Keeping Things Interesting: April 29, 2009

Yesterday's Most Interesting
It took a crazy game, but Boston's 11-game winning streak finally came to an end in Cleveland last night. It was a "quid pro quo"-type of game, as the Indians and Red Sox matched each other run-for-run, with both scoring 1 runs, 4 runs, and 2 runs in each of their first three innings to get to an 8-8 tie. The Sox then scored another run in the 7th that was matched by the Royals. Finally, with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the Sox were unable to come up with a clean play at third on a tough play, and Mark DeRosa scored from second to seal the deal for the Indians.

More From Yesterday
The Tigers and Yankees seemed to be playing a good game, and then, bam, the 7th inning hit and the Yankees scored 10 runs on their way to an 11-0 win. In Philadelphia, the defending champs lost Cole Hamels to an ankle-sprain but beat the Nats 7-1. I imagine the team would've traded the W for a healthy Hamels. The Cards scored one in the top of the first and that seemed like it was going to be enough, but the Braves were able to get two in the bottom of the 8th on their way to a 2-1 victory. The Royals, behind Gil Meche, got hammered by the AL East-leading Blue Jays. The Jays won, 8-1, behind a 14-hit and 6-walk barrage. In Milwaukee, new closer Trevor Hoffman got his first save as a Brewer. Of his 555 career saves, this was the first non-San Diego save since June 7, 1993, when he got his second and last save as a Florida Marlin. Finally, the Marlins were able to end their losing streak by beating the Mets, 7-4. Jorge Cantu hit two home runs for the Fish.

Today's Games
In Milwaukee, young ace Yovani Gallardo will take to the hill as the Brewers try to sweep the Pirates and win their 15 consecutive game over Pittsburgh. Ian Snell will do his best to keep that from happening. The Indians host the Red Sox in Cleveland in the rubber match of their series. Jon Lester will take on the disappointing Fausto Carmona. In Philadelphia, the Phillies look to finish off their sweep of the lowly Nationals, while the Giants bring Tim Lincecum to the mound to face down the Dodgers at home.

Today's Most Interesting
It's a tough call on the most interesting game of the day. On one hand, there's the Toronto Blue Jays at Kansas City Royals. I know I've mentioned the Royals maybe more times than I should, but when they have Zack Greinke going the way he's going right now - 4-0, 0.00 ERA, only one unearned run in 40+ innings - it's almost irresponsible not to mention it. Greinke will be going against Toronto's Brian Tallet in his bid.

On the other hand, there's the Florida Marlins vs the New York Mets, featuring a matchup between Josh Johnson and Johan Santana. As ridiculous as Greinke's streak has been, Johan's been doing pretty well himself. Heading into today's game, he is 3-1 with a 0.70 ERA, striking out 37 and allowing only 2 earned runs in over 25 innings pitched. It'll be interesting to see what these two aces can do this evening.