Fan Interference

Prof: I know we’re really only a month into the season, but it might not be too early to call the NL MVP horse race. I wouldn’t be too surprised if it comes down to Cody Bellinger of the Dodgers and Milwaukee’s reigning MVP, Christian Yelich. When they aren’t hitting home runs, they are stealing homers from each other. Kind of a cool thing, really. It’s exciting when young players come into their own. I can’t wait to see these two duke it out all year long.

Phillies 1, Mets 5 – Prof: Friends, you know I am no fan of either of these teams, and I am especially no fan of Bryce Harper, but I am giving props where props are due. Harper had the guts to stand up for his teammates against home plate umpire Mark Carlson and his questionable strike zone. Now, of course Harper was ejected for his troubles and had to be held back by three Phillies to avoid further conflict with the ump, but he still did it. Philadelphia would not have won this game with or without BHarp, so the ejection did not turn the tide as far as that goes. However, the Phillies should take to heart that their highly paid hired gun does actually have his teammates’ back, putting to rest that oft-whispered, nasty rumor that Harper is selfish clubhouse cancer. Oh, and Steven Matz pitched an effective game for New York, if that matters [6.0 IP, 1 ER, 6K].

 

Diamondbacks 12, Pirates 4 – Scouts: It took a little while, but the D-Backs finally woke up.   Arizona had themselves a hell of a time in the 7th, and 8th innings, putting up 7 and 4 runs respectively.  Adam Jones continues to mash, picking up a pair of RBI’s and a pair of hits, and Christian Walker managed to pick up a few on a homer himself.  Starter Zach Godley was chased after 4, but the bullpen was able to hold on long enough for the lineup to get to work.

 

Rangers 1, Athletics 6 – Scouts: Oakland’s hit a bit of a rough patch, so Chris Bassitt making a stellar 2019 debut was just what the doctor ordered.    Bassitt allowed just 2 hits and 4 walks across 5 shutout innings, and the bullpen was able to hold on the rest of the way.

White Sox 12, Orioles 2 – Prof: David Hess isn’t very effective on the bump for Baltimore. But then again there’s not many in Orange and Black who are these days. Trey Mancini tried, bless his heart, but was only able to provide an RBI double for his efforts. This was all Chicago; Jose Abreu had five RBI while James McCann had four.

 

Royals 3, Rays 6 – Prof: It seemed that Kansas City had this one in the bag – three solo homers by the sixth inning had them up by three – but the Tampa Bay Sea Creatures came roaring back. Mike Zunino hit his first Rays homer back from paternity leave for a two run RBI that broke the tie and put TB over the top.

Brewers 5, Cardinals 13 – Scouts: Another high scoring affair, the Cardinals like the team from Arizona, had themselves a 7 run 7th to remember.  Dexter Fowler had himself a day, with a 2 run homer and 2 additional hits, driving in a total of 4.  Paul Goldschmidt also enjoyed a good day at the plate, driving in 3 on 3 hits.

Twins 9, Astros 5 – Prof: Tough night for both Stex and Happy, but Happy’s Boys nabbed the W. Good job of Jake Odorizzi shutting down guys like Alex Bregman and George Springer. For Minnesota, Jorge Polanco went 4-5 and had four RBI – including a two run dinger.

Nationals 5, Rockies 7 – Prof: It took a little bit, but Colorado finally got there. Washington struck first; Brian Dozier hit a three run homer in the fourth to take a three-run lead, but no lead is safe when noodle arms strike. And sadly, noodle arms made an appearance. The victim was starter Jeremy Hellickson; in the fifth inning Hellickson suddenly gave way and gave up both an RBI single to Trevor Story and a two run homer to Mark Reynolds. Suddenly, both teams were tied and it was good night Irene (er…Jeremy). Nolan Arenado broke the tie in the seventh with a solo shot to left center and Colorado never looked back.

 

Yankees 4, Angels 3 F/14 – Scouts: New York is starting to turn things around, now two games over .500 after a very late 14 inning marathon.  They thought they had it won in the 12th, but Brian Goodwin singled in the tying run.  It wasn’t until the 14th that Gio Urshela singled in Gleyber Torres that finally ended it.  Aroldis Chapman picked up his first blown save on the season, and Jonathan Holder nabbed the win after two shut down innings.

Tigers, Red Sox – PPD – rain