Royals 2 - Indians 1
- Bruce Chen held the Tribe just 1 run over 7.1 innings on 5 hits and 2 walks. The lone run came when he walked in a run in the first inning. After that only 3 batters reached base the rest of the way on a hit or walk. Chen now has a 3.38 ERA over 69.1 innings on the road this season.
- Justin Masterson pitched 6 innings and allowed 2 earned runs on 9 hits and 2 walks. He struck out just 3 as he lowered his ERA to 2.83, which is 5th best in the AL. It was his first loss in over a month as he's now 10-8 on the season.
- Michael Brantley's season officially ended on Sunday as the Indians announced that he'll have wrist surgery. Hopefully the surgery doesn't zap what little power he did have.
- Alex Gordon and Billy Butler each went 3-5 with a run. Gordon is now batting .301/.374/.497 on the season, while Butler checks in at .299/.373/.467.
- W: Bruce Chen (10-5), L: Justin Masterson (10-8), SV: Joakim Soria (24)
- CS: Melky Cabrera (8), Ezequiel Carrera (4)
Rays 12 - Blue Jays 0
- David Price pitched 7 shutout innings on 3 hits, 2 walks, and a season high 14 strikeouts. It's his first game with double-digit strikeouts in exactly 2 months. He's now 12-11 with a 3.40 ERA and 184 strikeouts over 190.2 innings.
- Brandon Morrow laid an egg, when he gave up 3 home runs that in part led to 5 earned runs over 5.1 innings. In total he gave up 6 hits with 3 walks and 5 strikeouts. He has now given up 5 homers over his last 2 starts and 10 over his last 7 starts.
- Desmond Jennings went nuts with 2 homers, 3 RBI, 3 runs, a walk, and stolen base in a 4-5 day at the plate. He's now batting .354/.440/.646 over 152 plate appearances with 8 homers and 14 stolen bases. I can't wait to see the kind of numbers he puts up next season, when he's up for the whole season.
- Matt Joyce went 3-6 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI, and a run. His .497 slugging percentage is tops on the Rays (not including Jennings).
- Mike McCoy took 3 walks front he leadoff spot with a stolen base. At least someone had success getting on base for the Blue Jays.
- HR: Desmond Jennings (7, 8), Sean Rodriguez (6)
- SB: Desmond Jennings (14), B.J. Upton (28), Mike McCoy (5)
Orioles 2 - Yankees 0 (Game 1)
- Zach Britton twirled 7 shutout innings on 4 hits with 1 walk and 5 strikeouts. In his last 2 starts, since coming off the DL (shoulder), he has allowed just 1 run over 12 innings with 9 strikeouts and 5 walks.
- Bartolo Colon allowed 2 earned runs over 7.2 innings on 7 hits with no walks and 4 strikeouts. After back-to-back duds (10 ER, 11.1 IP), this was a nice bounce back effort. He still hasn't won a game since late July, but there's not much he can do about that.
- Mark Reynolds went 3-3 with a double and run. This will end up being one of his better months this season as he's batting .225/.258/.517 with 7 homers and 16 RBI… and 34 strikeouts to just 3 walks.
- Mark Teixeira went 3-4. He was the only Yankee hitter to really do anything of note.
- W: Zach Britton (8-9), L: Bartolo Colon (8-9), SV: Kevin Gregg (19)
Yankees 8 - Orioles 3 (Game 2)
- Ivan Nova won his 6th straight game, after he pitched 7 innings and allowed 3 earned runs. For the game he gave up 7 hits with 2 walks and 7 strikeouts. His 3.96 ERA tells more about how he's performed this season than his 14-4 record does.
- Brian Matusz is broken and I'm not sure there's enough super glue in the state of Maryland to put him back together again. In this game he gave up 6 earned runs over 5.1 innings as his ERA moved to 9.07… ugh. I hope he gets things figured out soon, for his sake.
- Curtis Granderson went 3-5 with 2 homers, 4 RBI, and 2 runs. He shouldn't be allowed to face Orioles pitching… it's just not fair.
- Robinson Cano went 2-5 with a double, homer, 2 RBI, and a run. The 2B is batting .303/.346/.529 this season.
- W: Ivan Nova (14-4), L: Brian Matusz (1-7)
- HR: Curtis Granderson (37, 38), Robinson Cano (23), Nick Swisher (20), Andruw Jones (11)
A's vs. Red Sox was postponed due to weather.
Twins 11 - Tigers 4
- Brian Duensing turned in a quality start as he pitched 6 innings and allowed 4 runs (3 earned). He gave up 7 hits with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts overall. After 5 straight losses, he received a win, even though his performance probably didn't warrant one.
- Brad Penny got lit up for 7 earned runs over 5 innings on 8 hits and 2 walks with 5 strikeouts. With a 5.07 ERA, which is only a tad better than Duensing's 5.09 ERA, it's doubtful that he's anywhere near your roster, as it should be. He's given up 6 homers over his last 4 starts, which I'm sure doesn't surprise many.
- Justin Morneau went 3-4 with a RBI and run. He's batting .227/.285/.33 in what is a lost season for him and the Twins.
- Luke Hughes went 2-4 with 2 homers, 5 RBI, and 2 runs. Since coming back up from the minors midway though this month, he's batting .292/.393/.542 with 3 homers and 9 RBI.
- Jason Kubel went 1-4 with a homer, 3 RBI, and a run. As the lone offensive star on the team this season, he's batting .283/.340/.444 this season.
- W: Brian Buensing (9-13), L: Brad Penny (9-10)
- HR: Jason Kubel (10), Luke Hughes (5, 6)
- SB: Ben Revere (25), Jason Repko (7)
White Sox 9 - Mariners 3
- Gavin Floyd received his 12th win of the season, after he pitched 7.1 innings and allowed 2 earned runs on 5 hits. He struck out 6 batters with no walks and 1 homer given up. Over his last 3 starts he has 21 strikeouts with 2 walks. His K/BB has never been an issue, it's seems like his BABIP or strand rate or HR/FB rate that pushes is ERA over 4.00.
- Jason Vargas had a start to forget as he gave up 9 earned runs over 5.2 innings on 10 hits and 2 walks. He gave up 2 homers, the first of which was a 3-run shot and the later of which was a grand slam. Anyone who does that, usually doesn't end up on the winning side of the ledger.
- Dayan Viciedo went 2-3 with a 3-run homer, 2 runs, and a walk… not a bad way for him to make his debut this season. He'll be filling in for Carlos Quentin in the OF for now.
- Tyler Flowers went 1-4 with a grand slam. Over 270 plate appearances at Triple-A Charlotte he had 15 homers with a .261/.390/.500 batting line.
- W: Gavin Floyd (12-10), L: Jason Vargas (7-12)
- HR: Dayan Viciedo (1), Tyler Flowers (2), Josh Bard (2)
- Franklin Gutierrez (12)
Rangers 9 - Angels 5
- Jered Weaver found out just how hot it can get in Texas in the dead of Summer. He was rocked for 7 earned runs over 6 innings on 8 hits and 4 walks with just 2 strikeouts. His last 2 road starts have now been disastrous as he's given up 15 earned runs over 10.2 innings.
- Colby Lewis was slightly better as he gave up 5 earned runs over 6 innings. He allowed 8 hits with 1 walk and 3 strikeouts. With 140 strikeouts, 48 walks, and a 4.19 ERA over 171.2 innings, he just hasn't been the same pitcher he was last season.
- Elvis Andrus went 3-5 with a triple, 2 RBI, and 2 runs. The SS is hitting .271/.330/.336 this season.
- Josh Hamilton went 3-4 with a homer, 3 RBI, 2 runs, and a walk. The reigning AL MVP is hitting .298/.345/.523 this season with 18 homers and 74 RBI.
- Howie Kendrick went 3-3 with a double, homer, RBI, and 2 runs. This is usually where I rant about how Mike Scioscia is screwing up the Angels lineup, but today he had Mark Trumbo ahead of Vernon Wells and Kendrick in the top of his lineup. Good work today Mike...
- W: Darren Oliver (5-5), L: Jered Weaver (15-7)
- HR: Howie Kendrick 914), Josh Hamilton (18), Yorvit Torrealba (5)
- SB: Bobby Abreu (18), Ian Kinsler (22); Howie Kendrick (4), Jeff Mathis (2)
Reds 5 - Nationals 4
- Johnny Cueto continues to lead the NL in ERA (2.05), after he pitched 7 innings and allowed 2 earned runs. He struck out a season high 11 batters with just 1 walk and 9 hits allowed. He now has 97 strikeouts and 44 walks over 140.1 innings.
- Jordan Zimmerman wasn't as sharp as he allowed 3 earned over 4.1 innings with 6 strikeouts and just 1 walk. It was his last start of the season as he's being shutdown due to his amount of innings pitched (161.1). He finishes the season with a 3.18 ERA, 124 strikeouts, and 31 walks.
- Drew Storen blew his 5th save of the season, when he gave up a homer in the bottom of the 9th. With 34 saves and a 2.87 ERA, his leash is plenty long.
- Joey Votto went 2-5 with 2 solo shots - one of which was a walk-off shot - and 2 walks. The reigning NL MVP is now batting .325/.440/.555 with 26 homers and 86 RBI. He should get plenty of run in his campaign to win back-to-back MVPs in the NL.
- Chris Marrero went 2-4 and is now 3-8, in his two games up from the minors.
- Danny Espinosa went 1-5 with a RBI, run, walk, and 4 strikeouts. He still leads all rookie position players in WAR this season, but now he has a Golden Sombrero to keep the sun out.
- W: Bill Bray (4-2), L: Collin Balester (1-3), BSV: Drew Storen (5)
- HR: Joey Votto (25, 26), Jay Bruce (28), Yonder Alonso (3)
- SB: Ian Desmond (21), Drew Stubbs (34); CS: Drew Stubbs (8)
Braves vs Mets was postponed due to weather.
Brewers 3 - Cubs 2
- Zack Greinke pitched 7.2 innings and allowed just 1 run on 4 hits with 2 walks and 7 strikeouts. Since the start of July, his last start (7 ER, 6.1 IP) has been his only poor performance. Given his outstanding 162 strikeouts to just 32 walks over 135.2 innings, I'm surprised he still has an ERA over 4 (4.05).
- Casey Coleman had a quality start with 7 innings pitched and 3 earned runs allowed, but took the loss. He struck out 6 batters with 3 walks and 6 hits. In his 3 starts since coming back up from the minors, he has given up 12 earned runs with 14 strikeouts and 7 walks over 15.2 innings.
- Corey Hart went 2-3 with a homer, 2 RBI, 2 runs, and a walk. The OF is batting .283/.359/.499 this season with 21 homers and 50 RBI.
- Ryan Braun also went 2-3, but he did so with a double, RBI, and walk. His .334 batting average is second in the NL, only behind Jose Reyes' .336.
- W: Zack Greinke (13-5), L: Casey Coleman (2-7), SV: John Axford (40)
- HR: Tyler Colvin (6), Corey Hart (21)
- SB: Zack Greinke (1)
Cardinals 7 - Pirates 4
- Kyle Lohse picked up his 12th win, after he allowed 4 runs (2 earned) over 5 innings. He struck out 4 batters with 2 walks and 6 hits. Coming off of his 8 earned run shellacking at the hands of the Dodgers, this was a much better performance. His 3.72 ERA is the best of his career.
- Jeff Karstens was knocked around for 5 earned runs over 3.2 innings in 9 hits and 2 walks. He walked Lance Berkman in the first inning to load the bases and then had the next three batters drive in runs. He has a 3.32 ERA and 1 win since July 20th.
- Matt Holliday had 2 doubles as one of four Cardinals batters with 2 hits. The other three hitters were Jon Jay, Skip Schumaker, and Ryan Theriot.
- Lance Berkman went 0-1 with 3 walks and 3 runs. The 1B/OF is batting .289/.405/.570. His .975 OPS is 3rd highest in the NL.
- W: Kyle Loshe (12-8), L: Jeff Karstens (9-8), SV: Jason Motte (1)
- SB: Chase D'Arnaud (9); CS: Rafael Furcal (4)
Astros 4 - Giants 3
- Bud Norris fanned 10 Giants batters with just 1 walk as he pitched 7 innings and allowed 2 earned runs. He gave up just 3 hits in what was one of his better outings this season. This has just as do with his ability to miss bats (161 K, 164 IP) as the Giants pathetic offense - last in runs for the month of August.
- Matt Cain pitched 8 innings and allowed 2 earned runs, also in a no-decision. He gave up 5 hits with 1 walk and 6 strikeouts. In the NL he ranks 4th in innings pitched (188), 13th in strikeouts (154), 9th in ERA (2.87), and 4th in WHIP (1.06).
- Carlos Lee went 3-4 with 2 doubles, before leaving with a right ankle sprain. His 71 RBI are 19th in the NL.
- Jordan Schafer went 1-4 with a RBI, run, walk, and stolen base. He's getting steady playing time and he'll steal you a base or two. Check him out if you need cheap speed.
- W: Mark Melancon (7-4), L: Ramon Ramirez (2-3), SV: David Carpenter (1), BSV: Mark Melancon (5)
- SB: Jordan Schafer (18), Andres Torres (15), Carlos Beltran (4); CS: Jimmy Paredes (3)
Rockies 7 - Dodgers 6
- Jhoulys Chacin pitched 5 innings and gave up 4 earned runs, in a win. He allowed 6 hits with 5 walks and 6 strikeouts. Over 170 innings this season he has 139 strikeouts, 78 walks, and a 3.60 ERA.
- Nate Eovaladi was beat around for 5 earned runs over 4 innings, in a loss. He struck out 4 batters with 2 walks and 6 hits. Over 5 starts he's pitched 26 innings, which by itself should tell you something, with 18 strikeouts, 12 walks, and a 3.46 ERA.
- Rafael Betancourt nailed down his 4th save with a strikeout in a perfect 9th. He'll likely see a few more save chances, until he has a bad outing and Huston Street reclaims his spot.
- Carlos Gonzalez went 3-4 with a double, run, and stolen base. The reigning NL batting champ is hitting .299/.369/.535 this season.
- Big Papi Tulo aka Troy Tulowitzki went 1-4 with a RBI and run. It's going to be a fun NL MVP race between him, Roy Halladay, Matt Kemp, Joey Votto, Ryan Braun, and Justin Upton. My fictions vote still goes to Roy Halladay, but it's damn close between he and Tulowitzki.
- W: Jhoulys Chacin (11-10), L: Nate Eovaldi (1-2), SV: Rafael Betancourt (4)
- SB: Dexter Fowler (9), Carlos Gonzalez (18), Matt Kemp (37), Trent Oeltjen (4)
Diamondbacks 6 - Padres 1
- Ian Kennedy held the Padres to just 1 run over 7 innings on 6 hits, no walks, and 7 strikeouts. The lone run came on a solo shot by Orlando Hudson. He has now received a win 9 of his last 10 starts. In the NL he ranks 5th in innings pitched (187.1), 7th in strikeouts (161), 11th in ERA (3.03), 8th in WHIP (1.12), and 1st in wins (17).
- Cory Luebke pitched 5.1 innings and gave up 3 earned runs on 6 hits with 3 walks and 5 strikeouts. He also gave up 2 homers that contributed to his team's loss. As a starter this season he has pitched 71.2 innings with 23 earned runs, 74 strikeouts, and 17 walks with a 4-5 record.
- Collin Cowgill went 4-4 with a double, his first career homer, 2 RBI, and 2 runs. He's now hitting .200/.267/.273 over 60 plate appearances.
- Aaron Hill went 3-5 with a triple, homer, 3 RBI, and a run. It was his first homer as a member of the D-Backs.
- W: Ian Kennedy (17-4), L: Cory Luebke (5-7)
- HR: Orlando Hudson (5), Aaron Hill (7), Collin Cowgill (1)
- CS: Ryan Roberts (8), Collin Cowgill (2)