Boxscore

Geoff Blum provided half of the offense for the Astros (13-15) with a three-run double in the third against the Diamondbacks (19-8).

D-backs starter Edgar Gonzalez (1-2) was knocked out of that same scoring inning, and Arizona never had a chance after that, despite the shaky start from Jack Cassel. Doug Brocail (1-0) got the win in relief, and Jose Valverde (S 5) picked up the save, striking out the side.

This afternoon, it’s an aging Randy Johnson versus Shawn Chacon at 3:40 pm EDT.

Boxscore

Usually when a team has their ace starting a game along with the first start from the slick-gloved centerfielder they signed in the offseason, it’s the first game of the year. For the Brewers (15-11), it didn’t happen until the 26th against the Cubs (16-10).

Ben Sheets (4-0) pitched kinda like you expect pitchers to pitch on Opening Day. In his defense, it was his first start since missing time with a muscle pull. Jason Marquis (1-1) started for the Cubs, pretty much ensuring they didn’t have a chance at winning.

The offense for both teams was in high gear, though, pumping out 17 runs and 28 hits. On most days, 7 runs would get you a win, but not for the Cubs. The loss puts them in a virtual tie for first with the Cardinals.

The same two teams tonight with Jeff Suppan trying to win against Ryan Dempster at 8:05pm EDT.

Boxscore

The Reds (12-16) lost the second game of their series with the Cardinals (17-11), no thanks to worthless rookie Johnny Cueto (1-3). Sheesh. Talk about failing to live up to the expectations heaped upon him after a couple good outings. Why, in my day, rookies weren’t so inconsistent.

Joel Pineiro (2-2) got the win. No save situation was available, although Adam Dunn tried with a meaningless home run in the 9th.

The two teams close out the series at 1:15pm EDT when Aaron Harang takes on Braden Looper.

Boxscore

In a shocking turn of events, the Pirates (10-16) played extra innings against the Mets (14-11).

I’m not going to bother to look this up–I don’t have the time and I don’t know how–but it seems obvious to me that the Pirates are on pace for the most extra-innings games in the history of baseball.

This game featured what might be the best pitching match-up in any game this year for Pittsburgh, with Ian Snell going against Johann Santana. Naturally, both were gone before the end of the 6th.

David Wright drove in the winning run in the 11th to give the win to Jorge Sosa (3-1) and the loss to recently called up Jon Van Bernchoten (0-1).

The Pirates send out Tom Gorzelanny to face the Mets’ Oliver Perez today at 1:10pm EDT.