a guy that doesn't get nearly the credit he deserves. Playing for the Baltimore Orioles, Melvin Mora doesn't get much notice, but his 95 RBI are 5th best in the AL. On Wednesday, Mora hit a three run homer (21), drove in another run with a sac fly, stole a base and drove in four runs total as the Orioles knocked down the Red Sox, 11-6.Winnipeg Food Caterers
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Mora's been on a tear of late, going 20-for-39 (.513) over his last 9 games, with 4 homers and 16 RBI.Affordable, quality catering for weddings or events of any size.
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The loss wasn't a killer for Boston, as the Rays were being beaten by the Angels, 5-4, and remain 4 1/2 in front in the AL East.
Notes: The Yankees won, 5-1, over Toronto, and are 10 back of the Rays and 5 1/2 behind the Red Sox in the wild card. There are still people who believe the Yankees have a chance at making the post-season via the wild card route, but unless Boston and either the White Sox or Twins collapse, it's not going to happen.
The White Sox and Twins both won on Wednesday, so the Central has Chicago up by one game over the Twins, who are currently 1/2 behind Boston for the wild card. It all adds up to mission impossible for the Yankees.
National League
Adam Dunn is providing the big bat the Diamondbacks have been seeking. In Wednesday night's8-6 win over San Diego, Dunn launched his 34th home run of the season, a 3-run, first inning shot off Padres' starter Jake Peavy, which helped as the D-Backs rallied from a 4-0 deficit. By the end of the second, Arizona was ahead 6-4 and never trailed again, adding a game on 2nd place Los Angeles, losers to Colorado, 4-3, now 2 back in the West standings.
Dunn's homer was his second in as many nights and gave him the NL lead over Philly's Ryan Howard (33).
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Notes: The Brewers picked up a game on the Cubs and now trail by 5 in the Central, but have a 2 1/2 game edge over St. Louis in the wild card race. The Mets and Phillies were both winners, so the Mets remain 1 1/2 ahead of Philadelphia in the East. Florida lost to San Francisco, 6-5, and have fallen 5 off the pace.Glendale Manitoba Golf Winnipeg Golfs.
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Labels: Adam Dunn, Melvin Mora
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Nolasco Shuts Down Giants; Buscher a Star for Minnesota
Players of the Day from Tuesday, August 19, 2008
American League
With Tampa Bay's Evan Longoria out for a month, Minnesota's Brian Buscher takes over as the best rokkie third baseman in the AL. On Tuesday, Buscher went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and five RBI in the Twins' 13-2 rout of Oakland.
Tuesday's win kept the Twins just a game behind the White Sox in the Central division and 1 1/2 behind Boston in the wild card race.
Notes: Tampa Bay beat the Angels for the second straight day, winning 4-2 at LA, and remaining 4 1/2 ahead of the Red Sox in the East. In Toronto, A.J. Burnett (16-9) fanned 13 Yankees, including Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi 3 times each. The Blue Jays won, 2-1, dropping the Yankees 11 games behind the first place Rays.
National League
Ricky Nolasco (12-7) is one of the reasons the Marins are still in the chase for the NL East title or the NL wild card. Nolasco tossed his first career complete game and first shutout as he and the Marlins dropped the Giants, 6-0.
Notes: The Cubs continue their roll towards destiny. Rich Harden won his 3rd game in a Chicago uniform, allowing 2 hits and no runs over seven innings, striking out 10, as the Cubs dropped the Reds, 5-0. Cruising toward the playoffs, the Cubs are tied with the Rays for the best record in the majors, at 77-48. A virtual lock to win the Central, the Cubs should have no problem securing home field throughout the NL playoffs.
American League
With Tampa Bay's Evan Longoria out for a month, Minnesota's Brian Buscher takes over as the best rokkie third baseman in the AL. On Tuesday, Buscher went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and five RBI in the Twins' 13-2 rout of Oakland.Winnipeg Food Caterers
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Buscher, who probably won't have enough plate appearances to qualify for any awards, may get more satisfaction if the Twins make it to the post-season. In 45 games, Busher is batting .314 with 4 homers and 38 RBI.Affordable, quality catering for weddings or events of any size.
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Tuesday's win kept the Twins just a game behind the White Sox in the Central division and 1 1/2 behind Boston in the wild card race.
Notes: Tampa Bay beat the Angels for the second straight day, winning 4-2 at LA, and remaining 4 1/2 ahead of the Red Sox in the East. In Toronto, A.J. Burnett (16-9) fanned 13 Yankees, including Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi 3 times each. The Blue Jays won, 2-1, dropping the Yankees 11 games behind the first place Rays.
National League
Ricky Nolasco (12-7) is one of the reasons the Marins are still in the chase for the NL East title or the NL wild card. Nolasco tossed his first career complete game and first shutout as he and the Marlins dropped the Giants, 6-0.Fish , Hunt Ducks and Waterfowl Lake Manitoba Narrows
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Not only did Nolasco hold the Gaints to 2 hits and one walk while striking out 11, but he doubled in a pair of runs in the sixth inning as well. Florida is 4 games behind the Mets in the East and are 6 1/2 behind Milwaukee in the wild card chase. Ahead of them in the wild card are St. Louis (2 1/2 back) and the Phillies (4 back).Golf, Fish Walleye , Fall Duck Hunting at Resort Lake Manitoba Narrows Home Cottage Lot.
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Notes: The Cubs continue their roll towards destiny. Rich Harden won his 3rd game in a Chicago uniform, allowing 2 hits and no runs over seven innings, striking out 10, as the Cubs dropped the Reds, 5-0. Cruising toward the playoffs, the Cubs are tied with the Rays for the best record in the majors, at 77-48. A virtual lock to win the Central, the Cubs should have no problem securing home field throughout the NL playoffs.
Labels: Brian Buscher, Ricky Nolasco
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Granderson's Triples Topple Texas; Sabathia a Complete Pitcher
Players of the Day from Monday, August 18, 2008
American League
The Tigers are still just barely alive in the AL Central race after squeaking by Texas, 8-7. The spotlight fell on leadoff hitter Curtis Granderson, who tripled twice and drove in four runs, keying the victory.
Notes: Tampa Bay held on for a 6-4 win over West leader LA to remain 4 1/2 in front of the Red Sox in the East. The Angels aren't worried, however. Despite their second straight loss, they still lead Texas by 15 1/2 games.
National League
OK, this is getting a little ridiculous. On Monday, C. C. Sabathia pitched his 8th complete game of the season, recording his 11th straight win as the Brewers dropped Houston, 9-3.
Notes: Milwaukee trails the Cubs by 5 games in the Central. The West remained deadlocked as both Arizona and LA were idle. The Mets lost to Pittsburgh, 5-2, and are 1 1/2 ahead of Philadelphia and 4 up on Florida in the East.
American League
The Tigers are still just barely alive in the AL Central race after squeaking by Texas, 8-7. The spotlight fell on leadoff hitter Curtis Granderson, who tripled twice and drove in four runs, keying the victory.Winnipeg Food Caterers
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The Tigers, probably the biggest disappointment in the majors, are 10 1/2 behind the White Sox, who retook first place in the AL Central, as Carlos Quentin hit his major league-leading 35th home run in Chicago's 13-5 thumping of Seattle. Minnesota lost to Oakland, 3-2, and are one game behind the Sox.Affordable, quality catering for weddings or events of any size.
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Notes: Tampa Bay held on for a 6-4 win over West leader LA to remain 4 1/2 in front of the Red Sox in the East. The Angels aren't worried, however. Despite their second straight loss, they still lead Texas by 15 1/2 games.
National League
OK, this is getting a little ridiculous. On Monday, C. C. Sabathia pitched his 8th complete game of the season, recording his 11th straight win as the Brewers dropped Houston, 9-3.Glendale Golfs Manitoba
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With little left to prove about his toughness, Sabathia threw 130 pitches, his season high. Both his win streak and complete game numbers include the early part of the season which he spent with Cleveland, where he was 6-8. He has not lost in 9 starts as a Brewer. Sabathia struck out 9, bringing his full season total to 192.Glendale Manitoba Golf Winnipeg Golfs.
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Notes: Milwaukee trails the Cubs by 5 games in the Central. The West remained deadlocked as both Arizona and LA were idle. The Mets lost to Pittsburgh, 5-2, and are 1 1/2 ahead of Philadelphia and 4 up on Florida in the East.
Labels: C. C. Sabathia, Curtis Granderson
Monday, August 18, 2008
Santana 3-Hits Pirates; Rodriguez Stars for Yankees
Players of the Day from Sunday, August 17, 2008
American League
Alex Rodriguez belted a 3-run, first inning homer (26), then added RBI singles in the 3rd and 7th innings, as the Yankees blew out the Royals, 15-6. A-Rod's 5 RBI were one better than Jason Giambi, who landed a grand slam into the right field stands - his 24th home run of the season. Mike Mussina took the win. he is 16-4.
Chicago and Minnesota both won and remain tied atop the Central. The Angels lost, but their magic number is now 25.
National League
Johan Santana hasn't had the best of times in his first year as a New York Met, but he showed signs Sunday that he may be peaking at the right time.
Santana (11-7) tossed a 3-hit complete game shutout against Pittsburgh as the Mets plundered Pittsburgh, 3-0, and maintained their AL East lead of 2 games over the Phillies. Santana faced 31 batters, throwing 113 pitches, 85 for strikes. The lefty struck out seven. It was his second complete game of the season and 6th career shutout. Santana has won his last four decisions.
Notes: With the Phillies winning, 2-1, at San Diego and the Marlins dropping a 9-2 decision to the Cubs, the Mets are looking like the team to beat in the East, while the Marlins continue to fade. Florida has lost 4 of their last 5 and are 4 1/2 back.
The Dodgers tied Arizona atop the West at 64-60. The Diamondbacks fell to Houston, 3-0, as Roy Oswalt (11-8) threw a 1-hitter over 8 innings, fanning 10.
American League
Alex Rodriguez belted a 3-run, first inning homer (26), then added RBI singles in the 3rd and 7th innings, as the Yankees blew out the Royals, 15-6. A-Rod's 5 RBI were one better than Jason Giambi, who landed a grand slam into the right field stands - his 24th home run of the season. Mike Mussina took the win. he is 16-4.Glendale Golfs Manitoba
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Notes: The Yankees picked up a game on the Red Sox, who were hammered by Toronto, 15-4. The Blue Jays sent Red Sox starter Josh Beckett to his earliest departure of the season. Beckett lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing 8 earned runs on 8 hits. Boston is still 5 ahead of New York, but trail the Rays by 4 1/2, after Tampa Bay beat Texas, 7-4.Glendale Manitoba Golf Winnipeg Golfs.
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Chicago and Minnesota both won and remain tied atop the Central. The Angels lost, but their magic number is now 25.
National League
Johan Santana hasn't had the best of times in his first year as a New York Met, but he showed signs Sunday that he may be peaking at the right time.Santana (11-7) tossed a 3-hit complete game shutout against Pittsburgh as the Mets plundered Pittsburgh, 3-0, and maintained their AL East lead of 2 games over the Phillies. Santana faced 31 batters, throwing 113 pitches, 85 for strikes. The lefty struck out seven. It was his second complete game of the season and 6th career shutout. Santana has won his last four decisions.
Notes: With the Phillies winning, 2-1, at San Diego and the Marlins dropping a 9-2 decision to the Cubs, the Mets are looking like the team to beat in the East, while the Marlins continue to fade. Florida has lost 4 of their last 5 and are 4 1/2 back.
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In the Central, the Cubs are beginning to look like they won't be caught, expanding their lead over Milwaukee to 5 1/2 games as the Brewers lost to the Dodgers, 7-5. St. Louis is 7 1/2 behind.Affordable, quality catering for weddings or events of any size.
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The Dodgers tied Arizona atop the West at 64-60. The Diamondbacks fell to Houston, 3-0, as Roy Oswalt (11-8) threw a 1-hitter over 8 innings, fanning 10.
Labels: Alex Rodriguez, Johan Santana
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Catch This: Mauer, Montero Lead Twins, D-Backs
Players of the Day from Saturday, August 16, 2008
American League
Joe Mauer is probably the best-hitting catcher in the majors. On Saturday, Mauer singled, doubled, homered, drove in two runs and scored the game winner in Minnesota's 7-6 win at Seattle.
Notes: The Rays and Red Sox both lost, but the Yankees won, and picked up a game on both. New York beat KC, 3-2, in 13, but are still 9 1/2 behind Tampa Bay and 6 behind the Red Sox.
National League
Miguel Montero only has 137 at-bats this season, but as Arizona's backup catcher, he and Chris Young came through big as the Diamondbacks hammered Houston, 11-5. Both Young and Montero hit grand slam homers in the win.
Montero also doubled and hit a solo home run, totaling 5 RBI. The D-Backs have scored 23 runs in two wins over Houston this weekend, and, coupled with LA's 4-3 loss to Milwaukee on Saturday, have regained a 1-game lead in the NL West.
Notes: The Cubs lost, 2-1, to Florida, so Milwaukee is back within 4 1/2 games in the Central. The Cardinals pounded the Reds, 9-3, and are 6 1/2 back in the Central. The Mets won, 7-4, over the Pirates, while Philly was losing at San Diego, 8-3. That puts NY 2 games in front of the Phillies and 3 1/2 to the good past Florida.
American League
Joe Mauer is probably the best-hitting catcher in the majors. On Saturday, Mauer singled, doubled, homered, drove in two runs and scored the game winner in Minnesota's 7-6 win at Seattle.Glendale Golfs Manitoba
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That kept the Twins tied with the White Sox for first place in the AL Central, as Chicago won, 2-1, in Oakland. Mauer is hitting .321, second in the AL batting race, behind Boston's Dustin Pedroia, at .322. Glendale Manitoba Golf Winnipeg Golfs.
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Notes: The Rays and Red Sox both lost, but the Yankees won, and picked up a game on both. New York beat KC, 3-2, in 13, but are still 9 1/2 behind Tampa Bay and 6 behind the Red Sox.
National League
Miguel Montero only has 137 at-bats this season, but as Arizona's backup catcher, he and Chris Young came through big as the Diamondbacks hammered Houston, 11-5. Both Young and Montero hit grand slam homers in the win.Montero also doubled and hit a solo home run, totaling 5 RBI. The D-Backs have scored 23 runs in two wins over Houston this weekend, and, coupled with LA's 4-3 loss to Milwaukee on Saturday, have regained a 1-game lead in the NL West.
Notes: The Cubs lost, 2-1, to Florida, so Milwaukee is back within 4 1/2 games in the Central. The Cardinals pounded the Reds, 9-3, and are 6 1/2 back in the Central. The Mets won, 7-4, over the Pirates, while Philly was losing at San Diego, 8-3. That puts NY 2 games in front of the Phillies and 3 1/2 to the good past Florida.
Labels: Joe Mauer, Miguel Montero
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Mound Moguls: Garza 2-Hits Texas; Webb Wins 18th
Players of the Day from Friday, August 15, 2008
American League
Matt Garza is only 10-7, but he's had his fair share of big games this season. On Friday, Garza gunned down the American League's top hitting team, the Texas Rangers, shutting them out on 2 hits to lead the Rays to a 7-0 win.
It was Garza's third complete game of the season and second shutout. He struck out 9 and walked just two, facing just three over the minimum. The win kept the Rays on top in the East, improving to a 3 1/2 game lead over Boston, as the Red Sox and Blue Jays were rained out.
The Twins won and the White Sox lost, so the two are locked in on top of the Central division, both at 68-53.
Horrors! The Angels lost their second straight game. Not to worry, they are 15 1/2 in front of Texas in the West. They should come around soon.
National League
Call him Mr. Consistency. Brandon Webb snapped Houston's 8-game win streak, holding the Astros to 2 runs on four hits over 8 innings as the Diamondbacks cruised to a 12-2 win.
Webb (18-4) fanned 6 and walked just one batter as he became the first pitcher in the majors to reach the 18-win mark. Webb opened the season by winning his first 9 starts, and now has put up wins in his last 7 decisions. His last loss was nearly 2 months ago, on June 22.
In the East, the Mets and Phillies were both winners, so New York retains their 1-game edge in the division. The Marlins dropped 3 1/2 back.
American League
Matt Garza is only 10-7, but he's had his fair share of big games this season. On Friday, Garza gunned down the American League's top hitting team, the Texas Rangers, shutting them out on 2 hits to lead the Rays to a 7-0 win.It was Garza's third complete game of the season and second shutout. He struck out 9 and walked just two, facing just three over the minimum. The win kept the Rays on top in the East, improving to a 3 1/2 game lead over Boston, as the Red Sox and Blue Jays were rained out.
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Notes: It may not be too early to begin wishing the New York Yankees a pleasant off-season, as they look unlikely to reach the playoffs. The Yanks dropped a 4-3 bomb to KC on Friday and are now 10 1/2 off the pace in the division and 7 games behind the Red Sox for the wild card.Glendale Manitoba Golf Winnipeg Golfs.
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The Twins won and the White Sox lost, so the two are locked in on top of the Central division, both at 68-53.
Horrors! The Angels lost their second straight game. Not to worry, they are 15 1/2 in front of Texas in the West. They should come around soon.
National League
Call him Mr. Consistency. Brandon Webb snapped Houston's 8-game win streak, holding the Astros to 2 runs on four hits over 8 innings as the Diamondbacks cruised to a 12-2 win.Webb (18-4) fanned 6 and walked just one batter as he became the first pitcher in the majors to reach the 18-win mark. Webb opened the season by winning his first 9 starts, and now has put up wins in his last 7 decisions. His last loss was nearly 2 months ago, on June 22.
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Notes: The Dodgers remained tied with Arizona atop the West with a 5-3 win over Milwaukee. The Cubs won their fifth straight and 9th consecutive road win, 6-5, at Florida, increasing their advantage in the Central to 5 1/2 games. The Cardinals beat Cincy, 5-3, and are two games behind the Brewers.Golf, Fish Walleye , Fall Duck Hunting at Resort Lake Manitoba Narrows Home Cottage Lot.
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In the East, the Mets and Phillies were both winners, so New York retains their 1-game edge in the division. The Marlins dropped 3 1/2 back.
Labels: Brandon Webb, Matt Garza
Friday, August 15, 2008
Chicago Streaks: Sox Sock 4 Straight Homers; Kotsay's Cycle Can't Stop Cubs
Players of the Day from Thursday, August 14, 2008
American League
A quiet giant, Jim Thome gave the White Sox a 6-2 lead with a three-run homer in the 6th inning. Little did he know that he was starting the wheels of history in motion, as Paul Konerko, Alexei Ramirez and Juan Uribe followed him to the plate, each smacking one out of the park to tie a major league record with four consecutive home runs.
The White Sox completed a three-game sweep of the Royals with a 9-2 win.
Notes: With Minnesota idle, the White Sox improved their slim advantage in the AL Central to 1 game over the Twins. In the East, Tampa Bay beat Oakland, 7-6, in 12 innings and Boston downed Texas, 10-0, as Daisuke Matsuzaka improved to 14-2. The Rays lead Boston by 3 games.
National League
Mark Kotsay had a huge 5-for-5 night at the plate, hitting for the cycle, but it all went for naught as the Braves fell to the Cubs, 11-7, completing their first season sweep of the Braves since the two teams began playing each other in 1876.
The Cubs have also won eight straight road games and lead Milwaukee - who had their 8-game win streak broken by Jake Peavy and the San Diego Padres, 3-2 - by 4 1/2 games in the Central division.
The Cardinals remain 3 behind Milwaukee in the Central and wild card race and are 2 1/2 better than the Phillies for the wild card. With roughly 40 games left to play, it's looking more and more like the second-place finisher in the Central will be the wild card, while the Phillies, Mets and Marlins battle in the East in an all-or-nothing division.
American League
A quiet giant, Jim Thome gave the White Sox a 6-2 lead with a three-run homer in the 6th inning. Little did he know that he was starting the wheels of history in motion, as Paul Konerko, Alexei Ramirez and Juan Uribe followed him to the plate, each smacking one out of the park to tie a major league record with four consecutive home runs.The White Sox completed a three-game sweep of the Royals with a 9-2 win.
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Thome, who has 532 career home runs, hit his 25th of the year, driving in Ken Griffey Jr. (who has 608 homers himself) and Carlos Quentin, who leads the AL in home runs with 32. Neither Griffey nor Quentin went yard in Chicago's homer-fest.Golf, Fish Walleye , Fall Duck Hunting at Resort Lake Manitoba Narrows Home Cottage Lot.
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Notes: With Minnesota idle, the White Sox improved their slim advantage in the AL Central to 1 game over the Twins. In the East, Tampa Bay beat Oakland, 7-6, in 12 innings and Boston downed Texas, 10-0, as Daisuke Matsuzaka improved to 14-2. The Rays lead Boston by 3 games.
National League
Mark Kotsay had a huge 5-for-5 night at the plate, hitting for the cycle, but it all went for naught as the Braves fell to the Cubs, 11-7, completing their first season sweep of the Braves since the two teams began playing each other in 1876.The Cubs have also won eight straight road games and lead Milwaukee - who had their 8-game win streak broken by Jake Peavy and the San Diego Padres, 3-2 - by 4 1/2 games in the Central division.
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Notes: The Dodgers completed a sweep of the Phillies with a 3-1 win to stay tied with Arizona (beat Colorado, 6-2) in the West. The Mets took over first place in the East by a game over the Phillies with a 9-3 romp past Washington. The Marlins lost to St. Louis, 3-0, to drop 2 1/2 off the pace.Glendale Manitoba Golf Winnipeg Golfs.
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The Cardinals remain 3 behind Milwaukee in the Central and wild card race and are 2 1/2 better than the Phillies for the wild card. With roughly 40 games left to play, it's looking more and more like the second-place finisher in the Central will be the wild card, while the Phillies, Mets and Marlins battle in the East in an all-or-nothing division.
Labels: Jim Thome, Mark Kotsay
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Three Doubles for Youkilis; Edmonds Aids Cubs Win
Players of the Day from Wednesday, August 14, 2008
American League
If the Red Sox reach post-season play, they can thank slugger Kevin Youkilis for his relentless attitude. On Wednesday, the gritty infielder socked three doubles in four at-bats, scored three times and drove in two runs, leading Boston to an 8-4 win over Texas.
Notes: The Rays won, 3-2, at Oakland, so the Red Sox remain 3 games back, but the Yankees seem to have fallen out of the race, losing 4-2, at Minnesota, which dropped them 9 games behind the Rays.
In the Central, the White Sox won 8-0 over KC, to retain their 1/2 game lead over the Twins. The Tigers are another team which doesn't seem to have a post-season future, as they dropped their 3rd straight at home to the Blue Jays, 4-3, to fall 9 1/2 out. The Jay can complete a 4-game sweep of the Tigers Thursday afternoon.
The Angels have a 15 game bulge in the AL West. Queue the countdown. LA's magic number is 28.
National League
The Chicago Cubs have made some good moves to solidify their squad this season, but maybe the best of all was the addition of Jim Edmonds, who has hit 15 home runs and is batting .275 in 60 games since joining the Cubs from San Diego.
Edmonds blasted a two-run homer in the 3rd inning and added an RBI double in the 5th, as the Cubs hammered Atlanta, 10-2, in the first game of a double-header. The Cubs also won game two, 8-0.
Notes: The Brewers and Cardinals both won Wednesday, so the Cubs only picked up 1/2 game on both, leading Milwaukee by 3 1/2 and St. Louis by 8 1/2 in the Central.
The Dodgers beat the Phillies, 7-6, as Philly blew a 6-1 lead. That resulted in ties atop both the NL East and West, with Arizona and LA atop the West and Philly and the Mets locked up in the East, with Florida 1 1/2 back.
American League
If the Red Sox reach post-season play, they can thank slugger Kevin Youkilis for his relentless attitude. On Wednesday, the gritty infielder socked three doubles in four at-bats, scored three times and drove in two runs, leading Boston to an 8-4 win over Texas.Winnipeg Food Caterers
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Youkilis has been hitting above .300 for most of the season, and now, at .320, is just .002 short of the AL lead, behind Milton Bradley of Texas (.321) and the Yankees' Johnny Damon (.322). One of the toughest outs in the majors, Youkilis may be looking forward to his first batting title.Affordable, quality catering for weddings or events of any size.
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Notes: The Rays won, 3-2, at Oakland, so the Red Sox remain 3 games back, but the Yankees seem to have fallen out of the race, losing 4-2, at Minnesota, which dropped them 9 games behind the Rays.
In the Central, the White Sox won 8-0 over KC, to retain their 1/2 game lead over the Twins. The Tigers are another team which doesn't seem to have a post-season future, as they dropped their 3rd straight at home to the Blue Jays, 4-3, to fall 9 1/2 out. The Jay can complete a 4-game sweep of the Tigers Thursday afternoon.
The Angels have a 15 game bulge in the AL West. Queue the countdown. LA's magic number is 28.
National League
The Chicago Cubs have made some good moves to solidify their squad this season, but maybe the best of all was the addition of Jim Edmonds, who has hit 15 home runs and is batting .275 in 60 games since joining the Cubs from San Diego.Edmonds blasted a two-run homer in the 3rd inning and added an RBI double in the 5th, as the Cubs hammered Atlanta, 10-2, in the first game of a double-header. The Cubs also won game two, 8-0.Notes: The Brewers and Cardinals both won Wednesday, so the Cubs only picked up 1/2 game on both, leading Milwaukee by 3 1/2 and St. Louis by 8 1/2 in the Central.
The Dodgers beat the Phillies, 7-6, as Philly blew a 6-1 lead. That resulted in ties atop both the NL East and West, with Arizona and LA atop the West and Philly and the Mets locked up in the East, with Florida 1 1/2 back.
Labels: Jim Edmonds, Kevin Youkilis
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Ortiz, Red Sox Hang On for 19-17 Win; Fielder Keeps Brewers Going
Players of the Day from Tuesday, August 13, 2008
American League
David Ortiz belted a pair of three run homers - both in an 8-run first inning - and also doubled, walked twice, scored four times and drive in 6 runs as the Red Sox outlasted the Rangers, 19-17 in the season's highest scoring game.
Notes: The Red Sox gained on the Rays, 2-1 losers to the A's, as did the Yankees, who topped Minnesota 9-6 in 12 innings. Boston is now 3 behind, the Yanks, 8 back. Meanwhile, the White Sox were blanking KC, 9-0, to retake first place in the Central by 1/2 game over the Twins. The Tigers continue to spike themselves, losing yet again to Toronto, 6-4, to fall 8 1/2 games off the pace.
National League
Prince Fielder socked a 3-run homer (27) in the 4th inning to snap a 1-1 tie and lead the Milwaukee Brewers to a 5-3 win at San Diego, their 7th straight.
Milwaukee's winning ways have gotten them to within 3 games of the Central division-leading Cubs, who were idled by rain in Atlanta. St. Louis lost to Florida, 4-3, to drop 7 games off the pace.
Notes: The Mets were also winners in the NL East, squeaking past the Nationals, 4-3, to pull to within 1 game of the Phillies, who lost for the second straight day in LA, by the identical, 4-3, score. The Marlins are 1 1/2 back.
In the West, LA remained 1 game behind Arizona, as Randy Johnson continued his streak to 300 wins, with #294. Johnson stopped the Rockies on 5 hits and 2 runs over 6 innings in the D-Backs 4-2 win. Johnson has won 6 of the last 7 times he's taken the mound.
American League
David Ortiz belted a pair of three run homers - both in an 8-run first inning - and also doubled, walked twice, scored four times and drive in 6 runs as the Red Sox outlasted the Rangers, 19-17 in the season's highest scoring game.Winnipeg Food Caterers
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Ortiz was not alone on the hit parade. Teammate Kevin Youkilis also cranked out a pair of homers and drove in five runs. For the Rangers, Marlon Byrd went 5-for-6, drove in 3 runs and scored 4 times.Affordable, quality catering for weddings or events of any size.
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Notes: The Red Sox gained on the Rays, 2-1 losers to the A's, as did the Yankees, who topped Minnesota 9-6 in 12 innings. Boston is now 3 behind, the Yanks, 8 back. Meanwhile, the White Sox were blanking KC, 9-0, to retake first place in the Central by 1/2 game over the Twins. The Tigers continue to spike themselves, losing yet again to Toronto, 6-4, to fall 8 1/2 games off the pace.
National League
Prince Fielder socked a 3-run homer (27) in the 4th inning to snap a 1-1 tie and lead the Milwaukee Brewers to a 5-3 win at San Diego, their 7th straight.Milwaukee's winning ways have gotten them to within 3 games of the Central division-leading Cubs, who were idled by rain in Atlanta. St. Louis lost to Florida, 4-3, to drop 7 games off the pace.
Notes: The Mets were also winners in the NL East, squeaking past the Nationals, 4-3, to pull to within 1 game of the Phillies, who lost for the second straight day in LA, by the identical, 4-3, score. The Marlins are 1 1/2 back.
In the West, LA remained 1 game behind Arizona, as Randy Johnson continued his streak to 300 wins, with #294. Johnson stopped the Rockies on 5 hits and 2 runs over 6 innings in the D-Backs 4-2 win. Johnson has won 6 of the last 7 times he's taken the mound.
Labels: David Ortiz, Prince Fielder
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Loney Drives Dodgers Past Phils; Perkins Shuts Down Yankees
Players of the Day from Monday, August 11, 2008
American League
Minnesota starter, Glen Perkins (9-3), whose wife, Alisha, gave birth to their second daughter, Lyla, on Sunday, worked over the Yankees for 8 innings en route to a 4-0 Minnesota win Monday night.
Perkins is 7-1 over his last 10 starts, but, in addition to basking in the glow of birth, he also beat the Yankees for the first time in three tries. Perkins allowed just 4 hits and 3 walks while fanning 4 before giving way to reliever Joe Nathan, who didn't earn a save, but struck out the middle of the Yankees' order in the ninth, getting Bobby Abreu swinging, Alex Rodriguez looking and Xavier Nady swinging.
With the White Sox dropping a critical 5-1 decision to Boston, the Twins reassumed first place in the AL Central by 1/2 game. The Sox and Twins have traded places twice this week atop the division.
Notes: Perhaps the biggest loser in the battle for the Central is the Tigers, who continue to lose games they sorely need, on Monday losing to Toronto, 7-2, and dropping 8 games off the pace.
With two stars sidelined, the race could tighten, benefiting Boston, and maybe even the Yankees, who have fallen 9 games off the pace.
National League
With Arizona taking a day off, James Loney and his fellow Dodgers started a 4-game series with the Phillies by dumping the AL East leaders, 8-6, gaining to within 1 game of the Diamondbacks.
Loney singled home 2 runs in a 6-run third inning, and added insurance with an RBI double in the 8th. Earlier, he had singled in the second inning and went 3-for-4 for the night.
In the Central, Milwaukee won their 6th straight to creep to within 3 1/2 of the Cubs with St. Louis 3 games further back.
American League
Minnesota starter, Glen Perkins (9-3), whose wife, Alisha, gave birth to their second daughter, Lyla, on Sunday, worked over the Yankees for 8 innings en route to a 4-0 Minnesota win Monday night.Perkins is 7-1 over his last 10 starts, but, in addition to basking in the glow of birth, he also beat the Yankees for the first time in three tries. Perkins allowed just 4 hits and 3 walks while fanning 4 before giving way to reliever Joe Nathan, who didn't earn a save, but struck out the middle of the Yankees' order in the ninth, getting Bobby Abreu swinging, Alex Rodriguez looking and Xavier Nady swinging.
With the White Sox dropping a critical 5-1 decision to Boston, the Twins reassumed first place in the AL Central by 1/2 game. The Sox and Twins have traded places twice this week atop the division.
Notes: Perhaps the biggest loser in the battle for the Central is the Tigers, who continue to lose games they sorely need, on Monday losing to Toronto, 7-2, and dropping 8 games off the pace.
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The Rays continue to lead the Red Sox by 4 games in the East, but injuries to two of their top players, Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford could make matters interesting. Longoria is expected to miss three to four weeks with a fractured wrist, while Carl Crawford may need surgery to repair a tendon in his right hand. Crawford may miss up to 5 weeks, but could return middle to late September.Affordable, quality catering for weddings or events of any size.
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With two stars sidelined, the race could tighten, benefiting Boston, and maybe even the Yankees, who have fallen 9 games off the pace.
National League
With Arizona taking a day off, James Loney and his fellow Dodgers started a 4-game series with the Phillies by dumping the AL East leaders, 8-6, gaining to within 1 game of the Diamondbacks.Loney singled home 2 runs in a 6-run third inning, and added insurance with an RBI double in the 8th. Earlier, he had singled in the second inning and went 3-for-4 for the night.
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Notes: Philly's loss was barely registered because the Phillies got some brotherly love from St. Louis, who dumped the Marlins, 4-2, and the Pirates, who slashed the Mets, 7-5. Consequently, Philadelphia remained 2 ahead of NY and 2 1/2 in front of Florida. Glendale Manitoba Golf Winnipeg Golfs.
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In the Central, Milwaukee won their 6th straight to creep to within 3 1/2 of the Cubs with St. Louis 3 games further back.
Labels: Glen Perkins, James Loney
Monday, August 11, 2008
Rangers, Padres Pound Out 20 Hits Each as Kinsler, Giles Star
Players of the Day from Sunday, August 10, 2008
American League
Ian Kinsler led a 20-hit attack as Texas grounded the Orioles, 15-7, as rumors persisted that the Rangers were seeking to trade for starting pitching.
Kinsler knocked 4 singles and a two-run homer, drove in 3, scored 3 times and helped turn two double plays. The leadoff batter for the Rangers, Kinsler is batting a brisk .319.
The Rangers, 14 games behind the Angels in the AL West, still believe they can make the post-season with just a little more pitching. They lead the AL in almost every offensive category. Their .281 batting average, 667 runs and 641 RBI are tops in the majors. They have hit 146 home runs, second only to the White Sox (165). However, their team ERA of 5.33 is the worst in the majors. Texas is currently 6 1/2 games behind the Red Sox in the wild card race.
Notes: While the Rangers search for arms, the Angels were busy completing their sweep of the Yankees with a 4-3 win. The loss pushed New York 8 1/2 behind the Rays, who won at Seattle and hold a 4 1/2 game edge over Boston. The Red Sox lost to the White Sox, who moved back into first place in the Central by 1/2 game over the Twins, losers to KC in 12 innings.
National League
San Diego hasn't made much noise this season, mired in the basment of the NL West with one of the least potent offenses in the league, but on Sunday, Brian Giles and his teammates broke out the whippin' sticks at Colorado and thumped the Rockies, 16-7, banging out 20 hits along the way.
Giles led the team with a 4-for-6 effort, including two doubles and a two-run homer, 4 RBI and 4 runs scored. Even with the one-day explosion, the Padres are still third from the bottom in runs scored (459). Only the Giants and Nationals have scored fewer. The Padres' team batting average of .248 is better than only Cincinnati, Oakland and Washington.
The Cubs and Brewers both won, so the margin there is still 4 games, but the Cardinals slipped back to 7 off the pace, losing to Chicago, 6-2. In the East, Philly won as the Marlins topped the Mets, so Philadelphia is 2 games ahead of the Mets and 2 1/2 better than Florida.
American League
Ian Kinsler led a 20-hit attack as Texas grounded the Orioles, 15-7, as rumors persisted that the Rangers were seeking to trade for starting pitching.Kinsler knocked 4 singles and a two-run homer, drove in 3, scored 3 times and helped turn two double plays. The leadoff batter for the Rangers, Kinsler is batting a brisk .319.
The Rangers, 14 games behind the Angels in the AL West, still believe they can make the post-season with just a little more pitching. They lead the AL in almost every offensive category. Their .281 batting average, 667 runs and 641 RBI are tops in the majors. They have hit 146 home runs, second only to the White Sox (165). However, their team ERA of 5.33 is the worst in the majors. Texas is currently 6 1/2 games behind the Red Sox in the wild card race.
Notes: While the Rangers search for arms, the Angels were busy completing their sweep of the Yankees with a 4-3 win. The loss pushed New York 8 1/2 behind the Rays, who won at Seattle and hold a 4 1/2 game edge over Boston. The Red Sox lost to the White Sox, who moved back into first place in the Central by 1/2 game over the Twins, losers to KC in 12 innings.
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The Rays don't seem to be looking over their shoulder much, and the Yankees are going to be eliminated from post-season contention if they don't get on the stick soon. The Yanks play three in Minnesota and then may be able to make a move as they host KC for 3 games, then play 3-game sets in Tornoto and Baltimore before a critical 3-game series with the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on August 26, 27 and 28.Golf, Fish Walleye , Fall Duck Hunting at Resort Lake Manitoba Narrows Home Cottage Lot.
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National League
San Diego hasn't made much noise this season, mired in the basment of the NL West with one of the least potent offenses in the league, but on Sunday, Brian Giles and his teammates broke out the whippin' sticks at Colorado and thumped the Rockies, 16-7, banging out 20 hits along the way.Giles led the team with a 4-for-6 effort, including two doubles and a two-run homer, 4 RBI and 4 runs scored. Even with the one-day explosion, the Padres are still third from the bottom in runs scored (459). Only the Giants and Nationals have scored fewer. The Padres' team batting average of .248 is better than only Cincinnati, Oakland and Washington.
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Notes: While the Padres and Rockies were carrying on, Brandon Webb and the Diamondbacks were taking care of business atop the NL West. Webb improved to 17-4, going 6 innings and allowing just the one run. The Dodgers are suffering from bullpen woes, as, for the second straight game, they were unable to close out the Giants, allowing two runs in the bottom of the 9th for a 5-4 loss. That puts them 1 1/2 behind Arizona.Glendale Manitoba Golf Winnipeg Golfs.
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The Cubs and Brewers both won, so the margin there is still 4 games, but the Cardinals slipped back to 7 off the pace, losing to Chicago, 6-2. In the East, Philly won as the Marlins topped the Mets, so Philadelphia is 2 games ahead of the Mets and 2 1/2 better than Florida.
Labels: Brian Giles, Ian Kinsler
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Home Run Heroes: Glaus, Cabrera Double Their Fun
Players of the Day from Saturday, August 9, 2008
American League
Miguel Cabrera is doing all he can to keep Detroit from falling completely out of the AL Central race, but time is running out on the Tigers. While Cabrera was launching a pair of homers and driving in four runs in Detroit's 10-2 dismantling of Oakland, Francisco Liriano was pitching the Twins to a 7-3 win over the Royals and into first place, a mere 1/2 game ahead of the White Sox, who dropped a 6-2 decision to Boston.
The Tigers now trail the Twins by 8 games, and are likely going to have to win the division or go home when the calendar turns to October. Cabrera, in his first season in the AL, leads the Tigers with 23 homers and 89 RBI.
Notes: The Rays continued their winning ways with an 11-inning, 8-7 win at Seattle and remain 3 1/2 ahead of the Red Sox. The Angels put another nail into the Yankees' postseason coffin with an 11-4 thumping, sending the Bombers 7 1/2 back.
The Angels have a 14 game lead over Texas in the West.
National League
6 games behind the Cubs in the Central and 2 behind Milwaukee in the wild card race, the St. Louis Cardinals are still in the hunt for October glory. On Saturday, Troy Glaus blasted a pair of homers and drove in five runs, as the Cardinals blasted Carlos Zambrano and the Cubs, 12-3.
Glaus is having a banner year for St. Louis, having already played in one more game than he did last season for Toronto, he's also hit one more homer (21) and driven in 17 more runs (79).
While the Cards gained on the Cubs, they couldn't pick up any ground on Milwaukee, as Ben Sheets tossed a complete game 5-hitter at Washington. The Nats haven't scored so far in two games in their current series with the Brewers, having faced C. C. Sabathia and Sheets in succession.
Notes: Arizona lost its 4th straight and may have lost 2nd baseman Orlando Husdson for the season with a broken left wrist. According to the Arizona Daily Star, Hudson broke it attempting to tag out the Braves' Brian McCann at second. The Braves won, 11-4 and stayed in first place by just 1/2 game because the Dodgers threw away a 2-1, 10th inning lead, losing to the Giants, 3-2. Jonathan Broxton, who is filling in as the closer for injured Takashi Saito, recorded his 6th blown save.
In the East, the Phillies beat the Pirates, 4-2, while the Mets landed the Marlins, 8-6, to stay 1 back of Philly with Florida 2 1/2 behind.
American League
Miguel Cabrera is doing all he can to keep Detroit from falling completely out of the AL Central race, but time is running out on the Tigers. While Cabrera was launching a pair of homers and driving in four runs in Detroit's 10-2 dismantling of Oakland, Francisco Liriano was pitching the Twins to a 7-3 win over the Royals and into first place, a mere 1/2 game ahead of the White Sox, who dropped a 6-2 decision to Boston.The Tigers now trail the Twins by 8 games, and are likely going to have to win the division or go home when the calendar turns to October. Cabrera, in his first season in the AL, leads the Tigers with 23 homers and 89 RBI.
Notes: The Rays continued their winning ways with an 11-inning, 8-7 win at Seattle and remain 3 1/2 ahead of the Red Sox. The Angels put another nail into the Yankees' postseason coffin with an 11-4 thumping, sending the Bombers 7 1/2 back.
The Angels have a 14 game lead over Texas in the West.
National League
6 games behind the Cubs in the Central and 2 behind Milwaukee in the wild card race, the St. Louis Cardinals are still in the hunt for October glory. On Saturday, Troy Glaus blasted a pair of homers and drove in five runs, as the Cardinals blasted Carlos Zambrano and the Cubs, 12-3.Glaus is having a banner year for St. Louis, having already played in one more game than he did last season for Toronto, he's also hit one more homer (21) and driven in 17 more runs (79).
While the Cards gained on the Cubs, they couldn't pick up any ground on Milwaukee, as Ben Sheets tossed a complete game 5-hitter at Washington. The Nats haven't scored so far in two games in their current series with the Brewers, having faced C. C. Sabathia and Sheets in succession.
Notes: Arizona lost its 4th straight and may have lost 2nd baseman Orlando Husdson for the season with a broken left wrist. According to the Arizona Daily Star, Hudson broke it attempting to tag out the Braves' Brian McCann at second. The Braves won, 11-4 and stayed in first place by just 1/2 game because the Dodgers threw away a 2-1, 10th inning lead, losing to the Giants, 3-2. Jonathan Broxton, who is filling in as the closer for injured Takashi Saito, recorded his 6th blown save.
In the East, the Phillies beat the Pirates, 4-2, while the Mets landed the Marlins, 8-6, to stay 1 back of Philly with Florida 2 1/2 behind.
Labels: Miguel Cabrera, Troy Glaus
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Hunter, the Yankee Killer; Sabathia Hurls Shutout at Nats
Players of the Day from Friday, August 8, 2008
American League
With the Texas Rangers taking it on the chin, 9-1, at Baltimore, the LA Angels didn't waste the opportunity to add another game to their lead in the AL West. Torii Hunter singled twice, doubled, homered and drove in 4 runs as the Angels pounded the Yankees, 10-5, Friday night.
That gives the Angels a 13-game edge in the division. They are also 3 games up on AL East-leading Tampa Bay for home field through the playoffs with the best record in the majors, at 72-43.
Notes: The White Sox downed the Red Sox, 5-3, dropping Boston 3 1/2 behind the Rays, while Chicago maintained its 1/2 game lead over Minnesota in the Central. In Detroit, the vultures are circling, as the Tigers dropped another game further behind, losing at home to Oakland, 4-2. The A's win snapped their 10-game losing streak.
National League
The incredible saga of C. C. Sabathia continued last night as the burly hurler pitched his 4th complete game and second shutout of the season as the Brewers blanked Washington, 5-0.
Notes: Despite Sabathia's best efforts, the Brewers can't seem to make up any ground on the Cubs, who are still 5 games ahead after topping the Cardinals, 3-2, in 11 innings. Milwaukee is 2 games in front of St. Louis in the wild card race, however, with the next closest pursuer the NY Mets, 3 1/2 back.
In the West, Arizona has lost three straight and the lead is down to just 1/2 game over the Dodgers.
American League
With the Texas Rangers taking it on the chin, 9-1, at Baltimore, the LA Angels didn't waste the opportunity to add another game to their lead in the AL West. Torii Hunter singled twice, doubled, homered and drove in 4 runs as the Angels pounded the Yankees, 10-5, Friday night.That gives the Angels a 13-game edge in the division. They are also 3 games up on AL East-leading Tampa Bay for home field through the playoffs with the best record in the majors, at 72-43.
Notes: The White Sox downed the Red Sox, 5-3, dropping Boston 3 1/2 behind the Rays, while Chicago maintained its 1/2 game lead over Minnesota in the Central. In Detroit, the vultures are circling, as the Tigers dropped another game further behind, losing at home to Oakland, 4-2. The A's win snapped their 10-game losing streak.
National League
The incredible saga of C. C. Sabathia continued last night as the burly hurler pitched his 4th complete game and second shutout of the season as the Brewers blanked Washington, 5-0.Fish , Hunt Ducks and Waterfowl Lake Manitoba Narrows
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Sabathia allowed just 5 hits and a single walk while fanning 9 Nationals. It was his 9th straight win, a streak which stretches back to June 10, when he was with Cleveland. Sabathia is 6-0 since joining the Brewers in early July and is carrying ridiculous numbers in the NL: a 1.58 ERA, a WHIP of 0.91, with 12 walks and 52 Ks in 57 innings.Golf, Fish Walleye , Fall Duck Hunting at Resort Lake Manitoba Narrows Home Cottage Lot.
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Notes: Despite Sabathia's best efforts, the Brewers can't seem to make up any ground on the Cubs, who are still 5 games ahead after topping the Cardinals, 3-2, in 11 innings. Milwaukee is 2 games in front of St. Louis in the wild card race, however, with the next closest pursuer the NY Mets, 3 1/2 back.
In the West, Arizona has lost three straight and the lead is down to just 1/2 game over the Dodgers.
Labels: C. C. Sabathia, Torii Hunter
Friday, August 8, 2008
Cabrera Keeps Tigers' Hopes Burning; Wright Polishes Off Padres
Players of the Day from Thursday, August 8, 2008
American League
If the Detroit Tigers were a hospital patient, they'd be in critical condition, but every time they're ready to pronounce them dead, they seem to rally and hang on for dear life. Such was the case last night, as Miguel Cabrera led the Tigers to an 8-3 win over the 1st place White Sox with a 3-for-3 performance, including a 2-run homer - his 21st - and a run-scoring single.
With the win, the Tigers avoided being swept, having lost the last two at Chicago on Tuesday and Wednesday, and are now 7 1/2 behind the AL Central leaders. Minnesota is just 1/2 behind Chicago.
Notes: The Rays lost at Seattle, 2-1, on Raul Ibanez' game-ending home run, but are still 2 1/2 to the good over Boston. The Yankees won, 3-0, over Texas, with Mike Mussina picking up his 15th win and are 5 1/2 out. With 9 more starts likely for Mussina, could this be the year he finally gets 20 wins? Now in his 18th year, Mussina has won 19 twice and 18, three times. He's won 11 or more 17 straight seasons.
National League
With the Phillies losing, 3-0, to Florida, the NY Mets had an opportunity to pick up a game on the NL East leaders, but found themselves tied, 3-3, with San Diego in the bottom of the ninth. Mets' fans prayers were answered by David Wright, who got his third hit of the night, a two-out, walk-off, two-run homer to give the Mets a 5-3 win and sail to within 2 games of Philly, just 1/2 game behind the Marlins.
Notes: Elsewhere, LA beat back the Cardinals, 4-1, avoiding the sweep, as Manny Ramirez socked his 4th home run - a 2-run blast - since joining the Dodgers a week ago. In seven games with LA, Ramirez has 9 RBI, is batting .585, and has hit safely in every game, with multiple hit games in all but last night's. The Dodgers trail Arizona by 1 1/2, while the Cards are 6 behind the Cubs and 1 game behind Milwaukee.
American League
If the Detroit Tigers were a hospital patient, they'd be in critical condition, but every time they're ready to pronounce them dead, they seem to rally and hang on for dear life. Such was the case last night, as Miguel Cabrera led the Tigers to an 8-3 win over the 1st place White Sox with a 3-for-3 performance, including a 2-run homer - his 21st - and a run-scoring single.With the win, the Tigers avoided being swept, having lost the last two at Chicago on Tuesday and Wednesday, and are now 7 1/2 behind the AL Central leaders. Minnesota is just 1/2 behind Chicago.
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The prognosis for the Tigers is still quite grim. They are still 2 games under .500, at 56-58, and to reach post-season play, would seemingly have to win the division, as they are a full 10 1/2 behind wild card leader, Boston. Pass the respirator, please.Affordable, quality catering for weddings or events of any size.
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Notes: The Rays lost at Seattle, 2-1, on Raul Ibanez' game-ending home run, but are still 2 1/2 to the good over Boston. The Yankees won, 3-0, over Texas, with Mike Mussina picking up his 15th win and are 5 1/2 out. With 9 more starts likely for Mussina, could this be the year he finally gets 20 wins? Now in his 18th year, Mussina has won 19 twice and 18, three times. He's won 11 or more 17 straight seasons.
National League
With the Phillies losing, 3-0, to Florida, the NY Mets had an opportunity to pick up a game on the NL East leaders, but found themselves tied, 3-3, with San Diego in the bottom of the ninth. Mets' fans prayers were answered by David Wright, who got his third hit of the night, a two-out, walk-off, two-run homer to give the Mets a 5-3 win and sail to within 2 games of Philly, just 1/2 game behind the Marlins.Glendale Golfs Manitoba
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Wright's homer was his 21st of the season, and the 2 RBI gave him 87 on the season, tops on the team and 3rd best in the NL, behind Houston's Carlos Lee and Philly's Ryan Howard, both of whom have 97.Glendale Manitoba Golf Winnipeg Golfs.
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Notes: Elsewhere, LA beat back the Cardinals, 4-1, avoiding the sweep, as Manny Ramirez socked his 4th home run - a 2-run blast - since joining the Dodgers a week ago. In seven games with LA, Ramirez has 9 RBI, is batting .585, and has hit safely in every game, with multiple hit games in all but last night's. The Dodgers trail Arizona by 1 1/2, while the Cards are 6 behind the Cubs and 1 game behind Milwaukee.
Labels: David Wright, Miguel Cabrera
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Guerrero, Angels Hammer O's; Albert the Great Powers Cards
Players of the Day from Wednesday, August 6, 2008
American League
Vladimir Guerrero hit a two-run homer in the first inning (his 20th) and singled home another pair in the 4th inning as the Angels clobbered the Orioles, 9-4, and improved their AL West lead to 11 1/2 games over the Rangers, who lost at New York, 5-3.
Notes: Tampa Bay and Boston both won, so the lead in the East is still 3 games for the Rays, with the Yankees hoping for a break, 6 1/2 back.
The White Sox took another swipe at Detroit's post-season hopes, knocking down the Tigers, 5-1, and putting Detroit 8 1/2 back. The loss was Detroit's 6th straight and their hopes of even being the wild card now seem faint, 10 games behind the Red Sox, who are currently the wild card qualifier. The Twins are still in hot pursuit of the White Sox in the Central, one game back after beating Seattle, 7-3.
National League
It's probably not a good idea to give Albert Pujols any extra incentive to beat you. After all, he's won various awards over his 7+ year major league career, owns a World Series championship ring and has never hit less than 32 home runs or driven in fewer than 103 runs (both last season). So, when Manny Ramirez homered in the 2nd inning and singled in another run in the 3rd, to give the Dodgers a 3-1 lead, it obvious Pujols wasn't about to be shown up in his own park.
He had already singled and scored in the first inning, but in the bottom of the third he started a two-out St. Louis rally by doubling and scoring. The Cards tied the game with another run in the frame. After the Dodgers went quietly in the 4th, Pujols delivered the fatal blow: a grand slam homer that upped the lead to 7-4. Right after his blast, Ryan Ludwick homered to make it 8-3. Game over. Final score: Cardinals 9 Dodgers 6. Pujols was on base after all five of his plate appearances, singling twice more and taking a walk in the 6th. His .352 batting average is second in the league to Chipper Jones (.369), but that's just more incentive for Albert the Great.
Notes: The Cubs and Brewers both won Wednesday, so the Cardinals remain 1/2 game behind Milwaukee and 5 1/2 below the Cubs. In the East, the Phillies scored a 5-0 win over Florida while the Mets were losing, 4-2, to the Padres, leaving Philly 2 1/2 to the good over Florida and 3 better than the Mets. Arizona and LA both lost, so the Diamondback lead remains at 2 1/2 games in the West.
American League
Vladimir Guerrero hit a two-run homer in the first inning (his 20th) and singled home another pair in the 4th inning as the Angels clobbered the Orioles, 9-4, and improved their AL West lead to 11 1/2 games over the Rangers, who lost at New York, 5-3.Fish , Hunt Ducks and Waterfowl Lake Manitoba Narrows
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The A's losing streak extended to 9 games, taking a 5-1 beat at Toronto.Golf, Fish Walleye , Fall Duck Hunting at Resort Lake Manitoba Narrows Home Cottage Lot.
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Notes: Tampa Bay and Boston both won, so the lead in the East is still 3 games for the Rays, with the Yankees hoping for a break, 6 1/2 back.
The White Sox took another swipe at Detroit's post-season hopes, knocking down the Tigers, 5-1, and putting Detroit 8 1/2 back. The loss was Detroit's 6th straight and their hopes of even being the wild card now seem faint, 10 games behind the Red Sox, who are currently the wild card qualifier. The Twins are still in hot pursuit of the White Sox in the Central, one game back after beating Seattle, 7-3.
National League
It's probably not a good idea to give Albert Pujols any extra incentive to beat you. After all, he's won various awards over his 7+ year major league career, owns a World Series championship ring and has never hit less than 32 home runs or driven in fewer than 103 runs (both last season). So, when Manny Ramirez homered in the 2nd inning and singled in another run in the 3rd, to give the Dodgers a 3-1 lead, it obvious Pujols wasn't about to be shown up in his own park.He had already singled and scored in the first inning, but in the bottom of the third he started a two-out St. Louis rally by doubling and scoring. The Cards tied the game with another run in the frame. After the Dodgers went quietly in the 4th, Pujols delivered the fatal blow: a grand slam homer that upped the lead to 7-4. Right after his blast, Ryan Ludwick homered to make it 8-3. Game over. Final score: Cardinals 9 Dodgers 6. Pujols was on base after all five of his plate appearances, singling twice more and taking a walk in the 6th. His .352 batting average is second in the league to Chipper Jones (.369), but that's just more incentive for Albert the Great.
Notes: The Cubs and Brewers both won Wednesday, so the Cardinals remain 1/2 game behind Milwaukee and 5 1/2 below the Cubs. In the East, the Phillies scored a 5-0 win over Florida while the Mets were losing, 4-2, to the Padres, leaving Philly 2 1/2 to the good over Florida and 3 better than the Mets. Arizona and LA both lost, so the Diamondback lead remains at 2 1/2 games in the West.Labels: Albert Pujols, Vladimir Guerrero
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Quentin Leads AL Home Run Chase; Soriano Keeps Cubs on Top
Players of the Day from Monday, August 5, 2008
American League
Carlos Quentin socked his 29th home run, drove in two runs and scored on Nick Swisher's 3-run shot in the bottom of the 14th, as Chicago outlasted Detroit, 10-8.
Quentin leads the AL in homers and is third in RBI, with 86, behind Justin Morneau (89) and Josh Hamilton (108).
The White Sox win was important, as Minnesota took an 8-7 loss at Seattle and are back in second place, 1 game out. Possibly more importantly, the Sox put the Tigers further behind. Detroit is now 7 1/2 games back and, at 55-57, likely out of the wild card race as well, unless they get hot soon.
Notes: The Rays and Boston both won on Tuesday, keeping Tampa Bay 3 games clear of the Red Sox. The Yankees are falling out of the race, losing their second straight to Texas, 8-6. New York is 6 1/2 back.
In the West, the Angels were blanked by the O's, 3-0, and now are a mere 10 1/2 games better than the Rangers. The Oakland A's lost their 8th straight, 4-3, at Toronto.
National League
Since his return from injury on July 23, Alfonso Soriano has provided a big bat in the leadoff spot for the Cubs, and he came through again on Tuesday with a single, double, 3-run homer and 4 RBI as the
Cubs outsluggled Houston, 11-7.
Notes: Brandon Webb became the majors' first 16-game winner, as Arizona topped Pittsburgh, 3-1, and increased their lead over LA to 2 1/2 games. Webb pitched a complete game, fanning four without walking a batter. He allowed 9 hits and 1 earned run.
In the East, Florida won, 8-2, at Philly, to move to within 1 1/2 games of the division leader. The Mets topped San Diego, 6-5, and are 2 games back.
American League
Carlos Quentin socked his 29th home run, drove in two runs and scored on Nick Swisher's 3-run shot in the bottom of the 14th, as Chicago outlasted Detroit, 10-8.Quentin leads the AL in homers and is third in RBI, with 86, behind Justin Morneau (89) and Josh Hamilton (108).
The White Sox win was important, as Minnesota took an 8-7 loss at Seattle and are back in second place, 1 game out. Possibly more importantly, the Sox put the Tigers further behind. Detroit is now 7 1/2 games back and, at 55-57, likely out of the wild card race as well, unless they get hot soon.
Notes: The Rays and Boston both won on Tuesday, keeping Tampa Bay 3 games clear of the Red Sox. The Yankees are falling out of the race, losing their second straight to Texas, 8-6. New York is 6 1/2 back.
In the West, the Angels were blanked by the O's, 3-0, and now are a mere 10 1/2 games better than the Rangers. The Oakland A's lost their 8th straight, 4-3, at Toronto.
National League
Since his return from injury on July 23, Alfonso Soriano has provided a big bat in the leadoff spot for the Cubs, and he came through again on Tuesday with a single, double, 3-run homer and 4 RBI as the Cubs outsluggled Houston, 11-7.
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How important to the Cubs' success has Soriano been? Since his return, he's hit safely in 12 of 14 games and the Cubs are 10-4, including 4 straight over 2nd place Milwaukee last week. With a healthy leadoff batter of Soriano's stature, Chicago is steamrolling towards the NL Central title, 5 ahead of the Brewers and 5 1/2 past the Cardinals.Affordable, quality catering for weddings or events of any size.
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Notes: Brandon Webb became the majors' first 16-game winner, as Arizona topped Pittsburgh, 3-1, and increased their lead over LA to 2 1/2 games. Webb pitched a complete game, fanning four without walking a batter. He allowed 9 hits and 1 earned run.
In the East, Florida won, 8-2, at Philly, to move to within 1 1/2 games of the division leader. The Mets topped San Diego, 6-5, and are 2 games back.
Labels: Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Quentin
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Reynolds Lifts Arizona; Ibanez Slams 6 RBI in 7th
Players of the Day from Monday, August 4, 2008
American League
The Twins had finally caught and passed the White Sox on Sunday to take a slender 1/2 game lead in the AL Central, and were comfortably leading the Mariners, 6-1, until Raul Ibanez and his Seattle teammates spoiled the party with a 10-run 7th inning that ended in an 11-6 Seattle win, sending Minnesota into a tie with the White Sox.
Ibanez (16 HR, 73 RBI), probably the best player the Mariners haven't traded, started the scoring in the inning with a grand slam homer, and finished it with a 2-run double, cashing 6 RBI in just one inning - a remarkable feat.
Notes: While the loss wasn't devastating to the Twins, the win was just the 43rd of the season for Seattle, against 68 losses. Seattle is 27 games behind the runaway leaders in the AL West, the Angels, and are just playing out a long, long string.
With much of the league idle on Monday, the Rays, Red Sox and Yankees all suffered losses, keeping the standings intact from Sunday. The Angels beat the O's, 6-5, for their 70th win against just 42 losses and an 11 1/2 game lead over the Rangers in the West.
National League
Third baseman Mark Reynolds singled twice and hit his 16th home run in 5 at-bats, driving in a run with each hit as the Diamondbacks banged out 18 hits in a 1307 drubbing of the Pirates.
Arizona improved its lead in the NL West to 1 1/2 games over the idle Dodgers, who begin a 3-game series at St. Louis on Tuesday.
Notes: The Milwaukee Brewers are apparently going into September swoon mode a little early this year, dropping a 6-3 decision at Cincinnati for their 2nd straight loss and 7th in their last nine games. There was also a dugout incident involving Prince Fielder apparently shoving a teammate. Bad behavior on a struggling team. It sounds so familiar for Milwaukee. The Brewers are 5 behind the Cubs in the Central, after having dropped four straight to them to end the month of July and are just 1/2 game clear of the Cardinals as the wild card race comes into focus.
American League
The Twins had finally caught and passed the White Sox on Sunday to take a slender 1/2 game lead in the AL Central, and were comfortably leading the Mariners, 6-1, until Raul Ibanez and his Seattle teammates spoiled the party with a 10-run 7th inning that ended in an 11-6 Seattle win, sending Minnesota into a tie with the White Sox.Ibanez (16 HR, 73 RBI), probably the best player the Mariners haven't traded, started the scoring in the inning with a grand slam homer, and finished it with a 2-run double, cashing 6 RBI in just one inning - a remarkable feat.
Notes: While the loss wasn't devastating to the Twins, the win was just the 43rd of the season for Seattle, against 68 losses. Seattle is 27 games behind the runaway leaders in the AL West, the Angels, and are just playing out a long, long string.
With much of the league idle on Monday, the Rays, Red Sox and Yankees all suffered losses, keeping the standings intact from Sunday. The Angels beat the O's, 6-5, for their 70th win against just 42 losses and an 11 1/2 game lead over the Rangers in the West.
National League
Third baseman Mark Reynolds singled twice and hit his 16th home run in 5 at-bats, driving in a run with each hit as the Diamondbacks banged out 18 hits in a 1307 drubbing of the Pirates.Arizona improved its lead in the NL West to 1 1/2 games over the idle Dodgers, who begin a 3-game series at St. Louis on Tuesday.
Notes: The Milwaukee Brewers are apparently going into September swoon mode a little early this year, dropping a 6-3 decision at Cincinnati for their 2nd straight loss and 7th in their last nine games. There was also a dugout incident involving Prince Fielder apparently shoving a teammate. Bad behavior on a struggling team. It sounds so familiar for Milwaukee. The Brewers are 5 behind the Cubs in the Central, after having dropped four straight to them to end the month of July and are just 1/2 game clear of the Cardinals as the wild card race comes into focus.
Labels: Mark Reynolds, Raul Ibanez
Monday, August 4, 2008
Nady Drives in 6 for Yankees; Ramirez Leads Dodgers over D-Backs
Players of the Day from Sunday, August 3, 2008
American League
It appears that the LA Dodgers got what they bargained for in Manny Ramirez, who led the team to a split with Arizona in the Dodgers' 9-3 trouncing of Arizona.
Ramirez was a hitting machine, going 4-for-5, with a double, home run and 3 RBI. Since joining the Dodgers, Manny has been Manny, going 8-for-15 with two homers, a double, 5 RBI and 4 runs scored. Sunday's win moved the Dodgers back to within 1 game of the Diamondbacks.
Notes: The Phillies won, 5-4, at St. Louis, extending their slim margin in the NL East to 2 1/3 games over the Marlins - who lost to Colorado, 3-2 - and 3 games better than the Mets, swept 4 straight by Houston, concluding with a 4-0 whitewash on Sunday.
National League
Xavier Nady drove in 6 runs as the Yankees salvaged a split with the LA Angels, winning the last two of their four game set, taking a wild one, 14-9.
Nady went 4-for-5, and keyed the Yankees' comeback from a 5-0 deficit with a 2-run double in the sixth, a 2-run homer in the 7th, and capped the night off with a 2-run single in the 8th.
Notes: The Rays and Red Sox both won, so the Yankees remain 5 1/2 behind Tampa, while the Sox are 3 off the pace.
In the Central, Francisco Liriano returned to the Twins just in time to throw 6 shutout innings and help Minnesota to a 6-2 win and first place in the division. The White Sox lost their second straight at KC, being hammered 14-3, in a game marred by a bench-clearing brawl. Meanwhile, the Tigers dropped their 4th in a row and were swept by Tampa Bay, dropping a 6-5, 10 inning decision. At 7 behind, the Tigers' hopes are fading fast. The Angels are still 11 1/2 in front of Texas in the West, despite losing two in a row.
American League
It appears that the LA Dodgers got what they bargained for in Manny Ramirez, who led the team to a split with Arizona in the Dodgers' 9-3 trouncing of Arizona.Ramirez was a hitting machine, going 4-for-5, with a double, home run and 3 RBI. Since joining the Dodgers, Manny has been Manny, going 8-for-15 with two homers, a double, 5 RBI and 4 runs scored. Sunday's win moved the Dodgers back to within 1 game of the Diamondbacks.
Notes: The Phillies won, 5-4, at St. Louis, extending their slim margin in the NL East to 2 1/3 games over the Marlins - who lost to Colorado, 3-2 - and 3 games better than the Mets, swept 4 straight by Houston, concluding with a 4-0 whitewash on Sunday.
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In the Central, the Cubs continue to roll right along, with an 8-5 win at Pittsburgh. With the Brewers and Cardinals both suffering Sunday losses, the Cubs all of a sudden have a 5 game bulge over Milwaukee, with the Cards a game further back.Glendale Manitoba Golf Winnipeg Golfs.
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National League
Xavier Nady drove in 6 runs as the Yankees salvaged a split with the LA Angels, winning the last two of their four game set, taking a wild one, 14-9.Nady went 4-for-5, and keyed the Yankees' comeback from a 5-0 deficit with a 2-run double in the sixth, a 2-run homer in the 7th, and capped the night off with a 2-run single in the 8th.
Notes: The Rays and Red Sox both won, so the Yankees remain 5 1/2 behind Tampa, while the Sox are 3 off the pace.
In the Central, Francisco Liriano returned to the Twins just in time to throw 6 shutout innings and help Minnesota to a 6-2 win and first place in the division. The White Sox lost their second straight at KC, being hammered 14-3, in a game marred by a bench-clearing brawl. Meanwhile, the Tigers dropped their 4th in a row and were swept by Tampa Bay, dropping a 6-5, 10 inning decision. At 7 behind, the Tigers' hopes are fading fast. The Angels are still 11 1/2 in front of Texas in the West, despite losing two in a row.
Labels: Manny Ramirez, Xavier Nady
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Youkilis Bangs Pair; Fielder, Sabathia Keep Brewers Close
Players of the Day for Saturday, August 2, 2008
American League
Seemingly, all will be well in Boston without Manny Ramirez, as long as Kevin Youkilis keeps being productive at the plate.
On Saturday, Youkilis banged a pair of two-run homers as the Red Sox downed the A's, 12-2. Quietly having an outstanding season, Youkilis, one of the finest pure hitters in the majors, is batting .313 with 20 homers and 74 RBI.
The win kept the Sox 3 behind Tampa Bay, who were busy putting more nails in the Detroit Tigers' post-season coffin, hammering home a 9-3 win. In New York, the Yankees avoided being swept by the Angels, winning 8-2. They have one more shot at LA on Sunday and are 5 1/2 back in the AL East.
Notes: The White Sox, Twins and Tigers were all losers on Saturday, so the standing remain the same: Chicago leads Minnesota by 1/2 and Detroit by 6 1/2.
National League
Prince Fielder (left) and C. C. Sabathia (right) provided the power and the pitching to take their second straight at Atlanta, topping the Braves by a 4-2 score.
Fielder smacked a solo homer in the 7th to tie the game at one, and then applied the finishing touch with a two-run blast (his 25th) in the 8th inning for a 4-1 lead. Sabathia, who has been nothing short of spectacular since joining the Brewers in July, improved to 5-0 in the NL, allowing 6 hits and 2 earned runs over 8 1/3 innings, striking out 9 and walking just one batter.
In sic starts for the Brewers, Sabathia has worked 48 innings, allowed 35 hits and 10 earned runs for a 5-0 record, a 1.88 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP.
Notes: Milwaukee is currently in position to be the wild card in the NL, 4 games behind the Cubs in the Central division. In the wild card race, they have a 3 game bulge over the Marlins and 3 1/2 over the Mets. There's certainly the opportunity to run down Chicago in September, but they appear to be on a path to the playoffs.
The Mets blew a 4-0 lead and lost in 10 innings to Houston, 5-4, falling 2 behind Philly - 2-1 winners over St. Louis - in the East. The Marlins beat Colorado to remain 1 1/2 back. In LA, Manny Ramirez hit his first homer in the National League as the Dodgers beat Arizona, 4-2, and drew to within 2 games of the Diamondbacks in the West.
American League
Seemingly, all will be well in Boston without Manny Ramirez, as long as Kevin Youkilis keeps being productive at the plate.On Saturday, Youkilis banged a pair of two-run homers as the Red Sox downed the A's, 12-2. Quietly having an outstanding season, Youkilis, one of the finest pure hitters in the majors, is batting .313 with 20 homers and 74 RBI.
The win kept the Sox 3 behind Tampa Bay, who were busy putting more nails in the Detroit Tigers' post-season coffin, hammering home a 9-3 win. In New York, the Yankees avoided being swept by the Angels, winning 8-2. They have one more shot at LA on Sunday and are 5 1/2 back in the AL East.
Notes: The White Sox, Twins and Tigers were all losers on Saturday, so the standing remain the same: Chicago leads Minnesota by 1/2 and Detroit by 6 1/2.
National League
Prince Fielder (left) and C. C. Sabathia (right) provided the power and the pitching to take their second straight at Atlanta, topping the Braves by a 4-2 score.Fielder smacked a solo homer in the 7th to tie the game at one, and then applied the finishing touch with a two-run blast (his 25th) in the 8th inning for a 4-1 lead. Sabathia, who has been nothing short of spectacular since joining the Brewers in July, improved to 5-0 in the NL, allowing 6 hits and 2 earned runs over 8 1/3 innings, striking out 9 and walking just one batter.
In sic starts for the Brewers, Sabathia has worked 48 innings, allowed 35 hits and 10 earned runs for a 5-0 record, a 1.88 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP.
Notes: Milwaukee is currently in position to be the wild card in the NL, 4 games behind the Cubs in the Central division. In the wild card race, they have a 3 game bulge over the Marlins and 3 1/2 over the Mets. There's certainly the opportunity to run down Chicago in September, but they appear to be on a path to the playoffs.
The Mets blew a 4-0 lead and lost in 10 innings to Houston, 5-4, falling 2 behind Philly - 2-1 winners over St. Louis - in the East. The Marlins beat Colorado to remain 1 1/2 back. In LA, Manny Ramirez hit his first homer in the National League as the Dodgers beat Arizona, 4-2, and drew to within 2 games of the Diamondbacks in the West.
Labels: C. C. Sabathia, Kevin Youkilis, Prince Fielder
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Bay Delivers for BoSox; Loretta Slams Mets
Players of the Day from Friday, August 1, 2008
American League
Much was made about the trade that sent Manny Ramirez to Los Angeles and Jason Bay to Boston, but the Red Sox, so far, seem to have gotten themselves a good deal.
In his first appearance in a Red Sox uniform, Bay endeared himself to the Boston faithful as the Red Sox topped Oakland, 2-1, in 12 innings. Bay went 1-for-3 with a pair of walks, but scored both Boston runs.
In the second inning, he walked, moved to third on J. D. Drew's double, and scored on a Jed Lowrie sac fly. Then, in the bottom of the 12th, Bay tripled off the Green Monster in left and scored the game winner on Lowrie's scratch single.
Notes: Boston kept pace (3 back) with the front-running Rays, who beat Detroit, 5-2. The Yankees lost to California, 1-0, and fell 5 1/2 off the pace.
Let's talk magic numbers. 40 is it for the LA Angels. Any combination of Angels' wins or Texas losses clinches the AL West for LA. Key dates come at the end of August, when the Angels host the A's for three and the Rangers for 4 games to close out the month. The Angels may pop the champagne cork on the 8th, 9th or 10th of September, when they host the Yankees.
Meanwhile, in the Central, those pesky Twins just won't go away. They trail the White Sox by 1/2 game as both won on Friday. The two play a 3-game set in Minnesota on September 23, 24, 25, which may decide the division.
National League
The Mets missed a golden opportunity to catch the Phillies in the NL East, as St. Louis dropped Philly, 6-3, but Mark Loretta broke a 3-3 tie in the 8th with a pinch hit grand slam, giving Houston a 7-3 win over New York.
The aforementioned Cardinals and the Brewers each picked up a game in the standings, as the Cubs lost to the Pirates, 3-0. Chicago leads both by 4 games.
Notes: In the West, Randy Johnson (9-7) earned win #293, working 6 innings in Arizona's 2-1 win at LA. With all the attention focused on Manny Ramirez, who went 2-4 in his first start as a Dodger, the Diamondbacks improved their lead to 3 games over LA with their 4th win in a row.
American League
Much was made about the trade that sent Manny Ramirez to Los Angeles and Jason Bay to Boston, but the Red Sox, so far, seem to have gotten themselves a good deal.In his first appearance in a Red Sox uniform, Bay endeared himself to the Boston faithful as the Red Sox topped Oakland, 2-1, in 12 innings. Bay went 1-for-3 with a pair of walks, but scored both Boston runs.
In the second inning, he walked, moved to third on J. D. Drew's double, and scored on a Jed Lowrie sac fly. Then, in the bottom of the 12th, Bay tripled off the Green Monster in left and scored the game winner on Lowrie's scratch single.
Notes: Boston kept pace (3 back) with the front-running Rays, who beat Detroit, 5-2. The Yankees lost to California, 1-0, and fell 5 1/2 off the pace.
Let's talk magic numbers. 40 is it for the LA Angels. Any combination of Angels' wins or Texas losses clinches the AL West for LA. Key dates come at the end of August, when the Angels host the A's for three and the Rangers for 4 games to close out the month. The Angels may pop the champagne cork on the 8th, 9th or 10th of September, when they host the Yankees.
Meanwhile, in the Central, those pesky Twins just won't go away. They trail the White Sox by 1/2 game as both won on Friday. The two play a 3-game set in Minnesota on September 23, 24, 25, which may decide the division.
National League
The Mets missed a golden opportunity to catch the Phillies in the NL East, as St. Louis dropped Philly, 6-3, but Mark Loretta broke a 3-3 tie in the 8th with a pinch hit grand slam, giving Houston a 7-3 win over New York.Winnipeg Food Caterers
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That left the Mets a game behind the Phillies. The Marlins also lost to Colorado, 5-2, and remain 1 1/2 back.Affordable, quality catering for weddings or events of any size.
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The aforementioned Cardinals and the Brewers each picked up a game in the standings, as the Cubs lost to the Pirates, 3-0. Chicago leads both by 4 games.
Notes: In the West, Randy Johnson (9-7) earned win #293, working 6 innings in Arizona's 2-1 win at LA. With all the attention focused on Manny Ramirez, who went 2-4 in his first start as a Dodger, the Diamondbacks improved their lead to 3 games over LA with their 4th win in a row.
Labels: Jason Bay, Mark Loretta
Friday, August 1, 2008
Figgins Leads Angels to 4th Straight; Webb Wins 15th
Players of the Day from Thursday, July 31, 2008
American League
Often forgotten in the galaxy of star, Angels' leadoff hitter Chone Figgins is often the man who gets the offense started. On Thursday, Figgins was at his best, rapping out 4 singles in 5 at-bats, stealing a base, scoring three times and driving in a run as the Angels continued their Eastward swing undefeated, topping the Yankees, 12-6.
The Angels began their trip by dropping the Red Sox three straight times, and opened their 4-game series with the Yankees with a win. The Angels have won four straight, 8 of their last 10 and lead the AL West by 12 1/2 games.
Notes: The Yankees' loss left them 4 1/2 behind Tampa Bay in the AL East, in third place. Sandwiched in between are the Red Sox, 3 games behind. Minnesota beat Chicago, 10-6, and are just 1/2 game behind the white Sox in the Central.
National League
Brandon Webb became the first 15-game winner in the majors, outdeuling Derek Lowe, as Arizona topped the Dodgers, 2-1.
Webb (15-4) allowed 6 hits and one earned run over 8 innings, fanning 6 and walking just one batter. Lowe (8-9) lasted just 6 1/3 for LA, and took the loss, dropping the Dodgers 2 games behind the Diamondbacks in the NL West race. The two teams have three more games in LA through Sunday.
Notes: The Cubs completed their 4-game sweep of Milwaukee with an 11-4 win. The Brewers were just a game back when the Cubs came to town on Monday. By Thursday night, they were 5 back, tied with the Cardinals for second place. The Phillies won their fifth straight, 8-4, over Washington, to improve their lead in the NL East to a full game over the Mets and 1 1/2 over the Marlins.
American League
Often forgotten in the galaxy of star, Angels' leadoff hitter Chone Figgins is often the man who gets the offense started. On Thursday, Figgins was at his best, rapping out 4 singles in 5 at-bats, stealing a base, scoring three times and driving in a run as the Angels continued their Eastward swing undefeated, topping the Yankees, 12-6.The Angels began their trip by dropping the Red Sox three straight times, and opened their 4-game series with the Yankees with a win. The Angels have won four straight, 8 of their last 10 and lead the AL West by 12 1/2 games.
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Figgins, who missed part of the season on the DL, has 79 hits in 71 games for a .285 batting average, with 21 steals and 41 runs scored.Golf, Fish Walleye , Fall Duck Hunting at Resort Lake Manitoba Narrows Home Cottage Lot.
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Notes: The Yankees' loss left them 4 1/2 behind Tampa Bay in the AL East, in third place. Sandwiched in between are the Red Sox, 3 games behind. Minnesota beat Chicago, 10-6, and are just 1/2 game behind the white Sox in the Central.
National League
Brandon Webb became the first 15-game winner in the majors, outdeuling Derek Lowe, as Arizona topped the Dodgers, 2-1.Webb (15-4) allowed 6 hits and one earned run over 8 innings, fanning 6 and walking just one batter. Lowe (8-9) lasted just 6 1/3 for LA, and took the loss, dropping the Dodgers 2 games behind the Diamondbacks in the NL West race. The two teams have three more games in LA through Sunday.
Notes: The Cubs completed their 4-game sweep of Milwaukee with an 11-4 win. The Brewers were just a game back when the Cubs came to town on Monday. By Thursday night, they were 5 back, tied with the Cardinals for second place. The Phillies won their fifth straight, 8-4, over Washington, to improve their lead in the NL East to a full game over the Mets and 1 1/2 over the Marlins.
Labels: Brandon Webb, Chone Figgins
