Fantasy Baseball Stats and MLB Recaps: May 1, 2011 Edition

The last day of April provided to feature quite a few pitching duels and six games in which the winning run didn't score until the ninth inning or later.

I will outline which players really stood out in a very exciting day of baseball, where there were a plethora of aces going and also some less-heralded pitchers showing up in a big way.

Road team standouts are listed first, followed by home team.

Rays 2, Angels 1, F/10

J. Meric/Getty Images

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 30: Outfielder Matt Joyce #20 of the Tampa Bay Rays scores the game winning run in the tenth inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Tropicana Field on April 30, 2011 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/

W: Joel Peralta (1-0)
L: Fernando Rodney (0-1)

Angels Standouts

Howie Kendrick, 2-for-4, RBI
Joel Pineiro, 7 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 3 K

Rays Standouts

James Shields, 8 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 12 K
Matt Joyce, 2-for-4, HR, 2B, 2 R

Recap

Matt Joyce scored on a Fernando Rodney wild pitch as the Rays beat the Angels in extra innings.  James Shields and Joel Pineiro dueled on the mound, with both only allowing only one run during their starts.  Joyce also provided a home run in the fifth.

Commentary

You don't see too many games go into overtime then end on wild pitches.  Not the prettiest way to snag a victory, but a win is a win is a win...

Phillies 2, Mets 1

Rob Carr/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 13: Roy Halladay #34 of the Philadelphia Phillies adjust his cap after giving up a run to the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Nationals Park on April 13, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

W: Roy Halladay (4-1)
L: Jonathon Niese (1-4)

Mets Standouts

Carlos Beltran, 2-for-4, RBI

Phillies Standouts

John Mayberry Jr, 2-for-4, HR
Placido Polanco, 2-for-3, RBI

Recap

A pitcher's duel in Philadelphia ended with the Phillies squeaking out a victory over the Mets.  Roy Halladay pitched his second complete game of the season, allowing only one run on seven hits and striking out eight.  Jon Niese pitched six-plus innings and allowed two runs on six hits.  The victory puts Halladay at 4-1 for the year, and dropped his ERA to 2.14.

Commentary

While there's not much surprising about Halladay throwing a complete game, what was a bit abnormal was the relative ease at which he pulled it off—all the hits he allowed were singles and he threw only 107 pitches.  If not for the hiccup earlier this month in Milwaukee where he allowed six runs, his ERA would stand at 1.13.

Cardinals 3, Braves 2

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 23: David Freese #23 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws to first base against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium on April 23, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

W: Miguel Batista (2-1)
L: Craig Kimbrel (0-1)
S: Fernando Salas (2)

Cardinals Standouts

David Freese, 2-for-4, 2 RBI
Gerald Larid, 1-for-4, 3B, RBI

Braves Standouts

Miguel Prado, 2-for-3, 2 2B, 2 RBI
Alex Gonzalez, 1-for-2, BB, R

Recap

Gerald Laird tripled in the ninth to plate Matt Holliday as the Cards took their second in a row from the Braves.  Brandon Beachy was very impressive for Atlanta, allowing two runs on three hits through seven.  Jake Westbrook held his own, giving up the same amount of runs through six innings.

Commentary

The Cards have been red hot lately, winning eight of their last 10.  Most impressive, they've done it despite a sluggish start from Prince Albert, who is currently batting .245 with a .305 OBP.

Giants 2, Nationals 1

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 16: Eli Whiteside #22 of the San Francisco Giants watches from the dugout during the Major League Baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 16, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Diamondbac

W: Guillermo Mota (2-0)
L: John Lannon (2-3)
S: Brian Wilson (8)

Giants Standouts

Eli Whiteside, 1-for-3, BB, HR
Buster Posey, 2-for-4, 2B
Mike Fontenot, 2-for-4, 2B

Nationals Standouts

Rick Ankiel, 2-for-4, BB, 2B, RBI

Recap

Aubrey Huff walked to plate the go-ahead run for the Giants as 'Frisco beat Washington in a low-scoring affair.  Jonathan Sanchez pitched five shutout innings and allowed only two hits.  John Lannan started for the Nats and gave up two runs over six and two-thirds innings.

Commentary

The Giants received some bad news Saturday, as an MRI showed a broken bone in Pablo Sandoval's wrist.  He's expected to miss between four and six weeks. 

San Francisco has called up Ryan Rohlinger to keep third base warm, and that's not good news for the defending world champs—Rohlinger has 66 career ABs and nine hits (a .136 AVG).  His AAA average isn't much better, as he's hitting just .194 this season.  Don't expect anywhere near the numbers Pablo would normally put up from Rohlinger.

Rangers 11, Athletics 2

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 30: Michael Young #10 and Elvis Andrus #1 of the Texas Rangers are congratulated by teammates after Young hit a home run against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on April 30, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Phot

W: Colby Lewis (2-3)
L: Brett Anderson (2-2)

Rangers Standouts

Michael Young, 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
Nelson Cruz, 1-for-5, HR, 3 RBI
Yorvit Torrealba, 2-for-4, BB, 2B, 2 RBI
Adrian Beltre, 2-for-5, 2B, RBI, 2 R
Mike Napoli, 1-for-2, 3 BB, HR, 2 R
Elvis Andrus, 1-for-4, BB, 2 R, SB

Athletics Standouts

Jason Willingham, 1-for-4, HR
Kurt Suzuki, 1-for-4, HR
Adam LaRoche, 2-for-4, 2B

Recap

The Rangers brought out the bats to knot their four-game series with the A's at one apiece.  Michael Young, Nelson Cruz and Mike Napoli all went yard, chasing Brett Anderson after five innings.  Colby Lewis pitched admirably, going eight innings and surrendering two runs.

Commentary

I was starting to wonder if everything was alright in Texas, since it had been at least a week since the last time they blew a team out.  But looks like everything's back to normal.

Yankees 5, Blue Jays 4

Rob Carr/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 23: Catcher Russell Martin #55 of the New York Yankees in action against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 23, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

W: A.J. Burnett (4-1)
L: Kyle Drabek (2-1)
S: Mariano Rivera (9)

Blue Jays Standouts

Adam Lind, 2-for-3, SF, RBI, R
Mike McCoy, 1-for-4, HR
Yunel Escobar, 1-for-4, RBI, R
Rajai Davis, 2-for-4, 3B, R

Yankees Standouts

Eric Chavez, 1-for-3, BB, RBI, R
Brett Gardner, 1-for-2, BB, RBI
Russell Martin, 1-for-3, BB, RBI, R

Recap

The Yankees showed they can small-ball too, posting five runs on seven hits—only one of the hits for extra bases (a double by Mark Teixeira in the first)—in their win over the Blue Jays.  A.J. Burnett went six innings, giving up four runs.  Kyle Drabek was punched out after just two-plus, conceding five.

Commentary

Only two and one-third innings for Drabek before he was removed from the game.  He was struggling with control, giving up four walks on top of the seven hits.  What was impressive was that the Jays' bullpen didn't allow a hit the rest of the game after Drabek exited.

Indians 3, Tigers 2, F/13

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - APRIL 30: Members of the Cleveland Indians mob their teammate Orlando Cabrera after he hit a walk-off game winning single in the 13th inning against the Detroit Tigers during the game on April 30, 2011 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio.

W: Tony Sipp (1-0)
L: Brayan Villarreal (1-1)

Tigers Standouts

Miguel Cabrera, 2-for-3, 3 BB, HR
Ryan Raburn, 2-for-6, HR

Indians Standouts

Michael Brantely, 3-for-6, HR, 2 R
Orlando Cabrera, 3-for-6, RBI
Carlos Santana, 1-for-4, 2 BB, HR

Recap

Orlando Cabrera singled in the 13th to plate Michael Brantley, as the Indians got their second consecutive walk-off win against the Tigers.  Alex White was called up from AAA to start in place of the injured Carlos Carrasco, and surrendered only two runs over six innings.  Rick Porcello got the start for the Tigers, pitched seven innings and allowed two.

Commentary

Probably the most impressive thing about the Indians record (18-8, tied for best in the Majors) is that they're finding ways to come back from deficits and win ballgames.  This was the second straight game they didn't lead until the game ended.

Astros 2, Brewers 1

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - APRIL 30: Pitcher Wandy Rodriguez #51 of the Houston Astros throws against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at Minute Maid Park on April 30, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

W: Brandon Lyon (3-1)
L: Kameron Loe (2-2)

Brewers Standouts

Prince Fielder, 1-for-4, HR
Ryan Braun, 2-for-4, 2 2B

Astros Standouts

Wandy Rodriguez, 8 IP, 0 R, 7 H, 0 BB, 6 K
Jason Bourgeois, 3-for-5, 2B, RBI, R, 2 SB

Recap

Jason Bourgeois singled home Bill Hall as the Astros walked-off against the Brewers.  Wandy Rodriguez was lights out for the 'Stros, pitching eight shutout innings.  But Brandon Lyon blew his third save when Prince Fielder hit a solo shot in the top of the ninth to tie it.  Randy Wolf started for Milwaukee, going seven innings and allowing just one run on just four hits.

Commentary

Rodriguez has been hit or miss this year, posting three very solid outings and three subpar ones.  It's too bad Lyon blew another save—Wandy deserved the win for the stellar outing.

Orioles 6, White Sox 2

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 13: Chris Tillman #24 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2011 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

W: Chris Tillman (1-2)
L: Philip Humber (2-3)

Orioles Standouts

Robert Andino, 2-for-4, HR, 2 R, SB
Brian Roberts, 1-for-4, 2B, 2 R

White Sox Standouts

Alex Rios, 1-for-3, SF, HR, 2 RBI

Recap

Chris Tillman shut down the White Sox through five innings, allowing only one run on six hits.   Phil Humber had an impressive start in his own right, going seven and giving up two on a mere three hits.  The Orioles have now won four of their last five.

Commentary

The Orioles are producing wins, but not the best fantasy stats—over their last five games, they've batted 42-for-168, a .250 average.  Yet somehow, they've won four of them.

Reds 4, Marlins 3, F/10

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - APRIL 24: Josh Johnson #55 of the Florida Marlins pitches during a game against the Colorado Rockies at Sun Life Stadium on April 24, 2011 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

W: Francisco Cordero (1-0)
L: Mike Dunn (1-1)

Marlins Standouts

Josh Johnson, 7 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 6 K
Wes Helms, 1-for-2, 2B, 2 RBI
Omar Infante, 2-for-3, RBI
Chris Coghlan, 0-for-3, 2 BB, R, SB

Reds Standouts

Brandon Phillips, 2-for-4, BB, 2B, R
Miguel Cairo, 2-for-4, RBI, R
Jonny Gomes, 1-for-4, BB, RBI, R

Recap

Edgar Renteria singled in the bottom of the 10th to drive in Jonny Gomes as the Reds took home the walk-off win.  Josh Johnson pitched seven scoreless innings, but the bullpen couldn't earn him the decision, giving up three in the eighth.  Edinson Volquez got the start for Cincy, worked five innings, and gave up just one run on two hits (although he did walk five).

Commentary

Josh Johnson has allowed four earned runs this season in 41 innings.  His WHIP is 0.71, his ERA is 0.88 and probably most absurd, opponents are batting .130 against him.

Royals 11, Twins 2

Leon Halip/Getty Images

DETROIT - APRIL 09: Billy Butler #16 of the Kansas City Royals doubles to left field in the ninth inning during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on April 9, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. The Royals defeated the Tigers 3-1. (Photo by Leon

W: Nate Adcock (1-0)
L: Brian Duensing (2-1)

Twins Standouts

Jason Kubel, 2-for-3, BB, 2B

Royals Standouts

Alex Gordon, 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI
Billy Butler, 2-for-4, HR, 2B
Mike Aviles, 1-for-3, BB, SF, 2 RBI, R
Chris Getz, 2-for-4, 3B, RBI, 2 R

Recap

The Royals pounded out 11 runs, rolling past the Twins for the second night in a row.  The game was 3-2 going into the eighth, when Kansas City opened the flood gates, posting eight in the frame.  Sean O'Sullivan went six innings, allowing two runs on two hits.  Brian Duensing only allowed three runs—two earned—over seven innings.

Commentary

The screws didn't fall out of this game for the Twins until Joe Nathan took the mound in the eighth.  Eight runs and two relievers later, it was a blowout.  Nathan still doesn't have his best stuff back, and you have to wonder how long Minnesota's going to let Nathan and his 10.00 ERA stick around the bullpen if there's not some improvement.

Mariners 2, Red Sox 0

Elsa/Getty Images

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 30: Manager Eric Wedge #22 of the Seattle Mariners pulls Doug Fister #58 in the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox as Miguel Olivo #30 stands by on April 30, 2011 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Image

W: Doug Fister (2-3)
L: John Lackey (2-3)
S: Brandon League (7)

Mariners Standouts

Ichiro Suzuki, 2-for-3, 2 BB, R, 2 SB
Jack Cust, 1-for-2, 2 BB, R
Jack Wilson, 1-for-3, SF, RBI
Milton Bradley, 1-for-2, 2B, RBI

Red Sox Standouts

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, 2-for-4, 2B
Jacoby Ellsbury, 1-for-3, 2 BB, 2B
Kevin Youkilis, 1-for-3, BB, 2B

Recap

Doug Fister pitched five and two-thirds shutout innings and the Mariners continued their hot streak, winning their fifth in a row.  Milton Bradley doubled in the first run for the M's in the third and Jack Wilson provided a sac fly in the sixth to score Jack Cust.  John Lackey started the day for Boston, went six innings and gave up two runs.

Commentary

Milton Bradley was ejected later on the game, which is always good fun.

Cubs 5, Diamondbacks 3

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 30: Starting pitcher Matt Garza #17 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the Major League Baseball game at Chase Field on April 30, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

W: Matt Garza (1-3)
L: J.J. Putz (0-1)
S: Chris Marmol (7)

Cubs Standouts

Starlin Castro, 2-for-5, 2B, RBI, R
Alfonso Soriano, 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
Darwin Barney, 2-for-5, RBI, R
Aramis Ramirez, 1-for-5, 2B, RBI

Diamondbacks Standouts

Gerardo Parra, 1-for-3, BB, 3B, RBI, R
Stephen Drew, 2-for-4, 2 RBI
Justin Upton, 1-for-4, 2B, R

Recap

Darwin Barney singled in the go-ahead run in the ninth and the Cubs tacked on another run in the frame to beat the Diamondbacks for the second night in a row.  Matt Garza pitched eight solid innings, allowing three runs off six hits.  Ian Kennedy went seven and two-thirds innings, also giving up three.

Commentary

It only took Matt Garza a month to get his first win.  Following that projection, he should finish the season a dignified 6-18.  Go Cubs!

Rockies 4, Pirates 1

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER, CO - APRIL 20: Closer Huston Street #16 of the Colorado Rockies delivers against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on April 20, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

W: Jason Hammel (3-1)
L: Paul Maholm (1-4)
S: Huston Street (10)

Pirates Standouts

Andrew McCutchen, 2-for-4, HR

Rockies Standouts

Chris Ianetta, 1-for-3, HR, 3 RBI
Carlos Gonzalez, 2-for-4, 2B, R
Seth Smith, 1-for-3, BB, RBI, R

Recap

Chris Ianetta tagged a three-run blast to right field in the second and that was all Jason Hammel needed, as the Rockies topped the Pirates.  Hammel went seven innings and the only run allowed was a home run to Andrew McCutchen.  Paul Maholm got the start for Pittsburgh, went seven innings and allowed four.

Commentary

The Rockies tied their club record for most wins in the month of April with 17 after the win last night.  They're in the same boat as St. Louis currently, winning games despite one of their best players string of subpar performances (Carlos Gonzalez—batting .228 with just one home run thus far).

Padres 5, Dodgers 2

Harry How/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 30: Cameron Maybin #24 of the San Diego Padres reacts after his run scored from a play at the plate against the Los Angeles Dodgers for a 1-1 TIE during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium on April 30, 2011 in Los Angeles, Californ

W: Luke Gregerson (1-1)
L: Matt Guerrier (2-2)
S: Heath Bell (6)

Padres Standouts

Cameron Maybin, 2-for-4, 2B, RBI, R
Chase Headley, 1-for-3, BB, R
Will Venable, 2-for-5, 2 R
Jason Bartlett, 1-for-4, BB, R
Ryan Ludwick, 1-for-3, BB, RBI

Dodgers Standouts

Andre Ethier, 2-for-4, R
James Loney, 1-for-3, SF, RBI

Recap

The Padres posted three runs in the eighth, claiming victory over the Dodgers to close out Saturday's schedule.  Will Venable scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch by Matt Guerrier, who took the loss. 

Travis Stauffer started the game for the Padres, going six and two-thirds innings and giving up two runs.  Hiroki Kuroda got the nod for the Dodgers, went seven, struck out seven and surrendered two. 

Andre Ethier singled in the fourth to extend his hitting streak to 26 games.  Heath Bell converted his 40th consecutive save to close out the game.

Commentary

A win for the Padres meant they don't leave April with the worst record in baseball (that "honor" belongs to the Twins).