Wednesday 15 May 2013

The Juice: Baltimore Orioles closer Jim Johnson finally blows save in Padres comeback

The Juice returns for season No. 6! It's almost eligible for free-agency! Stop by daily for news from the action, along with great photos, stats, video highlights and more.

Not counting Game 3 of the 2012 ALDS against the Yankees (which counts but ... you know), Jim Johnson had logged a Baltimore Orioles record 35 straight saves going back to July. No more, the San Diego Padres said Tuesday night. With two outs in the ninth, Chris Denorfia hit a tying single and Everth Cabrera followed with a go-ahead knock to lift the Padres to a 3-2 victory at Camden Yards. Afterward, it was business as usual for Johnson, who said he never thought much of the streak. Orioles manager Buck Showalter told the Baltimore Sun of Johnson's postgame activity:

“He's grinding out on a bicycle,” he said, “Getting ready for [Wednesday].”

Never turn your back on Felix: This is why Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez can never, ever leave a ballgame under any circumstances. Hernandez took a three-run lead into the sixth inning against CC Sabathia and the New York Yankees Music Factory, but he tweaked his back on a comebacker by Curtis Granderson. The Grandy Man, in his first game back after breaking his arm during spring training, must have transferred his injury curse mojo to King Felix, who finished the inning with discomfort and didn't come out for the seventh. Hernandez said it's "nothing serious" and that he would be fine for his next start, but the M's couldn't hold on against the Yankees, who rallied for three runs in the seventh and won 4-3.

MORE SCORES

Rangers 6, Athletics 5 (10 inn.): The save took all of the gumption Joe Nathan had, but he nailed it down with 31 pitches. Sluggers Adrian Beltre and Mitch Moreland each hit a home run in the 10th to put Texas ahead. A's manager Bob Melvin was ejected by umpire D.J. Reyburn earlier, so he watched the end of the game in an office with Billy Beane (who was played by Brad Pitt). Here's video of what preceded the argument, if you're into that.

Pirates 4, Brewers 3 (12 inn.): Raise the Jolly Roger! Andrew McCutchen has been struggling, certainly in relation to his MVP-contender 2012 season, but he hopes a walk-off homer in the 12th will be the start of a hot streak.

Reds 6, Marlins 2: It's a six-hitter for Homer Bailey, who threw 125 pitches. (**Gives side-eye to Dusty Baker.**)

Rockies 9, Cubs 4: Carlos Gonzalez goes 5 for 5 with two home runs in a fantastic performance. He only had three RBIs and didn't steal a base, however, so it wasn't fantasy-tastic.

Cardinals 10, Mets 4: Who is John Gast? He's the beneficiary of major run support in his first major league start, that's who. Gast began with five shutout innings before fraying in the sixth, but came was after Team Fredbird had built a nine-run lead.

Diamondbacks 2, Braves 0: Patrick Corbin and bullpen friends make it all quiet on the Justin Upton-Chris Johnson front.

Dodgers 2, Nationals 0: Vintage Clayton Kershaw fans 11 over 8 2/3, giving the Dodgers pen a rest, mostly. Kenley Jansen got the last out for his second save.

Blue Jays 10, Giants 6: 10 strikeouts over six innings for R.A. Dickey, and a World Series ring for former Gigante Melky Cabrera (but keep it quiet).

Phillies 6, Indians 2: Jonathan Pettitbone keeps on truckin' his first time around the league (hint, hint). Also: Domonic Brown hits another laser against a lefty.

Tigers 6, Astros 2: You're not going to believe this: Home run, Miguel Cabrera:

Rays 5, Red Sox 3: Matt Moore was not worried after falling behind three runs in the first inning because he had confidence in the Rays' offense. So he's the one!

White Sox 4, Twins 2: Jake Peavy and Chris Sale can't pitch every day.

Angels 6, Royals 2: Los Anaheim hits four home runs against Jeremy Guthrie, including one by Josh Hamilton, who said he's been sick for two weeks. He came in batting .212 in his first 38 games.

Felix Hernandez said "ouch" "ouch," and now trainer is out.

— Andy Martino (@MartinoNYDN) May 15, 2013

Curtis Granderson, seated next to actor Patrick Warburton in the Yankees dugout, uses his right arm to point, as if to say, "See? It works now."

• Jeremy Guthrie had not received an "L" in 18 starts, a Royals record.

• Orioles right-hander Chris Tillman lowered his ERA to 3.40.

• The D-backs have scored three runs or fewer in seven straight games.

Baseball is in full swing! Interact with @AnswerDave, @MikeOz, @Townie813 and @bigleaguestew on Twitter, along with the BLS Facebook page!



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