Yardwork: A-Rod's Out For a Month, Red Sox & O's Plunk Each Other All Weekend
By Tim Ryan
Speaking of the Yankees, CC Sabathia pitched a complete yesterday opposite James Shields, who was just as good save for an error-filled seventh inning that began with BJ Upton getting a little too excited trying to double up Robinson Cano and overthrew first base leading to the only run of the game. CC has not allowed a run in 23 2-3 innings.
Pirates 9, Cubs 1 — Pat Maholm* failed to pitch a complete game which means, once again, no Chipwiches for whoever commented on that fateful day a couple months ago. However, one run on four hits over 7 2-3 innings is a splendid outing that deserves recognition. The Pirates are 47-43 and 1 game out of first place going into the All-Star break. That might the be the most amazing sentence of the 2011 baseball season. [*He’s Pat until the Pirates seize control of the NL Central]
Giants 4, Mets 2 — Pablo Sandoval improved his hitting streak to 21 games. The real story though is the Mets, who go into the All-Star break at a game over .500 which is a god damn miracle considering all the injuries they’ve had to deal with.
Phils 14, Braves 1 — The Phillies slugged the living piss out of Derek Lowe, Cory Gearrin and the immortal Scott Proctor to the tune of 14 runs on 20 hits. Raul Ibanez and John Mayberry combined for 10 RBI. Cole Hamels was quite the opposite, allowing three hits and a run over eight innings.
Tigers 2, Royals 1 — Justin Verlander has allowed four runs in his last 56 1-3 innings. That is ALL.
Blue Jays 7, Indians 1 — Joey Bats and his four day tryst with Cleveland consisted of five hits, three of which were home runs and another which was a double. It’s pretty clear he’s aroused by extra bases. What an exceptional first half for the man with the worst theme song on the planet.
Nats 2, Rockies 0 — The Nationals are 46-46 going into the break and do not reside in last place. That’s progress, people. But since the Pirates have made stunning strides, no one cares about the poor Nats. Sad face? Sad face.
Twins 6, White Sox 3 — So the Twins took three of four from the White Sox and everyone here pretty much predicted such events would transpire. Go ahead and give yourselves a generous self-high five. That’s a nice way to head into the break for Minnesota. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m looking forward to watching the annual AL Central first place seesaw clusterfuck as we head into the second half of the season.
Angels 4, Mariners 2 — Dan Haren was one out from his second complete game of the year, but with a man on second and the score 4-2 Mike Scioscia went to Jordan Walden to finish it off. The home crowd hated it and let the rotund manager know about it. Haren didn’t look too pleased either as he walked off the mound. Then again, few pitchers would be.
[Photo via Getty]