This was the first day of the 2014 season that really ended up being, for lack of a better word, crappy. Of the nine games on the schedule, two were rainouts and three were decided by five or more runs. So, we had four close-ish games, and two of those only became close because of ninth inning rallies.
Well, every day can’t be a winner. Here’s to a full slate of games today.
Game of the Day: Cardinals 5, Reds 3. This one will take the nod by default, if only because the Reds almost made a comeback at the end. The Cardinals led 5-1 heading into the ninth, and Mike Matheny threw closer Trevor Rosenthal on the mound to send the fans at Busch Stadium home happy. Rosenthal didn’t cooperate, starting the inning by walking Jay Bruce, walking Ryan Ludwick, and allowing a single to Todd Frazier to load the bases. Zack Cozart followed Frazier’s single with one of his own to score Bruce and make it a 5-2 game, and then Rosenthal managed to bear down, knowing that one swing of the bat could put the Reds in front. He struck out Brayan Pena, forced Neftali Soto to hit a sac fly to make it 5-3, and got Billy Hamilton to fly out to end the game. But still – just a little too hairy, Trevor.
Pitching Lines of the Day: C.J. Wilson dominated the Astros in Anaheim’s 9-1 win, giving up one run on four hits in eight innings, walking just one and punching out seven. Jason Vargas pitched well for the Royals in their 4-2 victory over the Rays, allowing one run on four hits in eight innings, walking one but striking out just two. The Red Sox topped the Rangers 5-1, and John Lackey was effective for Boston, giving up one unearned run on five hits in seven innings, walking a pair and punching out five.
Hitting Lines of the Day: Troy Tulowitzki powered the Rockies to an 8-1 win over the White Sox, going 3/3 with a double, a homer, and two runs scored. Colorado pitcher Jordan Lyles also got in on the act, collecting three hits of his own while doubling and driving in a pair. Jackie Bradley Jr. had a nice day for the Red Sox, going 3/4 with a run and two RBI. In the Angels’ win in Houston, Kole Calhoun went 1/3 with a solo homer, two walks, and three runs scored. Ben Zobrist played well for the Rays in their loss in Kansas City, going 2/4 with a solo homer.
Other Games: The Yankees doubled up the Orioles 4-2. The A’s beat up the Twins 8-3. Mother Nature pushed the Phillies home opener with Milwaukee to today, and pushed the Padres-Indians game to Wednesday as part of a doubleheader.
What You Missed: Not a lot – I recapped the highlights from MLB’s first week of instant replay challenges, Tim tackled the Yasiel Puig benching on Friday, and we also brought you the scary video of Omar Infante getting plunked in the face.
Today’s Games: Kyle Lohse starts for the Brewers in Philadelphia’s home opener. Tim Hudson starts for the Giants in their home opener against the Diamondbacks. Gio Gonzalez and the Nationals host the Marlins. Mark Buehrle comes off an excellent start against the Rays to host the Astros. Bartolo Colon starts for the Mets in Atlanta’s home opener. Chris Archer gets the nod for the Rays in Kansas City against stud rookie Yordano Ventura. Homer Bailey takes the hill for the Reds in St. Louis. James Paxton and the Mariners host the Angels in their home opener. Jose Quintana starts for the White Sox at Coors Field. Max Scherzer and Dan Haren will do battle at Dodger Stadium.
Enjoy your day of baseball, everyone.
