Category: Linescores of the Day

San Francisco rookie righthander Matt Cain had a no hitter against the LA Angels until it was broken up by Chone Figgins with two outs in the 8th inning. Cain has won his last five straight decisions, improving his record to 6-5, and lowering his ERA to 4.79. Manager Felipe Alou threw the pitch count (131 for Cain) out the window as his raw boned pitcher attempted to throw a no-no. Right before the no hitter was broken up, Matt was locked in a 3-2 battle with Figgins, then a ball got away in the Anaheim bullpen, which seemed to break the tension just a little, moments later Chone lined a single to center. The Giants hurler then settled back into his groove, getting Orlando Cabrera to pop out, before being relieved by Armando Benitez. Vladimar Guerrero lined Armando Benitez’ first pitch to Barry Bonds in left, for a minute it looked like it was gone, but Guerrero got it off the end of the bat. Benitez pitched a no run 9th to preserve Cain’s victory 2-1.

Matt Cain W 8 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 10 SO

4 for 6, 2 2B. HR (GS), 2 runs, 5 rbis

Damon had a fantastic day against the Nats. One base short of the cycle. His grand slam in the fifth put the Yanks ahead for good with a 9-2 lead…

…well maybe..

…actually not.

The Nats, who were coming off a five game losing streak, decided to play ball in the bottom of the fifth. The answered NY’s 7-run fifth with 4 of their own. And it was a Nationals baseball show the rest of the way.

Final Score: Nationals 11 Yankees 9

Daryle Ward, who probably should get the LSOTD, was 2 for 2 with a homer, 3 runs and 2 rbis. The relief staff of Stanton/Rausch/Cordero held the Bronx Bombers scoreless while the Nats did their business.

Too bad the Nats’ unfaithful who left the game early (many were seen heading home in the top of fifth), weren’t able to see one of the best comebacks since coming to D.C.

4 for 5, HR, 2 runs, 6 rbis

Nice night for Feliz who helped the Giants to a 8-2 drubbing of the Snakes who have seemed helpless as of late (1-9 in the last 10 games).

Giant starter Matt Morris owes Feliz a steak dinner or something. Morris hasn’t gotten much in terms of run support this season and yesterday he got it from Feliz.

Feliz’ six rbis was a career high and the most by a Giant in almost two years.

Ho Hum Holliday… Matt Holliday was four for six with four RBIs, 2 runs, and a steal. His big day was one of the keys to Colorado defeating Washington 14-8. Cleanup batter Holliday is quietly amassing an All Star season, batting .348, with 21 doubles, 13 homers, & 48 RBIs. Matt’s batt has been on fire as he leads the Rockies into the postseason picture.

4 for 4, HR, 5 runs, 1 rbi

Burke pretty much did everything last night. Aside from getting a career high 4 hits, he scored a club record 5 runs. Not only did he hit a homerun but he also bunted for a hit. He played centerfield, but he also played second base, too

Burke obviously seems to be doing ok from the dislocated shoulder he suffered last week.

9 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 9 K (Win)

King Felix was in fine command as he pitched a complete game win versus the Angels. It was not only a 4-hitter but he walked none with nine strikeouts.

It was Hernandez’ first career complete game. He faced 3 batters over the minimum.

7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K (win)

In his first career start and second career appearance, Chris showed Samspon-like characteristics. He brought a one-hitter into the 7th inning. Interestingly, he did this without striking out a batter. I watched this game and it’s very evident he is a groundball pitcher.

With the dearth of starting pitching and the uncertainty of Clemens’ condition, I’m sure the Astros are happy to have Sampson aboard.

But they should be careful about any hair length policies.