By Ron Kaplan, contributor
Joc Pederson was on base four times for the host LA Dodgers (45-26) last night — a run-scoring ground-rule double, two walks, and a hit-by-pitch — in a 12-0 pounding of the NY Mets. I lead off with this one because I actually stayed up to watch the game as I hosted a Sportscastr “broadcast” (don’t know what I was thinking after pulling a 6 a.m – 2 p.m. shift at work). What a revolting development that was for Mets fans. According to the game notes put out by the team prior to the game, starting pitcher Robert Gsellman was at his worst in the first and fifth innings. Sure enough, he gave up four runs in the first and a couple more in the fifth. Cory Seager hit three of the Dodgers’ five homers and missed out on a four-tater night in his last at-bat. Pederson almost collided with teammate Yasiel Puig in the outfield. It was a collision a few weeks ago that landed Pederson on the concussion DL list. Judging from the body language at the very end of this video clip, Pederson did not appear too pleased with the situation.
Ian Kinsler led off the game for the Detroit Tigers (32-28) — again –with a home run, number six for the year and the 44th long-ball opener of his career. He also walked, singled to drive in another run, and stole two bases to bring his season total to five. Kinsler was able to score a run off his steal of third on a wild pitch. But the host Seattle Mariners came back and won the game in 10 innings, 5-4. Danny Valencia was 0-for-4 for the Mariners (36-37). With the Tigers failing to achieve in yet another season, Brad Ausmus leads managerial candidates who are on the hot seat.
Alex Bregman singled, doubled (#13), was hit by a pitch, and walked in five trips to the plate as the Houston Astros doubled up on the host Oakland As, 8-4. Bregman scored one run, drove in two, and stole his fifth base in the win. Then there was this run-saving play at third.
Kevin Pillar was 0-for-5 with a strikeout as the Toronto Blue Jays (34-36) dropped a 6-1 decision to the host Texas Rangers. Pillar is hitless in the series so far and has just one hit in his last 15 trips to the plate. His batting average has dropped more than 60 points since May 20.
Richard Bleier loaded the bases (two hits and an intentional walk) but none of the runners scored as he pitched two-thirds of an inning. The Baltimore Orioles (35-35) held off the visiting Cleveland Indians, 6-5.
The Cincinnati Reds (30-40) scored three runs in their last two at-bats but it wasn’t enough to beat the host Tampa Bay Rays, who held on for the 6-5 win. Scott Feldman did not appear in the game for the Reds.
Craig Breslow did not appear for the Minnesota Twins (35-33) in their 9-7 win over the visiting Chicago White Sox.
So much for Ryan Braun‘s rehab. Seems like the calf just won’t let him progress. I had a calf injury playing softball some 20 years ago. I was running out a double and something in my lower leg just popped. It felt like I had been hit by a throw. Kept me out of action for six weeks, but then I wasn’t a multi-million dollar player with access to all sorts of therapeutic wonders. Still, I know how annoying it can be to be forced to watch.
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