PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 28: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs is forced out at home plate as he slides into the feet of Elias Diaz #32 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the eighth inning during the game at PNC Park on May 28, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. MLB players across the league are wearing special uniforms to commemorate Memorial Day. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 28: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs is forced out at home plate as he slides into the feet of Elias Diaz #32 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the eighth inning during the game at PNC Park on May 28, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. MLB players across the league are wearing special uniforms to commemorate Memorial Day. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
Anthony Rizzo slid into controversy against the Pirates, the Dodgers mounted a monster comeback win, and more in today’s Relief Roundup!
At Call to the Pen, we want to ensure every MLB team is getting coverage, and that you’re well-informed as the reader! As part of that, we will be including a daily piece into our collection with all of the night’s scores in the major leagues, the top performers in the minors, the minor league schedules, and a bit of history/birthdays at the very end.
Without further adieu, let’s begin!
MLB Scores
Atlanta Braves 4, New York Mets 3 in Atlanta, Game 1 – After being shut out the first six innings by Jacob deGrom, the Braves get to him for one run in the 7th and then put up a run in the 8th before Charlie Culberson walked off with a home run in the bottom of the 9th.
New York Mets 8, Atlanta Braves 5 in Atlanta, Game 2 – The Mets and Braves played a back-and-forth game that included 3 lead changes and one tie before the Mets put up 3 runs in the top of the 7th inning to put away the game.
Houston Astros 5, New York Yankees 1 in New York – Domingo German gave up 3 runs to the Astros in the second, but otherwise pitched well. Justin Verlander shut down the Bronx Bombers, however, and the Astros were able to come away with the road win.
Boston Red Sox 8, Toronto Blue Jays 3 in Boston – The Red Sox piled onto Blue Jays starter Aaron Sanchez with a 5-run 4th inning, which was all that was needed to take the home win.
Washington Nationals 6, Baltimore Orioles 0 in Baltimore – The Nationals jumped out with 3 runs on Orioles starter Alex Cobb in the 3rd inning and put up another 3 runs in the 8th inning as Gio Gonzalez hurled 7 2/3 shutout innings to lead the Nationals.
Detroit Tigers 9, Los Angeles Angels 3 in Detroit – The Tigers jumped out on Angels starter Tyler Skaggs, capped off by a James McCann grand slam, though Mike Trout did hit his league-leading 18th home run.
Chicago Cubs 7, Pittsburgh Pirates 0 in Pittsburgh – Mike Montgomery made his first start of the season, and it was a beauty, tossing 5 2/3 scoreless innings, though the game was more known for Anthony Rizzo’s controversial slide.
Milwaukee Brewers 8, St. Louis Cardinals 3 in Milwaukee – The Brewers continued their hot play, scoring on Cardinals pitching in 5 separate innings while the Cardinals could only break through in the 5th inning for all of their scoring against Brewers starter Brent Suter.
Tampa Bay Rays 1, Oakland Athletics 0, 13 innings in Oakland – A scoreless matchup lasted until the 13th inning when Mallex Smith singled in Johnny Field to drive in the game’s only run. Jonny Venters picked up his first save since 2011 in the win.
Cleveland Indians 9, Chicago White Sox 6 in Cleveland – Rookie Adam Plutko moved to 3-0 on the season in spite a rocky start to the game when the Indians offense picked him up with a big 5th inning while new faces in the Indians bullpen stepped up to put together a solid showing.
Arizona Diamondbacks 12, Cincinnati Reds 5 in Arizona – The Diamondbacks jumped out early on Homer Bailey, and were able to hold on as the Reds jumped on Matt Koch as he began to wear in the 5th inning. The Diamondbacks were able to hold the Reds to 5 runs in spite of allowing Cincinnati 16 hits on the day.
Miami Marlins 7, San Diego Padres 2 in San Diego – Marlins starter Caleb Smith continued his excellent season as the Marlins jumped on the Padres for 4 runs in the first inning.
Seattle Mariners 2, Texas Rangers 1 in Seattle – A well-pitched game on both sides pitted Doug Fister and Marco Gonzales, and a pair of runs in the 6th inning for the Mariners were the deciding factor as the Mariners bullpen was then able to shut the door.
Minnesota Twins 8, Kanas City Royals 5 in Kansas City – A long-delayed game was scoreless for 4 innings, but after both teams scored 2 runs in the 5th, the scoring was on, capped off by a home run in the bottom of the 9th to make things even more tight before the Twins finally closed out the game.
Colorado Rockies 6, San Francisco Giants 5, 10 innings in Colorado – The Rockies tied up the ballgame in the bottom of the 8th and were able to walk off with the win in the 10th inning on a Chris Iannetta single.
Los Angeles Dodgers 5, Philadelphia Phillies 4 in Los Angeles – The Phillies jumped out on Dodgers starter Brock Stewart for 4 runs in the first two innings, but the Dodgers are able to chip 2 runs off in the 6th and then score 3 runs in an improbable 8th inning.
Monday Standouts
Freddie Freeman had an excellent doubleheader for the Braves as he works to step out from the shadows as one of the best hitters in the game. On Monday, he totaled 4-7 with 2 walks, a run, and 2 RBI across the two games.
Since being signed by the A’s, Trevor Cahill has dialed back the clock and is pitching tremendously well. On Monday, he went 8 scoreless innings, allowing 4 hits and no walks, striking out 6.
Other pitchers Chris Archer, TB, 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K Matt Boyd, Det, 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K Jacob deGrom, NYM, 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 8 K Marco Gonzales, Sea, 6 2/3 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 4 K Gio Gonzalez, Was, 7 2/3 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K Mike Montgomery, ChC, 5 2/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K Caleb Smith, Mia, 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K Vince Velasquez, Phi, 5 2/3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K Justin Verlander, Hou, 6 2/3 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Tuesday’s Game to Watch
The Dodgers have seen Kenta Maeda put together multiple excellent starts in a row, and they hope to see him do the same on Tuesday as they host Jake Arrieta and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Next: AA/AAA
Monday AAA Standouts
Syracuse exploded in the 9th inning for multiple home runs, and it simply topped off the game that Yadiel Hernandez had Monday. He went 3-4 with a pair of home runs and a stolen base and drew a walk. He scored 3 runs and drove in 5 runs.
Ryan Helsley has done great work for Memphis lately. He had another big game on Monday, going 7 innings, allowing 1 unearned run on 3 hits and a walk, striking out 10.
Other hitters: David Bote, Iowa, 2-3, RBI, BB Jaycob Brugman, Norfolk, 3-3, 2 SB Kevin Cron, Reno, 3-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI Chase d’Arnaud, Sacramento, 3-4, 3B, HR Eduardo de Oleo, Fresno, 3-5, 2 R Matthew den Dekker, 3-4, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, BB Irving Falu, Syracuse, 3-5, 3 R, HR, 2 RBI, BB, SB Derek Fisher, Fresno, 2-4, 3 R, 2B, BB Clint Frazier, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, 4-5, 2 R, 2 SB Ronnie Freeman, Sacramento, 3-4 Adolis Garcia, Memphis, 2-3, BB, 2 SB Nick Gordon, Rochester, 3-4, R Danny Jansen, Buffalo, 2-3, 2 RBI, BB Kevin Kaczmarski, Las Vegas, 2-2, 3 R, 2 BB Jon Kemmer, Fresno, 2-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI Kevin Kramer, Indianapolis, 2-3, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, BB Adam Law, Tacoma, 2-3, R, BB Jose Marmolejos, Syracuse, 2-5, R, RBI, BB Wyatt Mathisoen, Indianapolis, 3-4, R, 2 2B Alex Mejia, Memphis, 3-4, RBI Adam Moore, Durham, 3-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI Paulo Orlando, Omaha, 4-4, 2 R, 3 2B Cesar Puello, Reno, 2-4, 2 R, BB, SB Henry Ramos, Oklahoma City, 3-4, R, 2B, RBI AJ Reed, Fresno, 3-4, R, 2 2B, 2 RBI Jake Smolinski, Nashville, 1-2, 2 R, 2 BB Cole Sturgeon, Pawtucket, 2-3, 2 R, 2 BB Blake Taylor, Las Vegas, 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 6 K Sam Travis, Pawtucket, 2-4, 2 R, HR, BB Kyle Tucker, Fresno, 3-3, 2 R, 2 2B, 4 RBI, 2 BB Jayson Werth, Tacoma, 1-2, 2 BB Justin Williams, Durham, 3-4, 2 R, HR Jacob Wilson, Syracuse, 4-5, 3 R, 2 2B, RBI
Other pitchers: Rogelo Armenteros, Fresno, 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K Chris Bassitt, Nashville, 6 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 8 K Ryan Borucki, Buffalo, 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K Taylor Clarke, Reno, 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K Tyler Cloyd, New Orleans, 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K Daniel Corcino, Oklahoma City, 6 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 3 K Jose Flores, Sacramento, 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K Michael Kopech, Charlotte, 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K Chandler Shepherd, Pawtucket, 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K Duane Underwood, Jr., Iowa, 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 3 K Drew VerHagen, Toledo, 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K Brandon Woodruff, Colorado Springs, 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K Jimmy Yacabonis, Norfolk, 4 2/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
Tuesday’s AAA Game to Watch
Carlos Rodon makes likely his final rehab start for Charlotte before returning to the majors, and he’ll have a tough matchup as he faces Lehigh Valley and Ben Lively, who has posted a 1.59 ERA on the season thus far.
AAA International League
Gwinnett Stripers @ Indianapolis Indians Charlotte Knights @ Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs Columbus Clippers @ Buffalo Bisons Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders @ Louisville Bats Toledo Mud Hens @ Syracuse Chiefs Rochester Red Wings @ Durham Bulls Pawtucket PawSox @ Norfolk Tides
AAA Pacific Coast League
Reno Aces @ Salt Lake Bees Colorado Springs Sky Sox @ Memphis Redbirds New Orleans Baby Cakes @ Iowa Cubs Round Rock Express @ Omaha Storm Chasers Oklahoma City Dodgers @ Nashville Sounds Tacoma Rainiers @ Las Vegas 51s Albuquerque Isotopes @ Sacramento River Cats El Paso Chihuahuas @ Fresno Grizzlies
Monday AA Standouts
Reading had a big offensive game on Monday, and leadoff hitter Malquin Canelo sparked that big game. He went 2-4 with a triple, a walk, and a stolen base.
Though the bullpen ended up losing the game, Jayson Aquino had an incredible start for Bowie, tossing 7 innings, allowing 1 run on 5 hits and 1 walk, striking out 4.
Other hitters of note: Deivi Grullon, Reading, 3-5, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI Jan Hernandez, Reading, 3-5, HR, 5 RBI Corban Joseph, Bowie, 3-4, R, 2 2B Juan Kelly, New Hampshire, 2-4, 2B, HR, 3 RBI Luigi Rodriguez, Richmond, 2-4, R, 2 RBI, BB, SB
Other pitchers of note Marcos Molina, Binghamton, 6 2/3 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 9 K Cory Taylor, Richmond, 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K TJ Zeuch, New Hampshire, 6 2/3 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Tuesday’s AA Game to Watch
Cal Quantrill will take the hill for San Antonio against Tulsa, one of the more talented teams in the Texas League on Tuesday.
Jackson Generals @ Montgomery Biscuits Chattanooga Lookouts @ Birmingham Barons Mobile BayBears @ Tennessee Smokies Pensacola Blue Wahoos @ Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Mississippi Braves @ Biloxi Shuckers
AA Texas League
Northwest Arkansas Naturals @ Frisco RoughRiders Corpus Christi Hooks @ Springfield Cardinals San Antonio Missions @ Tulsa Drillers Arkansas Travelers @ Midland RockHounds
Next: high-A/low-A
Monday high-A Standouts
He’s missed a bunch of time over his career due to injury, but Modesto’s Kyle Lewis showed Monday why he’s so highly regarded when he is on the field. Lewis went 4-5 with 2 home runs, scoring 3 runs and driving in 5 runs.
Winston-Salem’s Tanner Banks threw a strong game on Monday, going 8 innings, allowing a run on 7 hits and no walks, striking out 8.
Other pitchers Joan Baez, Potomac, 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 8 K
Tuesday’s high-A Game to Watch
Hard-throwing Tony Santillan takes his 2.44 ERA to the mound as Dayton hosts Bradenton and Oddy Nunez.
California League
Inland Empire 66ers @ Lancaster JetHawks Lake Elsinore @ Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Visalia Rawhide @ San Jose Giants Modesto Nuts @ Stockton Ports
Carolina League
Salem Red Sox @ Wilmington Blue Rocks Frederick Keys @ Down East Wood Ducks Myrtle Beach Pelicans @ Carolina Mudcats Lynchburg Hillcats @ Buies Creek Astros Winston-Salem Dash @ Potomac Nationals
Florida State League
Clearwater Threshers @ Palm Beach Cardinals St. Lucie Mets @ Daytona Tortugas Fort Myers Miracle @ Charlotte Stone Crabs Jupiter Hammerheads @ Bradenton Marauders Tampa Tarpons @ Florida Fire Frogs Lakeland Flying Tigers @ Dunedin Blue Jays
Monday low-A Standouts
Bowling Green’s Zach Rutherford had a monster game on Memorial Day, going 5-5 with a pair of home runs and a walk. He scored 3 runs, drove in 6 runs, and even stole a base!
Charleston’s Dalton Lehnen may just be giving Yankee fans yet another name to follow as he had a great start Monday, going 6 scoreless innings, allowing 1 hit and 4 walks, striking out 7.
Other pitchers Taylor Braley, Greensboro, 6 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K Wyatt Marks, Beloit, 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K David Parkinson, Lakewood, 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K Luis Patino, Fort Wayne, 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K Leovanny Rodriguez, Quad Cities, 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K Christian Taugner, Wisconsin, 7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K Alfredo Tavarez, Great Lakes, 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K
Tuesday’s low-A Game to Watch
Hunter Greene has had much better performances of late, and he has a chance to continue that progress as he faces off against West Michigan in a 7 PM Eastern tilt.
Midwest League
Lake County Captains @ Lansing Lugnuts South Bend Cubs @ Great Lakes Loons Bowling Green Hot Rods @ Fort Wayne TinCaps West Michigan Whitecaps @ Dayton Dragons Burlington Bees @ Peoria Chiefs, Game 1 Burlington Bees @ Peoria Chiefs, Game 2 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers @ Cedar Rapids Kernels Kane County Cougars @ Beloit Snappers Beloit Snappers @ Kane County Cougars, Game 2 Quad Cities River Bandits @ Clinton LumberKings
South Atlantic League
Columbia Fireflies @ Charleston RiverDogs Hickory Crawdads @ Hagerstown Suns West Virginia Power @ Lexington Legends Greensboro Grasshoppers @ Lakewood BlueClaws Augusta GreenJackets @ Greenville Drive Asheville Tourists @ Rome Braves Delmarva Shorebirds @ Kannapolis Intimidators
Next: Birthdays/history for 29th of May
1990: Eric Davis of the Cincinnati Reds in action during a Reds game versus the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Robert Beck/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
Birthdays today
While no Hall of Famers were born on this day, one of the most exciting players of the last half century was born on this day in 1962. Born in Los Angeles, Eric Davis was an 8th round selection in the 1980 draft by the Cincinnati Reds.
By 1984, Davis made his way to the major leagues, but he didn’t secure a full-time job until 1986, but in his first five seasons as a full-time regular, Davis put up absolutely incredible stats.
Over his first five seasons as a regular, Davis put up a line of .277/.371/.527, averaging 30 home runs and 41 stolen bases per season. He posted a 20/80 HR/SB season and a 30/50 HR/SB season in his first two seasons in the major leagues.
Sadly, injuries derailed Davis’ promising career, but he stuck with the game, and he had a solid second career when healthy as a veteran power hitter, though he had lost significant steps and was no longer the speed demon he had once been on the bases.
Active MLB players born today: Joe Biagini, Steven Matz, Tyler Pill, D.J. Snelten, Nick Wittgren
On this day in 1922, baseball is first granted exempt status in regards to antitrust laws in the ruling of the Federal League versus the National League.
Braves scout Dewey Griggs made the signing of a lifetime on this day in 1952 when he signs Hank Aaron away from the Negro Leagues to the Braves.
After holding out hope that he could maximize his intense talents, the Expos trade Ellis Valentine to the Mets for Jeff Reardon and Dan Norman. Valentine’s demons would follow him to New York while Reardon would develop into one of the best relievers in the game in the 1980s.
After stealing 3rd base in a game against Toronto in 1990, Rickey Henderson moves into sole possession of first place on the all-time steals list.
On this day in 2012, all five teams in both the NL East and AL East are at or above .500. The same division in both leagues hasn’t been above .500 this deep into the season since.
