Baltimore 5 – New York 4
W: Clay Rapada (1-0) L: Scott Proctor (2-4)
HR: Vladimir Guerrero (12)
SB: Mark Teixeira (4)
CS: Derek Jeter (6), Robert Andino (3)
- Oddly, Matt Wieters, J.J. Hardy and Adam Jones combined to go 0-for-14 while 7-8-9 hitters Chris Davis, Nolan Reimold and Robert Andino combined to go 7-for-13. After losing nine of the first ten games between them and the Yankees, the Orioles have gone 4-4 over their last eight.
- Both teams combined to leave 34 men on base indicating the potential damage that could have been done this game. The Yankees pitching staff altogether managed as many strikeouts (four) as Kevin Gregg did in just 1.1 innings.
Los Angeles 7 – Washington 4 (Game 1)
W: Mike MacDougal (3-1) L: Drew Storen (6-3) S: Javy Guerra (16)
HR: Jayson Werth (19)
SB: Dee Gordon (17), Tony Gwynn (21)
CS: Dee Gordon (4)
- After Chad Billingsley allowed four runs over 2.1 innings, six Dodger relievers combined to toss 6.2 scoreless frames. Mike MacDougal has been the master of smoke and mirrors with a 1.88 ERA despite a 1.44 WHIP.
- While he's missed time on the DL, would you believe that Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth ($171 million in contracts) would have only 13 more RBI than Michael Morse ($1.05 million, one-year)?
Los Angeles - Washington, PPD (Game 2)
- Rain, rain go away.
Atlanta 6 – New York 5 (Game 1)
W: Mike Minor (5-2) L: Chris Schwinden (0-1) S: Craig Kimbrel (43)
HR: Chipper Jones (16), Jason Bay (12)
- Jonny Venters actually gave up a run and this is arguably the best 1-2 relief combo in baseball. Venters still holds a 1.58 ERA while Craig Kimbrel has a 1.55 ERA.
- Chipper Jones is now hitting .370 in September with two homers after hitting .359 with five home runs in August. Unfortunately, he's not an everyday player anymore.
Atlanta 5 - New York 1 (Game 2)
W: Julio Teheran (1-1) L: Dillon Gee (12-6)
HR: David Ross (6)
SB: Michael Bourn (51), Jason Bay (11)
- Teheran was lucky throwing 56 strikes and 34 balls with a 2:11 GB:FB ratio. He still remains one of the best pitching prospects out there.
- Jason Bay now has a seven-game hitting streak with three home runs and nine RBI
Toronto 7 – Boston 4
W: Ricky Romero 14-10 L: Andrew Miller (6-3)
HR: J.P. Arencibia (22), Edwin Encarnacion (16) Eric Thames (10), Jason Varitek (11)
CS: Jose Bautista (5)
- Ricky Romero has lost once – his last start at Yankee Stadium – since July 21. Romero finished August with a 5-0 record and a 2.05 ERA.
- The Jays will be an interesting team over the last two and a half weeks. They started David Cooper (3-for-4) after starting Adam Loewen (yes, that Adam Loewen) the previous game. Look for them to be cautious with Adam Lind and his wrist injury although he's expected back in the lineup on Friday.
Chicago 8 – Cleveland 1
W: Matt Thornton (1-4) L: David Huff (2-4)
HR: Paul Konerko (29), Brent Morel 2 (5)
SB: Asdrubal Cabrera (17)
- The White Sox broke the game open in the seventh inning when Brent Morel hit a three-run homer and Paul Konerko followed up with a grand slam. Morel is now hitting .360 with two home runs and eight RBI in September.
- Carlos Quentin owners should look for him to return to the lineup this weekend.
Philadelphia 7 – Milwaukee 2
W: Cole Hamels (14-7) L: Chris Narveson (10-7)
HR: Corey Hart (24), Yuniesky Betancourt (11)
SB: John Mayberry (7), Ben Francisco (4)
- Cole Hamels threw a complete game, allowing only four hits (two homers) en route to his 14th win. This was no easy task getting the Brewers at home and I'd guess his shoulder woes are no longer a concern.
- It'll be interesting to see if the Phillies stick with the platoon they run out vs. lefties in the playoffs. Will Charlie Manuel sit certain players in favor of John Mayberry?
Arizona 4 – San Diego 1
W: Ian Kennedy (19-4) L: Cory Luebke (5-9) S: J.J. Putz (38)
HR: Justin Upton (29), Paul Goldschmidt (7)
SB Willie Bloomquist (16), Ryan Roberts 2 (18), Cameron Maybin (35)
- Both starters benefited from a pretty liberal strike zone as they combined for 20 Ks. Kennedy has a sparkling 19-4 record which reminds me of the 19-6 mark David Price compiled last season.
- Justin Upton is up to three home runs over his last four games. He's up to one home run per every 12.8 at-bats vs. lefties while he holds a one home run per every 21.5 at-bats vs. righties.
Seattle 4 – Los Angeles 1
W: Jason Vargas (8-13) L: Luke Hochevar (10-11) S: Brandon League (34)
HR: Ichiro Suzuki (4), Justin Smoak (13)
SB: Melky Cabrera (18), Eric Hosmer (10), Ichiro Suzuki 2 (37), Brendan Ryan (10)
- Justin Smoak hit a home run for the first time since June 12 to lead the Mariners to a win. He might be the ultimate "buy-low" candidate next season.
- Between Brett Lawrie and Eric Hosmer, where do you rank each player next season? Both possess the ability to have 25 homers and 15 stolen bases, the thefts making them stand out at each position.