2020 MLB Season: Simulating AL Games for April 17-19
By Bill Felber
2020 MLB Season: Simulating AL Games (April 17-19)
American League Central
The Twins continued their blazing April start with a home sweep of last-place Detroit. On Friday, Max Kepler’s three hits, one a home run, produced three runs and Cruz homered twice in a 7-2 win for Kenta Maeda.
The Twins pounded Detroit 13-1 Saturday for Dobnak, Kepler’s grand slam in a six-run fifth accounting for much of the damage. Miguel Sano added five RBIs with three home runs, two of luckless Tiger starter Daniel Norris. The Sunday contest was more competitive, Minnesota needing 10 innings to close out the 3-2 decision. Jorge Polanco’s base hit chased Kepler across with the game-winner. Luis Arraez had four hits for the Twins.
The White Sox completed their four-game series with visiting Texas by taking two of three weekend games to claim the series edge 3-1. They won 4-2 Friday thanks to a three-run first off Ranger starter Corey Kluber. Tim Anderson led off with a home run and Gio Gonzalez delivered six strong innings to run his record to 3-1.
Chicago rode Abreu’s four RBI day to a 9-1 win on Saturday. The slugging first baseman doubled twice and homered off Ranger starter Kyle Gibson. On Sunday Shin-Soo Choo homered twice and drove in three runs as the Rangers avoided a sweep, beating Giolito 7-3.
The visiting Baltimore Orioles swept Kansas City, including a 2-1 Friday victory when Pedro Severino’s fourth-inning single drove in both runs. Wade LeBlanc pitched into the eighth and Miguel Castro closed out the save.
Baltimore rolled 7-4 on Saturday thanks to a pair of home runs from Anthony Santander, then closed out the sweep 8-4 on Sunday behind J Iglesias’ three homers. They were part of a five-hit six-RBI day in support of John Means.
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W-L Pct GB
Minnesota 18-4 .818 —
Cleveland 16-6 .727 2
Chicago 13-9 .591 5
Kansas City 10-12 .455 8
Detroit 6-15 .286 11.5