(TSX / STATS) -- MILWAUKEE -- In each of the first two games of their four-game weekend showdown at Miller Park, the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs went into the 10th inning before the defending World Series champions broke their young challengers' hearts.
So Saturday afternoon, when the Cubs again manufactured a go-ahead run in the top of the 10th inning, the few remaining local fans among the sold out crowd of 44,067 prepared for more agony.
Instead, the Brewers flipped the script, getting a one-out double from Ryan Braun that set up a two-run walk-off home run from Travis Shaw as Milwaukee rallied late -- and kept its slim postseason hopes alive -- with a 4-3 victory.
"I haven't been able to come up with the words for this series," said Brewers manager Craig Counsell, whose team got within 4 1/2 games of the Cubs and one of the Rockies for a wild-card spot. "If this hasn't been the best series that you've seen in a long time this is about as exciting as it gets. It is as exciting as it gets. They're clearly coming into a good place where they're really tough to beat but we hung with them today."
Shaw hit his 31st homer after Milwaukee tied it in the ninth on a homer by Orlando Arcia off Wade Davis. The Cubs, who won the first two games in the 10th, took a one-run lead on a single by Jon Jay before Milwaukee dramatically won it.
Davis came back out for the 10th, working two innings for the second time in three games. He struck out Neil Walker to open the inning but Braun sent a double down the line and into the corner to bring up Shaw, who took ball one before connecting on a hanging curveball to win it.
"He missed with the curveball on the first pitch, and I was going to see if he'd do it again and he tried it again," Shaw said. "Last night I missed an opportunity early in the game to kind of blow it open. It just feels good to come out on the right side of things after a couple of tough days."
Davis (4-2), working multiple innings for the second time in three games, hadn't blown a save since Sept. 2, 2016.
"My arm was dragging a little bit," Davis said. "I just made a lot of bad pitches and good pitches for them to hit."
In the ninth, Davis struck out Neil Walker to open the inning but missed his mark coming inside on a 0-1 fastball that Arcia ripped down the left-field line for his 14th home run of the season, tying the game 3-3.
"Just wanted to get it in more and obviously I didn't," Davis said. "He put a pretty good swing on it."
Davis hadn't allowed a home run since Aug. 13 but recovered quickly from there, retiring the next two batters and Chicago got to work quickly in the 10th against Jeremy Jeffress (4-2) with Ian Happ starting things off by drawing a leadoff walk.
Jason Heyward moved him over with a sacrifice bunt and Jay sent him home with a single back up the middle, putting the Cubs ahead. Jay stole second and took third on a throwing error by Stephen Vogt and, with the Cubs threatening to break the game open, Jeffress intentionally walked Anthony Rizzo, Chicago's leader with 32 home runs and 107 RBIs.
The move paid off as Jeffress got Wilson Contreras -- no slouch himself with 21 homers and 73 RBIs this season -- to bounce into a force, ending the inning.
"The walk hurt JJ today but again, he did a pretty good job," Counsell said. "It's not hard contact that's beating him. It was just a roller up the middle."
Milwaukee got a solid start from left-hander Brent Suter, who held the Cubs to a run on six hits with a pair of strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings.
Kyle Hendricks was just as stingy, allowing just a run on Eric Thames' first-inning RBI single, despite giving up eight hits with a walk while striking out six over six innings of work.
The bullpens took over from there and maintained the tie into the eighth when Jacob Barnes, back out for his second inning, allowed a leadoff double to Ian Happ and a single to Heyward.
Counsell turned to setup man Anthony Swarzak to get out of the jam but Jay moved the runners over with a sacrifice bunt and Kris Bryant put the Cubs ahead with a sacrifice fly to center before Swarzak ended the inning.
NOTES: Chicago Cubs Manager Joe Maddon says he plans to keep his rotation in order this week, with LHP Jon Lester kicking off a four-game series at St. Louis on Monday despite command problems in his last outing. ... Milwaukee Brewers C Manny Pina missed a second consecutive game because of a sprained left thumb suffered Thursday in the series opener. ... The Brewers and Cubs have split the season series, winning nine games each, and wrap it up Sunday afternoon with Chicago LHP Jose Quintana (6-3, 3.95 ERA) facing Milwaukee RHP Chase Anderson (11-3, 2.74).
This is "The Line Drive", MLB and baseball news brought to you by the UNB! Network!
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Red Sox blank hapless Reds
(TSX / STATS) -- CINCINNATI -- The Boston Red Sox still have plenty of decisions to make in terms of their postseason pitching staff. But, left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez is pitching himself into the conversation.
Mitch Moreland hit a three-run home run and Rodriguez allowed only three hits through 7 2/3 innings, lifting the Red Sox to a 5-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday afternoon at Great American Ball Park.
The win reduced Boston's magic number to five to clinch the American League East title. The Red Sox (90-64) lead the New York Yankees by four games.
"We're playing good ball," Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez said. "We're getting on base. Getting clutch hits."
The Yankees defeated Toronto 5-1 on Saturday to clinch a wild-card spot.
Rodriguez (6-6) had six strikeouts and walked two.
It was his longest outing since May 21. Rodriguez has made six straight quality starts on the road and four consecutive starts of two earned runs or fewer.
"He maintained his stuff all the way through seven innings," Boston manager John Farrell said. "He used three pitches at both sides of the plate. Using his secondary pitches to make the fastball even better."
Cincinnati (66-89) committed two errors and had a passed ball while losing its fifth straight game.
Rookie right-hander Robert Stephenson (5-6) made his 10th start of the season for the Reds and was charged with two earned runs in six innings.
Xander Bogaerts led off Saturday's game with a double and advanced to third on a passed ball by Tucker Barnhart. Bogaerts scored on a sacrifice fly by Brock Holt to put the Red Sox ahead 1-0.
Rodriguez did not allow a hit until Joey Votto's single with one out in the fourth.
"He's very comfortable on the mound," Vazquez said. "He has a good feeling out there. We're on the same page. (Three times) I just put down whatever you want to throw."
Boston's defense helped Rodriguez out.
Votto was thrown out trying to reach second after his single by Andrew Benintendi.
It was Benintendi's 11th outfield assist this season, tying him for third in the American League.
Scooter Gennett singled leading off the fifth to extend his hitting streak to a season-high seven games. But, he was erased on an inning-ending 3-6-3 double play.
Stephenson's fielding error on Holt's grounder back to the mound opened the floodgates in the sixth.
Benintendi walked, then Moreland followed with a three-run blast to center, putting Boston ahead 4-0.
It was Moreland's 20th homer of the season, and it snapped a 0-for-19 skid.
"He threw a changeup that split the plate in half, top of the zone," Moreland said. "I got the barrel on it. It gave us some breathing room."
Reds manager Bryan Price believed Stephenson's error on a routine grounder, contributed to his poor location on the Moreland homer.
"That's one the challenges of this game when you make a mistake, get beyond it," Price said. "That's part of the game. It can linger. That's not an excuse. That may have had nothing to do with what followed."
Benintendi, a Cincinnati area native, prompted cheers from his hometown fans with an RBI single in the seventh to make the score 5-0.
Reds right-hander Luke Farrell, son of the Red Sox manager, pitched the ninth inning, marking the first time a major-league player has faced his manager father since the Chicago Cubs' Moises Alou faced his dad, Felipe's San Francisco Giants, in 2004.
Farrell walked two in a scoreless frame, then offered a subtle tip of his cap toward his dad in the dugout as he walked off.
"There was a lot of internal conflict going on there," John Farrell said. "It was somewhat surreal. It's a proud day. Class move by Bryan (Price) to put him in there."
NOTES: Boston Red Sox RF Mookie Betts was scratched from the lineup with a left foot contusion. Betts fouled a pitch off the top of his foot in his second at-bat on Friday, according to manager John Farrell. Brock Holt started in RF. Betts is expected back in the lineup on Sunday. ... Cincinnati Reds CF Billy Hamilton was given a day off on Saturday. He returned to the lineup Friday after missing 13 games with a fractured left thumb. ... The Reds honored RHP Bronson Arroyo prior to Saturday's game. He is retiring following the season after 14 seasons, including three with the Red Sox.
Mitch Moreland hit a three-run home run and Rodriguez allowed only three hits through 7 2/3 innings, lifting the Red Sox to a 5-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday afternoon at Great American Ball Park.
The win reduced Boston's magic number to five to clinch the American League East title. The Red Sox (90-64) lead the New York Yankees by four games.
"We're playing good ball," Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez said. "We're getting on base. Getting clutch hits."
The Yankees defeated Toronto 5-1 on Saturday to clinch a wild-card spot.
Rodriguez (6-6) had six strikeouts and walked two.
It was his longest outing since May 21. Rodriguez has made six straight quality starts on the road and four consecutive starts of two earned runs or fewer.
"He maintained his stuff all the way through seven innings," Boston manager John Farrell said. "He used three pitches at both sides of the plate. Using his secondary pitches to make the fastball even better."
Cincinnati (66-89) committed two errors and had a passed ball while losing its fifth straight game.
Rookie right-hander Robert Stephenson (5-6) made his 10th start of the season for the Reds and was charged with two earned runs in six innings.
Xander Bogaerts led off Saturday's game with a double and advanced to third on a passed ball by Tucker Barnhart. Bogaerts scored on a sacrifice fly by Brock Holt to put the Red Sox ahead 1-0.
Rodriguez did not allow a hit until Joey Votto's single with one out in the fourth.
"He's very comfortable on the mound," Vazquez said. "He has a good feeling out there. We're on the same page. (Three times) I just put down whatever you want to throw."
Boston's defense helped Rodriguez out.
Votto was thrown out trying to reach second after his single by Andrew Benintendi.
It was Benintendi's 11th outfield assist this season, tying him for third in the American League.
Scooter Gennett singled leading off the fifth to extend his hitting streak to a season-high seven games. But, he was erased on an inning-ending 3-6-3 double play.
Stephenson's fielding error on Holt's grounder back to the mound opened the floodgates in the sixth.
Benintendi walked, then Moreland followed with a three-run blast to center, putting Boston ahead 4-0.
It was Moreland's 20th homer of the season, and it snapped a 0-for-19 skid.
"He threw a changeup that split the plate in half, top of the zone," Moreland said. "I got the barrel on it. It gave us some breathing room."
Reds manager Bryan Price believed Stephenson's error on a routine grounder, contributed to his poor location on the Moreland homer.
"That's one the challenges of this game when you make a mistake, get beyond it," Price said. "That's part of the game. It can linger. That's not an excuse. That may have had nothing to do with what followed."
Benintendi, a Cincinnati area native, prompted cheers from his hometown fans with an RBI single in the seventh to make the score 5-0.
Reds right-hander Luke Farrell, son of the Red Sox manager, pitched the ninth inning, marking the first time a major-league player has faced his manager father since the Chicago Cubs' Moises Alou faced his dad, Felipe's San Francisco Giants, in 2004.
Farrell walked two in a scoreless frame, then offered a subtle tip of his cap toward his dad in the dugout as he walked off.
"There was a lot of internal conflict going on there," John Farrell said. "It was somewhat surreal. It's a proud day. Class move by Bryan (Price) to put him in there."
NOTES: Boston Red Sox RF Mookie Betts was scratched from the lineup with a left foot contusion. Betts fouled a pitch off the top of his foot in his second at-bat on Friday, according to manager John Farrell. Brock Holt started in RF. Betts is expected back in the lineup on Sunday. ... Cincinnati Reds CF Billy Hamilton was given a day off on Saturday. He returned to the lineup Friday after missing 13 games with a fractured left thumb. ... The Reds honored RHP Bronson Arroyo prior to Saturday's game. He is retiring following the season after 14 seasons, including three with the Red Sox.
Davis' 40th HR only run in A's win over Rangers
(TSX / STATS) -- OAKLAND, Calif. -- Khris Davis hit his 40th home run of the season, Raul Alcantara threw five strong innings and the Oakland Athletics defeated the Texas Rangers 1-0 on Saturday night at the Oakland Coliseum.
The A's (71-83) won their season-high sixth straight game and beat the Rangers at the Coliseum for the seventh consecutive time.
Texas (76-78) fell 4 1/2 games behind the Minnesota Twins, 10-4 winners over Detroit, for the second wild-card spot in the American League. The Rangers, who have eight games remaining, are tied with Kansas City and the Los Angeles Angels in the wild-card race.
Davis became the second Athletic in franchise history to hit at least 40 home runs in back-to-back seasons, joining Jimmie Foxx (1932-34). Davis hit a career-high 42 home runs last season, his first with Oakland. With his solo shot in the second inning, Davis also set a career high for RBIs with 103, one more than he had last year.
Alcantara (1-1) made a spot start in place of lefty Sean Manaea, who was a late scratch because a strained upper back. Alcantra allowed no runs on two hits over five innings with five strikeouts and two walks. He lowered his ERA from 9.20 to 6.86.
Alcantara made a spot start at Detroit on Monday and blanked the Tigers for 3 2/3 innings on two hits in an 8-3 A's victory.
Ryan Dull, Daniel Coulombe, Chris Hatcher and Blake Treinen combined to blank Texas over the final four innings on two hits. Treinen pitched a scoreless ninth for his 11th save.
Rangers right-hander Miguel Gonzalez (8-12) allowed one run on four hits over six innings in his fourth start since being traded by the White Sox to Texas. He struck out five and walked none.
The Athletics took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Davis led off with his 40th home run. Davis launched Gonzalez' first-pitch fastball over the right-center field wall.
After Davis' home run, the A's loaded the bases as Matt Olson and Ryon Healy singled and Matt Chapman was hit by a pitch. But Gonzalez retired the next three batters to escape further damage.
The Rangers had runners on first and second with two outs in the fifth after Robinson Chirinos singled and Alcantara walked Rougned Odor. But Alcantara retired Drew Robinson on a ground ball to end the threat.
NOTES: A's C Bruce Maxwell became the first major league baseball player to kneel during the national anthem as he joined a protest against racial injustice that former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began last season. Maxwell is an African American who was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, when his father, Bruce, was stationed there with the Army during a tour of duty. Maxwell posted a strong response on Instagram opposing President Trump's recent criticism of NFL players who kneel during the anthem. A's OF Mark Canha placed a hand on Maxwell's shoulder during the anthem then hugged him when it ended. Maxwell missed his second straight game while undergoing concussion tests. ... Rangers manager Jeff Banister returned to Clear Lake, Texas, before Saturday's game to be with his mother, Verda, who is experiencing complications from recent surgery. Banister is expected to miss Sunday's series finale, too. Bench coach Steve Buechele filled in for Banister on Saturday in his first full game managing in the big leagues and will fill in again Sunday. "We'll just hold down the fort until he's back," Buchele said. ... A's INF/OF Chad Pinder (sore back/neck) was out of the lineup, one day after crashing into the right-center field wall in the sixth inning while trying to catch a deep fly ball.
The A's (71-83) won their season-high sixth straight game and beat the Rangers at the Coliseum for the seventh consecutive time.
Texas (76-78) fell 4 1/2 games behind the Minnesota Twins, 10-4 winners over Detroit, for the second wild-card spot in the American League. The Rangers, who have eight games remaining, are tied with Kansas City and the Los Angeles Angels in the wild-card race.
Davis became the second Athletic in franchise history to hit at least 40 home runs in back-to-back seasons, joining Jimmie Foxx (1932-34). Davis hit a career-high 42 home runs last season, his first with Oakland. With his solo shot in the second inning, Davis also set a career high for RBIs with 103, one more than he had last year.
Alcantara (1-1) made a spot start in place of lefty Sean Manaea, who was a late scratch because a strained upper back. Alcantra allowed no runs on two hits over five innings with five strikeouts and two walks. He lowered his ERA from 9.20 to 6.86.
Alcantara made a spot start at Detroit on Monday and blanked the Tigers for 3 2/3 innings on two hits in an 8-3 A's victory.
Ryan Dull, Daniel Coulombe, Chris Hatcher and Blake Treinen combined to blank Texas over the final four innings on two hits. Treinen pitched a scoreless ninth for his 11th save.
Rangers right-hander Miguel Gonzalez (8-12) allowed one run on four hits over six innings in his fourth start since being traded by the White Sox to Texas. He struck out five and walked none.
The Athletics took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Davis led off with his 40th home run. Davis launched Gonzalez' first-pitch fastball over the right-center field wall.
After Davis' home run, the A's loaded the bases as Matt Olson and Ryon Healy singled and Matt Chapman was hit by a pitch. But Gonzalez retired the next three batters to escape further damage.
The Rangers had runners on first and second with two outs in the fifth after Robinson Chirinos singled and Alcantara walked Rougned Odor. But Alcantara retired Drew Robinson on a ground ball to end the threat.
NOTES: A's C Bruce Maxwell became the first major league baseball player to kneel during the national anthem as he joined a protest against racial injustice that former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began last season. Maxwell is an African American who was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, when his father, Bruce, was stationed there with the Army during a tour of duty. Maxwell posted a strong response on Instagram opposing President Trump's recent criticism of NFL players who kneel during the anthem. A's OF Mark Canha placed a hand on Maxwell's shoulder during the anthem then hugged him when it ended. Maxwell missed his second straight game while undergoing concussion tests. ... Rangers manager Jeff Banister returned to Clear Lake, Texas, before Saturday's game to be with his mother, Verda, who is experiencing complications from recent surgery. Banister is expected to miss Sunday's series finale, too. Bench coach Steve Buechele filled in for Banister on Saturday in his first full game managing in the big leagues and will fill in again Sunday. "We'll just hold down the fort until he's back," Buchele said. ... A's INF/OF Chad Pinder (sore back/neck) was out of the lineup, one day after crashing into the right-center field wall in the sixth inning while trying to catch a deep fly ball.
Duffy pitches Royals past White Sox
(TSX / STATS) -- CHICAGO -- Left-hander Danny Duffy figures to make one more start for the Kansas City Royals before the regular season ends.
His latest effort helped sustain the Royals' faint aspirations to go beyond that and return to the postseason for the first time since 2015.
Duffy pitched six-plus strong innings to finally solve a familiar foe, helping the Royals to an 8-2 win against the Chicago White Sox and keep Kansas City's American League wild-card hopes alive.
Kansas City (76-78) remained 4 1/2 games behind the Minnesota Twins for the second AL wild-card spot while pulling even with Anaheim. Texas, playing late at Oakland, was one-half game ahead of the Royals when Saturday's game ended.
"Just keep pushing," Duffy said. "I mean, there's crazier things that have happened in this game. We want to continue to try to finish strong and worry about next year when next year comes."
Duffy pitched into the seventh inning, allowing two runs on two hits with two strikeouts and two walks. He was 0-3 with a 9.56 ERA in three earlier starts against the White Sox this season, yielding at least five runs each time.
"Historically, I've done well here," Duffy said. "This has been a rough year for me. They've seen me, so they're incredibly tough to punch out and they're hard to finish off, so hats off to them. Tonight, we were able to make some pitches in some tough spots, and my changeup was really working for me tonight, and everything felt great. I just felt like I was in rhythm, big time."
Whit Merrifield smacked a bases-clearing double in the seventh inning to break things open for Kansas City. The White Sox (62-92) struggled to mount an attack after Jose Abreu hit an RBI single against Duffy (9-9) in the first inning. Abreu added a run-scoring groundout in the seventh for his club-leading 100th RBI. Abreu joined Joe DiMaggio and Albert Pujols as the only players with at least 25 home runs and 100 RBIs in their first four major league seasons.
Speaking through a team translator, Abreu praised the White Sox front office, teammates and fans for their support.
"This organization was the one that made possible my mom's dream for me to play in the majors," Abreu said.
White Sox right-hander Dylan Covey (0-7) retired the first seven Royals he faced before Kansas City shortstop Alcides Escobar singled with one out in the third inning. Greater trouble surfaced one inning later as the Royals erased an early one-run deficit with a two-out rally in the fourth.
Salvador Perez doubled to score Eric Hosmer from first base before Perez scored on a Mike Moustakas single. Alex Gordon added to the lead in the fifth, hitting an opposite-field, solo home run against Covey with one out.
Covey made his 17th career major league appearance and 11th start, all this season. Covey spaced three runs, five hits, three strikeouts and one walk in six innings, his longest outing since also working six innings in a May 18 no-decision at Seattle.
"That was, I think, my fourth start against (the Royals)," Covey said. "I'm familiar with their hitters a little bit. I feel like the more a pitcher faces a hitter, the pitcher gets the advantage a little bit, more so than the hitter might."
Hosmer, Perez, Gordon and Brandon Moss had two hits apiece for the Royals. Perez doubled twice and had two RBI.
Matt Davidson had two hits for the White Sox and their only extra-base hit, a double.
The White Sox loaded the bases with no outs in the seventh, but left-hander Scott Alexander pitched out of the jam, sandwiching two strikeouts around the Abreu groundout.
"That was huge for us," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "All our relievers pitched well tonight."
Game time temperature was 91 degrees, but several players, including Escobar, seemingly felt right at home.
Heat and humidity are the norm in his native Venezuela this time of year.
"It's just like this; 85, 90 (degrees)," Escobar said.
The White Sox fell to 10-12 in September and are aiming to finish a rebuilding season with a winning record in the final month. Manager Rick Renteria lauded a consistent effort and clubhouse vibe among players, key elements he feels have buoyed the White Sox throughout 2017.
NOTES: Royals C Salvador Perez returned to the lineup after leaving Friday's game as a precautionary measure when he was hit by a foul tip. "It was more his neck got a little sore last night, a little stiff," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "But he's fine." ... White Sox SS Tim Anderson extended his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games when he singled to lead off the fourth inning. ... White Sox LHP Carlos Rodon, out for the remainder of the season with an injured throwing shoulder, said the club still is working to determine the extent of his injury. Rodon said he could not answer whether offseason shoulder surgery could be a possibility.
His latest effort helped sustain the Royals' faint aspirations to go beyond that and return to the postseason for the first time since 2015.
Duffy pitched six-plus strong innings to finally solve a familiar foe, helping the Royals to an 8-2 win against the Chicago White Sox and keep Kansas City's American League wild-card hopes alive.
Kansas City (76-78) remained 4 1/2 games behind the Minnesota Twins for the second AL wild-card spot while pulling even with Anaheim. Texas, playing late at Oakland, was one-half game ahead of the Royals when Saturday's game ended.
"Just keep pushing," Duffy said. "I mean, there's crazier things that have happened in this game. We want to continue to try to finish strong and worry about next year when next year comes."
Duffy pitched into the seventh inning, allowing two runs on two hits with two strikeouts and two walks. He was 0-3 with a 9.56 ERA in three earlier starts against the White Sox this season, yielding at least five runs each time.
"Historically, I've done well here," Duffy said. "This has been a rough year for me. They've seen me, so they're incredibly tough to punch out and they're hard to finish off, so hats off to them. Tonight, we were able to make some pitches in some tough spots, and my changeup was really working for me tonight, and everything felt great. I just felt like I was in rhythm, big time."
Whit Merrifield smacked a bases-clearing double in the seventh inning to break things open for Kansas City. The White Sox (62-92) struggled to mount an attack after Jose Abreu hit an RBI single against Duffy (9-9) in the first inning. Abreu added a run-scoring groundout in the seventh for his club-leading 100th RBI. Abreu joined Joe DiMaggio and Albert Pujols as the only players with at least 25 home runs and 100 RBIs in their first four major league seasons.
Speaking through a team translator, Abreu praised the White Sox front office, teammates and fans for their support.
"This organization was the one that made possible my mom's dream for me to play in the majors," Abreu said.
White Sox right-hander Dylan Covey (0-7) retired the first seven Royals he faced before Kansas City shortstop Alcides Escobar singled with one out in the third inning. Greater trouble surfaced one inning later as the Royals erased an early one-run deficit with a two-out rally in the fourth.
Salvador Perez doubled to score Eric Hosmer from first base before Perez scored on a Mike Moustakas single. Alex Gordon added to the lead in the fifth, hitting an opposite-field, solo home run against Covey with one out.
Covey made his 17th career major league appearance and 11th start, all this season. Covey spaced three runs, five hits, three strikeouts and one walk in six innings, his longest outing since also working six innings in a May 18 no-decision at Seattle.
"That was, I think, my fourth start against (the Royals)," Covey said. "I'm familiar with their hitters a little bit. I feel like the more a pitcher faces a hitter, the pitcher gets the advantage a little bit, more so than the hitter might."
Hosmer, Perez, Gordon and Brandon Moss had two hits apiece for the Royals. Perez doubled twice and had two RBI.
Matt Davidson had two hits for the White Sox and their only extra-base hit, a double.
The White Sox loaded the bases with no outs in the seventh, but left-hander Scott Alexander pitched out of the jam, sandwiching two strikeouts around the Abreu groundout.
"That was huge for us," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "All our relievers pitched well tonight."
Game time temperature was 91 degrees, but several players, including Escobar, seemingly felt right at home.
Heat and humidity are the norm in his native Venezuela this time of year.
"It's just like this; 85, 90 (degrees)," Escobar said.
The White Sox fell to 10-12 in September and are aiming to finish a rebuilding season with a winning record in the final month. Manager Rick Renteria lauded a consistent effort and clubhouse vibe among players, key elements he feels have buoyed the White Sox throughout 2017.
NOTES: Royals C Salvador Perez returned to the lineup after leaving Friday's game as a precautionary measure when he was hit by a foul tip. "It was more his neck got a little sore last night, a little stiff," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "But he's fine." ... White Sox SS Tim Anderson extended his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games when he singled to lead off the fourth inning. ... White Sox LHP Carlos Rodon, out for the remainder of the season with an injured throwing shoulder, said the club still is working to determine the extent of his injury. Rodon said he could not answer whether offseason shoulder surgery could be a possibility.
Odorizzi's nine strikeouts highlight Rays' win over Orioles
(TSX / STATS) -- BALTIMORE -- Jake Odorizzi struck out a season-high nine batters and Lucas Duda matched his career high with his 30th home run of the season, as the Tampa Bay Rays eliminated the Baltimore Orioles from playoff contention with a 9-6 victory Saturday night at Camden Yards.
Odorizzi (10-8, 4.26 ERA) kept the Rays' long-shot playoff hopes alive with his second straight dominant performance. Earlier in the week, he held the Boston Red Sox to a pair of earned runs on one hit to go along with six strikeouts over six innings.
Tampa Bay (76-79) remained five games behind the Minnesota Twins for the second American League wild-card spot with seven games to play.
Before an announced crowd of 42,802, the Orioles (74-82) fell out of playoff contention with their sixth loss in the last seven games. They made things interesting by scoring five runs in the bottom of the ninth before an out was recorded, but still fell for the 14th time in their last 17 games.
Duda gave the Rays a 3-1 lead with two outs in the top of the third by lining a 3-2 pitch from Orioles starter Jeremy Hellickson over the right-field wall.
The homer followed back-to-back singles by No. 9 hitter Adeiny Hechavarria and leadoff man Kevin Kiermaier. Hellickson had retired the first eight batters prior to that flurry of hits.
The Rays added two more runs in the seventh off reliever Richard Bleier on an RBI single by Wilson Ramos and a sacrifice fly to right by Hechavarria that scored Steven Souza Jr. They added four more in the ninth, including designated hitter Logan Morrison's 37th home run of the season.
That was more than enough for Odorizzi, the 27-year-old who was making his 27th start of the season for the Rays. Over six innings, he allowed one unearned run on three hits and walked only two.
Since the start of 2016, Odorizzi has allowed three hits or fewer in 18 starts, the most in the American League over that span.
Hellickson pitched well other than the one brief rough patch in the third inning. But that was enough to send him to his third consecutive loss and sixth in his last nine starts.
Facing his former team for the first time, Hellickson (2-6, 6.97 ERA) allowed the three earned runs on four hits, in addition to striking out four and walking one.
Hellickson, who pitched for the Rays from 2010-2014, has not won since an Aug. 25 road start against the Boston Red Sox.
The Orioles jumped on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first. Jonathan Schoop ripped a double down the left-field line and then scored on a throwing error.
Adam Jones put a ball in play on the right side of the infield. Odorizzi ran over to cover first, but the throw over missed him by a wide mark. Jones was credited with an infield single and hustled over to third base on the error.
NOTES: The Rays improved to 8-7 against the Orioles this season with four games remaining between the teams. ... Rays DH Logan Morrison hit his 27th home run of the season on the road to extend his American League lead and team record. ... Orioles RHP Jeremy Hellickson surrendered his 35th home run of the season, which is a career high. ... With one home game remaining, the Orioles fell to 45-35 this season at Camden Yards.
Odorizzi (10-8, 4.26 ERA) kept the Rays' long-shot playoff hopes alive with his second straight dominant performance. Earlier in the week, he held the Boston Red Sox to a pair of earned runs on one hit to go along with six strikeouts over six innings.
Tampa Bay (76-79) remained five games behind the Minnesota Twins for the second American League wild-card spot with seven games to play.
Before an announced crowd of 42,802, the Orioles (74-82) fell out of playoff contention with their sixth loss in the last seven games. They made things interesting by scoring five runs in the bottom of the ninth before an out was recorded, but still fell for the 14th time in their last 17 games.
Duda gave the Rays a 3-1 lead with two outs in the top of the third by lining a 3-2 pitch from Orioles starter Jeremy Hellickson over the right-field wall.
The homer followed back-to-back singles by No. 9 hitter Adeiny Hechavarria and leadoff man Kevin Kiermaier. Hellickson had retired the first eight batters prior to that flurry of hits.
The Rays added two more runs in the seventh off reliever Richard Bleier on an RBI single by Wilson Ramos and a sacrifice fly to right by Hechavarria that scored Steven Souza Jr. They added four more in the ninth, including designated hitter Logan Morrison's 37th home run of the season.
That was more than enough for Odorizzi, the 27-year-old who was making his 27th start of the season for the Rays. Over six innings, he allowed one unearned run on three hits and walked only two.
Since the start of 2016, Odorizzi has allowed three hits or fewer in 18 starts, the most in the American League over that span.
Hellickson pitched well other than the one brief rough patch in the third inning. But that was enough to send him to his third consecutive loss and sixth in his last nine starts.
Facing his former team for the first time, Hellickson (2-6, 6.97 ERA) allowed the three earned runs on four hits, in addition to striking out four and walking one.
Hellickson, who pitched for the Rays from 2010-2014, has not won since an Aug. 25 road start against the Boston Red Sox.
The Orioles jumped on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first. Jonathan Schoop ripped a double down the left-field line and then scored on a throwing error.
Adam Jones put a ball in play on the right side of the infield. Odorizzi ran over to cover first, but the throw over missed him by a wide mark. Jones was credited with an infield single and hustled over to third base on the error.
NOTES: The Rays improved to 8-7 against the Orioles this season with four games remaining between the teams. ... Rays DH Logan Morrison hit his 27th home run of the season on the road to extend his American League lead and team record. ... Orioles RHP Jeremy Hellickson surrendered his 35th home run of the season, which is a career high. ... With one home game remaining, the Orioles fell to 45-35 this season at Camden Yards.
Granite's HR highlights 8-run eighth as Twins rout Tigers
(TSX / STATS) -- DETROIT -- A big inning was big for the surging Minnesota Twins.
Minnesota scored eight times in the eighth inning Saturday night, capped by rookie Zach Granite's three-run homer, to earn a come-from-behind 10-4 victory over Detroit that was the Tigers' sixth straight loss.
The Twins lead Texas, Kansas City and the Los Angeles Angels by 4 1/2 games for the American League's second wild-card spot.
"That's a really good win," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "It didn't look particularly good. (Tigers' starter Matthew) Boyd's been on a good run. He had us baffled a little bit.
"Doz (Brian Dozier) had the bunt to lead off the game. ... He got another single but I think we only had two hits going into the seventh inning before we got the double and the single to cut it to one."
Ervin Santana (16-8) gave up four straight hits at the start of the game but only three thereafter in his seven innings, during which he struck out five and didn't walk a batter. Santana retired 18 of 20 after the first inning.
"Give Ervin a lot of credit," Molitor said. "It looked like he had a little rough start. He didn't catch many breaks. Couple balls painted down the right field line. Couple other things that happened.
"But he settled in really nicely and other than the changeup he kind of left up for (Efren) Navarro he had a solid seven innings for us.
"I'm glad we're able to pick up a win for the team first and get another for Ervin in his win column too."
Alan Busenitz pitched a 1-2-3 eighth and Gabriel Moya the ninth to finish the win and make Minnesota's lead in the American League second wild-card chase four games over Texas, which played later Saturday. Moya gave up Navarro's second home run of the game leading off the ninth.
Tigers reliever Alex Wilson took a line drive single by Joe Mauer off his right leg to start the eighth, threw one warm-up pitch and crumpled to the ground. He limped off the field with help and was replaced by Daniel Stumpf. X-Rays showed a non-displaced fracture of near Wilson's right ankle.
"It was numb at first, and then it kinda felt warm," Wilson said. "I was walking around the mound to see whether or not I was going to be able to go. I squatted down, and was able to do that. Of course, it wasn't on the weight-bearing bone.
"So, really, it had no effect. Then I tried to throw a pitch, and I felt a pop. And, obviously, that was the end of the night. And, that's when the pain really started shooting through."
Jorge Polanco greeted Stumpf (0-1) with a single to right and Eddie Rosario forged a 3-3 tie with a single to left. Eduardo Escobar blooped an RBI single into right center to put Minnesota ahead, 4-3.
Reliever Joe Jimenez hit a batter and caught a line drive before giving up a two-run line single to center by Robbie Grossman, making it 6-3. The Twins got another run on a groundout to second by Jason Castro.
Granite, who pinch-ran for Mauer earlier in the inning, completed the eight-run inning by hitting his first major league home run, off Blaine Hardy. Granite's three-run blast went to right field.
Granite became the first Minnesota Twin to pinch-run and hit a home run in the same inning and the first major leaguer to do so since 2001.
"Unfortunate for them that their guy gets knocked out," Molitor said. "Not surprisingly Joe's the guy to get us going. That was a huge hit leading off the inning there and Polanco followed up with a good at-bat and Rosie. One after another, next thing you know we put eight up there."
The Twins cut the gap to 3-2 and chased Boyd in the seventh. Ehire Adrianza, an early sub for injured Max Kepler, doubled to left center with one out and scored when Grossman followed with a single.
Boyd, in his first start since his near no-hitter Sunday, lasted 6 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on four hits with two walks and six strikeouts. The first run he allowed was unearned.
"He's been outstanding," Detroit manager Brad Ausmus said of his lefty. "He's been much better since he cleaned up his mechanics. The last two outings have been superb. He got us deep in the game. We just had trouble getting the ball to (closer Shane) Greene."
Navarro entered the game when Miguel Cabrera left after one inning with a lower back strain. He cranked a high changeup into the seats in right for his first home run to put the Tigers ahead, 3-1, with one out in the sixth.
Detroit opened its half of the first with four straight hits good for a 2-1 lead against Santana. Ian Kinsler doubled to right and scored on a ground single to right by Alex Presley. Cabrera blooped a single near the line in right and Nicholas Castellanos plopped an RBI single into short left.
Dozier gave Minnesota a 1-0 lead to open the game with a bunt single to third on which he ended up scoring when Jeimer Candelario threw the ball past first for a three-base error. The error was his fourth in nine games.
NOTES: Tigers OF Mikie Mahtook's return this season is doubtful after he was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left groin strain suffered Friday night, a recurrence of an injury that struck him earlier this month. ... Twins manager Paul Molitor says RHP Bartolo Colon is set to open Minnesota's three-game series at Cleveland on Tuesday night. ... RHP Jeff Ferrell of Detroit, struck on the head by a line drive Monday night, remains in MLB's concussion protocol with no time set for a possible return. ... RF Max Kepler was removed from Saturday night's game after one inning and being examined for a left hip injury.
Minnesota scored eight times in the eighth inning Saturday night, capped by rookie Zach Granite's three-run homer, to earn a come-from-behind 10-4 victory over Detroit that was the Tigers' sixth straight loss.
The Twins lead Texas, Kansas City and the Los Angeles Angels by 4 1/2 games for the American League's second wild-card spot.
"That's a really good win," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "It didn't look particularly good. (Tigers' starter Matthew) Boyd's been on a good run. He had us baffled a little bit.
"Doz (Brian Dozier) had the bunt to lead off the game. ... He got another single but I think we only had two hits going into the seventh inning before we got the double and the single to cut it to one."
Ervin Santana (16-8) gave up four straight hits at the start of the game but only three thereafter in his seven innings, during which he struck out five and didn't walk a batter. Santana retired 18 of 20 after the first inning.
"Give Ervin a lot of credit," Molitor said. "It looked like he had a little rough start. He didn't catch many breaks. Couple balls painted down the right field line. Couple other things that happened.
"But he settled in really nicely and other than the changeup he kind of left up for (Efren) Navarro he had a solid seven innings for us.
"I'm glad we're able to pick up a win for the team first and get another for Ervin in his win column too."
Alan Busenitz pitched a 1-2-3 eighth and Gabriel Moya the ninth to finish the win and make Minnesota's lead in the American League second wild-card chase four games over Texas, which played later Saturday. Moya gave up Navarro's second home run of the game leading off the ninth.
Tigers reliever Alex Wilson took a line drive single by Joe Mauer off his right leg to start the eighth, threw one warm-up pitch and crumpled to the ground. He limped off the field with help and was replaced by Daniel Stumpf. X-Rays showed a non-displaced fracture of near Wilson's right ankle.
"It was numb at first, and then it kinda felt warm," Wilson said. "I was walking around the mound to see whether or not I was going to be able to go. I squatted down, and was able to do that. Of course, it wasn't on the weight-bearing bone.
"So, really, it had no effect. Then I tried to throw a pitch, and I felt a pop. And, obviously, that was the end of the night. And, that's when the pain really started shooting through."
Jorge Polanco greeted Stumpf (0-1) with a single to right and Eddie Rosario forged a 3-3 tie with a single to left. Eduardo Escobar blooped an RBI single into right center to put Minnesota ahead, 4-3.
Reliever Joe Jimenez hit a batter and caught a line drive before giving up a two-run line single to center by Robbie Grossman, making it 6-3. The Twins got another run on a groundout to second by Jason Castro.
Granite, who pinch-ran for Mauer earlier in the inning, completed the eight-run inning by hitting his first major league home run, off Blaine Hardy. Granite's three-run blast went to right field.
Granite became the first Minnesota Twin to pinch-run and hit a home run in the same inning and the first major leaguer to do so since 2001.
"Unfortunate for them that their guy gets knocked out," Molitor said. "Not surprisingly Joe's the guy to get us going. That was a huge hit leading off the inning there and Polanco followed up with a good at-bat and Rosie. One after another, next thing you know we put eight up there."
The Twins cut the gap to 3-2 and chased Boyd in the seventh. Ehire Adrianza, an early sub for injured Max Kepler, doubled to left center with one out and scored when Grossman followed with a single.
Boyd, in his first start since his near no-hitter Sunday, lasted 6 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on four hits with two walks and six strikeouts. The first run he allowed was unearned.
"He's been outstanding," Detroit manager Brad Ausmus said of his lefty. "He's been much better since he cleaned up his mechanics. The last two outings have been superb. He got us deep in the game. We just had trouble getting the ball to (closer Shane) Greene."
Navarro entered the game when Miguel Cabrera left after one inning with a lower back strain. He cranked a high changeup into the seats in right for his first home run to put the Tigers ahead, 3-1, with one out in the sixth.
Detroit opened its half of the first with four straight hits good for a 2-1 lead against Santana. Ian Kinsler doubled to right and scored on a ground single to right by Alex Presley. Cabrera blooped a single near the line in right and Nicholas Castellanos plopped an RBI single into short left.
Dozier gave Minnesota a 1-0 lead to open the game with a bunt single to third on which he ended up scoring when Jeimer Candelario threw the ball past first for a three-base error. The error was his fourth in nine games.
NOTES: Tigers OF Mikie Mahtook's return this season is doubtful after he was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left groin strain suffered Friday night, a recurrence of an injury that struck him earlier this month. ... Twins manager Paul Molitor says RHP Bartolo Colon is set to open Minnesota's three-game series at Cleveland on Tuesday night. ... RHP Jeff Ferrell of Detroit, struck on the head by a line drive Monday night, remains in MLB's concussion protocol with no time set for a possible return. ... RF Max Kepler was removed from Saturday night's game after one inning and being examined for a left hip injury.
Lindor, Gomes power Indians to rout of Mariners
(TSX / STATS) -- SEATTLE -- It took one batter for the Cleveland Indians to get over dropping their series opener against the Seattle Mariners. After that, the American League Central champions were fine.
Francisco Lindor hit a leadoff homer and the Indians went deep four times in an 11-4 victory over the Mariners on Saturday at Safeco Field.
Jose Ramirez and Yan Gomes each had four RBIs. Ramirez went 3-for-3 with a double and a homer, and Gomes was 3-for-5 with two homers.
Lindor made the most of a rare start at designated hitter -- he went 2-for-5 with a double in the third inning and scored three runs. The Indians had 14 hits.
Cleveland (97-58) stayed 1 1/2 games ahead of Houston for the best record in the American League and home-field advantage up to the World Series. The Indians also responded after losing the series opener to Seattle on Friday night.
"It's part of the game," Gomes said of the Friday night loss. "The best thing to do is just come back and put that behind you like we've done all year. Put games behind us and go out there and compete."
Seattle (75-80) lost for the seventh time in eight games and fell six games behind Minnesota for the second AL wild card.
Carlos Carrasco (17-6) pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed one earned run, six hits and two walks. He struck out six.
Five relievers, including All-Star Andrew Miller, went the rest of the way for the Indians to seal the victory.
Miller, who missed time in August and September with knee tendinitis, pitched 1 1/3 shutout innings after walking his first two batters.
"(Carrasco's) been great, they've got a pretty good lineup," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "He got up around 100 pitches and they were starting to look like he left a couple balls up, and we were trying to get Andrew for the inning-plus, so that seemed a good time to do it."
Seattle rookie Andrew Moore (1-5) went four innings, allowing three runs (two earned). He struck out three.
"I thought Andrew made a few adjustments during the game," Mariners manager Scott Servais said. "But you could see from the get-go he wasn't as sharp as he had been."
Defense was a problem for Seattle, which committed five errors -- three of them led to Cleveland runs.
"For us and where we're going, it's about catching the baseball and doing things right fundamentally," Servais said. "We haven't done that. We've struggled with that."
Lindor got the Indians going early, hitting his 33rd homer and his third leadoff shot of the season.
He kept it going in the third inning, leading off with single down the right-field line. Austin Jackson then singled him home and he took third on errors by first baseman Yonder Alonso and catcher Mike Zunino.
Ramirez followed with a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Jackson to give Cleveland a 3-0 lead.
The Mariners scored in the sixth inning on Kyle Seager's RBI double to left-center field.
The Indians tacked on two runs in the seventh on sacrifice flies by Ramirez and Greg Allen to put the game out of reach. Ramirez and Gomes each homered in a five-run ninth.
Nelson Cruz added a solo shot in the eighth, his 37th homer, for the Mariners.
NOTES: Cleveland RHP Mike Clevinger has been moved to the bullpen, with Indians manager Terry Francona noting, "We kind of think he can be a weapon." ... Cleveland IF Yandy Diaz returned after missing three days with a jammed finger. He went 1-for-1 as a pinch hitter and stayed in the game at third base. ... Seattle RHP Tony Zych has been shut down for the season with a strain of his right elbow flexor bundle, an injury he suffered in August. ... The Mariners lost an instant replay challenge on Marco Gonzales' attempted pickoff of Cleveland OF Tyler Naquin in the sixth inning. The delay for the replay was 2 minutes, 35 seconds. ... The Indians won their challenge on a Francisco Lindor grounder that 1B Yonder Alonso muffed before 2B Robinson Cano scooped it and threw to first. Lindor was ruled safe after a 32-second delay.
Francisco Lindor hit a leadoff homer and the Indians went deep four times in an 11-4 victory over the Mariners on Saturday at Safeco Field.
Jose Ramirez and Yan Gomes each had four RBIs. Ramirez went 3-for-3 with a double and a homer, and Gomes was 3-for-5 with two homers.
Lindor made the most of a rare start at designated hitter -- he went 2-for-5 with a double in the third inning and scored three runs. The Indians had 14 hits.
Cleveland (97-58) stayed 1 1/2 games ahead of Houston for the best record in the American League and home-field advantage up to the World Series. The Indians also responded after losing the series opener to Seattle on Friday night.
"It's part of the game," Gomes said of the Friday night loss. "The best thing to do is just come back and put that behind you like we've done all year. Put games behind us and go out there and compete."
Seattle (75-80) lost for the seventh time in eight games and fell six games behind Minnesota for the second AL wild card.
Carlos Carrasco (17-6) pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed one earned run, six hits and two walks. He struck out six.
Five relievers, including All-Star Andrew Miller, went the rest of the way for the Indians to seal the victory.
Miller, who missed time in August and September with knee tendinitis, pitched 1 1/3 shutout innings after walking his first two batters.
"(Carrasco's) been great, they've got a pretty good lineup," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "He got up around 100 pitches and they were starting to look like he left a couple balls up, and we were trying to get Andrew for the inning-plus, so that seemed a good time to do it."
Seattle rookie Andrew Moore (1-5) went four innings, allowing three runs (two earned). He struck out three.
"I thought Andrew made a few adjustments during the game," Mariners manager Scott Servais said. "But you could see from the get-go he wasn't as sharp as he had been."
Defense was a problem for Seattle, which committed five errors -- three of them led to Cleveland runs.
"For us and where we're going, it's about catching the baseball and doing things right fundamentally," Servais said. "We haven't done that. We've struggled with that."
Lindor got the Indians going early, hitting his 33rd homer and his third leadoff shot of the season.
He kept it going in the third inning, leading off with single down the right-field line. Austin Jackson then singled him home and he took third on errors by first baseman Yonder Alonso and catcher Mike Zunino.
Ramirez followed with a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Jackson to give Cleveland a 3-0 lead.
The Mariners scored in the sixth inning on Kyle Seager's RBI double to left-center field.
The Indians tacked on two runs in the seventh on sacrifice flies by Ramirez and Greg Allen to put the game out of reach. Ramirez and Gomes each homered in a five-run ninth.
Nelson Cruz added a solo shot in the eighth, his 37th homer, for the Mariners.
NOTES: Cleveland RHP Mike Clevinger has been moved to the bullpen, with Indians manager Terry Francona noting, "We kind of think he can be a weapon." ... Cleveland IF Yandy Diaz returned after missing three days with a jammed finger. He went 1-for-1 as a pinch hitter and stayed in the game at third base. ... Seattle RHP Tony Zych has been shut down for the season with a strain of his right elbow flexor bundle, an injury he suffered in August. ... The Mariners lost an instant replay challenge on Marco Gonzales' attempted pickoff of Cleveland OF Tyler Naquin in the sixth inning. The delay for the replay was 2 minutes, 35 seconds. ... The Indians won their challenge on a Francisco Lindor grounder that 1B Yonder Alonso muffed before 2B Robinson Cano scooped it and threw to first. Lindor was ruled safe after a 32-second delay.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)