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Stay For A Night Cap! - Inter-League Rapture

Indians 5 Reds 4

WP: Vinnie Pestano (1-0) LP: Bill Bray (1-1) S: Chris Perez (11)

Admit it, you saw Travis Hafner (right oblique) going to the D.L. 3-4 weeks and the Indians calling up, non-drafted Ezequiel Carrera. This left you looking else where for his replacement, don't lie, but nevermind that for a second. Though neither blue-chip starter was involved in the decision, it seems White (3 IP, H, ER, 3 BB, 3 K) won the battle. Although, Wood (5.1, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K) took a no-hitter into the sixth lasted longer. Carerra, knocked in the winning run (Shin-Soo Choo) on the first pitch of his first major league plate appearance. The Indians are now 16-4 at hom this season. Looking like a balanced hitting table-setter, Carrera is hitting .317 (five doubles, two triples, two homers) and has 17 RBIs (37 games) at AAA-Columbus this season.. Tied for the International League with 33 runs scored, Carrera is 15 of 17 in stolen-base attempts.

Nationals 17 Orioles 5

WP: Henry Rodriguez (1-0) LP: Jake Arrieta (5-2)

HR: Jason Werth 2 (8), Roger Bernadina (1), Laynce Nix (6), Wilson Ramos (3), D. Espinosa (6)

In the midst of mutiny between Nationals GM Mike Rizzo and MLB umpires, both organizations are heading into this match-up with a more positive direction than last season. The battle of Capital Baseball supremacy is here. Just like Capitol Hill, there was no lack of offense as the two teams combined for 31 hits, 22 runs and 28 men left of base. Things were seesaw when Wilson Ramos (3-4, 5 R, 2 RBI) started a six-run fifth with a triple for the Nats. Including eighth place hitter Ramos, three Nats had three hits. Jayson Werth (3-4, 2 R 4 RBI) and Danny Espinosa (3-5, 3 R, 5 RBI) had a tremendous night from the ninth spot in the order. Espinosa who hasn't exactly been what Rizzo and company expected thus far, was a double shy of the cycle tonight. Neither Jake Arrieta (3.2 IP, 6 ER) and Jason Marquis (4 IP, 5 ER) were thinking very clearly. Nats reliever, Rodriguez was probably the best pitcher from either roster, scattering two hits over three innings while striking out three batters. Fighting O'sNick Markakis went 2-3, Vladimir Guerrero went 2-5, Matt Wieters went 1-4, 2 RBI

Pirates 10 Tigers 1

WP: Jeff Karstens (3-2) LP: Brad Penny (4-4)

HR: Ramon Santiago (1), Neil Walker (6), Lyle Overbay (4)

A showdown between two industrial towns that have always counted on their Baseball. Penny has been fantastic (3-0) as of late, is he still a pitcher on the decline? An arm on the rise, Karstens (6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 4 K) made one mistake and Ramon Santiago (2-3) made him pay. Otherwise, Karstens is progressing nicely in a fairly unforgiving park. At this point, holding onto Penny (5.2 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 5 BB, 4 K) is like betting it all on black as soon you get to the casino. Though it was Lyle Overbay's solo-shot that put Pittsburgh on top for good, the Pirates showed balance, receiving a varied production from the first six in the order, going 9-25 (9 RBI), scoring eight of the 10 Pirates runs. Pirates Gold Neil Walker went 2-5, R, 5 RBI, Jose Tabata went 2-3, 3 R, 2 BB Tiger's BloodJose Valverde (1 IP) was awful in a slop-up outing. Valverde allowed two hits, three earned runs on 22 pitches.

Royals 3 Cardinals 0

WP: Jeff Francis (1-5) LP: Chris Carpenter (1-4) S: Joakim Soria (7)

The fight for the Missouri is at it's most competitive point since the inception of interleague play. It was a great night for two pitchers on the mend, fighting their way back. Instead of Carpenter (6.1, 9 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K) taking the headline tonight though, it was Francis (7.2, 6 H, 2 BB, 6 K) who stole the show, winning for the first time since July 30th last season. Royally BlueEric Hosmer (2 LOB) continues to get comfortable, going 2-4, Chris Getz went 2-3, 1 R, despite scattered rumors that Wilson Betemit might be headed out of town to make room for Mike Moustakas, Betemit (2-4, R) has managed to keep his average above.300

Mariners 4 Padres 1

WP: Erik Bedard (2-4) LP: Mat Latos (1-6)

HR: Miguel Olivo (3)

Erik Bedard (3 H, 2 BB, 9 K) is really starting to find his groove. Bedard went 8 innings for the first time since April 12th, 2009. Latos (6 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, BB, 4 K) continued his mediocre season, giving up all four Seattle runs on eight hits in six innings. Although San Diego managed to score a run in the ninth off Chris Ray (H, R, BB), the Padres base-running cut themselves out of a comeback, making for an odd ending to this series opener. Mariners LandingMiguel Olivo went 2-4, (2 R, RBI), Justin Smoak 1-4, Brendan Ryan went 2-3, 2 RBI

Mets 2 Yankees 1

WP: R.A. Dickey (2-5) LP: Freddy Garcia (2-4) S: Francisco Rodriguez (15)

HR: NYM - Daniel Murphy (4), NYY - Mark Teixeira (11)

Looking at the match up this afternoon, you don't get much excited about a possible pitcher's affair. Further digging shows Dickey is ranked first in ERA amongst active pitchers in interleague play. Going in, this series has lost it's luster, especially with Dickey (6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K) and Garcia (7 IP, 5 H, 2/ER, BB, K) throwing first pitches. But this certainly turned into a pitcher's duel, in Yankee Stadium no less. With the Mets all but bleeding (Ike Davis, David Wright), this is the kind of win the Citibank faithful need. Tonight's Yankees loss marks their first six-game losing streak since they moved into the playground they callously call Yankee Stadium Ignoring the mess at the topJustin Turner, currently on a seven-game hitting streak, went 3-4, (2 doubles, RBI). Turner also extended his RBI streak to six-games in a row.

Red Sox 15 Cubs 5

WP: Jon Lester (6-1) LP: Doug Davis (0-2) S: Scott Atchison (1)

HR: Kevin Youkilis (8), Jarrod Saltalamacchia (2)

Davis (3.2 IP, 8 H, 7 ER) and Lester (6 IP, 12 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 5 K) pitched like they were in awe of the moment as much as fans. It's been 155,571 regular season MLB games since the Cubs and Red Sox took the confines of Fenway together. Not since the 1918 World Series, so is this the type of opportunity Chicago can use as momentum? Not likely, not at least after Friday nights performance. The supposed ?Fonsi? factor didn't produce as much as they'd hoped. Though, Alfonso Soriano did manage 2-4 and a run scored, it was also accompanied by a ball Soriano lost in the Fenway lights. Starlin Castro's two-error night didn't really help out much either. Roaring RedAdrian Gonzalez went 3-4 (4 RBI, Jacoby Ellsbury 3-6 2 R, SB, 2 RBI. The Red Sox front office was very busy today, signing Kevin Millwood and receiving Franklin Morales from Colorado for a player to be named later and/or cash considerations. As well as adding Dan Wheeler from the disabled list. Forever cursed?Jeff Baker managed a 4-5 (2 R) night in the loss. Aramis Ramirez went 3-4 and is currently on a four-game hitting streak.

Marlins 5 Rays 3

WP: Mike Dunn (4-2) LP: Joel Peralta (1-3) S: Leo Nunez (16)

HR: Mike Stanton (10) LP: Logan Morrison (6)

Not just a inter-state battle, but a battle of fish, one that Anibal Sanchez (7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, BB, 6 K) had under control. Andy Sonnanstine (5 IP, 7 H, 3 ER) got a good look at the future of the Marlins, giving up home runs to both Morrison (2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI) and Stanton (2-3, R, 2 RBI) in the 4th inning. Chris Coghlan stays on his every other game roller coaster, putting together a 2-4 (2 K) night. Greg Dobbs(2-3) has five hits in his last twelve at bats. J.P. Howell wasted no time, coming off of shoulder surgery that cost him the entire 2010 season. Howell used just 14 pitches to get through a scoreless inning of work. Add that to a clutch single to shallow center by Casey Kotchman and this game was tied in the top of the 7th inning. It wasn't too much longer (bottom of the 8th) that Joel Peralta yielded sacrifice-fly RBI's to both Gaby Sanchez (0-3) and Stanton that Tampa could not recover from With both teams, back to their young, productive and slim budgets, this is an unpredictable and exciting series. <<i>RayshineMatt Joyce went 2-4, R, 2 RBI

Brewers 7 Rockies 6

WP: Mike McClendon (1-0) LP: Felipe Paulino (0-4)

HR: Jason Giambi (5), Jason Hammel (1) Prince Fielder (10), Casey McGehee (4), Yuniesky Betancourt (3)

The only non-interleague series of the weekend, and Milwaukee fans got their money's worth tonight. Though a lot of writers believed it was Zack Greinke's (6 IP, 8 H, 4 ER), and although he did manage to strike out nine Rockies, the night shine first belonged to Jason. The National League's latest 3 HR night player, Jason Giambi (1-4) and another Jason, Rockies starting pitcher Jason Hammel (6.2, 2 ER,1-2, 2 RBI) had seemingly sewn things up for Colorado. That is until McGehee's bomb in the bottom of the 8th, leading us to a 14 inning affair. In both the 13th and 14th innings, the Rockies managed to manufacture runs, only to see the Betancourt (3-6, 2 R, RBI) and Fielder (2-7, 2 RBI, R, 2 K) home runs spoil the effort. The two teams combined to leave 35 runners stranded. Brewing timeCarlos Gomez (2-5, 2 SB, R), Jonathan Lucroy, who eventually grabbed a bat and a hit, for the most part was rested tonight. Rocky lossTy Wigginton 3-6, 2 R, Seth Smith went (3-6,RBI) Dexter Fowler 1-7. Huston Street (BS, 2 H, 1 ER). Both Todd Helton and Carlos Gonzalez were left out of the lineup for one more night. Troy Tulowitzki (1-4, 2 K) was ejected in the eighth for arguing balls and strikes.

Phillies 3 Rangers 2

WP: Roy Halladay (6-3) LP: C. J. Wilson (4-3) S: Ryan Madson (8)

HR: Ben Francisco (5), Raul Ibanez (4)

The Rangers have a bittersweet taste in their mouth. Yes, they walk into a hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park as the A.L. West leading team, yet they'll face a staggering trio of SP's this weekend. On top of that, history is not on their side, having been swept the last time (2005) they visited the City of Brotherly Love. Halladay (8 IP/116, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K), who went into tonight with a career 5.36 ERA vs. the Rangers and gave up his first, first inning run on a double steal. On the other side of the rubber, Wilson (7 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 2 BB,10 K) struck out three of his first four batters he faced. But it was Raul Ibanez's HR that stood large. Ibanez was the first lefty to knock one out of the park against Wilson this season. After a lot of muffed calls by umps all over the field in both directions, the two were separated by 1 run headed into the 9th inning. But Madson (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) came in and handled the situation well. Slugger battleAdrian Beltre continued his hot bat, going 2-4, Ryan Howard continued his slumping, hitting into the shift going 0-3, Howard is currently mired in a 0-24 slump.Slugger battleAdrian Beltre continued his hot bat, going 2-4, Ryan Howard continued his slumping, hitting into the shift going 0-3, Howard is currently mired in a 0-24 slump. Phillies transactionsShane Victorino (hamstring) is headed to the D.L., Domonic Brown(notes) has been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Also missing from Lehigh Valley is David Herndon as Herndon has been recalled to the big club as well. Pitcher, Scott Mathieson has been sent down.

White Sox 6 Dodgers 4

WP: Kenley Jansen (1-0) LP: Sergio Santos (2-1) S: Mike MacDougal (1)

HR: Matt Kemp (10), Russ Mitchell (1) Gordon Beckham (4)

Frank McCourt needs a trip to Chicago like he needs a new romantic relationship. Chicago, who was 15-3 during interleague play in 2010, sent Philip Humber (7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 4 K) to the hill and we're very pleased I'm sure. Unfortunately for Humber, someone was going to be disappointed tonight. Unfortunately for Ozzie Guillen (still reeling from the death of Randy ?Macho Man? Savage;see his twitter) it was his bullpen that let him down for the first time in quite (31+ IP) a while. Despite wasting a solid seven inning effort by Ted Lilly (3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K), Russ Mitchell got L.A. back in the ninth to tie things and the 10th, both against Santos (1.1, 5 H, 4 ER). Otherwise, Jamey Carroll (4-5, 2 R) would have more of a gripe than Lilly. Matt Kemp (2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB) seems to have enjoyed his night as the cleanup DH, going 2-4. White Sox notables:When it rains it pours Carlos Quentin owners. Quentin has officially broken out of his slump and now has six hits in his last 11 plate appearances, Juan Pierre is 6-15 and went 2-5 tonight. As for tomorrow, Mark Buehrle is 23-9 in interleague play.

Giants 2 Athletics 1

WP: Javier Lopez (2-0) LP: Brian Fuentes (1-5)

Ryan Vogelsong (6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K) pitched well, but as his opponent more times than not, Trevor Cahill (6 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K) pitched better. Cahill was removed before he could start the 7th inning only to get a better hitter up at the plate in the top of the inning. This backfired as Freddy Sanchez made a terrific play up the middle to end a threat. After the two teams balanced bullpen's, Aubrey Huff knocked home Emmanuel Burriss for the win in the tenth. Giants walk-off for the sixth time this season. Athletically available?Brandon McCarthy (shoulder stress fracture), Tyson Ross (oblique strain) were sent to the D.L. After sending Trystan Magnuson back to Triple-A Sacramento as well, the A's called up Joey DevineFautino De Los Santos and lefty Jerry Blevins on Friday.

Astros 5 Blue Jays 2

WP: Wilton Lopez (1-1) LP: Frank Francisco (1-1) S: Mark Melancon (2)

HR: HOU - Chris Johnson (5)

If it were a game of hits, these two could still be going. While the hometown Jays were able to notch 10 hits, the Astros pitching staff managed to abandon most. Yea, things were going well for Jo-Jo Reyes (7 IP, 5 H, BB, 7 K) and his Jays, leading 2-0 going into the top of eighth. Even Aaron Hill (second straight three-hit night, 3-4, R) and Juan Rivera (2-3, R) were having a good night. Then, what has been a very dependable Jon Rauch (1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER) over the last few seasons, blew his second save in May. Fast forward past a fruitless bottom half of the inning for the Jays offense, and by the end of the ninth, the Astros had scored more runs in two innings than they had in their three previous games combined. 'Stros starter Aneury Rodriguez (BB, 3 K) wasn't too shabby, going 5 and 1/3 innings, scattering eight hits and allowing two earned runs. Striving 'Stros?Michael Bourn, who was finally caught (J.P. Arencibia) stealing for the first time this season, steal managed to gank two bases, going 3-4, with R, RBI. Hunter Pence had two RBI's, while going 2-4. Chris Johnson didn't just have the game-winner, he went 2-3, with a run scored, two RBI and even registered a stolen base. Literally Blue JaysJose Bautista is hitless in his last seven at bats. More bad news for the Blue Jays Jesse Litsch(shoulder) goes on DL and is expected to miss at least two starts. Toronto has Mike McCoy to fill in for now.

Diamondbacks 8 Twins 7

WP: Ian Kennedy (5-1) LP: Brian Duensing (2-4) S: Joe Paterson (1)

HR: Trevor Plouffe (3), Michael Cuddyer (5), Danny Valencia (4), Stephen Drew (3)

The Twins hung a Harmon Killebrew jersey in the dug out. Despite the class, karma bit Jason Kubel (1-5, 2 RBI) tonight at Chase Field, as once again Kubel found an odd spot for a towering shot. For Brian Duensing (6 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, BB, 5 K), everything was fine till he took to the bump in the seventh. Ian Kennedy (7.2 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, BB, 3 K) isn't exactly a stub seller, but just like Jeff Karstens, another former Yankees prospect, Kennedy is slowly becoming imperative to his staff. In the end, it was a battle of which bullpen wanted it less, and Kevin Slowey (0.2, 3 H, 2 ER) was the guilty party. That's not to discredit the D-Backs choice of closer with J.J. Putz unavailable. Joe Patterson (10 IP, 5 H, 0.00 ERA), managed to get by Kubel and Justin Morneau (1-5) with runners, on on for his first career save. Snake StyleStephen Drew (2-5, 2 R), Miguel Montero (2-4, R, RBI), Xavier Nady (2-4, 2 R, RBI) and Kelly Johnson (2-4, R, 2 RBI) Desert TwinsDelmon Young went 2-4 with a run scored. Justin Morneau went 1-5 and left four men stranded.

Angels 9 Braves 0

WP: Ervin Santana (2-4) LP: Tim Hudson (4-4)

HR: Mike Trumbo (7)

I'm sure the thought Hudson (13 career wins against the Angels) had was that of nostalgia. But unlike his days in an Athletics uniform, Hudson (3.2, 7 H, 8 ER) just didn't have his best stuff tonight and a struggling Angels offense is alive and breathing. As far as Angels pitching, Ervin Santana (CG, SHO, 4 H, 7 K) was all they needed tonight and he was terrific to boot. This series exemplifies a battle of consistently competitive organizations that rely heavily upon farm club development. Angelic wake up Mike Trumbo went 3-4 and knocked in three runs. Alberto Callaspo went 2-3 with 3 RBI as well.