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Today’s Headlines
Christian Yelich Hits for the Cycle
Christian Yelich was a big storyline coming into 2022. The 2018 MVP had struggled in the past two seasons due to a back injury, but many believed he still possessed the talent for a bounceback season. Wednesday night may be proof of that.
On Wednesday, Yelich successfully hit for the cycle against the Cincinnati Reds. Yelich hit a ground-rule double in the top of the first inning, popped a homer in the top of the third, and a single in the top of the fifth. Then, in the top of the 9th, the cycle was completed with a triple.
Yelich did it AGAIN!
His third career cycle, all against the Reds. Here are all four hits.#ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/jKAFqEjiro
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) May 11, 2022
This was Yelich’s third cycle of his career. Interestingly enough, all three of his career cycles have now come against the Cincinnati Reds. He finished the day batting 4-for-5, with three RBI and two runs scored. Yelich is currently slashing .259/.356/.482 with 5 home runs and 20 RBI. Though he may not be at the MVP caliber he was before, the Brewers will gladly take these kinds of performances from Yelich, as they look to stay on top of the NL Central with a 20-12 record.
Braves Walk it Off
If you went back in time to October 2021 and told a baseball fan that the Red Sox and Braves were playing a two-game series, that fan would probably be excited to see two heavyweight contenders throwing punches back and forth. You would then probably surprise that fan when you said that both teams were under .500.
Obviously, it’s still early in the season. But both of these teams who made deep postseason runs last year seem to be scuffling to start the year. Atlanta still holds second place in the NL East with a 15-17 record, but Boston is currently 11-20 and sitting at last place in the AL East. Both teams are looking to go on a run that could shoot them up the standings. Wednesday’s walk-off victory may be the spark that Atlanta is looking for as they hope to defend their World Series title.
The match-up between Atlanta and Boston was close throughout, as Nathan Eovaldi and Ian Anderson pitched well enough to keep their teams in the game. The top of the 6th inning brought some controversy, as Kevin Plawecki struck out looking on a questionable call with the bases loaded, leading to his and Alex Cora’s ejection from the game. As a result, the game remained tied 3-3 into the bottom of the 9th.
When Orlando Arcia came to the plate to face Ryan Brasier, Arcia called game.
WALK-OFF WIN!!!!#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/qlqt3vGMtk
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 12, 2022
This kind of win can create momentum, which Atlanta desperately needs. With the return of Ronald Acuña Jr., this walk-off could create the buzz that spreads in the locker room and starts a streak. Only time will tell.
Shohei Ohtani Continues to Make History
Shohei Ohtani is a generational talent. There’s no other way to describe it. What he is doing for the game of baseball is incredible, and helping to revolutionize how we look at two-way players. And on Wednesday night, he etched his name into yet another historical record.
#Angels Shohei Ohtani has stolen a base while serving as the starting pitcher in consecutive seasons.
Last A.L. pitcher to do that was Mudcat Grant (1963-64).
— Matt Birch (@MattBirch12) May 12, 2022
After taking the bump and pitching a quality start with 6 IP, 5 K, 1 ER, Ohtani still makes his way into the batter’s box and contributes to the offense. That was his 5th stolen base of the season, adding to a .258/.317/.445 slash line with 6 HR and 21 RBI. He also currently has a 2.78 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 32.1 IP. Shohei Ohtani is truly incredible. And at risk of sounding like a broken record and every other writer, he truly is must-watch baseball.
Best Moments From Yesterday
Wil Crowe Questions Reality
The impact of umpires has been a big conversation in baseball over the past few years. Many are concerned that umpires can inadvertently influence the game through personal feelings or through inconsistent strike zones, and that the game needs to seriously consider how they are utilized. Wil Crowe might be joining those conversations soon.
In yesterday’s game against the Dodgers, Crowe threw a pitch that, according to the broadcast strike zone, appeared to be in the zone. The umpire did not call it a strike, leading to Crowe’s reaction that almost belongs in a sitcom:
When the call is so bad that you start looking around like it must be a practical joke pic.twitter.com/sDSwneEuYE
— Welcome to the Ump Show (@umpjob) May 11, 2022
I have been seeing advertisements for the new Impractical Jokers season … Crowe might be onto something here.
Anthony Rendon: Switch-Hitter
Tuesday night featured the first solo no-hitter of 2022, as Reid Detmers led the Angels to a no-hit victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Also making headlines on Tuesday night was right-handed hitter Anthony Rendon taking his final at-bat as a lefty, and then cracking a home run off of Brett Phillips.
On Wednesday, manager Joe Maddon paid his respect to his third basemen’s talent, by listing him as a switch-hitter on the line-up card.
#Angels MGR Joe Maddon has listed 3B Anthony Rendon as a switch-hitter on the lineup card vs. #Rays today.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) May 11, 2022
This is a fun peek into the feel of the clubhouse over in Anaheim, as the Angels sit atop the AL West standings with a 21-12 record. So far, things are going well for the Angels, and it’s nice to see Maddon playing along with the success and keeping the atmosphere light. As the season continues, keep an eye on switch-hitting Rendon and his Angels as they hope to claim the AL West crown and make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Breaking News: The Bat Didn’t Stand a Chance
Baseball is a hard game. There’s no getting around that fact. Even the best in the game will struggle at times and find themselves stuck in a rut. For Vladimir Guerrero Jr., that frustration culminated after an at-bat in Wednesday’s game against the Yankees. To clarify: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is not having a bad season. He’s currently slashing .286/.384/.509 with 7 HR and 19 RBI. But he’s in a bit of a hole, not getting an RBI since May 5th. And after striking out against Jameson Taillon, he took some of that frustration out on his bat:
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. snaps his bat over his knee in absolute disgust with himself pic.twitter.com/EWvDSsBmXI
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 11, 2022
It’s easy to forget just how strong baseball players are. That poor bat is a good reminder.
Living the Dream
For many, summer is about to enter full swing. School is out, the weather is heating up, and the baseball season is well underway. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a baseball game, and that’s just what this young Angels fan was doing on Wednesday.
Not a single care in the world pic.twitter.com/Uo6LmOhevI
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 12, 2022
We should all strive to emulate these vibes this summer.
Injuries
Ronald Acuña Jr. was scratched from Wednesday’s lineup with groin soreness. It should not lead to an IL trip.
Nico Hoerner was removed from Wednesday’s game with right ankle soreness.
Brendan Rodgers and Randal Grichuk missed Wednesday’s game due to a hand injury and stomach bug, respectively. Both should be back on Friday.
Mitch Haniger’s return has been pushed to July as he recovers from a grade 2 right ankle sprain.
Articles You Should Read
Go to a Baseball Game by Yourself – Sean Roberts
NL Central Division Roundup: Who Should Panic, Who Shouldn’t – Steve Drumwright
Defense the Key for Blue Jays to Keep Up in AL East – Randy Holt
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)