Fan Interference

Scouts: Raise your hand if you are in the office today.  I know I am.  Thankfully I have tomorrow off, so I won’t be around to put up tomorrow’s post.  I’ve never been too big of a fan of holidays that fall on Thursdays, because I’ll be back in the office on Friday.  But it’s still better than nothing I suppose.  What is everyone’s plans for the 4th?

 

---

Marlins 2, Nationals 3 – Prof: Many teams were dealing with the aftermath of Monday’s tragic events in Texas. Patrick Corbin, pitcher for Washington, was one of Tyler Skaggs’ best friends. They came up together through the minors and played on the Diamondbacks together for several years. Corbin paid tribute to his fallen friend by wearing Skaggs’ number 45 – and then went out and performed at a gutsy, inspiring level. Not only did Corbin strike out seven Marlins, but he pitched seven innings – coming back into the game even after a lengthy rain delay. He wanted to pitch until he was done, and no one was gong to tell him otherwise. Corbin’s teammates also rose to the occasion – the Treat Urner’s RBI double was the game winner.

 

Cubs 1, Pirates 5 – Prof: Oh, mercy, the Cubs’ pitching staff is a hot mess right now. Starter Kyle Hendricks got the hook only three innings in, and the bullpen wasn’t much help, either.

Red Sox 10, Blue Jays 6 – Scouts: Rafael Devers was a one man wrecking crew for Boston, going 4-5 with 6 RBI’s including a pair of two run homers.

Orioles 3, Rays 6 – Prof: The night belonged to Charlie F’n Morton, All-Star. The Rays pitcher struck out six straight batters, and twelve in all, while going a healthy seven innings. Second baseman Brandon Lowe was close behind for Ray of the Day, going 3-3 including a solo dinger in the first inning. For Baltimore, Chris Davis and Chance Sisco both hit homers, but it just wasn’t enough to defeat Tampa.

 

Yankees 2, Mets 4 – Scouts: At least for one day the Bronx Bombers were held silent.  Zach Wheeler was able to hold the Yanks to a pair of runs across 6 strong innings and the bullpen did their job long enough for the Mets to mount a 3 run comeback in the 8th.

 

Brewers 4, Reds 5 F/11 – Prof: Christian Yelich made a rare mistake and it cost Milwaukee the game. Earlier in the game, Yelich went yard for his 31st homer before the All Star Break. Watching him mash without care puts a smile on my face, not going to lie. However, Joey Votto hit an RBI single in the eighth to tie it up and to extras we go. It was a run scored off of Yelich’s throwing error that won the game for Cincinnati.

 

Phillies 2, Braves 0 – Prof: Aaron Nola remembered he’s a bona fide gosh darn ace last night. The Phillies pitcher went eight shutout innings, with eight strikeouts. A shame, because this marred the SunTrust Park debut of Dallas Keuchel, who under normal circumstances would have been considered to have a pretty good game (7.0 IP, 2 ER, 3K). In fact, it was a tricky pitch to Jay Bruce that put the only score on the board – a two run double in the fourth inning.

Angels 9, Rangers 4 – Scouts: The Angels won a very difficult game to play.  With heavy hearts, they went out and honored Tyler Skaggs the best way anyone knows how.  By carrying on in his name.

 

Tigers, White Sox – PPD

Astros 9, Rockies 8 – Prof: It was a slugfest in Denver, but Orbit’s crew came out on top. Houston got to a fast start, up 5-2 by the fifth inning, but then the Rox really got going with a bases loaded walk, then a 2 run double to tie it up. Tony Wolters then grounded into a fielder’s choice which turned into an run scored thanks to a Jose Altuve error. Finally, the Astros got their bearings back in the seventh with a one-two-three punchout – back to back doubles and a two run homer that sealed the deal.

Spiders 9, Royals 5 – Prof: Bauer, Bauers, but no bears? Oh my! The Magical Land of Cleve is missing out by not getting a guy named Bahr on their team, just saying. Jake Bauers went 4-5 with three RBI while Tyler Naquin also went 4-5. The Noted Drone Enthusiast went six innings and K’d eleven.

 

Twins 6, Athletics 8 – Scouts: Chris Herrmann made his regular season debut with Oakland, and wasted no time in announcing his presence with a grand slam in the 4th.  Minnesota tried to keep pace, but the slam proved to be too much.

Diamondbacks 4, Dodgers 5 – Scouts: This is about the most embarrassing way to lose a game I can think of.  With a two run lead AND a pair of outs in the 9th, Greg Holland and T.J. McFarland combined to walk five, count them, five consecutive batters to lose the game.

 

Giants 10, Padres 4 – Scouts:  The Giant’s vets bats are finally starting to wake up.  They may not be a threat to take the division, but if they get and stay hot, they can certainly do some significant damage to those around them.  Just ask the Padres, who watched Evan Longoria pick up a pair of homers and 5 RBI’s.

Cardinals 4, Mariners 5 – Scouts: Seattle’s going down, but they are going down swinging at least.  Tim Beckham and Omar Narvaez homered as the M’s were able to kickoff their final home-stand before the All-Star break with a victory.