Diamondbacks vs Cubs games are something that were drawn up by a very cruel individual, since both teams stink. The game was pretty typical of Arizona’s season – Bronson Arroyo allowed five runs in 5 1/3 innings, which actually *lowered* his ERA to 9.50. The one Diamondbacks run came on a Mark Trumbo solo homer with the team trailing 5-0. Paul Goldschmidt had three singles, and never touched second base. Cubs pitcher Travis Wood had as many extra base hits as the entire Diamondbacks club. When you put it that way…a 5-1 loss doesn’t seem too bad, does it?
Game of the Night: Pirates 6, Reds 5. The Pirates snuffed out an early 2-0 Reds lead following a grand slam by new Pirate Ike Davis, giving Pittsburgh a 4-2 lead. But that lead dwindled and eventually disappeared in the late innings following a sac fly by Billy Hamilton, an RBI double by Jay Bruce, and an RBI single by Devin Mesoraco. Andrew McCutchen drew the Pirates even in the bottom of the eighth following his second homer of the year, and the Pirates eventually won in the ninth after a bloop single by Neil Walker that was horribly misplayed by Brandon Phillips, allowing Russell Martin to score the winning run.
Pitching Lines of the Night: Cliff Lee led the Phillies to a 7-0 win over the Dodgers, allowing four hits over eight shutout innings, punching out ten without a walk. Julio Teheran had a nice start for the Braves in their 4-2, ten inning win over the Marlins, ceding one run on five hits in seven innings, walking one and striking out eight. Jenrry Mejia and the Mets topped the Cardinals 2-0, as Mejia allowed four hits over 6 2/3 shutout innings, punching out seven and walking three. In that Cubs win over the Diamondbacks, Travis Wood allowed one run on six hits in seven innings, striking out nine without a walk. Garrett Richards powered the Angels to a 4-2 win over the Nationals, allowing just one run on one hits in six innings, walking four while striking out six.
Hitting Lines of the Night: Carlos Ruiz gave Lee and the Phillies all the offense they needed at Dodger Stadium, going 3/4 with two doubles, a homer, two runs, four RBI, and a walk. Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson led the Rockies to an 8-2 win over the Giants, as Blackmon went 2/4 with a walk and a pair of solo homers and Dickerson went 3/4 with a double, a two-run homer, and a stolen base. Cubs *pitcher* Travis Wood went 2/3 with a double, a homer, and four RBI. In Pittsburgh’s win over Cincinnati, Andrew McCutchen went 3/3 with a homer, two runs, and two walks.
Other Games: The Orioles held on to beat the Red Sox 7-6. The Indians prevailed over the Royals 4-3. The White Sox stifled the Tigers 3-1. The Rangers rallied to beat the A’s 4-3. The Brewers topped the Padres 4-3. The Astros beat the reeling Mariners 7-2.
What You Missed: The silly battle over Bryce Harper’s lack of hustle. Ivan Nova looks like he’ll be joining the Tommy John brigade. This week in replay reviews. Hank the Dog has a mobile dog house at Miller Park.
Today’s Games: James Shields and Danny Salazar will duel in Cleveland. Tyler Skaggs starts for the Angels in Washington. R.A. Dickey and the Blue Jays host the Orioles. Johnny Cueto starts for the Reds in Pittsburgh against Edinson Volquez. Justin Verlander and the Tigers host the White Sox. Jose Fernandez starts for the Marlins in Atlanta. Masahiro Tanaka and Jon Lester will tango in Boston. Adam Wainwright gets the nod for the Cardinals against the Mets. David Price and the Rays welcome the Twins to Tampa Bay. Yovani Gallardo and the Brewers host the Padres. Madison Bumgarner starts for the Giants at Coors Field. Hyun-Jin Ryu starts for the Dodgers, hosting A.J. Burnett and the Phillies.
National TV: Yankees-Red Sox (7 PM, derp, MLB Network), White Sox-Tigers (7 PM, MLB Network)
MLB.tv Free Game: Giants-Rockies (8:40 PM)
Enjoy your day of baseball, everyone.
