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After the Washington Nationals’ 11-2 humbling at the hands of the Atlanta Braves, Ryan Zimmerman promised a better effort from the club on Tuesday. Then Zimmerman went out and backed up that promise.

Despite Zimmerman’s tremendous effort, a lack of clutch hitting and a tenth inning error by Jayson Werth allowed the Marlins to win 3-2 on a walk-off hit by Donnie Murphy.

In the third inning, Florida starter Anibal Sanchez threw Zimmerman a 1-0 fast ball that the third baseman rocketed over the left field wall to put the Nationals up 2-1.

Washington was able to maintain that lead until pinch hitter Greg Dobbs drove in Donnie Murphy on sac fly given up by Tyler Clippard. The earned run went to Jason Marquis, who surrendered a double to Murphy to lead off the seventh inning.

Marquis pitched well enough to win, giving up two earned runs in 6.1 innings of work. The good start has to feel good for Marquis, who struggled in 2010 with injuries. Marquis lived in the bottom of the strike zone, getting the Marlins to ground out all night long.

The Nats continue to wear out opposing starting pitchers with patience. Sanchez threw 105 pitches in only 5.2 of work, but surrendered only two earned runs.

The Nationals stranded 12 on Tuesday night, a problem they’ve had all season. It could be the product of the Nationals unusual lineup. If the mediocrity with runners on base continues to be a problem, Jim Riggleman has to move Jayson Werth to the third slot in the order.

It would certainly give Werth more RBI opportunities than he is getting now. Nationals’ lead-off hitters have reached base just once in four games; that’s not how you win games.

Speaking of the lead-off spot, it was revealed Tuesday that Danny Espinosa would take over for Ian Desmond at the top of the order. Desmond will move down to seventh. Credit has to go to Riggleman for making this move as soon as he did and not being stubborn.

For more Nats coverage, visit nationalsbaseblog.blogspot.com/

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The Minnesota Twins erased a four-run deficit in the eighth to beat the New York Yankees for the first time this season, with a final score of 5-4 in extra innings. 

It was the second straight night the Twins mounted a late comeback, only this time it worked: they tied the Yankees’ four-run lead in the eighth inning to bail out Brian Duensing.

The Twins batted eight and had four runs in an eighth inning rally that damaged the Bombers’ lead. The Twins picked up their first run on a bases loaded walk to Joe Mauer, which scored Danny Valencia. The real damage was done the very next batter, when Delmon Young gashed the Yankees’ defense with a bases-clearing double to right.

The Yankees would never match the lead, as the Twins dragged them into extras where Joe Mauer batted in Denard Span for the go-ahead run in the top half of the tenth.

The pitching again was very vomit-inducing to watch. Brian Duensing got sliced up and served to the Yankees’ batters who got all their runs off of home runs.

Duensing lasted seven full innings and Matt Capps finished the final two innings of regulation, with Joe Nathan finishing the game facing just three batters.

But just as the Yankees exploited the Twins’ weakness in starting pitching, the Twins turned the tables and exploited a weakness of the Yankees: their bullpen.

C.C. Sabathia went seven full scoreless innings before talking a seat with what he thought was a sure win. That is, until Rafael Soriano came in and went only two thirds of an inning.

But it was in that two-thids of an inning that the damage was done. Mariano Rivera was untouchable as usual, but as soon as Boone Logan entered the game, the Twins took full advantage.

The Twins will take the win, and the fact they fought back and overpowered the Yankees does, in a way, numb the effects of the starting pitching, but it doesn’t erase the performance.

The Twins still allowed four runs, all on home runs and all from their starter Duensing. The bright spot of his night was fanning seven batters, including the aging Jorge Posada twice. Also, the fact he went seven full, the first time a Twins pitcher has done so all season.

Minnesota sends Carl Pavano to the mound tomorrow to duke it out against Freddy Garcia, and the Tuesday night win gives an incredible confidence booster. But the Twins usually average about a win a year against the Bombers, and to have that already under their belt is nice, but to get another would be an amazing high for this team.

Catch tomorrow’s game, as the ESPN Wednesday Night Baseball Game of the Week.

Next Three Up:

Wed. – @NYY (Pavano, 0-1 vs Garcia, 0-0)

Thu.  – @NYY (Liriano, 0-1 vs. Burnett, 1-0)

Fri. – vs OAK (Blackburn, 1-0 vs Anderson, 0-0)

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Last season, the Cubs struggled all year in one-run ball games.

Today, the Cubs’ fortune seemed to be on their side as they sneaked past the Arizona Diamondbacks, 6-5.

Tyler Colvin’s two-run home run and three RBI helped the Cubs get their third win on the season.

The Cubs struck first in the second inning when Darwin Barney scored on a Miguel Montero throwing error and Starlin Castro followed with an RBI double to score Koyie Hill.

Andrew Cashner, who was making his pitching debut as a starter, gave up a solo home run to Ryan Roberts for his only blemish in the game.

In the bottom of the third, the Cubs separated themselves from the Diamondbacks briefly with a two-run shot by Tyler Colvin. Colvin was starting for Carlos Pena at first, who is nursing a sore thumb injury.

Andrew Cashner was pitching brilliantly through 5.1, giving up just one run on two hits, but he was quickly pulled in the sixth when he was feeling discomfort in his right shoulder.

Reports are Cashner has shoulder stiffness, and there has not been any immediate word on whether or not he will make his next start.

It was unfortunate because Cashner had Arizona’s hitters off balance all day, but the Diamondbacks broke open against the bullpen that has been near perfect in the early stages of this season.

Jeff Samardzija relieved Cashner in the sixth, and he quietly retired the next two batters he faced.

Samardzija started the seventh inning by walking Miguel Montero.

Montero was out at second as Chris Young grounded into a fielder’s choice.

Samardzija walked Juan Miranda to place runners on first and second.

Marcos Mateo, who had an impressive spring training, gave up a single to Gerardo Parra to score Chris Young—that moved runners up to second and third.

James Russel relieved Mateo, who coughed up the lead as Willie Bloomquist singled to score Juan Miranda and Ryan Roberts.

The tie game would not last long, as the Cubs scored two in the bottom of the seventh on a Marlon Byrd double and a bases-loaded walk to Tyler Colvin put them up, 6-4.

The Diamondbacks made it interesting in the top of the ninth inning, as they closed the gap to 6-5 on a Xavier Nady ground-out to Starlin Castro, who made a magnificent play on a ball that deflected off of Sean Marshall.

Sean Marshall stopped the bleeding by striking out Willie Bloomquist to secure another Cubs victory, their third in a row. 

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What’s up with the Cubs?

They’re actually on a hot streak and they now are in a position to realistically sweep the Diamondbacks at Wrigley.

Again, it looked as though the Cubbies were going to fumble the game away late, they were able to contain themselves and bag their second straight win.

The Cubs success started, and almost ended, with the quality start Andrew Cashner was putting in until he left midway through the fifth with tightness in his right shoulder.

He appeared to be fine afterwards, but the Cubs are erring on the side of caution regarding his arm.

Then in the seventh, the Cubs almost handed the game to Arizona.

As soon as Cashner left after going 5 1/3 innings, reliever Jeff Samardzija gave up two runs in the top of the seventh when Gerardo Parra singled to right, scoring Chris Young and Juan Miranda.

The very next batter, Willie Bloomquist, singled to center off of the newly inserted Marcos Mateo, which scored Ryan Roberts and Parra.

This tied the game at 4-4, but it was the bats of the Cubs that bailed the pitching out in the bottom half of the third with overall general production from the entire order.

Only three batters that went to the plate for Chicago went hitless: Aramis Rameriez, Koyie Hill and Reed Johnson.

Diamondbacks starter Barry Enright walked Kosuke Fukudome in the second, and Darwin Barney scored on a throwing error by catcher Miguel Montero. The Cubs picked up another run in the second when Starlin Castro doubled to center scoring Koyie Hill, but Fukudome was thrown out at home attempting to push across a third run.

Had the Cubs not bounced back in the seventh, that play would have been crucial.

Chicago saw a third homerun in as many days, but this time in the third it was Tyler Colvin homering to right, not Alfonso Soriano who had hit the two previous.

The homerun was a two run shot that scored Marlon Byrd.

At this point, it was 4-1 and everything was looking up for the Cubs with the lone Arizona run coming on a solo homer from Ryan Roberts.

Carlos Marmol got the day off and it was Sean Marshall picking up his first save of the year.

Marshall did make it interesting as he allowed a run in the bottom of the ninth when Xavier Nady grounded out to Marshall, scoring Roberts who was on third. 

The longest relief appearance came from James Russell who calmed stormy waters when he came in relieving Mateo in the sixth.

The win puts the Cubs above .500 at 3-2 as they head into a sweep opportunity tomorrow against the Diamondbacks.

Chicago now sits just a game out of first place and a half game behind the Pirates in second, who play the Cardinals tonight. 

Given the Cubs track record, this might be as close as they come to first all season as a Pittsburgh loss puts them in a second place tie. But the momentum of the new season, and new manager and a general new feel to this Cubs team is seeming to work so far. 

But as Cubs fans everywhere now, just take it one game at a time.

Next 3 Up:

Wed. – vs. ARI (Dempster, 0-1 vs Glagarra, 0-0)

Thu. – @MIL (Zambrano, 0-0 vs Wolf, 0-1)

Fri. – @MIL (Garza, 0-0 vs Narveson,0-0)

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Monday night at the Ballpark in Arlington, the Rangers handed the Mariners a 6-4 loss to remain undefeated in this young 2011 MLB season.

A decent outing for Derek Holland, as he pitched six innings en route to his first win of the season. He allowed three runs and seven hits with five strikeouts and one walk.

Neftali Feliz who has been getting used, but in his first save opportunity, pitched a three up-three down, to retire the side, and receive his first of what could be many saves this season.

Ex-Ranger Justin Smoak ripped an RBI double to bring the score to 3-2.

But before the Mariners could celebrate, Nelson Cruz remained hot at the plate hitting his fourth home run in as many games to make the score 4-2.

Nelson Cruz joins an elite group, with Willie Mays and Mark McGwire as being the only two other players to start the first four games off with a homer. Who hit five you may ask? No one. So tonight, Cruz has a chance to own a record.

Next up—Alexi Ogando is scheduled to make his major league starting debut tonight against the Mariners. Ogando went 4-1 with a 1.30 ERA, in mostly stretch relief work, for the Rangers in 2010 setting up Neftali Feliz in the closing role.

Some Meat To Marinate On

There are now only four teams in the MLB that are undefeated.

The Rangers and the Orioles are 4-0 while the Red and Phillies are 3-0.

There hasn’t been a start like this for the Rangers sense 1996 when they went 7-0 to start the season.

Obviously, Arlington has been a place where the Rangers are enjoying the success this season. The road will be vital for this team, as home has been their safe haven to this point.

The Rangers will be on the road for the next three series (nine games) after this series with Seattle.

The Rangers start off with a three game series with the Orioles who are also undefeated, as stated earlier. Then it’s off to Detroit for a three game warm-up series, before moving on to the Bronx, and the N.Y. Yankees.

In those nine road games, it will be interesting to see if the Rangers will be able to remain as hot as they have been in the first four games.

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Few experiences can top Opening Day in Cincinnati, Ohio. The parade, sold-out stadium and increased number of media members are just a few things that cause the first baseball game of the year to sometimes take a backseat to the pageantry that surrounds it.

Not this time.

We met up with a group of friends, affectionately known as the Power Stack Pack, on Fountain Square and found a place to watch the parade before heading down to the stadium. The walk to Great American Ball Park is always filled with excitement and anticipation, but Opening Day raises those feelings to a new level.

After the pregame ceremonies, it was time to get down to business. Edinson Volquez tested the patience of every Reds fan by surrendering back-to-back home runs to start the game. Dusty Baker stuck with his starter for six innings despite allowing five runs on seven hits. Volquez turned it over to the bullpen with the Brewers holding a 5-2 lead.

Around the seventh inning, many “fans” began filing out of Great American Ball Park. Most of these people attend Opening Day and won’t be back until the playoffs, if the Reds are fortunate enough to make it.

A friend of mine commented about the people leaving early, to which I replied, “Apparently, they forgot that this team came from behind to win so many times last year.”

Trailing 6-3 and heading to the bottom of the ninth, the Reds went to work.

Brandon Phillips led off with a single. After Joey Votto walked, Scott Rolen reached on a fielder’s choice when Phillips displayed some fancy footwork to avoid a tag on his way to third base. Jay Bruce struck out before Phillips scored on a sacrifice fly by Jonny Gomes.

That brings me to my question of the day. The Reds now had Rolen on first, Votto on second, trailed by two and were down to their final out. Ramon Hernandez was coming to the plate. What happens if Hernandez hits a ball in the gap? My guess is Rolen, the tying run, either gets held at third or takes the risk of being thrown out at the plate. The point is I would have liked to see someone run for Rolen.

None of that mattered thanks to Hernandez. He launched a ball into the Milwaukee bullpen for a three-run, walk-off funkblast!

Yes, it was one game…but it was a great game.

Baseball is back.

Are you in Reds Country?

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The curse of the Yankees continues.

The Minnesota Twins began a four game death march in Yankee Stadium Monday by getting handed their third loss of the season. Yankees pitcher Ivan Nova went three scoreless innings before Jim Thome doubled to center scoring Justin Morneau and Delmon Young. Nova gave up a third run in the fifth when the Twins new import Tsuyoshi Niskioka also doubled to deep centerfield scoring Alexi Casilla.

That was as close as the Twins would come to the Bombers who sent out their own personal Cerberus as Rafael Soriano, Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera shut down the Twins each pitching a scoreless inning. 

The Twins pitching wasn’t so lucky.

It was another poor start by Scott Baker, the Twins Brad Radke 2.0. Baker gave up two big two run home runs to Alex Rodriguez (his 615th) in the first which scored Mark Teixeria, and one to Jorge Posada in the very next inning which scored Nick Swisher.

Of the Twins first four starters, only Nick Blackburn has turned in a winning performance, and even that was border line.

The utter collapse of the staff can be attributed to a sheer lack of control. The Twins gave up the fewest walks in the league last year but have already allowed 20. Baker only threw 13 first pitch strikes and he himself had four walks to cancel out his four strikeouts.

The only bright spot in the pitching game was actually the relief pitching. Kevin Slowey and Dusty Hughes both put in scoreless innings earning a strikeout each. Both pitchers are building confidence as relievers are proving to be reliable options for the Twins to lean on when the starting pitching crumbles. To Scott Baker’s credit, at least he made it through six full innings. 

The bats tried to wake up and rescue the Twins and they almost did but the Yankees Cerberus thwarted any comeback attempt.

“We got behind early, but we battled and just couldn’t come up with one more run,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. “Their back end of the bullpen is pretty good.”

Denard Span and Joe Mauer, who is off to another bust season, both went 0-4. Span had almost half the Twins hits coming into the game Monday. Although it is still way to early to call in the verdict on Mauer, his poor start is not settling at all.

The Twins play three more in New York before traveling back to their home turf for the home opener series against the A’s and then Royals. Tonight they face C.C. Sabathia, which won’t make rebounding from Monday’s loss easy.

Next Three Up:

Tues.—@NYY (Duensing, 0-0 vs. Sabathia, 0-0)

Wed.—@NYY (Pavano, 0-1 vs. Garcia, 0-0)

Thur.—@NYY (Liriano, 0-1 vs. Burnett, 1-0) 

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Well the game went a lot better than yesterday. 

Th Chicago Cubs sobered up from their late collapse against the Pirates on Sunday to bad a bounce back win in their series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Cubs starter Randy Wells smoothed out a shaky start to go six full innings and fanning as many batters. He gave up a sole run which came on a lead off homer by Willie Bloomquist which made it appear as though the Cubbies were in for another long day.

After the lead off homerun, Wells went on to only allow five more hits and he walked just four.

Relief pitcher Kerry Wood saw action again, and it was him this time that almost blew the game for Chicago. Woods loaded the bases in the top half of the eighth, but escaped with no runs allowed. Carlos Marmol, the Cubs disgustingly good young closer picked up his second save of the year pitched a four batter ninth.

Another bright spot for the Cubs was the fact the bats came alive with RBIs by Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Pena and Geovany Soto.

The brightest spot, and the biggest sigh of relief, was the fact the Alfonso Soriano stayed hot for a second consecutive day, hitting his second homerun in as many days. Soriano blasted a third inning pitch by D-Backs starter Joe Saunders to left field which tied the game at the time it was hit.

The Cubs would take the lad the next inning when Carlos Pena hit a sacrifice fly to left scoring Marlon Byrd.

Chicago never looked back.

They picked up two more runs in the eight on RBI hits by Soto and Soriano respectively which sealed the deal for the Cubs. Marmol came on in the ninth and polished off the win.

The Cubs needed the win to regain a confidence that can be easily fazed. They now own a 2-2 record and sit just a half game behind the Pirates for second place in the Central and a mere game and a half behind the Reds who are undefeated in first.

The Cubs may have regained some confidence, but how long it will last is a completely different question. Any sign of trouble will take the fight out of this tam as it always does. But if they get a few more wins under their belt and aren’t constantly fighting with being .500 the Cubs may be able to do some damage.

But as always, the Cubs just need to take it one game at a time.

Next Three Up:

Tues.  – vs. ARI (Cashner, 0-0 vs Enright, 0-0)

Wed. – vs. ARI (Dempster, 0-1 vs Galarraga, 0-0)

Thur. – @  MIL (Zambrano, 0-0, vs Wolf, 0-1)

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Randy Wells continued his spring success in his first start of the season, as he kept the Arizona Diamondbacks‘ hitting at bay while engineering through six innings, giving up just one run on six hits.

After a disappointing weekend against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Chicago Cubs could not afford to start the week on a sour note.

The Diamondbacks struck first in the first inning on a Willie Bloomquist home run.

However, this would be the only run the Diamondbacks would score, as the Cubs fought their way back for a 4-1 victory.

For the fourth day in a row, in what may be a regular occurrence this season, the Cubs were trailing early.

Alfonso Soriano connected for his second home run in two days to tie the ball game up at 1-1.

And then the Cubs did something that haunted them all last season: They got the big hit with runners in scoring position.

Marlon Byrd scored on a sacrifice fly by Carlos Pena in the fourth inning and the Cubs slammed the door shut in the eighth with RBI by Soriano and Geovany Soto to put the Cubs up for good, 4-1.

The Cubs just ended a frustrating weekend with the Pirates, and this win could not have come at a better time.

Promising signs are Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez off to hot starts.  Both players have usually struggled in the month of April.

The bullpen continues to be impressive in the first four games of the season, as there lone blemish was a Carlos Marmol blown save on Sunday.

The Cubs look to take Game 2 against the Diamondbacks tomorrow in a 1:20 p.m. central time, a game where Andrew Cashner will make his major league debut as a starter.

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After a convincing 7-3 victory yesterday afternoon against Houston, the Phillies solidified a three-game sweep of the Astros.

The Phillies are currently one of four teams who took all three games in their opening series—Texas, Baltimore and Cincinnati being the others.

They outscored Houston 21-11 in the series.

Although we can all agree that the Astros are an inferior opponent, there were a lot of positives to take away from the sweep.

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