Go The Distance, Said a Voice to Marquis in an Iowa Cornfield

And go the distance he did, picking up his 4th win of the young season. Marquis nearly pitched a complete game shutout. The only run he allowed was a solo shot off the bat of Pablo Sandoval in the 9th inning.

Other than that, he was just about perfect. He gave up 5 hits, issued 1 BB, and struck out 4 in a masterpiece against Matt Cain and the San Francisco Giants. At the plate, he was 0-3 with 1 BB and 1 run scored.

It was Marquis' 5th career complete game and his 1st since 2007. Even though he's now on the Rockies, he's certainly not off to a rocky start. Sorry. Had to do it.

Former teammates Kevin Youkilis and Gabe Kapler squared off tonight as the Red Sox beat the Bay Rays 10-6. Youkilis was 1-3 with 1 BB, 1 double, 1 run scored, and 3 RBIs. He now has 11 doubles and 18 RBIs on the year. Kapler was 1-3 and is slowly yet surely bringing his average up.

Ian Kinsler had a solid night at the plate, going 2-4 with 1 BB, 1 double, 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI. He now has 8 doubles and 23 RBIs on the year. If you didn't see it, he was robbed of his 8th HR by a spectacular catch from Athletics' center fielder Ryan Sweeney the other day. Must not have phased Kinsler too much, though, as he took Mark Buehrle (my favorite pitcher) deep last night for his 8th roundtripper.

Scott Feldman pitched well for the Rangers against Buehrle and the White Sox. He went 5 2/3 innings, gave up 3 runs on 3 hits, 1 BB, and had 3 Ks. Had Ron Washington not taken him out in the 6th inning, he might've been able to get out of the jam he put himself in without giving up a run. Hawk Harrelson thought Washington should have let him pitch through it. I agree, though I will say that Feldman's command suffered when he had to go from the stretch.

Ryan Braun had the night off for the Brew Crew. I'm sure Dan Haren didn't mind.

Craig Breslow had a rough outing, walking 3 and giving up 3 runs in only 1/3 of an inning of work.

Finally, John Grabow had a mediocre night in the pen. He pitched 1 inning of relief and gave up an unearned run on 2 hits and 1 K.