Wednesday baseball

What you missed, in a nutshell:

- The Moose is back, and he didn't bring his suck with him! And Joba Chamberlain allows his first run. On an error, yes. But still. It's because the squirrel didn't show up. Yankees def. Blue Jays 4-1.

- A pitcher duel it was, as Maine got the better of Smoltz 2-1 through 6 innings. Then, of course, the bullpens had to make it interesting and neither pitcher got the win. That's baseball for you. Mets def. Braves 4-3.

- Oh, Nats. Just when we thought you were on to something. Marlins def. Nationals 5-4. (12 innings)

- Here's a shocker: the Orioles lost. But I hear Trembley had an awesome ejection tantrum. It's the little things. Angels def. Orioles 18-6.

Other results of note: Pirates def. Brewers (7-4), White Sox def. Indians (7-4), Rockies def. Phillies (12-0), Red Sox def. Devil Rays (5-4), Tigers def. Rangers (5-1), Reds def. Cardinals (5-1), Cubs def. Astros (3-2)

The Mariners are currently leading the A's 4-3 in the top of the 7th. The Dodgers are leading the Padres in the top of the 8th 6-1. The Diamondbacks are leading the Giants 7-4 in the bottom of the 8th.

Thursday's games, the abbreviated version...

RHP Ian Kennedy (1-0, 2.25 ERA) and the Yankees take on RHP A.J. Burnett (8-7, 3.56 ERA) and the Blue Jays in Toronto.

RHP Jon Leicester (1-1, 9.90 ERA) and the Orioles take on RHP John Lackey (16-8, 3.18 ERA) and the Angels in Baltimore.

RHP Greg Maddux (12-9, 3.68 ERA) and the Padres take on LHP David Wells (7-8, 5.31 ERA) and the Dodgers.

Other games of note:
Cardinals @ Reds (Wells vs. Harang)
Rockies @ Phillies (Francis vs. Durbin)
Cubs @ Astros (Trachsel vs. Williams)
Devil Rays @ Mariners (Hammel vs. Weaver)

No real marquee pitching match-up. If Kennedy pitches more like his first major league start than his second, he and Burnett could be a good one. Maddux vs. Wells will be fun just from an age standpoint. Cy Young hopeful John Lackey will be going for his 17th win tomorrow. With the Red Sox and Tigers not playing tomorrow, the Yankees would like to be greedy and go for the sweep in Toronto so they can grab an extra half-game in the standings. Good chance for the Cubs to gain more ground in the NL Central and the Cardinals to make up for their week-long failure with the Brewers not playing tomorrow too.