Jason Kipnis’ ninth-inning homer leads Indians past the Rangers
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.
Two of baseball’s most disappointing teams took the field together on Saturday night and actually produced the most entertaining game of the day.
The Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers went back-and-forth from the beginning, each scoring at least one in the first seven half innings. The Rangers finally took the lead and control with a three-run fifth inning, but that eventually slipped away when Cleveland scored three of their own in the ninth to secure a 10-8 victory.
That were several key hits in a game that saw 27 total, but none were bigger than Jason Kipnis’ two-run go-ahead homer in the ninth off Neftali Feliz. That was the difference maker of which the Rangers had no answer. By the same token, the game might have been over if not for Brett Hayes hard take out slide at second, which prevented a game-ending double play one batter earlier.
For Kipnis, the home run completed his fifth three-hit game in Cleveland’s last seven. He’s on a nine-game hitting streak overall. Lonnie Chisenhall also had three hits, while three other Indians had two. For the Rangers, seven different batters drove in one run. Shin-soo Choo, Thomas Field and Robinson Chirinos each homered.
Somewhat surprisingly, Cody Allen pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for the save. It was only the second 1-2-3 inning in the game and the first for Indians pitching.
CUBS EXTEND WINNING STREAK TO SIX
The Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field have been especially accommodating for the Chicago Cubs this week. After sweeping a four-game series from the New York Mets, the Cubs are on the verge of completing a three-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates after winning 4-1 on Saturday.
That makes it a perfect 6-0 home stand so far, and a perfect 6-0 record since the new bleachers opening in left field. A big bounce for the Cubs considering they’d lost seven of their previous nine, including four of six to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Saturday’s game didn’t have nearly as much drama as Friday’s, which ended in the 12th inning when Gregory Polanco fell down chasing a fly ball. Jon Lester is a big reason for that, as he limited Pittsburgh to one run while scattering nine hits in seven innings. He struck out seven and walked one.
Considering how depleted both bullpens were following Friday’s marathon, that was a much needed start for Chicago. Even still, they were forced to call on usual starter Travis Wood for the ninth inning save attempt. It was Wood’s first relief appearance since 2011 with Cincinnati, and he handled it flawlessly, retiring all three batters on fly balls.
Offensively, Kris Bryant reached base four more times. It’s fifth time he’s done that already this season, which is one behind teammate Anthony Rizzo and Miami’s Dee Gordon for the MLB lead.
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HUNTER PENCE RETURNS WITH A BANG
The San Francisco Giants welcomed back outfielder Hunter Pence with open arms on Saturday. Pence was forced to miss the team’s first 38 games while recovering from a fractured left forearm, but he looked like he hadn’t missed a beat, finishing with two hits, a walk and three runs scoring in the Giants 11-2 victory.
Pence was in the middle of three multi-run innings for the Giants. He doubled and scored in their two-run third inning. He singled and scored in their two-run fourth. One frame later, he walked and scored again as San Francisco blew the game wide open.
It wasn’t all Pence’s doing, of course. Brandon Crawford had three hits, including a grand slam, with six RBIs. Brandon Belt also had three hits including a homer. With that said though, Pence was definitely a catalyst, and as long as he’s healthy will remain as such for an offense that desperately needs one.
RED SOX KNOCK KING FELIX OFF HIS THRONE
Temporarily, we should add. On the rare occasion when Felix Hernandez struggles, one can safely bet he’ll bounce back in the next one. But the next one is the next one. The one on Saturday was not so good by Felix’s standards, as he allowed four runs, seven hits and four walks over six innings of a 4-2 loss to Boston.
Hernandez was bite by the long ball early. Pabld Sandoval unloaded a solo shot in the second. In the third, David Ortiz ended a string of 64 at-bats without a home run with a solo shot of his own. That streak traced all the way back to April 24.
For Hernandez, it’s the second straight outing he’s allowed two home runs. That’s after allowing just two in his first six starts combined. The four walks were also a season high. Hernandez falls to 6-1 on the season.
For Boston, Rick Porcello matched Hernandez early and finisher stronger, lasting 6 2/3 innings. He allowed just two runs on five hits and walked two. He’s 4-2 and the Red Sox are back to one game .500 at 18-19.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
