CINCINNATI, OH - JULY 23: Daniel Poncedeleon #62 of the St. Louis Cardinals gets a hug from Yadier Molina #4 after pitching the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds during a game at Great American Ball Park on July 23, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Poncedeleon came out of the game after pitching a no-hitter through seven innings but the Reds won 2-1. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – JULY 23: Daniel Poncedeleon #62 of the St. Louis Cardinals gets a hug from Yadier Molina #4 after pitching the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds during a game at Great American Ball Park on July 23, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Poncedeleon came out of the game after pitching a no-hitter through seven innings but the Reds won 2-1. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
St. Louis Cardinals rookie Daniel Poncedeleon has a remarkable debut but doesn’t get the 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 have brought back our 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!
Yesterday’s MLB Scores
Cincinnati Reds 2, St. Louis Cardinals 1 in Cincinnati – Rookie Daniel Poncedeleon threw 7 no-hit innings, and he left with a 1-0 lead. However, the Cardinals bullpen allowed 2 runs to score in the bottom of the 9th to give away the game and Poncedeleon’s victory.
Boston Red Sox 5, Baltimore Orioles 3 in Baltimore – The Red Sox put up 4 runs in the top of the 5th and kept the Orioles off the board until the 8th inning, clinching a road win on Monday.
Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies 6 in Philadelphia – The Dodgers scored a pair of runs in the top of the first inning and were able to hold off the Philles as they kept coming back over and over on the night.
Minnesota Twins 8, Toronto Blue Jays 3 in Toronto – The Twins scored in the top of the first and added in multiple runs in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th innings, while the pitching held the Blue Jays offense at bay most of the game outside of a solo home run in the 3rd inning.
Atlanta Braves 12, Miami Marlins 1 in Miami – The Braves scored in each of the first three innings to jump out to a big lead and were able to keep the Marlins off of the board.
Tampa Bay Rays 7, New York Yankees 6 in Tampa Bay – The Yankees had a chance to come back to score in the top of the 9th inning in a back-and-forth game, but could not push a run across in a road loss on Monday to the Rays.
Pittsburgh Pirates 7, Cleveland Indians 0, 6 innings in Cleveland – The Pirates scored 4 runs in the 2nd inning and 3 runs in the 4th in a game that ended up shortened by rain, and they were able to come out with a shutout victory.
San Diego Padres 3, New York Mets 2 in New York – In spite of another excellent start from Jacob deGrom, the Mets lost due to a pair of errors leading to an unearned run that was the difference in the game.
Arizona Diamondbacks 7, Chicago Cubs 1 in Chicago – The Diamondbacks put up 5 runs in the top of the first inning, and Patrick Corbin pitched an excellent game to make it stand up.
Oakland Athletics 15, Texas Rangers 3 in Texas – The A’s jumped out with 5 runs in the 2nd inning and another 6 in the 7th inning to seal a big blowout win in Texas as the Athletics continue to surge toward the playoffs.
Milwaukee Brewers 6, Washington Nationals 1 in Milwaukee – Tied at 1 after 3, the Brewers scored a pair of runs in the 4th and 3 more runs in the 6th inning as Jhoulys Chacin shut down the Nationals offense.
Detroit Tigers 5, Kansas City Royals 4 in Kansas City – The Royals scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the 1st, but the Tigers scored a pair of runs in the 7th inning and then 3 runs in the top of the 9th to earn the road win.
Chicago White Sox 5, Los Angeles Angels 3 in Los Angeles – The White Sox scored 3 runs in the top of the 6th inning to break open a tight game on the road and give rookie Lucas Giolito a rare win on the season.
Top Pitcher
Not really a tough choice here. Daniel Poncedeleon had one of the most brilliant debuts we’ve seen in MLB history, becoming the first pitcher in history to take a no-hitter 7 innings in his MLB debut.
Top Hitter
Maikel Franco had a great game on Monday night, going 3-4 with a pair of solo home runs, but it wasn’t enough as the Phillies fell to the Dodgers.
Today’s Game to Watch
Gerritt Cole looks for his 11th win on the season as his Astros travel to Coors Field and face Rockies lefty Tyler Anderson, who has had a solid season for Colorado.
Next: AA/AAA
AAA Featured Performer
In spite of a thick build, Sheldon Neuse was able to play short fairly well due to good instincts, which has allowed him to be a very positive third baseman defensively. He’s struggled a bit at the plate in 2018 with Nashville, but on Sunday, he had a solid day, going 2-4 with a double, a home run, and 4 RBI.
Today’s AAA Game to Watch
Tonight’s game between Charlotte and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre features an Adams-on-Adams matchup. Chance Adams takes the mound for the RailRiders against the recently-promoted Spencer Adams of the Knights.
AAA International League
Buffalo Bisons @ Louisville Bats, Game 1 Louisville Bats @ Buffalo Bisons, Game 2 Syracuse Chiefs @ Norfolk Tides, Game 1 Norfolk Tides @ Syracuse Chiefs, Game 2 Charlotte Knights @ Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Columbus Clippers @ Pawtucket PawSox Toledo Mud Hens @ Durham Bulls Gwinnett Stripers @ Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs Rochester Red Wings @ Indianapolis Indians
AAA Pacific Coast League
Reno Aces @ New Orleans Baby Cakes Albuquerque Isotopes @ Oklahoma City Dodgers Tacoma Rainiers @ Round Rock Express Memphis Redbirds @ Salt Lake Bees El Paso Chihuahuas @ Colorado Springs Sky Sox Iowa Cubs @ Fresno Grizzlies Omaha Storm Chasers @ Sacramento River Cats Nashville Sounds @ Las Vegas 51s
AA Featured Performer
After a tremendous career at North Carolina State, Andrew Knizner has done nothing but hit as he’s moved quickly through the Cardinals system while showing very solid work behind the plate. For his minor league career, he’s hitting .309/.375/.469, and he’s had very good numbers combined for AA/AAA this year, going .311/.375/.450. With Springfield on Monday, he knocked out a pair of home runs as part of a 3-5 day with 3 RBI.
Today’s AA Game to Watch
Logan Allen looks to continue his excellent season with San Antonio as he’s already put up 10 wins and a 2.66 ERA. He and his Missions teammates host Corpus Christi and Brett Adcock in his first AA start Tuesday night.
Biloxi Shuckers @ Jackson Generals Montgomery Biscuits @ Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Pensacola Blue Wahoos @ Chattanooga Lookouts Mobile BayBears @ Mississippi Braves Tennessee Smokies @ Birmingham Barons
AA Texas League
Arkansas Travelers @ Northwest Arkansas Naturals, Game 1 Arkansas Travelers @ Northwest Arkansas Naturals, Game 2 Corpus Christi Hooks @ San Antonio Missions Midland RockHounds @ Frisco RoughRiders Springfield Cardinals @ Tulsa Drillers
Next: high-A/low-A
high-A Featured Performer
A 12th round pick out of Wright State in 2016, Mitch Roman has had mixed results so far in his time in the White Sox system. Moved up to high-A Winston-Salem this year, he’s having a solid contact year, hitting .291/.363/.379. He only had one hit on Monday, but it was a key hit, driving in two runs for the Dash.
Today’s high-A Game to Watch
Lynchburg has had a sub-.500 season, but Eli Morgan certainly cannot be blamed for the team’s struggles, as he’s posted a 2.83 ERA on the year from the mound. He’ll take the hill Monday on the road against Down East.
California League
Lake Elsinore @ Lancaster JetHawks Rancho Cucamonga Quakes @ San Jose Giants Stockton Ports @ Modesto Nuts Visalia Rawhide @ Inland Empire 66ers
Carolina League
Myrtle Beach Pelicans @ Carolina Mudcats, Game 1 Carolina Mudcats @ Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Game 2 Salem Red Sox @ Wilmington Blue Rocks Frederick Keys @ Winston-Salem Dash Lynchburg Hillcats @ Down East Wood Ducks Buies Creek Astros @ Potomac Nationals
Florida State League
Charlotte Stone Crabs @ Florida Fire Frogs, Game 1 Charlotte Stone Crabs @ Florida Fire Frogs, Game 2 Bradenton Marauders @ Tampa Tarpons Clearwater Threshers @ St. Lucie Mets Dunedin Blue Jays @ Lakeland Flying Tigers Fort Myers Miracle @ Jupiter Hammerheads Palm Beach Cardinals @ Daytona Tortugas
low-A Featured Performer
Signed older than the typical Domincan signing, Jose Marte has been pushed by the Giants due to his age, but he’s responded well. He’s showing well in his first full season assignment at Augusta, with a 3.59 ERA over 92 2/3 innings. Monday he faced a talented Charleston team, tossing 6 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks, striking out 7.
Today’s low-A Game to Watch
Greenville’s Denyi Reyes has had a brilliant year so far, with 9 wins and a 1.79 ERA for the Drive. He takes the mound as Greenville hosts Hickory and Noah Bremer.
Midwest League
No games scheduled
South Atlantic League
Columbia Fireflies @ Rome Braves, Game 1 Columbia Fireflies @ Rome Braves, Game 2 West Virginia Power @ Kannapolis Intimidators, Game 1 West Virginia Power @ Kannapolis Intimidators, Game 2 Augusta GreenJackets @ Charleston RiverDogs Delmarva Shorebirds @ Hagerstown Suns Greensboro Grasshoppers @ Lakewood BlueClaws Hickory Crawdads @ Greenville Drive Lexington Legends @ Asheville Tourists
Next: Short Season/Advanced Rookie
Short Season Featured Performer
The Seattle Mariners drafted Connor Hoover in the 21st round in 2017 out of college, and after a solid showing in the Arizona Rookie League in 2017, the Mariners bumped him up to the Northwest League this season. So far he’s showing very good command of the strike zone, but his contact hasn’t been great. Monday night, he had a dominant game, clubbing two home runs and drew a walk, driving in three runs.
Today’s Short Season New York-Penn League schedule
Hudson Valley Renegades @ Lowell Spinners Auburn Doubledays @ Tri-City ValleyCats Aberdeen IronBirds @ West Virginia Black Bears Brooklyn Cyclones @ Mahoning Valley Scrappers State College Spikes @ Connecticut Tigers Staten Island Yankees @ Batavia Muckdogs Williamsport Crosscutters @ Vermont Lake Monsters
The Rockies selected third baseman John Cresto in the 28th round of the draft this summer out of Santa Clara, and he’s not drawn a walk yet, but he’s shown some solid gap power. He hit his first two home runs of the season Monday night in a 3-5 night for Grand Junction, driving in 4 runs.
Today’s Advanced Rookie Appalachian League schedule
Danville Braves @ Kingsport Mets Elizabethton Twins @ Burlington Royals Greeneville Reds @ Princeton Rays Johnson City Cardinals @ Pulaski Yankees Bristol Pirates @ Bluefield Blue Jays
Today’s Advanced Rookie Pioneer League schedule
Ogden Raptors @ Helena Brewers Billings Mustangs @ Orem Owls Great Falls Voyagers @ Grand Junction Rockies Idaho Falls Chukars @ Missoula Osprey
Next: Rookie Ball Schedules
Rookie Ball Featured Performer
One of the most athletic infielders in the draft this summer, Jeremiah Jackson was taken as a 2nd round pick out of high school in Alabama. He’s flashed his power and speed so far in his pro debut while hitting .293. On Monday, he had a solo home run and drew a walk from the leadoff spot for the Arizona Rookie League Angels team.
GCL Astros @ GCL Cardinals GCL Braves @ GCL Phillies East GCL Marlins @ GCL Mets GCL Phillies West @ GCL Tigers East GCL Rays @ GCL Twins GCL Red Sox @ GCL Orioles GCL Yankees East @ GCL Blue Jays GCL Pirates @ GCL Yankees West
Next: Today's Birthdays/history
OAKLAND, CA – MAY 20: Barry Bonds #25 of San Francisco Giants celebrates after hitting his 714th career home run, tying Babe Ruth for second place on the all time home run list, during the second inning of the game against the Oakland Athletics on May 20, 2006 at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the A’s 4-2. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /
Birthdays today
One Hall of Famer, and arguably the greatest player who’s played the game were born today. Sadly, they aren’t the same player.
Tommy McCarthy was a thick player for his day, weighing in at 170 pounds, but standing just 5’7″ tall. A fleet runner, he is often credited with innovating how the stolen base could be used as a weapon in the game, leading the league with 83 in 1890, and finishing his career with 469 recorded stolen bases, which places him among the top 50 all-time still today, in spite of really only having 9 seasons as a starter in the league.
McCarthy finished with a .292 batting average over 13 total seasons with the Boston Beaneaters, St. Louis Browns, and Philadelphia Quakers, primarily, playing from 1884-1896. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1946 by the Old Timers Committee.
Also born today is one of the most controversial players of the last 30 years, Barry Bonds. Turning 54 today, Bonds played into his early 40s with elite production, and his statistics can be argued as some of the best in the history of the game, though many assume those numbers are tainted due to a suspicion that Bonds used performance-enhancing drugs.
Bonds broke into the league in 1986, and early on in his career, his power/speed combination was incredible, as he hit 33 home runs and stole 52 bases while hitting .301 in 1990 to win his first MVP award. He would go on to win 7 MVP awards.
Overall, Bonds hit .298/.444/.607 over his 22-year career. His 762 home runs and 2,558 walks are the most in major league history, and he was no pure slugger, as he also stole 514 bases to go along with 2,935 hits. He wanted to reach 3,000 hits, but he could find no one to sign him after the 2007 season due to the controversy surrounding him and PED use.
Bonds finished with 14 All-Star game selections, 8 Gold Glove Awards, and 12 Silver Sluggers. He’s appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot 6 times, and pushed up to 56.4% of the vote last winter, though his association with PEDs has kept him from receiving votes from many writers.
For the first time that can be verified, a team scored in every inning in 1901, as the Pirates thump the Reds 11-2.
Rob Manfred would be proud! On this day in 1911, Newark and Rochester of the Eastern League complete an entire doubleheader in 2 hours and 32 minutes!
For the second time on the 1926 season, Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth pull off a double steal, with Gehrig stealing home.
A horrific bus crash killes 5 members of the Duluth team in the Northern League just outside of St. Paul, Minnesota in 1948.
In an example of shifting before there was shifting, Casey Stengel swaps Mickey Mantle and Willie Miranda between shortstop and second base based on the handedness of the hitter.
Over 20 years after debuting as the youngest player to play in a major league game in the 20th century at over a month short of 16 years old, Joe Nuxhall loses a no-hitter on this day in 1965.
Whitey Herzog takes over on this day in 1975 as the manager of the Kansas City Royals. Though more known for his 1980s Cardinals teams, Herzog would win three straight division titles with the Royals.
