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Tuesday was full of intra-state rivalries, weird plays, blown saves, and plenty of power. Let’s get into it!
Today’s Headlines
Verlander and Alonso crash the Bronx
When the Mets started planning for this season, they probably foresaw this exact kind of win: power pitching and power hitting by their star players carrying the team. The season has not gone according to plan, but the Mets displayed that kind of ability to open the Subway series. Justin Verlander had one of his best starts of 2023, pitching six scoreless innings with only six baserunners allowed, striking out six Yankees. On the offensive side, Pete Alonso crushed a couple of homers off Domingo Germán as part of a 3-hit, 5-RBI day. The star outburst led the Mets to a comfortable 9-3 win over their city rivals, as both teams navigate a potential week of tough roster decisions.
Scoreless Subway Series outing for JV. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jUxhfGldfz
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 26, 2023
Astros are bigger in Texas
When the Rangers opened the season with a significant lead in the AL West, we all knew the biggest challenge would be to stave off the defending champ Astros. Despite large chunks of the year with key injuries, Houston has been able to stay close and will enter today’s action only a single game behind Texas. This marks the closest gap since May 22, as the Astros continue to show a clear dominance over their state rivals, winning their matchup for the 32nd time in 47 tries since 2021. Key homers from Kyle Tucker and Martín Maldonado led the offense, as the Rangers threatened in the ninth inning with a 2-out homer by Mitch Garver, but Ryan Pressly was able to secure his 24th save of the year.
Closing the gap. pic.twitter.com/eamEG1XTU5
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 26, 2023
The Harper image
The Phillies stared at yet another loss in the ninth inning, as Yennier Cano and his minuscule ERA stepped up to the mound to close the game. With two outs and only Bryce Harper at first base, Bryson Stott hit a sharp line drive to left field that originally seemed destined to advance Harper to third…but he had other plans. With a mad dash around the bases that saw his helmet fly off, Harper displayed some surprising speed to score and tie the game. This was part of a big game for the former MVP, as he had also hit his fifth home run of the season earlier in the contest. The comeback would be completed by an Alec Bohm walk-off hit, as the Phillies kept pace in the NL wild-card chase.
THIS ENERGY >>>>> pic.twitter.com/HHuKhQaQRe
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 26, 2023
Over Bettors Rejoice in LA
With the Toronto-Los Angeles pre-game over/under number set at 9 runs, under bettors were probably confident that a Chris Bassitt vs Julio Urías pitching matchup would hold up. Entering the eighth inning with a tight 3-2 game, it all seemed ready to deliver a close finish, which would eventually happen in a couple of innings, but with an additional 10 runs scored (!). The party started when the teams traded runs in the eighth, only to see the Blue Jays take what appeared to be a commanding 7-3 lead in the ninth. With closer Jordan Romano unavailable, the Dodgers took full advantage and managed to tie the game via daring baserunning by Will Smith. The comeback was crowned by rookie James Outman, who cashed in the ghost runner with a long double to center field.
Over and Outman. #Walkoff pic.twitter.com/ab0jYEsGUY
— MLB (@MLB) July 26, 2023
Snell earns rare win
Speaking of teams with unmet expectations, the Padres also received good news on Tuesday, as their best pitcher would receive just enough run support to inch closer to a .500 record. Despite a shaky start in terms of control that saw him issue 5 walks, Blake Snell was able to overcome the traffic to finish his day with a single run allowed over six innings. This marked the 12th straight start of at least 5 innings and no more than two earned runs allowed for Snell, who owns a sparkling 0.78 ERA over that span. However, the Padres are barely 7-5 in those games, perhaps as a reflection of their lack of clutch hitting. Today’s win featured homers by Manny Machado, Juan Soto, and Gary Sánchez, as San Diego is also on the cusp of a key week before making any roster decisions before the deadline.
Another quality start, another dub… just Snellzilla things ✨ pic.twitter.com/lYY4xAre4f
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 26, 2023
Best Moments From Yesterday
TOOTBLAN X 2 = Triple Play
Triple plays are usually some of the most exciting or high baseball IQ instances a fan can see. Today’s triple case is really not the case. With Triston Casas at the plate and two runners on base, a lazy fly ball to center field was turned into three outs when the Red Sox displayed some of the worst baserunning you will ever see. It was not a hit-and-run, or even a 50-50 ball…it was just a double whammy of a TOOTBLAN by Boston. At least, early research suggests that a similar 8-3-5 triple play had not happened since at least the 19th century, which adds some mystique to the play.
You know what 2023 needed?
A triple play.
(MLB x @loanDepot) pic.twitter.com/LYlI5ChFqg
— MLB (@MLB) July 26, 2023
Seiya will, seiya won’t
With Yoán Moncada at the plate trying to chip away at a 7-1 deficit, the White Sox had the bases loaded and no outs. A deep fly ball to right field appeared headed towards the first row, until Seiya Suzuki decided to commit robbery. Timing his jump in the perfect way, the Japanese outfielder turned the grand slam into a mere sacrifice fly, which would prove key to the Cubs eventual win. Unlike other catches at the wall which are incorrectly dubbed as robberies, it is clear that Seiya’s effort was a true homer-saving catch.
Seiya steals a slam. pic.twitter.com/PttPJrf0lI
— MLB (@MLB) July 26, 2023
A baseball tribute to the WWC
As the FIFA Women’s World Cup takes place on the other side of the world, baseball players are paying tribute to one of soccer’s signature plays. With Matt Brash pitching for the Mariners, Minnesota’s Willi Castro was so fooled by a pitch, that the ball went through his legs, hit him, and still struck out in the process. The only way to understand this play in all its beauty, it needs to be seen in slow motion.
A ⚾️ nutmeg. pic.twitter.com/Bx5fJhG4Vc
— MLB (@MLB) July 26, 2023
Injuries
In a new chapter of a predictably bad free-agent signing, the Rockies have placed Kris Bryant back in the IL. The former MVP was moved to the 10-day IL, retroactive to Saturday, with a fractured left index finger. After being hit by a pitch, the team hoped for a quick return, as initial X-rays were negative. However, with Bryant experiencing swelling and soreness, additional testing revealed the true extent of the injury. Bryant was in the middle of another rough season in Colorado, with only 8 homers and 23 RBIs in 65 games.
The Phillies announced that pitching prospect Andrew Painter underwent successful Tommy John surgery, performed by the famed doctor Neil ElAttrache. The surgery was already an expected development for Painter, who has yet to debut in the major leagues. With a timetable of 15 to 18 months before a possible return, the most likely outcome for the youngster would target a 2025 comeback. Despite the disappointment around this injury, Painter is barely 20 years old and still projects to be a huge part of Philadelphia’s future.
Articles You Should Read
The Fastball of the Future is a Cutter– Michael Baumann, Fangraphs
17 Players Most Likely to be Traded – Mark Feinsand, MLB.com
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