MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 31: Third base coach Mike Sarbaugh #16 of the Cleveland Indians congratulates Francisco Lindor #12 on a solo home run against the Minnesota Twins during the eighth inning of the game on May 31, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Indians defeated the Twins 9-8. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 31: Third base coach Mike Sarbaugh #16 of the Cleveland Indians congratulates Francisco Lindor #12 on a solo home run against the Minnesota Twins during the eighth inning of the game on May 31, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Indians defeated the Twins 9-8. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
Cleveland Indians’ Francisco Lindor has a big day at the plate, Clayton Kershaw returns to the mound – briefly, 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
Detroit Tigers 6, Los Angeles Angels 2 in Detroit – The Tigers jumped out on Angels starter Andrew Heaney for 5 runs and were in control from that point forward as they took the series from the Angels.
Oakland Athletics 7, Tampa Bay Rays 3 in Oakland – The A’s put up 3 in the 2nd inning and Daniel Mengden tossed an excellent start, going 8 strong innings to pick up his 6th win.
New York Yankees @ Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore – Postponed
Chicago Cubs 5, New York Mets 1 in New York – Jose Quintana pitched a gem as the Cubs picked up a road win in New York Thursday behind a big night from Ben Zobrist at the plate to lead the offense.
St. Louis Cardinals 10, Pittsburgh Pirates 8 in St. Louis – After the Pirates were able to score 4 runs in the top of the 8th inning, the Cardinals needed a 5-run outburst in the bottom of the 9th to walk off with the home victory over the Pirates in an NL Central showdown.
Philadelphia Phillies 2, Los Angeles Dodgers 1 in Los Angeles – Clayton Kershaw returned and threw well before leaving the game with an injury. Aaron Nola was incredible for his 7th win this season already as the Phillies picked up the road victory.
Atlanta Braves 4, Washington Nationals 2 in Atlanta – Sean Newcomb continued his incredible run of quality performance, picking up his 6th victory on the season as the Braves offense pieced together timely hits to put together the win and take back first place.
Houston Astros 4, Boston Red Sox 2 in Houston – Carlos Correa knocked out a 2-run home run in the bottom of the first, and Lance McCullers, Jr. made it stande up for his 7th win on the season on Thursday in a matchup of two potential playoff teams.
Cleveland Indians 9, Minnesota Twins 8 in Minnesota – The Indians jumped all over Twins starter Jake Odorizzi, but the Twins offense was able to battle back to tie the game before the Indians offense got a home run from Francisco Lindor to win the game in the 8th inning, his second homer of the game.
San Diego Padres 8, Miami Marlins 3 in San Diego Padres – The Padres jumped out with 2 runs in the first inning off Marlins starter Wei-Yin Chen, and Jordan Lyles pitched an excellent ballgame to secure the win.
Seattle Mariners 6, Texas Rangers 1 in Seattle – The Mariners attacked Rangers starter Mike Minor while Wade LeBlanc continued to put together surprisingly impressive starts in the Mariners victory.
Thursday Standouts
While the Twins were able to come back, Cleveland jumped out early in the ballgame Thursday behind the bat of Francisco Lindor, and then it was Lindor who hit the game-deciding home run in the 8th inning. Lindor finished the day 4-5 with all four hits for extra bases, as he pounded out 2 doubles and 2 home runs. He scored 3 runs and drove in 4 on the day.
While the return of Clayton Kershaw was the big news of the game, Aaron Nola was the better pitcher on the day as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Dodgers. Nola went 7 innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits and a walk, striking out 7.
Other hitters Ozzie Albies, Atl, 2-3, R, RBI, BB, 2B Harrison Bader, StL, 3-5, 2 R, 2B, SB Andrew Benintendi, Bos, 2-3, R, BB, SB Kris Bryant, ChC, 2-4, R, BB, 2B Nick Castellanos, Det, 3-5, R, 2B Derek Dietrich, Mia, 3-4, R, RBI, BB, HR Eduardo Escobar, Min, 2-3, 2 R, RBI, BB, 2B, HR Eric Hosmer, SD, 3-4, R, 3 RBI, BB Ian Kinsler, LAA, 3-4, R, 2B Nick Markakis, Atl, 1-2, R, 2 BB, 2B Chad Pinder, Oak, 1-2, R, 2 BB Gregory Polanco, Pit, 3-4, R, 2 RBI, 2 2B Hunter Renfroe, SD, 2-3, R, RBI, 2 BB, 2B Victor Reyes, Det, 3-4, R, 3 RBI, 2B, 3B, SB Jean Segura, Sea, 2-2, 3 R, RBI, BB, 2B, Joey Wendle, TB, 3-4, R Ben Zobrist, ChC, 3-5, R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR
Other pitchers Clayton Kershaw, LAD, 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K Jordan Lyles, SD, 7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 7 K Lance McCullers, Jr., Hou, 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K Daniel Mengden, Oak, 8 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 5 K Sean Newcomb, Atl, 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K Jose Quintana, ChC, 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
Friday’s Game to Watch
The Red Sox and Astros square off on Friday with Chris Sale and Gerrit Cole taking the mound to face one another in a matchup of one of the best pitching matchups you’ll find!
Next: AA/AAA
Thursday AAA Standouts
Reno got big offensive games from a few people, but Kevin Cron had the biggest day, going 3-6 with a pair of doubles and a home run, driving in 6 runs.
Sacramento’s Conner Menez has had some jewels this season, and he tossed another on Thursday, going 7 shutout innings, allowing a hit and 2 walks while striking out 8.
Other hitters: Cristhian Adames, New Orleans, 3-5, R Jim Adduci, Toledo, 3-4, HR, 2 RBI, SB Dean Anna, Lehigh Valley, 3-4 Stephen Cardullo, Albuquerque, 3-4, 2B, HR, 3 RBI Harold Castro, Toledo, 3-4, 2B Jason Coats, Durham, 2-4, R, 2B, RBI, BB Brandon Drury, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, 2-4, R, 2B, RBI, BB Stephen Duggar, Sacramento, 4-5, 3 R, 3 2B, 3B Taylor Featherston, Rochester, 2-3, HR, 3 RBI, BB Roemon Fields, Buffalo, 3-4, RBI Mike Ford, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, 0-2, R, 3 BB Cam Gallagher, Omaha, 3-5, R, 2 2B, 2 RBI Nick Gordon, Rochester, 2-4, BB Gabriel Guerrero, Louisville, 2-4, R, 2B, BB Ryder Jones, Sacramento, 4-5, 2 R, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI Tyler Ladendorf, Reno, 3-6, R, 2 2B, 3 RBI Tzu-Win Lin, Pawtucket, 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, BB Rymer Liriano, Salt Lake, 2-4, 3 R, 3B, HR, BB Tim Locastro, Oklahoma City, 2-3, 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB Steve Lombardozzi, Nashville, 2-3, 2 R, HR, BB Evan Marzilli, Reno, 3-6, R Jacob May, Charlotte, 2-4, 2 RBI, BB Reese McGuire, Buffalo, 1-3, 2 BB Ian Miller, Tacoma, 2-3, 3 R, 3 BB, 2 SB Kristopher Negron, Reno, 3-5, 3 R, 2 2B, RBI, BB Rafael Ortega, New Orleans, 1-2, 3 R, RBI, 3 BB Cesar Puello, Reno, 2-4, 5 RBI, 3B, 3 RBI, 2 BB Anthony Recker, Reno, 3-4, 3 R, 2B, 4 RBI, BB AJ Reed, Fresno, 1-2, 2 BB Michael Reed, Gwinnett, 3-3, 2 R, 2 2B, RBI, BB Mason Robbins, Charlotte, 3-4, 2 R, 2 RBI Rio Ruiz, Gwinnett, 2-3, RBI, BB Frank Schwindel, Omaha, 4-5, R, 2B, SB Austin Slater, Sacramento, 2-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, SB Jake Smolinski, Nashville, 3-3, 2 HR Cole Sturgeon, Pawtucket, 1-3, 2 BB Raimel Tapia, Albuquerque, 3-4, 2 R, 3B, RBI Ildemaro Vargas, Reno, 3-6, 2 R Alex Verdugo, Oklahoma City, 1-3, 2 R, 2 BB, SB Daniel Vogelbach, Tacoma, 3-5, R, 2B, 3 RBI, BB Christian Walker, Reno, 1-3, 4 R, 3 BB Chad Wallach, New Orleans, 2-4, 2 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI
Other pitchers: Jalen Beeks, Pawtucket, 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K Dietrich Enns, Rochester, 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K Bradin Hagens, Reno, 5 2/3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K Luke Jackson, Gwinnett, 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K Alec Mills, Iowa, 5 2/3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 9 K Antonio Senzatela, Albuquerque, 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 2B, 9 K Cy Sneed, Fresno, 7 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K Robert Stephenson, Louisville, 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 6 K Spenser Watkins, Toledo, 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K
Friday’s AAA Game to Watch
After an impressive AAA debut that saw him sit down 10 batters but not get the decision, Caleb Ferguson toes the rubber for Oklahoma City against visiting Omaha and Jonathan Dziedzic.
AAA International League
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders @ Indianapolis Indians Pawtucket PawSox @ Durham Bulls Rochester Red Wings @ Norfolk Tides Columbus Clippers @ Syracuse Chiefs Charlotte Knights @ Buffalo Bisons Gwinnett Stripers @ Louisville Bats Toledo Mud Hens @ Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs
AAA Pacific Coast League
Fresno Grizzlies @ Albuquerque Isotopes Omaha Storm Chasers @ Oklahoma City Dodgers Iowa Cubs @ Colorado Springs Sky Sox Nashville Sounds @ Round Rock Express Memphis Redbirds @ New Orleans Baby Cakes Salt Lake Bees @ Tacoma Rainiers Las Vegas 51s @ Reno Aces Sacramento River Cats @ El Paso Chihuahuas
Thursday AA Standouts
Often noted for his excellent speed, Stephen Wrenn of Corpus Christi showed off his power on Thursday, going 3-5 with two home runs, driving in 4 runs and drawing a walk.
On a night where there was a shutout and a no-hitter thrown in AA, Spencer Adams stood tall with his incredible performance for Birmingham, as he went 8 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits and no walks, striking out 6.
Jackson Generals @ Montgomery Biscuits Birmingham Barons @ Chattanooga Lookouts Mobile BayBears @ Tennessee Smokies Pensacola Blue Wahoos @ Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Mississippi Braves @ Biloxi Shuckers
AA Texas League
San Antonio Missions @ Springfield Cardinals Corpus Christi Hooks @ Tulsa Drillers Arkansas Travelers @ Frisco RoughRiders Northwest Arkansas Naturals @ Midland RockHounds
Next: high-A/low-A
Thursday high-A Standouts
After a huge game on Thursday, Carolina’s Keston Hiura found out that he was being promoted to AA. You really can’t ask for much better than going out on a 5-5 day with a pair of home runs!
After a rough start to the season, Adonis Medina has righted the ship with Clearwater, and he had another excellent start on Thursday, going 7 innings, allowing an unearned run on 3 hits and a walk, striking out 6.
Other pitchers Madison Bumgarner, San Jose, 4 2/3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K Marcos Diplan, Carolina, 5 2/3 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K Bernardo Flores, Winston-Salem, 8 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K Tony Gonsolin, Rancho Cucamonga, 6 1/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K Brian Howard, Stockton, 5 1/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K Brandon Lawson, Charlotte, 7 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 6 K Daniel Tillo, Wilmington, 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 4 K Jake Walsh, Palm Beach, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Friday’s high-A Game to Watch
Reggie Lawson takes his 2.54 ERA to open the for Lake Elsinore to the hill as he hosts Inland Empire with a suddenly-very talented lineup after some recent promotions.
California League
Stockton Ports @ Visalia Rawhide Inland Empire 66ers @ Lake Elsinore Modesto Nuts @ San Jose Giants Lancaster JetHawks @ Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Carolina League
Wilmington Blue Rocks @ Salem Red Sox Carolina Mudcats @ Winston-Salem Dash Down East Wood Ducks @ Myrtle Beach Pelicans Lynchburg Hillcats @ Frederick Keys Potomac Nationals @ Buies Creek Astros
Florida State League
Palm Beach Cardinals @ Jupiter Hammerheads St. Lucie Mets @ Fort Myers Miracle Tampa Tarpons @ Dunedin Blue Jays Charlotte Stone Crabs @ Bradenton Marauders Clearwater Threshers @ Florida Fire Frogs, Game 1 Florida Fire Frogs @ Clearwater Threshers, Game 2 Daytona Tortugas @ Lakeland Flying Tigers, Game 1 Lakeland Flying Tigers @ Daytona Tortugas, Game 2
Thursday low-A Standouts
Stuart Fairchild had a very solid doubleheader for Dayton on Thursday as he combined to go 3-5 with 3 walks, a double, a triple, and an RBI.
Greensboro’s Ryan Lillie had to battle the elements, but he was able to spin an exceptional game in the moisture, throwing 6 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits and no walks, striking out 4.
Other hitters Miguel Amaya, South Bend, 2-5, 2B, HR, 5 RBI Jonathan Arauz, Quad Cities, 3-4 Lazaro Armenteros, Beloit, 3-4, R, 3 RBI Michael Beltre, Dayton, 1-2, 2 R, HR, 2 BB Jhonny Bethencourt, South Bend, 2-3, 3 R, 3B, 2 RBI, BB Rob Calabrese, Augusta, 2-4, R, 3B, BB Jancarlos Cintron, Kane County, 3-3, R Hendrik Clementina, Dayton, 2-2, 3 R, 2 2B, BB Juan Fernandez, Fort Wayne, 1-1, R, 2 BB Austin Filiere, South Bend, 2-4, R, 2 RBI, BB Tyler Friis, Lake County, 4-6, R, SB Manuel Geraldo, Augusta, 3-5, HR, 4 RBI Oscar Gonzalez, Lake County, 4-5, 2B, HR, 2 RBI Yariel Gonzalez, Peoria, 3-3, R, 2B, 2 RBI Nick Hill, Augusta, 2-4, R, BB Brandon Hughes, South Bend, 2-4, R, BB Nolan Jones, Lake County, 2-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI Zach Kirtley, Peoria, 1-2, R, RBI, 2 BB Royce Lewis, Cedar Rapids, 2-4, 2 2B Irving Lopez, Peoria, 2-3, 3 R, RBI, BB Drew Lugbauer, Rome, 2-3, RBI, BB Tristen Lutz, Wisconsin, 3-4, R, 2B, RBI Shane Matheny, Augusta, 3-4, 2 R, BB Garrett McCain, West Michigan, 3-5, 2 R, 2B, RBI Mickey McDonald, Beloit, 2-3, 2 R, 2B, BB Jack Meggs, Beloit, 1-1, R, 3B, 2 BB Elehuris Montero, Peoria, 3-4, R, 3B, 2 RBI Brayan Morales, Great Lakes, 3-4, 2 R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI Norberto Obeso, Lansing, 4-5, R, RBI Demi Orimoloye, Wisconsin, 1-3, R, 2 BB, 2 SB Jordan Pearce, West Michigan, 1-4, R, 2B, 2 BB Brady Policelli, West Michigan, 2-4, BB Reynaldo Rivera, West Michigan, 1-3, R, RBI, 2 BB Dylan Rosa, West Michigan, 1-2, 2 R, HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB Joantgel Segovia, Wisconsin, 3-5, 2 R, RBI Jared Walker, Great Lakes, 3-5, R, 2 2B Chavez Young, Lansing, 2-4, RBI, BB, SB
Other pitchers Cory Abbott, South Bend, 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 8 K Nelson Hernandez, Wisconsin, 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K Ryne Inman, Clinton, 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K Cristian Javier, Quad Cities, 4 1/3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 9 K Mitchell Jordan, Beloit, 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K Jio Orozco, Charleston, 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K Alan Rangel, Rome, 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K Jesus Rodriguez, West Michigan, 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K Garrett Schilling, Asheville, 6 1/3 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K Gregori Vasquez, Lake County, 6 2/3 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K Kyle Young, Lakewood, 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K
Friday’s low-A Game to Watch
Anthony Kay has been regaining his comfort on the mound this season with Columbia after Tommy John surgery. On Friday, he takes on the aggressive but talented Rome lineup, which will be a good test for him.
Midwest League
Fort Wayne TinCaps @ Great Lakes Loons West Michigan Whitecaps @ Bowling Green Hot Rods Lansing Lugnuts @ Dayton Dragons Lake County Captains @ South Bend Cubs Peoria Chiefs @ Clinton LumberKings Cedar Rapids Kernels @ Burlington Bees Beloit Snappers @ Quad Cities River Bandits Kane County Cougars @ Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
South Atlantic League
Delmarva Shorebirds @ Charleston RiverDogs Asheville Tourists @ Greenville Drive West Virginia Power @ Greensboro Grasshoppers Hickory Crawdads @ Lakewood BlueClaws Columbia Fireflies @ Rome Braves Hagerstown Suns @ Kannapolis Intimidators Augusta GreenJackets @ Lexington Legends, Game 1 Augusta GreenJackets @ Lexington Legends, Game 2
Next: Birthdays/history for 1st of June
PITTSBURGH – AUGUST 01: Carlos Zambrano #38 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game on August 1, 2011 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /
Birthdays today
While no Hall of Famers were born today, one of the most eclectic, exciting players in recent history was born today as Carlos Zambrano was born in 1981.
Zambrano was signed out of Venezuela by the Chicago Cubs in 1997. By 2001, he was making his major league debut, and in 2002, at just 21 years old, Zambrano was a key figure as a swingman.
He would go on to make three All-Star games over 11 seasons with the Chicago Cubs. He was traded to the Miami Marlins for the 2012 season, and he chose to retire after the 2012 season.
While Zambrano was able to keep his ERA low, he often struggled with his control, leading the league in walks in two seasons, batters hit by pitch in one season, and throwing at least 5 wild pitches in 7 of his 11 full seasons.
Zambrano finished his career with 132 wins, a 3.66 ERA, 1,959 MLB innings, and 1,637 strikeouts over his career. He was also one of the best hitting pitchers in the league over his career, hitting .238 for his career with 24 home runs in 744 plate appearances.
In 1906, the Polo Grounds allows women to attend games for the first time.
On this day in 1917, the Boston Braves’ Hank Gowdy becomes the first major leaguer to enlist in World War I. Gowdy ends up serving in WWII as well.
Roberto Clemente’s fate as a Pirate was sealed. The Pirates send a scout on this day in 1954 to Montreal to scout out another Dodgers farmhand, but the scout is thoroughly impressed with Clemente, does research, and finds that he will be eligible for the upcoming Rule 5 draft, where the Pirates have the first selection. The Pirates choose Clemente, and the rest is history.
Nolan Ryan picks up his 100th career victory in style, pitching his 4th career no hitter as his Angels top the Orioles 1-0.
The team Ryan debuted with is the one in his career that he did not throw a no-hitter for, and the Mets finally get their first no-hitter in their franchise history in 2012 as Johan Santana throws one, defeating the Cardinals 8-0, needing 134 pitches to complete the feat. Many believe this is the moment that marks the end of Santana’s MLB career as his arm is never really the same.
