Nearly perfect: Karstens outduels Big Unit
Baseball Betting Lines
08/06/2008 -
Phoenix, AZ (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Jeff Karstens took a perfect game into the
eighth inning before surrendering a double to Chris Young with two outs, but
recovered to throw a two-hit shutout in Pittsburgh's 2-0 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of a three-game series.
Karstens (2-0) retired the first 23 batters before Young lined a 1-1 pitch
into the left field corner in the eighth. Karstens recovered to get out of the
inning on the next pitch, however, and survived a single and a walk in the
ninth to pick up his second win in as many starts since joining the Pirates.
One of the four players acquired by Pittsburgh in the deal that sent Xavier
Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees on July 26, Karstens tossed six shutout
innings against the NL Central-leading Cubs in his National League debut on
August 1, a 3-0 Pirates win.
That was merely a prelude to Wednesday, when the 25-year-old right-hander
fanned four against the NL West-leading Diamondbacks and nearly tossed the
18th perfect game in major league history, and the first in Pirates history.
In doing so Karstens outdueled the man who tossed the last perfect game in the
majors, Randy Johnson. Johnson (9-8) was strong, but not strong enough,
surrendering seven hits and two runs in 7 1/3 innings with seven strikeouts
and no walks for Arizona, which failed to sweep the three-game set.
"Jeff pitched outstanding," said Johnson, who was Karstens' teammate with the
Yankees. "I got to meet him a little bit when he was in New York on that
shuttle up and down ... He opened a lot of eyes."
Freddy Sanchez's solo homer and an RBI double by Doug Mientkiewicz provided
the offense for the Pirates, who stemmed a four-game slide.
After the Pirates added an insurance run in the eighth, Karstens saw his bid
for perfection end in the home half. Chad Tracy's hard liner to center was
nabbed by Jason Michaels, and Chris Gomez recovered from a bobble on Mark
Reynolds' grounder to throw across for the second out.
Young laced a double into left, though, ensuring that his teammate Johnson
remained the last pitcher to toss a perfect game.
"It wasn't really nerves," said Karstens of Young's double. "It was one of
those things and he (Young) stayed on a pitch and hit it down the line. Major
league hitters are going to do that."
Karstens came right back and got Alex Romero to ground out to second to keep
the shutout in line.
Karstens issued his only walk to pinch-hitter Augie Ojeda to lead off the
ninth, but came back to get pinch-hitter Tony Clark to ground right back to
the mound, starting a 1-6-3 double play. Orlando Hudson's grounder to first
was the last out as Karstens settled for his first career shutout.
"Obviously he was outstanding," Pirates manager John Russell said of Karstens.
"No-hitter in the eighth and he threw the ball as good as he can throw it.
That's what he's capable of doing."
Johnson is the last pitcher, and the oldest to reach perfection, as he was 40
when he accomplished the feat against the Braves on May 18, 2004. His only
mistake through seven innings was an 0-2 slider he hung up and over the plate
to Sanchez with one out and the bases empty in the fourth. Sanchez belted it
into the seats down the line in left for his eighth homer of the season, the
first earned run Johnson had allowed in 24 innings.
The Pirates touched Johnson for another run in the eighth, though, led by none
other than Karstens, who lined a one-out single to left to start the rally.
Gomez's looping pop fell just fair in shallow right to put two men on for
Mientkiewicz, who exchanged words with Johnson after "The Big Unit" was upset
by a late timeout call by Mientkiewicz in a Pirates win in Pittsburgh on June
9.
Mientkiewicz exacted a bit of revenge, as his line-drive double into the
corner in right plated Karstens for a two-run edge, and ended Johnson's day.
Game Notes
The last Pirates no-hitter was a combined effort from Francisco Cordova and
Ricardo Rincon in a 10-inning, 3-0 win over Astros in 1997. John Candelaria
was the last pitcher to throw a no-hitter for the Bucs, in a 2-0 win over the
Dodgers on August 9, 1976...The D-backs are 30-40 in games outside of the NL
West this season, compared to 29-15 against divisional foes. Last season the
club was 54-36 in games outside of the NL West and 36-36 in divisional
games...The Pirates have beaten Johnson five of the last seven times he has
faced the club.
<< Clips acquire F Novak from Rockets
Los Angeles, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Los Angeles Clippers acquired
forward Steve Novak from the Houston Rockets Wednesday.
In return, Houston will have the option to exchange second round picks with
the Clippers in 2011.
No
<< Angels score early and often to topple O's
Anaheim, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Ervin Santana was solid on the hill to record
his 13th win on the season and Vladimir Guerrero hit a home run and finished
with four runs driven in, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim crushed the
Baltimo
<< Coleman replaces Yeley at Hall of Fame Racing
Charlotte, NC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Hall of Fame Racing announced Wednesday J.J.
Yeley has been released from his driving duties of the No.96 Toyota in the
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Nationwide Series driver Brad Coleman will drive the
<< Cardinals pick up INF Lopez
St. Louis, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The St. Louis Cardinals signed free-agent
infielder Felipe Lopez to a major-league contract Tuesday.
Lopez was released by the Washington Nationals last week in a roster upheaval.
The 28-year-old was hit
<< Rays recall SS Zobrist, option OF Gomes
St. Petersburg, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Tampa Bay Rays recalled shortstop
Ben Zobrist from Triple-A Durham on Tuesday and optioned outfielder Jonny
Gomes to Durham.
Zobrist started at shortstop in Tuesday's 8-4 win over the Cleve
Span, Twins pull away from Mariners to avoid sweep >>
Seattle, WA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Denard Span drove in four runs and had three
hits, and the Minnesota Twins salvaged the finale of a three-game set with a
7-3 win over the Seattle Mariners.
Minnesota entered this series having won sev
Athletics select contract of Gonzalez, option Petit >>
Toronto, ON (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Oakland Athletics purchased the contract
of pitcher Gio Gonzalez from Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday.
The lefty made hit his major league-debut in Wednesday's 5-1 loss to the
Toronto Blue Jay
Cardinals continue roster shakeup >>
St. Louis, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The St. Louis Cardinals recalled reliever
Chris Perez from Triple-A Memphis Wednesday, one of a series of moves for the
contending club.
The club also optioned outfielder Nick Stavinoha and infielder Bre
Howard homers as Phils blank Fish >>
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Ryan Howard homered and doubled, and
Kyle Kendrick worked out of several jams to pitch six shutout innings as the
Philadelphia Phillies downed the Florida Marlins, 5-0, in the middle matchup
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Wright's error in field, on basepath dooms Mets in loss to Padres >>
Flushing, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Cha Seung Baek held the Mets bats in check
through 6 1/3 frames, and the San Diego Padres took advantage of costly
mistakes from David Wright in a 4-2 victory over New York in the middle
contest
The NFL preseason is approaching. Time for players, coaches and teams to turn over a new leaf. General managers have hired some new coaches, while coaches have added some offensive and defensive assistants to try and improve things. Here’s a look at some changes to look for in the preseason.
New York Jets: The Jets were one of the surprise teams in the NFL last season, making the playoffs under hard-driving first-year coach Eric Mangini. Mangini rebuilt the offensive line with rookies D'Brickashaw Ferguson (the No. 4 pick in the 2007 Draft) and Ohio State center Nick Mangold (the 29th pick in the first round). This season he upgraded the defense with rookie linebacker David Harris (Michigan) while the secondary picked up a much needed top-notch corner in Pitt CB Darrelle Revis (No. 14 overall).
The Jets have added balance to the offense for QB Chad Pennington with RB Thomas Jones, essentially stolen from the Bears. He will upgrade a New York ground game that was 20th in rushing with a weak 3.5 yards per carry. They have their first true feature back since Curtis Martin. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer prefers ball control, like his father Marty. In preseason, behind Pennington you’ll see second-year QB Kellen Clemens and mobile newcomer QB Marques Tuiasosopo.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The heat is on Jack Del Rio in Jacksonville as the Jaguars flopped last season despite a ton of talent. Keep in mind that under Del Rio the Jaguars have been outstanding in preseason with a 12-4 SU, 11-5 ATS August mark. Their defense is loaded, it’s the offense that has been stuck in first gear the last few years.
Enter a new offensive coordinator in Dirk Koetter, the former Boise State and Arizona State pass-happy coach. He will try and upgrade a passing game that ranked 24th last season. Del Rio has criticized wide receivers Reggie Williams and Matt Jones this summer, both of whom have battled injuries. It will be interesting to watch the “new” Jaguars passing game in preseason.
Arizona Cardinals: Word out of Arizona is that the players like new coach Ken Whisenhunt, who was the Steelers offensive coordinator last year. We think of Arizona as all-passing because their running game has been awful of late because of a poor offensive line. However, keep an eye on the running game in preseason as they’ve made a lot of changes.
The new coach brings in Russ Grimm to coach the offensive line (Grimm did a marvelous job building the Steelers line). They took Penn State OT Levi Jones in the first round and signed two offensive linemen, Mike Gandy and Al Johnson, to provide depth. Reggie Wells was moved from right tackle to left guard and they want more speed out of the offensive line for pulling and traps, a Pittsburgh staple under Bill Cowher.
Atlanta Falcons: While all the attention has been focused on QB Mike Vick’s off-field problems, new coach Bobby Petrino is revamping the Falcons from an all-running team to a more balanced one. Petrino likes the experience of backup QB Joey Harrington and he has veteran backup Chris Redman, who used to play for Petrino at Louisville and knows his offenses better than anyone. Petrino wants Vick to be more of a pocket passer.
The addition of FB Ovie Mughelli is a sign Petrino wants a power rushing attack behind a physical fullback and newcomer WR Joe Horn should upgrade what was a below average wideout corps. Petrino is changing their old zone-blocking scheme to a more traditional in-line blocking scheme and the offensive line is bigger. Rookie DE Jamaal Anderson was grabbed in the first round and the secondary got younger with former Auburn cornerback David Irons, who the Falcons think was a steal as a sixth-round pick.
Cleveland Browns: The 2007 Browns look like a double-edged sword. There was the excitement of the offseason, trading for RB Jamel Lewis, upgrading the offensive line with Wisconsin’s Joe Thomas (the No. 2 pick in the draft) and free agent LG Eric Steinbach, then trading for Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn when he fell to No. 22. GM Phil Savage and head coach Romeo Crennel feel they have a talented, balanced offense with these new pieces, plus TE Kellen Winslow and WR Braylon Edwards.
However, were these moves made in desperation? And were they foolish ones? The Browns gave up their 2008 first-round pick for Quinn and we all know QBs take time to develop. And even first-round QBs can be busts (Joey Harrington, Akili Smith). We also don’t know if the offensive line is that much improved (31st in rushing in 2007) and they did nothing to improve a defense that was awful against the run (142 yds pg allowed).
The Browns have a new offensive coordinator in Rob Chudzinski. This is a young offense and Quinn looked tentative, indecisive and inaccurate early in camp. Crennel will play Charlie Frye, Quinn and Derek Anderson in preseason. And there is a mixed bag for rookie QBs receiving significant starts: Tim Couch (14), Kerry Collins (13), Ben Roethlisberger (13), Vince Young (13), Joey Harrington (12), Matt Leinart (11) and Kyle Boller (nine). While all the focus will be on the Browns new-look offense, I’m more concerned with the defense.
Carolina Panthers: Coach Jon Fox loves the ground game, but Carolina has made some interesting changes for 2007. Fox fired offensive coordinator Dan Henning and brings in Jeff Davidson to run the offense. Davidson has brought in zone-blocking schemes to the Panther offense, a dramatic change for a system that's been built around a power-running style.
In zone-blocking, offensive linemen are responsible for blocking any defender who appears in their zone, instead of focusing on one defender. The Broncos and Falcons have had success with the system, which features smaller, more athletic offensive linemen and can create running lanes on the inside and outside. Keep an eye in preseason on how Carolina adjusts as it will take time to learn the system. Fox has been one of the top coaches in preseason, with a 15-5 SU, 12-7-1 ATS August record.
Dallas Cowboys: WR Terrell Owens is still here, but QB Drew Bledsoe and Bill Parcells are gone. New head coach Wade Phillips takes over, replacing Parcells. He ran the Chargers defense last season. Phillips was chosen by teary-eyed owner Jerry Jones partly because he is one of the best 3-4 coaches in football and the Cowboys have loaded up on players for that scheme.
Remember that Phillips was blitz-happy with the Chargers last season and early reports out of the Dallas camp have mentioned how the Cowboys have been blitzing a lot, a departure from Parcells. The theme of the 2007 Dallas defense appears to be one of attack.
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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout
An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.
Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off. Randy was not impressed though. Paula thought he started off fantastic. "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either.
Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed. Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact. He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition.
Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula. Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.
Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next. Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential. Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell. He sang "Careless Whisper".
22 year old Chris Richardson was up next. He was listed with +1100 odds coming in. He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great.
Nick was boring and pitchy. Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week. Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition.
Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds . These of course were the early odds. He was considered original for picking an "odd song". He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night.
Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good.
Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds. Great voice and a great sense of humor. He's a real standout. Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit. Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig".
Jared Cotter followed. He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition. The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good.
22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next. "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon. Though the judges felt he performed okay. Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.
Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition. He was the last to perform. He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start.
Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys. Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.
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