Yardwork: Jim Thome Returns to Cleveland
By Tim Ryan
Yankees 22, A’s 9 — As you may have heard already, the Yankees became the first major league team to hit three grand slams in one game. After being down 7-1 in the third inning and getting a ridiculously short outing from Phil Hughes, the offense turned into a video game. At one point they batted around for four straight innings which is downright absurd.
Astros 3, Giants 1 — The Giants have fallen three games back of Arizona. Astros starter Henry Sosa, who had given up four runs in each of his previous three starts, shut down the Giants anemic offense for six innings. Pathetic.
Red Sox 6, Rangers 0 — A week ago the AL West looked like a race that could easily be put to sleep by now. Let that be a lesson to us all, for the Rangers are up just two games after being taken to the woodshed by the Red Sox. Again. Adrian Gonzalez has five homers in his last three games.
Braves 8, Cubs 3 — The Braves have won 16 of their last 21 but they’re still quietly chugging along in the NL. The Phillies have the big splash names, the Brewers are flashy and the defending champs are reeling. If I’m a Braves, I am absolutely loving this scenario.
D-Backs 8, Nats 1 — After taking three of four from the Nats, Arizona hosts the putrid Padres for a three game set. I’m slowly starting to accept the reality of their possible inclusion in the postseason.
Cards 8, Pirates 4 — The Cards may have hilariously lost 7 of their last 10 but they beat Charlie Morton last night and in turn, gained a half game on the Brewers. Baby steps, Cards fans, baby steps.
Tigers 2, Rays 0 — Austin Jackson had a sac fly and a solo home run and that’s all Fister would need as he gave it to the Rays for seven innings. He reportedly turned it sideways just for kicks.
Royals 9, Blue Jays 6 — The Royals of Kansas City crossed home plate three more times than the Blue Jays of Toronto.
Orioles 6, Twins 1 — The Orioles have won four in a row. Good for them, but that means no clip from The Wire today. Instead, since they are in the midst of a winning streak, you’ll have to suffer through a clip from Mind of the Married Man. Not exactly one of HBO’s finest moments:
Have you heard? Cliff Lee is ready for the hurricane:
[Thome photo via Getty]