Interleague '07: Friday Summary

Toronto Can't Battle Back: Despite homeruns from Aaron Hill and Matt Stairs, the Blue Jays can't keep their late inning rally alive, and fall to the Phillies 5-3. John Leiber pitched seven great innings, a positive turnaround from his disappointing start against the Cubs. Rowand, Victorino, Rollins, and Leiber all contributed RBI's.

Kim Strong in Debut: Just a week after being traded from Colorado, Kim went into the sixth inning against the Rays, giving up two earned runs and striking out five. Aaron Boone contributed to 8-4 victory with a homerun, and Kim picked up his second win. The Marlins scored their runs early, and the Rays tried to battle back, but weren't able to get any hits against Kevin Gregg and Matt Lindstrom.

Orioles Rally Past Nationals: The Orioles scored two runs in the top of the eighth to go ahead on the Nationals 5-4. Despite runners on the corners and one out in the bottom of the ninth, the Nats were not able to drive them in. Both Zimmerman and Dmitri Young hit homeruns, but Steve Trachsel was able to contain them along with great relief outings from Parrish, Baez, and Ray.

*Twins Power Past Brewers: Torii Hunter hit his ninth homerun to help Boof Bonser secure the win in his impressive performance. Bonser went seven strong innings, giving up three hits, one earned run, and striking out eleven. Veteran and former Brewer Jeff Cirillo was 2-4 with three RBIs. The Twins snapped thier three game losing streak and help cut the lead of the Brewers in the NL Central.

Tigers Miller Strong in First Start: In his first Major League start, Andrew Miller pitched six scoreless innings, giving up four hits. Granderson, Polanco, and Sheffield all had three-RBI games, and Magglio Ordonez contributed with a homerun. The only downside for the Tigers in this game is their bullpen. After Miller left, they gave up four runs, one a homerun from Albert Pujols. Jason Grilli and Bobby Seay gave up five hits, and four earned runs, striking out three, but giving up one homerun. They send Nate Robertson to the mound tomorrow against Anthony Reyes.

Rangers Five Run Third Toppels Astros: Sammy Sosa's two RBI double followed by Nelson Cruz's two run homerun powered the Rangers in the third inning, complimented by a solid performance from Robinson Tejada. Eric Gagne was able to get the save to help the Rangers improve their 16-26 record. The send John Koronka to the mound tomorrow, making his major league debut against Wandy Rodriguez. The bad news coming from Rangers camp is Hank Blalock will be out for 12 weeks recovering from right shoulder surgery.