I really hate leading with the same team to start off the DD in back to back days, but something…interesting happened in Houston last night. The Astros struck out 15 Mariners hitters, allowed just one hit…and lost the game 4-2. Erik Bedard threw 6 1/3 no-hit innings before being pulled, and got saddled with the loss thanks to five walks and a pair of passed balls by catcher Jason Castro. The Mariners offense played about as bad as you could, and got the win. Unbelievable.
PIC OF THE DAY
Wellington Castillo of the Cubs tries (and fails) to tag out Dexter Fowler at the plate (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)
Game of the Night: Dodgers 3, Nationals 1 (10 innings). Oh, these guys again? The excellent pitching matchup in DC lived up to the hype, and the game went to extras deadlocked at one. It didn't stay that way for long though, as Adrian Gonzalez and Hanley Ramirez led off the tenth with back to back doubles against Craig Stammen. An Andre Ethier sac fly scored Ramirez and extended the lead to a pair, and Kenley Jansen once again shut down the Nationals to end the game.
Pitching Lines of the Night: CJ Wilson dominated the A's in a 2-0 Angels win, allowing three hits in 8 1/3 shutout innings, walking two and striking out eight. In the Nationals' loss to the Dodgers, Gio Gonzalez allowed four hits over six scoreless frames, punching out 11 and allowing two free passes. Erik Bedard's final line in Houston's loss to Seattle included three runs (one earned) over 6 1/3 no hit innings along with five walks and ten strikeouts. Corey Kluber pitched well for the Indians in their 3-2 loss to the Twins, as he gave up three hits in five shutout frames, striking out seven and walking two. Finally, Yovani Gallardo of the Brewers improved his trade stock in Milwaukee's 6-0 win over Miami, allowing five hits in 6 1/3 scoreless innings, walking two and striking out five.
Hitting Lines of the Night: A day after getting pulled for not hustling, Alex Rios led the White Sox to a 10-6 win over the Braves, going 3/5 with two runs, five RBI, and a homer. Jonathan Lucroy powered the Brewers offense in their win over the Marlins, going 4/4 with two runs, a double, and a homer. Andrew McCutchen played well for the Pirates in their 5-4 loss to the Reds, going 4/5 with a double and a solo homer. Mike Moustakas carried the Royals to a 6-5 win over the Tigers, going 3/4 with a homer and two runs scored. Finally, the immortal Chase Utley nearly helped the Phillies top the Mets in Philly's 5-4 defeat, going 2/4 with a homer and three RBI.
Other Games: The Rays held on to beat the Blue Jays 4-3. The Yankees topped the Red Sox 5-2. The Padres triumphed over the Cardinals 5-3. The Rockies smashed the Cubs 9-3. The Orioles beat up on the Rangers, winning 7-4. The Giants edged the Diamondbacks 4-3.
Today's Games: Jeff Locke and Homer Bailey will duel in Cincinnati. Cliff Lee battles Matt Harvey at Citi Field. RA Dickey and the Blue Jays host Chris Archer and the Rays. Clayton Kershaw takes on Jordan Zimmermann in Washington. The White Sox host Mike Minor and the Braves. Doug Fister takes on James Shields in Kansas City. Justin Masterson and the Indians take on the Twins at Target Field. Felix Hernandez will take on Jordan Lyles in Houston. Adam Wainwright and the Cardinals host the Padres. Bartolo Colon and the A's take on the Angels in Anaheim. Madison Bumgarner and the Giants host the Diamondbacks. Chris Tillman and Martin Perez will duel in Texas. CC Sabathia starts for the Yankees in Boston.
National TV: Dodgers-Nationals (1:30 PM, TBS), Yankees-Red Sox (8 PM, ESPN)
MLB.tv Free Game: Indians-Twins (2 PM)
Pitching Matchup of the Day: Clayton Kershaw vs Jordan Zimmermann (Dodgers vs Nationals, 1:30)
Enjoy your day of baseball, everyone.
