Fantastic At 50!

And I'm not talking about Moyer! The Mets faced the Astros in a matchup of two teams both celebrating their 50th season in 2012. The game remained scoreless and Dickey took a no-hitter into the sixth inning. Jed Lowrie singled on a communication error with one out and moved tying run to third. The Astros untied the game in the sixth, 1-0. Matt Downs homered, 3-0 Astros. In the top of the seventh, Wright singled Davis singled, and Baxter lined out to move up the runners. Andres Torres singled to score Wright, 3-1 Mets! Thole advanced Torres to second and Lucas Duda walked to load the bases!! Kirk Nieuwenheis doubled and the game was TIED AT THREE!!!! Davis singled in the eighth, and Hairston nearly untied the game. The Astros untied the game again on a steal and a run by Lowrie, 4-3. J.D. Martínez came in to pinch hit against Tim Byrdak who retired the batters he faced. Bobby Parnell came on and retired the last man to end the inning. The Mets last hopes were dashed as they failed to score in the bottom of the ninth, and lost a heartbreaker and PATHETIC game 5-4 to the FREAKIN' HOUSTON ASTROS! The Mets played well, but need to win close games to be more successful this season and beyond.

The Core Four: Back In Blue

Giants fans and teammates alike blew a sigh of relief as the Giants re-signed LB Mathias Kiwanuka to a three-year, $21,750,000 contract running through the 2015 season. But not everyone was happy. Longtime DE Osi Umenyiora has for some time now been asking for an extension. Osi has one year and just over $3 million left on his current deal. With Pierre-Paul, Tuck, and Kiwi all signed for now, and the Giants' lack of need for a high-ticket free agent, now is the time to strike a deal and end this soap opera. Osi has been the lone member of the Core Four who has been up in arms over an extension that Jerry Reese supposedly promised him years ago. If they can strike a deal this will end and the Giants can worry about imrpoving their team through new acquisitions.

Yankees vs Orioles

The second began with two hits off of Kuroda before a Davis lineout to score Weiters 1-0 O's. With one out, Kuroda retired the next few hitters albeit with defensive help by Núñez. Mark Teixeira singled just down the first base line, and Raúl Ibáñez lined to right. Eric Chávez homered, 2-1. In the third, Mark Reynolds lined to first on a great play by Teixeira. Andino lined out to left, and Nolan Reimold struck out swinging to end the inning. The game remained at 2-1 Yankees, and relatively quiet until the seventh when Kuroda put runners on second and third on a single, hit by pitch, and wild pitch, with one out. Chris Davis struck out and Kuroda tagged out Nick Markaikis at the plate to end the inning!! David Robertson came on to pitch the eighth, and pitched a 1-2-3 inning with two strikeouts looking! In the home eighth, the Yankees went scoreless and Mariano Rivera allowed a 1-out single before getting a 4-6-3 double play, Ballgame over Yankees win, THEEEEEEEEEE YANKEES WIN!!

The Mets are Back!!

The Mets scored three runs in the first off of Jamie Moyer. Murphy doubled over the head of Cuddyer and Wright was intentionally walked. Duda grounded to Giambi who flipped to Moyer and end the inning. In the fourth, Gonzalez walked, Johan got out the next two but CarGo moved the third. Former Yankee Jason Giambi worked a full count after falling behind 3-0, and struck out. Scott Hairston grounded out, Ike Davis struck out and Josh Thole homered, 4-0. Johan struck out to end the inning. Nelson doubled and pinch hitter Herrera flew out to center. Santana retired the next hitter to end the inning. Gonzalez singled on an error by Murphy, but the Rockies went scoreless in the sixth. The Mets had a runner on third with two outs but Rex Brothers struck out Ike Davis to end the inning. In the seventh, Miguel Batista struck out Ramón Hernandez, Chris Nelson struck out and the Rockies went scoreless. In the eighth, the Mets knocked out Brothers after a single by Kirk. The Mets did not score despite having two men on (first and second), as Daniel Murphy struck out looking to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Jon Rauch set down Fowler before Carlos Gonzalez walked. Troy Tulowitzki grounded out and Michael Cuddyer walked to load the bases. Todd Helton came up to face Tim Byrdak, who allowed a pinch hit grand slam to Todd Helton, 4-4 tie. Bobby Parnell came on and retired the last batter. In the ninth, Rafael Betancourt came on in the top of the ninth, and David Wright walked to start off. Lucas Duda grounded out as Wright moved to second on a hit-and-run! Betancourt balked and Wright moved to third!! Scott Hairston struck out, and Ike Davis lined out to kill the rally. Ramón Ramírez set down the Rockies in the home ninth and the game became an extra innings affair. Mike Baxter doubled with one out and Kirk scored, 5-4 Mets!! Kirk was thrown out at third on Tejada's single. Murphy grounded out to end the inning. In the bottom of the tenth, Frank Francisco got Fowler to ground out, Gonzalez homered and Tulo singled as Cuddyer struck out. Todd Helton walked and Ramón Hernández popped up. In the eleventh, Wright singled and Lucas Duda singled to move Wright to third! Scott Hairston grounded to third to force Duda out at second. Ike Davis singled to score Wright, 6-5 Mets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Josh Thole grounded into a double play to end the inning. Ramírez came on and Murphy moved to first base. Chris Nelso struck out, Wilin Rosario pinch hit and flew out to center, and Marco Scutaro, already 0-5, nearly launched a homer, but the ball was caught by Duda to end the game! The Mets FINALLY showed that they can win an extra innings game.

Yankees vs Tigers

The Yankees scored first in the second after a walk to Ibáñez, a single by Chávez and a popup by Stewart. Derek Jeter singled to load the bases and Granderson walked to force in Ibáñez, 1-0 Yankees. That was Granderson's 500th career RBI. A-Rod singled up third on an error by Cabrera and the Yankees led 2-0. ARod tied Willie Mays on the all time RBI list. Canó struck out to end the inning. In the sixth, Cabrera doubled and Boesch scored, 3-2. in the seventh, ARod scored Stewart on a controversial play. Canó doubled and scored Jeter, but Tex lined out to end the inning. Andruw Jones homered in the eighth. 6-2. D-Rob pitched a scoreless ninth and the Yankees won behind CC's masterful game.

NFL Hot Stove

The New York Giants have signed DE/LB Matthias Kiwanuka to a 3-year contract extension. With the signing, three of the Giants "Core Four" defensive players are locked up, Kiwi, Tuck, and JPP.

Mets

The Rockies scored one in the first but a two run homer from Duda and an RBI double from Wright gave the Mets a 3-1 lead. Helton doubled to cut the lead to 3-2. Cuddyer tied the game with an RBI single in the fourth. Helton was tagged out on a rundown between third and home. Dexter Fowler struck out and Moscoso singled, 4-3 Rockies. Tejada singled, and Daniel Murphy singled. David Wright singled and Tejada scored to tie the game at 4. Wright stole second before Lucas Duda singled, 6-4 Mets!!!!!!!!!! Scott Hairston struck out to end the inning. In the home fifth, Gee set down the first two and Tulowitski singled. Todd Helton flew out to end the inning. In the sixth, Ike singled, Thole lined out, Ike moved up on Gee's sac bunt, and Kirk grounded out to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Dillon Gee retired the side. In the seventh, Rubén Tejada singled and Murphy followed suit. Wright hit into a 4-6-3 double play. Lucas Duda lined to right to end the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Eric Young, Jr. lined out to short, Scutaro flew out to center, and Jonathan Herrera struck out to end the inning. In the top of the eighth, Esmil Rogers came on and got Scott Hairston to ground to third, Ike Davis lined out to short, and Josh Thole grounded to short to end the inning. In the bottom of the eighth, Tim Byrdak struck out the side, and in the ninth, Mike Baxter doubled and scored on a passed ball and Captain Kirk grounded out. Rúben Tejada grounded to first and Daniel Murphy grounded out to end the inning. In the bottom of the ninth, Frank Francisco allowed a solo homer to Dexter Fowler after recording the first two outs, but pinch hitter Tyler Colvin tripled, and the tying run came up in pinch hitter and former Yankee Jason Giambi. Giambi lined to center to end the inning!!!!!

Yankees and Tigers: Last Licks for Failing Fred??

Andy Dirks hit a three run homer in the first and Failing Fred once again killed his cause. 3-0 Tigers in the first. Nick Swisher had a solo shot in the home first, 3-1. Boesch doubled in the second an the Tjgerd led 6-1. Clay Rapada came on and retired the side scoreless. Jeter got his 1,000th career walk, and Swisher hit a long fly ball that was caught by Dirks. A-Rod singled and Smiley departed. Curtis Granderson hit a solo home run in the seventh, 6-2 Tigers. Miguel Cabrera homered, 7-2. Nick Swisher homered again, 7-3. Grandy singled and scored A-Rod, 7-4. Ibáñez doubled and Grandy scored, 7-5. Chávez popped out to end the game.

Yankees

The Yankees scored first on A-Rod's RBI single, 1-0. Don Kelly scored on a triple when washed-up OF Raúl Ibáñez screwed the catch and dove as the ball went into left field. 1-1. Nova set down the next two batters. Miguel Cabrera singled and scored Austin Jackson, 2-1 Tigers. Fielder singled and Boesch scored, 3-1. A-Rod launched a homer into right field, 3-2 Yankees! Russell Martin homered into right field to give the Yankees a 4-3 lead. Austin Jackson's two run double moved the Tigers ahead, 5-4. After an intentional walk, Nova departed and was replaced by Boone Logan. Fielder singled, and scored Jackson, 6-4 Tigers. Boone Logan gave up hits to both lefties despite what I believe to be a strikeout. He was removed and Cory Wade took his place. Wade loaded the bases, but left with only a 6-4 defecit. Nick Swisher doubled with two outs and Raúl Ibáñez doubled on an error to score Swisher, 6-5 Tigers. Eric Chávez grounded out and Cabrera tagged out Ibáñez to end the inning. In the eighth, Canó singled and A-Rod scored, 6-5. Mark Teixeira flew out to centerfield to tie the game, and The Yankees had the game tied with a runner at second. In the top of the ninth, Mariano Rivera set the Tigers down scoreless and the Yankees came up in the bottom of the ninth. Russell Martin grounded out and Derek Jeter walked. Curtis Granderson walked and Jeter went to third on the wild pitch. ARod was up and Jeter scored on a wild pitch to win 7-6! "Ballgame Over, Yankees win, THEEEEEEEEEE YANKEES WIN!"(John Sterling)

Mets vs. Marlins

Kirk tripled and Tejada lined out to score a run, 1-0 Mets. Gaby Sanchez homered in the third to tie the game at one. Omar Infante grounded out to second but a run scored, 2-1 Marlins. The game was stuck at this score going into the bottom of the ninth. Former Met Heath Bell walked David Wright, and Lucas Duda grounded to first as Wright moved to first. Ike Davis walked and Josh Thole walked to load the bases!! Pinch hitter Justin Turner loaded the bases and Captain Kirk delivered the game winning single!

Yankees Game

The Rangers scored four runs in the first three innings. Raúl Ibáñez had a ground rule double and scored Canó. Eric Chávez had a sac fly to score Tex, 4-2. Mike Napoli homered, 5-2 Rangers. Mitch Moreland homered in the sixth, 6-2. Kinsler scored on a single, 7-2. Ibáñez homered, 7-3. At the end of the day, the Yankees NEED to get another decent pitcher to have a shot at anything in 2012.

Mets Game

Omar Infante homered in the fifth, but the Mets scored two on a David Wright homer. This also gave him sole possession of first place on Mets RBI list, surpassing one of my favorite Yankees, Darryl Strawberrry. Lucas Duda doubled and scored Tejada, 3-1. Ike Davis doubled and scored both runners, 5-1 Mets! Manny Acosta nearly blew the lead, but was able to get the last few outs and win the game.

Yankees vs. Rangers

The Yankees went scoreless in the first. Ian Kinsler led off the second with a home run. Hamilton struck out and the Rangers led 1-0. Tex led off with an out and Swisher struck out. Ibáñez struck out to end the inning. The Rangers' David Murphy singled and Mike Napoli struck out to end the inning. Eric Chávez singled and Russell Martin The Yankees loaded the bases on Jeter's bunt single. Granderson struck out, A-Rod grounded out to end the inning. Mitch Moreland Grounded to first, Kinsler grounded out, and Elvis Andrus walked and stole second, Josh Hamilton singled as the Rangers led 2-0. Adrian Beltré struck out to end the inning. Canó doubled, Tex struck out swinging, and Nick Swisher struck out to end the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, Nelson Cruz singled and David Murphy struck out swinging. Mike Napoli recorded an out to end the inning. In the fifth, Eric Chávez grounded out, Russell Martin grounded out, and Derek Jeter doubled, but once again the Yankees did not score. In the home fifth, Moreland grounded out, Kinsler walked and Elvis Andrus grounded into a double play. A-Rod grounded out, Canó singled, and Teixeira flew out to center. Swisher grounded out to kill the rally AGAIN, and also end the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, Josh Hamilton grounded out, Adrian Beltré grounded out and Michael Young struck out to end the inning. In the seventh, Ibáñez struck out, Chávez struck out, Martin singled and Jeter struck out. In the bottom of the seventh, Nelson Cruz popped out to Canó, David Murphy flew out to Granderson in shallow right-center. Mike Napoli singled and Kuroda was promptly pulled for Clay Rapada. Clay Rapada got Moreland to ground out to end the inning. Curtis Granderson led off the eighth by striking out, A-Rod grounded out, and Canó grounded out to end the inning. In the bottom of the eighth, Cory Wade got two outs and Boone Logan got Josh Hamilton to strike out, ending the inning. In the top of the ninth, Yu Darvish got Tex to fly out, Swisher singled, Darvish was pulled for Joe Nathan and Ibáñez hit into a double play as the most pathetic team was HUMILIATED by the guy they DESPERATELY needed to sign.

Reunited!

The Marlins went down scoreless in the first and the Marlins did likewise. The Marlins went scoreless in the second. The Mets went 1-2-3 in the second. The Marlins went scoreless in the third and Josh Thole doubled on an EPIC FAIL of a flop by Bonafacio in the third. Johan Santana grounded out in the third and Captain Kirk struck out to kill the rally. Murphy singled and David Wright singled. Lucas Duda grounded out to move up the runners. Murphy was thrown out trying to score on a passed ball to end the inning. The Mets went scoreless and Marlins did likewise to bring us to the home fifth, Mike Baxter struck out and Josh Thole struck out to end the inning. Reyes flew out to start the sixth, Bonafacio struck out, and Hanley Ramírez flew out to end the inning. Johan grounded out, Captain Kirk struck out and Tejada struck out to end the inning. Logan Morrison lined to Murphy at second, who made a BRILLIANT catch, Infante grounded to third on a great play by Wright and Giancarlo (formerly Mike) Stanton singled. Gaby Sanchez Tripled and the Marlins led 1-0 as Johan departed. Ramón Ramírez got John Buck to chop to the mound and end the inning. In the Home seventh, Murphy lined to right, Wright grounded out, Duda walked as Josh Johnson was pulled for former 2000 World Series Champion Randy Choate. Justin Turner, pinch hitting for Ike Davis, walked. Ozzie pulled Choate for Steve Cishek. Pinch hitter Scott Hairston walked to load the bases! Ozzie Guillén came on and pulled Cishek. Mike Dunn came on and walked Josh Thole, 1-1!!!!! Zach Lutz struck out to end the inning. In the top of the eighth, Chris Coughlan lined to third, José Reyes flew out to right, and Emilio Bonafacio grounded out to second to end the inning. In the home eighth, Kirk singled, and Rubén Tejada lined out on a bad bunt. Daniel Murphy singled and David Wright struck out. Lucas Duda singled off of Mojica to give the Mets a 2-1 lead! Justin Turner grounded out to end the inning. Frank Francisco got Hanley Ramírez to pop out, before Logan Morrison walked. Omar Infante popped out to third, and Giancarlo Stanton lined out to right to end the game. "PUT IT IN THE BOOKS!"

The End of An Era

Former New York Jets QB Mark Brunell has announced his retirement from the NFL after 19 seasons. Brunell threw for 32,072 yards and 184 touchdowns, while also rushing for 2,421 yards and 15 scores over 191 games his career. He spent two seasons with the New York Jets and played in a total of 18 games as both a quarterback and a holder. Brunell played two games as a quarterback in 2010 where he backed up Mark Sanchez, both against the Buffalo Bills. During the 2009-2010 season, he served as backup quarterback and holder for the Super Bowl XLV Champion New Orleans Saints, his only career championship. I truly liked Brunell as a backup to Sanchez, however, with the Jets salary cap constraints the acquisition of Tim Tebow, Brunell had no role in New York, and, apparently, nowhere else either.

Brunell reacts to Nick Folk's game-winning field goal in the 2011 AFC Wild Card Gameagainst the Colts. I wish him all the best in retirement.

NFL Free Agency

The Buffalo Bills have announced that Guards and backup Centers Kraig Urbik and Chad Rinehart have signed their free agent tenders.

For a while I was feeling that they would be allowed to walk, but then again, as Restricted Free Agents, they had to wait for a Bills offer before testing the market. I am once again thrilled that GM Buddy Nix has gotten this done. The Bills Offensive Line looks promising to me for the 2012 season. The New York Jets free agents News -CB Marquice Cole has signed with the Patriots -TE Matthew Mulligan is a Ram -QB Kevin O'Connell has worked out for the Seahawks -S Brodney Pool is a Cowboy -WR Rob Turner is a Ram -Jamaal Westerman is a Dolphin

Double Dip

The Giants' Ángel Pagan grounded to first and Melky Cabrera walked. Pablo Sandoval was out trying to stretch a single into a double and Melky scored, 1-0 Giants. Buster Posey homered. 2-0 Giants. Schierholtz singled, and Brandon Belt popped out to end the inning. Kirk led off the home first by grounding to short. Daniel Murphy grounded out and David Wright walked. Lucas Duda struck out to end the inning. In the second, Burris grounded to short, Crawford singled, and Tim Lincecum/Cawford combined for a strike 'em out throw 'em out double play. In the home half of the inning, Ike Davis struck out looking, Josh Thole popped out to left-center and Rubén Tejada walked and stole second. Mike Baxter doubled and Tejada scored, 2-1 Giants. Miguel Batista chopped a ball over Lincecum but was thrown out at first to end the inning. In the third, Pagan fouled out to Thole, Melky grounded to second before Pablo Sandoval singled on an error by Ike. Buster Posey walked and Schierholz homered, 5-1. Brandon Belt grounded to second to end the inning. Murphy singled, Wright flew out to right, and Duda struck out and Ike Davis struck out looking. Burris scored on a double by Crawford, 6-1. Lincecum hit a sac bunt. Pagan grounded to short on a superb Play by Tejada. Melky Cabrera walked and Manny Acosta replaced Batista. Acosta got a flyout to center and Gia ply ended the inning. Josh Thole struck out, Tejada singled and Mike Baxter struck out and pinch hitter Scott Hairston struck out. Jeremy Hefner came on and Schierholtz grounded out. Brandon Belt doubled but the Giants did not score. Kirk led off the home fifth with a walk and Murphy singled. David Wright lined out to center. Duda walked to load the bases with one out. Ike Davis hit into a double play. Brandon Crawford flew out to left, pinch hitter Gregor Blanco walked and Pagan singled. Melky Cabrera grounded to first, and Pablo Sandoval lined to center. Thole led off the sixth with a pop out to third, Rubén Tejada flew out, and Mike Baxter struck out to end the inning. Posey grounded to third in the seventh, Schierholz tripled and Brandon Belt grounded to first. Burris grounded to third. In the home seventh, Justin Turner singled, Kirk doubled, and Daniel Murphy flew out to right. David Wright struck out and Jeremy Affeldt walked Lucas Duda to load the bases for Ike Davis, who grounded out to end the inning. In the eighth, Bobby Parnell got Affeldt to ground out, Gregor Blanco walked. Pagan struck out and Brett Pill singled. Sandoval grounded out to end the inning. In the home eighth, the Mets went scoreless and the Giants Also got the Mets scoreless in the bottom of the eighth. The Mets lost once again... Mets Game 2 Sandoval homered, 2-0. Schierholz hit a sac fly, 3-0. Dillon Gee executed a perfect sac bunt in the fourth, but the Mets did not score. Justin Turner singled scoring Wright, 5-1. In the seventh, Murphy scored Duda on a sac fly. The Mets loaded the bases in the eighth but did not score as Ike Davis struck out looking. The Mets went down in the ninth and lost 7-2.

Yankee Game

The Yankees Loaded the bases in the first before Tex struck out and Granderson Singled to give the Yanks a 2-0 lead. Andruw Jones popped out. In the bottom of the first, Kinsler singled and Elvis Andrus singled to move Kinsler to second. Josh Hamilton hit into a double play. 1-0 Rangers on Kinsler's alert baserunning. Michael Young grounded to CC to end the inning. In the second, Núñez grounded to Darvish, Chris Stewart popped to second, and Derek Jeter singled and Nick Swisher lined to right to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Mike Napoli struck out, and Nelson Cruz singled on a non-scoop by Teixeira. Torrealba flew out and Brandon Snider struck out to end the inning. In the third, Canó grounded out to first and A-Rod walked. Mark Teixeira hit into a 6-4-3 double play. Torrealba Lined out, Ian Kinsler singled and Hamilton struck out to end the inning. The Yankees went scoreless in the fourth. In the home fourth, Young grounded out, Napoli grounded out, and Cruz doubled. Torrealba Lined to left. In the fifth, Stewart walked and Stole second on two bad throws by the Rangers. Jeter singled, Swisher flew out to right and Stewart scored, 3-1. Canó singled and A-Rod launched a 3-run (A)-Bomb, 6-1 Yankees! Tex grounded out and Granderson walked. Andruw Jones lined out to end the inning. Snyder grounded out, Gentry struck out and Kinsler Struck out. Núñez popped up, Chris Stewart doubled and Jeter doubled, 7-1 Yankees!!! Swisher grounded out and Canó grounded out to first to end the inning. Andrus grounded to short, Josh Hamilton homered for his 8th and a 7-2 defect Rangers. Michael Young lined to center and Napoli struck out swinging to end the inning. A-Rod flew out, Teixeira lined to center, but the Yankees went scoreless. In the home seventh, Cruz walked and Torrealba popped out to right. Snyder (the DH) doubled on a failed dive by A-Rod. Gentry doubled, 7-4 Yankees. Kinsler grounded out and Andrus grounded out to end the inning. In the eighth, Andruw Jones struck out and Núñez popped out and Stewart struck out to end the inning. In the bottom of the eighth, the Rangers went scoreless. In the ninth, the Yankees went down scoreless. Mariano Rivera set the Rangers down scoreless in the ninth to give the Yankees another win!

Mets game

The Giants' Ángel Pagan grounded to first and Melky Cabrera walked. Pablo Sandoval was out trying to stretch a single into a double and Melky scored, 1-0 Giants. Buster Posey homered. 2-0 Giants. Schierholtz singled, and Brandon Belt popped out to end the inning. Kirk led off the home first by grounding to short. Daniel Murphy grounded out and David Wright walked. Lucas Duda struck out to end the inning. In the second, Burris grounded to short, Crawford singled, and Tim Lincecum/Cawford combined for a strike 'em out throw 'em out double play. In the home half of the inning, Ike Davis struck out looking, Josh Thole popped out to left-center and Rubén Tejada walked and stole second. Mike Baxter doubled and Tejada scored, 2-1 Giants. Miguel Batista chopped a ball over Lincecum but was thrown out at first to end the inning. In the third, Pagan fouled out to Thole, Melky grounded to second before Pablo Sandoval singled on an error by Ike. Buster Posey walked and Schierholz homered, 5-1. Brandon Belt grounded to second to end the inning. Murphy singled, Wright flew out to right, and Duda struck out and Ike Davis struck out looking. Burris scored on a double by Crawford, 6-1. Lincecum hit a sac bunt. Pagan grounded to short on a superb Play by Tejada. Melky Cabrera walked and Manny Acosta replaced Batista. Acosta got a flyout to center and Gia ply ended the inning. Josh Thole struck out, Tejada singled and Mike Baxter struck out and pinch hitter Scott Hairston struck out. Jeremy Hefner came on and Schierholtz grounded out. Brandon Belt doubled but the Giants did not score. Kirk led off the home fifth with a walk and Murphy singled. David Wright lined out to center. Duda walked to load the bases with one out. Ike Davis hit into a double play. Brandon Crawford flew out to left, pinch hitter Gregor Blanco walked and Pagan singled. Melky Cabrera grounded to first, and Pablo Sandoval lined to center. Thole led off the sixth with a pop out to third, Rubén Tejada flew out, and Mike Baxter struck out to end the inning. Posey grounded to third in the seventh, Schierholz tripled and Brandon Belt grounded to first. Burris grounded to third. In the home seventh, Justin Turner singled, Kirk doubled, and Daniel Murphy flew out to right. David Wright struck out and Jeremy Affeldt walked Lucas Duda to load the bases for Ike Davis, who grounded out to end the inning. In the eighth, Bobby Parnell got Affeldt to ground out, Gregor Blanco walked. Pagan struck out and Brett Pill singled. Sandoval grounded out to end the inning. In the home eighth, the Mets went scoreless and the Giants Also got the Mets scoreless in the bottom of the eighth. The Mets lost once again...

Part 2!

After seeing the end of Philip Humber's Perfect Game, I returned to watch the Yankees and was pleasantly surprised. Swisher hit a grand slam and Tex homered after the perfect game, and Tex hit a three run homer. 9-8 Sox!!! The Yankees did not score again but are back in the New York Groove! Soriano worked a scoreless inning and Yankees Scored another run in the 8th for a 10-9 lead. Tex hit a ground rule double. 12-9! Swisher walked and Ibanez hit into a double play. Martin doubled, 14-9! Núñez singled and Jeter singled, 15-9. Swisher eventually recorded the final out. In the ninth, the Yankees went scoreless and in the bottom of the inning, the Yankees used two different pitchers to recorded a victory!

Yankees Game

Jeter singled but was erased on a Swisher double play. Canó walked and moved to second on a passed ball. A-Rod grounded to second to end the inning. Failing Fred got Aviles to pop out, Ryan Sweeney doubled. Pedroia popped out to Martin. Adrian Gonzalez doubled, 1-0 Boston. David Ortíz doubled, 2-0. Youkilis grounded out to end the inning. Tex led off the second with a groundout and Granderson struck out. Andruw Jones walked and Russell Martin struckout to end the inning. Saltalamacchia grounded to first, Cody Ross singled and Darnell McDonald doubled. Mike Aviles singled. 3-0 Red Sox. Ryan Sweeney lined to right, 4-0 on McDonald's single. Aviles stole second and Pedroia singled, 5-0 Red Sox as Freddy departed. Clay Rapada got the final out. Nuny grounded out, Jeter grounded out, and Swisher singled. Canó lined to right to end the inning. In the third, Clay Rapada got Ortíz a single and was promptly pulled. David Phelps hit Youkilis and then Loaded the bases on a single by Pedroia. Cody Ross struck out swinging! Darnell McDonald popped out to center, 6-0. Aviles singled, 7-0, (game over) The Bosox did not score again that inning but it meant nothing. In the fourth, A-Rod grounded out and Tex struck out. Granderson struck out to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Pedroia popped to right, and Gonzalez grounded out and Big Papi walked. Gonzalez struck out. In the fifth, two Yankees went down and Nuny walked. Jeter singled to put runners on the corners for Swisher. But he grounded to second to end the inning. The home fifth began with a Saltalamacchia singled and Cody Ross homered, 9-0 Red Sox. McDonald flew out and Sweeney lined to right. In the sixth, Canó struck out, A-Rod struck out swinging. Tex homered, 9-1.

Mets Game

Angel Pagan struck out, Cabrera struck out, and Sandoval flew out to right to end the inning. Kirk struck out, Murphy singled, and an error by Melky allowed him to move to second. Wright grounded to second, and Ike Davis struck out. Posey lined to second and Huff lined to short. Schierholz singled and The Giants went down scoreless. Bay grounded out, Duda flew out and Thole struck out. In the third, Crawford flew out to left, Vogelsong struck out and Pagan doubled. Cabrera walked and Sandoval singled and scored Pagan, 1-0. Posey grounded out to end the inning. The Mets went scoreless in the fourth. Aubrey Huff popped up to second and Schierholz grounded to first. Burriss flew to right to end the inning. In the home fourth, Murphy doubled and Wright struck out. Ike Davis struck out and Jason Bay struck out to end the inning. The Giants went scoreless in the fifth. In the home fifth, Lucas Duda walked and Josh Thole singled. Tejada grounded and forced Thole out at second and score Duda, 1-1. Pelfrey sac bunted and moved the runner up. Kirk grounded to short to end the inning. Posey singled with one out and Huff hit into a 4-6-3 double play. Daniel Murphy flew out to left and Wright struck out. Ike Davis worked a full count before flying out to center to end the inning. Schierholz lined to left and Crawford grounded out. Vogelsong struck out to end the inning. In the seventh, Jason Bay singled, and Lucas Duda walked. Thole sac bunted and moved both runners into scoring position. Rubén Tejada doubled and the Mets led, 3-1! Mike Pelfrey lined out and Captain Kirk popped out to third to end the inning. In the eighth, Ángel Pagan flew to center, Melky Cabrera bounced out on a play that almost resulted in a single, as Pelfrey, Murphy, and Ike. Sandoval flew out to center to end the inning. In the home eighth, Murphy singled and Wright singled on an error by Huff. Ike singled and scored Murphy, 4-1 Mets. Dan Otero came on and Ike got tagged out at first. David Wright did the same at third. Jason Bay grounded out to end the inning. In the ninth, Frank Francisco allowed Posey to single. Aubrey Huff grounded to first, Schierholz walked and Burris singled. 4-2 Mets. Tim Byrdak came on to face Héctor Sanchez. Sanchez struck out and Jon Rauch came on to pitch to Pill. Pill popped up which was misplayed, 4-4. Pagan struck out to end the inning. Duda singled, Thole sac bunted. Tejada walked and pinch hitter Justin Turner loaded the bases in the ninth and Kirk grounded out as Posey made a wild throw to score Tejada and win the game.

Mets

Pagan flew out to left and Melky Cabrera grounded to second, and Pablo Sandoval struck out to end the inning. Tejada singled and David Wright singled before Ike Davis popped out to third and Jason Bay lined out to end the inning. Buster Posey led off the second with a single and Brett Pill lined to Captain Kirk in center. Hector Sanchez singled and Emmanuel Burris walked to load the bases. Brandon Crawford lined to center and Posey neglected to tag up and thus remained at third base. Barry Zito struck out swinging to end the inning. Burris caught a pop up, Kirk grounded out and then Baxter flew out to end the inning. In the Third, Ángel Pagan homered and Cabrera singled, Sandoval singled, and Posey doubled, 2-0 Giants. Sandoval scored on a wild pitch, 3-0. Niese recorded the next three outs. Niese struck out, Tejada flew out to center, and Murphy lined to center to end the inning. The Giants went 1-2-3 in the fourth. Jason Bay hit a solo homer in the fourth, and the Mets were otherwise set down. The bottom of the inning began with a walk and then Pablo Sandoval singled and Buster Posey flew out to move Melky to third. Cabrera was thrown out at home plate on a single, and Sanchez singled to end the inning. Kirk homered! 3-2 Giants! Mike Nickeas singled and Niese hit into a fielder's choice, Nickeas out a second, Niese at first with one out. Tejada singles and Murphy popped up to third. David Wright walked and Ike Davis popped up to end the inning. In the sixth, Burriss grounded out, Crawford flew out to left, and pinch hitter Matt Cain struck out to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Bay struck out, Scott Hairston struck out, and Captain Kirk lined to Brandon Crawford to end the inning. In the seventh, Ramón Ramírez got Pagan to hit a comebacker to the mound, Melky Cabrera singled, and Pablo Sandoval grounded into a SPECTACULAR double play by Murphy. In the bottom of the seventh, Josh Thole came up to pinch hit for Nickeas and Jeremy Affeldt struck him out. Justin Turner pinch hit for Ramírez and grounded out. Tejada popped out to end the inning. In the eighth, the Giants went 1-2-3 on a flat-faced catch by Kirk Niuwenheis. In the bottom of the eighth, Daniel Murphy and David Wright grounded out and Ike Davis struck out. In the ninth inning, Tim Byrdak came on to pitch. Emmanuel Burris walked and Brandon Crawford grounded to the mound and barely threw him out at first. Pinch hitter Brandon Belt struck out and former Met Ángel Pagan grounded to shortstop to end the inning. In the bottom of the ninth, Santiago Casilla came on to pitch and promptly allowed a single to Jason Bay. Lucas Duda pinch hit and Javier Lopez came on to pitch. Lucas Duda flew out to right, and moved to second on a wild pitch. Kirk Nieuwenheis walked. Josh Thole singled to score Jason Bay, tied at 3!! Sergio Romo came on and gave up a single but tagged Him out at home. Rúben Tejada struck out to end the inning. In the tenth, Frank Francisco walked his first batter, but got Sandoval to strike out. Melky Cabrera stole second, and Blanco flew out to center. Schierholz was intentionally walked and Sanchez scored Melky and Sanchez went to second, 4-3 Giants. Emmanuel Burris flew out to left to end the inning. Daniel Murphy blooped a single and David Wright singled and the Mets had two on and no outs. Ike Davis faced Clay Hensley and Aubrey Huff came on to play left field, Melky went back to right. Ike Davis moved the runners up with a shattered bat groundout. Jason Bay struck out and Duda lined out to center to end the game. The Mets once again lost an extra innings game, same as last year. They need to be more consistent in the extra inning games this season to be successful.

Yankees vs. Red Sox

Derek Jeter led off the game by singling on an error by Pedroia. Granderson flew out to center, and A-Rod singled to score Jeter, 1-0 Yankees. Canó flew to center, moving A-Rod to second, and Tex grounded to first to end the inning. Iván Nova began the bottom of the first by getting Aviles to pop out to Canó in right Field. Sweeny struck out, and Pedroia singled to center. Adrian Gonzalez flew out to deep left center to end the inning. Nick Swisher homered to right center, 2-0 Yankees! Raúl Ibañez grounded to second and Eric Chávez homered, 3-0! Martin grounded to first and Jeter singled off of Youkilis for his 3,111th hit, passing Dave Winfield. Curtis Granderson singled and Jeter moved to third. A-Rod grounded to short and Jeter was thrown out to end the inning. In the bottom of the second, David Ortiz hit what was originally ruled a double off the Green Monster, but after debating and replay it was ruled a home run, 3-1 Yankees. Youkilis doubled to right, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia grounded to first, and Cody Ross struck out and Jason Repko grounded to third to end the inning. Canó singled off of Buchholz and Mark Teixeira flew out. Nick Swisher walked, and Ibañez hit into a 3-6-1 double play to end the inning. In the home third, Sweeny doubled, but was stranded as the Red Sox were set down after that. In the fourth, Eric Chávez homered again, 4-1 Yankees, and Martin flew out to Repko, who crashed into the wall to make the catch. Jeter grounded out to third, and Curtis Granderson struck out to end the inning. Ortíz led off the fourth with a groundout and Youkilis grounded to short. Saltalamacchia (Salty) struck out to end the inning. A-Rod homered to lead off the fifth, and Canó grounded to second. Tex grounded out, and Swisher lined to second to end the inning. The home fifth began with a double by Cody Ross. Jason Repko hit a liner to Canó at second. Swisher misplayed a ball in right to give a double to Mike Avilas and Pedroia flew out to center to end the inning. The sixth inning began with a flyout by Ibañez and a pop out Pedroia at second and Russell Martin homered, 6-2 Yankees! Jeter struck out looking to end the inning. Ortíz hit a one out double before Youkilis was hit by a pitch. Salty grounded into a double play to end the inning. Granderson led off the seventh with a walk and Franderson grounded to first. Tex grounded to short to end the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Cory Wade got Pedroia to ground out to third and Nate Spears pinch hit for Repko and recorded a strikeout. Aviles singled through a hole at second/shortstop. Ryan Sweeney grounded to second to end the inning. In the eighth, Swisher doubled and Raúl Ibañez singled. Eric Chávez was punched out and Bobby Valentine called on Chazawa to finish the inning. Chazawa picked Ibáñez off second following a failed stolen base attempt, and Russell Martin grounded to second. In the bottom of the inning, David Robertson came on to pitch the bottom of the eighth and struck out Dustin Pedroia. Adrian Gonzalez singled. David Ortíz lined out to centerfield and Kevin Youkilis struck out to end the inning. In the top of the ninth, Jeter grounded out, Granderson lined to second, and A-Rod lined out to center to end the inning. Jarrod Saltalamacchia led off the bottom of the ninth with a single off of Cody Eppley. Mariano Rivera came in to pitch to Cody Ross, who struck out. Mike Aviles grounded to second to end the game.

Yankees Game

The Twins scored four in the first but the Yankees took three back on a solo homer by Grandy and a two run shot from Tex. Jeter singled to score Nunez and tie the game at 4 in the second, and Grandy then launched a homer to untie the game, 6-4 Yankees. In the fourth, Granderson homered for the third time, 7-4. In the sixth, Doumit homered to score Morneau, 7-6. In the bottom of the inning, Nuny walked and Derek Jeter came on facing Alex Burnett and Núñez stole second. Jeter grounded out and Granderson singled to move Nuny to third. A-Rod was hit by a pitch to load the bases for Robbie Canó. Canó killed another rally with a double play. Rafael Soriano came on, Jamey Carroll struck out and Joe Mauer singled before Willingham singled. Morneau struck out and Ryan Doumit struck out to end the inning! In the bottom of the seventh, Mark Teixeira singled and Swiaher flew out to center on a DEEP fly ball. Raúl Ibañez singled and Russell Martin hit into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning. In the eighth, D-Rob came on and promptly gave up a double to Danny Valencia. Chris Parmelee struck out and Sean Burroughs grounded out on a fair ball up the first base line. Denard Span grounded to short to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Eduardo Núñez flew out to Willingham in left-center field. Derek Jeter grounded out. Curtis Granderson singled for his fifth hit of the game, but he was thrown out trying to steal second to end the inning. Mariano Rivera came on to pitch the ninth and promptly got Jamey Carroll to hit a comebacker to him for the first out. Joe Mauer grounded to shortstop and Josh Willingham popped to Russell Martin to end the game. Curtis Granderson is MY player of the game for his three home run performance. Ballgame over, Yankees win! THEEEEEEEEEEEE YANKEES WIN!

The End of An Era

Future Hall of Fame Catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez has announced his retirement after 20 major league seasons. Pudge hit .296 with 311 home runs and 1,332 runs batted in over his career. He compiled 2,844 hits in 20 seasons. In 1999, he was awarded the American League MVP award for hitting 30 homers, collecting 100 RBIs and scoring 100 runs in baseball hitory. In 2003, he was part of the dramatic home-plate collision with J.T. Snow that sent the Florida Marlins to the World Series and an evenual victory over the Yankees. He was named that year's NLCS MVP. He also caught two no-hitters and was consistently ranked as one of the best defensive backstops of all-time. On July 30, 2008, Pudge was traded to the New York Yankees for pitcher Kyle Farnsworth. Pudge filled in for Jorge Posada that year, starting just 26 games of a possible 55 for them. Overall for the Yankees Pudge hit just .219 (21-for-96) with two home runs and three runs batted in. In 1996, 1998, and 1999 he played against the Yankees in the ALDS, losing all three series. He hit.273 against the Yankees in the World Series as Florida took the championship in six games, (which began my ongoing hatred of the Florida/Miami Marlins). In 2009, he surpassed Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk as the player who has caught the most games in major league history with 2,227. He had a 45.68% of runners caught stealing, a major league record. I first heard of him during the 2003 NLCS against the Giants and his dramatic collision with JT Snow to send the Marlins to the World Series. After defeating the Yankees, I grew to love Pudge, and when he eventually became a Yankee in 2008, despite his lackluster performance and replacing a fan favorite and Hall of Famer himself in Jorge Posada, I loved him even more. He will officially retire as a Texas Ranger on Monday. Now, with the most games caught in history, and with a reputation as one of the greatest all-around catchers of all-time, he will certainly be inducted to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2017, no doubt as either a Ranger, Tiger, or Marlin. Which team do you think Pudge should be inducted as a member of? The Marlins...

The Rangers...

Or the Yankees? (Did that get a laugh out of you?)

Yankees Game

The Twins scored four runs off of Kuroda in the first. The Yankees scored three runs on an RBI double by Cano and a two-run single for Nick Swisher. 4-3 Yankees. Burroughs singled to score Morneau in the third, and Cano homered in the third to make the score 5-4, and the fourth was scoreless. In the fifth, Morneau again homered and made the score 6-4 Twins. The sixth was scoreless. Boone Logan worked a scoreless seventh. Derek Jeter led off the bottom of the seventh with a single and Granderson lined out to left. Mark Teixeira singled and the go ahead run was at the plate in the form of Robinson Canó. He singled, Tex was thrown out at second, and Swisher struck out to end the inning and kill the rally. In the eighth, Boone Logan worked a scoreless inning despite a lack of effort by Andruw Jones on a hit to left field which allowed Casilla to get a double. The Yankees were held scoreless once again in The eighth, and the Twins did likewise. In the bottom of the ninth, A-Rod pinch hit and grounded out to third. Derek Jeter homered to put the Yankees within one run, but Mark Teixeira flew out to right to end the game. Another classic Yankees loss.

Mets Game

The Mets Ike Davis homered before Juan Francisco hit a 2-run homer in the second, 2-1 Braves. David Wright hit a two-run double, but the Braves scored four runs in the third to take a 6-3 lead. David Wright singled on an error which scored two runs before Freddie Freeman hit a 2-run homer, 8-4 Braves. Nieuwenheis singled in the sixth and the Braves scored two more runs before taking a 12-5 lead in the seventh on singles. Murphy scored Nieuwenheis on a single and then Freeman hit a 2-run homer. Ross doubled to score Juan Francisco, 14-6, before the end of the game.

Yankees Game #10

Josh Willingham homered, but Brett Gardner hit a ground rule double to tie the game at one. Clete Thomas double and scored Casilla, who scored on a single by Jamey Carroll. Andruw scored on a single by Nunez and Chris Stewart had a two-run single to put the Yankees up 5-2 on Jeter's sac fly. Andruw later homered in the fourth and in the fifth, Jeter singled to score Gardner, 7-2. Chris Stewart scored Gardner on a single in the seventh. 8-3. The top of the eighth was a scoreless affair and the bottom of the inning went likewise. Cory Wade pitched a scoreless ninth inning and gave the Yankees a much-needed 8-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Sabathia gave it his all despite his poor start and the team has bounced back from the loss well.

Mets Game #10

The Braves scored six consecutive unanswered runs to start the game before Jason Bay scored on a Thole single and Thole scored on a Mike Baxter pinch hit single. In the fifth, the Braves scored two more runs on hits by Diaz and Freeman. In the sixth, Murphy singled and scored Captain Kirk. 8-3 Braves. The seventh was scoreless and Juan Francisco homered in the bottom of the inning to make it 9-3 Braves. They eventually were set down. The Mets went down scoreless in the ninth to end the game. They disappointed me greatly tonight but I know they will come back!

Yankees Game #9

Failing Fred gave up 2 runs in the first on a few singles, but Jeter and Granderson hit back-to-back (and belly to belly!) home runs to tie the game. A-Rod doubled and Tex singled to bring him home, 3-2 Yanks! The fifth inning marked the next scoring session as Jamey Varrol singled and scored on a wild pitch by Freddy, and Mauer doubled in Carroll and led 4-3. The Yankees went scoreless in the fifth and Morneau homered in the sixth, 5-3 Twins. The Twins were set down quickly by Cory Wade in the seventh, thanks in part to a terrific play by Granderson for the third out. In the bottom of the inning, Russell Martin struck out, Brett Gardner struck out, and Jeter grounded out. The eighth began with a single by Dohman, who scored on a double by Valencia, and the Twins led 7-3 and officially put the game away before the inning finally ended. The Yanks once again failed, with Failing Fred against a sub-.500 team. This is going to be a long, tumultuous, and disappointing season. Anyhow... LET'S GO METS!!

Mets Game #9

The Braves led off the game with a groundout by Jack Wilson to score Brian McCann. 1-0 Braves. In the next inning, Rubén Tejada grounded out to score Captain Kirk and tie the game at 1. The game was tied until the sixth, when Ike Davis launched a 3-run homer, 4-1 Mets! The Braves went scoreless the next two innings and in the seventh, Tommy Hanson's wild pitch allowed Josh Thole to score. 5-1 Mets! Jon Rauch came in relief in the eighth and promptly allowed a single to Bourn, but allowed no runs. In the ninth, Jason Bay hit a solo homer, 6-1 Mets! However, the rest of the batters were set down quickly. Tim Byrdak came on to pitch the ninth and induced a pop up to centerfield, then got Jason Heyward to strike out, and Eric Hinske struck out swinging to end the game. "PUT IT IN THE BOOKS!" (Howie Rose)

NFL Hot Stove!

The New York Giants have signed CB Antwaun Molden, terms of the deal were not disclosed. LB Aaron Maybin has signed his 1-year tender with the New York Jets. He will earn $1,260,000 in 2012. The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed former Buffalo Bills WR Lee Evans to a 1-year contract. He had 4 catches for 69 yards in the two playoff games for the Ravens.

Yankees Game #8

The Angels went down scoreless in the first and Derek Jeter led off the bottom of the inning with a groundout to shortstop and Granderson followed with a strikeout. A-Rod grounded out to third to end the inning. In the second inning, Ivan Nova set down the first two Angels before Mark Trumbo launched a homer to deep right field. 1-0 Angels. Maicer Izturis hit a single and went to third on a base hit by Chris Ianetta. Erik Aybar grounded to short to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Robinson Cano singled and Teixeira walked. Swisher flew out to center and Raul Ibanez singled to score Cano to tie the game at 1 apiece. Russell Martin grounded into a double play to end the inning. Kendrick struck out to begin the third inning and Pujols struck out for the second out. Torii Hunter struck out to end the inning. Brett Gardner walked to begin the home third and Jeter smacked a double to right field to put runners on second and third with no outs. Granderson grounded to second while Gardner scored and Jeter moved to second. A-Rod singled to score Jeter. 3-1 Yankees. Robinson Cano singled and Tex doubled to score A-Rod, 4-1 Yankees. Swisher flew out and Tex scored, 5-1 Yanks. Takahashi came in to pitch to pitch the bottom of the third and promptly got Ibanez to ground to first and end the inning. The Angels went down scoreless in the fourth and Russell Martin walked to begin the bottom of the inning. Brett Gardner singled and Derek Jeter drilled a three-run homer to right, 8-1 Yankees. Granderson recorded an out and A-Rod grounded out. Yankees went scoreless. In the top of the fifth, Ianetta homered before Nova struck out Aybar and Kendrick doubled to right. Pujols grounded out and Hunter struck out to end the inning. The bottom of the inning began with a single by Tex, who later stole second. Swisher popped up and Raul Ibanez grounded to second before the Angels went to their bullpen. David Carpenter came on and got Martin to ground out to end the inning. Vernon Wells grounded to third to lead off the sixth, Bobby Abreu flew out to left, and Mark Trumbo walked. Izturis doubled and Trumbo scored, 8-4. Chris Ianetta grounded to third on a GREAT play by A-Rod and the inning was over. The bottom of the inning began with a groundout by Brett Gardner and a flyout to left-centerfield by Jeter. Granderson walked, but was thrown out a second to end the inning. In the seventh, Rafael Soriano walked Aybar and then allowed Kendrick a single. Pujols singled and scored Aybar, 8-5 Yankees. Kendrick moved to third on a sac fly and Vernon Wells lined out to third and Bobby Abreu walked to load the bases for Trumbo and knock out Soriano. D-Rob came on and enduced a fly ball to end the inning.` In the bottom of the seventh, A-Rod grounded to short, and Cano walked. Tex struck out but Cano stole second. Swisher hit an RBI singled scoring Cano and the lead was extended to 9-5 as the Angels once again went to their bullpen. Jason Isringhausen came on and Raul Ibanez drilled a homer just fair to right field. 11-5 Yankees. Martin walked and Gardner flew out to left to end the inning. In the eighth, Izturis singled and Ianetta flew out to center. Erick Aybar popped up to shortstop and Howie Kendrick grounded to third on another great play by A-Rod to end the inning. In the bottom of the eighth, Jeter grounded to second, Granderson singled, A-Rod struck out, and Cano hit a ground-rule double, and Tex grounded out on a dive by Pujols and cover by Isringhausen to end the inning. Boone Logan came on to pitch the ninth and struck out Pujols, Kendrick walked, and Vernon Wells struck out. Down to their last out, the Angels had Bobby Abreu hit, and he promptly struck out to end the game.

Hot Stove!

Former Yankees OF Johnny Damon has signed a 1-year, $1,250,000 contract with the Cleveland Indians. Damon needs just 277 hits to reach the 3,000 mark, which he vehemently states he will do before his retirement. He hit .261 with 16 homers and 73 RBIs with the Rays in 2011. I wish him the best on his quest for 3,000, which I believe will propel him to Hall of Famer status.

Damon hits an RBI single in Game 4 of the 2009 World Series.

Mets Game #9

The Mets faced the Phillies on Sunday with a chance to sweep. In the first inning, Ike Davis hit a ball deep to right for his first home run of the season, scoring David Wright. 2-0 Mets! However, Mike Pelfrey immediately got himself into trouble, allowing three consecutive hits to start off the inning, including an RBI single from Jimmy Rollins to score Juan Pierre, but the Phillies only got one run out of it, 2-1 Mets. The second inning was scoreless and in the bottom of the third, Pelfrey set down the first two hitters before a wild pitch allowed Laynce Nix to move to first, but Carlos Ruiz grounded into a fielder's choice to Tejada, who promptly threw out Nix to end the inning. In the fourth inning, David Wright struck out and Ike Davis singled to centerfield and Scott Hairston struck out. Lucas Duda came up with two outs and singled, but Captain Kirk flew out to center to end the inning. Peter Orr grounded to second to lead off the home fourth and Cole Hamels, who had singled in his first at-bat, grounded out to shortstop. Juan Pierre singled to center before Shane Victorino walked, but Pierre was thrown out trying to steal third base to end the inning. The fifth inning began with a walk to Mike Nickeas. Mike Pelfrey bunted into a double play before Ruben Tejada struck out. In the bottom of the inning, Rollins grounded to short and Hunter Pence flew out to right field. Laynce Nix grounded to first to end the inning. In the sixth, Murphy grounded to second and Wright singled to right field, but was thrown out trying to steal, but Ike Davis struck out to end the inning. The bottom of the sixth began with a single by Carlos Ruiz, followed by Pete Orr's flyout to left field. Cole Hamels sacrified, moving Ruiz to second. Juan Pierre tapped a ball back to Pelfrey, who threw him out to end the inning. In the seventh, Scott Hairston singled and Lucas Duda grounded into a fielder's choice, forcing Hairston out at second, Duda struck out Captain Kirk struck out. Ramon Ramirez came on to pitch the bottom of the seventh, Victorino recorded an out, and Juan Pierre singled. Pence hit a single to right and the runners moved up on a wild pitch by Ramirez. Wigginton hit a sac fly and tied the game at 2. Laynce Nix doubled and the game was un-tied, 3-2 Phillies. Ruiz grounded out to end the inning. In the eighth, Chad Qualls came in to pitch and pinch hitter Mike Baxter grounded out. Tejada grounded to third and Daniel Murphy singled, but the Mets still could not score. In the bottom of the inning, Orr doubled off of Manny Acosta and pinch hitter Jim Thome struck out. Placido Polanco pinch hit and recorded a ground ball misplayed by Tejada, and he was safe at first. Pierre lined out and Rollins singled to load the bases. Hunter Pence worked a full count before walked to force in a run. 4-2 Phillies. Miguel Batista came on and allowed a three run double and the game was over as the Phillies led 7-2. John Mayburry, Jr. singled and Wigginton scored from second 8-2 Phillies. Wigginton grounded out to end the inning, but the game was essentially over by this point. In the ninth, the Mets loaded the bases with two outs, but Justin Turner struck out and ended an absolutely PATHETIC game but a solid series against the rival Philadelphia Phillies.

Still in the New York Groove

David Wright homered in the first, Bay hit into a double play to score Murphy, Lucas Duda homered both in the fourth, and Jon Niese pitched a gem through six innings. Mike Baxter scored on a double by Rubén Tejada, and the Mets won an easy game 5-0 thanks to great pitching and a solid offensive performance.

Yankees Game #8

Jeter led off the bottom of the first with his 3,100th hit. The first inning was scoreless however and the Angels got on the board first with a second inning homer barely fair by Chris Ianetta to score Vernon Wells, 2-0. Aybar struck out to end the inning. In the bottom of the second, Curtis Granderson flew out to right-center field. Andruw Jones flew out to center thanks to Borgous's speed. Russell Martin walked and Eduardo Núñez popped out to shortstop to end the inning.

In the third, Kendrick singled and scored on a Pujols double. Morales flied out and Torii Hunter struck out. Alberto Callaspo walked and Vernon Wells popped out to Canó to end the inning.

Jeter led off the bottom of the inning by grounding to second and Nick Swisher lined to third. Robinson Canó struck out to end the inning.

Chris Ianetta led off the fourth with a walk and Borgous struck out. Aybar hit a single on an error by Tex and Ianetta went to second. Howie Kendrick launched a 3-run homer to put the Angels ahead 6-0 and knock Hughes out.

David Phelps came on and retired the next two hitters.

A-Rod led off the bottom of the inning with a groundout and Teixeira followed with a single on an error by Kendrick. Granderson walked and Andruw Jones dropped a ball up the third base line and was thrown out. Russell Martin flew out to right field to end the inning.

In the sixth, Torii Hunter struck out, Callaspo struck out, and Vernon Wells drilled a home run to left field like his old self. 7-0 Angels. (This is when I realized the game was over).

Ianetta walked and Borjous struck out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the fifth, Núñez singled and Jeter hit a single to put runners on first and second with no outs. Nick Swisher came up and flew out, and Robinson Canó singled to score Nuny and FINALLY put the Yankees on the board, 7-1 Angels. A-Rod grounded out to advance the runners and Mark Teixeira choked in the clutch once again to end the inning.

Aybar popped out to begin the sixth and Howie Kendrick and Pujols flew out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the sixth and seventh just prevented another disappointing loss by an underachieving team. Neither team scored in the rest of the game.

On Jackie Robinson Day

Every year on April 15th, two things occur. The dreaded tax day, and Jackie Robinson Day. Robinson made his debut on April 15, 1947. The Hall of Famer hit .311 over his career and in 1997, Major League Baseball honored his legacy by retiring his number 42 throughout the league, (although a Grandfather Clause was instituted for those who already wore the number, such as Mariano Rivera). As part of the festivities, every player wears Robinson's number 42 for the day, leading to much confusion as to who's who on opposing teams. Many baseball fans, myself included, do not neccesarily like this practice. As a longtime Yankees fan, I learned very early on that the Yankees did not, and still do not, wear their names on the backs of their jerseys, (in fact, I viewed every other team as the oddballs as a child!) By 1999, I had learned the most famous and most popular players' numbers: O'Neill (21), Bernie Williams (51), Jeter (2), Brosius (18), Tino (24), Pettitte (46), and Mo (42), amoung others. However, each year since 2004, every player has opted to wear Jackie Robinson's #42 on April 15 as an honor to one of the greatest baseball players of all time. I understand that he is a respected baseball player, a Hall of Famer in all respects, and a hero and inspiration to many baseball players playing today. However, to have every player wear his number is unneccesary.

Can you tell who's who?

NFL Free Agency

The Giants have re-signed LB Chase Blackburn. His key interception of Tom Brady in Super Bowl XLVI helped the G-Men to victory.

Mets Game #7

The Mets got off to a hot start when Ruben Tejada doubled and Daniel Murphy followed suit. Jason Bay then lifted a homer to right-centerfield. 3-0 Mets.

The bottom of the first and the second innings were scoreless. In the bottom of the third, Freddy Galvis homered to right field. 3-1 Mets.

The fourth inning was scoreless and in the top of the fifth, Scott Hairston, playing centerfield, lifted a no-doubt home run to left field. 4-1 Mets.

The bottom of the fifth began with Dickey recording two outs before Cliff Lee singled and Shane Victorino singled to bring Lee to third. Placido Polanco lined out to right to end the inning.

In the sixth, Daniel Murphy grounded to second and Justin Turner, filling in for David Wright at third base, grounded to third. Ike Davis flid out to right field to end the inning.

In the bottom of the inning, Jimmy Rollins lined a single to right and Hunter Pence struck out. Jim Thome singled to move Rollins to third and John Mayburry, Jr. struck out. Carlos Ruiz came up with runners on the corners and two outs, but he lined to second to end the inning.

In the seventh, Jason Bay struck out looking and Lucas Duda struck out before Scott Hairston popped out to third to end the inning.

Freddy Galvis singled to center to start the bottom of the seventh, followed by a pinch hit double play by Laynce Nix, and Shane Victorino grounded to third to end the inning.

In the top of the eighth, Josh Thole hit a comebacker to Kyle Kendrick and Captain Kirk pinch hit for Dickey and recorded a single. Ruben Tejada hit into a double play to end the inning.

The bottom of the inning began when Placido Polanco grounded to first, and Jimmy Rollins walked. Hunter Pence struck out and then Jim Thome hit a comebacker to Bobby Parnell to end the inning.

In the top of the ninth, Daniel Murphy worked a long at-bat before eventually walking. Justin Turner hit into a surefire out, but Jummy Rollins misplayed it and Turner was safe. Ike Davis worked a full count before walking to load the bases with no outs. Jason Bay came up and worked a 3-1 count before grounding to force Murphy out at the plate and Kendrick was removed.

Lucas Duda lined to right, scoring Turner. 5-1 Mets.

Ronny Cedeno pinch hit for Parnell and walked to re-load the bases for Josh Thole, who lined to left to end the inning.

In the bottom of the ninth, Frank Francisco struck out John Mayburry, Jr. and Carlos Ruiz drilled a double to DEEP center. Freddy Galvis struck out and Juan Pierre came on to pinch hit for the pitcher and hit a simple grounder to Murphy, but he pulled a Bill Buckner and the Phillies scored. 5-2 Mets. Francisco went 0-2 on Victorino before striking out to end the game.

Yankees Game #7

Jorge Posada threw out the first pitch to open the first home opener without Posada since 1996.

Erik Aybar led off with a single under Jeter's glove, and later stole second on a missed swipe tag. Bobby Abreu flew out to center, and Albert Pujols, newly acquired by the Angels, skied a pop up to left field. Kendrys Morales worked a tough at-bat but ended up striking out on a drop third strike to end the inning.

Derek Jeter broke in Yankee Stadium 2012 with a strikeout and Curtis Granderson struck out on a check swing. Alex Rodríguez drilled a long single to left-center field. A-Rod stole second and Robinson Canó walked to put runners on first and second with two outs. Mark Teixeira walked to load the bases. Nick Swisher drilled a double to right field and just like that the Yankees were ahead 3-0 in the first!!!! Raúl Ibañez flew out to center to end the inning.

The Angels came up in the second inning already trailing. Mark Trumbo walked on four pitches and Vernon Wells struck out. Maicer Izturis hit into a double play (third, second, first) to end the inning.

Russell Martin singled to start the bottom of the second, and advanced to second on Earvin Santana's wild pitch, then Martin stole third on a phantom (not) hit-by-pitch Gardner was walked and Gardner was picked off leaning even though he was safe. Jeter grounded out, and Granderson struck out on a drop third strike to end the inning.

In the third, Chris Ianetta was punched, Peter Borjuos struck out swinging, and Erik Aybar bunted up third for a base hit despite being out of the batters box. Bobby Abreu flew out to left to end the inning.

In the bottom of the inning, A-Rod lifted a BOMB to centerfield to give the Yankees a 4-0 lead., his 630th career home run, tying future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey, Jr. Robbie Canó chopped one to first for an out, and Tex lifted a blooper to Erik Aybar. Nick Swisher was punched out to end the inning.

In the fourth inning, Albert Pujols lined a single through the infield. Abreu popped to third base and Mark Trumbo grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.

Raul Ibañez and Russell Martin both grounded to third and Brett Gardner grounded out to end the inning.

In the fifth, Vernon Wells popped to shortstop and Maicer Izturis worked a walk. Chris Ianette flew out to Swisher in right field before Bourjous singled. Erik Aybar grounded out to second to end the inning.

Derek Jeter flew out to right field and Curtis Granderson homered to right field to extend the Yankees' lead to 5-0. A-Rod lined a single into centerfield and Canó hit a chopper which led to A-Rod being thrown out at second. Mark Teixeira flew out to deep centerfield to end the inning.

The sixth inning began with a Bobby Abreu lined to second. Canó made a SPECTACULAR play to throw him out at first base. Albert Pujols was punched out on a somewhat inside pitch. Kendrys Morales popped out to left field to end the inning.

In the bottom of the inning, Nick Swisher flew out to left-center field, Raúl Ibañez fouled a ball into Chris Ianetta's glove for the second out. Russell Martin grounded to shortstop to end the inning.

In the seventh, Mark Trumbo grounded to third, Vernon Wells struck out, and Maicer Izturis grounded to first to end the inning.

The bottom of the seventh, former Met Jason Isringhausen came on and promptly lined to left on a sliding catch by Vernon. Jeter doubled to right field and Curtis Granderson struck out swinging and A-Rod grounded back to Izzy to end the inning.

The eighth inning began with a groundout by Ianetta and another groundout by Peter Borjous. Erick Aybar lined to center and end the inning.

David Carpenter came on to make his major league debut, and Robinson Canó led off the eighth with a ground out to Izturis. Mark Teixeira followed with a grounder to first and Swisher lined a bloop single out to right field, and Raúl Ibañez grounded to second to end the inning.

Hiroki came on to pitch the ninth and go for the complete game shutout. He allowed a hit to lead off the inning, and was quickly pulled for D-Rob.

Robertson came on and promptly got Pujols to ground into a 6-4-3 double play. With two outs, Kendrys Morales struck out to end the game.

Ballgame over, Yankees win, THEEEEEEEEE YANKEES WIN!

Today, Hiroki Kuroda is undoubtedly MY player of the game!

Yankees Game #6

Derek Jeter led off with a single and Curtis Granderson followed by launching a home run into the seats. 2-0 Yankees!

The Orioles had the bases loaded and one out before former Yankee Wilson Betimit struck out, Robert Andino singled to score two runs, and Nolan Reimold struck out to tie the game at 2 apiece.

In the top of the third, Gardner recorded an out and Derek Jeter flew out to right field, and Granderson struck out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the inning, JJ Hardy singled and Nick Markaikis grounded to second to force out Hardy. Adam Jones clubbed a long fly ball caught by Gardner in left-center field and Matt Wieters lined a base hit to left field before Mark Reynolds walked to load the bases again. Ronny Paulino hit a low liner to short to end the inning.

In the fourth, Cano lined out and A-Rod popped out. Mark Teixeira lined a base hit and Nick Swisher flew out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the fourth, Wilson Betemit struck out and Andino lined out before Reymold flew out to center to end the inning.

The fifth inning began with a walk to Raúl Ibañez and Russell Martin being hit by a pitch. Brett Gardner attempted to bunt and dumped a bloop single to left-center field. Derek Jeter chopped a ball to second and scored Martin to take a 3-2. Andino then caught a Granderson ball in the air before Robinson Canó popped up to end the inning.

In the bottom of the fifth, JJ Hardy singled and Nick Markakis flew out to centerfield before Adam Jones singled off of Sabathia's knee. Matt Wieters flew out to center to move Hardy to third. Adam Jones stole second and Mark Reynolds had a two run double and a 4-3 lead. Ronny Laulino flew out to right-center field to end the inning.

In the top of the sixth, A-Rod was punched out and Mark Teixeira struck out. Nick Swisher grounded to second to end the inning.

In the bottom of the inning Betemit struck out and Robert Andino struck out. Nolan Reimold flies out to Granderson in center to end the inning.

In the seventh inning, Raúl Ibañez flew out and Russell Martin singled, Brett Gardner popped to shortstop and former Yankee Luis Ayala came on to pitch to Derek Jeter, who drew a walk. Curtis Granderson came up with a chance to, at least, tie the game. Granderson hit an RBI single to score Russell Martin to tie the game at 4. Robinson Canó came up with a chance to win the game, but he popped up to end the inning.

In the bottom of the seventh, Boone Logan came on to pitch and promptly got Hardy to ground to first, Markakis to ground to short, and Adam Jones to fly out to right field to end the inning.

A-Rod led off the eighth with a single, and was promptly removed for Eduardo Núñez and Teixeira followed with a fly out. Nick Swisher botched a great steal by Nuny with a foul tip before eventually allowing Nuny to steal and move to third on a botched throw. Nick Swisher eventually killed the rally by striking out. Ibañez was intentionally walked and later stole second, and Russell Martin struck out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the inning, Matt Wieters grounded to second and was thrown out on a fantastic throw by Robinson Canó with a Teixeira stretch. Mark Reynolds struck out and Rafael Soriano came on to pitch to Ronny Paulino (the designated hitter tonight, not catcher), grounded to third on a great tag by Teixeira to end the inning.

Kevin Gregg came on to pitch the top of the ninth and struck out Brett Gardner. Derek Jeter then flew out to right field to bring up Curtis Granderson, but Grandy grounded out to end the inning.

The Orioles came up in the bottom of the ninth with a chance to win the game against Rafael Soriano. Betemit grounded to second, Robert Andino struck out, and Nolan Reimold was nearly hit in the face/left shoulder before working a double despite Nick Swisher's quick, strong relay. With two outs, J.J. Hardy walked on four pitches. Nick Markakis came up with a chance to win it, but was walked despite his poor performance in the series. Free-swinging Adam Jones came on and struck out Adam Jones to end the inning!

In the tenth, Robinson Canó, already 0-for-4, grounded out. Eduardo Núñez tapped a single just past J.J. Hardy, and was thrown out while leaning off the base on a bad call by the first base umpire. Mark Teixeira worked a full count, and came out with a bloop double that eluded two Orioles players. Nick Swisher worked a full count and launched a two run BOMB into center field to give the Yankees a 6-4 lead!!!! Raúl Ibañez lined to center to end the inning.

Mariano Rivera came on to pitch the ninth inning and Eric Chávez took over for Núñez taking over for A-Rod, (figure that one out). Matt Weiters struck out, Mark Reynolds grounded to third and was out on a great play by Chávez. Former Met Ronny Paulino came up with two outs in the ninth and lined to center to keep the game alive. Wilson Betemit came up and popped to Jeter to end the game.

Nick Swisher single-handedly provided for the sweep with his DRAMATIC home run in the tenth and I feel he is MY player of the game.

Mets Game #6

The Nationals scored first in the second inning when Johan Santana threw a wild pitch to send DeRosa home. Although he recovered and did not allow another run through the sixth inning, the Mets never did. In the seventh, the Nationals loaded the bases and DeRosa walked to score a run, followed by a Chad Tracy groundout to score Xavier Nady in the eighth. 3-0 Nationals.

The Mets were shut down during the game, their offense look anemic. Miguel Batista loaded the bases in the ninth inning and gave way to Tim Byrdak, who induced a pop up for the first out, struck out Nady and walked Jesus Flores to give the Nats a 4-0 lead. Hairston caught a fly ball to end the inning and the Mets anemic offense came up for their last gasp in the bottom of the inning. Josh Thole grounded out, Kirk Nieuwenheis struck out, and Ronny Cedeno struck out to end the game.

Yankees Game #5

The Yankees began the game on a high note when Derek Jeter homered to lead off. 1-0. However, JJ Hardy countered with a homer to tie the game. Markaikis doubled and scored on a wild pitch by Failing Fred. 2-1 O's.

Jeter rounds third after his leadoff solo home run.

After the erratic first inning, the game remained at 2-1 until the fourth when former Yankee Nick Johnson hit a ground out to score Adam Jones. 3-1 Baltimore.

The Yanks went down scoreless but the O's scored in the fifth when Failing Fred's wild pitch allowed Robert Andino to score. 4-1 O's.

In the sixth, Andruw Jones hit a sacrifice fly to score Canó before Garnderson singled and Russell Martin hit a ground ball, but was safe on an error by Mark Reynolds, which allowed Mark Teixeira to score. Curtis Granderson was at second when Brett Gardner singled to score Grandy and tie the game at 4 apiece.

Tha Yankees went scoreless in the seventh, and David Phelps came on to strike out the side in the bottom of the inning.

Former Yankee Luis Ayala came on to pitch the eighth and promptly got Curtis Granderson to ground out, and Raul Ibanez recorded a base hit pinch hitting for Andruw Jones. Russell Martin worked a full count before eventually striking out, but Ibanez, (who is quickly becoming one of my favorite players), stole second base on the play. Brett Gardner then struck out to end the inning and kill the rally.

David Robertson came on to pitch the eighth and struck out the first batter he faced. He worked a full count on Adam Jones before walking him, and he then stole second. Matt Weiters popped up to second and that ended the inning.

Derek Jeter led off the top of the ninth with a base hit through the middle of the Orioles infield, and Nick Swisher followed by striking out. Cano grounded out and A-Rod popped up to end the inning.

Boone Logan came on to pitch the ninth inning, and Nolan Reimold came on to hit for Nick Johnson. Reimold singled to start the inning and Cory Wade replaced Logan. Mark Reynolds popped up to second, and Chris Davis singled to bring up Robert Andino, who hit a ground ball back to Wade, who wisely went for the runner at second.

With the winning run 90 feet away and two outs, Cory Wade walked Endy Chavez on four pitches and took their chances with J.J. Hardy instead. Bases loaded, game tied at four, in the bottom of the ninth, and then...

Cory Wade induced a pop up to short to end the inning.

In the tenth inning, Mark Teixeira recorded an out, and Curtis Granderson struck out on a half-swing. Raul Ibanez came up and worked a full count before grounding out to first base to end the inning.

Cory Wade pitched the bottom of the tenth and got Markakis out, then hit Adam Jones to put the winning run on base. Wade then struck out the next two batters to end the inning.

Pedro Strop came on to pitch the eleventh inning and walked Russell Martin, who was replaced by pinch runner Eduardo Nunez. Brett Gardner laid down a sacrifice drag bunt to move Nuny to second. However, Derek Jeter an Nick Swisher killed the rally by both recording outs.

Chris Stewart came on to catch for Martin and Cory Wade remained in the game in the bottom of the eleventh. Reynolds tapped a grounder and Martin threw him out at first. Girardi then handed the ball to lefty Clay Rapada.

Chris Davis grounded to short and Robert Andino struck out to end the inning.

In the twelfth inning, Robinson Cano led off with a double. A-Rod then grounded to second, moving Cano to third base with one out. Mark Reynolds misplayed a Teixeira pop up, but Mark hit a chopper and was thrown out a second. Down to their last out, the Orioles walked Granderson to bring up Raul Ibanez with the winning run at third base. Ibanez responded to that challenge by worked an RBI ground rule double to take a 5-4 lead!

Mariano Rivera came on to pitch the bottom of the twelfth inning and struck out Endy Chavez, enduced a pop up to J.J. Hardy, and then struck out Nick Markakis to end the game.

Ballgame over, Yankees win, THEEEEEEEEEEEE Yankees win!!!!!

Beat The Mets

The New York Mets began the game by surrendering a homer to Ian Desmond. 1-0 Nats.

The next innings were scoreless before a Jayson Werth RBI single to score Ryan Zimmerman in the sixth. 2-0 Nats.

Then they fell apart, Bernadina hit a grounder misplayed by Daniel Murphy which allowed Werth to score. They scored three runs to take a 5-1 lead.

The Mets threatened in the seventh with two men on and one out, knocking starter Ross Detweiler out of the game, but Josh Thole grounded out. With runners on first and third, Ike Davis came on to pinch hit and struck out.
hit by
Miguel Batista came on in the eigth and recorded one out before loading the bases. The Nats scored again off of Batista. 6-1 Nationals before Adam LaRoche flied out to center field to end the inning.

Tyler Clippard came on to pitch the eighth for the Nationals. Ruben Tejada walked and Ronny Cedeno hit an RBI double, 6-2 Mets with NO OUTS in the bottom of the eighth! Daniel Murphy popped out and Jason Bay struck out, thus putting the Mets in a possible rally-killing situation. Lucas Duda came up and hit a check-swing grounder back to Clippard to end the inning.

Jayson Werth led off the ninth with a base hit, his fourth of the night, and Daniel Murphy botched another double play on a ball hit by Xavier Nady. Bernadina struck out and Wilson Ramos grounded out to shortstop to end the ninth.

The New York Mets came up in the bottom of the ninth against former Phillies nemesis Brad Lidge. Justin Turner led off with a strikeout and Captain Kirk (whose last name I cannot spell and so he will be known from hereon out as Captain Kirk), lined out after hitting Lidge with the pitch. Down to their last out, Josh Thole singled to center to bring up Mike Baxter as a pinch hitter. Working a full count, he grounded out to end the game and give the Mets their first loss of the season.

The Mets looked tired and worn out the entire game and would benefit from an off day and/or David Wright's return. Preferably both.

Mets Game 4

Pelfrey began the year by allowing hits to Desmond, Espinosa, and Zimmerman before Adam LaRoche singled to score Espinosa. 1-0 Nats.

Neither team scored in the second but in the third, Ryan Zimmerman hit an RBI double to score Desmond and the game was 2-0.

Mike Pelfrey doubled to start the third and later was driven home by David Wright. 2-1 Nats.

Then, in the fourth, "Captain" Kirk Nieuwenheis hit a two-run homer to tie the game at 3.

The bottom of the fourth and fifth were scoreless, as was the sixth.

In the seventh inning, new pitcher Miguel Batista Retired Espinosa before being pulled for Ramirez, who got Werth to hit into a double play.

The bottom of the inning was started by Justin Turner's pinch hit fly out before Tejada doubled. Murphy grounded out and moved Tejada to third. Wright was walked before Davis grounded out.

The eigth began when DeRosa singled, Bernandina singled, and Flores grounded out to second for a double play.

The bottom of the inning began when Jason Bay recorded an out, and Duda flew out. Josh Thole hit a ground rule double. Scott Hairston pinch hit for Kirk and struck out.

In the top of the ninth, Jon Rauch walked Lombardozi before Tejada caught a snowcone from Desmond to tag Lombardozi out. Espinosa struck out and Daniel Murphy robbed Ryan Zimmerman of a hit with a diving catch.

The Mets came up with a chance to win the game in the bottom of the ninth!

Mike Baxter pinch hit for Rauch to lead off the ninth and promptly walked. Tejada bunted up third, but Zimmerman botched the throw and Baxter went to third base. Daniel Murphy drove home Baxter with a single and the New York Mets are 4-0!

Justin Turner vaulted over the fence and pied Daniel Murphy, (and Kevin Burkhardt)!

Folks,

Our baseball teams are back...

...in the New York Groove!

Yankees Game 4

In the first inning, the Yankees scored early when Jeter singled, followed shortly by an A-Rod single and Teixeria RBI single. 1-0 Bombers!

In the second, the Orioles tied the game with a Matt Weiters solo homer before Russell Martin hit an RBI single, then moved Andruw Jones to third on an error by Reimold in the bottom of the inning. Jones scored on a sac fly by Eduardo Núñez, Martin moved to third on the play. Derek Jeter's double scored Martin. 4-1 Yankees.

The fifth was scoreless and in the top of the sixth, Andruw Jones homered to left field and the game was 5-1. The bottom of the inning was scoreless.

In the seventh, the first two hitters were retired before Granderson hit a double, who scored on a single by Brett Gardner. 6-1 Yankees! In the bottom of the inning Nick Swisher misplayed a ball hit by Robert Andino which allowed him to go to second. He scored on an error by Brett Gardner. Nova retired the next two hitters.

In the eighth, Núñez was hit by a pitch and Jeter got a base hit. Swisher grounded to the mound to force Nuny out. The Yankees had the bases loaded before ARod hit into a double play.

D-Rob began the eighth inning by striking out Nick Markaikis, and Adam Jones before Weiters and Reynolds singled. Robertson worked a 3-2 count on Betemit grounded out. A great performance by the birthday boy, David Robertson, who turns 27 today!

The Yankees went 1-2-3 in the ninth.

Future Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera came on and got Chris Davis to pop up to third, Robert Andino doubled, Reimold struck out, and JJ Hardy flew out to give the Yankees their first victory.

Meanwhile, Down in Tampa...

The Rays began their game with a Matt Joyce RBI triple to pull ahead 1-0. The Yankees offense did not score at all, and the Rays took a 2-0 lead when (who else?) Carlos Peña took Phil Hughes deep to take a 2-0 lead.

Hughes kept it close, but the Yankees overrated offense struggled and so Keppinger (the lefty) took (who else?), Boobe Logan deep to take a 3-0 lead.

Hellickson finished the game in the ninth by getting A-Rod to fly out, Teixeira to ground out and Swisher walked before Raul Ibanez recorded an out to give the Yankees a record of 0-3 in their first series.

Meet the Mets!

The Mets entered the game with a chance to sweep the Atlanta Braves.

The Mets jumped out early with sacrifice flies by Jason Bay and David Wright to pull ahead 2-0, then took a larger lead when Jon Niese, in the midst of a no-hitter, singled followed by a double from Jason Bay in the fifth which made the score 4-0.

In the sixth, Scott Hairston hit an RBI double followed by a two-run double from Rubén Tejada.

But the Braves returned the favor with a four run inning thanks to hits from Jason Heyward, Matt Diaz, Dan Uggla and Freddie Freeman to pull within three runs.

The Mets offense was held scoreless in their half of the eighth with a Brian McCann home run, but that was as far as they went as the Braves could not avoid the sweep and fell to the Mets once again, by a score of 7-5.

Not in the New York Groove

The Yankees are 0-2.

Yes, after Luke Scott singled which brought in Desmond Jennings and Matt Zoyce who reached on singles, the Yankees were down 2-0 in the first. Things got worse when Carlos Pena singled and brought home Jason Lobaton after the Yankees were set down in the first, and Matt Joyce homered to right field in the third after both sides were held scoreless in the second. In the fourth inning Curtis Granderson singled and scored on an Andruw Jones single to make it 4-1 Rays, followed by an Eduardo Nunez single that scored Jones.

Both teams were held scoreless in the fifth and Luke Scott doubled home Ben Zobrist in the 6th, followed closely by a Desmond Jennings RBI single.

The Yankees were held scoreless in the 7th before Evan Longoria hit what appeared to be a home run, but was ruled a fan interference after replay. Longoria was credited with an RBI double as Carlos Pena scored to make it 8-2 Rays and absolutely bury any hopes of the Yankees winning. Clay Rapada walked the lefties who faced him before being pulled for Cory Wade, who retired the Rays without allowing another run.

He's back, ladies and gentlemen...

In the eighth inning, Nick Swisher worked a leadoff, four pitch walk and Robinson Cano hit a long double to put runners on second and third with no outs. However, A-Rod popped out, and Teixeria grounded into "the shift", and the inning ended.

Cory Wade got Reid Brignac to line out to Swisher in right-center field and then followed up by striking out Dave Jennings swinging, and then struck out Carlos Pena to end the eighth inning.

The Yankees "last gasp" came in the top of the ninth when Curtis Granderson drilled a LONG triple to right-center field, and Raul Ibanez worked a full count before lining out when pinch-hitting for Andruw Jones. On the play, Granderson scored and made the score 8-3 in a meaningless effort. Russell Martin walked and Eric Chavez lined a single while pinch-hitting for Nunez.
Peralta came on to pitch and promptly struck out Derek Jeter before Nick Swisher launched a 3-run bomb into the right field seats with two outs! 8-6 Rays. Robinson Cano worked a walk to bring up A-Rod as the tying run. Fernando Rodney came on and retired A-Rod and the Yankees fell to 0-2, falling to the Rays 8-6.

Mets Game #2

In the first inning was highlighted by a David Wright home run, the Mets first of the season. 1-0.

After the two sides were held scoreless in the next two innings, Lucas Duda blasted a home run. 2-0 in the fourth. Jurrjens loaded the bases in the fourth inning with 2 outs after hits by R.A. Dickey and Nuewinheis (forgive my spelling) and a walk to Tejada, but Daniel Murphy lined out to end the inning.

Pastronicki grounded out to begin the fifth before Jurrjens grounded out and Bourn walked. Then, Martín Prado launched a game-tying home run. McCann grounded out to end the inning. 2-2.

In the bottom of the inning David Wright hit a comebacker to Jurrjens and Ike Davis walked after an 8-pitch at-bat and Jason Bay followed with a single to knock Jurrjens out of the game. Lívan Hernández came in in relief and promptly got Lucas Duda to pop out before allowing Josh Thole a single to score Ike Davis. 3-2 Mets. Kirk grounded to short and Jason Bay was out on a force play at second base to end the inning.

Dan Uggla singled to start the sixth, but Freddie Freeman hit into a 4-6-3 double play. Jason Heyward then tripled on a failure of a defensive play by Jason Bay. However, Juan Francisco lined out to Ike Davis at first base to end the inning.

Mike Baxter pinch hit for Dickey to lead off the sixth inning but grounded out, and Tejada lined out to Hernández. Daniel Murphy hit a deep single to right field with two outs, and David Wright lined a single to right for the Mets' tenth hit of the game before Hernandez threw a wild pitch to advance Wright and Murphy. Ike Davis worked another full count but struck out to end the top of the sixth inning.

Bobby Parnell came in to relieve Dickey and promptly got Pastornicky to ground out to third, albeit with some help from Ike Davis. José Constanza grounded to third and Michael Bourne struck out on what I feel was a half-check swing to end the inning.

In the bottom of the seventh Chad Dirbin came in and Jason Bay struck out before Lucas Duda launched his second home run of the game, (the first of his career). Thole grounded out and Kirk lined a single to right field. Justin Turner came in to pinch hit for Parnell and lined a single to third combined with a terrible throw by Juan Francisco. Rubén Tejada popped up to shortstop to end the inning.

In the top of the eighth inning, Jon Rauch struck out Martín Prado before Brian McCann and Dan Uggla both flew out to Jason Bay in left field to end the inning.

Christian Martínez came on to pitch the bottom of the eigth and got Daniel Murphy to ground to shortstop. David Wright followed by lining out to Juan Francisco at third base and Ike Davis popped out to third to end the inning.

Frank Francisco came on to pitch the ninth inning and Ronny Cedeño replaced Daniel Murphy at second. Freddie Freeman singled to start the inning and Jason Heyward struck out. Juan Francisco popped up to third and David Wright made a fabulous, almost Ike Davis-like grab near the stands. Eric Hinske singled to put the tying run on base, and Jack Wilson ran for him. Matt Diaz came up to pinch hit and worked a 1-2 count before striking out to end the game.

HOW ABOUT THAT! 3 home runs, great pitching, (including Dickey's first win), and a 2-0 record in 2012!

Yankees OPENING DAY!

The Yankees opened the 2012 season earlier today with a disappointing start.

It all started in the first inning when CC Sabathia gave up a grand slam to Carlos Pena after allowing Desmond Jennings, Evan Longoria and Sean Rodriguez to get on base. 4-0 Rays...

But the Yankees soon bounced back in the top of the second when A-Rod doubled and Teixeria was hit by James Shields. Nick Swisher grounded to third base, scoring A-Rod and advancing Tex. With Teixeria now on third base, Shields walked Russell Martin. Shields then threw a wild pitch past Jose Molina and Teixeira scored.

CC Sabathia worked a scoreless bottom of the second and Cano led off the top of the third with a single. A-Rod singled and Cano moved to third. With runners at the corners, Teixeira popped up to short.

Nick Swisher hit into what would have been a fielder's choice but it was botched. This allowed Cano to score, A-Rod to move to second, and Swisher to be safe at first.

Then, Raul Ibanez launched a three-run BOMB into the right field seats and the game was 4-1 Yankees.

Welcome to New York!

In the bottom of the third, Ben Zobrist struck out before Evan Longoria launched a home run down the line. Keppinger singled, Sean Rodriguez singled and runners were at first and second. Carlos Pena struck out, and Elliot Johnson grounded out to end the inning.

The fourth inning was marked by a groundout from Granderson, a single for Cano, walk to A-Rod, strikeout of Tex, and single by Swisher before Ibanez grounded out to end the inning.

The bottom of the inning was marked by a walk of Jose Molina, Matt Joyce strikeout, Jennings flyout, and Ben Zobrist strikeout.

The Yankees went 1-2-3 in the 5th and Longoria singled to lead off the inning. Keppinger singled and Longoria moved to third. Sean Rodriguez sacrified and Keppinger moved to third, but Elliot Johnson lined out to third when A-Rod made a beautiful grab.

The Yankees again went 1-2-3 in the sixth and the Rays made two pitching changes before Molina flied out, and Joyce struck out. Jennings singled but was thrown out trying to stretch the single into a double.

Teixeira walked in the seventh, Swisher lined out, Ibanez flied out, and Martin hit a liner to third. However, Longoria threw the ball away past first and Tex moved to second. The Rays then walked Gardner to load the bases, but Jeter grounded out to end the inning.

Rafael Soriano struck out Ben Zobrist before walking Evan Longoria. Luke Scott then came in to pinch hit for Keppinger. and after a lengthy at-bat grounded into a double play when Teixeria threw the ball to Jeter and nabbed Longoria.

In the 8th inning, Granderson struck out to end the game 0-5, and Cano popped out as Ben Zobrist and Desmond Jennings nearly collided catching the ball. Joel Peralta came in to relieve McGee and worked a full count on A-Rod before finally walking him. Mark Teixeria nearly launched a home run, but the ball went foul and he ended up walking. With runners on first and second Nick Swisher worked a full count before striking out to end the inning.

David Robertson came in to pitch the bottom of the 8th inning and promptly walked Sean Rodriguez. Carlos Pena singled and moved Rodriguez to third with no outs. Robertson walked Vogt to put runners on the corners for Jose Molina, who worked a 1-2 count before bunting out in a curious move. With two outs, Matt Joyce worked a 1-2 count before Harry Houdini got a punch out to end the inning.

Vogt stayed in to play left field, Zobrist went to second and Fernando Rodney came in to pitch. Raul Ibanez grounded to second and Russell Martin hit a ball off of Rodney that Ben Zobrist scooped up for an out. Brett Gardner faked a bunt and the count began at 1-0, but ended up striking out on a breaking ball.

Future Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera came in to pitch what could be his final Opening Day. He allowed a base hit to Desmond Jennings leading off and Ben Zobrist scored the tying run. The Yankees intentionally walked Evan Longoria (finally) and then did the same to Luke Scott. Nick Swisher was pulled out of right field and Girardi added Nunez as a fifth infielder.

The Rays would win on a walk off by Carlos Pena.