Pirates 2 Phillies 1

WP: Daniel Moskos (1-3) LP: Danys Baez (1-3)

The battle of Pennsylvania Baseball is looking more competitive this season. Cole Hamels woke up, his fans and owners alike, expected a dominant start and he did not disappoint. Once this match up was over, it's conceivable Jeff Karstens (7 IP, 4 H, 1 R) may have more fans and owners soon. Though not yet fantasy applicable, as he's had his moments this season and he's not a stats bulging pitcher, Karstens is becoming an integral pitcher to the Pirates staff. Regardless, both pitcher's were long gone when Jose Tabata ended this game with a single to shallow right center. Coming off an 0-5 game Wednesday, Tabata collected both of the Pirates RBI's in a important season series opener with the Phils. Jimmy Rollins was at the center of a controversial call (SB) that lead to the one Phils run. Rollins went 2-5, R, 2 SB in a losing effort. Where's Greg Dobbs when you need him...

Blue Jays 8 Orioles 4

WP: Carlos Villanueva (3-0) LP: Zach Britton (5-4)

HR: J.P. Arencibia (9), J.J. Hardy (4)

The Blue Jays are looking to get over that hump in the AL East. If they could turn around the losing record (10-13) against their own division, they may contend a wild card spot this season. A June match up between these two teams could make for separation, separation the Orioles can not afford. By the end of the fifth, when the Orioles line up began to nibble off Villanueva (5.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER), the Blue Jays had already taken hold of the Britton (5 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 5 ER). While Adam Jones (2-4, RBI) and J.J. Hardy (3-4, 2 R, 2 RBI) did their part, Nick Markakis (0-5, K, 4 LOB) did not. The Orioles never recovered from Arencibia's (1-5, 2 R, 4 RBI) fifth inning grand slam. Rajai Davis has raised his average (.288) 19 points over his last two games, going 5-9 with a HR, SB and four RBI's. Both Juan Rivera and Yunel Escobar chipped in a two hits, two runs and an RBI as well.

Rangers 11 Indians 2
WP: Alexi Ogando (6-0) LP: Justin Masterson (5-4)
HR:Josh Hamilton (2), Nelson Cruz (11), Asdrubal Cabrera (11)

It was tight for Ogando (8 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 6 K), who was once again, dominant. Then the Rangers bats woke up. The maturation of Elvis Andrus (4-5, 2 R, 3 RBI, SB) continued. Andrus has yet to be caught stealing this season, even after the Indians staff called a pitch out. The biggest decision Manny Acta and company made was to play the lefty on lefty percentages. Acta brought in Tony Sipp (0.2, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 HR) to face Josh Hamilton (3-4, R, 3 RBI). Hambone, one of four Rangers with three or more hits on the night, clubbed a three-run shot over the right field fence. After that things got even worse for the Baseball's best-record darling. Shin Soo Choo (0-4, 2 LOB) lost a ball in the twilight and Nelson Cruz (1-5, 2 RBI, K) made Sipp cringe again. I'll spare Indians fans the red tape. Justin Masterson (6.1 IP, 10 H, 4 ER) has lost or received a no-decision in seven straight games. Rangers oldest (35 years-old) rookie pitcher Yoshinori Tateyama (1 IP, H, ER) has given up three runs in four appearances since being called up from AAA-Round Rock. The only hitter Ogando could not figure out was Asdrubal Cabrera (3-4), who is now 7-15, 3 R, 3 RBI in the young month of June.

Braves 6 Mets 3

WP: Jonny Venters LP: Francisco Rodriguez (1-2) S: Craig Kimbrel (17)

HR: Eric Hinske (6) Chipper Jones (5)

Sunday Night Baseball

The Mets can't even earn good publicity on the field or otherwise. After a solid start by Jonathan Niese (7.2 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, BB, 7 K) the Mets bullpen (1.1 IP 4 R) muffed it up allowing fives Braves to score in the last two innings. Derek Lowe was his usual dependable self, going six innings (BB, K) allowing three runs on seven hits. Chipper Jones (2-5, R, RBI) began the rally in the top of the eighth, which was extended with Jose Reyes' crucial throwing error. Eric Hinske (1-2, K), who hit the game winning shot to right field, came in after Jordan Schafer (0-3) bunted a gruesome ball off his face. Upside for the Queens faithful, Reyes (2-4, R) was one of three Mets starters with two hits in the game. Angel Pagan (2-4, RBI) and Daniel Murphy (2-4, RBI) each extended their respective eight and six-game hitting streaks. Freddie Freeman (3-5, R, 2 K, 2 RBI) had the biggest night in the box and Kimbrel (NL rookie record for saves before the AS break) locked down his sixth consecutive save opportunity. Despite his performance against the Phils two appearances ago, this was technically Francisco Rodriguez's (1 IP, 2 H, 3 R) first blown save since April 2nd.

Brewers 6 Marlins 5

WP: Mike McClendon (3-0) LP: Leo Nunez (0-2) S: John Axford (14)
HR: Prince Fielder (12) , Ryan Braun (13), Gaby Sanchez (10), Mike Stanton (13)

Neither pitcher Randy Wolf (5 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K) or Ricky Nolasco (6 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, BB, 8 K) had a commanding night on the mound, but both kept their team in the game. It came down to a battle of bullpens, and the Brewers (worst in road average) had the better pen tonight. Ah, there he was, Greg Dobbs' pinch hit to give the Marlins the lead was followed by Leon Nunez's (1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 K) first blown save of the year. Very much over shadowed by Braun's (1-1) mammoth pinch-hit home run to put the game away, Corey Hart went 3-4 with two runs scored. Hart is 10 for his last 26-at-bats, with six runs scored and just as many driven in. Logan Morrison (0-4) had a streak of reaching base 33 straight games come to an end tonight.

Red Sox 8 Athletics 6

WP: Bobby Jenks (2-2) LP: Joey Devine (0-1)

HR:Jarrod Saltalamacchia (5)

It was supposed to be a match up of rising young arms, but both pitchers hit the showers before finishing five innings of work. The A's staked Josh Outman (2.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 4 ER) to a four-run first inning lead off Clay Buchholz (4.2 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 5 K) who had only given up one run in the first inning of any other start this year. This of course wound up in the hands of the Oakland bullpen. Things started well with Guillermo Moscoso (2.2 IP, 2 H, 3 K) and Craig Breslow (1 IP) each leaving the A's with a 6-5 lead. Then David Ortiz (2-3, BB) and the Red Sox made a mockery of Devine (0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, BB) and Brian Fuentes (BS) who allowed the hit that charged the loss to Devine. The Red Sox in contrast, who left 18 runners on base, received some big innings from their pen. Five different Red Sox RP's yielded three hits and one free pass in 4.1 innings. Adrian Gonzalez continued his solid season, going 3-5 (R), driving in a run. Kevin Youkillis had a terrific night, going 2-3, with a walk and three runs scored. Carl Crawford (1-4, R) each drove in two runs as well.For those still reeling from the Buster Posey effect, Saltalamacchia has 5 HR's in his last 11 games.

Reds 2 Dodgers 1

WP: Bronson Arroyo (4-5) LP: Hiroki Kuroda (5-6 ) S: Francisco Cordero (1)

REGIONAL FOX Saturday action

It's only the third of June, but already the Dodgers are wishing it was July. In their first 18 innings of the month Los Angeles has mustered only one run. After giving Kuroda (6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K) the lead in the 4th inning, the Dodgers offense proceeded to shutdown. Arroyo (6 IP, 5 H, ER) and company scattered six hits and walked only two batters. Joey Votto went 1-3 with a BB, SB and RBI. Scott Rolen went 2-4 with 2 RBI. Drew Stubbs also notched two base hits. James Loney and Dioner Navarro was a combined 1-7, K and five men left on base.

Twins 5 Royals 2

WP: Carl Pavano (3-5) Danny Duffy (0-1)

HR: Michael Cuddyer (6)

Pavano has been giving up hits this season, like its going in style. Whether those hits amount to runs has always been the question for the 35-year-old. Winless in his last six starts, Pavano, managed to strand nine Royals hits and one walk, allowing only two runs in a complete game effort. His offense included three hitters with at least two hits. Denard Span (2-5, 2 RBI, K) had a double and a triple and is off to a 5-15 start in June. Delmon Young went 2-4 with a run scored. Alexi Casilla went 1-3 (2 BB, 2 SB). On the sour side for the twinkies, Justin Morneau continued his Jekyll and Hyde ways, going 0-5 and is now hitting .236 for the season. Billy Butler (3-4, R) and Eric Hosmer (2-4) had a good night at the plate in a losing effort. Miss out on the Eric Hosmer sweepstakes? Surely with Mike Moustakas (206 AB, .286, 10 HR, 42 RBI) numbers in the minors, The Royals are considering his promotion sometime after the trade deadline. batted in.

White Sox 6 Tigers 4

WP: Mark Buehrle LP: Andy Oliver (0-1) S: Sergio Santos (10)

HR:Juan Pierre (1), Carlos Quentin (14) Brent Lillibridge (7)

Though neither starting pitcher had good stuff tonight, Buehrle (6 IP, BB, 4 K) showed the poise true veterans need, allowing only three runs on ten hits. After Oliver (2.2 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 5 BB) was chased, Charlie Furbush (2.2 IP, 4 H, ER 2 BB, K) came on and gave up his first run of the season on a home run by Lillibridge. Detroit's only starter with out a hit, Alex Avila managed an RBI in the eighth inning off Matt Thornton (1 IP, 3 H 1 ER), but by that time Chicago had edged away enough. Outside of Pierre's terrific catch up against the wall, his home run in the bottom of the eighth marked the first time he had homered in consecutive seasons since 2006. The Tigers' Casper Wells (1-3, R, 3 RBI, BB, K) hit his second home run of the season. Jhonny Peralta has five hits in his eight June at bats.

Cardinals 6 Cubs 1

WP: Jaime Garcia (6-1) LP: Ryan Dempster (4-5)

HR: Albert Pujols (10), Lance Berkman (12)

REGIONAL FOX Saturday action

Do you think Tony La Russa will endure 12-runs allowed every now and then, just as long as he gets this the next time out? In his first start since the aforementioned start in Colorado, Garcia ( 8 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, BB, 8 K) was back to his dominant self. Dempster (5 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 5 K) continued his woes giving up two home runs. The Cardinals have victimized Dempster for 162 hits over 44 career games. Ryan Theriot (2-4, R) extended his hitting streak to 17 games. Lance Berkman (2-4, R, 3 RBI) and Yadier Molina (2-3, BB) each had two hits tonight.

Diamondbacks 4 Nationals 0

WP: Josh Collmenter (4-1) LP:Yunesky Maya (0-1)

HR:Chris Young (10)

A good 'ole fashioned former 15th round pick is cementing himself into the Diamondbacks staff and possibly wooing himself onto yours. Collementer (7 IP, 3 H, BB, 5 K) has quickly transitioned into a major league starter, so far. Collmenter (1.25 ERA) has gone at least six innings in four of his first five starts. Though Young's homer to deep left in the bottom of the second was all Collmenter needed, I'm sure Kirk Gibson and babybacks fans everywhere were happy to see Stephen Drew (1-4) grab three RBI's. Ryan Roberts went 2-4 (R) while Justin Upton went 1-2, (R, SB BB, K). The Nationals could really use the assistance of their Single-A blue chipper, Bryce Harper. Harper,(13 HR, 41 RBI) who is slugging .613 in Hagerstown, made his fourth hit of the night a walk-off homer.

Angels 3 Yankees 2

WP: Jered Weaver (7-4) LP: Ivan Nova (4-4) S: Jordan Walden (13)

With all the build up of two opposite coast, large-market teams meeting up in Anaheim, one expected a nail-biter down to the last pitch in the ninth. That it was, but in an unproductive kind of way. The offense was taken care of when Peter Bourjos singled home Russel Branyan for game-winning run in the bottom of the fourth. From there, five RP's from both teams combined to let up only one hit and walk two batters. Nova (6 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2 ER) pitched well and takes a hard luck loss while Weaver (7 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 8 K) wins his first start since a complete-game shutout of the A's on April 25th. Mike Trumbo went 2-3 with a walk. Macier Izturis went 1-5, SB, K and left seven men stranded. The Yankees managed on three hits and Aroid (1-3, BB, K) represented both runs scored.

Padres 3 Astros 1

WP:Dustin Moseley (2-6) LP: J.A. Happ (3-7) S: Heath Bell (15)

HR: Chris Denorfia (4)

For the first three innings, Moseley (7 IP, 6 H, ER, BB, 5 K) and Happ (6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K) got their monies worth. Then in the 4th inning Houston struck first blood, but it was the host Padres who struck hardest in the bottom of the inning. Ryan Ludwick's (1-2, BB, R) tied the game with a single to center and eventually came around to score the game's winning run on Aaron Cunningham's (1-2, BB) double to left field. Denorfia tacked on a homer in the fifth, leaving Mike Adams (1 IP, 2 K) and Heath Bell (1 IP, BB, 2 K) in charge. The Astros, Chris Barmes and Chris Johnson each went 2-4 while striking-out twice.

Mariners 7 Rays 0

WP: Jason Vargas (4-3) LP: Andy Sonnanstine (0-2)

HR: Justin Smoak (10), Adam Kennedy (5), Miguel Olivo (5)

Vargas' last two starts have been for a combined 7.2 innings pitched allowing 11 earned runs on 12 hits while averaging four walks per start. That being said, when he's on, he has got top tier stuff and he had that stuff tonight. Vargas gave up four hits, walked one and struck-out four on the way to his first career complete-game-shutout, and first complete-game since 2005. Sonnanstine (5 IP, 4 H, 7 ER) did not fair as well in the friendly confines of Safeco. After tossing up Smoak's home run in the 1st, he escaped further trouble. Only to find it again in the third and fifth inning(s), in large part thanks to five walks in five innings.

Giants 3 Rockies 1

WP: Matt Cain (4-4) LP: Juan Nicasio (1-1) S: Brian Wilson (16)

REGIONAL FOX Saturday action

Once again, it wasn't until the fourth inning that goose eggs were broken by both teams. As far as offense is concerned, fast forward to the fourth. After that, play in your head stock footage of a traditional Brian Wilson (1 IP, H, BB, K) save. Cody Ross (2-3, R, 2 RBI) is credited with the game-winning hit in the 4th, doubling to center and eventually coming around to score. Matt Cain (7 IP, 4 H, ER, 4 BB, 7 K) is now quietly becoming the most dependable pitcher on staff in San Francisco. Nicasio (6 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, BB, 3 K) wasn't too shabby either, earning himself another start in the majors. Emmanuel Burriss collected three hits tonight.

On the mend?

Brandon Webb wont pitch for another 7 days when he'll be re-evaluated due to rotator cuff inflamations

Shane Victorino in, John Mayberry Jr back to the minors

Brandon Inge 15 days hits the DL (mono), Omir Santos gets the call to the majors

Pablo Sandoval begins rehab

Francisco Liriano will throw a bp session tomorrow.

Julio Borbon was activated and sent to AAA-Round Rock