Cespedes Goes Deep Three Times in Mets' Rout of Phillies
The New York Mets hit a home run when they were able to hang on to Yoenis Cespedes, and the slugging outfielder hit three home runs himself on Tuesday night. Cespedes became the first Met player to record multiple three-home run games, as the Mets crushed the Philadelphia Phillies, 14-4. Cespedes' monster night helped the Mets avenge losing Matt Harvey to yet another injury. The right-hander left with tightness in his left hamstring after allowing two runs on five hits over 5.2 innings. He did earn the win to improve to 2-0 after striking out six on the night. The Phillies also lost their starter, as Clay Buchholz left with a strained right forearm. The Mets took advantage of that, going off for seven home runs, including two from Lucas Duda, and one from Asdrubal Cabrera and Travis d'Arnaud. It was the third time in franchise history that they have hit at least seven big flies in a game, all three of which have come in Philadelphia. The Mets have 46 home runs in their past 21 games at Citizens Bank Ballpark. Cespedes' last three-home run game came in August of 2015 against the Colorado Rockies. He had hit just one big fly in the first seven games of the season.
Indians Copy Cubs, Walk Off in Home Opener
Just one day after the Chicago Cubs raised their World Series banner and walked off against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cleveland Indians raised their American League Championship banner and had similar heroics against the Chicago White Sox. Michael Brantley hit the walk-off RBI double in the 10th inning for a 2-1 win over the White Sox on Tuesday afternoon. Francisco Lindor scored from first after walking to lead-off the 10th in the Tribe's home opener. The Indians were playing in their first home game since losing in 10 innings last November in Game 7 of the World Series. Coincidentally, Bryan Shaw, who suffered the loss in Game 7, earned the victory on Tuesday. Brantley has gotten off to a nice start this season after playing in just 11 games last year due to multiple shoulder surgeries. Todd Frazier provided the only offense of the day for Chicago by breaking out of a slump with a solo home run.
Thunder Get Past Timberwolves Without Westbrook
The Oklahoma City Thunder were without Russell Westbrook for the first time this season on Tuesday night, but still found a way to escape with a victory. With the triple-double machine resting for the postseason, the Thunder got past the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 100-98 victory. Victor Oladipo stepped up in Westbrook's absence, scoring 20 points, including the go-ahead shot with 6.3 seconds left in the win. Oladipo added nine rebounds and six assists, while Domantas Sabonis chipped in 19 points and nine rebounds. OKC as a team out-rebounded the T'Wolves 54-35. Karl-Anthony Towns led the way with 26 points and 15 rebounds for Minnesota in the loss. Andrew Wiggins overcame a slow 1-for-11 start to finish with 18 points, as the Timberwolves fell one game under .500 this season on their home floor. The Thunder also rested starters Taj Gibson and Andre Roberson ahead of their first-round playoff matchup with the Houston Rockets.
The New York Mets hit a home run when they were able to hang on to Yoenis Cespedes, and the slugging outfielder hit three home runs himself on Tuesday night. Cespedes became the first Met player to record multiple three-home run games, as the Mets crushed the Philadelphia Phillies, 14-4. Cespedes' monster night helped the Mets avenge losing Matt Harvey to yet another injury. The right-hander left with tightness in his left hamstring after allowing two runs on five hits over 5.2 innings. He did earn the win to improve to 2-0 after striking out six on the night. The Phillies also lost their starter, as Clay Buchholz left with a strained right forearm. The Mets took advantage of that, going off for seven home runs, including two from Lucas Duda, and one from Asdrubal Cabrera and Travis d'Arnaud. It was the third time in franchise history that they have hit at least seven big flies in a game, all three of which have come in Philadelphia. The Mets have 46 home runs in their past 21 games at Citizens Bank Ballpark. Cespedes' last three-home run game came in August of 2015 against the Colorado Rockies. He had hit just one big fly in the first seven games of the season.
Indians Copy Cubs, Walk Off in Home Opener
Just one day after the Chicago Cubs raised their World Series banner and walked off against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cleveland Indians raised their American League Championship banner and had similar heroics against the Chicago White Sox. Michael Brantley hit the walk-off RBI double in the 10th inning for a 2-1 win over the White Sox on Tuesday afternoon. Francisco Lindor scored from first after walking to lead-off the 10th in the Tribe's home opener. The Indians were playing in their first home game since losing in 10 innings last November in Game 7 of the World Series. Coincidentally, Bryan Shaw, who suffered the loss in Game 7, earned the victory on Tuesday. Brantley has gotten off to a nice start this season after playing in just 11 games last year due to multiple shoulder surgeries. Todd Frazier provided the only offense of the day for Chicago by breaking out of a slump with a solo home run.
Thunder Get Past Timberwolves Without Westbrook
The Oklahoma City Thunder were without Russell Westbrook for the first time this season on Tuesday night, but still found a way to escape with a victory. With the triple-double machine resting for the postseason, the Thunder got past the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 100-98 victory. Victor Oladipo stepped up in Westbrook's absence, scoring 20 points, including the go-ahead shot with 6.3 seconds left in the win. Oladipo added nine rebounds and six assists, while Domantas Sabonis chipped in 19 points and nine rebounds. OKC as a team out-rebounded the T'Wolves 54-35. Karl-Anthony Towns led the way with 26 points and 15 rebounds for Minnesota in the loss. Andrew Wiggins overcame a slow 1-for-11 start to finish with 18 points, as the Timberwolves fell one game under .500 this season on their home floor. The Thunder also rested starters Taj Gibson and Andre Roberson ahead of their first-round playoff matchup with the Houston Rockets.
