Last Night’s American League Recap
Seattle Mariners continue their dominance with 12th straight win
21-year-old rookie sensation, Julio Rodriguez launched the first Mariner’s first Grand Slam of the season vaulting them to an 8-3 victory. Robbie Ray had his fastball in fifth gear last night, striking out 12 Ranger batters over 6 2/3. The Mariners continue their impressive run of play with their 12th consecutive victory. The team now has its sights set on the club-record 15-game streak set by the 2001 team who holds the MLB record for most wins in a season with 116.
Orioles get stopped in Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Rays put an end to the Orioles’ impressive 10-game win streak with a close 6-5 victory. The key play of the game was Christian Bethancourt‘s two-run shot down the left field line. The ball was nearly caught by the left fielder and originally called foul but was overturned upon review to a home run. The 318-foot shot benefited from the short left-field foul pole in Tampa Bay and may have been the only MLB park where it would have been out.
Red Sox prevail against Yankees
Red Sox picked up a playoff-style victory over their hated rivals, 5-4 in 11 innings. The winning run of the game came across home plate on a wild pitch that bounced back to the mound. The Yankees have now lost 5 of their last 6 games during their worst stretch of the season. Aaron Boone was once again ejected from the game for arguing the low strike zone that penalizes 6’7″ Aaron Judge. The Yankees still command a healthy 12-game lead in the American League East.
Manoah and Jays get back in the win column
The Blue Jays rebounded from their embarrassing loss to the short-handed Royals yesterday by dispatching KC 8-1. Alek Manoah had lost two consecutive decisions but picked up his 10th win of the season with 7 strong innings against a Royals lineup that included several AAA prospects. Matt Chapman’s 3-run homer is all the Jays would need for the victory on this day.
Sky Bolt leads A’s past the Astros
Sky Bolt led the way with 3 hits including a 2-run shot in the 9th inning to shut the door on the Astros’ night. Houston could not mount any pressure on this night with only 3 hits off of A’s starter Cole Irving. Jose Altuve sat out the game and is listed as day-to-day after taking a pitch squarely on the knee yesterday.
Other Notes
Guardian’s closer Emanual Clase picked up his American League-leading 19th save of the season shutting down the Tigers in the 9th for the 6-5 win.
Tim Anderson and Adam Engel homered for the White Sox in a 6-2 victory as they close to within 3 games of the Twins in the American League Central.
The Angels looked completely overmatched against their cross-town rivals losing to the Dodgers 9-1. The Angels managed only managed 1 hit against Clayton Kershaw over 8 innings as they slide into oblivion in the American League standings.
Today’s American League Best Bets
July’s Best Bets: 20-13, +8.74 Units
I made a small profit on a split of games yesterday. I went against both big running streaks to end and the Orioles could not keep it going losing on the road to the Rays. But the Mariners continued the devastating play with another impressive win against the Rangers. Seattle is now establishing itself as a contender in the American League.
American League: Twins (Bundy) [-122] Vs White Sox (Lynn) $
Lance Lynn has been thoroughly unimpressive so far this year with a 6.97 ERA and 1.52 WHIP. The 35-year-old veteran makes his 7th start of the season after starting the year on the IR. It is safe to assume Lance will get every opportunity to prove he is still a quality starter given his already long and successful career. But there is a real possibility this is the beginning of the end for him. There is still a chance he makes it through the rest of the season with average performances, but he may just find himself on the IR again until next season if Chicago falls out of playoff contention.
I am still not convinced about the Twins as contenders this season with an American League that is stacked near the top end of the standings. But they should more than good enough to stay ahead of the White Sox in the second half. Dylan Bundy has been consistently average for the Twins this year. That should be good enough today at home, especially if the Twin’s bats can get to Lynn early.
American League: Mariners (Gilbert) [-145] @ Rangers (Howard) $
I made the mistake of playing against the Mariners yesterday and they up big once again. This team is playing with a contagious emotion that is inspiring and gives me hope they could make find an upset in the postseason.
Today Seattle sends up Logan Gilbert who has been very solid this year with 10 wins already and a 2.80 ERA. Those numbers may be a little fortunate, but considering the team’s recent play, he should have an excellent chance of winning every time out. Gilbert certainly has the advantage in the pitching matchup today against Spencer Howard. Howard has allowed 14 ER and 7 Hrs in just 16 IPs so far this season. Those are not good statistics for an MLB pitcher.
I like this matchup and line better than yesterday for the Mariners who should be able to get another early lead. Even if they cannot do that, there is no reason to believe they cannot make another really late in the game to steal the win from the Rangers.
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