Yusmeiro Petit was one out away. Hell, he was one strike away. A perfect game would have been oh so sweet for the journeyman, who has come out of nowhere to thrive for the Giants in 2013. But Eric Chavez hit a sinking liner into right that fell just in front of the glove of Hunter Pence, destroying Petit's chance at perfection after setting down the first 26 batters of the game. So close, yet so far.
PIC OF THE DAY
The agony. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
Game of the Night: Padres 4, Rockies 3. Meaningless baseball games like this can still be fun. This one was deadlocked at two heading into the ninth when the immortal Todd Helton put Colorado in front after hitting a solo homer off of San Diego closer Huston Street. Rex Brothers came in to close out the game, and promptly allowed a monstrous 2-0 homer to Chase Headley, tying the game at three. Brothers then walked Kyle Blanks, and Alexi Amarista reached on a bunt single that was probably supposed to be a sacrifice attempt. Ronny Cedeno then successfully bunted the runners over before Brothers intentionally walked Nick Hundley to set up the force for Jesus Guzman. It didn't work that way, as Guzman smashed one down the third base line past the glove to Nolan Arenado to win the game for the Padres.
Pitching Lines of the Night: The Yusmeiro Petit show was alive in well in the Giants' 3-0 win over the Diamondbacks, as Petit allowed just the one hit in his complete game shutout, striking out seven without a walk. Cliff Lee dominated the Braves in Philly's 2-1 win, allowing one run on two hits (an Andrelton Simmons solo homer), striking out ten without a walk. Jose Fernandez was brilliant for the Marlins in their 7-0 win over the Nationals, allowing one hit in seven scoreless innings, walking a pair and punching out nine. Scott Feldman threw a complete game shutout for the Orioles in their 4-0 win over the White Sox, allowing five hits, striking out three, and walking one. Scott Kazmir and the Indians ran over the Mets 8-1, with Kazmir allowing four hits in six shutout frames to his former club, punching out 12 without a walk.
Hitting Lines of the Night: In the Tigers' 16-2 thrashing of the Royals, Omar Infante went 5/5 with a double, two runs, and six RBI, while Andy Dirks went 5/5 with four runs, an RBI, a walk, and a double. Mike Napoli led the Red Sox to a wild 12-8 win over the Yankees, going 3/3 with three runs, four RBI, two walks, a double, and a homer. Josh Donaldson helped the A's beat the Astros 7-5, going 3/5 with three runs, two RBI, a stolen base, a double, and a homer. In that Giants win over the Diamondbacks, Hunter Pence didn't save the perfect game, but he did go 3/3 with three runs, a double, and a solo homer.
Other Games: The Cubs topped the Brewers 8-5. The Reds edged the Dodgers, and the Cardinals beat the Pirates 12-8 to tighten up the NL Central race. The Blue Jays withstood a late Twins rally to win 6-5. The Angels held on to beat the Rangers 6-5. The Mariners rallied late to beat the sliding Rays 6-4.
What You Missed: Watchability rankings. Jonathan Vilma of the Saints is suing the Marlins. Here's this year's soon to be overplayed postseason commercial.
Today's Games: Wei-Yin Chen and the Orioles host the White Sox. John Lackey starts for the Red Sox in the Bronx. Zack Greinke and Mat Latos will duel in Cincinnati. Brett Oberholtzer and Dan Straily will face off in Oakland. Jon Niese starts for the Mets in Cleveland against Corey Kluber. Alex Wood gets the nod for the Braves in Philly. Nate Eovaldi and the Marlins host the Nationals. Jeff Locke starts for the Pirates in St Louis against Adam Wainwright. Justin Verlander starts for the Tigers in Kansas City. Derek Holland gets the nod for the Rangers in Anaheim. Matt Cain and the Giants host the Diamondbacks. Chris Archer starts for the Rays in Seattle against James Paxton, making his major league debut.
National TV: White Sox-Orioles (1 PM, Fox), Red Sox-Yankees (1 PM, Fox), Dodgers-Reds (1 PM, Fox), Pirates-Cardinals (7 PM, MLB Network), Tigers-Royals (7 PM, MLB Network)
MLB.tv Free Game: Nationals-Marlins (7 PM)
Pitching Matchup of the Day: Zack Greinke vs Mat Latos (Dodgers vs Reds, 7 PM)
Enjoy your day of baseball, everyone.
