3-picks: Halladay Returns

Thursday, May 31: Mark Buerhle (2-1)(CHW) vs. Roy Halladay (4-2)(TOR)

Halladay's back! Let's hope he's in good health. I'm a little surprised to see Buerhle is only 2-1 at this point in the season. That's 6 no decisions for the big lefty so far.
(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Mark Buehrle: 8.0IP, 2H, 2R, 2ER, 0BB, 6SO, 2HR - L

Roy Halladay: 7.0IP, 6H, 0R, 0BB, 7SO, 0HR - W
Casey Janssen: 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1SO, 0HR - H
Jeremy Accardo: 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 1BB, 0SO, 0HR - SV

This one was well pitched on both sides. Roy Halladay is one of those rare starting pitchers where even a complete game effort against him with only two earned runs allowed can result in a loss.

Friday, June 1: Brandon Webb (4-3)(ARI) vs. John Maine (6-2)(NYM)

Maine's been hot this year. And he gets to pair up against the defending NL Cy Young Award winner at Shea in this one.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Brandon Webb: 8.0IP, 4H, 1R, 0ER, 1BB, 8SO, 0HR - W

John Maine: 6.0IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 0BB, 7SO, 1HR - L

The D-backs don't win games at Shea very often. But this year they're a winning team and Brandon Webb pitched a real gem in this one.

Saturday, June 2: Noah Lowry (5-4)(SF) vs. Cole Hamels (7-2)(PHI)

It's a battle of youth in this one with Lowry - age 26 - taking on the Philly Phenom Cole Hamels - age 23.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Noah Lowry: 7.0IP, 5H, 4R, 4ER, 2BB, 1SO, 0HR - L

Cole Hamels: 9.0IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 0BB, 5SO, 1HR - W

A complete game from young Hamels. I'm impressed. If only the Phillies were doing as well as their young starter...

3 Picks: Since When Did Boston Get So Hot?

Monday, May 28: Jose Contreras (4-4)(CHW) vs. Johan Santana (5-4)(MIN)

Johan's pitching at home in this one. Which has traditionally favored a W for the Twins. This is a good chance for Minnesota to deal a tough loss to their division rival in this one.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Jose Contreras: 5.1IP, 10H, 7R, 7ER, 3BB, 4SO, 0HR - L

Johan Santana: 8.0IP, 7H, 4R, 4ER, 1BB, 7SO, 2HR - W

The 7 hits, 4 runs and 2 homers allowed seems un-Santana-like. But the winning at home is something he knows how to do. The Twins flash a little offense late in this one.

Tuesday, May 29: Jeremy Sowers (1-4)(CLE) vs. Josh Beckett (7-0)(BOS)

Beckett is still undefeated? What is up with Boston and how did they get so hot this year? This could be an uphill climb for Sowers.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Jeremy Sowers: 5.2IP, 6H, 4R, 4ER, 1BB, 1SO, 2HR - L

Josh Beckett: 7.0IP, 3H, 2R, 2ER, 1BB, 7SO, 0HR - W
Brendan Donnelly: 0.2IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0SO, 0HR - H
Javier Lopez: 0.1IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0SO, 0HR - H
Hideki Okajima: 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 1BB, 2SO, 0HR - SV

That's 8-0 and still undefeated Josh Beckett leading the charge. Making it a good time to be a Boston fan as they continue to extend their lead in the AL East.

Wednesday, May 30: Paul Byrd (5-1)(CLE) vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka (7-2)(BOS)

The Byrd flies into Fenway to square off against the Dice-K mania. He's pitching well this year and might make a duel out of this one yet.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Paul Byrd: 6.0IP, 9H, 2R, 1ER, 0BB, 1SO, 0HR - W
Tom Mastny: 0.2IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1SO, 0HR - H
Aaron Fultz: 0.1IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0SO, 0HR - H

Daisuke Matsuzaka: 5.2IP, 12H, 6R, 6ER, 0BB, 4SO, 1HR - L

The Byrd is the word as Paul puts in a quality start while the Dice-man gives up 6 runs on 12 hits. And Grady Sizemore was hitting on all cylinders. The good news on the Boston side is Kevin Youkilis - my fantasy team stud - extends his hit streak to 22 games with his 1-for-5 game.

3 Picks: Gyro Balls in the Heart of Texas

Friday, May 25: Daisuke Matsuzaka (6-2)(BOS) vs. Brandon McCarthy (4-4)(TEX)

The King Felix versus Gil Meche match up in Kansas City is also interesting today. But I have to stick with the Dice-K story. And the morbid curiosity of him pitching in that hitters paradise they have down in Arlington.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Daisuke Matsuzaka: 5.0IP, 7H, 5R, 5ER, 3BB, 6SO, 2HR - W

Brandon McCarthy: 2.0IP, 1H, 4R, 4ER, 4BB, 1SO, 0HR - ND
Wes Littleton: 3.0IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 0BB, 1SO, 0HR - L

It's high scoring ball games like this that makes the Ballpark in Arlington unappealing for me. Though I understand it's stunning, visually. The Red Sox and Rangers combined used a total of 11 pitchers in this rain-delayed game. The Rangers staff allowed no home runs off of the potent Boston bats. But they lose the game. Dice-K didn't have his best outing, but he was good enough to pick up the decision. And the Rangers certainly helped with some shoddy defense.

The newest addition to my roto-fantasy team, Ramon Vazquez, make me look good as a fantasy manager with a home run on his first day on the (fantasy) staff.

Saturday, May 26: CC Sabathia (6-1)(CLE) vs. Justin Verlander (5-1)(CLE)

CC didn't look too sharp in his last start. We'll see if that carries over.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
CC Sabathia: 7.0IP, 6H, 3R, 3ER, 1BB, 6SO, 1HR - W
Tom Mastny: 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 1BB, 1SO, 0HR - H
Joe Borowski: 1.0IP, 2H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1SO, 0HR - SV

Justin Verlander: 6.0IP, 3H, 2R, 2ER, 4BB, 5SO, 1HR - ND
Bobby Seay: 1.0IP, 2H, 1R, 1ER, 1BB, 1SO, 0HR - BS
Jason Grilli: 0.0IP, 3H, 3R, 3ER, 0BB, 0SO, 1HR - L

CC Sabathia looked fine in this one. Though it was really Jason Grilli's inability to record an out that put this win in the bank for Cleveland.

Sunday, May 27: John Lackey (7-3)(LAA) vs. Mike Mussina (2-3)(NYY)

The moose seems less intimidating than in years past. We'll see if big John Lackey can hold off enough Yankee offense to let the Angels take this one.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
John Lackey: 8.0IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 2BB, 4SO, 0HR - W
Francisco Rodriguez: 1.0IP, 1H, 1R, 1ER, 1BB, 0SO, 0HR - SV

Mike Mussina: 6.1IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 1BB, 6SO, 0HR - ND
Scott Proctor: 0.0IP, 1H, 2R , 2ER, 3BB, 0SO, 0HR - BS, L

Sweep! Big John Lackey gets it done! That guy is the kind of ace the Yanks wish they had in their flailing rotation.

Taking unnatural pleasure in watching the Yankees get swept at home is an old habit that is hard to let go of. The bombers go 6-games under .500 with this one. And even more entertainingly: they're just one game ahead of the Devil Rays. Go Rays! The 1-2 punch of Scott Kazmir and James Shields seems more intimidating than Mike Mussina and Chien-Ming Wang at this point. (Wang was second place in Cy Young Award voting last year? What? There's too many New Yorkers stuffing that ballot box! I hope somebody notices what Shields is doing this year. Because the Yankees are definitely missing the spark that guy brings to the Rays' rotation.)

Mussina actually had a pretty good outing, which should calm at least one of the alarms about the Yankee rotation. But the offense wasn't there to support him. And Scott Proctor gave it all away with 3 walks, allowing 2 earned runs and no outs in relief. It seems unfair that a middle reliever can come into a game in the seventh inning and get saddled with a loss and a blown save when it's unlikely they would be called upon to record the save in the first place.

Speaking of saves, K-Rod recorded his 16th of the season with this one. Meanwhile... Mariano Rivera has only recorded 3 so far. He also has as many losses. Interesting...

3 picks: When there's no Dice-K... turn to the NL

Tuesday, May 22: Cole Hamels (6-1)(PHI) vs. Scott Olsen (3-3)(FLA)

Cole Hamels has been impressive this year. And he's only getting more confident.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Cole Hamels: 6.0IP, 6H, 5R, 5ER, 3BB, 8SO, 0HR - L

Scott Olsen: 6.0IP, 4H, 3R, 3ER, 3BB, 6SO, 2HR - W
Renyel Pinto: 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 2SO, 0HR - H
Kevin Gregg: 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1SO, 0HR - SV

Kevin Gregg is closing games for the fish? Really? He seemed pretty underwhelming with the Angels last year. Olsen gets the win despite giving up 2 home runs. Though I understand he threw a good hissy fit on the mound just before the Marlins took the lead.

Wednesday, May 23: Chris Capuano (5-2)(MIL) vs. Brad Penny (5-1)(LAD)

As of today (May 21), both these teams sit in first place in their respective divisions. Of course, the Brewers meet the lower standards of the NL Central of just being the only team over .500. But the defending world series champions weren't that far over the glass-half-full mark when they won it all last year.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Chris Capuano: 4.0IP, 8H, 4R, 4ER, 0BB, 4SO, 0HR - L

Brad Penny: 7.0IP, 6H, 0R, 0ER, 2BB, 4SO, 0HR - W

Those starting pitcher lines tell the story. Not a good outing for Capuano. Penny was pitching like an ace.

Thursday, May 24: Tom Glavine (5-1)(NYM) vs. John Smoltz (6-2)(ATL)

Two old-timers with winning records... and the press will make a lot of noise about them being former team-mates.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Tom Glavine: 6.0IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 2BB, 2SO, 1HR - L

John Smoltz: 7.0IP, 7H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 5SO, 0HR - W
Rafael Soriano: 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 1BB, 1SO, 0HR - H
Bob Wickman: 1.0IP, 1H, 1R, 0ER, 0BB, 0SO, 0HR - SV

This is the way I like games pitched - tight, low scoring games. Though I can't say I was rooting for the home team in this one. It's hard to begrudge Smoltz his victory when he clearly out pitched Glavine in this one.

3 Picks: Dice-K in the Day of the Day/Night

Saturday, May 19: Anthony Lerew (0-1)(ATL) vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka (5-2)(BOS)

Lerew has only one start in his big league career. And for start #2 he faces the Dice-K. Unless the Braves regain their sanity and swap him out for John Smoltz in this first game of a day/night double-header. That way Lerew could square up against Devern Hansack - another rookie with just two big league starts under his belt.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Anthony Lerew: 2.0IP, 5H, 3R, 3ER, 2BB, 0SO, 2HR - L

Daisuke Matsuzaka: 8.0IP, 9H, 3R, 3ER, 0BB, 6SO, 1HR - W

As expected, Matsuzaka wins easily over Lerew (who only recorded 6-outs total, forcing the Braves to use 6 pitchers in the first game of the double-header) while Smoltz won the night-cap. I'm disappointed that these teams decided to go with such mis-matches for both games.

Sunday, May 20: Jose Contreras (3-4)(CHW) vs. Carlos Zambrano (4-3)(CHC)

I would pay to see these two face each other. Not to mention seeing the colorful personalities of managers Ozzie Guillen and Lou Pinella crossing paths in the windy city for the first time. Lou Pinella is the reason why I love baseball.
(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Nick Masset: 5.2IP, 3H, 2R, 2ER, 3BB, 3SO, 0HR - W
Mike MacDougal: 0.1IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0SO, 0HR - H

Carlos Zambrano: 6.2IP, 6H, 7R, 7ER, 4BB, 5SO, 1HR - L

Nick Masset makes an emergency start instead of Jose Contreras (who only had three days rest) and comes up big to salvage the third game of the series for the White Sox. Sorry Lou, but the Southsiders rule.

Monday, May 21: Aaron Cook (3-1)(COL) vs. Brandon Webb (3-3)(ARI)

This is a good pairing. And it should be low scoring too.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Aaron Cook: 6.0IP, 6H, 4R, 4ER, 1BB, 2SO, 2HR - ND
Jorge Julio: 0.0IP, 2H, 1R, 1ER, 1BB, 0SO, 1HR - BS
Jeremy Affeldt: 2.0IP, 1H, 1R, 1ER, 2BB, 1SO, 0HR - L

Brandon Webb: 7.0IP, 8H, 5R, 5ER, 4BB, 7SO, 1HR - ND
Doug Slaten: 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 2SO, 0HR - W
Jose Valverde: 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0HR - SV

So much for a low scoring game. It looks like Jorge Julio wasted no time blowing saves for Colorado the way he has been doing it for Florida this year. And he even did it against the team that traded him to Florida in the first place.

3 Picks: Interleague Time is Upon Us

Wednesday, May 16: Bronson Arroyo (2-3)(CIN) vs. Jake Peavy (5-1)(SD)

These pitchers are having the kind of year people expected from them last year. Which is to say Peavy is impressive this year and Arroyo is back to under-achieving.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Bronson Arroyo: 8.0IP, 10H, 3R, 1ER, 2BB, 6SO, 0HR - L

Jake Peavy: 7.0IP, 9H, 2R, 2ER, 1BB 5SO, 0HR - ND
Trevor Hoffman: 1.0IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1SO, 0HR - W

Arroyo got the complete game the hard way - 8 innings in a losing effort as the visiting team. It seems like Peavy can toss 5 strikeouts or 15. The Padres will find a way to keep him from recording a win regardless.

Thursday, May 17: Ben Sheets (3-2)(MIL) vs. Freddy Garcia (1-2)(PHI)

How will Freddy fare against Prince Fielder, JJ Hardy and the crew? I keep waiting for Garcia to turn it on for the Phillies. And there's some bats in the Brewers' lineup that could test him in this one.
(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Ben Sheets: 7.2IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 1BB, 8SO, 0HR - W
Francisco Cordero: 1.1IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 2SO, 0HR - SV

Freddy Garcia: 5.2IP, 7H, 2R, 2ER, 2BB, 5SO, 2HR - L

Okay, so it was Gabe Gross who ended up taking Freddy deep... twice. Garcia actually pitched well as those two home runs came with the bases empty. But Ben Sheets was just unbelievable in this one.

Friday, May 18: Barry Zito (3-4)(SF) vs. Chad Gaudin (2-1)(OAK)

Barry Zito's trip over the Bay Bridge to face his old team is going to be getting a lot of the attention this year as interleague play starts up.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Barry Zito: 4.0IP, 6H, 7R, 7ER, 7BB, 2SO, 1HR - L

Chad Gaudin: 6.0IP, 7H, 2H, 2R, 2ER, 2BB, 2SO, 0HR - W

Ouch! You'd think Zito would know how to pitch to American League hitters... but then I guess he never faced the A's when he was pitching for them. It was as if he was still playing for his old team as he walked 7! in just 4 innings of work. That's a WHIP of 3.25 for the appearance and a recipe for a blowout.

3 Picks: From Humidors Back to Knuckleballs

Sunday, May 13: Matt Cain (1-3)(SF) vs. Taylor Buchholz (1-1)(COL)

Buchholz came over to the Rockies in the deal that sent Jennings down to Houston. I'm curious to see how he matches up at home against Cain in this one.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Matt Cain: 6.0IP, 5H, 1R, 1ER, 3BB, 6SO, 0HR - W

Taylor Buchholz: 4.2IP, 12H, 8R, 8ER, 1BB, 7SO, 1HR - L

So how did Taylor Buchholz do at the mile high today? Not good. A dozen hits over less than 5-innings of work. Ouch. Oh, and rookie center fielder Fred Lewis hit for the cycle for the Giants. Most impressive.

Monday, May 14: Nate Robertson (3-2)(DET) vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka (4-2)(BOS)

This is a match up worthy of the Dice-K hype. I'm a big fan of lefty Nate Robertson and he should be able to hold his own against the gyro baller.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Nate Robertson: 5.0IP, 11H, 3H, 3R, 3ER, 0BB, 3SO, 0HR - L

Daisuke Matsuzaka: 9.0IP, 6H, 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 5SO, 1HR - W

A complete game from the Dice-K - giving up just the one run on the Curtis Granderson homer. Robertson's 11-hits over 5 innings couldn't overcome that performance.

Tuesday, May 15: Justin Verlander (3-1)(DET) vs. Tim Wakefield (4-3)(BOS)

Last year's Rookie of the Year Justin Verlander goes up against the age, wisdom, knuckleball, and AL League best ERA (1.79!!!) of Tim Wakefield.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Justin Verlander: 7.2IP, 6H, 2R, 2ER, 0BB, 7SO, 1HR - W

Tim Wakefield: 7.0IP, 9H, 5R, 5ER, 1BB, 4SO, 2HR - L

Magglio Magglio Magglio. Ordonez hits the bomb that put this game squarely in the Tigers' grasp. Verlander strikes out 7 on no walks allowed. That's good control.

3 Picks: Knuckleballs and Humidors

Thursday, May 10: Tim Wakefield (3-3)(BOS) vs. Roy Halladay (4-1)(TOR)

It's knuckleball versus the early front runner for the AL Cy Young Award.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Tim Wakefield: 7.0IP, 3H, 0R, 0ER, 1BB, 5SO, 0HR - W

Roy Halladay: 5.0IP, 11H, 8R, 7ER, 0BB, 2SO, 1HR - L

Halladay did not look like himself at all in this one. With Chacin on the DL and BJ Ryan getting Tommy John elbow surgery the Blue Jays have been getting a lot of bad breaks lately. Even when they had the bases loaded in the first inning in this one - when it looked like they would get to Tim Wakefield - Troy Glaus got picked off on a snap throw to end the inning and that just looked bad in a way that injured pitching doesn't account for. Wakefield, on the other hand, is probably the most under rated talent in the American League as the Red Sox are looking like early favorites to take the pennant this year.

Friday, May 11: Scott Kazmir (2-1)(TB) vs. AJ Burnett (2-3)(TOR)

Nice match up on this one. Both of these guys have an explosive fast ball in their arsenal and the ability to dominate when their command is on.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Scott Kazmir: 6.1IP, 9H, 5R, 4ER, 3BB, 6SO, 1HR - L

AJ Burnett: 6.2IP, 5H, 1R, 1ER, 5BB, 10SO, 1HR - W
Casey Janssen: 1.1IP, 2H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1SO, 0HR - H

This one was a pleasure to watch. And the Jays needed a start like this from Burnett to put the brakes on their skid. 10 big strike outs in 6 and two-thirds!

Saturday, May 12: Barry Zito (3-3)(SF) vs. Jeff Francis (1-4)(COL)

Barry Zito brings his muffins to the Mile High to throw a little humidor ball.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Barry Zito: 6.0IP, 6H, 6R, 6ER, 3BB, 0SO, 3HR - L

Jeff Francis: 8.0IP, 4H, 2R, 2ER, 1BB, 5SO, 1HR - W

Barry's transition to the National League looked pretty rough at the mile-high. No strike outs over 6 innings of work - with 6 earned runs allowed. Giving up three home runs will do a number on his season ERA.

3 Picks: Following the Phillies and a Dice-K Start

Monday, May 7: Freddy Garcia (1-2)(PHI) vs. Doug Davis (2-3)(ARI)

Two starting pitchers looking to endear themselves to their new teams. Both have losing records thus far and a chance to reach .500 with a win in this contest.
(Win Probability Graphing by Fangraphs)
Freddy Garcia: 6.0IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 0BB, 2SO, 0HR - ND
Francisco Rosario: 1.0IP, 2H, 1R, 1ER, 1BB, 0SO, 0HR - L

Doug Davis: 6.0IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 3BB, 4SO, 0HR - ND
Tony Pena: 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0SO, 0HR - BS
Brandon Lyon: 1.0IP, 2H, 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 0SO, 0HR - BS, W
Jose Valverde: 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0SO, 0HR - SV

Another tough break for the Phillies. They're overdue to start having things go in their favor at some point. Though I think a lot of folks underestimate the D-Backs.

Tuesday, May 8: Adam Eaton (3-2)(PHI) vs. Micah Owings (1-1)(ARI)


Owings is the rookie the D-Backs turned to when the Big Unit wasn't up for his first time around in the rotation. And he's shown a lot of potential since then.
(Win Probability Graphing by Fangraphs)
Adam Eaton: 7.0IP, 7H, 3R, 3ER, 1BB, 4SO, 2HR - L

Micah Owings: 7.0IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 2BB, 2SO, 2HR - W
Brandon Lyon: 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 2SO, 0HR - H
Tony Pena: 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1SO, 0HR - SV

The Phillies seem to be all set to dig themselves into a deep hole this season. It's going to get really ugly if they don't turn things around soon. Though the smart money was on Owings over Eaton in this one.

Wednesday, May 9: Daisuke Matsuzaka (3-2)(BOS) vs. Tomo Ohka (2-3)(TOR)

The Dice-K obsession makes a return trip to Toronto.(Win Probability Graphing by Fangraphs)
Daisuke Matsuzaka: 7.0IP, 5H, 1R, 1ER, 3BB, 8SO, 1HR - W

Tomo Ohka: 4.2IP, 6H, 3R, 3ER, 5BB, 2SO, 0HR - L

The Blue Jays are reeling in a big way. (Not unlike the Phillies.) The Red Sox had no problem figuring out Tomo Ohka.

3 Picks: Three from the National League

Friday, May 4: Jamie Moyer (3-1)(PHI) vs. Matt Morris (3-1)(SF)

With Myers demoted to the bullpen... is Jamie Moyer the official ace of the Phillies rotation?(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Jamie Moyer: 7.0IP, 5H, 3R, 3ER, 1BB, 3SO, 0HR - L

Matt Morris: 7.0IP, 8H, 2R, 2ER, 3BB, 1SO, 0HR - W
Brad Hennessey: 1.0IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 2SO, 0HR - H

There's simply no justice for the Phillies. Both starters go 7 full innings with a quality outing. And the guy with the poor 3:1 base on balls to strikeouts ratio gets the win over the guy with the 1:3 ratio. The Phillies are due several breaks at some point this season.

Saturday, May 5: Aaron Cook (0-1)(COL) vs. Aaron Harang (4-0)(CIN)

It's Aaron versus Aaron. And both should be accustomed to hitting-friendly ballparks at this point.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Aaron Cook: 5.1IP, 10H, 5R, 5ER, 3BB, 4SO, 1HR - W
Denny Bautista: 1.2IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1SO, 0HR - H
Manny Corpas: 0.1IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 1BB, 1SO, 0HR - H
Brian Fuentes: 1.0IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1SO, 0HR - SV

Aaron Harang: 5.0IP, 8H, 5R, 5ER, 1BB, 8SO, 0HR - L

Another high scoring game at the Great American Ballpark. Harang's 8 strikeouts in just 5 innings of work is impressive. As he's saddled with the loss for this outing.

Sunday, May 6: Jake Peavy (3-1)(SD) vs. Scott Olsen (3-1)(FLA)

This is a match-up that should yield plenty of strike outs.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)

Jake Peavy: 7.0IP, 1H, 1R, 0ER, 2BB, 10SO, 0HR - W
Cla Meredith: 1.0IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0SO, 0HR - H
Trevor Hoffman: 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1SO, 0HR - SV

Scott Olsen: 6.2IP, 4H, 2R, 1ER, 3BB, 4SO, 0HR - L

This one was a recipe for strikeouts: 18 of the 54 outs this game came via the K. No home runs allowed on either side as well. A true duel.