Yardwork: Dickey Takes Leake, Mets Win 4-2
By Tim Ryan
Padres 5, Phils 4 — Clifton Phifer served up five runs on 10 hits over four innings? I’m horrified. It was one of his worst starts of the year, but outside of June, he seems to have a debacle once a month. That’s acceptable. Unless of course, he gets shelled in his next start. Then we can push the panic button in Philly, which is always a good time.
Indians 3, Angels 2 — The pesky Indians tied this one up in the ninth inning on Travis Hafner’s two-run double. A few batters later, rookie Jason Kipnis, still searching for his first big league hit, came to the plate with the bases loaded and two out and, naturally, delivered the walkoff winner. Pretty outstanding. First base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. was able to retrieve the ball from a fan in the stands after it had been tossed away by an Angels player who clearly had no idea of the ball’s significance. Or they did, and just didn’t care.
Rangers 20, Twins 6 — When you lose a baseball game by a score of 20-6, a loss that featured 27 hits by the opposition, you tend to see headlines like this one: Twins’ nightmare loss leads to Michael Cuddyer’s dream job: major league pitcher. Cuddyer had a grand old time, giving up two hits and walking one: “The circumstances for how I got out there were not what you want but it was fun. I was surprised I threw strikes.”
Yanks 10, Mariners 3 — That’s 16 losses in a row for the Mariners. This one came after a lovely 1 hour, 57 minute delay. Freddy Garcia was impressed with Seattle’s fight: “They made my job easier when they started to swing at the first pitch.” Can Fister put a stop to the fisting tonight against Sabathia? That’s the burning question. Two more losses and they’re possibly walking the plank into history with the 2005 Royals.
White Sox 6, Tigers 3 — It’s very upsetting the White Sox pulled this one out after the embarrassing, lackadaisical defense displayed in the third inning that gave Detroit the early 2-0 lead. I was really banking on an Ozzie meltdown, especially after seeing his face moments after Alex Rios and Alexei Ramirez played possum on a pop fly. Justin Verlander takes the mound tonight.
Pirates 3, Braves 1 — James McDonald blanked the Braves for 5 1-3 innings and the Pirates bullpen kicked ass for the second straight night. Are Priates fans doing the Ric Flair strut yet? I sure hope so.
Cards 10, Astros 5 — Yadier Molina homered for the third straight game and was a triple (read: miracle) shy of the cycle. Carlos Lee kept it semi-respectable for the Astros with a grand slam. It was his only hit of the day, much like the day before where he went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer. It’s what he likes to do. Let him be.
Since I keep referencing the Royals record of 19 straight in 2005, it’s only right I include something uplifting, so here’s Eric Hosmer’s walkoff double from Saturday:
Photo via Hernia Archives