Astros 5 – Royals 4: Lance Berkman has been a disappointment to Astros and fantasy owners alike this year. The Big Puma showed some signs of life in this one powering the Astros to a victory for young Wesley Wright. Wright did not start the game but pitched 1.1 innings, striking out every batter he faced. Berkman homered early in the 2nd, and then again after Wright came into the game to put Houston on top for good. Fat Elvis finished with 4 RBIs and 2 HRs. Mark Teahen drove in two runs for the Royals, as the other two scored via an error.
Mariners 9 – Padres 3: Isn’t it depressing that Ichiro has’t played in a postseason series in 8 years? He’s hitting .369 right now and has to be the most consistent performer at the plate this decade. He went 4 for 5, scoring twice and driving in a run. You’ll probably hear Jarrod Washburn’s name in trade rumors soon with the deadline just over a month away. He’s got a 3.22 ERA and only 4 wins on the Mariners. Someone will take the innings eater.
Yankees 11 – Braves 7: A-Rod and Mariano Rivera had historic nights for the Bombers. Rodriguez tied Reggie Jackson with his 563rd homer while Rivera picked up career save number 499. Rivera’s is incredible. But we have to ask, does A-Rod’s even matter anymore? His entire career is tainted so we can’t really count it. Derek Jeter had four hits and scored four times. Wonder who goes down with more glory in Yankee history: Rivera or Jeter?
Nationals 9 – Red Sox 3: Gotta be a disappointing sign to Red Sox fans that John Smoltz gets rocked in his first start. Against the Nationals. Smoltz went five and gave up five. The command was there as he only walked one and he managed to strike out 5. That really shows that when he was getting hit, he was getting hit hard. Smoltz is 42 years old so you’ve got to wonder how much he has left in the tank. He didn’t allow a homer however which is encouraging. The top 4 hitters in the Nats order managed to go 2 for 18 and they still scored 9 runs.
Infield Hits
Marlins 11 – Orioles 3: Hanley Ramirez had a grand slam and drove in five.
Rangers 9 – Diamondbacks 8: Mark Reynolds – 3 for 6 / 2 HRs / 4 RBIS
Rays 10 – Phillies 4: Ben Zobrist with his 16th HR of the year, drove in and scored two.
Tigers 6 – Cubs 5: Cubs suck. got swept.
Cubs comment…completely agree. Not even interested in the crosstown meet this weekend.