Braves season recap

Braves Season Recap
Henry Laseter
        The Braves draft plan was to get very strong hitting in early rounds and find some little-known but solid pitchers. The draft went more or less according to plan, with Atlanta signing bit bats such as Troy Tulowitzki, Jayson Werth, and Ryan Braun.  They also drafted their opening day starter Tanner Roark In the eighth round.  The majority of the contracts they extended made up the Braves' bullpen, which was a strong point throughout the year.
       Through the first half of the season, the Braves were painfully consistent, seeming unable to go on a win streak, yet not getting swept in any series. The season opened against the Dodgers. Despite their daunting lineup, few runs were scored by Braves, and the Dodgers won.  The Braves made a late-inning comeback to win the second game, and they found themselves somewhere that would become very familiar for them: the .500 mark.
      In their second series of the season, two important factors became evident. The first was that Joey Terdoslavich should become the Braves' closer. Terdoslavich was the Braves' most pleasant surprise of the year, pitching consistent shut-down ballyhooing hour the season.  The second factor was the one that derailed the Braves' season: Freedie Freeman. Sporting a WAR of -4.5 in a 19-game season, Freddie Freeman became the least valuable player in MLB history. In a game against the Pirates, Freeman stepped up to the plate with the Braves down two and runners on first and second, nobody out. Freeman hit a liner to shortstop, who stepped on second and fired to first for a triple play. Freeman would get a chance for redemption in the ninth, coming to the plate with runners on second and third as the tying run, a situation where it seemed he couldn't cause any outs other than his own. However, he hit a liner to second this time, and the second baseman flipped to the shortstop at second for a double play.  David Wright, the next batter, hit a homer, which would be tied the game had Freeman struct out.
       The Braves neither won or lost a series through their first ten games. Due to American League dominance in interleague play, this set up the Braves for a playoff spot. However, they were swept by the Reds in one of their low points of the season. Freddie Freeman hit a soft grounder to second, setting up base runner David Wright to get injured by the shortstop sliding into second, the second time David Wright was injured with Freeman batting. The Braves found themselves in fourth in the NL, two games out of a playoff spot. They would split a series with the Dodgers before starting their only win streak of the season.
       The Braves began their late season tare against the Red Sox. At this point, it finally seemed that the Braves high-powered offense was finally clicking. The a braves hit back-to back homers in the ninth of game 1, winning 6-3, and they won in a blowout in game two, 9-2. Even Freeman contributed to the offense, hitting two homers in the final game of the series. Finding themselves in position to make the playoffs, the Braves traveled to Saint Louis and swept the Cardinals, this using their pitching to win games by scores of 3-2 and 1-0. After clinching a spot, the Braves lost their final regular season game to the Nationals.
       The Braves gave up 6 first-inning runs in their playoff game against the Reds, and it was an upward battle from there. They battled back to 6-5 from a three-run homer by Jayson Werth and a two-run double by Khris Davis. However, in. Position to tie the game or take the lead, Freddie Freeman came to the plate in the seventh with tp runners on second and third and two down. He hit a hanging curveball that didn't move at all, but he hit it softly to second, making the third out of the inning.
        I think our strategy for picking the team worked well. Our plan was to pick some of the league's best hitters in the draft, hopefully finding all the pitching we need from our own team. It went as planned, I thought, as we ended up with an incredibly strong bullpen, a strong lineup, and a decent rotation. However, our lineup was never quite good enough to be dominant, and it resulted in a lot of split series. In the future, when I see someone who hinders a team as much as Freddie Freeman did, I wouldn't hesitate to bench them.

Rangers v As 2

Rangers score first with an RBI from Coco Crisp in the first inning and this is all they would score. The Indians scored first with a bases loaded walk by Travis Wood. They scored again with an RBI single from Callaspo in the second and then again with an RBI double from Denorfia. They scored again with a solo homer in the sixth from Donaldson to take the lead 4 to 1. They later added two RBI homers from Pence and Posey to take this game 6 to 1.

Rangers v Indians

Game 1 - Rangers struck first in this game with a solo homer from Stanton in the bottom of the second. They would score one more time with another solo homer from Gentry. The Indians would score once in the top of the ninth with a solo homer from Jason Kipnis. This would not be enough against David Price who threw a complete game 4 hitter. Game 2 - The Rangers scored twice in the second with a solo homer from Chris Davis that went a measured 673 feet. They would score again on an RBI double from Craig Gentry. They would add another solo shot later from Coco Crisp in the third inning. It would be all Indians after that. They tied the game back up on one swing of the bat from Robinson Cano who hit a bases loaded three RBI double. They would then hit four straight RBI doubles in the5th inning to take the lead 7 to 3. They would add on one more with an RBI single from Brantley. The Rangers would attempt a comeback with an RBI single from Stanton and another solo homer from Davis but it would not be enough as the Indians took this one 8 to 5.

Rangers v Reds

Game 1 - Rangers strike first with a solo home run from Daniel Murphy in the top of the third. This would be all Rangers pitcher would need while he threw 8 innings of shutout baseball and also added a solo homer of his own as the Rangers take this low scoring affair 2 to 0. Game 2 - Reds score first in this game with a sac fly from Matt Carpenter in the bottom of the first. Rangers would go on to toe the game in the 4th with an RBI single from Salvador Perez. The Rangers would take the lead later with a sac fly from Evan Longoria. Joe Nathan would get the save with the rangers winning this game 2 to 1.

Day 10 Pirates Recap

Game 1: Pirates vs. Braves

4-0, Braves

L – Shields (1-2)
Pirates: (9-10)

In a winner-take-all final regular season game, the Pirates’ offense simply could not rise above their weak ability that they had shown all season. The team was not built to score enough runs to win in the playoffs. The 4-0 loss was not as close as the scoreboard read and the front office knows what it must change in the offseason. Though disappointing, the Pirates seemingly overachieved with the roster that they were given. On reflecting on the game and season, Andrew McCutchen said: “Our offense was embarrassing, my performance was embarrassing, and this team sucked.”

Pirates Day 9 Recap

Game 1: Pirates vs. Nationals

7-0, Pirates

W – Moore (3-2)

HR – McCutchen (1), Rosario (6), Sandoval x2 (2)

Pirates: (9-8)

Game 2: Pirates vs. Nationals

1-0, Nationals

L – Sale (2-2)

Pirates: (9-9)

In game one, Matt Moore continued to exhibit his unhittable pitching in rout to a huge victory for the Pirates’ playoff chances. McCutchen got the scoring started in the first inning with his first homerun of the season - a two run shot to left center field. But the real story on the day was Matt Moore and his second straight complete game shutout. He now has 18 consecutive scoreless innings and has given up just one run in his last 24 innings pitched. After a poor start to the season, Moore has corrected his struggles in a major way. This start is potentially his last of the season if the Pirates cannot reach the playoffs.

Game two was a frustrating game for Pirates fans. Just needing a win to clinch a playoff berth, the Pirates could not seem to come up with a single run to match the Nationals’ early score. The Pirates wasted 14 strikeouts and seven magnificent innings from Chris Sale who, undeservedly, got the loss. The 1-0 loss puts the Pirates in a win-or-go-home situation in the final game of the season against the Reds. The aptly nicknamed “Big Game” James Shields will take the hill, but will be on a short leash in an all-hands-on-deck strategy. It all comes down to one game for the season.

Rangers As

Game 1 - Rangers take an early 1 to nothing lead on a solo home run by Giancarlo Stanton. The As would later tie it up on an RBI single by Brandon Moss and than take the lead in the sixth on a double by Jed Lowrie. Then in the bottom of the sixth the Rangers would take a 3 to 2 lead on A tow run homer by Stanton, his second of the night. This would go on to be the final score. Game 2 - The As would score first in this game with a three run third inning behind RBI hits by Donaldson, Pence, and Posey. Deloris would later also have an RBI hit to give the As a 4 to 0 lead which would be more than enough for Bartolo Colon who threw a complete game shutout with 9 strikeouts.

Rangers Tigers

Game 1 - The Tigers strike early on two RBI hits in the first inning by Infante and Carter. Tigers score again in the second on an RBI single by Ianetta to knock in the speedy Michael Bourn and take a 3 to 0 lead. Rangers score 1 in the third on a solo shot by Daniel Murphy. Tigers than score three more on a three run bomb by Chris Carter. Rangers get those three back on a home run by Nelson Cruz but it was not enough as the Tigers took game 1 7 to 4. Game 2 - Tigers score first on an RBI double by Victor Martinez in the second inning. Rangers tie it up in the fourth on an RBI hit by Jed Gyorko who came in for an injured Elvis Andrus. Tigers score again in the seventh on a bases loaded walk by Neal Cotts to give them a 2 to 1 lead. With two outs in the top of the ninth, Nelson Cruz comes through with a solo shot to left field that tied the game back up at two. The game would go to extra innings when Longoria would hit a two run bomb in the top of the 11th which would be enough to give the Rangers a 4 to 3 win.

Rangers Dodgers

Game 1 - The Rangers struck first in the 4th inning after an error by SS Ramirez to take a 2 to 0 lead. Hey then scored two more runs on an RBI double by Salvador Perez. The Rangers then scored two more runs on a homerun by Craig Gentry. The Dodgers scored one run ona solo shot by Hanley Ramirez. Rangers defeat Kershaw and thenDodgers 6 to 1 behind the arm of David Price. Game 2 - Rangers strike first on a 2 run home run by Coco Crisp in the 3rd. Rangers score again on an RBI double by Craig Gentry. This was more than enough for pitcher Andrew Cashner who threw shout out baseball for five innings before turning it over to the bullpen. The Dodgers scored one run on an RBI double by Ellis in the ninth but the Rangers hold on to win 3 to 1.

Pirates Day 8

Game 1: Pirates vs. Dodgers

3-2, Dodgers

L – Parnell (2-2)

Pirates: (8-7)

Game 2: Pirates vs. Dodgers

14-1, Dodgers

L – Liriano (2-2)

Pirates: (8-8)

In game one, a clutch Hanley Ramirez RBI single was the difference in this heartbreaker for the Pirates. James Shields pitched well enough to win but the offense waited too long, yet again, to get the bats going. Howie Kendrick performed well, as he always does, with two hits, but the lineup behind him continues to strikeout too much. Pedro Alvarez is in serious danger of losing his lineup spot to Garrett Jones, as he continues to strikeout in over 40% of his at bats. Pirate Nation has no need to worry yet, but they better turn this skid around soon.

Okay, Pirate Nation, you can worry. The Pirates lost 14-1 (I repeat, 14-1!) and provided a dismal effort in a crucial game. With first place in the National League hanging in the balance, the Pirates gave a dud. Francisco Liriano was horrible, and could not get out of the second inning (an inning in which the Dodgers scored 10 runs). There is nothing much to say on the positive side, except that the lowly Nationals are on the horizon as the Pirates look to straighten out these horrific woes.

Day 7 - Pirates

Game 1: Reds vs. Pirates

4-0, Pirates

HR – Rosario x2 (5)

W – Moore (2-2)

Pirates: (8-5)

Game 2: Reds vs. Pirates

7-1, Reds

L – Sale (2-1)

Pirates: (8-6)

In game one, Matt Moore showed the ace potential that was expected from him upon arriving with the Pirates. His complete game, which was the first of the year by any Pirate, included 10 strikeouts and just three walks. He truly dominated, exhibiting all three of his nasty pitches – the fastball, curveball, and change up. Willin Rosario continued his hot streak with his fourth and fifth homers of the season. The pitching staff has truly stepped up as the season has proceeded. The win regained their spot in first place in the National League.

In game two, the Pirates failed to show up. The bats were silenced and Chris Sale simply was not himself. Carlos Gonzalez’s three hits propelled the Reds to a much-needed victory for them. A split with the Reds is a disappointment for the Pirates, but not disastrous, as they move on for a showdown for the National League with the Dodgers. The tight National League may just hinge with this series as James Shields, followed by Francisco Liriano, look to capture the series tomorrow.

Pirates' Day 6 Recap

Game 1: Nationals vs. Pirates

Nationals 2 – 0

L – Liriano (2-1)

Pirates: (7-5)

The three-day layoff cooled down the Pirates, ending their six game win streak by a score of 2-0. Stephen Strasburg cooled down the Pirates’ offense severely and they simply could not convert with runners on base. With runners on first and second base in the seventh inning Dominic Brown ripped a single to center field. Nationals center fielder Denard Span made a game-saving throw to the plate to gun down Pedro Alvarez and preserve the lead. The Pirates were also doubled off of third base twice in the game. The Pirates dropped into a tie for first place in the National League with the Dodgers.

Pirates Day 5

Game 1: Cardinals vs. Pirates

5-1 Pirates

W – Moore (1-2)

HR – Kendrick x2 (5), Byrd (2)

Pirates: (5-4)

Game 2: Cardinals vs. Pirates

5-2 Pirates

W – Sale (2-0)

HR – Rosario x2 (3), Alvarez (3)

Save – Melancon (4)

Pirates: (6-4)

Game 3: Nationals vs. Pirates

2-1 Pirates

W – Melancon (1-0)

BS – Melancon (1)

Pirates: (7-4)

Can anyone stop Howie Kendrick? At this point, opposing pitchers should strongly consider intentionally walking him because in game one Kendrick hit two bombs to give him five on the season. Matt Moore was fantastic in a strong recovery from his poor first two starts. He went six solid innings and got help from the bullpen that has become as good as any collection in baseball. With this 5-1 pirates victory they are now 5-4 and have won four consecutive games.

Finally, in game two of the series, Willin Rosario showed glimpses of why he was the Pirates’ second round selection and had high expectations. His four hits, including two home runs, catapulted the Pirates to a fifth straight victory by a score of 5-2. Chris Sale continued an impressively consistent streak by the Pirates’ pitching staff with seven innings and just two runs. Not even phenom Michael Wacha could slow down this potent offense that, after a slow start to the season, has really begun to dominate the competition the way the managers had expected.

The Pirates’ 2-1 victory, thanks to a walkoff double by Pablo Sandoval, has sparked conversation about a potential “team of destiny.” Now with six wins in a row and sitting atop the National League, fans have really caught “Pirate Fever.” Howie Kendrick, the current team MVP, spoke to reporters after the game, saying: “We really owe it all to the front office. They have drafted well, spent money wisely, and are the main reason we are in this position. We’re just taking everything one game at a time.” The pirates attempt to make it seven in a row, as they will finish the series against the Nationals on Tuesday with Liriano on the hill.

Tigers vs Indians

Tigers vs Indians 

The tigers vs Indians was a close game with Sanchez striking out 7 batters and scherzer striking out 17 batters. The tigers won the game in the 10th inning thanks to a 2 run bomb by Cabrera with 2 on base. Up to the 10th inning the score had been 0-0. I would say the tigers won using karma in response to the Indians taking the tigers pitcher Matt scherzer in the preseason in a deal gone horribly wrong. The tigers are still on the road to recovery 

3-0

Winning pitcher Sanchez

Losing pitcher scherzer

Rangers vs Rays

Game 1

Rangers 5
Rays 0

WP: Wood (1-1)
LP: Cobb

The Rangers continued their hot streak on the back of Travis Wood, who pitched a complete game shutout. The Rays hitters had issues timing his change-of-speed pitches all day, and consequently produced a horrific offensive output. A clutch 2 out 2 RBI double from Rangers catcher Salvador Perez in the 1st put the Rangers ahead, and that was all they needed to pull out the victory in the first game of the series. The Rangers are now sizzling hot on a 3 game winning streak and are looking to capture their second straight sweep.

Game 2

Rangers 4
Rays 14


WP: Yu Darvish
LP: Ogando (0-2)

The Rangers fell behind early in this game and never really threatened the Rays for the rest of the game, snapping their 3 game winning streak. Ogando cruised through the first few innings, but then James Loney, the player of the game, managed to rip 4 doubles, driving in and scoring multiple runs, which proved to be the difference in the game. Going into the 9th inning, the Rays were up 6-0 and preparing to take their at bats against Ranger's veteran closer Joe Nathan. Ray's superstar catcher, Joe Mauer, had faced Nathan many times, but noticed a slight difference in his delivery that tipped his pitches. Mauer informed the rest of the team about Nathan's mechanical blunder and the Rays proceeded to score 8 runs in the 9th, skyrocketing Nathan's ERA.

Cardinals vs Rangers

Game 1

Rangers 2
Cardinals 0

WP: Price (1-1)
LP: Wainwright

After a 0-4 slide to start the season, the Rangers captured their first win of the season in inter-league play against the Cardinals. David Price brought his best stuff today, and threw a complete game shutout. A two out, 2 RBI single by Elvis Andrus in the 2nd proved to be the difference in the pitcher's duel. This victory puts the Rangers back on track in their hopes of capturing a playoff spot.

Game 2

Rangers 5
Cardinals 2

WP: Cashner (1-1)
LP: Wacha
SV: Nathan (1)

The Rangers jumped out to a quick lead early in the game and never looked back for their 2nd win of the season. Dingers from Nelson Cruz (solo) and Daniel Murphy (2 run) proved to be the difference in the game, as the Rangers went to their shutdown bullpen after the 5th inning to close out the game. Joe Nathan shut the door by completing a 6 out save, and the Rangers, after losing 4 straight to begin the season, swept the Cardinals. Production from the 9th hitter, Murphy, proved huge in this game, and he will perhaps move up in the order.

Pirates Day 4 - Series vs. Oakland A's

Game 1:

3-2 Pirates

W – Parnell (1-0)

HR – Kendrick (3)

Pirates: (3-4)

Game 2:

3-1 Pirates

W – Liriano (2-0)

Save – Melancon (3)

Pirates (4-4)

The first game of the Pirates’ series against the A’s had opposing managers throwing chairs, Bobby Knight style. James Shields recovered from his first start with the team, by allowing just two runs over eight innings pitched. He allowed both of his runs in the first inning. As the quickly paced game approached the ninth inning, the A’s put out their closer to face the bottom of the Pirates’ order. With one man on and two out, the Pirates made a questionable decision by pinch-hitting for Zach Cozart with Garrett Jones. The Pirates had no other shortstops on the team at the time due to Erick Aybar’s injury. Jones knocked a single to center and put runners on first and second bases for the struggling Starling Marte. Marte responded to the move to the bottom of the lineup by hooking a walkoff two-RBI triple that gave the Pirates the win. After the game Marte spoke out to reporters about the opponent, saying: “I just wanted to stick it to the A’s managers. We didn’t appreciate the smack that they talked all game. This was a big win. Watch out league, the Pirates are for real!”

The second game of the day had far less drama as the Pirates took the victory 3-1. Francisco Liriano became the first Pirate to two wins on the season with seven quality innings. Howie Kendrick has now reached safely in all eight games this season. Marlon Byrd was once again the hero as he had the game winning double in the seventh inning. Mark Melancon shut down the opponent for his classic two-inning save. The win moved the Pirates into a tie for second place in the NL with a rematch with the Cardinals on the horizon. The sweep had the A’s managers irate, just as Marte wished.

Pirates Day 3

Game 1: Pirates vs. Braves

4-3 - Pirates

W - Francisco Liriano (1-0)

Save – Melancon (1)

HR – Kendrick (2), Brown (1)

Pirates: (1-3)

 

Game 2: Pirates vs. Red Sox

12-1 - Red Sox

L – Moore (0-2)

HR – McCutchen (1)

Pirates: (1-4)

 

Game 3: Pirates vs. Red Sox

4-3 – Pirates

W – Sale (1-0)

Save – Melancon (2)

HR – Byrd (1)

Pirates: (2-4)

 

The Pirates took the field on Wednesday looking for thefront office’s first win of their careers. In the first game against theBraves, a two-run second inning paved the way, while Liriano contributed withsix quality innings. In the sixth inning, with the bullpen active and Lirianosputtering, he induced a crisp 5-4-3 triple play to end the threat and solidifyhis quality start. Howie Kendrick continued his hot stretch with two more hits,including a bomb that traveled over 450 feet. Though Melancon made itinteresting in the ninth inning (as he always does), he retired Lucroy withrunners on base to get his first save of the year.

Game two on the day against the Red Sox was hardly ever agame. Though McCutchen got the scoring started in the second inning with a bombto left-center field, the Red Sox kept the scoring going and going and going.Matt Moore took the brunt of the pounding. Moore showed no command, with sevenwalks on the day. The lone positive sign for the Pirates was the six solidinnings that Gerrit Cole gave coming out of the bullpen. After the two roughfirst starts from Matt Moore, could Cole replace him in the rotation?

The third game, and certainly the most intriguing, showedtremendous resolve from a young Pirates team. Despite being annihilated earlierin the day, Chris Sale and the Pirates bounced back and got a tremendous 4-3victory. Marlon Byrd hit a clutch game-winning home run in the seventh inningand Chris Sale gave the team a much needed seven innings. In the ninth inning,with the Pirates ahead by two runs, the Red Sox began to threaten. Melanconallowed three hits in five batters and allowed runners to reach second andthird base with two outs. As Jacoby Ellsbury stepped up to the plate, the twomanagers kept the defense back in a controversial move. Ellsbury hit a hot shotto Aybar who jumped up and gunned out the speedy Ellsbury at first base.Melancon got the save and the Pirates quietly moved into a tie for third in theNational League.

Rangers vs Red Sox

Red Sox beat the Rangers 6 to 3 on the momentum of home runs by Ortiz and Gonzalez. Red Sox take second game 6 to 1 on 10 strikeouts by Cosart.

Pirates day 2 recap

Day 2 recap: Board Baseball Pirates

Game 1 Pirates vs. Cardinals
5-4 cardinals
L - Watson (0-1)
HR - Alvarez (1), Rosario (1)

Game 2 Pirates vs. Braves
9-3 Braves
L - Shields (0-1)
HR - Alvarez (2)
Pirates (0-3)

The second and final game of the series between the Pirates and Cardinals was an extra-innings thriller. Chris Sale pitched an up-and-down seven innings with seven strikeouts and two walks, but showed electrifying stuff which, at times, baffled the opposing hitters. The pirates crawled back from a 4-1 deficit to tie the game at four in the eighth inning on a Willin Rosario RBI bloop single. In the 10th inning, the Cards threatened with a runner on second and just one out. Andrew McCutchen responded to the moment by throwing out the runner at the plate to keep the game tied at 4. Starlin Castro had the game-winning RBI in the 12th inning to send the Pirate fans home unhappy.
In the series opener between the Braves and the Pirates, the Pirates pitching staff struggled to keep the ball in the ballpark. Starter James Shields struggled through just two innings before getting pulled from the game. The Braves cruised to a 9-3 victory and had homers from several different guys. The pirates will send Francisco Liriano to the hill tomorrow in hopes to end their skid against Atlanta.

Dodgers vs Braves

Game One

In what was expected to be a pitcher’s duel, the Braves and Dodgers had a slugfest in their first game. Clayton Kershaw and Tanner Roark, the respected aces of both teams, each gave up 5+ runs in their season debut. The Dodgers took an early lead with a homer from Navarro and a 3-run blast from Goldschmidt. The Braves game surging back with homers from Werth and Braun. At the end of the game, the Braves mounted a comeback but were stopped short by Kershaw who pitched a full nine innings.

Final score Dodgers 5 Braves 4

losing pitcher: Tanner Roark (0-1)

Winning Pitcher: Clayton Kershaw

Homers: Dioner Navarro (1) Paul Goldschmidt (1)

Game Two

The second game of the series had a slow start, but a wild finish. Greinke pitched for the Dodgers and Mike Minor for the Braves. The Dodgers jumped to a three run lead with a homerun from Holliday and two RBIs from Martin Prado. In the eighth inning, however, the Braves pounced and scored four runs off of the Dodger’s reliever, Rex Brothers. With a one run lead going into the ninth, the Dodgers faced David Carpenter, one of the best relievers in the game. Kimbrel shut down the Dodgers and earned his first save of the season.

Final score 6-5

Win: Craig Kimbrel (1-0)

Loss: Zach Greinke (0-1)

Save: David Carpenter (1/1)

Homers: Matt Holliday (1)

Nationals Roster

Brandon Belt (.5)
Charlie Blackmon (.48)
Michael Cuddyer (10.5)
Ian Desmond (3.8)
Bryce Harper (.75)
Adeiny Hechavarria (.5)
Aaron Hill (5.5)
Steve Lambordozzi (.5)
Adam Laroche (10)
Will Middlebrooks (.49)
AJ Pierzinsky (7.5)
Anthony Rendon (1.8)
Jarred Saltalamachia (4.6)
Denard Span (4.7)
Ryan Zimmerman (14)


Pitchers
Hisashi Iwakuma (4.6)
Gio Gonzalez (6.25)
Kris Medlen (2.6)
Stephen Strausburg (3.4)
Jordan Zimmerman (5.35)


Relief Pitchers
Javier Lopez (4.3)
JJ Putz (6.5)
Rafael Soriano (14)
Jean Machi (0.49)
Tyler Clippard (1.65)

Game 1

        Cards vs. Pirates Day 1 Recap

        

        An 8-5 Cardinals victory was not opening day result that the Pirates and newly acquired ace Matt Moore were hoping for. Moore struggled through 4 innings, giving up five runs, four earned runs, and took the loss to move to 0-1 on the season. He could not get an out in the fifth inning before getting the hook. Mooreís lone highlight was a perfectly placed suicide squeeze in the second inning that froze the defense as Marlon Byrd strolled in from third base. The Pirates had many chances to seize control in this back and forth, high-scoring affair. With two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning, down 7-3, slugger Pedro Alvarez flew out to right field with runners on second and third, ending the Pirates comeback threat. Howie Kendrickís first home run on the season, in the seventh inning, tightened the game and gave the Bucs some hope. 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen played his part with two doubles, as did Marlon Byrd who added two timely hits, but the Pirates could not complete the comeback and simply could not contain the Cardinalsí dangerous lineup. Sergio Romo took the save for the Cardinals, with Adam Wainwright getting the win sending the Pirates to a 0-1 start to the season. The two teams will complete the series tomorrow.

Indians v Rangers

Indians take the first game 6 to 3. Indians started strong with a two run home run. The Indians later added to the lead with an RBI double by Robinson Cano. The Rangers attempted a comeback when pitcher Scherzer went down with an ankle injury. An error by third baseman Seager scored the first run and the next two came on an RBI double by Evan Longoria but it was not enough as the Indians take the game 6 to 3. Rangers start this game with a solo home run by Coco Crisp but it was all Indians after that. The Indiand started the game with an RBI double by Kipnis. Brett Gardner then had a three RBI double and later scored on an error to give the Indians the win 5 to 1.

Indians V. Rangers

The opening series for the Indians went much as expected. Facing a suspect Texas team, they took care of business, finishing 2-0. The first game pitted Cleveland ace Max Scherzer against the Rangers' David Price. Colby Rasmus went two for four, including a two-run shot in the first inning. Kipness added another dinger while Kyle Seager and Robinson Cano also tallied RBIs. In the second leg, Ubaldo Jiminez pitched a complete game, giving up only one run. Poor defense allowed the Indians to capitalize in the seventh inning, scoring four of their five runs and putting the game away.

Game 1: 

Indians 6 - 3 Rangers

WP: Max Scherzer (1-0)

LP: David Price (0-1)

Save: Joe Smith 

HR: Rasmus 1 (1), Kipness 1 (1) 

RBI: Rasmus 2 (2), Kipness 1 (1), Cano 2 (2), Seager 1 (1)

Game 2: 

Indians 5 - 1 Rangers

WP: Ubaldo Jiminez (1-0) 

LP: Wood (0-1) 

Save:

HR: 

RBI: Kipness 1 (2), Gardner 3 (3), Rasmus 1 (3) 

Redsoxs vs Tigers by Robert Alexander

Game 2 of the Redsox vs Tigers series ended in a shocking 4-3 victory for the highly questioned Detroit team. The first 3 innings were quiet for both teams except for a walk by Detroit pitcher Paxton. The 4th inning was led off by Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter who started the inning with a solid double. Following Hunter was Cabrera who was quickly walked. Peralta then hit a base hit followed by another base hit by Ienneta scoring 2 runs. Martinez then hit a base hit to bring Ienneta and Peralta home to increase the lead to 4runs. Later in the game the scoreline got close when detroit pitcher Hoochevar gave up 3 runs in the 8th due to a double by Gonzalez and a single by Ortiz. The tigers then brought in Coleman to seal the win with an astounding 3 up 3 down to lay to rest the controversy over wether The Detroit Tigers will be able to compete this year with new managers.

Final score 4-3

Wp: Paxton 1-0

Lp: Crain 0-1

Hr: none 

Dodgers vs. Braves

Game One
In one of the closer games thus far the Dodgers managed to sneak a win through the Braves powerful lineup. Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw and Braves ace Tanner Roark dueled it out through the beginning to this game, until Roark gave up 3 runs in the 6th inning to push the Dodgers past the Braves. Roark had a disappointing outing giving up five earned runs while striking out seven. Jason Werth gave the Braves an early lead with a homer on the first pitch of the season, and Ryan  Braun hit a two run homer in the 4th. However homers by Dioneer Navaro and a 3 run homer by Paul Goldscmidt led the Dodgers to a lead over the Braves. In the Ninth inning Krhis Davis scored on a double by Scooter Gennet, making this a one run game. However Jonathan Lucroy struck out and the Dodgers won this game. 

Final score Dodgers 5 Braves 4
losing pitcher: Tanner Roark (0-1)
Winning Pitcher: Clayton Kershaw
Homers: Jayson Werth (1) Ryan Braun (1)

Game Two
In another close game, the Braves hitters greatly underperformed in this game with 12 strikeouts. early in the second inning the Dodger took the lead 3-0 with a homer by Matt holliday and a single by Prado lead to two more runs. luckily to keep the Braves hopes of winning alive Tulowitzki hits a 2 run homer to make the score 5-2. The Braves pitcher Mike Minor needed help to finish this game and the Braves godlike bullpen did just that. David Carpenter was put into this ball game to pitch in the 8th inning, the score was 5-2 he held the Dodgers to a hitless inning and gave the Braves the momentum to take the lead. Bottum of the 8th Werth walked, Braun hits a double werth is on third base, Tulowitzki is hit by a pitch, and Grinkie walks Wright to let Werth score. Bases are loaded the Braves are down 3 scores and Freeman hits a triple to let Braun, Wright and Tulowitzki score. Making the score 6-5. the Braves barely won this game with a very lucky 4 run 8th inning.

Final score 6-5
Win: Craig Kimbrel (1-0)
Save: David Carpenter (1/1)
Homers: Troy Tuloitzki(1)

Reds vs A's

The first game of a two game series was a one sided affair as the A's toppled the Reds 6-0. All six runs were earned and given up by Red's starter Homer Bailey who pitched a complete game. Matt Harvey also pitched a complete game. He dazzled over 9 innings of 4 hit ball, raking up more than 10 strikeouts. The Athletics scored their runs in bunches with 2 three run innings. They totaled 2 home runs in the game and really got to Reds starter Homer Bailey early with a 3 run second inning. The game was frustrating for Reds fans who came into the season with very high hopes for their offense. 

The second game of the Red's A's series was far more competitive than the lopsided first one. The game went 11 scoreless innings until the A's finally got to Red's pitcher Homer Bailey. Both Bailey and Colon of the A's shut down opposing batters. There were very few base runners in the first 10 innings which allowed the pitchers to go deep into the game. Although Bailey took the loss few will say he deserved it after giving up 1 run in 12 innings of work. Similar to the first game Red's fans must be frustrated with the lack of offense. It was a walk off single in the bottom of the 12th that pushed the games sole run across

Tigers Roster - Rob & Diego

Detroit Tigers Roster

Avila, Alex (C)
Bourne, Michael (OF)
Cabrera, Miguel (3B)
Carter, Chris (1B)
Carp, Mike (1B, OF)
Dirks, Andy (LF)
Hunter, Tori (RF)
Ianetta, Chris (C)
Iglesias, Jose (SS)
Infante, Omar (2B)
Kelly, Don (1B, 2B, OF)
Martinez, Victor (C-DH)
Peralta, Jhonny (SS)

Pitchers
Fister, Doug
Paxton, James
Porcello, Rick
Sanchez, Anibal
Verlander, Justin

Relief Pitchers
Benoit, Joaquin
Coleman, Louis
Hochevar, Luke
Holland, Greg
O'Day, Darren
Smyly, Drew
Veras, Jose

Reserves
Perez, Hernan (2B)
Santiago, Ramon (2B, 3B, SS)
Tuiasosopo, Matt (LP)

Rangers Roster

Texas Rangers Payroll: $77,405,000 Lineup: CF Coco Crisp $7,000,000 SS Elvis Andrus $5,050,000 3B Evan Longoria $6,000,000 1B Chris Davis $3,300,000 RF Nelson Cruz $10,500,000 OF Giancarlo Stanton $537,000 DH Raul Ibañez $2,750,000 C Salvador Perez $1,000,000 2B Daniel Murphy $2,925,000 Bench: CF Craig Gentry $505,000 1B Mitch Moreland $502,700 C Geovany Soto $2,750,000 UT Jed Gyorko $490,000 Rotation: SP David Price $10,000,000 SP Alexi Ogando $506,600 SP Alex Cashner $500,800 SP Travis Wood $527,500 Bullpen: RP Joe Nathan $7,000,000 RP Neal Cotts $500,000 RP Tanner Scheppers $493,600 RP Robbie Ross $497,400 RP Jason Frasor $1,500,000 RP Joe Ortiz $490,000 RP Aaron Loup $494,200 RP Stevie Delabar $498,900 Total: $66,372,100 Cap Space: $11,032,900

Pirates Roster

POSITION PLAYERS
Pedro Alvarez (3B) $700,000
Eric Aybar (SS) $8,500,000
Dominic Brown (OF) $500,000
Marlon Byrd (OF) $700,000
Zack Cozart (SS) $527,500
Austin Jackson (OF) $3,500,000
Garrett Jones (1B) $4,500,000
Howie Kendrick (2B) $9,100,000
Starling Marte (OF) $500,000
Andrew McCutchen (OF) $4,708,333
Wilson Ramos (C) $501,250
Willin Rosario (C) $491,000
Pablo Sandoval (1B) $5,700,000
Neil Walker (2B) $ 3,300,000

STARTING PITCHERS
Gerrit Cole $500,000
Francisco Liriano $1,000,000
Matt Moore $1,000,000
Chris Sale $850,000
James Shields $10,250,000

RELIEF PITCHERS
Jason Grili $2,500,000
Mark Melancon $521,000
Bobby Parnell $1,700,000
Trevor Rosenthal $490,000
Tony Watson $505,500
Justin Wilson $493,500

Post #2. Look Back at My First Post.

Okay, guys, so I'm figuring this out. Go look at Post #1, Play Ball! to see exactly what I'm asking you to do here. You all notice you each have a post. This will be yours for the rest of the class. Just keep adding to the comments.

St. Louis Cardinals. Ryan and Tate.

Boston Red Sox. Michael and Dylan.

Atlanta Braves. Henry and Noah.

Oakland Athletics. Ben and John.

Pittsburgh Pirates. Max and Ross.

Detroit Tigers. Diego and Robert.

Cleveland Indians. Jared and Malcolm.

Los Angeles Dodgers. MaryKathryn and Ben.

Tampa Bay Rays. Will and Michael.

Texas Rangers. Simon and Langdon.

Cincinnati Reds. Ryan and Max.

Washington Nationals. Josh and Derrick.

Post#1. Play Ball!

Okay, folks. I've invited everyone in the class to the blog—and most of you who played last year should still be able to access the blog. Last year was a learning experience for me, certainly, in usinga blog format for this class. It wasn't always as successful and as helpful as I hoped it would be. This year I hope it goes better.

First thing: every time has its own "site" so to speak. You will blog under your team; that's all. You are welcome to comment on others sites, if you want. If you're at all adept at using blogger, you can add pictures or whatever on your team site. What you have to do on your site is the following:

1. Put up your revised roster. You've done this already, twice for some of you, so just cut and paste. °List your 25 player active roster with their salaries.
°List separately your 3 or 4 player reserve roster with salaries. You can only play who is on your active roster, but you can call up anyone(s) from your reserve roster at least a game before they appear. You also have to send down the corresponding number of players.

2. Write down your 4 man pitching rotation. This is the order you will pitch them throughout the season. You can change the rotation if you want by replacing one pitcher with another. You cannot, though, make your third starter your first starter suddenly.

3. Name your closer. There are specific rules about what the closer can or cannot do. He is generally the pitcher you want to nail the save, the best relief pitcher in your bullpen.

4. When we begin playing, you will write a short summary of each game you play. You will:
° Give the score of the game.
° Give the winning pitcher (and his record if it is your player).
° Name the losing pitcher (and his record if it is your player).
° Name who got the save if it's your pitcher.
° Who hit any home runs for your team.

For example:

Red Sox 5, Athletics 4.

In a nail-biter, the Red Sox snuck by the A's in the ninth-inning on a 2-out single by pinch-hitter Jackie Bradley Jr. off closer Jim Johnson,  driving in Jose Reyes. Johnson negated a solid outing by Bartolo Colon. Getting the win for the Sox was Andrew Bailey (1-0) who relieved starter Danny Duffy in the ninth inning with the score tied. Duffy, the Sox number 3 starter, pitched well, striking out 7 and walking none.

WP: Andrew Bailey (1-0)
LP: Jim Johnson (0-1)
HR: Trout (Red Sox): 1 (1), Cespedes: 1 (2)

This I made up, of course, but you get the idea. You will do this for every game, with the highlights due at the end of each series. Split the chore between you. If you don't do this by the day after the series you do not got credit for the blog. And that will lower your grade. Have fun with this: you can even have your players and managers speak.