Braves 4 Orioles 0
WP: Jair Jurrjens (11-3) LP: Jeremy Guthrie (3-10)
HR: Jason Heyward (8)
SB: Adam Jones (6)
When you think of early N.L. Cy Young candidates to this point, most will say Roy Halladay, but a case should be made for the Braves' Jair Jurrjens. Jurrjens (CG, SHO, H, BB, 8 K), who notched his 11th win of the season, made easy work of the hapless O's in a masterpiece one-hitter.
-Heyward (2-4, 2 R 2 RBI) hits the pillow with the GW-RBI tonight
-Guthrie (7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K) wasn't all that bad
-Brian Matusz was sent to the minors
Indians 8 Reds 2
WP: Justin Masterson (6-6) LP: Bronson Arroyo (7-7)
HR: Asdrubal Cabrera (14), Carlos Santana (12), Grady Sizemore (8), Brandon Phillips 2 (8)
Take away an impressive night by former Indian Phillips (3-4, 2 R, 2 RBI) and Masterson (8 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, BB, 5 K) was masterful. In addition, the Cleveland offense was efficient tonight, as the Indians got two RBI's each of their 3-6 hitters. The only hitter in Cleveland's starting line up to NOT register a hit against Arroyo (4.2 IP, 9 H, 8 ER, 2 K) and the Reds pitching staff was Lou Marson (0-4).
-Grady Sizemore (2 K) and Santana each went 2-4 with two RBI's and two runs scored.
-Travis Buck (2-3, 2 RBI) has hit safely in six of his last seven games
- Chris Perez went to the bereavement list and Cleveland called up Josh Judy from Triple-A Columbus
Giants 4 Tigers 3
WP: Brian Wilson (6-1) LP: Jose Valverde (2-3) S: Jeremy Affeldt (3)
SB: Austin Jackson (15), Victor Martinez (1)
Yet another nail-biter, until both starting pitchers exited the game, it was the Tigers pen and more accurately close Valverde (0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, K) who seemingly wanted it less tonight. Make no bones about it, The Beard, Giants closer, Wilson (0.2, 4 H, 2 ER 2 BB), nearly wanted it less... more, if that makes sense. O' yeah, the two starters, Madison Bumgarner (7.1, 5 H, ER, BB, 9 K) and Brad Penny (7 IP, 7 H, ER, 2 BB, 2 K) were just about fantastic.
-Austin Jackson, Magglio Ordonez and Victor Martinez (run) each had two hits tonight.
-Pablo Sandoval (R, 2 RBI), Cody Ross (K) and Nate Schierholtz (BB) each had two hits tonight as well.
-Aaron Rowand went 3-5 and scored two runs.
Rangers 15 Marlins 5
WP: Alexi Ogando (8-3) LP: Anibal Sanchez (6-2)
After coming back down to earth his last few outings and possibly being on the hot seat for his spot in the rotation, Alexi Ogando looked sharp. Ogando (6.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K) who ended each of his first six innings with a swining strikeout, carried a no-hitter through 4.2 IP until Greg Dobbs (1-3) notched a double to right field. Ogando was in total command until the sixth inning, when the Marlins put up two runs. But John Buck (1-3) struck out and the shutout was still intact. Also having a good night, was birthday boy Nelson Cruz. Cruz (2-5, 2 R, 6 RBI, K), who turned 31 tonight, matched a career-hight, six RBI night with a triple and a three-run homerun.
-Adrian Beltre's 3-4 (2 R, BB, 4 RBI) night was over-shadowed by the nights of Ogando and Cruz
-Josh Hamilton (RBI) went 2-2, with two runs and two walks.
-Taylor Teagarden (2, RBI 2 K) went 3-5
-Dave Bush (Triple-A Round Rock) is out, Tommy Hunter is in...the bullpen thanks to Ogando's performance.
-Brandon Webb (shoulder surgery) was scratched from his Triple-A Round Rock rehab start again
Red Sox 7 Astros 5
WP: Dan Wheeler (1-1) LP: Sergio Escalona (1-1) S: Jonathan Papelbon (16)
HR: Marco Scutaro (3)
SB: Michael Bourn (35)
After watching their division rival Rays, man-handle the 'Stros, surely the Red Sox were licking their chops as they headed to Houston. However, Bud Norris (6 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 10 K) had different ideas... that is until things just fell apart and the Red Sox put up a six-run sixth inning.
-Tim Wakefield (5.1 IP, 11 H, 5 ER)
-Josh Reddick went 2-4 with a run scored and an RBI
-Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez each had a hit and two RBI
-The first five hitters in Houston's starting line up went a combined 10-23 tonight, including Hunter Pence who went 2-4 with two RBI
Rockies 9 Royals 0
WP: Juan Nicasio (3-1) LP: Danny Duffy (1-3)
HR: Charlie Blackmon (1), Mark Ellis (1), Troy Tulowitzki (16)
Having given up more than three runs in a start only once, things have gone pretty well for Royals starter Danny Duffy this season. Then again, he's never really had to fight the mile-high atmosphere of The Rockies. Although he wasn't terrible, striking out six and walking only one, lesson learned as Duffy gave up five runs on nine hits to Colorado. Nicasio (2 BB, 4) on the other hand, took advantage of the interleague matchup, lasting eight innings and yielding only three hits.
Twins 5 Brewers 2
WP: Francisco Liriano (5-7) LP: Yovani Gallardo (9-5)
HR: Jim Thome (5), Carlos Gomez (6)
After a two-hour rain delay, the game was finally underway. Made no difference to Liriano (7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K) who was in full control of the game. Joe Mauer went 3-4, scoring twice.
-Joe Nathan pitched a scoreless eighth inning, striking out one hitter
- Gallardo (4 BB, 4 K) wasn't too bad, going seven innings, allowing five runs (three earned) on five hits
-Carlos Gomez went to 2-3 with a run scored in the loss
-Takashi Saito was activated off the disabled list
Athletics 5 Diamondbacks 4
WP: Rich Harden (1-0) LP: Josh Collmenter (4-5) S: Andrew Bailey (7)
HR: Kelly Johnson (14), Willy Mo Pena (4)
SB: Hideki Matsui (1)
Up until the fifth inning, the dividends had paid highly for soon-to-be Hollywood focus, Billy Beane. Rich Harden, on his second stint with the Athletics, had the dice rolled on him, and after three long months of waiting and rehabilitation, the day was finally here. Harden (4 H, 2 ER, 6 K) was terrific tonight, going six innings on 77 pitches, grabbing his first win of the season. With a 5-2 lead Harden handed the game to his bullpen. Although Brian Fuentes (0.1 IP, H, 2 ER, BB) tried to give it away, Joey Devine and Bailey managed to hold things together with 1.2 IP of no-hit ball, shutting down the visiting D-Backs.
-J.J. Putz (right elbow tendinitis) went to the 15-day D.L. Sam Demel (right elbow tendinitis), who was recalled from Triple-A Reno and replaced Putz on the roster, went 1.1 IP walking one hitter and allowing a hit.
Dodgers 5 Angels 0
WP: Hiroki Kuroda (6-9) LP: Tyler Chatwood (5-5)
SB: Tony Gwynn Jr. (9), Aaron Miles (2), Dee Gordon (8)
After losing last weekend's series to the Angels at Chavez Ravine, the Dodgers were out for a bit more than just L.A. Bragging rights, they were out for a great start to July. That's exactly what Hiroki Kuroda (7 IP, 3 H, BB, 4 K) gave them, of course with a little help from offense. Players like Aaron Miles (4-4, R, BB) and Tony Gwynn Jr. (3-3, 2 R, RBI, 3 BB) jumped-started the Dodgers lineup against Chatwood (5 IP, 12, 4 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, K) who just did not have his good stuff tonight.
-Regardless of Dee Gordon's (1-5) night at the plate, his speed makes a huge difference in the Dodgers confidence
Mariners 6 Padres 0
WP: Jason Vargas (6-5) LP: Dustin Moseley (2-8)
SB: Brendan Ryan (4), Chone Figgins (9)
Jason Vargas is becoming a Friday Night Cap specialist. Vargas, who has given up 16 total hits in three games he's pitched nine innings this season was lights out for 80's night in Seattle. Yielding just six hits while walking none and striking out seven it was all the M's needed.
-Brendan Ryan scored two runs, going 2-4 and Adam Kennedy went 2-4 (R) with 2 RBI
-Justin Smoak, in the midst of a six-game hitless streak, went 1-3 (BB), with two runs scored
-Cameron Maybin continues his hot ways, is six for his last ten plate appearances and 12-28 since June 21st.
Phillies 7 Blue Jays 6
WP: Danys Baez (2-3) LP: Frank Francisco (1-4) S:Antonio Bastardo (4)
HR: Eric Thames (2), Jose Bautista (25)
SB: Domonic Brown (3), Chase Utley (6)
I thought, perhaps Toronto would use the emotional budging of Canada Day to reinvigorate old times. Except this time, there was no Joe Carter and Mitch Williams walking off with contrasting emotions. This time it was Ryan Howard's two-run single to center off Francisco (0.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB) in the top of the ninth, putting the Phils up 7-6 to open up the series. Also on the other end of emotional contrast is Bastardo (1 IP, K), who has now picked up two saves in his last three appearances.
-Yunel Escobar left after being hit by a pitch on his left hand in the bottom of the first. X-rays were negative and he's listed day-to-day. Aaron Hill, who came in to pinch run and play 2B, went 2-4 (3 R, K)
-Thames (2-4, 2 RBI) extended his hitting streak to seven games
-Four Phillies had two or more hits, three of which had (Ben Francisco, Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino) two RBI's each.
-Kyle Kendrick (7 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, BB, 5 K)
-Ricky Romero (6.1 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 K)
White Sox 6 Cubs 4
WP:Edwin Jackson (5-6) LP:Randy Wells (1-3) S: Sergio Santos(18)
Everything seemed to be going smoothly for the Cubbies, looking for their first three game winning streak of the season. Ahead 3-2, when Aramis Ramirez (2-3, R, 2 RBI) connects for his 300th career home run in the bottom of the sixth. Wells (6.1 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 4 K), who was strolling through, having settled down after a two-run 1st, proceeded to blow up, giving up four runs in the seventh on his way to the showers. Juan Pierre (1-4, 2 RBI) hit a triple to the right-field corner that finally chased Wells in the seventh. The Sox ensured themselves at least a season series tie with the win
-Edwin Jackson (6 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, BB, 5 K) has now given up 12 earned runs in two starts at Wrigley as a White Sox pitcher.
-Starlin Castro (0-4, 1 LOB) has just two hits in his last 22 appearances at the plate.
-Alexis Rios (2-4), A.J. Pierzynski and Brent Morel each had a 2-4 day a run scored.
-Kosuke Fukudome matched a third of last season's July hit total, going 2-4 today.
-Reed Johnson (2-4, 2 K) has a .336 average this season
-Carlos Zambrano (back) to the 15-day DL, Kerry Wood activated from the D.L.
Nationals 2 Pirates 1
WP: Drew Storen (5-2) LP: Tim Wood (0-3)
HR: Roger Bernadina (5)
SB: Chase d'Arnaud (2)
After a battle of starting pitchers, it turned into which bullpen wanted it more. In the end, Matt Stairs single to deep right-field was enough to score Alex Cora and the Nationals walked-off.
-Alex Presley (1-4, RBI) has started off the 2011 season, 4-15
-Bernadina (2-3, R, RBI) hit the game-tying home run for the Nats in the 6th inning.
-Charlie Morton (5.2 IP, 3 H, R, 2 BB, K)
-Tom Gorzelanny (7 IP, 6 H, R, 0 ER, BB, 8 K)
-Rick Ankiel (1-1) in Jerry Hairston Jr out
Cardinals 5 Rays 3
WP: Jake Westbrook (7-4) LP: Wade Davis (7-6) S: Fernando Salas (14)
HR: Colby Rasmus (9), Matt Joyce (11)
Look at the city names and it could be mistaken for a Blues/Lightning game. Unfortunately for the Rays, St. Louis was the dominant team as Westbrook (7 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 7 K) was in command tonight. Though Davis (7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, BB, 3 K) was no schlepp, after recovering from a blip in the 2nd inning, was pulled for the pen in the 8th inning. From there, the visiting Cardinals put up a three run spot in the eighth. And despite a three-run inning for Rays in the bottom of the inning, Salas (1 IP, K) was up to the task and put a kibosh on any 9th inning comeback.
-Rasmus (1-4, R, 4 RBI) started the scoring with a sacrifice ground out in the second inning
-Ryan Theriot went 2-5
-Evan Longoria (run) and B.J. Upton each had a 1-3 night
Yankees 5 Mets 1
WP: Ivan Nova (8-4) Jonathon Niese (7-7)
Certainly not the luster it used to be, the pitching matchup was something to anticipate. Aside from a
from a shaky three-run first for Niese, it was everything it lived up to be. After the aforementioned Yankees first, both pitchers kept things quiet for the Citi-Field folks. Niese (6 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K), who did end up outlasting Nova (5 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3K), induced an outing ending ground ball, pitching his way out of a bases-loaded jam. Eventually the Yankees would tack on two more runs and Rivera fought off a meager ninth come back attempt.
-Jose Reyes (2-5) and Justin Turner (3-5) continue to be bright spots on a dismal club
-Alex Rodriguez (2-5, RBI) made several errant throws from 3rd, scooped by Mark Teixeira (1-3, R, 2 RBI).
-Robinson Cano went 2-4 and Curtis Granderson (1-4, BB, 3 K) scored twice.