Smoak, Blue Jays Snap Red Sox's Streak at Fenway
The Boston Red Sox got off to another quick lead at Fenway Park on Friday night, leading people to believe that their streak would continue on. Although, Justin Smoak had other ideas as he homered twice on Friday in the Toronto Blue Jays' 13-7 win over the Red Sox, snapping their 10-game win streak. Smoak's home runs came from both sides of the plate, while Kevin Pillar had four hits to lead the Jays' offense. Both Pillar and Smoak drove in four runs on the night, as they knocked Rick Porcello out after just two innings. He allowed eight runs on the night, as the Red Sox gave up a season-high in runs. It was a five-run third inning that officially pulled the Jays ahead, as they continue to pile on throughout the night. Dwight Smith Jr. also went deep, as the Jays won for just the second time in six games. Jake Petricka got his first win in relief by throwing two shutout innings, relieving Ryan Borucki. For the Red Sox, Mookie Betts had three hits to raise his league-leading average to .357, while J.D. Martinez added two hits. Even with the loss, the Red Sox have still won 15 of their past 17, and hold the best record in baseball. They will end the unofficial first half of the season with two matinee games against the Jays this weekend.
Indians Pull Off a Win Over Yankees
The Cleveland Indians are starting to feel some Bieber-fever, and no, it's not who you think it is. It's actually rookie Shane Bieber, who pitched in to the eighth inning and struck out six in the Indians' 6-5 win over the New York Yankees on Friday night. The win for Bieber moved him to 5-1 in the big leagues this season, as he walked three and allowed three runs on the night. The Yankees tried to rally late behind Giancarlo Stanton's home run to lead off the ninth inning, but Cody Allen stranded Didi Gregorius as the tying run to end the game. That gave Allen his 19th save in 20 opportunities, as it was his first appearance since giving up a career-high six runs in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds earlier this week. Jose Ramirez and Michael Branltey each drove in two, as the Indians snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Yankees. That dated back to the Yankees winning three in a row to win last season's ALDS. Domingo German allowed a season-high six runs in just four-plus innings for the Yankees, who remain 3.5-games behind the Red Sox in the AL East. Friday was just the sixth day of the season that both the Red Sox and Yankees suffered a loss on the same day. The Yankees' series continues on Baseball Night in America on Saturday night.
Syndergaard Returns From DL to Shut Down Nats
Noah Syndergaard returned from the disabled list on Friday night and added to the Washington Nationals' struggles. Syndergaard allowed just one run over five innings, as the New York Mets doubled up the Nationals at Citi Field, 4-2. The right-hander pitched out of early trouble and struck out five, Despite his tough start to the outing, he did receive early run support to help him improve to 5-1 on the season. The Mets scored three runs in the first on RBIs from Jose Bautista, Wilmer Flores, and Devin Mesoraco. Syndergaard would then go on to help himself with an RBI single in the second inning to add to the Mets' lead. The Mets' hurler missed seven weeks with a strained ligament in his right index finger and gave up seven hits, while never retiring the leadoff batter in his return at home. Although, the Nationals could not capitalize on those struggles, as they dropped back to .500 at 47-47. Matt Adams did go deep, but Washington finished a combined 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Brandon Nimmo had three hits for the Mets, who won for just the sixth time in 26 home games. They will host the Nationals two more times this weekend.
The Boston Red Sox got off to another quick lead at Fenway Park on Friday night, leading people to believe that their streak would continue on. Although, Justin Smoak had other ideas as he homered twice on Friday in the Toronto Blue Jays' 13-7 win over the Red Sox, snapping their 10-game win streak. Smoak's home runs came from both sides of the plate, while Kevin Pillar had four hits to lead the Jays' offense. Both Pillar and Smoak drove in four runs on the night, as they knocked Rick Porcello out after just two innings. He allowed eight runs on the night, as the Red Sox gave up a season-high in runs. It was a five-run third inning that officially pulled the Jays ahead, as they continue to pile on throughout the night. Dwight Smith Jr. also went deep, as the Jays won for just the second time in six games. Jake Petricka got his first win in relief by throwing two shutout innings, relieving Ryan Borucki. For the Red Sox, Mookie Betts had three hits to raise his league-leading average to .357, while J.D. Martinez added two hits. Even with the loss, the Red Sox have still won 15 of their past 17, and hold the best record in baseball. They will end the unofficial first half of the season with two matinee games against the Jays this weekend.
Indians Pull Off a Win Over Yankees
The Cleveland Indians are starting to feel some Bieber-fever, and no, it's not who you think it is. It's actually rookie Shane Bieber, who pitched in to the eighth inning and struck out six in the Indians' 6-5 win over the New York Yankees on Friday night. The win for Bieber moved him to 5-1 in the big leagues this season, as he walked three and allowed three runs on the night. The Yankees tried to rally late behind Giancarlo Stanton's home run to lead off the ninth inning, but Cody Allen stranded Didi Gregorius as the tying run to end the game. That gave Allen his 19th save in 20 opportunities, as it was his first appearance since giving up a career-high six runs in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds earlier this week. Jose Ramirez and Michael Branltey each drove in two, as the Indians snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Yankees. That dated back to the Yankees winning three in a row to win last season's ALDS. Domingo German allowed a season-high six runs in just four-plus innings for the Yankees, who remain 3.5-games behind the Red Sox in the AL East. Friday was just the sixth day of the season that both the Red Sox and Yankees suffered a loss on the same day. The Yankees' series continues on Baseball Night in America on Saturday night.
Syndergaard Returns From DL to Shut Down Nats
Noah Syndergaard returned from the disabled list on Friday night and added to the Washington Nationals' struggles. Syndergaard allowed just one run over five innings, as the New York Mets doubled up the Nationals at Citi Field, 4-2. The right-hander pitched out of early trouble and struck out five, Despite his tough start to the outing, he did receive early run support to help him improve to 5-1 on the season. The Mets scored three runs in the first on RBIs from Jose Bautista, Wilmer Flores, and Devin Mesoraco. Syndergaard would then go on to help himself with an RBI single in the second inning to add to the Mets' lead. The Mets' hurler missed seven weeks with a strained ligament in his right index finger and gave up seven hits, while never retiring the leadoff batter in his return at home. Although, the Nationals could not capitalize on those struggles, as they dropped back to .500 at 47-47. Matt Adams did go deep, but Washington finished a combined 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Brandon Nimmo had three hits for the Mets, who won for just the sixth time in 26 home games. They will host the Nationals two more times this weekend.
