MLB Recap: April 3rd

Dodgers 7  Giants 5

The Giants failed in their attempt to even their season opening series against arch rival Dodgers. Los Angeles got off to a quick start, scoring 3 runs in the first innings off of Giants starter Barry Zito. He was able to settle down, though, going 6.0 innings giving up only those 3 runs on just 3 hits and 5 strikeouts. The game changed in the bottom of the 7th when, with the game tied at 3, Marcus Thames hit a triple, knocking in a run to break the tie. The Dodgers ended up with 4 runs in that inning, and had Jonathan Broxton come in for his 3rd save of the year. The Giants got home runs from Pablo Sandoval(1), Pat Burrell(2) and Aaron Rowand(1), while Matt Kemp(1) went yard for the Dodgers.

Indians 7  White Sox 1

The Indians were finally able to shut down the White Sox surging bats, and got a triple-play in the process. Carlos Santana, playing first base for the first time in his career, made a diving catch on Alexei Ramirez's bunt, which sparked the rarity. On top of that, the Tribe got a strong outing from former Red Sox prospect Justin Masterson, who went 7 innings giving up just one run on 7 hits. Orlando Cabrera(1) hit the only home run of the game.

Tigers 10  Yankees 7

The Tigers were able to hit their way into their first victory of the season, knocking out Yankees starter Phil Hughes after just four innings of work. In those four innings, Hughes gave up five runs on five hits. Four of those five runs came from a pair of 2-run home runs from Miguel Cabrera, his first two of the year. Brennan Boesch also went deep for the Tigers. The Yankees bats were still on fire, with Jorge Posada hitting his first two homers of the year, as well as one each from Mark Teixeira(3) and Robinson Cano(1).

Twins 4  Blue Jays 3

Joe Nathan had some struggles, but he was able to close out the game for his first save since 2009. The Twins were up two headed into the 9th when they called upon Nathan. He came in and gave up 2 hits, 2 walks and a run, but despite that, he closed the door and wrapped up the game. The Twins got home runs from Danny Valencia(1) and Denard Span(1). Jose Bautista(2) went deep, a good sign for the Blue Jays, since they need the guy they gave the monster contract to succeed. 

Reds 12  Brewers 3

The Reds have set out to prove that 2010 wasn't an anomaly, and they have impressed so far. They completed the sweep against fellow NL Central contender Milwaukee behind both strong offense and good pitching. They scored 12 runs Sunday behind 2 home runs from Ryan Hanigan(2), and got 7 solid innings of work from Bronson Arroyo. They also got homers from Jonny Gomes(1), and Brandon Phillips(1). The Brewers had Ryan Braun(2) and Rickie Weeks(2) hit one out. 

Mets 9  Marlins 2

The Mets came out on top in the rubber match between New York and Florida behind a solid outing from knuckle-baller R.A. Dickey. He went 6 innings giving up one run, which was unearned, and struck out 7. The Mets were able to jump on Javier Vazquez for 7 runs (4 earned) in just 2.1 innings. New York had homers from Willie Harris(1) and Ike Davis(1), while the Marlins stayed in the yard.

Braves 11 Nationals 2

Tim Hudson was able to shut down Washington's lineup en route to the rubber match victory for the Braves. He pitched 7 innings, yielding just one run and three hits and only throwing 85 pitches in the process. The Braves, meanwhile, managed 12 hits in this game, and dominated throughout. Even with all of the offense displayed in the game, no one left the yard.

Phillies 7 Astros 3

The third member of the Phillies much discussed rotation put up the team's third straight strong start, and led them to their third straight win. Roy Oswalt allowed just 2 runs on 5 hits with 6 strikeouts in 6 innings of work. On offense, Ryan Howard hit his first homer of the year with a 3-run blast in the 1st inning. Howard finished the game 3-5 with 4 RBI. The Phillies also got a home run from Ben Francisco(1). Hunter Pence(1) hit one out for the Astros.

Orioles 5  Rays 1

Zach Britton made his major league debut, and in the process helped the Orioles make a statement with their third straight win of the season, all on the road against Tampa. Britton gave up just 1 run on 3 hits in 6 strong innings of work. Wade Davis pitched solid enough for he Rays, but picked up the L due to a lack of run support. Neither team hit a home run.

Royals 12 Angels 9 F/13

In one of the most exciting games of the young season, the Royals powered past the Angels in 13 innings, giving them the 3 games to 1 advantage in the season opening series. The Royals were able to tie the game on Wilson Betimet's 2-RBI double in the bottom of the 9th to force extra frames. In the 13th innings, Matt Treanor hit a 3-run home run off of Jason Bulger, who made an error at the start of the inning. The Royals also got home runs from Melky Cabrera(1), and Billy Butler(1). The Angels got homers from Maicer Izturis(1), Howie Kendrick(2,3), Bobby Abreu(1) and Alberto Callaspo(1).

Cardinals 2  Padres 0

The Cardinals were able to avoid the sweep behind a brilliant outing out of 24 year old Jamie Garcia. He was able to strike out a career high 9 batters en route to the complete game shutout in which he gave up just 4 hits. The Padres also got a strong performance out of their starter Dustin Mosley, whose only run was unearned. The Cardinals got their RBIs from Ryan Theriot and Yadier Molina. 

Pirates 5 Cubs 4

Pittsburgh was able to rally in the 9th to pull out this tight win, taking the series by a game. Cubs starter Matt Garza flirted with disaster all day with 12 hits, but only allowed 3 runs and struck out 12 in 7 innings of work. The Cubs carried a 4-3 advantage with closer Carlos Marmol coming in for the 9th. The Pirates, however, were able to turn a hit, a walk and a sacrifice into two runs and the lead with a Pedro Alvarez infield single. Alfonso Soriano(1) hit the only home run of the game. 

A's 7  Mariners 1

The A's managed to avoid being swept with a strong all around game. The team got 7 real solid innings from starter Gio Gonzalez, who gave up just one run on 6 hits and 4 strike outs. Offensively, they turned to 2B Mark Ellis, who came up big and knocked in 3 runs for the day. Seattle CF Ryan Langerhans(1) hit the only home run for either side on Sunday.

Note: The Rockies-Diamondbacks game was postponed. Makeup game is TBD.