Mariners Rally For Big One-Run Win
The Seattle Mariners are known for keeping things close this season, leading the way with one-run wins, and they came back for yet another one on Friday night. Recently-acquired Denard Span stepped up with a pinch-hit, two-run double, giving the Mariners a 7-6 win over the Boston Red Sox. Span's double came off of Matt Barnes, who dropped to 0-2, and scored Ben Gamel and Ryon Healy, as the hero was batting for Guillermo Heredia. That big hit gave Ryan Cook his first win after pitching a scoreless eighth, as Edwin Diaz got the ninth locked down for his major league-leading 26th save. The win was the 20th come-from-behind victory for the Mariners, while they also improved to 22-10 in one-run games this season. After getting out to a 3-0 lead, M's starter James Paxton struggled, including a six-run third inning that chased him. The Red Sox sent 11 guys to the plate and had six hits in that inning, which was headlined by Xander Bogaerts' three-run home run that gave Boston a 6-3 lead. The Red Sox also had four straight singles and capitalized on a Kyle Seager error in that inning. Paxton had plenty of success against the Red Sox in the past, going 2-0 with a 0.39 ERA in his last three appearances against them. Despite that, five of the six runs against him were earned on Friday, as he also threw two wild pitches on the night. Mike Zunino began the comeback with his 11th home run in the seventh inning to cut the deficit to one. The Mariners' catcher knocked in two runs in the win, which was also their 24th victory at Safeco Field. These two teams bring their series to Baseball Night in America on FOX Saturday night.
Gattis Slams Astros to Ninth Straight Win
Evan Gattis may never want the month of June to end, as he continues to lead the Houston Astros' offense on their recent streak. Gattis' grand slam was the big blow on Friday night, as the Astros pulled away for a 7-3 win over the Kansas City Royals for their ninth straight victory. Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa also went deep, as Houston hung on to their half-game lead in the AL West over the Mariners, That support helped Charlie Morton improve his record to 8-1, as he lasted six innings and allowed four hits, four walks, and struck out nine. Brad Peacock, Tony Sipp and Colin McHugh all threw scoreless innings to officially extend the streak, which has included road wins in all but one game. On the other end, the Royals have dropped four in a row and 10 of their past 11. Jakob Junis continued to struggle with his fourth straight loss, as he gave up six runs on seven hits and a walk. The Royals' starter gave up all three Astros' home runs and has not earned a win since May 18th against the New York Yankees. The Royals did jump out to a 2-0 lead on a Mike Moustakas two-run double, but that was before the long ball would hurt them. Gattis' grand slam went 405 feet, was the second slam of his career, and third for the Astros this season, He has now driven in 14 runs this week and 22 this month, including consecutive five-RBI games against the Oakland Althetics. The big blow on Friday was also the second slam given up by the Royals this week. Houston will look to extend their win streak to double digits against the Royals on Saturday night.
Twins Rough Up Kluber in Road Win
The Cleveland Indians have gotten so use to Corey Kluber just dealing, especially against the AL Central, that they almost expect a stellar outing every time he goes out. Although, he had a rare tough go-around on his home field Friday night, as the Minnesota Twins got to him in a 6-3 loss for the Cleveland Indians. Kluber lasted just five innings and allowed four runs, including two home runs, it just his third loss of the season. Eddie Rosario went deep in the first inning on the ace's fourth pitch of the game, while Brian Dozier added a two-run shot in the fourth. Kluber threw just 65 pitches in the loss, which was his first against the Central Division this season. The right-hander had gone 5-0 with a 0.76 ERA against Central teams, but struggled on Friday in his shortest outing of the year. On the other end, Kyle Gibson had rare success with his second win of the year, and first since his season debut on March 31st. He held the Indians to just a run on three hits over seven innings. Yan Gomes went deep in the ninth to make things interesting for the Indians, but Fernando Rodney shut things down by getting Francisco Lindor for the final out and his 15th save. The Twins did get Joe Mauer back from the disabled list after he missed 25 games with a strained neck and concussion problems. That move forced manager Paul Molitor to shift Dozier down from the leadoff spot to the No. 5 spot, which the second baseman responded to in a big way. The Twins sit five games behind the Indians in the AL Central, and will look to narrow that gap on Saturday afternoon.
The Seattle Mariners are known for keeping things close this season, leading the way with one-run wins, and they came back for yet another one on Friday night. Recently-acquired Denard Span stepped up with a pinch-hit, two-run double, giving the Mariners a 7-6 win over the Boston Red Sox. Span's double came off of Matt Barnes, who dropped to 0-2, and scored Ben Gamel and Ryon Healy, as the hero was batting for Guillermo Heredia. That big hit gave Ryan Cook his first win after pitching a scoreless eighth, as Edwin Diaz got the ninth locked down for his major league-leading 26th save. The win was the 20th come-from-behind victory for the Mariners, while they also improved to 22-10 in one-run games this season. After getting out to a 3-0 lead, M's starter James Paxton struggled, including a six-run third inning that chased him. The Red Sox sent 11 guys to the plate and had six hits in that inning, which was headlined by Xander Bogaerts' three-run home run that gave Boston a 6-3 lead. The Red Sox also had four straight singles and capitalized on a Kyle Seager error in that inning. Paxton had plenty of success against the Red Sox in the past, going 2-0 with a 0.39 ERA in his last three appearances against them. Despite that, five of the six runs against him were earned on Friday, as he also threw two wild pitches on the night. Mike Zunino began the comeback with his 11th home run in the seventh inning to cut the deficit to one. The Mariners' catcher knocked in two runs in the win, which was also their 24th victory at Safeco Field. These two teams bring their series to Baseball Night in America on FOX Saturday night.
Gattis Slams Astros to Ninth Straight Win
Evan Gattis may never want the month of June to end, as he continues to lead the Houston Astros' offense on their recent streak. Gattis' grand slam was the big blow on Friday night, as the Astros pulled away for a 7-3 win over the Kansas City Royals for their ninth straight victory. Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa also went deep, as Houston hung on to their half-game lead in the AL West over the Mariners, That support helped Charlie Morton improve his record to 8-1, as he lasted six innings and allowed four hits, four walks, and struck out nine. Brad Peacock, Tony Sipp and Colin McHugh all threw scoreless innings to officially extend the streak, which has included road wins in all but one game. On the other end, the Royals have dropped four in a row and 10 of their past 11. Jakob Junis continued to struggle with his fourth straight loss, as he gave up six runs on seven hits and a walk. The Royals' starter gave up all three Astros' home runs and has not earned a win since May 18th against the New York Yankees. The Royals did jump out to a 2-0 lead on a Mike Moustakas two-run double, but that was before the long ball would hurt them. Gattis' grand slam went 405 feet, was the second slam of his career, and third for the Astros this season, He has now driven in 14 runs this week and 22 this month, including consecutive five-RBI games against the Oakland Althetics. The big blow on Friday was also the second slam given up by the Royals this week. Houston will look to extend their win streak to double digits against the Royals on Saturday night.
Twins Rough Up Kluber in Road Win
The Cleveland Indians have gotten so use to Corey Kluber just dealing, especially against the AL Central, that they almost expect a stellar outing every time he goes out. Although, he had a rare tough go-around on his home field Friday night, as the Minnesota Twins got to him in a 6-3 loss for the Cleveland Indians. Kluber lasted just five innings and allowed four runs, including two home runs, it just his third loss of the season. Eddie Rosario went deep in the first inning on the ace's fourth pitch of the game, while Brian Dozier added a two-run shot in the fourth. Kluber threw just 65 pitches in the loss, which was his first against the Central Division this season. The right-hander had gone 5-0 with a 0.76 ERA against Central teams, but struggled on Friday in his shortest outing of the year. On the other end, Kyle Gibson had rare success with his second win of the year, and first since his season debut on March 31st. He held the Indians to just a run on three hits over seven innings. Yan Gomes went deep in the ninth to make things interesting for the Indians, but Fernando Rodney shut things down by getting Francisco Lindor for the final out and his 15th save. The Twins did get Joe Mauer back from the disabled list after he missed 25 games with a strained neck and concussion problems. That move forced manager Paul Molitor to shift Dozier down from the leadoff spot to the No. 5 spot, which the second baseman responded to in a big way. The Twins sit five games behind the Indians in the AL Central, and will look to narrow that gap on Saturday afternoon.
