2020 MLB Season: Simulating AL games, June 19-21
By Bill Felber
In this 2020 MLB season simulation, in the AL West, the A’s slap Houston around.
It may already be too late, but at least the Oakland Athletics haven’t given up yet on catching the Astros.
They licked Houston and Zack Greinke 8-0 Friday on a two-hit eight-inning-performance by Frankie Montas, 8-3. The A’s backed him with five home runs, two by Khris Davis and one each from Robbie Grossman, Marcus Semien, and Mark Canha.
Josh James got the Astros even Saturday with a 9-4 win. The difference was a six-run sixth inning off A’s starter Chris Bassitt, who led 4-2 when things got out of hand. Jose Altuve hit a three-run home run.
But Sean Manaea stopped the Astros 4-2 Sunday, allowing just three hits into the seventh inning. Franklin Barretto’s three-run home run highlighted a four-run A’s second that gave Manaea all the support he needed.
The Mariners, stuck in last place all season, showed Kansas City something of their potential, sweeping two of the final three games of their four-game series. On Friday Seattle took a 7-0 decision behind Yusei Kikuchi’s complete-game five-hit shutout. Mallex Smith, who entered the game batting .179, pounded out five hits, four for extra bases.
The Royals, who won Thursday’s opener 6-4, ensured themselves of a series split Saturday, winning 11-4 behind Glenn Sparkman. Jorge Soler broke out of a power slump with two home runs good for six RBIs. But the Mariners won 3-1 Sunday, Marco Gonzalez covering eight innings and allowing just four hits. Kyle Seager and Daniel Vogelbach both homered.
Related Story. 2020 MLB Season: Simulating NL games, June 8-11. light
W-L Pct GB
Houston Astros 51-25 .671 —
Oakland Athletics 41-36 .532 10.5
Los Angeles Angels 38-39 .494 13.5
Texas Rangers 36-43 .456 16.5
Seattle Mariners 31-48 .392 21.5