It’s Back

Attention everyone looking for the missing offense in the AL in 2008 – I found it today.

Baltimore beat Detroit 16-8 behind five home runs from the group of Melvin Mora, Luke Scott, and Aubrey Huff. The losing Tigers racked up 15 hits and chased the Orioles starting pitcher from the game in the second inning.

Toronto beat Boston 15-4 thanks to 10 doubles, including four from Alex Rios. They had 12 extra base hits, but only one home run (by Adam Lind), and hammered Josh Beckett for 8 runs in 2 1/3 innings pitched.

New York beat Kansas City 15-6 as Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez combined to go a perfect 7 for 7 with a couple of walks, reaching base all nine times they came to the plate. It’s a good thing Brian Bannister understands FIP, because his ERA took a beating, giving up 10 runs in just an inning of work.

Chicago beat Oakland 13-1 thanks to Carlos Quentin’s continued success (2 for 3, home run, two walks, four RBI). They also got a grand slam from Alexei Ramirez. Not rejuvenated Ken Griffey Jr went 0 for 3, however.

Minnesota beat Seattle 11-8 as the two teams combined for 33 hits. Raul Ibanez carried the day, going 5 for 5 in a losing effort, while Jason Kubel was the hitting star for Minnesota (4 for 5, a couple of doubles) as he continued to kill the Mariners this year.

And, finally, as I write this, Carlos Pena just launched a three run homer to give the Rays a 4-0 lead over Texas in the 3rd inning. Odds are pretty good that there will be a few more runs scored in that one too, adding a potential sixth high scoring game to the AL ledger.