Seth Lugo's 12 Strikeouts Lead Royals to Victory Over Angels

Seth Lugo’s 12 Strikeouts Lead Royals to Victory Over Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Seth Lugo’s dominant performance on the mound and Hunter Renfroe’s timely hit against his former team propelled the Kansas City Royals to a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.

Lugo, in his first season with the Royals, showcased his exceptional pitching prowess by striking out a career-high 12 batters over eight impressive innings. He allowed only one run on five hits, continuing his remarkable start to the season. Lugo’s ERA now stands at a stellar 1.66, the best in the American League.

The Royals’ offense provided ample support for Lugo in the fourth inning. Renfroe, who played for the Angels last season, delivered a two-run single with the bases loaded, driving in Nelson Velasquez and Freddie Fermin. Michael Massey added another RBI with a sacrifice bunt, giving Kansas City a 4-0 lead.

The Angels managed to chip away at the deficit in the sixth inning when Willie Calhoun hit an RBI double. Calhoun struck again in the ninth with a solo homer, but it was too little too late for Los Angeles.

Patrick Sandoval, the Angels’ starting pitcher, pitched into the seventh inning but allowed 11 hits and four runs during the Royals’ fourth-inning rally. Sandoval has now lost five of his last seven starts.

The Royals’ victory marked their third in the four-game series against the Angels. Kansas City’s Brady Singer will take the mound in Seattle on Monday for the series opener against the Mariners. The Angels, meanwhile, will host the St. Louis Cardinals in Anaheim on Monday, with Jose Soriano scheduled to start.

Braves' No-Hit Bid Broken by Martinez Homer in 4-1 Win

Braves’ No-Hit Bid Broken by Martinez Homer in 4-1 Win

Atlanta’s Max Fried and two relievers combined for a no-hitter through 8 2/3 innings before New York’s J.D. Martinez homered to spoil the bid as the Braves beat the Mets 4-1 on Saturday. Fried opened with seven no-hit innings, and Joe Jiménez worked around a pair of walks in the eighth before Raisel Iglesias retired the first two batters of the ninth. Martinez homered just over the wall in right field on the next pitch off Iglesias, who walked Jeff McNeil and allowed an infield single to Harrison Bader before retiring Brett Baty on a fly to center.

The Braves have not thrown a no-hitter since Kent Mercker’s gem against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 8, 1994. The no-hitter drought is the fourth-longest in the majors. The Braves have the second-most wins and second-lowest ERA in baseball since 1994, a span in which Hall of Famers Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz pitched for the team.

In other MLB action, the Blue Jays overcame a six-run deficit to beat the Twins 10-8, the Red Sox snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the Nationals, the Rays beat the Yankees 7-2, the Phillies extended their winning streak to 13 games with an 8-3 win over the Marlins, the Orioles edged the Diamondbacks 5-4 in 11 innings, the Tigers beat the Astros 8-2, the White Sox topped the Guardians 3-1, the Pirates edged the Cubs 10-9, the Giants beat the Reds 5-1, and the Brewers defeated the Cardinals 5-3.

Braves Power Past Mets with Acuña's Titanic Homer

Braves Power Past Mets with Acuña’s Titanic Homer

In a thrilling encounter at Citi Field, the Atlanta Braves emerged victorious over the New York Mets 4-2, extending their winning streak to three games. Ronald Acuña Jr. ignited the Braves’ offense with a towering 461-foot home run in the third inning, setting the tone for a dominant performance.

Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson followed suit with back-to-back home runs, giving the Braves a commanding 4-0 lead. Charlie Morton, the Braves’ veteran right-hander, delivered a stellar seven-inning outing, allowing only three hits and striking out seven batters.

The Mets’ offense struggled to keep pace, with Francisco Lindor’s solo homer in the seventh inning being their only highlight. Jose Quintana, the Mets’ starter, surrendered four runs in five innings, continuing his recent struggles.

In the eighth inning, A.J. Minter struck out all three batters he faced, while Raisel Iglesias secured the save with a three-out performance in the ninth, earning his 200th career save.

Despite a recent slump, Olson broke out of his drought with a two-run homer, his first since April 7. The Braves’ victory was a testament to their resilience and the power of their offense, which has now hit back-to-back home runs twice this season.

Yankees Blank Rays 2-0 Behind Schmidt's Gem, Rizzo's Homer

Yankees Blank Rays 2-0 Behind Schmidt’s Gem, Rizzo’s Homer

Clarke Schmidt’s stellar outing and Anthony Rizzo’s timely hitting propelled the New York Yankees to a 2-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night. Schmidt, making his eighth start of the season, continued his impressive run of limiting opponents to three or fewer runs, allowing just five hits over 6 2/3 innings. He struck out six and walked two, extending his streak of quality starts to eight.

Rizzo, the Yankees’ first baseman, provided the offensive spark with an RBI single in the fourth inning and a solo home run off Shawn Armstrong in the ninth. His homer proved to be the game-winning hit, giving the Yankees their sixth win in seven games.

Rays starter Taj Bradley, making his season debut after recovering from a pectoral strain, pitched six solid innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out seven. However, the Yankees’ offense managed to scratch across a run in the fourth inning when Giancarlo Stanton singled and Rizzo drove him in.

The Rays threatened in the ninth inning, loading the bases with two walks and a single. However, Yankees closer Clay Holmes struck out two batters and induced a groundout to secure his 12th save in 13 chances.

The Yankees’ victory was marred by injuries to ace Gerrit Cole and infielder DJ LeMahieu, who will remain at the team’s Tampa complex for further evaluation. Meanwhile, the Rays are hopeful that closer Pete Fairbanks will return this weekend, while Ryan Pepiot is expected to attempt a mound session soon after being hit by a line drive last Sunday.

Astros Rally Past Tigers 5-2, Snap Losing Streak

Astros Rally Past Tigers 5-2, Snap Losing Streak

In a thrilling Friday night matchup at Comerica Park, the Houston Astros rallied from behind to defeat the Detroit Tigers 5-2, snapping a four-game losing streak.

Framber Valdez was the catalyst for Houston’s victory, pitching seven strong innings while allowing only two runs on six hits. The left-hander has now compiled a remarkable 2.49 ERA in eight career starts against the Tigers.

The Astros’ offense struggled early against Tigers starter Casey Mize, who allowed just one run on five hits through the first five innings. However, Houston’s bats came alive in the eighth inning, sparked by a leadoff single from Jose Altuve. Kyle Tucker followed with a walk, and Yordan Alvarez tied the game with a single down the right-field line.

Jason Foley replaced Andrew Chafin on the mound for Detroit, but Jeremy Peña greeted him with an RBI single on his first pitch. A force out by Jon Singleton put runners on the corners, and Alex Bregman’s grounder to third went through Matt Vierling’s legs for an error, allowing another run to score. Yanier Diaz capped off the rally with a sacrifice fly to give Houston a 5-2 lead.

Bryan Abreu pitched a scoreless eighth inning for the Astros, and Josh Hader earned his fifth save by closing out the ninth.

The Tigers, who debuted their new blue City Connect jerseys, took an early 2-0 lead in the third inning on a double by Vierling. However, Tucker’s solo homer in the sixth brought Houston within one run.

Detroit’s ace, Tarik Skubal, will take the mound on Saturday against Cristian Javier, who is expected to be activated from the injured list for the Astros.

Diamondbacks Extend Reds' Skid to Seven Games with 4-3 Victory

Diamondbacks Extend Reds’ Skid to Seven Games with 4-3 Victory

The Arizona Diamondbacks extended the Cincinnati Reds’ losing streak to seven games with a 4-3 victory on Wednesday night at Great American Ball Park.

Jordan Montgomery was the catalyst for the Diamondbacks, allowing just two runs on seven hits over seven innings. The left-hander struck out two and walked two, continuing a trend of strong starting pitching for Arizona.

Eugenio Suárez provided the offensive spark for the Diamondbacks, launching a two-out homer in the eighth inning to give his team a 4-2 lead. Christian Walker, Gabriel Moreno, and Pavin Smith also drove in runs for Arizona.

Graham Ashcraft started for the Reds and allowed three runs on six hits over five innings. He exited the game with two runners on and no outs in the sixth inning, and Moreno singled home the go-ahead run.

TJ Friedl’s single in the ninth inning cut Arizona’s lead to 4-3, but reliever Joe Mantiply struck out pinch-hitter Will Benson and induced a fly ball from Jonathan India to earn his first save.

The Reds’ offense struggled to keep pace with the Diamondbacks, with Stuart Fairchild and Jeimer Candelario providing the only RBIs. Cincinnati’s bullpen also faltered, allowing two runs in the eighth inning.

In other news, the Reds placed first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand on the 10-day disabled list and signed veteran first baseman Mike Ford to take his spot on the roster. Left-handed pitcher Bandon Williamson was also placed on the 60-day disabled list.

The Diamondbacks will go for a sweep of the series on Thursday afternoon when they send right-hander Slade Cecconi to the mound against Reds right-hander Hunter Greene.

Cardinals Catcher Willson Contreras Fractures Forearm, Out Six Weeks

Cardinals Catcher Willson Contreras Fractures Forearm, Out Six Weeks

Cardinals Catcher Willson Contreras Fractures Forearm, Sidelined for Six Weeks

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras has suffered a devastating blow to his season, fracturing his left forearm after being struck by a swing during Tuesday night’s game against the New York Mets. The three-time All-Star is expected to undergo surgery and miss at least six weeks of action.

Contreras was injured in the second inning when Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez swung and connected with his forearm. The impact sent Contreras tumbling to the ground in agony. After being examined by the Cardinals’ training staff, he was diagnosed with a left forearm fracture.

The injury is a major setback for the Cardinals, who have relied heavily on Contreras’s leadership and offensive production. The 31-year-old is hitting .280 with six homers and 12 RBIs this season.

“He’s been doing such a phenomenal job,” said Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. “He’s an extreme competitor. He brings so much to the club performance-wise, but also with just his competitive nature, so to see him go down is tough.”

Contreras expressed his disappointment at missing significant time, but vowed to support his teammates from the sidelines.

“I’m really upset missing,” Contreras said. “I know that it’s going to be tough for me to watch the games and not out there with the guys, but I’m going to do my best to stay present, pick each other up and cheer for them because that’s the best thing I can do.”

Martinez, who was awarded first base due to catcher’s interference, expressed remorse for the incident.

“I hit meat,” Martinez said. “I felt like I hit meat. I didn’t hit like just like a glove where you kind of just point back to catcher, it was just solid. I was like, dude, I hit him good. … I felt terrible.”

Contreras’s injury is a reminder of the inherent risks involved in baseball. Despite the protective gear worn by catchers, they are often vulnerable to being struck by foul tips or wild swings.

The Cardinals will now turn to Iván Herrera to fill the void behind the plate. Herrera, a 26-year-old prospect, has limited major league experience but has shown promise in the minors.

Rays' Eflin Shines, Leads Team to Fifth Straight Win

Rays’ Eflin Shines, Leads Team to Fifth Straight Win

Tampa Bay Rays’ Zach Eflin delivered a stellar performance on Tuesday night, leading his team to a 5-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Eflin’s seven-inning outing saw him surrender only one run on six hits, showcasing his dominance on the mound.

The Rays’ offense provided ample support, with Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes contributing home runs. Arozarena’s two-run homer in the third inning gave Tampa Bay a 4-0 lead, while Paredes’ solo shot in the sixth extended the advantage to 5-0.

Eflin’s composure under pressure was evident in the fifth inning when he escaped a bases-loaded jam with a flyball from Gavin Sheets. He also retired Sheets on a grounder with two on and two outs in the seventh, further demonstrating his ability to navigate difficult situations.

The White Sox, who have struggled throughout the season, were unable to mount a significant challenge against Eflin. Paul DeJong’s solo homer in the seventh inning was their only offensive highlight.

Michael Soroka, the White Sox starter, allowed four runs on three hits and four walks over five innings. Brad Keller, who relieved Soroka, surrendered Paredes’ home run in the sixth.

The Rays’ victory marked their fifth consecutive win, improving their record to 19-18. The White Sox, on the other hand, dropped to 20 games under .500, equaling their season low.

Padres Acquire Two-Time Batting Champion Luis Arraez

Padres Acquire Two-Time Batting Champion Luis Arraez

San Diego Padres have acquired two-time batting champion Luis Arraez from the Miami Marlins in a four-player deal. The Padres will only be responsible for the major league minimum salary, as the Marlins will cover the majority of Arraez’s remaining salary.

Arraez, 27, won the 2022 AL batting title with the Minnesota Twins and the 2023 NL crown with the Marlins. He is a two-time All-Star and has hit over .300 in four of his five previous major league seasons.

In exchange for Arraez, the Padres sent first baseman Nathan Martorella, outfielders Dillon Head and Jakob Marsee, and right-hander Woo-Suk Go to the Marlins.

Arraez is expected to be a key addition to the Padres’ lineup, which is currently 4 1/2 games behind the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. He is known for his exceptional contact skills and ability to put the ball in play.

The Marlins, on the other hand, are rebuilding and are looking to acquire young talent. Martorella, Head, Marsee, and Go are all considered to be promising prospects.

The trade has been met with mixed reactions. The Marlins are disappointed to lose Arraez, who was a popular figure in the clubhouse. However, the Padres are excited to add a player of his caliber to their team.

Arraez is expected to make his Padres debut soon. He will be a valuable asset to the team as they look to make a run at the playoffs.

Cole Irvin Extends Scoreless Streak, Orioles Blank Reds 3-0

Cole Irvin Extends Scoreless Streak, Orioles Blank Reds 3-0

Cole Irvin’s impressive scoreless streak continued on Friday night as the Baltimore Orioles shut out the Cincinnati Reds 3-0. Irvin extended his streak to 20 2/3 innings, allowing only two hits and striking out four batters in 6 1/3 innings.

The game, delayed by rain for over two hours, saw Irvin dominate the Reds’ lineup. After allowing a single to Elly De La Cruz in the first inning, Irvin retired 17 consecutive batters. He induced 11 groundball outs through six innings, showcasing his control and ability to keep the ball on the ground.

The Orioles’ offense struggled early against Reds starter Hunter Greene, who had thrown 14 scoreless innings coming into the game. However, Baltimore broke through in the seventh inning against reliever Emilio Pagán. Jorge Mateo led off with a single and stole second, setting the stage for Adley Rutschman’s double that drove in Mateo. Ryan O’Hearn followed with a two-run homer to give the Orioles a 3-0 lead.

Craig Kimbrel closed out the game for the Orioles, striking out the side in the ninth inning to earn his 11th save.

The win marked Baltimore’s fourth in five games, while the Reds dropped their third straight.

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