In the midst of maddening steroid trials, abrupt retirement announcements there was still baseball to play today. In light of our little "last ditch effort day", should we start off with pitching? Well, there was five one-run games today...Ah, screw it, let's get right to the first Sawx/Yanks series of the season.

Red Sox 9 Yankees 6 -WP: John Lackey 1-1 LP: Bartolo Colon 0-1 S:Jonathan Papelbon (1) The anti-duel was everything expected from two pitchers on two teams not playing to their full-potential. John Lackey (1-1, 15.58 ERA) who has never been accused of being an early-season performer got roughed up, giving up 7 ER over 5 innings. Regardless, Lackey did manage to get his first win of the season. Phil Hughes faired much worse, allowing six runs on seven hits in only two innings. More concerning is his fastball, which averaged less than 90-miles-an-hour. The baseball god's laughed and strapped Bartolo Colon (4.1 IP, 1ER, 5 K's) with the loss. After Jason Varitek's brain-fart against the Indians, Jarrod Saltalamacchia was behind the plate for the opening game of the big series. Saltalamacchia (two RBI's) had his first multi-hit game of the season.

It wasn't all bad news for the Yankees, Brett Gardner (2B, 3B, 2 BB, 1 SB) had a good day and they nearly came back, scoring a run in every inning until the sixth. However, the Red Sox Bullpen took over from there, only former Yankee Alfredo Aceves (H,1) surrendered a hit. Bobby Jenks (H,1), Daniel Bard (H,1) and Jonathan Papelbon (S,1) each took turns shutting down the Yanks offense, facing only two more batters than the minimum. One of only three Red Sox without a hit in the matinee, Carl Crawford went 0-5 and is 4-28 in his young Red Sox career. Dustin Pedroia went 3-5 with three RBI's and for all intense purposes, knocked Hughes out of the game single-handedly

Twins 2 Athletics 1- WP: Carl Pavano (1-1) LP: Brett Anderson (0-1) S: Joe Nathan (3)

Brett Anderson should have been the story on Friday, but his offense let him down. Or the other side of the spectrum, Carl Pavano matched his efforts. Both Anderson and Pavano went for eight innings and going into the bottom of the eighth, David DeJesus sac-fly was the only RBI of the game. Minnesota has some injuries 2B Tsuyoshi Nishioka (leg), will not need a cast or surgery, but no timetable for his return has been set. SP Kevin Slowey had an MRI and tendinitis was detected in his right bicep. Bottom line, it feels great to report Stony Brook graduate Joe Nathan is seemingly recovering without losing a step.

Detroit 5 Kansas City 2 - WP: Max Scherzer 2-0 LP: Kyle Davies (0-1) S: Jose Valverde (2)

Thus far, the A.L. Central is the most balanced division in baseball, boasting five teams all with at least three wins or more. And that's just how Sparky Anderson would have wanted it. Taking into consideration a hefty difference in team payrolls, both Miguel Cabrera and Melky Cabrera are equally important to each of their teams.

Even though Miguel (2 R, 1 H) got the win today, Melky showed there's room for both of them in the Central. Melky (.306) now has five RBI's on the year and is the kind of ballplayer you want to see succeed, especially in royal blue. Royals 2B, Chris Getz also had a big day, going 3-4 with a walk and run scored. In fact, K.C.s first four batters had two or more hits, but none (10 LOB) when they counted most. In the end, the Tigers offense was too much for K.C. pitcher Kyle Davies. Davies, who was knocked around quite a bit, allowing five earned runs on six hits in 3 2/3 innings pitched. After Victor Martinezs three RBI double to deep right center, Jhonny Peralta followed up one batter later with a shallow double to left. Apparently thats all Max Scherzer needed today, scattering one run on seven hits in six innings. The one-two punch of Joaquin Benoit (H,2), Jose Valverde (S, 2) made sure the final innings were uneventful. Prior to the game, Comerica Park observed a moment of silence for their passed-on manager.

Giants 5 Cardinals 4 -WP: Dan Runzler (1-1) LP: Brian Tallet (0-1)

After raising their championship banner, the Giants went back to their cardiac ways. No this isn't about majestic, but chemically born launches by Barry Bonds to the cove. Jonathan Sanchez had set the tone for the game in his usual way. Sanchez went five innings, allowing only one run on four hits. Despite Jeremy Affeldt giving up a run, it was still Brian Wilson's game to lose in the ninth. Famous last words, as that's exactly what Wilson did, giving up two runs in 2/3 of an inning. Wilson has now given up five earned runs in the his last two (1 1/3 IP) appearances since coming off the disabled list. Not quite sure it's panic time, fear the beard, even as a Rangers fan. Regardless, the Giants came back in the 12th on an Aaron Rowand single to center. Buster Posey walked three times and left three on-base. Pablo Sandoval was 3-5 and tied the game in the ninth. If the beard should continue his ways for a few weeks, a premium closer may be available and no closer is irreplaceable. To be considered....Sergio Romo, Guillermo Mota, and Ramon Ramirez ? ah, the dark horse of the bunch, Ramirez has given up one hit in nearly four innings of work, even picking up a save before Wilson came back. Pablo Sandoval, who tied up the game in the ninth, is 6-10 in his last two games and hit safely in six of his seven games.

Nationals 6 Mets 2 -WP: Jordan Zimmermann (1-1) LP:R.A. Dickey (1-1)

The battle of the A.L. East basement is upon us for the first time of the season. Mired in several P.R. nightmares, the Mets (losers of their last two) needed a win in their home-opener with the Nationals. As they say, you can wish in one hand and yeah, fill in the blanks. No, it was the brothers --not really-- Zimmerman(n) who took out the hapless Mess today. Sure, Ryan Zimmerman went 2-4, but it was SP Jordan Zimmermann (1-1, 3.18) who evened out his record. It wasn't technically a quality start, but he managed to allow only two earned runs over six hits. Tyler Clippard got his second hold of the year. Despite the fact that Drew Storen managed a one, two, three 8th, if Sean Burnett falters, I would not be surprised if Clippard becomes the next possible choice for closing time in Washington. Rick Ankiel (3 hits) set em up, while I-Rod (Ivan Rodriguez) and Zimmermann's bat knocked ?em down. A big day for what the Nationals might call a cornerstone piece. As for the Mets? The city let out their frustration, booing Francisco Rodriguez during pregame introductions.

Rangers @ Orioles - Postponed

The Rangers will wait another day to tie their franchise record 7-0 start. The Orioles have injuries galore with Brian Roberts having been sent to the hospital with severe stomach pains. J.J. Hardy dealing has a sore ribcage while Brian Matusz and Justin Duchscherer are also on the DL This game will be made up at 4:30 PM (EST) 4/9/11 as of part of a traditional doubleheader

Rays 9 White Sox 7 - WP: Adam Russell (1-0) LP: Matt Thornton (0-1) S: Kyle Farnsworth (1)

Wow Manny...just let down an entire generation of baseball, yet again. You mean this kid is slow and still using? Anyway, good riddance and good luck with the health issues ahead bro. Onto baseball, the young Rays, are no punching bag, media or otherwise. Forget utility man Dan Johnson's web-gem, Johnson came to the game with other things on his mind. It was Johnson's ninth inning home run that sent the White Sox back to the hotel with the loss. James Shields (5 ER in 6 IP ) was forgetful, John Danks - 4 ER in 6 IP- tossed a bit better, but the quality start eluded him as well.Adam Dunn (appendectomy) will miss at least five games. Jake Peavy is beginning his minor-league rounds

Marlins 5 Astros 4 - WP: Ricky Nolasco (1-0) LP: Wilton Lopez (0-1) S:Leo Nunez (2)

You could have skipped the first seven innings of this game, outside of J.R. Towles (3-4) home-run to left in the third. After seven innings Ricky Nolasco proved that right-handed can be better at times. Nolasco, 2 ER over eight innings, set up Leo Nunez for the easy save. Though Nunez didn't make things easy, the Marlins were still victorious regardless. Spare your gasp moment, but yes, Hanley Ramirez (leg) was carried off the field. No x-rays were necessary...Brett Wallace has six hits in his seven games this season.

Pirates 4 Rockies 3 -WP: Garrett Olson (1-0) LP: Franklin Morales (0-1)

Pittsburgh was not the best host Friday night as two teams facing small-market life with an adjustment of farm clubs met. Just a story of how the mighty have fallen, as both organizations have a history of sporadic success, but Franklin Morales surely doesn't feel the same currently. Morales gave up the winning run to the bat of Jose Tabata (2-6, 2 RBI's, 1 SB). I'm sorry to report, Carlos Gonzalez went a sour 0-7, lowering his average below the .270 mark. No need to stress the goose-egg on homers so far, Cargo has seven hits in the other five games he's hit in. Good news for the Rockies, Houston Street pitched one hit, three inning ball. Most clutch for the Pirates was Jeff Karstens 3.1 IP, despite his three walks, allowed only two hits and struck-out five. Chris Resop also kept (3 IP, 2 H) things calm while the Buccos arose to the occasion. Todd Helton (back) merely pinch-hit, leaving three on base Jorge De La Rosa pitched five innings, allowed one homer and two runs on eighty-pitches.

Braves 6 Phillies 3 - WP: Tim Hudson (2-0) LP:Cliff Lee (1-1) S:Craig Kimbrel (3)

Chipper Jones (2-4, 3 RBI) is not wasting any time, setting the tone for his possible farewell call. The third basemen, everyone loves to hate, registered his 2,500th major-league hit tonight. That's the sub-plot as Jones (.345) also drove in the GW RBI double tonight. Clasp that to a strong-outing by 35-year-old Tim Hudson (7.2, 2 ER) and Braves fans are hoping they can copy the formula against N.L. East foes, Philadelphia, tomorrow as well. Cliff Lee did not have the start his owners were hoping for, giving up 10 hits and six ER in less than four innings of work. New BravesFreddie Freeman 1-3, 2 runs scored Dan Uggla 0-4, 5 LOB

Cubs 7 Brewers 4 - WP: Carlos Zambrano (1-0) LP: Randy Wolf (0-2) S: Carlos Marmol (3)

Nyjer Morgan is wanting the Nationals to regret the trade that sent him to the home of beer and brats. Morgan is seven for his last 12, while Carlos Gomez was picked off 1st base in this game. That being said, it's Carlos Zambrano's performance that caught Cubs fans breath today. Scattering four runs on seven hits in six innings pitched isn't exactly dominant, but it's promising. More encouraging is the three shutout bullpen innings to follow. Jeff Baker went 2-4 (HR 1), with four RBI's

. The Cubs have won 20 of their last 25 games, dating back to last season. Diamondbacks 13 Reds 2 - WP: Ian Kennedy (1-0) LP: Travis Wood (1-1) S: Carlos Marmol (3)

Maloney and Wood, it almost sounds like a bad 80's cop show. Well that's what the Reds team felt like today, as the babybacks ripped on their two pitchers. Outside of Travis Woods' six runs in five innings and Matt Maloney's SEVEN runs in 1 and 2/3, Cincinatti's bullpen was dead on. On the the other side of the ball, former Yankees blue-chipper, Ian Kennedy (2.57 ERA) pitched eight strong and struck-out nine. Buy-low and high reward could have a few Arizona fans winning fantasy leagues on this value draft alone. Seven of the Dbacks' nine starting lineup managed an RBI this evening, including a three-RBI night from Kelly Johnson. Finally, Stephen Drew participate in a double-play and (1-4, RBI) is back in the lineup. Justin Upton looked alive tonight, going 2-4 and driving in two runs.Miguel Montero could have a good year with this offense, he went 3-3 with a walk giving for those lost in the catcher shortage something to think about. Montero (12 hits in 22 at-bats) has a six-game hitting streak to start the season.

Blue Jays 3 Angels 2 - WP: Octavio Dotel (1-0) LP: Ervin Santana (0-1) S: Jon Rauch (2)

It wasn't but a couple of months ago, the Angels and Blue Jays traded players. Now, they're trading runs in a very important early season weekend. Jason Nix's homerun ended the inaugural hosting session for Vernon Wells in his new home. The result most disturbing is the Blue Jays were no-hit, and even shutout till the fifth when Adam Lind doubled to center. Despite the fact that Octavio Dotel struck-out two of three, it was Kyle Drabek with his second straight quality start to begin the season that should grab most attention.

Ervin Santana 8 IP, 3 ER, 7 K's

Kyle Drabek has allowed 2 ER, 4 BB's, 14 k's in 13 innings

Indians 12 Mariners 3 - WP: Carlos Carrasco (1-1) LP: Jason Vargas (0-1)

So did the shellacking of the Red Sox at the hands of the Rangers make an Indian tribe fully aware of their own potential? Or are the Mariners just this questionable? After a miserable outing at home against the White Sox, what was Carlos Carrasco thinking to himself? How about 6 innings pitched, one run on four hits. Okay, let's wager little considering this is a Mariners offense currently ranked 21st hitting in the majors and declining. Regardless, the Mariners don't face a "Quality" team till the end of the month, and cant at least pull things together for at least the first month of the season. The Indians (5-2) in the meantime lead the A.L. Central. Travis Hafner (4 RBIs) and Carlos Santana (2 RBI's) made up for nearly half of the runs produced.

Padres 2 Dodgers 2 - suspended (Rain) in the ninth

Rain in San Diego, really?