And That Happened
by Craig CalcaterraSeptember 14, 2012
Cardinals 2, Dodgers 1: A must-win for both teams if they wanted to stop the bleeding, but a muster-win for L.A. since they're behind in the standings. Just didn't happen, though. Lance Lynn, back in the rotation in a spot start, allowed one run in six innings and struck out seven to give the Cardinals a little breathing room in the Wild Card race. Oh, and this happened.
Astros 6, Phillies 4: And the Cards got breathing room, not just over the Dodgers, but over the surging Phillies, who saw their seven-game winning streak come to an end. And this one hurt, as the worst team in the majors rallied for three runs in the eighth. Jed Lowrie hit a two run double to put Houston over.
Orioles 3, Rays 2: The Orioles' charmed life continued as they win another one-run game. The Rays cursed life continues as they lose another one-run game. And don't tell me the O's are not charmed: Manny Machado's game winning single came when he swung away on 3-0 at a guy who walked the previous hitter and couldn't find the zone. Even when they do the wrong thing, good things happen.
Yankees 2, Red Sox 0: Worried about the pitching? Worried about the injured aging stars? No worries! Phil Hughes pitched shutout ball into the eighth and Derek Jeter drove in a run in the seventh. The East remains tied.
Angels 6, Athletics 0: The Angels avoid a sweep behind Jered Weaver, who was most excellent in his return from bicep tendinitis. He allowed just two hits over seven shutout innings while striking out nine. The Angels scored all their runs in the seventh inning, when Torii Hunter started it with a home run and closed out the scoring with an RBI single.
Blue Jays 8, Mariners 3: The Jays pounded King Felix. Hernandez -- in his third straight loss -- gave up seven runs on ten hits in four innings. Edwin Encarnacion hit his 40th homer. Johan Santana and Phil Humber feel Felix's post-no-no funk.
Indians 5, Rangers 4: Adrian Beltre was supposed to be hurt, but he went 2 for 3 and scored twice. 'Twasn't enough, however, as Joe Nathan imploded in the ninth, blowing a 4-2 lead by serving up taters to Ezequiel Carrera and Jason Kipnis.
Twins 4, Royals 3: Denard Span doubled in a run to win it in the 10th inning, sending tens of fans home happy. Sal Perez extends his hitting streak to 17 games.
Tigers vs. White Sox: POSTPONED: The wind begun to rock the grass, With threatening tunes and low, - He flung a menace at the earth, A menace at the sky. The leaves unhooked themselves from trees And started all abroad; The dust did scoop itself like hands And throw away the road.
Craig writes the HardballTalk blog for NBC Sports.com