Brian Schneider hits his first home run of the 2012 season, the two-run shot doubling his RBI total for year. Brian’s in his 13th season behind the plate. Over his career, he posted decent numbers for a catcher. He’s pretty much a perfect backup at this point. The Phillies lead the Astros 2-0 in the top of the third inning.
The Phillies started Brian Schneider at catcher, but Carlos Ruiz finished the game against Atlanta. The combined to go three for four, each homering, and driving in seven runs as the Phillies downed the Braves 10-2. Ruiz collected a double as well, raising his slugging percentage to .522.
Russell Martin is still in the game for the Yankees, having hit two home runs against the Red Sox this afternoon. He’s driving in four runs and his slugging percentage stands at .679 early in the season. The 7-8-9 hitters in the Yankees lineup combined for two doubles and three home runs, drove in seven and scored five as the Yankees lead 9-4 in the top of the eighth inning.
Wilson Valdez takes over for Chase Utley at second, batting eighth in the Phillies lineup. He homers tonight, one of two three-run shots against the Reds. Brian Schneider, the number seven hitter, collected the other. The Phillies are off to a 6-1 lead in the fifth based on strong hitting from the bottom of the order.
The Phillies defeat the Giants 7-6 in 11 innings. Philadelphia scores twice in the top of the inning, but San Francisco came back in the bottom with another run. The failed to tie the game, however, due to a great defensive play by Brian Schneider. He was in for Ruiz, and with men on second and third and one out, the infield was in. Eugenio Velez grounded to Ryan Howard, who made a poor throw home, pulling Schneider in front of the plate. He swung his arm around clockwise, and Uribe arm came down on Brian’s glove as the Giants’ pinch hitter tried to tag the plate.
A great start by Lincecum, removed two outs away from a complete game, results in a loss.