Nationals Shut Out Marlins Behind Strasburg
Just a day after Max Scherzer returned without skipping a beat, the Washington Nationals were presented with another welcoming sight on Wednesday night. Stephen Strasburg went the distance for a six-hit shutout and also went deep in a 4-0 win over the Miami Marlins. Strasburg's long ball was the official go-ahead shot in the fifth inning, as he led his team to a sweep of Miami and their fourth straight victory. Their NL East lead now sits at 15 games thanks to the right-hander, who struck out eight in his 11th victory. It was his first complete game since August of 2013, as he improved to 1-1 with a 0.86 ERA in three starts since returning from the disabled list. Wilmer Difo added a home run for the Nats, while Anthony Rendon drove in a run with a double to support the efforts of their starting pitcher. The Marlins finish the season 2-8 at Nationals Park, as J.T. Realmuto's three hits were the only source of production at the plate. The Nationals head to Milwaukee for a battle with the Brewers beginning Thursday, while the Marlins look to break out of their mini slump at home against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Orioles Edge Mariners for Seventh Straight Win
The Baltimore Orioles now have their second straight series sweep under their belts, as they are officially back in the thick of things in the American League. Jonathan Schoop drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI single in the eighth for an 8-7 win over the Seattle Mariners. Wellington Castillo had himself a day by going 4-for-4 with a long ball and three RBI, as Baltimore won their seventh consecutive game. Trey Mancini and Craig Gentry also went deep to help the O's rally from an early 6-2 deficit, as their seven-game win streak is a season high for them. Zach Britton came on after the Orioles took the lead for good and recorded his 13th save in the ninth. Mitch Haniger had a home run and two doubles to lead Seattle, who is playing themselves out of a playoff spot with a five-game losing streak. Mike Zunino and Nelson Cruz both drove in two on the day for the M's. Baltimore will remain home to host the Toronto Blue Jays this weekend, while the Mariners return to Safeco Field for a series with the Oakland Athletics that begins on Friday.
Pujols Moves Up on HR List, Leads Angels' Rally
Albert Pujols had himself a memorable night on Wednesday in a couple different ways, both for himself and his team. The slugger went deep twice, moving him into a tie for seventh on the all-time home run list with Jim Thome at 612 career dingers. The multi-homer game also helped the Halos rally past the Oakland Athletics for a 10-8 win at Angel Stadium. Cliff Pennington had the clutch hit with a go-ahead grand slam in the seventh inning, as Los Angeles remains on the Minnesota Twins' tail in the AL Wild Card standings. Mike Trout broke out of a recent slump by going 4-for-4 with a home run and four runs scored, as he had gone 0-for-17 before Wednesday's contest. He added a triple and two singles on the night after missing the previous two games as a precaution due to a stiff neck. The Angels were able to overcome a five-run deficit for their third straight win, with the five-run seventh being the key. Matt Olson and Bruce Maxwell both went deep during an eight-run fourth inning, which gave Oakland an 8-3 lead at the time. Cam Bedrosian earned the win in relief for the Halos, while Blake Parker got four outs for his fourth save. The Angels hit the road this weekend for a series with the Texas Rangers.
Just a day after Max Scherzer returned without skipping a beat, the Washington Nationals were presented with another welcoming sight on Wednesday night. Stephen Strasburg went the distance for a six-hit shutout and also went deep in a 4-0 win over the Miami Marlins. Strasburg's long ball was the official go-ahead shot in the fifth inning, as he led his team to a sweep of Miami and their fourth straight victory. Their NL East lead now sits at 15 games thanks to the right-hander, who struck out eight in his 11th victory. It was his first complete game since August of 2013, as he improved to 1-1 with a 0.86 ERA in three starts since returning from the disabled list. Wilmer Difo added a home run for the Nats, while Anthony Rendon drove in a run with a double to support the efforts of their starting pitcher. The Marlins finish the season 2-8 at Nationals Park, as J.T. Realmuto's three hits were the only source of production at the plate. The Nationals head to Milwaukee for a battle with the Brewers beginning Thursday, while the Marlins look to break out of their mini slump at home against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Orioles Edge Mariners for Seventh Straight Win
The Baltimore Orioles now have their second straight series sweep under their belts, as they are officially back in the thick of things in the American League. Jonathan Schoop drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI single in the eighth for an 8-7 win over the Seattle Mariners. Wellington Castillo had himself a day by going 4-for-4 with a long ball and three RBI, as Baltimore won their seventh consecutive game. Trey Mancini and Craig Gentry also went deep to help the O's rally from an early 6-2 deficit, as their seven-game win streak is a season high for them. Zach Britton came on after the Orioles took the lead for good and recorded his 13th save in the ninth. Mitch Haniger had a home run and two doubles to lead Seattle, who is playing themselves out of a playoff spot with a five-game losing streak. Mike Zunino and Nelson Cruz both drove in two on the day for the M's. Baltimore will remain home to host the Toronto Blue Jays this weekend, while the Mariners return to Safeco Field for a series with the Oakland Athletics that begins on Friday.
Pujols Moves Up on HR List, Leads Angels' Rally
Albert Pujols had himself a memorable night on Wednesday in a couple different ways, both for himself and his team. The slugger went deep twice, moving him into a tie for seventh on the all-time home run list with Jim Thome at 612 career dingers. The multi-homer game also helped the Halos rally past the Oakland Athletics for a 10-8 win at Angel Stadium. Cliff Pennington had the clutch hit with a go-ahead grand slam in the seventh inning, as Los Angeles remains on the Minnesota Twins' tail in the AL Wild Card standings. Mike Trout broke out of a recent slump by going 4-for-4 with a home run and four runs scored, as he had gone 0-for-17 before Wednesday's contest. He added a triple and two singles on the night after missing the previous two games as a precaution due to a stiff neck. The Angels were able to overcome a five-run deficit for their third straight win, with the five-run seventh being the key. Matt Olson and Bruce Maxwell both went deep during an eight-run fourth inning, which gave Oakland an 8-3 lead at the time. Cam Bedrosian earned the win in relief for the Halos, while Blake Parker got four outs for his fourth save. The Angels hit the road this weekend for a series with the Texas Rangers.
