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This Thursday finally provided us with rainout-free baseball and the slate absolutely did not disappoint, with several big division matchups that included an electric pitching matchup and a wild walk-off. Lets get into it.
Today’s Headlines
Guardians Stun Division Rivals
The Cleveland Guardians woke up alone in first place in the AL Central this morning thanks to a dramatic, comeback walk-off win over the second-place Chicago White Sox last night, putting them one game ahead (for now). Though Cleveland had taken an early 2-0 lead thanks in part to an RBI double from 2B Travis Bazzana, the White Sox had stormed back with five runs of their own in the middle innings to take a commanding 5-2 lead, punctuated by a two-run homer from 2B Chase Meidroth. After Cleveland scratched a run back in the bottom of the sixth and another in the seventh, we entered the bottom of the ninth inning with the home team down by one. With pinch-runner Daniel Schneeman on base, SS Brayan Rocchio stepped up to the plate and delivered what will be a very memorable swing for Guardians fans if this season ends up a success. This was just the first game of a four-game set between the two clubs, so stay tuned to what happens next over the weekend.
Burns Takes Down The Miz
The best pitching matchup coming into the day yesterday was clearly going to be taking place in Milwaukee between a pair of electric young arms, with 23-year-old RHP Chase Burns facing off against 24-year-old RHP Jacob Misiorowski. Burns (6.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 K, 4 H, 2 BB) came away with the quality start and the win in an impressive performance. limiting baserunners and damage all game against a tough Brewers lineup. Misiorowski, on the heels of his 105-mph pitch record in his previous outing, piled up ten strikeouts across five innings, but was let down by his defense and the long ball. He surrendered two homers on the day, one each to 1B Sal Stewart and C Jose Trevino. Trevino’s homer, a three-run shot, came in the midst of a four-run fourth inning for the Reds that began with the opening batter reaching on an error.
Cincinnati now heads home for a weekend series with the Baltimore Orioles, while the Brewers head to the desert to take on the Arizona Diamondbacks.
By The Numbers
20. The highest number of swings and misses yesterday came from Milwaukee Brewers RHP Jacob Misiorowski, not suprisingly, who induced 20 whiffs during his tough-luck loss to the Cincinnati Reds.
116.2. The hardest hit ball of the day came from Cincinnati Reds SS Elly De La Cruz, who scorched a 116.2 mph single in the top of the seventh inning.
449. The longest blast of the day came from Kansas City Royals C Carter Jensen, who crushed a 449-ft. dinger in the first inning of the Royals’ 5-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Jensen is currently having a breakout campaign at the dish for the Royals.
0. Prior to last night, the Seattle Mariners had never in franchise history previously won a game 1-0 with the only run coming on a bases loaded walk. They accomplished the feat last night thanks in large part to yet another dominant pitching performance from RHP Bryce Miller, who completely shut down the Los Angeles Angels.
Best Moments From Yesterday
Oi Oi Oi!
I have been loving all of the World Cup action on the field, but one thing that I didn’t expect to love is seeing international fans taking in baseball games during their off nights from their clubs, and having an absolute blast. Australia plays Egypt this afternoon in Dallas, for example, and last night there were several Australian fans spotted in Arlington at the Rangers/Tigers game. Watch the sheer joy exuded by one of them after cleanly snagging a foul ball.
Sal Handles the Heat
As mentioned already, Milwaukee Brewers RHP Jacob Misiorowski racked up 10 more strikeouts and threw a ton of really, really fast pitches (again) in a tough-luck loss to the Cincinnati Reds yesterday. A key part of that loss came off the bat of Cincinnati 1B Sal Stewart, who was able to turn around a 102.7 mph heater for an eye-poppingly impressive opposite field homer. Stewart is currently second in NL Rookie of the Year odds for a good reason.
New No. 1 Draft Prospect
The MLB Draft kicks off next week on July 11, and there has been a slight change atop the prospect rankings leading up to the proceedings. SS Grady Emerson, out of Fort Worth Christian (Texas), is the new No. 1 ranked draft prospect. It will now be interesting to see if the Chicago White Sox, who have the No. 1 pick, agree with the rankings and select Emerson.
Injuries and Other Moves
⚾ Seattle Mariners OF Julio Rodríguez left yesterday’s game in the third inning due to concussion protocols after taking a throw off the back of his helmet while running the bases. Rodriguez remains in concussion protocol with further evaluation to be done today.
⚾ Seattle Mariners OF Victor Robles also left yesterday’s game early after taking a 98-mph fastball off of his right wrist/forearm. X-rays were negative but Robles was described after the game as being in a lot of pain, so expect him to be day-to-day for now.
⚾ Boston Red Sox 1B Wilson Contreras has been suspended for seven games after helping to spark a benches-clearing fight between the Red Sox and Washington Nationals during the fourth inning of Tuesday’s game.
⚾ Washington Nationals RHP Cade Cavalli has been suspended for seven games as well for a similar role in the same incident.
⚾ San Diego Padres RHP Jason Adam has been placed on the 15-day IL (right shoulder strain) retroactive to June 30.
⚾ Philadelphia Phillies optioned RHP Alan Rangel to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
⚾ Texas Rangers optioned RHP Chris Paddack outright to Round Rock Express.
Articles You Should Read
“Pitchers Underperforming Their SIERA”— Corbin Young, FanGraphs
“The Worst Team Defenses Among Contenders” — Jay Jaffe, FanGraphs
“Playing Time Trends: Week 15” — Mark Steubinger, PitcherList
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