Pettitte, Giambi Prevent Sweep

The Yankees struggled against another rookie Cincinnati pitcher Sunday afternoon, but this time out Andy Pettitte out dueled the latest Cincinnati kid, Johnny Cueto. The result was a 4-1 Yankees win before a crowd of 54,234 in the finale of the six game homestand. The win enabled the Yankees to finish those six games 4-2 to remain 5 games (4 in the loss column) back of the Boston Red Sox in the AL East.

Pettitte was superb, scattering 4 hits over 6 innings for his 8th win of the season and the 172nd of his Yankees career. He ran into a bases loaded, one out jam in the 4th, but struck out left handed hitters, Joey Votto and Jay Bruce to keep the Reds off the board.

The Yankees weren't having any success against Cueto either, getting just 2 hits over the first 4 innings, before taking the lead in the 5th. Jason Giambi lead off with the first of his three hits and Jorge Posada followed with a double into the right field corner. Robinson Cano brought home the first run of the day with a deep fly to center. Cueto stranded Posada at 3rd by striking out Melky Cabrera and retiring Johnny Damon on a pop up.

The winds, and lightning and thunder started up in the top of the 6th and heavy rains began to fall as the Reds put two men on base. Jeff Keppinger lead off the inning with a single and one batter later Pettitte hit Brandon Phillips on the toe of his right foot. But light hitting Paul Janish tried to bunt his way on and popped right up to Posada for the 2nd out. Fighting off a torrential downpour, Pettitte struck out Votto once again to strand the pair.

After a 56 minute rain delay the Yankees broke the game open against the Reds bullpen. Derek Jeter lead off the bottom half of the 6th with a single against Gary Majewski and two batters later Hideki Matsui followed suit. Dusty Baker sent for lefty reliever Jeremy Affeldt to face Jason Giambi, but the move didn't pay off when Giambi delivered a 2-run double to left for a 3-0 lead. Posada, batting from the right side, doubled up the gap in righ-center for the Yankees final run.

After Edwar Ramirez tossed a scoreless 7th inning, Joe Girardi sent for Kyle Farnsworth, who made 2 mistakes. The first was giving up a 2-out home run to Ken Griffey Jr.. The second was trying to field Brandon Phillips comebacker. The ball ricocheted to Alex Rodriguez, who then compounded the problem with a throwing error to allow Phillips reach 2nd base. Farnsworth exited to have stitches between his fingers, so Mariano Rivera came in a four out save.

June 22, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Cincinnati	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0		1	8	0
NY Yankees	0	0	0	0	1	3	0	0	X		4	11	1

Cincinnati	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Hopper, LF	5	0	0	0	0	1	3	.250
Keppinger, SS-3B-SS	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	.322
Griffey, DH	3	1	1	1	1	0	1	.249
Phillips, B, 2B	3	0	2	0	0	0	0	.271
Encarnacion, 3B	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.241
Janish, SS	1	0	0	0	1	0	2	.180
a-Valentin, PH-3B	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.222
Votto, 1B	4	0	2	0	0	2	5	.293
Bruce, RF	4	0	1	0	0	2	4	.300
Patterson, CF	4	0	0	0	0	0	2	.189
Ross, C	3	0	1	0	0	1	0	.233
b-Dunn, PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	.219
Totals	34	1	8	1	2	7	20
a-Grounded out for Janish in the 8th. b-Struck out for Ross in the 9th.
BATTING HR: Griffey (8, 8th inning off Farnsworth, 0 on, 2 out). TB: Keppinger; Griffey 4; Phillips, B 2; Votto 2; Bruce; Ross. RBI: Griffey (32). 2-out RBI: Griffey. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Bruce 2; Votto; Valentin; Hopper. Team LOB: 9. BASERUNNING CS: Ross (1, 2nd base by Pettitte/Posada). PO: Ross (1st base by Pettitte). FIELDING DP: 3 (Ross-Janish, Phillips, B-Janish, Votto-Keppinger-Votto).

Cincinnati	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Cueto (L, 5-8)	5.0	4	1	1	0	7	0	5.01
Majewski	0.2	2	2	2	0	1	0	4.70
Affeldt	0.2	3	1	1	1	0	0	4.50
Lincoln	1.2	2	0	0	0	1	0	4.93

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, LF	4	0	0	0	0	1	2	.323
Jeter, SS	3	1	1	0	1	1	0	.279
Abreu, RF	4	0	2	0	0	1	3	.273
Rodriguez, 3B	4	0	1	0	0	1	3	.332
Matsui, DH	4	1	1	0	0	2	2	.323
Giambi, 1B	3	2	3	2	0	0	0	.271
1-Betemit, PR-1B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.250
Posada, C	4	0	2	1	0	2	2	.311
Cano, 2B	2	0	0	1	0	0	2	.227
Cabrera, CF	3	0	1	0	0	1	1	.254
Totals	31	4	11	4	1	9	15
1-Ran for Giambi in the 8th.
BATTING 2B: Posada 2 (9, Cueto, Affeldt), Giambi (12, Affeldt). TB: Jeter; Abreu 2; Rodriguez; Matsui; Giambi 4; Posada 4; Cabrera. RBI: Cano (26), Giambi 2 (42), Posada (19). 2-out RBI: Giambi 2; Posada. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Cano 2; Damon. SF: Cano. GIDP: Matsui. Team LOB: 6. BASERUNNING SB: Giambi (2, 2nd base off Cueto/Ross). CS: Abreu (4, 2nd base by Cueto/Ross). FIELDING E: Rodriguez (6, throw). Pickoffs: Pettitte (Ross at 1st base).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Pettitte (W, 8-5)	6.0	4	0	0	2	4	0	4.04
Ramirez	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	2.74
Farnsworth	0.2	2	1	1	0	1	1	4.24
Rivera (S, 21)	1.1	2	0	0	0	1	0	0.76

HBP: Giambi (by Cueto), Phillips, B (by Pettitte).
Pitches-strikes: Cueto 75-50, Majewski 13-9, Affeldt 21-11,
Lincoln 17-12, Pettitte 97-63, Ramirez 9-7, Farnsworth 14-8, Rivera 30-19.
Ground outs-fly outs: Cueto 2-5, Majewski 0-1, Affeldt 2-0,
Lincoln 2-1, Pettitte 8-5, Ramirez 0-2, Farnsworth 0-1, Rivera 3-0.
Batters faced: Cueto 19, Majewski 4, Affeldt 6, Lincoln 5,
Pettitte 24, Ramirez 3, Farnsworth 4, Rivera 6.
Inherited runners-scored: Affeldt 2-2, Lincoln 2-0, Rivera 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Charlie Reliford. 1B: Greg Gibson. 2B: Brian Runge. 3B: Scott Barry.
Weather: 74 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 9 mph, Out to LF.
T: 2:54 (:56 delay).
Att: 54,234.

Pettitte, Giambi Prevent Sweep

The Yankees struggled against another rookie Cincinnati pitcher Sunday afternoon, but this time out Andy Pettitte out dueled the latest Cincinnati kid, Johnny Cueto. The result was a 4-1 Yankees win before a crowd of 54,234 in the finale of the six game homestand. The win enabled the Yankees to finish those six games 4-2 to remain 5 games (4 in the loss column) back of the Boston Red Sox in the AL East.

Pettitte was superb, scattering 4 hits over 6 innings for his 8th win of the season and the 172nd of his Yankees career. He ran into a bases loaded, one out jam in the 4th, but struck out left handed hitters, Joey Votto and Jay Bruce to keep the Reds off the board.

The Yankees weren't having any success against Cueto either, getting just 2 hits over the first 4 innings, before taking the lead in the 5th. Jason Giambi lead off with the first of his three hits and Jorge Posada followed with a double into the right field corner. Robinson Cano brought home the first run of the day with a deep fly to center. Cueto stranded Posada at 3rd by striking out Melky Cabrera and retiring Johnny Damon on a pop up.

The winds, and lightning and thunder started up in the top of the 6th and heavy rains began to fall as the Reds put two men on base. Jeff Keppinger lead off the inning with a single and one batter later Pettitte hit Brandon Phillips on the toe of his right foot. But light hitting Paul Janish tried to bunt his way on and popped right up to Posada for the 2nd out. Fighting off a torrential downpour, Pettitte struck out Votto once again to strand the pair.

After a 56 minute rain delay the Yankees broke the game open against the Reds bullpen. Derek Jeter lead off the bottom half of the 6th with a single against Gary Majewski and two batters later Hideki Matsui followed suit. Dusty Baker sent for lefty reliever Jeremy Affeldt to face Jason Giambi, but the move didn't pay off when Giambi delivered a 2-run double to left for a 3-0 lead. Posada, batting from the right side, doubled up the gap in righ-center for the Yankees final run.

After Edwar Ramirez tossed a scoreless 7th inning, Joe Girardi sent for Kyle Farnsworth, who made 2 mistakes. The first was giving up a 2-out home run to Ken Griffey Jr.. The second was trying to field Brandon Phillips comebacker. The ball ricocheted to Alex Rodriguez, who then compounded the problem with a throwing error to allow Phillips reach 2nd base. Farnsworth exited to have stitches between his fingers, so Mariano Rivera came in a four out save.

June 22, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Cincinnati	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0		1	8	0
NY Yankees	0	0	0	0	1	3	0	0	X		4	11	1

Cincinnati	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Hopper, LF	5	0	0	0	0	1	3	.250
Keppinger, SS-3B-SS	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	.322
Griffey, DH	3	1	1	1	1	0	1	.249
Phillips, B, 2B	3	0	2	0	0	0	0	.271
Encarnacion, 3B	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.241
Janish, SS	1	0	0	0	1	0	2	.180
a-Valentin, PH-3B	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.222
Votto, 1B	4	0	2	0	0	2	5	.293
Bruce, RF	4	0	1	0	0	2	4	.300
Patterson, CF	4	0	0	0	0	0	2	.189
Ross, C	3	0	1	0	0	1	0	.233
b-Dunn, PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	.219
Totals	34	1	8	1	2	7	20
a-Grounded out for Janish in the 8th. b-Struck out for Ross in the 9th.
BATTING HR: Griffey (8, 8th inning off Farnsworth, 0 on, 2 out). TB: Keppinger; Griffey 4; Phillips, B 2; Votto 2; Bruce; Ross. RBI: Griffey (32). 2-out RBI: Griffey. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Bruce 2; Votto; Valentin; Hopper. Team LOB: 9. BASERUNNING CS: Ross (1, 2nd base by Pettitte/Posada). PO: Ross (1st base by Pettitte). FIELDING DP: 3 (Ross-Janish, Phillips, B-Janish, Votto-Keppinger-Votto).

Cincinnati	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Cueto (L, 5-8)	5.0	4	1	1	0	7	0	5.01
Majewski	0.2	2	2	2	0	1	0	4.70
Affeldt	0.2	3	1	1	1	0	0	4.50
Lincoln	1.2	2	0	0	0	1	0	4.93

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, LF	4	0	0	0	0	1	2	.323
Jeter, SS	3	1	1	0	1	1	0	.279
Abreu, RF	4	0	2	0	0	1	3	.273
Rodriguez, 3B	4	0	1	0	0	1	3	.332
Matsui, DH	4	1	1	0	0	2	2	.323
Giambi, 1B	3	2	3	2	0	0	0	.271
1-Betemit, PR-1B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.250
Posada, C	4	0	2	1	0	2	2	.311
Cano, 2B	2	0	0	1	0	0	2	.227
Cabrera, CF	3	0	1	0	0	1	1	.254
Totals	31	4	11	4	1	9	15
1-Ran for Giambi in the 8th.
BATTING 2B: Posada 2 (9, Cueto, Affeldt), Giambi (12, Affeldt). TB: Jeter; Abreu 2; Rodriguez; Matsui; Giambi 4; Posada 4; Cabrera. RBI: Cano (26), Giambi 2 (42), Posada (19). 2-out RBI: Giambi 2; Posada. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Cano 2; Damon. SF: Cano. GIDP: Matsui. Team LOB: 6. BASERUNNING SB: Giambi (2, 2nd base off Cueto/Ross). CS: Abreu (4, 2nd base by Cueto/Ross). FIELDING E: Rodriguez (6, throw). Pickoffs: Pettitte (Ross at 1st base).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Pettitte (W, 8-5)	6.0	4	0	0	2	4	0	4.04
Ramirez	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	2.74
Farnsworth	0.2	2	1	1	0	1	1	4.24
Rivera (S, 21)	1.1	2	0	0	0	1	0	0.76

HBP: Giambi (by Cueto), Phillips, B (by Pettitte).
Pitches-strikes: Cueto 75-50, Majewski 13-9, Affeldt 21-11,
Lincoln 17-12, Pettitte 97-63, Ramirez 9-7, Farnsworth 14-8, Rivera 30-19.
Ground outs-fly outs: Cueto 2-5, Majewski 0-1, Affeldt 2-0,
Lincoln 2-1, Pettitte 8-5, Ramirez 0-2, Farnsworth 0-1, Rivera 3-0.
Batters faced: Cueto 19, Majewski 4, Affeldt 6, Lincoln 5,
Pettitte 24, Ramirez 3, Farnsworth 4, Rivera 6.
Inherited runners-scored: Affeldt 2-2, Lincoln 2-0, Rivera 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Charlie Reliford. 1B: Greg Gibson. 2B: Brian Runge. 3B: Scott Barry.
Weather: 74 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 9 mph, Out to LF.
T: 2:54 (:56 delay).
Att: 54,234.

Yankees vs. Reds - June 20

The Cincinnati Reds come to the Bronx tonight for the first time since 1976 and that forgettable (except for the fact we finally got back there) World Series. The 3-game series is the first time the two teams have met since 2003 when they played at the Great American Ball Park in Cincy. The Yankees lost the first 2 games of that series, 6-2 and 4-3, before winning in a laugher, 10-2, in the finale. Al Osuna and Mike Mussina took the losses while Jose Contreras picked up the lone win.

On to today- the Reds are struggling. They sit 8 games under .500 and 12.5 games back of the Cubs in last place in the NL Central. They are currently mired in a 5-game losing streak. This comes a season after they finished 72-90 and cost Jerry Narron his manager's job. Dusty Baker was hired to turn things around, but so far that has not happened, mainly because of the same problem most teams have. A lack of pitching.

The Reds do have some good young players to build with though. Pitcher Edinson Volquez, who starts tonight's game, was acquired in the Josh Hamilton trade. He leads the NL in ERA and strikeouts. Fellow pitcher Johnny Cueto opened the season with a 10 strikeout performance, but has had the ups and downs of most rookie seasons. And then there's super prospect Jay Bruce, who made a fantastic splash in his first dozen games in the bigs- a .457 average with 3 home runs and 11 RBI, and a 1.293 OPS. But he's come back a bit to Earth since then, going 7-42 (.167) with 1 HR and 1 RBI. They also have highly touted pitcher Homer Bailey who struggled in a brief call up.

As for the veterans, Ken Griffey Jr. is struggling with some aches and some poor hitting. He attained his 600th career home run, but is hitting just .244-7-30 and has a .746 OPS. The Reds would love to find a taker for him, but Jr. may not want to be moved, even if its a contender.

Adam Dunn is having his typical year. Mediocre average, lots of strikeouts, and lots of home runs (.228, 18, 72). So much so that Blue Jays G.M. J.P. Ricciardi insulted him the other day. Dunn's 43 RBI lead the ball guy club, while Joey Votto has the highest average for a regular at just .278.

The Reds also have former Yankee Andy Phillips on their squad.

Pitching Probables for the Series

Friday: Edinson Volquez (9-2, 1.64) vs. Mike Mussina (10-4, 3.87)
Saturday: Daryl Thompson (0-0, 0.0) vs. Dan Giese (1-1, 1.23)
Sunday: Johnny Cueto (5-7, 5.19) vs. Andy Pettitte (7-5, 4.29)


Tonight's lineup via Peter Abraham:

Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF

Yankees vs. Reds - June 20

The Cincinnati Reds come to the Bronx tonight for the first time since 1976 and that forgettable (except for the fact we finally got back there) World Series. The 3-game series is the first time the two teams have met since 2003 when they played at the Great American Ball Park in Cincy. The Yankees lost the first 2 games of that series, 6-2 and 4-3, before winning in a laugher, 10-2, in the finale. Al Osuna and Mike Mussina took the losses while Jose Contreras picked up the lone win.

On to today- the Reds are struggling. They sit 8 games under .500 and 12.5 games back of the Cubs in last place in the NL Central. They are currently mired in a 5-game losing streak. This comes a season after they finished 72-90 and cost Jerry Narron his manager's job. Dusty Baker was hired to turn things around, but so far that has not happened, mainly because of the same problem most teams have. A lack of pitching.

The Reds do have some good young players to build with though. Pitcher Edinson Volquez, who starts tonight's game, was acquired in the Josh Hamilton trade. He leads the NL in ERA and strikeouts. Fellow pitcher Johnny Cueto opened the season with a 10 strikeout performance, but has had the ups and downs of most rookie seasons. And then there's super prospect Jay Bruce, who made a fantastic splash in his first dozen games in the bigs- a .457 average with 3 home runs and 11 RBI, and a 1.293 OPS. But he's come back a bit to Earth since then, going 7-42 (.167) with 1 HR and 1 RBI. They also have highly touted pitcher Homer Bailey who struggled in a brief call up.

As for the veterans, Ken Griffey Jr. is struggling with some aches and some poor hitting. He attained his 600th career home run, but is hitting just .244-7-30 and has a .746 OPS. The Reds would love to find a taker for him, but Jr. may not want to be moved, even if its a contender.

Adam Dunn is having his typical year. Mediocre average, lots of strikeouts, and lots of home runs (.228, 18, 72). So much so that Blue Jays G.M. J.P. Ricciardi insulted him the other day. Dunn's 43 RBI lead the ball guy club, while Joey Votto has the highest average for a regular at just .278.

The Reds also have former Yankee Andy Phillips on their squad.

Pitching Probables for the Series

Friday: Edinson Volquez (9-2, 1.64) vs. Mike Mussina (10-4, 3.87)
Saturday: Daryl Thompson (0-0, 0.0) vs. Dan Giese (1-1, 1.23)
Sunday: Johnny Cueto (5-7, 5.19) vs. Andy Pettitte (7-5, 4.29)


Tonight's lineup via Peter Abraham:

Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF

Around the Horn - 5/6

Mike Lowell, Kevin Youkilis, and David Ortiz each homered as the Red Sox doubled up the Tigers, 6-3. Lowell's was his first blast of the year as well as his first RBI. It was an odd night for Dice-K (5-0) who allowed only 2 hits over 5 innings, but walked 8. It was the 4th straight win the Sox while the Tigers dropped their 4th straight.

Dustin McGowan and Javier Vazquez settled into a good pitcher's duel last night in the Blue Jays 1-0 win over the White Sox. A Matt Stairs home run in the 7th inning was the game's lone run as closer B.J. Ryan escaped a bases loaded jam in the 9th to preserve the victory for McGowan.

The Angels and Royals also hooked up in a pitcher's duel between the rejuvenated Ervin Santana and veteran Brett Tomko. Tomko only allowed 2 hits in 7 innings, but wouldn't be around for the finish. The Angels scored 4 times in the 9th with Garrett Anderson and Brandon Wood each hitting home runs. Santana went the distance on 97 pitches, allowing just 4 hits, while issuing no walks, and striking out 9.

Emil Brown singled in the game winner in the bottom of the 10th for Oakland as the A's beat the Orioles 2-1. The O's had tied the game in the 9th off of closer Huston Street after starter Dana Eveland (7 IP) and the A's set up men blanked the O's for the first 8 innings.

The Mariners snapped a 5-game losing streak when they beat the Rangers 7-3 last night. Wladimir Balentien belted a 3-run home run and Richie Sexson added a solo shot to back the quality start of Jarrod Washburn.

Johnny Cueto won his first game since April 3rd when the Reds beat the Cubs 5-3. Cueto struck out 8 in 6 innings and Adam Dunn belted a tape measure 2-run home run. Cubs rookie standout Geovany Soto continues to open eyes. He homered as part of a 3-3 day and is hitting .352.

The Dodgers Rafael Furcal homered off the Mets Oliver Perez to start the bottom of the 1st inning and it was all down hill for Perez after that. Blake DeWitt hit his first major league home run and Matt Kemp also went deep against Perez, who had his 3rd bad start in a row (and 4 out of 5). Chad Billingsley picked up the win in the Dodgers 5-1 victory.

The Cardinals blew 3 leads before Rick Ankiel's RBI ground out in the 9th finally beat the Rockies 6-5. Jason Isringhausen picked up his 11th save for the Cards who are now 21-12.

The Phillies rolled over the Diamondbacks 11-4 as Jamie Moyer beat AZ with his arm and his bat. Moyer became the 3rd pitcher in MLB history to record a multi-hit game at age 45 or over. The game was a contrast in styles and age, as Moyer, making his 558th appearance hit 78 mph for much of the night, while 23-yr old DBacks rookie Max Schuerzer, who threw as hard as 98 mph on the night, made his major league debut.

Around the Horn - 5/6

Mike Lowell, Kevin Youkilis, and David Ortiz each homered as the Red Sox doubled up the Tigers, 6-3. Lowell's was his first blast of the year as well as his first RBI. It was an odd night for Dice-K (5-0) who allowed only 2 hits over 5 innings, but walked 8. It was the 4th straight win the Sox while the Tigers dropped their 4th straight.

Dustin McGowan and Javier Vazquez settled into a good pitcher's duel last night in the Blue Jays 1-0 win over the White Sox. A Matt Stairs home run in the 7th inning was the game's lone run as closer B.J. Ryan escaped a bases loaded jam in the 9th to preserve the victory for McGowan.

The Angels and Royals also hooked up in a pitcher's duel between the rejuvenated Ervin Santana and veteran Brett Tomko. Tomko only allowed 2 hits in 7 innings, but wouldn't be around for the finish. The Angels scored 4 times in the 9th with Garrett Anderson and Brandon Wood each hitting home runs. Santana went the distance on 97 pitches, allowing just 4 hits, while issuing no walks, and striking out 9.

Emil Brown singled in the game winner in the bottom of the 10th for Oakland as the A's beat the Orioles 2-1. The O's had tied the game in the 9th off of closer Huston Street after starter Dana Eveland (7 IP) and the A's set up men blanked the O's for the first 8 innings.

The Mariners snapped a 5-game losing streak when they beat the Rangers 7-3 last night. Wladimir Balentien belted a 3-run home run and Richie Sexson added a solo shot to back the quality start of Jarrod Washburn.

Johnny Cueto won his first game since April 3rd when the Reds beat the Cubs 5-3. Cueto struck out 8 in 6 innings and Adam Dunn belted a tape measure 2-run home run. Cubs rookie standout Geovany Soto continues to open eyes. He homered as part of a 3-3 day and is hitting .352.

The Dodgers Rafael Furcal homered off the Mets Oliver Perez to start the bottom of the 1st inning and it was all down hill for Perez after that. Blake DeWitt hit his first major league home run and Matt Kemp also went deep against Perez, who had his 3rd bad start in a row (and 4 out of 5). Chad Billingsley picked up the win in the Dodgers 5-1 victory.

The Cardinals blew 3 leads before Rick Ankiel's RBI ground out in the 9th finally beat the Rockies 6-5. Jason Isringhausen picked up his 11th save for the Cards who are now 21-12.

The Phillies rolled over the Diamondbacks 11-4 as Jamie Moyer beat AZ with his arm and his bat. Moyer became the 3rd pitcher in MLB history to record a multi-hit game at age 45 or over. The game was a contrast in styles and age, as Moyer, making his 558th appearance hit 78 mph for much of the night, while 23-yr old DBacks rookie Max Schuerzer, who threw as hard as 98 mph on the night, made his major league debut.

Around the Horn - 4/4

The Nationals had a chance to go to 4-0 yesterday, but blew a 6-1 lead to the Phillies. They would eventually lose in 10, on a bases loaded walk, 8-7.

The Pirates nipped the Braves in 10, 4-3, on Xavier Nady's RBI single. The Braves also lost Mike Hampton yet again. Hampton was originally slated to start Thursday's game, but instead ended up with a strained pectoral muscle and landed on the 15-day DL. This guy should get together with Carl Pavano.

The Cards' Brian Thompson and 3 relievers blanked the Rockies 3-0.

The Padres took 3 of 4 from the Astros, finishing it off with a 3-2 win on Thursday. Trevor Hoffman notched career save #526.

The Cubs salvaged the final game of their series with the Brewers with a 6-3 win. Kerry Wood earned his first major league save.

The Reds beat the Diamondbacks 3-2 behind rookie phenom Johnny Cueto. The 22-yr old had an MLB debut to remember - 7 innings of 1 hit ball and 10 strikeouts. He retired the first 15 batters he faced.

The Royals completed a 3 game sweep of the Tigers as Zack Grienke out pitched Jeremy Bonderman, 4-1. The Tigers loaded lineup was without Curtis Granderson for all 3 games, and Miguel Cabrera for the last one, but that still doesn't explain the complete lack of punch.

The Angels beat the Twins 5-4 to take 3 of 4 in their opening series. Torii Hunter gave his old fans a treat with his first home run of the year. K-Rod, despite a loss in velocity due to an ankle induced adjustment, picked up his 2nd save.

The White Sox managed to take the final game of their 3 game set with the Indians, 2-1. John Danks and Jake Westbrook hooked up in a good pitcher's duel, but Joe Crede was the hero with a game winning home run in the 8th.

The Rays-Orioles series finale was rained out.

The Royals are likely to be without David DeJesus this weekend due to his injured ankle. No word yet if it will land him on the DL.

The Tigers will have Miguel Cabrera back in the lineup at DH tonight after missing Thursday's game with a sore quad. Gary Sheffield ripped a tendon in his finger, but should be able to avoid the DL.

The Indians are optimistic that Victor Martinez, who left the first game of the season with a strained hamstring, will be back in at catcher tonight. He was able to pinch-hit in Thursday's game.

The Twins were expected to recall Francisco Liriano after 2 starts in the minors, but they may revamp that plan after yesterday's season debut. Liriano gave up 4 runs in 5.1 innings to Class 'A' hitters.

Around the Horn - 4/4

The Nationals had a chance to go to 4-0 yesterday, but blew a 6-1 lead to the Phillies. They would eventually lose in 10, on a bases loaded walk, 8-7.

The Pirates nipped the Braves in 10, 4-3, on Xavier Nady's RBI single. The Braves also lost Mike Hampton yet again. Hampton was originally slated to start Thursday's game, but instead ended up with a strained pectoral muscle and landed on the 15-day DL. This guy should get together with Carl Pavano.

The Cards' Brian Thompson and 3 relievers blanked the Rockies 3-0.

The Padres took 3 of 4 from the Astros, finishing it off with a 3-2 win on Thursday. Trevor Hoffman notched career save #526.

The Cubs salvaged the final game of their series with the Brewers with a 6-3 win. Kerry Wood earned his first major league save.

The Reds beat the Diamondbacks 3-2 behind rookie phenom Johnny Cueto. The 22-yr old had an MLB debut to remember - 7 innings of 1 hit ball and 10 strikeouts. He retired the first 15 batters he faced.

The Royals completed a 3 game sweep of the Tigers as Zack Grienke out pitched Jeremy Bonderman, 4-1. The Tigers loaded lineup was without Curtis Granderson for all 3 games, and Miguel Cabrera for the last one, but that still doesn't explain the complete lack of punch.

The Angels beat the Twins 5-4 to take 3 of 4 in their opening series. Torii Hunter gave his old fans a treat with his first home run of the year. K-Rod, despite a loss in velocity due to an ankle induced adjustment, picked up his 2nd save.

The White Sox managed to take the final game of their 3 game set with the Indians, 2-1. John Danks and Jake Westbrook hooked up in a good pitcher's duel, but Joe Crede was the hero with a game winning home run in the 8th.

The Rays-Orioles series finale was rained out.

The Royals are likely to be without David DeJesus this weekend due to his injured ankle. No word yet if it will land him on the DL.

The Tigers will have Miguel Cabrera back in the lineup at DH tonight after missing Thursday's game with a sore quad. Gary Sheffield ripped a tendon in his finger, but should be able to avoid the DL.

The Indians are optimistic that Victor Martinez, who left the first game of the season with a strained hamstring, will be back in at catcher tonight. He was able to pinch-hit in Thursday's game.

The Twins were expected to recall Francisco Liriano after 2 starts in the minors, but they may revamp that plan after yesterday's season debut. Liriano gave up 4 runs in 5.1 innings to Class 'A' hitters.