Chapman, Yankees Fall to Mariners in Extras
Aroldis Chapman lost his closer role for the New York Yankees about a month ago, and he is showing no signs of regaining that position. Chapman surrendered the game-winning home run to Yonder Alonso in the 11th for a 2-1 Seattle Mariners' win on Friday night. Alonso homered on a 100 mph pitch, as Seattle continues to stay relevant in the AL Wild Card race. Mike Zunino had three hits, including a home run, for the Mariners, who used seven pitchers to shut down the Yankees' offense. Alonso became the third left-handed batter to homer against he flame-thrower in his career, which spans eight years. He is the second lefty to do so in the past 12 days. James Pazos threw a scoreless 10th to earn his fourth win, while Edwin Diaz recorded his 30th save in 34 tries. The Yankees could not execute on scoring chances, as they stranded 13 runners on the night, including the bases loaded three times. The lack of offense spoiled an impressive outing by C.C. Sabathia, as the Yankees remained 4.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox in the AL East.
Brady Sharp, Patriots Earn First Preseason Win
It's scary to think that Tom Brady is already in mid-season form, but he proved that he is exactly that on Friday night. Brady completed 12-of-15 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns, leading the New England Patriots to a 24-0 lead, and a 30-28 win over the Detroit Lions. Both of Brady's scoring passes went to Chris Hogan, although there was one downside for the Pats. Early on in the game, Julian Edelman was seen limping off the field and did not return to the game. The team admitted after the contest that they fear that their star receiver suffered a torn ACL. He will undergo an MRI on Saturday. The injury occurred in the first quarter on a tackle by Tavon Wilson, which was not in any way dirty. The Lions came back to make things interesting, and even took the lead in the second half. Stephen Gostkowski nailed the game-winning 45-yard field goal with two seconds left in the game, giving the Patriots their first preseason victory of the year.
Stanton Hits Two More HRs in Marlins' Win
The NL MVP race is now nearly non-existent with the injury to Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals, and the unbelievable play of Giancarlo Stanton. The Miami Marlins slugger hit two home runs on Friday night in an 8-6 win over the San Diego Padres. Stanton hit a two-run blast in the first inning to left field, and then went the opposite way for a solo shot in the third inning, giving him 49 long balls on the season That number leads the majors. Meanwhile, Marcell Ozuna's 30th home run was the game-winner, as the Marlins moved over .500 for the first time since April. Stanton's multi-homer game was his ninth of the season, which is the most since Jose Bautista had nine for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2010. The outfielder now has the highest home run total in the National League since Prince Fielder had 50 for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2007. Scary part is, Stanton still has 35 games left to play, and is now on pace to finish with 63 homers on the season. He has two more home games with the San Diego Padres, including Game 2 of the series on Saturday night.
Aroldis Chapman lost his closer role for the New York Yankees about a month ago, and he is showing no signs of regaining that position. Chapman surrendered the game-winning home run to Yonder Alonso in the 11th for a 2-1 Seattle Mariners' win on Friday night. Alonso homered on a 100 mph pitch, as Seattle continues to stay relevant in the AL Wild Card race. Mike Zunino had three hits, including a home run, for the Mariners, who used seven pitchers to shut down the Yankees' offense. Alonso became the third left-handed batter to homer against he flame-thrower in his career, which spans eight years. He is the second lefty to do so in the past 12 days. James Pazos threw a scoreless 10th to earn his fourth win, while Edwin Diaz recorded his 30th save in 34 tries. The Yankees could not execute on scoring chances, as they stranded 13 runners on the night, including the bases loaded three times. The lack of offense spoiled an impressive outing by C.C. Sabathia, as the Yankees remained 4.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox in the AL East.
Brady Sharp, Patriots Earn First Preseason Win
It's scary to think that Tom Brady is already in mid-season form, but he proved that he is exactly that on Friday night. Brady completed 12-of-15 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns, leading the New England Patriots to a 24-0 lead, and a 30-28 win over the Detroit Lions. Both of Brady's scoring passes went to Chris Hogan, although there was one downside for the Pats. Early on in the game, Julian Edelman was seen limping off the field and did not return to the game. The team admitted after the contest that they fear that their star receiver suffered a torn ACL. He will undergo an MRI on Saturday. The injury occurred in the first quarter on a tackle by Tavon Wilson, which was not in any way dirty. The Lions came back to make things interesting, and even took the lead in the second half. Stephen Gostkowski nailed the game-winning 45-yard field goal with two seconds left in the game, giving the Patriots their first preseason victory of the year.
Stanton Hits Two More HRs in Marlins' Win
The NL MVP race is now nearly non-existent with the injury to Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals, and the unbelievable play of Giancarlo Stanton. The Miami Marlins slugger hit two home runs on Friday night in an 8-6 win over the San Diego Padres. Stanton hit a two-run blast in the first inning to left field, and then went the opposite way for a solo shot in the third inning, giving him 49 long balls on the season That number leads the majors. Meanwhile, Marcell Ozuna's 30th home run was the game-winner, as the Marlins moved over .500 for the first time since April. Stanton's multi-homer game was his ninth of the season, which is the most since Jose Bautista had nine for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2010. The outfielder now has the highest home run total in the National League since Prince Fielder had 50 for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2007. Scary part is, Stanton still has 35 games left to play, and is now on pace to finish with 63 homers on the season. He has two more home games with the San Diego Padres, including Game 2 of the series on Saturday night.
