Fantasy Baseball Stats and MLB Recaps: May 2, 2011 Edition
Another day of baseball was eclipsed somewhat by news that a certain terrorist was killed who not many in this country will mourn.
Nonetheless, Sunday was a busy day around the league, including more walk-offs, more great pitching performances and a game in Philadelphia that seemed like it would never end.
Road team standouts are listed first, followed by home team standouts.
Indians 5, Tigers 4
1 of 15
W: Chris Durbin(1-1)
L: Joaquin Benoit(0-2)
S: Chris Perez(7)
Tigers Standouts
Don Kelly, 2-for-5, 2B, RBI, 2 R
Miguel Cabrera, 1-for-3, BB, RBI
Austin Jackson, 2-for-3, BB, R, SB
Indians Standouts
Orlando Cabrera, 2-for-3, BB, RBI, 2 R
Michael Brantley, 2-for-3, RBI, R, SB
Matt LaPorta, 2-for-3, SF, 2 2B, 3 RBI
Recap
No walk-off was necessary this time around, as the Indians completed their three-game sweep of the Tigers. Down 3-2 in the eighth, the Indians posted three in the frame off of consecutive RBI-singles by Orlando Cabrera and Michael Brantley, followed by a sac fly by Matt LaPorta. Justin Masterson started the day for Cleveland, went seven innings and surrendering three. Phil Coke got the nod for Detroit, pitching six and allowing two.
Commentary
The Indians—that's right, the Cleveland Indians—have baseball's best record at 19-8. I have absolutely no explanation for this other than sometimes baseball can be a very strange game.
Yankees 5, Blue Jays 2
2 of 15
W: Ivan Nova(2-2)
L: Jesse Litsch(2-2)
S: Mariano Rivera(10)
Blue Jays Standouts
Adam Lind, 2-for-4, HR
Rajai Davis, 1-for-3, 2 BB, R, 3 SB
Yankees Standouts
Curtis Granderson, 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
Mark Teixeira, 1-for-4, HR
Recap
Curtis Granderson's three-run blast powered the Yankees to a victory over the Blue Jays. Mark Teixeira added a home run for New York, as did Adam Lind for Toronto. Ivan Nova started the day for the Yanks, went six and a third innings and allowed only two. The Jays countered with Jesse Litsch, who pitched six innings and gave up five.
Commentary
What's truly frightening about the Yankees is their ability to put at least four different hitters in the 1-2 spots and never have to worry about them producing runs. Granderson began the year hitting towards the bottom of the order, but due to his 18 RBI, has proven that he can start closer to the top of the lineup as well.
Red Sox 3, Mariners 2
3 of 15
W: Jonathan Papelbon(1-0)
L: Jamey Wright(0-1)
Mariners Standouts
Jack Cust, 1-for-2, 2 BB, 2B, RBI
Luis Rodriguez, 1-for-3, BB, RBI
Red Sox Standouts
David Ortiz, 2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI
Jed Lowrie, 1-for-4, 3B, R
Recap
The Red Sox halted the Mariners' five-game win streak in walk-off fashion, as Carl Crawford plated Jed Lowrie to break the two-all tie in the ninth. Tim Wakefield started the day for the Red Sox, and gave up just one run on three hits. Felix Hernandez got the start for Seattle, and pitched seven innings, conceding two.
Commentary
Bobby Jenks came on with two outs in the top of the 6th, a man on first, and Boston holding a 2-zip lead. Jenks then allowed a single and three consecutive walks—allowing two runs to score— before finally getting Michael Saunders to line out to end the inning. This has been Jenks' season in a nutshell, as his 9.35 ERA and 2.54 WHIP demonstrate.
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Braves 6, Cardinals 5
4 of 15
W: Jonny Venters(1-0)
L: Ryan Franklin(0-3)
Cardinals Standouts
Matt Holliday, 2-for-3, BB, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R
Lance Berkman, 2-for-4, 2B, RBI
Yadier Molina, 1-for-3, SF, RBI
Braves Standouts
Alex Gonzalez, 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
Joe Mather, 0-for-2, BB, 2 R
Recap
The Braves salvaged the last of their three game series with the Cardinals, thanks to a walk-off single in the ninth by Brooks Conrad. Derek Lowe started the day for Atlanta, allowing four runs off of six hits in five innings. Jaime Garcia started for St. Louis, going six and giving up four—three earned.
Commentary
Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday continue to carry the Cards as Albert Pujols continues to struggle. Sidebar on Prince Albert: Pujols made a rare appearnace at third base yesterday, as David Freese was injured his hand—no word as of this writing if he will miss any time or how long it might be.
Nationals 5, Giants 2
5 of 15
W: Jordan Zimmerman(2-4)
L: Matt Cain(2-2)
S: Drew Storen(5)
Giants Standouts
Mike Fontenot, 2-for-4, 2 2B, R
Nick Scierholtz, 1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI
Nationals Standouts
Ivan Rodriguez, 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R
Alex Cora, 2-for-4, 2B, RBI
Jayson Werth, 3-for-4
Recap
Jordan Zimmerman pitched six two-run innings as the Nats took their second of three from the Giants. Matt Cain started for San Francisco, giving up three over six innings.
Commentary
While Ian Desmond only had a .286 OBP this season, he's making use when he's on with a total of 10 stolen bases this year. That's good for a tie for second in the National League.
Angels 6, Rays 5
6 of 15
W: Rich Thompson(1-1)
L: Joel Peralta(1-1)
S: Jordan Walden(5)
Angels Standouts
Bobby Abreu, 2-for-3, BB, 2B, RBI, R, SB
Torii Hunter, 1-for-2, BB, SF, 2B, RBI, R
Hank Cogner, 1-for-4, HR
Rays Standouts
Matt Joyce, 3-for-3, BB, RBI, R, SB
B.J. Upton, 2-for-4, BB, 2B, RBI, R, SB
Casey Kotchman, 1-for-4, RBI, R
Recap
Torii Hunter scored on a double play in the eighth to give the Angels the go-ahead run and their second victory in two days over the Rays. It wasn't a particularly great outing for wither starting pitcher, as Tyler Chatwood was pulled from the game after just four innings after giving up five runs and Alex Cobb went four and a third for the Rays, allowing four.
Commentary
The Angels have very quietly moved into a tie with the Rangers for the AL West. They've been pulling it off via a team-effort, with contributions from many players on the team. For example, before this season, I thought Hank Cogner was a country singer who passed away last year. But I've been wrong before, and will be wrong again.
Astros 5, Brewers 0
7 of 15
Astros 5, Brewers 0
W: Bud Norris(2-1)
L: Chris Narveson(1-2)
Brewers Standouts
None
Astros Standouts
Bud Norris, 7.2 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 3 BB, 11 K
Carlos Lee, 2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
Jason Bourgeois, 2-for-4, R, SB
Recap
Bud Norris absolutely shutdown the Brewers offense on Sunday, going seven and two-thirds shutout innings and striking out eleven. Carlos Lee added a three-run blast in the sixth for the 'Stros, but had to leave the game due to a rib injury—no word as of this writing how much time he will miss. Chris Narveson started for Milwaukee and gave up four runs over six innings.
Commentary
Hopefully Lee's injury isn't too serious, as Houston needs all the help they can get to remain competitive in the free-for-all known as the NL Central.
Orioles 6, White Sox 4
8 of 15
W: Zach Britton(5-1)
L: Gavin Floyd(3-2)
S: Kevin Gregg(5)
Orioles Standouts
Nick Markakis, 1-for-4, 2B, 3 RBI, R
Luke Scott, 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
Mark Reynolds, 1-for-4, HR
Brian Roberts, 1-for-4, BB, R, SB
White Sox Standouts
Paul Konerko, 2-for-4, BB, RBI
Brent Lillibridge, 1-for-3, HR
Adam Dunn, 1-for-1, HR, 2 RBI
Gordon Backham, 2-for-3, 2B, 2 R
Recap
The Orioles sent the reeling White Sox to their fifth straight loss on the back of Zach Britton's fifth win. Britton pitched six innings for the O's, allowing just one run on five hits. Gavin Floyd got the start for the Sox, and gave up six over as many innings.
Commentary
Britton's fifth win of the season tied him with Justin Masterson for second most wins in the league(Jered Weaver has six). Britton's ERA dropped to 2.63 on the season.
Royals 10, Twins 3
9 of 15
W: Luke Hochevar(3-3)
L: Carl Pavano(2-3)
Twins Standouts
Alexi Casilla, 2-for-3, BB, 2 3B, RBI, R
Justin Morneau, 1-for-4, HR
Royals Standouts
Mike Aviles, 3-for-5, HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
Billy Butler, 2-for-4, 2B, RBI, 2 R
Mike Treanor, 2-for-3, BB, 2B, 2 R
Mitch Maier, 2-for-3, BB, 3B, 2B, RBI, 3 R
Jeff Francoeur, 1-for-5, HR
Recap
Minnesota's miserable start to the season continued as Kansas City hit Carl Pavano early and often, driving him from the game after 12 hits and 7 runs. Mike Aviles tied a career igh with four RBIs, including a three-run shot off of former Royal Dusty Hughes in the eighth. Luke Hochevar got the start for the Royals, and pitched six and a third, giving up three.
Commentary
The one bright spot for the Twins is that Jason Kubel is back to his 2009 form, hitting .354 so far this season. And that's about all I have on the "Reasons for Twins fans to Remain Positive" list. Sorry, guys.
Pirates 8, Rockies 4
10 of 15
W: Charlie Morton(3-1)
L: Ubaldo Jiminez(0-2)
Pirates Standouts
Andrew McCutchen, 2-for-6, RBI, R, SB
Xaiver Paul, 2-for-4, BB, 3B, 2 RBI, R, SB
Pedro Alvarez, 2-for-4, BB, 2 R
Garrett Jones, 2-for-4, BB, 2B, 3 RBI
Rockies Standouts
Dexter Fowler, 2-for-4, BB, 2B, 2 RBI, R
Recap
The Pirates took their second of three from the Rockies, breaking out the bats and driving ace Ubaldo Jiminez from the game after just four innings. Charlie Morton got the start for Pittsburgh, went five and a third and gave up four runs in the win.
Commentary
Ubaldo has yet to go more than six innings in any of his starts and has allowed at least three runs in each outing. It's still early yet, but a 7.20 ERA is not something you want to be carrying on your stat card.
Athletics 7, Rangers 2
11 of 15
W: Gio Gonzalez(3-2)
L: Matt Harrison(3-3)
Ragers Standouts
Elvis Andrus, 2-for-5, 2B, R
Ian Kinsler, 1-for-5, 2B, RBI
Athletics Standouts
Conor Jackson, 2-for-3, BB, 2B, 2 RBI, R
Kurt Suzuki, 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R
Coco Crisp, 2-for-5, 2B, RBI, R
Hideki Matsui, 1-for-3, BB, 2B, RBI, R
Daric Barton, 1-for-4, BB, 2B, R
Recap
Matt Harrison was knocked from the game after retiring only five batters and surrendering four runs as the Athletics earned at least a split with the Rangers in their four-game set(the finale is scheduled for Monday). Gio Gonzalez got the start for the A's, pitching six and two-thirds and allowing only two runs.
Commentary
Conor Jackson has been hot lately, going 9-for-25 over his past seven games with seven RBI.
Marlins 9, Reds 5
12 of 15
W: Ricky Nolasco(3-0)
L: Bronson Arroyo(3-3)
S: Leo Nunez(9)
Marlins Standouts
John Buck, 3-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
Greg Dobbs, 3-for-3, BB, HR, 3 R
Emilio Bonafacio, 1-for-3, BB, HR, 3 RBI
Mike Stanton, 1-for-4, HR
Hanley Ramirez, 1-for-5, HR, 2 RBI
Reds Standouts
Jay Bruce, 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
Brandon Phillips, 1-for-4, HR
Paul Janish, 2-for-4, 2B, R
Drew Stubbs, 2-for-4, R, SB
Recap
Twelve of the games' fourteen runs came off the long ball yesterday, with both sides going yard frequently. Somehow, Ricky Nolasco walked away with a quality start—and the win—going seven innings and allowing three. Bronson Arroyo got the start for the Reds, and gave up five runs over seven innings.
Commentary
Of the seven home runs in the game, five belonged to the Marlins. I'm still not quite ready to call Florida contenders in the NL East yet, but if their players keep this up, it'll be hard not to.
Padres 7, Dodgers 0
13 of 15
W: Dustin Moseley(1-3)
L: Jon Garland(1-2)
Padres Standouts
Dustin Moseley, 7 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K
Cameron Maybin, 1-for-2, 2 BB, RBI, 2 R
Brad Hawpe, 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R
Chase Headley, 1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI, SB
Dodgers Standouts
Andre Ethier, 1-for-3, BB
Recap
San Diego took their second in a row from the Dodgers as Dustin Mseley pitched a strong seven innings, giving up no runs and allowing only three hits. Jon Garland got the start for Los Angeles, and gave up three runs on three hits(four walks, though) while striking out eight. Andre Ethier extended his hitting streak to 27 games.
Commentary
Moseley was lights out. It's sad that it was his first win of the season, given that his ERA is currently at 1.63, hiw WHIP is 1.03, and his BAA is .223. Don't let Moseley's loss total fool you—his first four starts, the Padres gave him exactly one run of support.
Diamondbacks 4, Cubs 3
14 of 15
W: Daniel Hudson(2-4)
L: Casey Coleman(1-2)
S: J.J. Putz(6)
Cubs Standouts
Geovany Soto, 2-for-3, BB, 2 2B, 2 RBI
Marlon Byrd, 2-for-4, 2B, R
Carlos Pena, 1-for-3, BB, RBI, R
Diamondbacks Standouts
Ryan Roberts, 2-for-3, BB, HR, 2 R
Miguel Montero, 1-for-3, BB, 2B, R
Recap
The Diamondbacks barely escaped to nab a split in their series with the Cubs, as Jeff Baker grounded into a double play with the tying run on third in the ninth to end the game. Daniel Hudson started for the D-Backs, going seven innings and allowing three runs. Casey Coleman's outing was a bit rougher, lasting only five and giving up four.
Commentary
J.J. Putz barely got out of this one. Aside from having the tying run on third with only one out, Carlos Pena hit a ball in the ninth that would've been gone if hit about two more feet. But, as usual, a win is a win etc. etc. etc.
Mets 2, Phillies 1, F/14
15 of 15
W: Tyler Buchholz(1-0)
L: Kyle Kendrick(1-2)
Mets Standouts
Ronny Paulino, 5-for-7, 2B, RBI
Chris Young, 7 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 3 BB, 7 K
David Wright, 3-for-6, BB, 2 R, SB
Jose Reyes, 2-for-6, BB, 2B, 2 SB
Jason Pridie, 1-for-3, BB, 2B, SB
Phillies Standouts
Ryan Howard, 1-for-5, BB, RBI
Brian Schneider, 2-for-4, 2B
Recap
A game that began as a pitcher's duel between Chris Young and Cliff Lee finally, finally, ended in the 14th as Ronny Paulino doubled to drive in David Wright. Cliff Lee got the start for Philly, going seven innings and allowing just one run. Chris Young was even more impressive, pitching seven shutout innings and allowing just two hits.
Commentary
And, simply because the joke is unavoidable, Philly fans actually cheered FOR something last night when word spread that the world's biggest idiot was finally killed yesterday(in their defense, to paraphrase Philadelphia-native W.C. Fields: they never root for anyone, they always root against).
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