 |
CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
|
Preview: Cubs (32-44) at Brewers (32-44)
Game: 3
Venue: Miller Park
Date: June 27, 2013 2:10 PM EDT
While he struggled after returning from injury, Matt Garza appears to have found his groove.
The Milwaukee Brewers' Wily Peralta was plenty sharp last week, too.
Garza takes the mound opposite Peralta as the Chicago Cubs go for another rare win in Milwaukee in Thursday's series finale.
After missing the second half of last season with an elbow injury, Garza (2-1, 4.25 ERA) didn't debut until May 21 this year due to a left lat injury suffered during spring training. The right-hander compiled a 6.26 ERA over his first five starts but has since allowed one run in his last two spanning 15 innings.
"Ten months off is a long time," he told the team's official website. "No excuses for the first five (outings). It was just kind of finding my way again. Stuff's getting more fluid and free and easy, and I'm not forcing a lot of stuff."
Garza was at his best in Friday's 3-1 win over Houston, allowing one run and four hits in a season-high eight-plus innings. He also struck out a season-best eight.
"His last couple starts, his fastball command has been off the charts, and that's the key for anybody," catcher Dioner Navarro said.
While Garza is a candidate to be traded before next month's deadline, he's focused on the task at hand.
"I'm looking forward to the next five days," Garza said after Friday's win. "That day I face Milwaukee in Milwaukee and I'll be ready."
Garza has gone 3-0 with a 2.08 ERA in his last five starts against the Brewers (32-44), allowing two runs or fewer in four straight. Rickie Weeks is 2 for 17 with eight strikeouts in their matchups.
Peralta (5-8, 5.59), meanwhile, delivered his sharpest performance of the season Friday in a 2-0 win over Atlanta. The highly-touted 24-year-old struck out four and walked four over seven innings of two-hit ball, earning just his second victory in six weeks.
"This is the guy that we hope we see," manager Ron Roenicke said of Peralta, who had posted a 9.26 ERA in losing his previous three home starts. "With having great stuff, if you're throwing it over the plate, you've got a really good chance. He made some really big pitches."
Peralta also fared well in two outings versus Chicago in April, going 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA. Nate Schierholtz and Alfonso Soriano are a combined 0 for 11 against him.
The Cubs (32-44) had dropped nine straight and 19 of their previous 21 at Miller Park before hanging on for a 5-4 win Wednesday. Ryan Sweeney homered and Anthony Rizzo added two hits and two RBIs.
"The bottom line is if we win by one, great," said closer Kevin Gregg, who surrendered a homer to Juan Francisco before recording his 12th save in as many chances. "You don't want to give up any runs but you want to win, that is the first and foremost thing as you go out there.'
Former Cubs slugger Aramis Ramirez recorded his 2,000th career hit with a solo homer in the second inning for Milwaukee. Ramirez, who ranks 15th in hits among active players, added an RBI single in the sixth.
Weeks is hitting .444 with five homers, 10 runs and nine RBIs in his last 15 contests.
Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez could return after missing the last two games due to a sprained left shoulder. He leads the team with 12 homers.
---------------------------------------------------------
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Cubs at Brewers
Tue, Jun 25 Final 3 to 9
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Cubs at Brewers
Wed, Jun 26 Final 5 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 3
Cubs at Brewers
Thu, Jun 27 - 2:10PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
|
06-27-13 05:08 PM |
|
|
| |
|
CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
|
Preview: Diamondbacks (41-36) at Nationals (39-38)
Game: 3
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: June 27, 2013 4:05 PM EDT
Though Stephen Strasburg has more losses than wins, he figures to even things out sooner than later if his recent efforts are any indication.
Patrick Corbin's undefeated record continues to speak for itself.
In what sets up as a pitchers' duel, Strasburg takes the mound opposite Corbin as the Washington Nationals go for a three-game sweep of the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday.
After enduring some bad luck earlier in the year, Strasburg (4-6, 2.40 ERA) has taken matters into his own hands lately with a 3-1 record and a 1.46 ERA over his last six outings.
The hard-throwing right-hander delivered another superb performance Friday in a 2-1 win over Colorado, scattering five hits and striking out a season high-tying nine in seven innings.
"He threw great," manager Davey Johnson said of Strasburg, who's received less than three runs of support in 10 of his 14 starts. "We've been scoring practically nothing (for him). ... It was a big win for him."
Strasburg is just 3-3 at home despite a 1.13 ERA - baseball's second-lowest mark behind only teammate Jordan Zimmermann (1.09).
"As a competitor, you want to go out there and win every time," Strasburg told MLB's official website. "Sometimes, it's not going to work out that way, but the big thing is that you have to go out there with the same mentality every time out, regardless of what's happened in the past."
Strasburg is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA in two matchups versus Arizona (41-36), which appears to have its own ace in the making in Corbin (9-0, 2.19). Among the major league leaders in ERA, Corbin allowed three hits over eight innings of one-run ball Saturday and was in line for the win before Heath Bell blew the save in a back-and-forth 4-3 walkoff victory over Cincinnati. The Diamondbacks improved to 14-1 when giving the ball to Corbin, who's gone without a decision in his last four outings.
"Honestly I don't really look at it too much," the 23-year-old left-hander said of his record. "Everybody keeps saying, 'Get the 10th win,' but I'm trying to get every win, no matter what win it is."
In his only appearance versus Washington (39-38), Corbin surrendered two runs, four hits and struck out seven in seven innings of a 7-4 victory Aug. 12.
Corbin now tries to help the slumping Diamondbacks get back on track. Arizona was limited to four hits in suffering a season-worst fifth consecutive road loss, 3-2 on Wednesday.
Zimmermann, meanwhile, threw seven strong innings for Washington, which has taken six of seven in the series.
"He made some good pitches and we weren't able to get anything going," said Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, whose team has dropped seven of 11 overall while hitting .226.
Nationals rookie Anthony Rendon, who went 3 for 4 with a double and a run, has 12 hits in 26 at_bats during a six-game hitting streak. He's hit safely in all but two of 18 games since getting recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on June 4, going 29 for 74 (.392) with a homer and 10 runs.
"That's what I've been doing my whole life," he said. "I like to hit."
Washington has posted a .298 average in taking six of eight at home.
--------------------------------------------------------
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Diamondbacks at Nationals
Tue, Jun 25 Final 5 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Diamondbacks at Nationals
Wed, Jun 26 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 3
Diamondbacks at Nationals
Thu, Jun 27 - 4:05PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
|
|
06-27-13 05:10 PM |
|
|
| |
|
CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
|
Preview: Mets (31-43) at Rockies (39-40)
Game: 3
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: June 27, 2013 6:10 PM EDT
Very little went right for the Colorado Rockies over their nine-game road trip.
Michael Cuddyer, however, managed to get a hit in each of those contests.
Cuddyer will try to establish a franchise record by hitting safely in 24 consecutive games Thursday when the Rockies host the New York Mets in a makeup game.
The Rockies (39-40) are back home after a 2-7 trip that dropped them from one-half game out of first place in the NL West to three games back of division-leading Arizona.
"We're not going to sit and think about this road trip,' manager Walt Weiss said after Wednesday's 5-3 loss to Boston. "We'll show up at Coors (Field) and try to win that game, and the next day we'll do the same thing. We'll just keep grinding along.'
Cuddyer supplied almost all of Colorado's offense Wednesday with a pair of solo homers to extend his hitting streak to 23 games - matching Dante Bichette's club record set in 1995. Cuddyer is batting .375 with five homers and 16 RBIs during his run, which is also the longest in the majors this year.
"Nothing really that he does surprises me,' Weiss said. "He does everything right and it's good to see him playing like he is.'
Cuddyer is 4 for 7 in two games against the Mets this year, but has never faced scheduled starter Jeremy Hefner (2-6, 3.89 ERA).
Colorado won each of those earlier matchups - running its win streak in the series to seven - and this is a makeup of the teams' April 17 snowed-out game.
The Mets (31-43) arrive in Denver to conclude an 11-game trip after going 6-4 with stops in Atlanta, Philadelphia and Chicago. With the heavy travel, manager Terry Collins is expected to rest David Wright, holding him out of the starting lineup for just the second time.
Leadoff hitter Eric Young had three hits and drove in a run in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the White Sox. Acquired from the Rockies on June 18, Young has been locked in lately, going 11 for 21 with four doubles and six RBIs during a five-game hitting streak.
"I think he should be really proud of what he's done here,' Collins said. "He's ignited our offense a little bit, I think. He's been getting on and getting in scoring position. I think he's made a big difference for us.
Young will get his first look at former teammate Tyler Chatwood (4-1, 2.22), who is 3-1 with a 1.93 ERA in six starts since being recalled from the minors. The right-hander gave up one run and four hits in six innings in a 2-1 loss to Washington on Friday, but didn't get a decision.
In two career starts against the Mets, Chatwood has allowed seven hits and seven walks over 10 scoreless innings, going 1-0.
Hefner permitted a season-high 10 hits Friday, but limited Philadelphia to three runs over six innings in a 4-3 victory. The right-hander has a 2.50 ERA over his last six starts.
His only career outing against the Rockies was April 18, when he surrendered solo homers to Dexter Fowler and Troy Tulowitzki in one inning of relief. He won't have to worry about facing Tulowitzki, who is on the disabled list, and Fowler is listed as day-to-day with a hand injury.
Chatwood, meanwhile, has yet to serve up a homer in 44 2-3 innings this season - the only pitcher not to allow a home run with at least 40 innings.
---------------------------------------------------------
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Rockies at Red Sox
Tue, Jun 25 Final 4 to 11
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Rockies at Red Sox
Wed, Jun 26 Final 3 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 3
Mets at Rockies
Thu, Jun 27 - 6:10PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
|
|
06-27-13 05:12 PM |
|
|
| |
|
CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
|
Preview: Indians (40-37) at Orioles (43-36)
Game: 4
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: June 27, 2013 7:05 PM EDT
Barring a trade, the Baltimore Orioles will attempt to make the playoffs for a second consecutive season without a true ace at the top of their rotation.
Judging by his recent performances, Miguel Gonzalez may be their best option to fill that role.
Gonzalez will try to contain the red-hot Jason Kipnis and help the Orioles salvage a split of their four-game series with the Cleveland Indians on Thursday night.
Despite one of the worst ERAs in the majors and 11 different starting pitchers, Baltimore (43-36) is within 3 1/2 games of AL East-leading Boston. While Chris Tillman leads the team with nine wins, Gonzalez (5-3, 3.75 ERA) has been the Orioles' most reliable starter.
He has allowed three runs or fewer in four straight and seven of his last eight outings, lasting at least six innings seven times during that span. Gonzalez pitched well enough to win his fourth consecutive start Saturday at Toronto but was a tough-luck 4-2 loser after allowing three runs and three hits in 7 1-3 innings.
"He was outstanding,' manager Buck Showalter said. "He pitched really well. I was really proud of him.'
The right-hander won his only career start against the Indians (40-37) on July 20, yielding two runs over 6 2-3 innings in a 10-2 victory.
Nick Swisher - mired in a 2-for-16 skid - is 0 for 6 with five strikeouts against Gonzalez, but Kipnis is a much bigger concern. The Indians second baseman has hit two-run homers each of the last two days and is batting .405 with 19 RBIs in June. He's reached base safely in 28 straight games.
Kipnis' 11th homer opened the scoring Wednesday and the Indians pushed across two runs in the ninth off Baltimore closer Jim Johnson for a 4-3 victory, their 10th in 14 tries after an eight-game skid.
"I was happy the way our offense came out versus Johnson,' Kipnis said. "We knew it was his third day in a row; he wasn't going to have his best stuff, hopefully.'
The loss was the fifth in six games for the Orioles, who were limited to four hits and failed to homer for the first time in 14 contests. Manny Machado had two hits, including his major league-leading 36th double. That is the most in the majors before the All-Star break since 1997.
Cleveland tries to continue its strong play behind Corey Kluber (6-4, 3.68), who is 3-0 with a 1.66 ERA in his last three starts. He's walked four and struck out 15 over 21 2-3 innings during that span.
After pitching eight shutout innings in his previous start, the right-hander wasn't as effective in an 8-7 win over Minnesota on Saturday. Kluber gave up three runs - including two homers - and needed 100 pitches to complete 5 2-3 innings.
"I wasn't as sharp as I'd like to be, but there are games when you go out there and hopefully get through it and give your team a chance to win,' he said.
Indians closer Chris Perez is expected to be activated from the disabled list Thursday after missing a month with a right shoulder injury.
---------------------------------------------------------
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Indians at Orioles
Mon, Jun 24 Final 5 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Indians at Orioles
Tue, Jun 25 Final 3 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 3
Indians at Orioles
Wed, Jun 26 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 4
Indians at Orioles
Thu, Jun 27 - 7:05PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
|
|
06-27-13 05:13 PM |
|
|
| |
|
CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
|
Preview: Blue Jays (39-38) at Red Sox (47-33)
Game: 1
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: June 27, 2013 7:10 PM EDT
Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell isn't surprised that his former team, the Toronto Blue Jays, are working their way back into contention in the AL East.
Farrell will also be hoping that Jon Lester can return to the form he has displayed against Toronto this year in Thursday night's opener of a four-game set at Fenway Park.
Although Toronto (39-38) is still in last place, its deficit behind first-place Boston (47-33) is down to 6 1/2 games with the Blue Jays winning 12 of 14.
Farrell, who managed the Blue Jays for two years before taking over the Red Sox this season, never thought Toronto would continue to flounder after a rough start.
"Not surprised at all. They're pitching much more consistently of late over the last month," Farrell told the Red Sox's official website. "Their bullpen has been outstanding, and they're getting more consistent starting pitching. I think everyone fully anticipated them scoring a lot of runs, but over the stretch that they're on, you can point to their pitching as being much improved."
Toronto's bullpen owns a 0.80 ERA over the last 14 games and its starters have one of the best ERAs in baseball over that stretch at 2.86.
Lester (7-4, 4.57 ERA), meanwhile, threw a one-hitter in a 5-0 win over the Blue Jays on May 10. He is 2-0 with a 2.05 ERA in three 2013 outings against Toronto, but he's 1-4 with a 7.30 ERA in his last seven.
The victory in that span came last Friday at Detroit even though the left-hander gave up five runs over 5 2-3 innings in a 10-6 win.
"I don't think (the) stretch he's on will continue," Farrell said. "He's too talented of a pitcher."
Toronto's Melky Cabrera, J.P. Arencibia and Edwin Encarnacion have combined to go 3 for 27 with just one homer against Lester this year.
Jose Reyes is 1 for 6 lifetime against Lester, and the Toronto shortstop will hope to fare better than his 0-for-4 effort in Wednesday's 3-0 victory at Tampa Bay. It was Reyes' first action since April 12 due to a left ankle sprain.
"Everything felt the way that I expected,' said Reyes, 8 for 12 against the Red Sox this year. "I enjoyed being out there because I missed that for a long time."
The Blue Jays are hoping starter Chien-Ming Wang (1-0, 2.18) can extend his streak of 16 2-3 innings without allowing an earned run. Toronto is 3-0 when he pitches, and he yielded an unearned run over 6 1-3 innings Saturday although he did not get a decision in a 4-2 home victory over Baltimore.
Wang is 3-4 with a 5.40 ERA in eight starts at Fenway.
He will probably be most concerned about David Ortiz, who is 16 for 37 with two homers against the right-hander.
Shane Victorino and Dustin Pedroia each went 5 for 9 as the Red Sox swept a two-game set from Colorado this week to begin a nine-game homestand.
Pedroia is hitting .385 against Toronto while Mike Napoli has five homers and 12 RBIs in the season series.
Encarnacion homered for the fourth time in eight games Wednesday, but he's 6 for 36 against Boston this year as Toronto has dropped five of nine meetings.
----------------------------------------------------------
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Thu, Jun 27 - 7:10PM EDT
GAME 2
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Fri, Jun 28 - 7:10PM EDT
GAME 3
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Sat, Jun 29 - 4:05PM EDT
GAME 4
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Sun, Jun 30 - 1:35PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
|
|
06-27-13 05:16 PM |
|
|
| |
|
CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
|
Preview: Royals (36-39) at Twins (34-40)
Game: 1
Venue: Target Field
Date: June 27, 2013 8:10 PM EDT
Jeremy Guthrie may have an excellent chance to bounce back from his shortest start in nearly four years.
The Kansas City Royals starter has already beaten the Minnesota Twins twice this season and has never lost in Minnesota heading into Thursday night's opener of a four-game set.
Guthrie (7-4, 4.20 ERA) surrendered six runs over 2 1-3 innings in Friday's 9-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox. It was his shortest start since he lasted the same amount of innings July 7, 2009, with Baltimore.
"It was one of those nights when he didn't have much going for him," said manager Ned Yost about last week's poor effort.
Guthrie is 6-2 with a 3.36 ERA in nine career starts against the Twins, going 2-0 with a 3.55 ERA in two this year. The right-hander has posted a 2.18 ERA in winning all three road starts against them, including two at Target Field.
Joe Mauer is 6 for 16 against Guthrie and Justin Morneau 6 for 19, but both of them are hitting .250 this season against Kansas City (36-39). The Royals are 5-1 in the season series.
The lone victory for Minnesota (34-40) came when promising Samuel Deduno (3-2, 3.72) pitched six-plus effective innings June 4 in a 3-0 win. He improved to 2-0 with a 0.73 ERA in two career starts against the Royals.
The right-hander will return to the mound after his three-game win streak ended in Cleveland last Friday. He allowed four runs over six-plus innings in a 5-1 defeat.
The Twins will be happy to return home after a 1-4 trip in which they scored first in each of the last four games only to lose three times. They scored three runs in the first inning of Wednesday's 5-3 defeat to Miami.
"You jump out like that with three runs quick and you think, 'Oh, here we go,' and nothing happened after that,' manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We couldn't put them away. We had men out there. We needed another big hit early to put them away at least open the lead up and maybe have one of those kind of games, but to their credit they kept battling back.'
Kansas City won 4-3 in 10 innings on Wednesday over Atlanta in its fourth straight one-run game. Alex Gordon singled in the winning run after homering to lead off the first inning as the Royals improved to 6-1 in extra-inning contests.
"These kids are getting better," Yost said. "I think throughout the second half they will continue to that.'
Salvador Perez went 3 for 4 with two doubles, and the catcher is 9 for 22 against Minnesota in 2013. That's still not as good as Billy Butler, who is 10 for 20 in the season series and batting .455 during a 14-game hitting streak against the Twins.
Mauer is surging with 16 hits in 36 at_bats over his last eight games. Morneau, however, is 6 for 27 in the same span.
Mauer's .365 home average is second in the AL to Miguel Cabrera's major league-best .389 mark for Detroit.
-----------------------------------------------------------
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Royals at Twins
Thu, Jun 27 - 8:10PM EDT
GAME 2
Royals at Twins
Fri, Jun 28 - 8:10PM EDT
GAME 3
Royals at Twins
Sat, Jun 29 - 4:10PM EDT
GAME 4
Royals at Twins
Sun, Jun 30 - 2:10PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
|
|
06-27-13 05:17 PM |
|
|
| |
|
CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
|
Preview: Phillies (38-41) at Dodgers (35-42)
Game: 1
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: June 27, 2013 10:10 PM EDT
The Los Angeles Dodgers have to like their chances of extending their longest win streak of the season with Zack Greinke on the mound.
The Dodgers, who are 5-0 when Greinke starts at home, expect to have Matt Kemp back in the lineup for Thursday night's opener of a four-game set with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Los Angeles starters have posted a 1.83 ERA during a five-game win streak that began when Greinke (4-2, 3.79 ERA) yielded one run over eight innings with eight strikeouts in Saturday's 6-1 victory at San Diego.
"When he's spot on with command, Zack is a fun pitcher to watch," manager Don Mattingly said.
Greinke is 3-0 with a 2.12 ERA in five home starts, and the Dodgers (35-42) have won all of them even though they've given him 10 total runs of support.
The right-hander made his second career start against Philadelphia (38-41) last season, allowing one run over seven innings. He owns plenty of experience against Michael Young (9 for 36) and Delmon Young (7 for 28).
Mattingly said that Kemp will likely start every contest of this series after the center fielder came in as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning of Wednesday's 4-2 home win over San Francisco. Kemp returned in Tuesday's 6-5 victory after missing nearly a month with a right hamstring strain.
"We're going to keep an eye on him and see how he's doing body-wise," Mattingly told the Dodgers' official website.
Of course, Mattingly has the luxury of penciling in Cuban sensation Yasiel Puig into his lineup day after day now. Puig had three hits Wednesday and is leading the majors with his .435 average in June.
While Puig's astounding month has drawn him plenty of attention in the Los Angeles area, the fellow rookie he will be facing Thursday will also likely have a cheering section at Dodger Stadium.
Phillies starter Jonathan Pettibone (3-3, 4.14) grew up in the area in the northern part of Orange County, and any support he gets from family and friends could only help him turn around his road woes. The right-hander is 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA in his last four road starts.
Pettibone is also 0-3 with a 4.70 ERA in seven outings since beating Cleveland on May 14. He exited his last start Saturday against the New York Mets with lower back tightness after yielding one run in six innings in an 8-7 victory, but should be OK after having no setbacks in a bullpen session Monday in San Diego.
The Phillies head north after taking two of three from the Padres, winning 7-5 in 13 innings Wednesday. They scored two unearned runs in the 13th after Delmon Young hit a tying two-run homer in the eighth.
Ryan Howard went 0 for 10 in the series, and is a .204 hitter against the Dodgers for his lowest mark against any NL team.
Los Angeles won five of seven meetings last year.
-------------------------------------------------------
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Phillies at Dodgers
Thu, Jun 27 - 10:10PM EDT
GAME 2
Phillies at Dodgers
Fri, Jun 28 - 10:10PM EDT
GAME 3
Phillies at Dodgers
Sat, Jun 29 - 10:10PM EDT
GAME 4
Phillies at Dodgers
Sun, Jun 30 - 4:10PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
|
|
06-27-13 05:19 PM |
|
|
| |
|
CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
|
Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack
-- Larry Bird returned to the Pacers as team president, good news for the Pacers, especially since Donnie Walsh is staying on as a consultant.
-- Mark Teixeira is having wrist surgery, is out for the season.
-- Dodgers won their last five games, are only six games out of first place.
-- Angels won their last eight games against Detroit.
-- Bruins' Patrice Bergeron has been in the hospital since Game 6; he has a punctured lung, in addition to his shoulder/rib injuries.
-- Pirates/Cardinals are both 48-30, the best record in baseball.
*****
Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Random thoughts on a summer day...........
13) Oregon Ducks pretty much got slapped on the wrist for NCAA violations, losing only one scholarship over the next three years; they had official visits reduced from 56 to 37, which would be somewhat significant if people followed the rules, but there are ways to get around that one—just have runners pay for kids’ “unofficial” visits. Has to be mostly a happy day in Eugene- they didn’t lose any bowl eligibility.
12) Stupid Ruling of the Day: NCAA gave Chip Kelly an 18-month show-cause order, meaning he can’t coach in college for the next two seasons. He just signed on with the Philly Eagles for $6.5M a year; don’t think he’ll be looking for a college job anytime soon, no matter what.
Much like Pete Carroll at USC, Kelly got out of the town just before the NCAA’s posse came looking for him.
11) I like to use W-L record in games decided by 3+ runs as a measure of a baseball team’s power- sometimes teams get a lot of breaks, and those teams generally have great records in close (1-2 run) games, but seldom dominate opponents. This year, LA Dodgers are just 13-23 in games decided by 3+ runs; the Cardinals are 31-11.
11) Arizona (27-21) has played the most games decided by 1-2 runs.
10) Red Sox are 4-6 in Ryan Dempster’s last ten starts; in the four wins, they scored 12-17-10-11 runs. Boston is 2-9 in Dempster's starts when they score less than seven runs.
9) Jim Boeheim got hired as head coach at Syracuse in 1976, making him the only active D-I coach in the country who was hired at his current job before 1980.
8) Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer is the only D-I football coach who was hired at his current job before 1990; only five of the 125 active D-I coaches were hired at their current job before 2000.
7) JR Smith opted out of his contract, am curious to see where he lands; whoever his new coach is better be tolerant of a player who can score, but takes very difficult shots.
6) If you have Aaron Hernandez on your fantasy football team, feel free to release him now. Sounds like he ain’t going anywhere for a while.
5) The jersey Lebron James wore in Game 2 of the Finals this month went for $37,470 at an NBA auction for charity.
4) From 2003-2006, front-row tickets for Boston Bruin games jumped from $73 a game to $150; so if you have two season tickets for an 80-game season (40 home games), that’s $12,000 a pop, not counting playoffs, and Bruins make the playoffs every year (its not that hard).
Pretty good chunk of change, $12,000+ a year for hockey tickets.
3) From 2005-12, Bronx Bombers were 464-262 (.639) in games decided by 3+ runs, they were a dominant/bully team- they were 281-263 (.526) in games decided by 1-2 runs.
Their fans are entitled, spoiled humans who expect to show up and see their team roll over opponents with mostly far less resources.
2) This year, with many of their aging stars injured, Bronx is 25-13 (.658) in close games, just 18-21 (.462) in games decided by 3+ runs; they’re a spunkier team that’s had to fight for most every win, but for some reason, their TV ratings are down 38%.
Guess their entitled, spoiled fans don’t appreciate a gritty team that has to work for wins, instead of just buying them.
1) Will watch draft tonight rooting hard for Dwayne Davis of Southern Miss to get picked up by an NBA team; he played AAU ball for a friend of mine in Philadelphia and has more overcome adversity in his life than many of us have ever known.
He had a terrific senior year in Hattiesburg; we wish him well. Some NBA team is going to be very glad they picked him up.
Reply With Quote
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
|
|
06-27-13 05:24 PM |
|
|
| |
|
CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
|
MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up
Thursday, June 27
Hot pitchers
-- Garza is 1-0, 0.60 in his last two starts.
-- Strasburg is 3-1, 1.70 in his last six starts. Arizona is 14-1 when Corbin starts (2.54 RA last four starts).
-- Greinke is 2-1, 2.67 in his last four starts.
-- Chatwood is 4-2, 1.63 in his last seven starts.
-- Kluber is 3-0, 1.66 in his last three starts. Gonzalez is 3-1, 2.57 in his last four starts.
-- Toironto is 3-0 when Wang starts (1-0, 2.61).
-- Deduno is 3-1, 2.90 in his last five starts.
Cold pitchers
-- Peralta is 1-2, 5.01 in his last four starts.
-- Pettibone is 0-3, 7.11 in his last five starts.
-- Hefner is 1-1, 6.35 in his last three starts.
-- Hughes is 1-3, 5.82 in his last four starts. Holland is 0-2, 6.23 in his last three starts.
-- Weaver is 0-3, 6.62 in his last three starts. Fister is 1-3, 4.61 in his last four.
-- Lester is 1-4, 7.40 in his last seven starts.
-- Guthrie is 0-2, 10.61 in his last couple starts.
Starting Pitchers/First Inning
You can wager on whether teams will score in the first inning. You're reading ***************.com. Below is how often a starting pitcher has allowed 1+ runs in first inning in one of his starts........
-- Garza 0-7; Peralta 4-16
-- Corbin 3-15; Strasburg 4-14
-- Pettibone 2-12; Greinke 3-10
-- Hefner 6-14; Chatwood 2-8
-- Holland 1-15; Hughes 5-14
-- Weaver 2-7; Fister 3-15
-- Kluber 2-11; Gonzalez 5-13
-- Wang 0-3; Lester 5-16
-- Guthrie 5-15 (4 of last 5); Deduno 1-6
Totals
-- Seven of Cubs' last ten games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last nine Arizona games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven Dodger home games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-3-1 in Colorado's last ten games.
-- Three of last four Texas games stayed under total.
-- Six of last seven Detroit games went over the total.
-- Under is 9-3-1 in Cleveland's last thirteen games.
-- Ten of last thirteen Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Minnesota games
Hot teams
-- Brewers won six of their last eight home games.
-- Nationals won five of their last seven games.
-- Dodgers won their last five games, allowing ten runs. Phillies won their last two games, scoring 13 runs.
-- Mets won six of their last nine games.
-- Rangers won six of their last seven games.
-- Angels won their last three road games, scoring 30 runs.
-- Cleveland won six of its last eight games.
-- Blue Jays won 12 of their last 14 games. Boston won six of its last seven home games.
Cold teams
-- Cubs lost five of their last seven road games.
-- Arizona lost its last three games, scoring total of nine runs.
-- Colorado won seven of its last nine games.
-- Bronx is 5-9 in its last fourteen games.
-- Detroit is 3-5 in its last eight games.
-- Orioles lost five of their last six games.
-- Royals lost five of their last seven games. Minnesota lost four of last five.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
|
|
06-27-13 05:36 PM |
|
|
| |
|
CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
|
MLB
Thursday, June 27
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MLB home dogs are red-hot for baseball bettors
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home MLB underdogs have gone 17-9 over the past nine days and have been a profitable venture for baseball bettors.
A $100 bettor would be up $1,099.18 if they had wagered on the home dog in each of those 26 games. The American League clubs proved to be the more profitable of the two leagues during this stretch, posting a home dog mark of 12-4 in the past eight days and are up $942.18 per $100 wager.
The Houston Astros have gone 4-1 as home underdogs in this time span after beating the Cardinals 4-3 on Wednesday at +159.
There is only one home underdog on the board Thursday - the Yankees are +120 as of Thursday morning for a 1:05 p.m. ET start against the Texas Rangers.
----------------------------------------------------------
MLB
Short Sheet
Thursday, June 27
National League
Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee, 2:10 ET
Garza: 8-23 TSR off BB starts allowing 2 ER's or less
Peralta: Milwaukee 21-12 Over off BB home games
Arizona at Washington, 4:05 ET
Corbin: 7-0 TSR after allowing 1 or 0 ER's last start
Strasburg: 16-4 Over after allowing 1 or 0 ER's last start
Philadelphia at LA Dodgers, 10:10 ET
Pettibone: Philadelphia 9-21 SU after winning 2 of their last 3 games
Greinke: 20-1 TSR at home pitching off a team win
American League
Texas at NY Yankees, 1:05 ET MLB
Holland: 16-5 TSR away pitching on 5 or 6 days rest
Hughes: 16-4 Under with a total of 8 to 8.5 runs
LA Angels at Detroit, 1:05 ET MLB
Weaver: Angels 9-21 SU off 3+ Overs
Fister: Detroit 22-11 Over off a loss
Cleveland at Baltimore, 7:05 ET MLB
Kluber: Cleveland 20-9 SU after winning 4 or 5 of their last 6 games
Gonzalez: Baltimore 16-7 Under in June
Toronto at Boston, 7:10 ET
Wang: Toronto 14-5 SU off BB Unders
Lester: 6-12 TSR as a home favorite of -150 to -200
Kansas City at Minnesota, 8:10 ET
Guthrie: Kansas City 9-18 SU after losing 4 or 5 of their last 6 games
Deduno: 7-0 TSR at home in night games
Write-In Game
NY Mets at Colorado, 6:10 ET
Hefner: Mets 12-5 SU away after having 0 extra-base hits
Chatwood: 1-9 TSR as a home favorite
------------------------------------------------------------
MLB
Thursday, June 27
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two young umps make MLB debut behind home Thursday
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two young umpires are making their major league debuts calling the balls and strikes Thursday.
Adam Hamari (30) will don the mask first in an afternoon affair when the Cubs visit the Brewers. The game is a pick 'em. Will Little (29), meanwhile, will be the home plate ump at 7:05 p.m. ET where the Orioles are -130 home favorites over the Indians.
Little made his first big league appearance in this series at third base Monday. Hamari did the same at second base in the Cubs-Brewers series Tuesday night.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
|
|
06-27-13 05:39 PM |
|
|
| |
|
CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
|
Around the Horn - Friday
June 27, 2013
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Milwaukee at Pittsburgh - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Milwaukee Brewers Hellweg (NR) 32-45 2-5 L7 away vs. RHP
Pittsburgh Pirates Cole (3-0, 3.44 ERA) 48-30 6-2 L8 vs. MIL
-- Brewers lost to Cubs, 7-2 on Thursday
-- Pirates beat Mariners, 4-2 on Wednesday
Washington at N.Y. Mets - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Washington Nationals Detwiler (2-6, 4.18 ERA) 39-39 2-7 L9 as away underdog
New York Mets Harvey (7-1, 2.05 ERA) 32-43 1-5 L6 home Game 1's
-- Nationals lost to Diamondbacks, 3-2 on Thursday
-- Mets beat Rockies, 3-2 on Thursday
San Diego at Miami - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
San Diego Padres Volquez (5-6, 5.67 ERAA) 39-40 OVER 12-7-1 L20 away
Miami Marlins Nolasco (4-7, 3.68 ERA) 27-50 8-3 L11 home
-- Padres lost to Phillies, 7-5 on Wednesday
-- Marlins beat Twins, 5-3 on Wednesday
Arizona at Atlanta - 7:30 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Arizona Diamondbacks Delgado (0-1, 4.50 ERA) 42-36 OVER 6-3 L9 away Game 1's
Atlanta Braves Teheran (5-4, 3.32 ERA) 45-34 9-4 L13 as home favorite
-- Diamondbacks beat Nationals, 3-2 on Thursday
-- Braves lost to Royals, 4-3 on Wednesday
San Francisco at Colorado - 8:40 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
San Francisco Giants Zito (4-5, 4.40 ERA) 38-40 2-7 L9 away
Colorado Rockies Chacin (6-3, 3.92 ERA) 39-41 OVER 5-2-1 L8 home Game 1's
-- Giants lost to Dodgers, 4-2 on Wednesday
-- Rockies lost to Mets, 3-2 on Thursday
Philadelphia at Los Angeles - 10:10 PM EST (Game 2/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Philadelphia Phillies Lannan (0-2, 5.84 ERA) 38-42 OVER 10-3 L13 overall
Los Angeles Dodgers Capuano (2-4, 4.09 ERA) 36-42 8-0 L8 home Game 2's
-- Dodgers beat Phillies, 6-4 on Thursday
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Cleveland at Chicago - 5:10 PM EST (Game 1/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Cleveland Indians Bauer (1-2, 2.76 ERA) 33-37 UNDER 7-1 L8 away
Chicago White Sox Santiago (3-5, 3.03 ERA) 36-35 1-4 L5 home vs. division
-- Indians lost to Orioles, 7-3 on Thursday
-- White Sox lost to Mets, 3-0 on Wednesday
N.Y. Yankees at Baltimore - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
New York Yankees Phelps (5-4, 4.01 ERA) 42-36 1-5 L6 away
Baltimore Orioles Gausman (0-3, 7.66 ERA) 44-36 UNDER 9-2-1 L12 home
-- Yankees lost to Rangers, 2-0 on Thursday
-- Orioles beat Indians, 7-3 on Thursday
Toronto at Boston - 7:10 PM EST (Game 2/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Toronto Blue Jays Johnson (1-2, 4.60 ERA) 39-39 6-1 L7 Game 2's
Boston Red Sox Webster (0-2, 11.25 ERA) 48-33 7-2 L9 home vs. division
-- Red Sox beat Blue Jays, 7-4 on Thursday
Detroit at Tampa Bay - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Detroit Tigers Scherzer (11-0, 3.05 ERA) 44-31 UNDER 6-1 L7 away
Tampa Bay Rays Colome (1-0, 0.00 ERA) 39-31 UNDER 8-2 L10 overall
-- Tigers lost to Angels, 3-1 on Thursday
-- Rays lost to Blue Jays, 3-0 on Wednesday
Cleveland at Chicago - 8:10 PM EST (Game 2/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Cleveland Indians Carrasco (0-3, 7.78 ERA) 33-37 4-7 L11 away vs. division
Chicago White Sox Quintana (3-2, 3.83 ERA) 36-35 UNDER 4-1-1 L6 home Game 2's
-- Indians lost to Orioles, 7-3 on Thursday
-- White Sox lost to Mets, 3-0 on Wednesday
Kansas City at Minnesota - 8:10 PM EST (Game 2/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Kansas City Royals Shields (2-6, 2.92 ERA) 36-40 5-9 L14 Game 2's
Minnesota Twins Walters (2-3, 4.88 ERA) 35-40 5-2 L7 home Game 2's
-- Twins beat Royals, 3-1 on Thursday
Los Angeles at Houston - 8:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Los Angeles Angels Williams (5-3, 3.36 ERA) 36-43 3-8 L11 away vs. division
Houston Astros Keuchel (4-4, 4.34 ERA) 30-49 6-1 L7 vs. LAA
-- Angels beat Tigers, 3-1 on Thursday
-- Astros beat Cardinals, 4-3 on Wednesday
INTERLEAGUE
Cincinnati at Texas - 8:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Cincinnati Reds Cueto (4-1, 3.21 ERA) 45-34 1-5 L6 away
Texas Rangers Perez (1-1, 3.65 ERA) 46-33 5-2 L7 vs. NL
-- Reds lost to Athletics, 5-0 on Wednesday
-- Rangers beat Yankees, 2-0 on Thursday
St. Louis at Oakland - 10:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
St. Louis Cardinals Miller (8-5, 2.35 ERA) 48-30 14-3 L17 off loss
Oakland Athletics Colon (10-2, 2.93 ERA) 46-34 7-2 L9 vs. NL
-- Cardinals lost to Astros, 4-3 on Wednesday
-- Athletics beat Reds, 5-0 on Wednesday
Chicago (N) at Seattle - 10:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Chicago Cubs Wood (5-6, 2.85 ERA) 33-44 1-6 L7 away Game 1's
Seattle Mariners Iwakuma (7-3, 2.26 ERA) 34-45 UNDER 5-3 L8 vs. NL
-- Cubs beat Brewers, 7-2 on Thursday
-- Mariners lost to Pirates, 4-2 on Wednesday
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
|
|
06-28-13 03:52 PM |
|
|
| |
|
CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
|
Preview: Indians (40-38) at White Sox (32-43)
Game: 1
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: June 28, 2013 8:40 PM EDT
Unless things don't turn around soon, the underachieving Chicago White Sox could be in for a shakeup.
Looking to bounce back from another frustrating defeat, the White Sox hope for something positive during Friday's doubleheader against the visiting Cleveland Indians.
Chicago (32-43) felt it was capable of challenging for the AL Central title this year, but it's last in the division, ranks near bottom of the majors with 277 runs and close to the top with 55 errors.
"Each night it's something different. It's definitely frustrating," pitcher John Danks told the White Sox's official website.
"We're way too talented to be where we are right now."
An Internet report surfaced Thursday stating the White Sox will make everybody other than ace Chris Sale and veteran Paul Konerko available for potential trades.
Chicago managed four hits and shortstop Alexei Ramirez committed his AL-leading 13th error to contribute to the New York Mets scoring all their runs in the fifth inning of Wednesday's 3-0 loss. The White Sox were shut out for the seventh time, and fourth during the stretch where they've dropped 19 of 27.
"Listless offense,' manager Robin Ventura said. "I don't know the reason for it, but it can't happen.
"It's just unacceptable. You've got to put something on the board.'
Outfielder Alex Rios could be a serious trade target, but he's batted .182 (8 for 44) with no homers in 12 games after hitting .356 in his previous 10. He's 3 for 19 against the Indians this season.
Chicago has dropped three of five this year to Cleveland (40-38), which is coming off a four-game split at Baltimore.
Lonnie Chisenhall homered for one of his three hits as the Indians lost a one-run lead when the Orioles scored five times in the sixth inning during Thursday's 7-3 loss.
"It happened so fast," said Chisenhall, who is batting .444 (8 for 18) in five games after he went 0 for 7 in his first two since being recalled from the minors last week.
Teammate and suburban Chicago native Jason Kipnis is batting .359 with 21 RBIs while reaching base safely in 29 straight games.
In the opener, the Indians hand the ball to Trevor Bauer (1-2, 2.76 ERA), who will be recalled to make his fourth spot start of the season. The third overall pick by Arizona in 2011, Bauer allowed three runs in 6 1-3 innings of a 7-0 loss to the New York Yankees in his most recent major league start May 13.
The right-hander, 3-2 with a 4.13 ERA in 12 starts at Triple-A, will be making his first appearance against the White Sox.
He'll be opposed by Hector Santiago (3-5, 3.03), who allowed a home run and two other hits over eight innings of a 9-1 win at Kansas City on Friday.
The left-hander has a 2.29 ERA while winning two of his last three starts, and is 1-0 with a 2.61 ERA in two against the Indians.
Teammate Jose Quintana (3-2, 3.83) takes the mound in the nightcap to make up the April 23 postponement between the clubs.
The left-hander has not factored in the decision of five straight starts, but is 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA in three versus Cleveland. He's allowed two runs and five hits while going 1-0 in two against the Indians in 2013.
Quintana gave up two runs in 5 1-3 innings of a 3-2 win at Kansas City on Saturday.
Cleveland will call up Carlos Carrasco (0-3, 7.78) as its 26th man to take the mound in the second game. The right-hander allowed three runs and walked four in 4 2-3 innings of a 5-3 loss to Minnesota on Sunday.
He's 0-3 with a 6.15 ERA in four starts against the White Sox.
----------------------------------------------------------
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Indians at White Sox
Fri, Jun 28 - 8:40PM EDT
GAME 2
Indians at White Sox
Sat, Jun 29 - 4:10PM EDT
GAME 3
Indians at White Sox
Sun, Jun 30 - 2:10PM EDT
GAME 4
Orioles at White Sox
Tue, Jul 2 - 8:10PM EDT
GAME 5
Orioles at White Sox
Wed, Jul 3 - 7:10PM EDT
GAME 6
Orioles at White Sox
Thu, Jul 4 - 2:10PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
|
|
06-28-13 03:54 PM |
|
|
| |
|
CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
|
Preview: Yankees (42-36) at Orioles (44-36)
Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: June 28, 2013 7:05 PM EDT
T.J. McFarland's first big league start will come against the New York Yankees.
But with New York's recent lack of offense, the task of facing the Bronx Bombers could prove to be less intimidating than it sounds.
McFarland takes the mound for the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night as they host the Yankees.
Fellow rookie Kevin Gausman was originally slated to start in the series opener. However, manager Buck Showalter announced a change of plans after Thursday's 7-3 win over Cleveland - not entirely surprising given Gausman's 0-3 record and 7.66 ERA through his five starts.
McFarland (1-0, 4.14 ERA) has made 18 appearances for the Orioles (44-36), primarily in long relief. The left-hander threw two scoreless innings in a 3-0 loss at New York on April 14.
Acquired from Cleveland in December's Rule 5 Draft, McFarland is expected to throw around 80 pitches, Showalter told the team's official website. Gausman will be available for relief duty.
"Mac is throwing the ball well and deserves an opportunity while we have an opportunity to take a look at it," Showalter said of the 24-year-old. "We had a couple options, he was one of them and that's where we are going to go tomorrow."
McFarland runs into a cold lineup for New York (42-36), which just completed a 4-5 homestand. The Yankees' 56 runs since June 7 are the fewest in baseball as they've gone 7-11. Their .210 average over that span is also the worst, while their 10 home runs are tied for last.
New York was shut out for the seventh time this season - one more than all of 2012 - and the third time this month in a 2-0 loss to Texas on Thursday. Singles by Ichiro Suzuki and Austin Romine were the only hits off starter Derek Holland.
Vernon Wells is 7 for 48 (.146) in 15 games since June 7, while Travis Hafner is 7 for 51 (.137) in 13 contests, though he's hit safely in five straight.
Suzuki has been a recent bright spot, batting .364 over his last 14 contests with at least one hit in each of the last seven.
"If you don't score runs, that becomes an issue," manager Joe Girardi told the team's official website. "I believe we're capable of scoring runs. I think we can. But time will tell."
Baltimore had lost five of six prior to Thursday's victory. It was highlighted by a five-run fifth inning, which included Manny Machado's first career ejection after the third baseman argued that he foul-tipped the ball on a third strike. Chris Davis drove in the go-ahead run with a fielder's choice grounder later in the inning.
Davis, who went 9 for 22 (.409) with two home runs as Baltimore split its first six meetings with New York, is 0 for 7 with four strikeouts against scheduled starter David Phelps (5-4, 4.01).
Phelps threw four innings of scoreless relief while allowing only one hit in New York's 5-3 loss to Baltimore on April 13. He also recorded three scoreless relief appearances against the Orioles last year, but posted an 8.31 ERA without a decision in two starts.
The right-hander is 4-3 with a 3.63 ERA over 10 starts this season.
Matt Wieters is 3 for 7 against Phelps with two homers.
----------------------------------------------------------
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Yankees at Orioles
Fri, Jun 28 - 7:05PM EDT
GAME 2
Yankees at Orioles
Sat, Jun 29 - 7:15PM EDT
GAME 3
Yankees at Orioles
Sun, Jun 30 - 8:05PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
|
|
06-28-13 03:56 PM |
|
|
| |
|
CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
|
Preview: Brewers (32-45) at Pirates (48-30)
Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: June 28, 2013 7:05 PM EDT
The Pittsburgh Pirates will begin a six-game homestand Friday night with a share of the best record in baseball.
The Pirates can extend their longest win streak in nine years to seven games when they send Gerrit Cole to the mound to face the last-place Milwaukee Brewers.
Pittsburgh (48-30), tied with St. Louis atop the NL Central, went 7-2 on a trip against Cincinnati, the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle. The Pirates hit 13 homers and scored 39 runs during the club's longest win streak since a 10-game run June 26-July 5, 2004.
"It was a good trip. Very good trip,' manager Clint Hurdle said.
This three-game set will begin with Hurdle handing the ball to Cole (3-0, 3.44 ERA), the first Pittsburgh pitcher to win his first three starts since Jim Nelson in 1970. The 22-year-old right-hander, who allowed two runs over 6 1-3 innings Friday in a 5-2 win over the Angels, has been quick to credit his teammates for his success.
"Good defense and good offense, I think," Cole said. "Those guys have been picking me up and it simplifies the game a little bit."
Cole beat Jered Weaver in his last outing after outdueling former Cy Young Award winners Tim Lincecum and Zack Greinke in his first two.
The mound opponent Friday will be less formidable in Johnny Hellweg, who will make his major league debut. Hellweg is getting the start since Alfredo Figaro went on the disabled list Wednesday with a strained right oblique.
The 6-foot-9 right-hander got the news of his callup in front of his entire team after Triple-A Nashville returned home from a series in New Orleans that ended Tuesday.
"I guess that was a feeling I've never had," Hellweg told the Brewers' official website. "It was kind of surreal. I guess the closest I've ever been to floating."
Hellweg was 7-4 with a 2.82 ERA for the Sounds, and posted a 4.15 ERA in five spring appearances for Milwaukee (32-45).
"The looks we got in spring training was he works quick," manager Ron Roenicke said. "Good stuff with the curveball and the fastball down in the zone, good movement on the fastball. He's got velocity on it."
Pittsburgh is 6-4 against Milwaukee this season, with Pedro Alvarez posting team highs of three homers and eight RBIs despite going 5 for 29 with 10 strikeouts overall. Alvarez is hitting .390 with five homers and 13 RBIs during a 10-game streak.
Andrew McCutchen is tied with Alvarez with three homers against Milwaukee.
Carlos Gomez leads the Brewers in the season series with a .361 average, four homers and eight RBIs. Gomez is expected back in the lineup Friday after missing three games due to a sprained left shoulder suffered in Sunday's loss to Atlanta.
Milwaukee split six games on a homestand that ended Thursday, losing the final two against the Cubs by committing four errors that led to six unearned runs.
"We're getting more consistent offensively, but then we have some miscues like this, we don't bounce out of it and they really hurt us," Roenicke said.
The Pirates are 8-0 after scheduled off days.
---------------------------------------------------------
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Brewers at Pirates
Fri, Jun 28 - 7:05PM EDT
GAME 2
Brewers at Pirates
Sat, Jun 29 - 7:15PM EDT
GAME 3
Brewers at Pirates
Sun, Jun 30 - 1:35PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
|
|
06-28-13 03:58 PM |
|
|
| |
|
CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
|
Preview: Blue Jays (39-39) at Red Sox (48-33)
Game: 2
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: June 28, 2013 7:10 PM EDT
The Toronto Blue Jays began their current seven-game trip riding a franchise-tying winning streak, but have struggled to simply win a game this week.
Looking to get back on track, the Blue Jays try to keep the AL East-leading Boston Red Sox from a fourth consecutive win Friday night.
Toronto (39-39) won 11 in a row before losing two of three at Tampa Bay, then was unable to recover after Boston (48-33) scored all its runs in the second inning of a 7-4 victory Thursday.
"You assume you're going to cool off a little bit. That's the way the game works," manager John Gibbons told the Blue Jays' official website. "But you can't have any reversed fortunes."
Dustin Pedroia's two-run homer off Chien-Ming Wang highlighted the big inning for the Red Sox, who have opened a nine-game homestand outscoring opponents 23-11 in three straight wins. They've won 13 of 17 at Fenway Park.
However, the Red Sox received a scare when Jon Lester left in the eighth inning with an apparent injury.
"I slipped a little bit. I guess the doctors were kind of calling it a little jammed hip, a type of zinging sensation down my leg.' Lester said.
"I'm not too worried about it. The doctors didn't seem worried about it."
The Red Sox are already minus nine-game winner Clay Buchholz, who continues to recover from a neck injury.
That means Allen Webster (0-2, 11.25 ERA) gets a second straight start, and third career, since he was recalled from the minors over the weekend. The right-hander needs to be better than Saturday when he gave up a first-inning grand slam to Victor Martinez and one other run in 4 1-3 innings of a 10-3 loss at Detroit.
"The four runs given back in the first set the tone for the entire evening,' Boston manager John Farrell said. "I think he settled down after the first inning and pitched OK.'
Toronto counters with Josh Johnson (1-2, 4.60), who pitched well for five innings then allowed four runs and couldn't get out of the seventh inning, but earned his first win as a Blue Jay in Sunday's 13-5 victory over Baltimore.
"Another good outing for him. That's one win," Gibbons said. "Getting on the board so you've got something to show for it always makes you feel good.'
The right-hander is making his first appearance at Fenway, but is 1-0 with a 3.15 ERA in three starts versus Boston. He gave up four runs and nine hits in six innings of a 6-4 loss to the Red Sox on April 5.
Pedroia, 2 for 5 with a double against Johnson, is 9 for 16 with six RBIs in four games since he batted .146 with four RBIs in the previous 11.
Teammate Jacoby Ellsbury has hit safely in eight straight games and .382 with 11 RBIs his last 25. He's in the midst of an 11-game hitting streak versus Toronto.
The Blue Jays' Edwin Encarnacion hit .350 with four homers and 12 RBIs during the 11-game winning streak, but since then is 2 for 15 with a solo homer in four contests.
Toronto put outfielder Melky Cabrera on the 15-day disabled list with left knee tendinitis after Thursday's loss and recalled infielder Munenori Kawasaki from Triple-A Buffalo. Kawasaki was sent down after Tuesday's game to make room on the roster for shortstop Jose Reyes.
------------------------------------------------------------
SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Thu, Jun 27 Final 4 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Fri, Jun 28 - 7:10PM EDT
GAME 3
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Sat, Jun 29 - 4:05PM EDT
GAME 4
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Sun, Jun 30 - 1:35PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
|
|
06-28-13 04:00 PM |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
