2020 MLB Season: Simulating AL games, June 22-26
By Bill Felber
For the 2020 MLB season, in the AL Central, the Indians dominate San Diego.
The Indians seized the opportunity provided them by the Astros and overpowered San Diego on their way back to first place in the division. On Tuesday, Shane Bieber, 9-3, threw a complete-game three-hitter as Cleveland won 7-0. Orlando Mercado homered twice, Jose Ramirez and Carlos Santana once each.
Zach Plesac wasn’t as sharp Wednesday as Bieber, but he didn’t have to be. The Indians won 8-5 thanks in large measure to a five-run eighth inning after Padres starter Zach Davies left in the seventh holding a 5-3 lead.
Domingo Santana’s three-run home run off Matt Strahm, the inning’s third pitcher, did most of the damage. Working in relief, Jefry Rodriguez picked up his fourth victory without a loss.
Chicago spotted the Tigers a 5-4 decision in their series opener at Guaranteed Rate Field, then ran the series. Niko Goodrum’s three-run home run in the sixth gave the Tigers what they needed to take a 5-4 decision.
Chicago exacted revenge Tuesday, Carson Fulmer breezing to a 12-0 victory made possible by four home runs. Edwin Encarnacion, Adam Engel, Josh McCann, and Nomar Mazara did the honors.
Encarnacion homered again Wednesday, delivering an eighth-inning grand slam that broke a 5-5 tie and made a 9-5 winner in relief of Jace Fry. On Thursday, Eloy Jimenez homered twice and drove in five runs as the Sox built an early 5-0 leadoff Daniel Norris and hung on to win 7-6.
light. Related Story. 2020 MLB Season: Simulating NL games, June 15-18
W-L Pct GB
Cleveland Indians 52-28 .650 —
Minnesota Twins 51-31 .622 2
Chicago White Sox 43-39 .524 10
Kansas City Royals 33-50 .348 20.5
Detroit Tigers 29-51 .362 23