The Bum's July's MLB POD'S-Stats-News

[StarDust Bum]

Around the Horn - Tuesday

July 9, 2013



NATIONAL LEAGUE

Washington at Philadelphia - 7:05 PM EST (Game 2/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Washington Nationals Jordan (0-1, 2.70 ERA) 46-43 5-2 L7 off road loss

Philadelphia Phillies Hamels (3-11, 4.38 ERA) 44-46 OVER 6-2 L8 home

-- Phillies beat Nationals, 3-2 on Monday



Atlanta at Miami - 7:10 PM EST (Game 2/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Atlanta Braves Teheran (6-4, 3.23 ERA) 51-38 2-5 L7 off away win

Miami Marlins Alvarez (0-0, 5.40 ERA) 32-56 5-0 L5 off home loss

-- Braves beat Marlins, 7-1 on Monday



Cincinnati at Milwaukee - 8:10 PM EST (Game 2/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Cincinnati Reds Cingrani (3-0, 3.40 ERA) 50-39 2-8 L10 away

Milwaukee Brewers Peralta (5-9, 5.27 ERA) 36-52 6-2 L8 as home underdog

-- Brewers beat Reds, 4-3 on Monday



Los Angeles at Arizona - 9:40 PM EST (Game 2/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Los Angeles Dodgers Nolasco (5-8, 3.85 ERA) 43-45 7-2 L9 away vs. division

Arizona Diamondbacks Kennedy (3-4, 5.16 ERA) 47-42 7-3 L10 vs. LAD

-- Dodgers beat Diamondbacks, 6-1 on Monday



Colorado at San Diego - 10:10 PM EST (Game 2/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Colorado Rockies Chacin (8-3, 3.74 ERA) 43-47 3-10 L13 away

San Diego Padres Stults (6-7, 3.70 ERA) 40-50 1-12 L13 overall

-- Rockies beat Padres, 4-2 on Monday



N.Y. Mets at San Francisco - 10:15 PM EST (Game 2/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

New York Mets Gee (6-7, 4.45 ERA) 38-48 9-3 L12 vs. LHP

San Francisco Giants Zito (4-6, 4.44 ERA) 40-48 3-14 L17 overall

-- Mets beat Giants, 4-3 on Monday



AMERICAN LEAGUE

Texas at Baltimore - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/4)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Texas Rangers Perez (2-1, 1.85 ERA) 52-37 7-1 L8 away

Baltimore Orioles Britton (2-2, 4.03 ERA) 49-41 UNDER 10-3-1 L14 overall

-- Rangers beat Orioles, 8-5 on Monday



Toronto at Cleveland - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Toronto Blue Jays Johnson (1-3, 4.89 ERA) 43-45 0-5 L5 off win

Cleveland Indians Jimenez (6-4, 4.67 ERA) 46-42 5-2 L7 as home favorites

-- Blue Jays beat Twins, 11-5 on Sunday
-- Indians lost to Tigers, 4-2 on Monday



Kansas City at N.Y. Yankees - 7:05 PM EST (Game 2/4)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Kansas City Royals Shields (3-6, 3.23 ERA) 42-44 1-7 L8 off win

New York Yankees Sabathia (9-6, 4.06 ERA) 48-41 3-5 L8 home

-- Royals beat Yankees, 5-1 on Monday



Chicago at Detroit - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Chicago White Sox Quintana (3-2, 3.69 ERA) 34-51 2-13 L15 away Game 1's

Detroit Tigers Verlander (9-5, 3.54 ERA) 49-39 13-1 L14 home Game 1's

-- White Sox lost to Cubs, 8-2 on Monday
-- Tigers beat Indians, 4-2 on Monday



Minnesota at Tampa Bay - 7:10 PM EST (Game 2/4)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Minnesota Twins Gibson (1-1, 7.94 ERA) 37-49 2-9 L11 away

Tampa Bay Rays Archer (2-3, 4.17 ERA) 50-40 8-2 L10 home

-- Rays beat Twins, 7-4 on Monday


Boston at Seattle - 10:05 PM EST (Game 2/4)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Boston Red Sox Webster (1-2, 7.88 ERA) 54-37 3-9 L12 away

Seattle Mariners Iwakuma (7-4, 2.60 ERA) 40-49 4-10 L14 home Game 2's

-- Mariners beat Red Sox, 11-4 on Monday



INTERLEAGUE

Oakland at Pittsburgh - 7:05 PM EST (Game 2/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Oakland Athletics Straily (5-2, 4.52 ERA) 53-37 1-4 L5 off away win

Pittsburgh Pirates Cole (4-1, 3.94 ERA) 53-35 8-2 L10 as home favorites

-- Athletics beat Pirates, 2-1 on Monday



Los Angeles (A) at Chicago (N) - 8:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Los Angeles Angels Blanton (2-10, 5.14 ERA) 43-45 7-0 L7 away

Chicago Cubs Wood (5-6, 2.69 ERA) 39-48 1-4 L5 home off win

-- Angels beat Red Sox, 3-0 on Sunday
-- Cubs beat White Sox, 8-2 on Monday



Houston at St. Louis - 8:15 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Houston Astros Norris (6-7, 3.22 ERA) 32-57 6-4 L10 vs. NL

St. Louis Cardinals Wainwright (11-5, 2.36 ERA) 53-34 7-1 L8 home Game 1's

-- Astros lost to Rangers, 5-4 on Sunday
-- Cardinals beat Marlins, 3-2 on Sunday

[StarDust Bum]

Diamond Trends - Tuesday

July 9, 2013


SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Red Sox are 0-13 since July 23, 2012 on the road after a loss in which they allowed 12+ hits for a net profit of $1300 when playing against.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Blue Jays are 0-10 OU since May 29, 2013 after scoring 6+ runs last game, if Chien Ming Wang is not starting, for a net profit of $1000 when playing the under.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When Justin Verlander starts the Tigers are 18-0 since May 22, 2006 as a 140+ favorite vs a team that has lost at least their last four games for a net profit of $1800.

MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The Yankees are 9-0 OU since 2008 against AL teams following a game where they had at least eight hits but no more than one run.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Tigers are 13-0 since April 01, 2013 as a 140+ favorite it is the first game of the series for a net profit of $1300.

-- When Cole Hamels starts the Phillies are 0-8 since April 18, 2013 after going at least 6 innings and giving up 6 or fewer hits for a net profit of $1071 when playing against.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rangers (52-37) at Orioles (49-41)
Game: 2
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: July 09, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


While the Texas Rangers have been a very good home team, it's their play on the road that should have the rest of the American League concerned.

Boasting their best-ever road record through 43 games, the Rangers look to keep rolling away from home when they continue a four-game set against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night.

A seven-game trip though Baltimore and Detroit would be daunting for most teams, but the Rangers (52-37) appear to be relishing the time away. They improved to an AL-best 25-18 in opposing ballparks with Monday's 8-5 victory over the Orioles and have won seven of eight outside of Arlington.

Texas also moved 15 games over .500 for the first time since May 25 and beat the Orioles (49-41) for the 11th time in 13 regular-season meetings.

``My team is very confident right now,' manager Ron Washington said. ``We just try to go out every day and play the best game we can. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, but we certainly don't question things. We just try to play good baseball.'

Monday marked another big offensive performance by the Rangers at Camden Yards, where they have won six of seven while averaging 8.5 runs and 12.0 hits.

Ian Kinsler provided the biggest hit in the opener, capping a six-run sixth with a bases-loaded double, while Adrian Beltre continued his torrid stretch with a pair of hits.

Beltre, who homered three times in his last regular-season game against the Orioles before Monday, is batting .436 with four home runs and six RBIs during a 10-game hit streak.

Baltimore has lost four of five, going 5 for 42 (.119) with runners in scoring position during that span.

``Yeah, we had our chances,' catcher Matt Wieters said. ``We were able to get guys on with no outs and just couldn't quite get them in.'

Slugger Chris Davis struck out four times Monday and Wieters homered for the second time in three games but also struck out four times.

Davis is 3 for 25 (.120) with 12 strikeouts in July. He's 2 for 21 with 13 strikeouts against Texas, where he spent the first four-plus years of his career.

The Rangers should feel good about their chances of winning again with Martin Perez (2-1, 1.85 ERA) on the mound.

Since being recalled from Triple-A on June 22, the left-hander is 2-0 with a 0.94 ERA in three starts. He had the shortest of those outings Thursday against Seattle, allowing one unearned run and eight hits over 5 1-3 innings before leaving without a decision in a 5-4 win.

The 22-year-old rookie, though, is 1-3 with a 5.31 ERA in four career road starts - two this season.

Baltimore will hand the ball to the resurgent Zach Britton (2-2, 4.03), who has gone 2-1 with a 2.74 ERA in four starts since returning from the minors in mid-June. He limited the White Sox to two runs in a season-high seven innings of a 3-2 loss Thursday, not getting a decision.

Britton tossed 7 2-3 innings in a 5-0 victory over the Rangers on April 9, 2011, in his only appearance against them.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rangers at Orioles
Mon, Jul 8 Final 8 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rangers at Orioles
Tue, Jul 9 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Rangers at Orioles
Wed, Jul 10 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Rangers at Orioles
Thu, Jul 11 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: White Sox (34-52) at Tigers (49-39)
Game: 1
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: July 09, 2013 7:08 PM EDT


Justin Verlander was woeful early in his career against the Chicago White Sox, but he has dominated them over the last four seasons.

He and the Detroit Tigers will get their first look at the White Sox in 2013 in the opener of a three-game set at Comerica Park on Tuesday night.

Verlander (9-5, 3.54 ERA) went 2-9 with a 5.90 ERA in his first 14 starts against Chicago from 2006-09. Those days must seem like a distant memory now, with the right-hander going 12-1 with a 2.23 ERA in his last 13 outings versus the White Sox. That includes a 7-1 mark with a 2.25 ERA in eight home starts.

It could be another long night for Chicago (34-52) as its four available regulars with the most experience against Verlander have enjoyed little success. Alexei Ramirez is 11 for 50, Alex Rios is 8 for 33, Gordon Beckham is 5 for 28 and Adam Dunn 3 for 20 with two homers.

Verlander avoided his first five-start winless stretch in five seasons with seven scoreless innings in an 11-1 victory at Toronto on Thursday. He said that pitching coach Jeff Jones helped him fix a problem with his shoulder angle.

"I feel like Jeff and I have identified what was kind of the kink in the chain," Verlander said. "It's just a matter making that feel comfortable, making my delivery feel comfortable the right way."

These AL Central rivals have yet to meet since battling down to the final week of 2012 for the division title. Detroit (49-39) took 12 of 18 meetings last year, including eight of 10 after the All-Star break to win the division by three games.

There likely won't be a race involving these teams this year with the last-place White Sox trailing the first-place Tigers by 14 games. Chicago dropped its fourth straight Monday, 8-2 to the Cubs.

The White Sox have lost seven in a row in Detroit.

The Tigers took three of four from second-place Cleveland to move 3 1/2 games up in the Central, winning 4-2 in 10 innings Monday. Victor Martinez's two-run double was the difference.

"We came in and had a very good series against a very good team, but I'm not really concerned about the standings," manager Jim Leyland said. "Of course, I'd rather leave here up 3 1/2 games than up 1 1/2 games. But trust me, the Indians are not going anywhere, and we're not going anywhere, I don't think."

Miguel Cabrera is 19 for 40 during a 10-game hitting streak at home. He brings his major league-leading averages of .364 overall and .431 against left-handers into a potentially tricky matchup against lefty Jose Quintana (3-2, 3.69).

Cabrera is 1 for 5 against Quintana, who struck out a career-high 11 over seven scoreless innings of a 3-2 home win over Baltimore on Thursday. It was Quintana's seventh straight game in which he didn't get a decision.

"The best thing that I can do for the team is give the team a quality start, give the team the opportunity to win and give a quality outing," Quintana said through a translator.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
White Sox at Tigers
Tue, Jul 9 - 7:08PM EDT

GAME 2
White Sox at Tigers
Wed, Jul 10 - 7:08PM EDT

GAME 3
White Sox at Tigers
Thu, Jul 11 - 1:08PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Royals (42-44) at Yankees (48-41)
Game: 5
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: July 09, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


CC Sabathia and James Shields have met in some tight duels since the former joined the New York Yankees and when the latter pitched for Tampa Bay.

Sabathia could be more confident Tuesday night when these two meet for the first time since Shields was traded to the Kansas City Royals.

Sabathia has won 13 straight regular-season starts against AL Central foes while Shields has dropped his last six starts at Yankee Stadium.

These pitchers met six times between 2009-12, with Shields (3-6, 3.23 ERA) going 3-1 with a 2.79 ERA in those outings and Sabathia 1-2 with a 2.89 mark.

The Yankees left-hander is 4-0 with a 2.35 ERA in four starts against Kansas City (42-44) since joining New York in 2009 - part of his amazing run against the Central.

Sabathia (9-6, 4.06) earned his 200th career win Wednesday by allowing two runs over seven innings of a 3-2 victory at Minnesota. His ERA is 2.50 during his regular-season run against the Central, and he's 8-0 with a 2.60 ERA in 14 overall home outings versus that division with New York.

"I'll be ready in five days to go again and just try to get No. 201," Sabathia said.

Shields has been plagued by a poor run-support average of 3.32. Although he has pitched well opposite Sabathia, he has posted a 4.97 ERA during his six-start losing streak in the Bronx.

The Royals have won his last seven outings, with Shields going 1-0 with a 3.71 ERA. His ERA in the last three, though, is 6.48.

Robinson Cano is hitting .392 with four homers against Shields in 79 at_bats - second most among all players.

The visiting team has won all four meetings this season. New York (48-41) swept a three-game set May 10-12 before Kansas City opened this four-game series with a 5-1 victory Monday.

Billy Butler ended an eight-game home run drought and Jeremy Guthrie took advantage of a makeshift lineup by limiting the Yankees to one run and six hits through 6 2-3 innings. The Royals snapped a five-game overall slide to New York.

"It's been tough every year I've been here to come in and get a win," Butler said. "It means a lot."

The Yankees had four players in their lineup that were with the team on opening day. Travis Ishikawa was acquired off waivers earlier in the day and struck out in both at_bats in his New York debut.

Ishikawa started at first base in place of Lyle Overbay, who had started 20 of the previous 21 games. Overbay homered as a pinch-hitter and manager Joe Girardi said he would be back in the lineup Tuesday.

"Physically this is a grind," Girardi said. "You think about the last couple days that we have, the heat, guys can get a little tired."

Overbay is hitting .295 with three homers off Shields.

Butler has two hits in his last 14 at_bats against Sabathia while Alex Gordon is 5 for 25 lifetime against him.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Orioles at Yankees
Fri, Jul 5 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Orioles at Yankees
Sat, Jul 6 Final 4 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Orioles at Yankees
Sun, Jul 7 Final 2 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Royals at Yankees
Mon, Jul 8 Final 5 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 5
Royals at Yankees
Tue, Jul 9 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 6
Royals at Yankees
Wed, Jul 10 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 7
Royals at Yankees
Thu, Jul 11 - 1:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (43-45) at Indians (46-43)
Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: July 09, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Cleveland Indians haven't fared well against the AL East since taking two of three from the Toronto Blue Jays to begin the season.

The Indians' 8-19 mark against the East is the second worst among AL teams as they begin a three-game home set against the Blue Jays on Tuesday night.

Cleveland (46-43) dropped three of four to Detroit to fall 3 1/2 games behind the first-place Tigers, losing 4-2 in 10 innings Monday.

The Indians' poor play against the East is a key reason why they aren't closer to the division lead, as Detroit is 15-11 against that division.

Cleveland got off to a good start versus the East when it won the first two games of a series against Toronto (43-45) from April 2-4. Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez each allowed one run over six innings.

Jimenez (6-4, 4.67 ERA) will open this set, and he's gone 2-0 with a 3.81 ERA in his last five outings. The Indians had won four straight starts by the right-hander before he gave up four runs over five innings of a 10-7 defeat at Kansas City on Thursday.

Jimenez owns a 6.82 home ERA compared to a 3.31 mark on the road. He's limited Toronto slugger Jose Bautista to a double in 16 at_bats.

Bautista, though, has gone 14 for 32 with four homers and 10 runs over his last nine games.

The Blue Jays totaled 13 runs in a 1-4 stretch before breaking out in an 11-5 home win over Minnesota on Sunday. Rajai Davis and Colby Rasmus each drove in three as Toronto ended a three-series losing streak.

"It's always nice when you can win the series," Davis told the Blue Jays' official website. "Just want to keep that ball rolling and continue to win more series throughout the rest of the season."

Bautista and J.P. Arencibia each homered twice in the season-opening series while Michael Brantley went 6 for 11 and Carlos Santana was 6 for 13 for Cleveland.

Brantley is surging with 14 hits in his last 34 at_bats while Santana is headed in the opposite direction, mired in an 8-for-40 slump.

Santana figures to be back behind the plate Tuesday after backup Yan Gomes got the start Monday.

The Indians had 10 singles for all of their hits Monday and left 10 runners on base in falling for the first time in six extra-inning contests.

"It's just kind of one of those games," outfielder Nick Swisher said. "We left a small village on the sacks. We've got to do a little better job there, but that's how baseball goes."

The Blue Jays' Josh Johnson (1-3, 4.89) has received no runs of support in three of his last four outings. That was the case Wednesday when he surrendered six runs - one earned - in a 6-2 defeat to the Tigers.

Johnson won his lone start against the Indians on May 20, 2012, yielding one run over seven innings of a 5-3 victory for Miami. He has limited Cleveland slugger Mark Reynolds to a home run and eight strikeouts in nine at_bats.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Blue Jays at Indians
Tue, Jul 9 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Blue Jays at Indians
Wed, Jul 10 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Blue Jays at Indians
Thu, Jul 11 - 12:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nationals (46-43) at Phillies (44-46)
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Game: 2
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: July 09, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


While victories haven't been easy to come by for Cole Hamels, he managed to earn one last week.

Hamels now tries to win back-to-back starts for the first time as the Philadelphia Phillies continue a four-game set against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night.

After winning a career-best 17 games in 2012, Hamels (3-11, 4.38 ERA) has struggled through a rough year. The three-time All-Star has the highest ERA of his career and leads the major leagues in losses.

"I've played a lot of baseball and I've pitched in a lot of games, and I know I'm going to play a lot more baseball and pitch in a lot more games," he said. "I know that my record is just kind of blip on the radar and you have to be who you are."

A lack of support hasn't helped, as Hamels has received 3.42 runs per start, but he got enough in a strong outing Thursday. The left-hander allowed two runs - one earned - while scattering five hits and striking out eight over seven innings of a 6-4 victory over Pittsburgh.

"Just being able to get back to what I know and establishing the strike zone early," he told MLB's official website. "Throwing all my pitches, I think ultimately staying down in the zone. I think that's where I've gotten hurt in the past."

Hamels has shined in his last seven home starts against the Nationals, going 6-1 with a 3.47 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 46 2-3 innings. In his only matchup with Washington this year, though, Hamels yielded five runs - three earned - in 6 1-3 innings of a 6-1 road loss May 26.

Ian Desmond has one hit in his last 17 at_bats against Hamels and Jayson Werth is 2 for 14. However, recently acquired Scott Hairston is 12 for 30 with five homers - tied for the most by any player - against Hamels.

Nationals rookie Taylor Jordan (0-1, 2.70) is set to make his third career start since getting called up June 29. The right-hander allowed two runs in 5 2-3 innings of an 8-5 win over Milwaukee on Thursday.

Taylor won't have to worry about facing Ryan Howard, who is expected to miss at least six to eight weeks with a torn meniscus in his left knee. The first baseman was 4 for his last 31 and hadn't played since Friday.

"We don't want any of our players on the DL," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "But we know what it is and it's treatable. Hopefully we can get him back in time to play this year."

Howard's absence hasn't hindered the Phillies (44-46), who have hit .310 in winning four of five. Ben Revere went 3 for 5 with two runs and a stolen base while Jimmy Rollins and Michael Young added two hits apiece as Philadelphia took Monday's opener 3-2.

"We just have to continue to do the little things, especially with Ryan out of the lineup," said left fielder Domonic Brown, hitting .324 with four homers, 14 RBIs and 15 runs in his last 17 games. "We got guys with speed on base, making things happen."

Revere has been doing just that, going 21 for 47 (.447) in his last 11 games. He has a five-game hitting streak against the Nationals (46-43), going 9 for 22 with seven runs.

Washington, which had won four straight before collecting just six hits Monday, has dropped three of four and eight of 11 in Philadelphia.

Ryan Zimmerman is hitting .354 with a home run and 13 RBIs in his last 13 games.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Nationals at Phillies
Mon, Jul 8 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Nationals at Phillies
Tue, Jul 9 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Nationals at Phillies
Wed, Jul 10 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Nationals at Phillies
Thu, Jul 11 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Athletics (53-37) at Pirates (53-35)
Game: 2
Venue: PNC Park
Date: July 09, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


After unseating the Pittsburgh Pirates for baseball's best interleague record Monday, the Oakland Athletics hope to improve upon that mark Tuesday night.

Dan Straily hopes his success against National League foes continues, too.

Straily takes the mound for Oakland following a brilliant performance as its three-game series in Pittsburgh continues.

The Athletics (53-37) opened the set with a 2-1 victory Monday. Their ninth win in 12 games improved their interleague record to an MLB-best 12-4 while Pittsburgh fell to 11-4 after winning its last eight against AL competition.

Josh Donaldson remained one of baseball's best hitters in interleague play this year, going 1 for 3 with a sacrifice fly. He's hit safely in 14 of 16 games against the NL, going 24 for 58 (.414) with five homers and 15 RBIs.

Straily (5-2, 4.52 ERA) has been dominant in his first two tastes of interleague action, yielding one run and five hits over 13 innings in victories against San Francisco and the Cubs. He threw seven innings of one-hit ball in a 1-0 win over Chicago on Thursday.

The right-hander was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento for the third time this season earlier that day as the Athletics chose to give Jarrod Parker extra rest before his next start.

"Even if I didn't have my best stuff, I was going to give it everything I had," said Straily, who went a career-low 3 1-3 innings in his previous start June 22 at Seattle. "My slider was not as sharp as it's been but it was good enough."

Pittsburgh (53-35) will call on Gerrit Cole (4-1, 3.94), who tries to bounce back from his first career loss. The right-hander was the first Pitchers pitcher to win his first four career starts in more than 100 years, but gave up three runs and eight hits over a season-low 5 1-3 innings in a 6-4 loss to Philadelphia on Thursday.

"I thought he pitched well," Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said. "He's a 22-year-old young man. He's still learning, continuing to grow. He's fun to watch."

Cole's best performance came in his lone outing against an AL opponent, holding the Angels to two runs and four hits in 6 1-3 innings of a 5-2 road win June 21.

Fellow rookie Grant Green was 0 for 3 Monday and struck out twice as he started at second base for Oakland in his big league debut, but he'll remain a regular in the club's lineup, manager Bob Melvin said.

Andrew McCutchen was 1 for 4 to extend his hitting streak to 10 games, during which he's 16 for 38 (.421) with a .605 slugging percentage.

Neil Walker, who owns a .347 on-base percentage, sat out for the second game in a row but worked out in batting practice. He's experienced discomfort in his right side, which forced him to leave Saturday's contest.

Oakland is 10-0 all-time against Pittsburgh.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Athletics at Pirates
Mon, Jul 8 Final 2 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Athletics at Pirates
Tue, Jul 9 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Athletics at Pirates
Wed, Jul 10 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Braves (51-38) at Marlins (32-56)
Game: 2
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: July 09, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Aside from a pair of losses last week, the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves have made things awfully tough on the league-worst Miami Marlins.

The Braves go for a sixth consecutive road win over the Marlins as the division rivals continue a three-game set Tuesday night.

Atlanta (51-38) has dominated Miami (32-56) over the last few years, taking 30 of the past 40 matchups. The Braves had outscored the Marlins 40-10 during an eight-game win streak before losing Wednesday and Thursday, then got back to their winning ways in the series Monday with a 7-1, 14-inning victory.

Justin Upton sparked the six-run 14th with a go-ahead two-run double as Atlanta posted its NL-leading 26th comeback win. The Braves improved to 11-2 at Miami, where they have won five straight by a 23-3 margin.

"I'm so tired," said Gerald Laird, who went 1 for 2 with two RBIs after replacing Brian McCann behind the plate in the 12th.

"It's a weird game. "We gave our offense a chance, and we knew we weren't going to get shut out all night."

Miami stranded 12 and went 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position. The Marlins had an opportunity in the 13th after their first two batters reached but couldn't come through.

"We had tons of opportunities and just couldn't get the big hit," manager Mike Redmond said. "In those close games, it's going to come down to who's going to get it, and they got it."

Miami has been limited to a .179 average during a four-game losing streak, its longest since dropping a season-high nine in a row May 21-30.

The Marlins will try to get back on track against Braves starter Julio Teheran (6-4, 3.23 ERA), who has posted a 2.45 ERA while striking out 76 and walking 12 in his last 13 starts. The right-hander, though, labored through five innings - his shortest outing since April 18 - in a 4-3 loss to Miami on Thursday. He allowed three runs.

Henderson Alvarez (0-0, 5.40) surrendered three runs in five innings opposite Teheran last week in his season debut. The right-hander, acquired from Toronto in November, had been sidelined with inflammation in his throwing shoulder.

"I felt like my command wasn't there in the first inning," Alvarez, who allowed all three runs in the first, said through a translator. "After that I was able to get in the zone."

Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton has gone 5 for 33 with 13 strikeouts and one extra-base hit in a nine-game stretch. He's 3 for 24 in seven matchups with Atlanta this season.

Hitting a major league-low .173, B.J. Upton has three hits in his last 27 at_bats. He's 1 for 21 versus Miami this year and 3 for 14 against Alvarez.

Justin Upton has batted .378 with seven homers, 30 RBIs and 28 runs in his last 33 games against the Marlins.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Braves at Marlins
Mon, Jul 8 Final 7 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Braves at Marlins
Tue, Jul 9 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Braves at Marlins
Wed, Jul 10 - 12:40PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Twins (37-49) at Rays (50-40)
Game: 2
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: July 09, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


The Tampa Bay Rays' hitters and starting pitchers have led the way during the team's red-hot stretch.

A contributor to the Rays' string of strong starts, Chris Archer is hoping to see some more of that hitting prowess in his next outing.

Archer will try to help Tampa Bay match its longest win streak of the season Tuesday night against the scuffling Minnesota Twins.

The Rays, batting .297 with 56 runs during a 9-1 stretch, had half of their 12 hits for extra bases in Monday's series-opening 7-4 victory. Luke Scott, hitting .474 in his last six games, hit the first of Tampa Bay's three home runs in its fifth consecutive win.

"We're playing, probably, our best baseball right now," manager Joe Maddon said.

Desmond Jennings added two more hits to boost his average to .448 in the last seven games but the outfielder and his teammates have given Archer (2-3, 4.17 ERA) just 10 runs of support in his seven starts this season.

The 24-year-old right-hander has allowed three runs or fewer in each of his last three outings but has gone winless in his last two in large part because of a combined four runs of support.

Archer gave up two runs, two hits and three walks over six innings Thursday in Houston but did not get a decision in a 7-5 victory.

"He's figuring out himself regarding pitch usage, when to throw this or that," Maddon told the team's website. "The game awareness regarding holding runners will come in time. He continues to understand himself better as he pitches, meaning when do I use the different weapons that I have."

In his next start, he'll face a team that's lost eight of nine overall and 11 of 14 on the road. The Twins (37-49), who have a 6.69 ERA in their last nine games, have also dropped a series-high six straight to Tampa Bay (50-40).

With stars Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau struggling at the plate, Minnesota is hoping rookie Kyle Gibson (1-1, 7.94) can help end that skid by returning to the form he showed in his major league debut.

The right-hander gave up two runs over six innings in a 6-2 win over Kansas City on June 29 but he was tagged for eight runs and 11 hits in 5 1-3 Thursday in a 9-5 loss to the Yankees.

"Every day there's guys that lose their job here in this game, and hopefully in five days I'll get another chance and go out there and throw better," Gibson said.

Mauer and Morneau will try to help their young teammates by ending their respective slumps. Mauer is 6 for 45 (.133) with 10 strikeouts in his last 12 games, and Morneau is 3 for 26 (.115) in his last eight but had a solo homer Monday.

The Rays will try to add to their woes while winning seven in a row at home for the first time since a 10-game run April 21-May 4, 2012.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Twins at Rays
Mon, Jul 8 Final 4 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Twins at Rays
Tue, Jul 9 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Twins at Rays
Wed, Jul 10 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Twins at Rays
Thu, Jul 11 - 12:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Angels (43-45) at Cubs (39-48)
Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: July 09, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


The Los Angeles Angels are surging their way back to respectability and a visit to the rebuilding Chicago Cubs would appear to help.

The Cubs, though, have more wins against AL teams than in any other season, and they'll try to close out interleague play with a strong showing in a two-game series that begins Tuesday night.

Los Angeles (43-45) heads into Chicago having won 10 of 12 and a season-high seven in a row on the road.

The Angels have scored 65 runs and batted .306 with runners in scoring position during that 12-game span. They've also posted a 3.00 ERA in their last 11 contests after compiling a 4.41 ERA in their first 77 this season.

Much like Albert Pujols last season, high-priced free agent signee Josh Hamilton is starting to emerge from his early season slump and is batting .372 (16 for 43) during a 12-game hit streak, tied for the longest by an Angels player this season. His .230 batting average is his highest since mid-April.

"It was only a matter of time before all this talent in the room came together and started to get something rolling," pitcher Jered Weaver told the team's website. "Obviously it's a little later than we anticipated, but it's always good to get hot and hopefully we can keep this rolling into Chicago."

Los Angeles will next face a Cubs team that's traded away starting pitcher Scott Feldman, reliever Carlos Marmol and reserve outfielder Scott Hairston in the past week. Another starter, Matt Garza, and outfielder Alfonso Soriano might follow those players out of town.

Soriano, batting .381 with six homers in his last 10 games, went 3 for 4 with a solo shot in an 8-2 win at the crosstown White Sox on Monday. The Cubs scored five runs in the eighth inning to improve to 12-6 in interleague play.

Chicago (39-48) hadn't earned more than nine wins against the AL in any other season.

Travis Wood, the Cubs' lone All-Star, will try to help pad that total while leading Chicago to a fourth straight win. Wood (5-6, 2.69 ERA) will also seek his first victory in seven starts in his first appearance against the Angels.

The left-hander is 0-3 in his last six games despite a 2.58 ERA and has received a combined nine runs of support. Wood pitched six scoreless innings Thursday in a 1-0 loss in Oakland.

"You have to keep battling every single day,' Wood said. "I have to find a way to win these games. I need to step it up a little more."

Joe Blanton has 10 losses this season, tied for the most in the AL, but is 1-0 with a 2.93 ERA in six career starts against the Cubs. The right-hander gave up two runs over six innings in his most recent matchup Aug. 5, a 7-6 win for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Blanton (2-10, 5.14) earned one of his rare wins in Houston on June 29 but couldn't build on that outing Thursday. He was charged with five runs and nine hits over 5 2-3 innings in a 6-5 victory over St. Louis.

Hamilton will try to aid his struggling teammate by extending an eight-game hit streak against the Cubs. The right fielder is 11 for 30 (.367) during that run and hit a pair of doubles as Chicago and Los Angeles split two games in Anaheim from June 4-5.

The Angels won two of three in their only visit to Wrigley Field from June 18-20, 2010.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Angels at Cubs
Tue, Jul 9 - 8:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Angels at Cubs
Wed, Jul 10 - 8:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Reds (50-39) at Brewers (36-52)
Game: 2
Venue: Miller Park
Date: July 09, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


The Milwaukee Brewers haven't had great luck this season with injuries, but they're likely feeling fortunate that Wily Peralta will be able to start Tuesday night.

They'll feel even better if Ryan Braun is able to play.

Peralta takes the mound for the first time since an injury scare for Milwaukee, which could also get Braun back against the Cincinnati Reds at Miller Park.

The Brewers (36-52) have dealt with a rash of injuries, including ones to Corey Hart, Aramis Ramirez and Braun, who was activated from the disabled list Monday after sitting out since June 9 due to a bruised right thumb.

Braun didn't play in Milwaukee's 4-3 win over Cincinnati (50-39), but could be in Tuesday's lineup. Meanwhile, Ramirez was placed on the DL for the second time this season as his left knee continues to bother him.

"Being on the DL is not something I enjoyed," said Braun, who hit .304 with nine homers and 36 RBIs in 57 games before succumbing to injury. "Definitely made me appreciate the last six years having never spent time on the DL because it's just a lot of long, boring days. I'm excited to be back. I'm excited to be able to compete again and be able to contribute, hopefully contribute to some better baseball."

Manager Ron Roenicke said Peralta (5-9, 5.27 ERA) is on track to start after running into a setback his last time out. He left last Tuesday's 4-0 win at Washington in the sixth inning with a strained left hamstring. Peralta was initially set to pitch Sunday but had that pushed back as a precaution.

"No restrictions," Roenicke said of Peralta, who threw 5 1-3 scoreless innings while allowing three hits to the Nationals before exiting. "It's all going to be dictated on what's happening. If he feels something, then, obviously, we'll address that. As far as pitches and things, there's no restrictions."

The right-hander started the season 3-6 with a 6.35 ERA in his first 11 starts, but has been better recently, going 2-3 with a 3.76 ERA over his last seven outings.

Peralta would likely be especially happy to have Braun back on the field, as he received an average of 2.43 runs of support in his last seven games, including a total of three runs over his last four.

Milwaukee has also committed three errors in his last four starts, but salvaged Monday's victory with a big assist from Carlos Gomez, who took away what would have been the go-ahead home run from Joey Votto for the game's final out.

Tony Cingrani (3-0, 3.40) will take the hill Tuesday, looking to keep Cincinnati from its fourth loss in five games. He gave up two runs in 5 2-3 innings of a 3-2 win over San Francisco on Wednesday, his first start since June 11.

Braun and Jean Segura homered off Cingrani when he failed to record a decision in Cincinnati's 4-3 win May 10. Those were the only two runs allowed by the left-hander in four innings - his shortest start of the season.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Reds at Brewers
Mon, Jul 8 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Reds at Brewers
Tue, Jul 9 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Reds at Brewers
Wed, Jul 10 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Astros (32-57) at Cardinals (53-34)
Game: 1
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: July 09, 2013 8:15 PM EDT


The success of the St. Louis Cardinals largely can be attributed to the contributions of Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright, two of the team's five selections to the NL All-Star squad.

Molina could return to the lineup after receiving positive news regarding his injury, and Wainwright will start one day earlier than scheduled as St. Louis hosts the Houston Astros on Tuesday night.

The NL's leading vote getter for the All-Star game, Molina has been sidelined for the past two games due to knee soreness. An MRI revealed no structural damage, though, and the catcher didn't rule out Tuesday as a possible return.

"Everything came back negative and that's a relief," Molina said.

Molina, leading the NL with a .346 average, will be joined by Wainwright, Carlos Beltran - voted a starter - Matt Carpenter and Allen Craig representing the Cardinals (53-34) on the NL roster.

"I didn't think in my life I'd have that many votes," Molina said. "That made me feel good."

Wainwright (11-5, 2.36 ERA) ranks among the majors' leaders in ERA and near the top of the NL leaderboard in strikeouts. The right-hander will throw in this contest rather than Wednesday's two-game series finale in order to get two more starts before the exhibition. He'll also start Sunday against the Chicago Cubs.

He last pitched Thursday and did not get a decision as he allowed four runs in eight-plus innings of a 6-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.

"I think what's more important is what's going on inside this clubhouse, and can I help the team in that capacity," Wainwright told the team's official website. "I think I can and I think our staff has trust in me to do that as well. Two more starts before the break gives us a good chance to win those games."

Wainwright's history versus Houston suggests St. Louis should have a solid chance to win at least that first outing. He's beaten the Astros more than any other team, going 12-1 with a 1.44 ERA in 14 career starts, and has won six straight against them while allowing four runs in 45 2-3 innings.

Bud Norris has faced St. Louis more than any other club, and he'll take the mound Tuesday looking to improve on his 2.74 ERA in 15 career starts against the Cardinals.

Norris (6-7, 3.22) has been one bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Astros (32-57), who have the most losses in baseball. He's 2-3 with 2.29 ERA over his last nine starts, tossing at least six innings in each after giving up one run in seven frames Wednesday as he defeated Tampa Bay in a 4-1 win.

"Bud has been absolutely outstanding for us," manager Bo Porter said. "I think he's throwing probably the best he has all season. He's our No. 1 guy and has pitched like an ace."

The right-hander will face a St. Louis team that had lost eight of 11 - all against the AL - before a three-game sweep of Miami over the weekend. Beltran had two hits and Matt Holliday homered in Sunday's 3-2 victory.

Part of the Cardinals' previous slump was a 4-3 loss to Houston on June 26 as the teams split a two-game set.

The Astros have dropped eight of 10 since that contest and fell 5-4 to Texas on Sunday. Catcher Jason Castro, the team's lone All-Star, didn't start but popped out to end the game pinch-hitting.

The Cardinals have won 11 of the last 13 matchups, including six straight in St. Louis.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Cardinals
Tue, Jul 9 - 8:15PM EDT

GAME 2
Astros at Cardinals
Wed, Jul 10 - 8:15PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Dodgers (43-45) at Diamondbacks (47-42)
Game: 2
Venue: Chase Field
Date: July 09, 2013 9:40 PM EDT


Following weeks of uncertainty, Ricky Nolasco was sent to the surging Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend.

He appears more than pleased with how everything played out.

Nolasco tries to come out strong in his Dodgers debut Tuesday night opposite Arizona Diamondbacks starter Ian Kennedy, who played a big role in last month's brawl between these clubs.

After several teams showed interest in him, the Dodgers (43-45) acquired Nolasco from Miami in exchange for three minor league pitchers Saturday.

"I'm definitely excited. It's L.A., the team that I grew up going to the games as a kid," Nolasco, who grew up in Corona, California, told MLB's official website. "It's kind of surreal now, until I'm actually there. It will take time to sink in, but I'm definitely excited."

The right-hander went 5-8 with a 3.85 ERA in 18 starts with the Marlins, allowing two runs and six hits in seven innings Wednesday in a 6-3 win at Atlanta.

"He's a competitor," Hanley Ramirez said. "He knows how to pitch, and I think he helps us a lot. He wants to be out there, and he's a good teammate. I was with him six or seven years (in Miami), and nobody has a complaint about him. A great guy."

Nolasco was at his best during a 2-1 win over Arizona on May 19, yielding one run and five hits while striking out a season-high 11 in eight-plus innings. He is, however, 1-1 with a 7.00 ERA during his last three starts at Chase Field.

Miguel Montero is 5 for 13 with a homer and two doubles versus Nolasco, and Didi Gregorius and Aaron Hill are a combined 9 for 13.

Kennedy (3-4, 5.16 ERA) also figures to be under the spotlight as he faces the Dodgers for the first time since causing both benches to empty in a 5-3 road loss June 11. Kennedy hit rising star Yasiel Puig with a pitch, then later plunked opposing pitcher Zack Greinke with another high pitch after both teams had been warned. The right-hander received a 10-game suspension for his actions.

Kennedy allowed two runs in seven innings Thursday in a 5-4, 15-inning road win over the Mets. He is 2-1 with a 2.81 ERA in his last four starts versus Los Angeles.

Kennedy won't have to worry about facing Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, who was placed on the disabled list Monday with joint inflammation in his left shoulder. Manager Don Mattingly said the team doesn't think the problem is related to the shoulder surgery Kemp had this offseason.

"I just want to play and I want to be 100 percent when I play," said Kemp, batting .254 with four homers in 61 games. "I'm not good when I'm 70-80 percent. I may be all right, but I want to be more than all right."

The Dodgers are playing their best baseball of the year, winning 13 of 16 to climb within 3 1/2 games of NL West-leading Arizona (47-42). Los Angeles had dropped 17 of 21 in the series before taking Monday's opener 6-1 behind a season high-tying 17 hits.

"Without this little streak we've been on who knows what position we'd be in," second baseman Mark Ellis said.

Greinke threw seven strong innings while Ramirez and Andre Ethier went a combined 6 for 10. Ramirez is batting .486 with six homers, 18 RBIs and 20 runs during a 20-game hitting streak, the longest active stretch in the majors and longest by a Dodger since Ethier's 30-game streak from April 2-May 6, 2011.

The Diamondbacks had a season high-tying five-game overall win streak snapped Monday, but still have won seven of nine at home by a 46-23 margin.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Dodgers at Diamondbacks
Mon, Jul 8 Final 6 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Dodgers at Diamondbacks
Tue, Jul 9 - 9:40PM EDT

GAME 3
Dodgers at Diamondbacks
Wed, Jul 10 - 9:40PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Red Sox (54-37) at Mariners (40-49)
Game: 2
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: July 09, 2013 10:10 PM EDT


The Boston Red Sox figured that the first half of this four-game set against the Seattle Mariners' AL leaders in ERA would be difficult.

The Red Sox will look to avoid their first four-game slide of 2013 on Tuesday night when they face Hisashi Iwakuma, who has been vulnerable during his four-game winless stretch.

Boston (54-37) fell to 1-3 on this 10-game trip with an 11-4 loss to Felix Hernandez on Monday. Hernandez, second in the AL with a 2.69 ERA, gave up two runs over seven innings.

It may not get easier against Iwakuma (7-4, 2.60 ERA), the only pitcher in the league with a better ERA than his teammate. That mark, though, has risen from 1.79 during his last four outings, with the right-hander going 0-3 with a 5.54 ERA in that span.

Iwakuma has yielded exactly four runs in each start of his winless streak, pitching six-plus innings Thursday as he was charged with a 5-4 defeat at Texas. His 3.86 ERA in July is his highest in any month, and he has never faced the Red Sox.

Boston manager John Farrell is unsure whether he will have Jacoby Ellsbury or Shane Victorino in the lineup after both sat out Monday.

Ellsbury is batting .389 during a 17-game hit streak and leads the majors with 36 steals. The center fielder suffered a left wrist injury in a 3-0 loss to the Angels on Sunday.

"We're hopeful that this is something that will respond to treatment," Farrell told the Red Sox's official website. "If it doesn't, certainly, every test at that point would be taken."

Victorino has sat out two straight games with a hamstring injury and remains day to day.

Seattle (40-49) entered play Monday averaging 3.7 runs for the second-worst mark in the AL. It reached double digits in runs for just the second time all year in its fifth victory in seven games.

Raul Ibanez homered and the bottom third of the lineup went 7 for 12 with six RBIs as the Mariners fell just shy of their biggest outburst of the season - a 12-2 win over the New York Yankees on May 15.

The 41-year-old Ibanez has homered eight times in his last 13 games, batting .364 with 15 RBIs in that span.

"I'm 41," he said. "You can't play this game forever. I used that approach. Hopefully, I can share that approach with the younger guys, telling them, 'Hey, time goes by really fast. Enjoy this.'"

The Mariners have yet to face Boston rookie right-hander Allen Webster (1-2, 7.88), who will make his sixth start after earning his first victory in his last one.

Webster, who is in his third stint with the Red Sox this year, allowed a season-low two runs over six innings of an 8-2 win over San Diego on Thursday.

"I think at each passing start here at this level he starts to get his feet underneath him," Farrell said.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Red Sox at Mariners
Mon, Jul 8 Final 4 to 11
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Red Sox at Mariners
Tue, Jul 9 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Red Sox at Mariners
Wed, Jul 10 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Red Sox at Mariners
Thu, Jul 11 - 3:40PM EDT