Alex Rodriguez hits home run No. 659 as Yankees topple Mets
Take a look around the league with Big League Stew’s daily wrap up. We’ll hit on all of the biggest moments from the day that you may have missed, while providing highlights, photos and interesting stats.
New York Yankees infielder Alex Rodriguez moved a step closer to tying Willie Mays on the all-time home run list Sunday. Rodriguez belted home run No. 659 during the team’s 6-4 victory over the New York Mets.
Rodriguez wasted no time getting the Yankees on the board. In the bottom of the first, Rodriguez clobbered a 74 mph curveball from Jon Niese out to right for the solo shot.
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He would strike again in the second inning, plating another run on an RBI double. Rodriguez finished 2 for 4, with one run scored and two RBI during the contest.
Overall, it was a sloppy game for the Mets. The team made four errors, one of which led to a run. The Mets were able to capitalize against starter Nathan Eovaldi early, but were stymied by the Yankees bullpen.
The Mets did not pick up a hit once Eovaldi came out of the game. The Yankees used five relievers during the contest. Outside of a Chasen Shreve walk, those relievers did not allow any base runners.
Dellin Betances notched his fourth hold of the year, striking out the side in the eighth. He gave way to Andrew Miller in the ninth. Miller struck out one, picking up his seventh save of the season during the win.
MAUER SHOWS OFF HIS POWER
Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer doubled his extra-base hit total Sunday against the Seattle Mariners.
Mauer came into the game with just two extra-base hits, but that changed quickly. Mauer smashed an RBI double in the third inning, giving the Twins a 2-0 lead. Seattle would battle back, setting the table for Mauer in the top of the 11th.
With men on first and second, Mauer knocked a 75 mph curveball from Tyler Olson out to left for a two-run triple. Mauer also added a single during the contest, finishing 3 for 5 with three RBI.
He’s hitting .299/.392/.373 over 79 plate appearances this season.
ORIOLES PICK UP 20 HITS IN BLOWOUT WIN
The Baltimore Orioles demolished the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, picking up 20 hits during the 18-7 blowout. It was a historic performance for the franchise, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN.
The Orioles set a club record with 18 runs against the Red Sox, the previous high 17 on Sept. 27, 1960. They hadn’t totaled 18 runs in any game since beating the Indians 18-9 on April 19, 2006.
The 20 hits today were the most for the Orioles against the Red Sox since April 26, 2005.
The middle of the team’s lineup came through in a big way for Baltimore. Adam Jones, Delmon Young, Chris Davis, Steve Pearce and Jimmy Paredes combined for 12 hits and 16 of the team’s RBI.
Young was particularly impressive, going 3 for 6 with five RBI during the contest. He’s hitting .368 on the season.
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Baltimore struck early, chasing Wade Miley from the game in the third inning. Miley allowed seven runs, six earned, on five hits over 2 1/3 innings.
Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez attempted to get Boston back into the game late, but it wasn’t enough. The two combined to go 3 for 7, with four runs scored. Sandoval and Ramirez combined for all seven of the team’s RBI.
With the win, the Orioles improved to 9-10. They’ll take on the Chicago White Sox on Monday.
ADDISON RUSSELL LEADS THE CUBS OVER CINCINNATI
Chicago Cubs infielder Addison Russell hasn’t gotten off to as strong a start as rookie teammate Kris Bryant, but he came up with a big hit Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds.
With the bases loaded in the fourth inning, Russell knocked a bases-clearing double to center field. All three base runners would score, giving the Cubs the 5-0 lead.
The team would give up two runs later in the contest, but held on for the win. Russell finished 1 for 4, with two strikeouts and three RBI.
Through 22 plate appearances, Russell is hitting .136.
Want to see more from Sunday’s slate of games? Check out our scoreboard.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
