Hope in Beantown

[OmahaBaseball]

As part of my aim to improve the organization when and where I can, I took a low-cost chance on signing 1B Brady Whalen to a minor-league deal. Whalen was a 12th round (376th overall) selection of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2016 draft. After bouncing around the minors for several teams, he was sitting in the free agent pool. The scouting report explains that he has "an inside-out swing path that gives him the ability to hit for average" and that he "looks like an above average first baseman in the field." While he doesn't have much speed and lacks power, he might eventually fill a bench role. Whalen will start off with Boston's Double-A affiliate the Portland Sea Dogs.

[OmahaBaseball]

In leading his St. Louis Cardinals to a 10 to 1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies, Lars Nootbaar was dialed in at the plate with a 5 for 5 night. In addition to 4 singles, Nootbaar had a Triple, 2 Runs, and 3 RBIs on his big night.

[OmahaBaseball]

Arizona Diamondback superstar Corbin Carroll had a memorable night in the 19 to 8 win over the Colorado Rockies. In hitting for the cycle, Carroll went 4 for 5 with 4 Runs, 5 RBIs, and a Walk.

[OmahaBaseball]

Opening day for the Fenway faithful should be a joyous, exciting day. Unfortunately for the 31,837 fans in attendance, the day was a letdown as the visiting Baltimore Orioles (4-6) topped the Boston Red Sox (4-7) by a 7 to 5 score.

Corbin Burnes (1-2) picked up his first win of the season despite allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits and 5 walks, striking out 7, in 6 2/3 innings; Game Score 42. Tyler Wells (H 1) pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless/hitless ball before turning the ball over to closer Felix Bautista (SV 2) who wrapped up the game in his 1 inning of work. Taking the loss was Tanner Houck (0-1) who permitted 6 earned runs on 9 hits, 3 walks, and 1 hit batsman in his 5 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 25. Kenley Jansen was ineffective in his 1 1/3 innings of work, allowing 1 earned run on 2 hits and 2 walks. Joely Rodriguez pitched 2 innings of scoreless/hitless ball, before Nick Pivetta finished out the final 1/3 inning without damage.

The Orioles had several nice hitting performances, led by Ryan O'Hearn (3 for 4, Homerun, Run, 2 RBIs), Gunnar Henderson (1 for 3, Homerun, Run, 3 RBIs, Walk, Sacrifice Fly), Ryan Mountcastle (1 for 3, Homerun, Run, 2 RBIs, Walk), and Tony Kemp (2 for 4, Double, 2 Runs). The Red Sox offense was powered by Rafael Devers (2 for 4, Run, RBI, Sacrifice Fly), Tristan Casas (2 for 4, Triple, Run, Walk), and Ceddanne Rafaela (1 for 4, Double, 2 RBIs).

Player of the Game: Ryan O'Hearn

AL East Standings: 2 1/2 GB, 5th Place

[OmahaBaseball]

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 3B Tristan Gray had a record-book performance in his team's 20 to 1 victory over the visiting Nashville Sound. While the game-recap headlines downplayed his performance ("Cracks 5 Hits"), make no mistake this was special. On the night, Gray had a 5 for 5 performance in which he blasted 5 HOMERUNS and drove in 9 RBIs.

Editorial comment ~ this is one of the legacy aspects of the game that I wish were enhanced.

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[OmahaBaseball]

Falling behind by 2 runs after just 1-inning did not bode well for the home team, but a combination of well-timed hits and sloppy defense of the visitors allowed the Boston Red Sox (5-7) to pick up the 8 to 4 win over the Baltimore Orioles (4-7).

It was nice to see Kutter Crawford (1-1) pick up the win, as he allowed 4 earned runs on 9 hits while striking out 8 in his 109-pitch, 6 inning outing; Game Score 46. Justin Slaten (H 1) earned a hold by going 2-innings in which he scattered 2 hits before turning the ball over to Liam Hendriks to finish up the game in his 1-inning of scoreless play. For Baltimore, John Means (0-1) was tagged with the loss after he permitted 5 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits and 3 walks in 2 2/3 innings; Game Score 30. Cole Irvin was called in to slow the damage but he ended up permitting 2 earned runs on 4 hits and 1 walk, before Keegan Akin allowed 1 earned run on 3 hits in 1 2/3 innings. Danny Coulombe struckout the 1 batter he faced in the final 1/3 innings.

The Red Sox offense played well today (7 Doubles), led by Reese McGuire (3 for 4, 2 Doubles, 3 Runs, RBI), Jarren Duran (3 for 5, Double, 3 RBIs), Vaughn Grissom (2 for 4, Double, RBI, Walk, Stolen Base), and Masataka Yoshida (2 for 4, 2 Doubles, Run, 2 RBIs). The Orioles offense was powered by Gunnar Henderson (2 for 5, Double, Homerun, Run, 3 RBIs), Cedric Mullins (2 for 4, Double, Run), and Anthony Santander (2 for 5, Double, Run).

Player of the Game: Reese McGuire (Season: #1)

AL East Standings: 2 1/2 GB, 4th Place

[OmahaBaseball]

An extra-innings heartbreak, as the Boston Red Sox (5-8) fell in 10-innings to the visiting Baltimore Orioles (5-7) by a 3 to 2 score. The defensive woes continue with 2 more errors committed today.

While he didn't record a decision, Baltimore starter Kyle Bradish pitched a fine game in which he allowed just 1 earned run on 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 8 in his 8-inning outing; Game Score 74. While Felix Bautista (2-1) (BS 1) picked up the win, he also placed his team in the situation of losing the game, as evidenced by the blown save. In his 2-innings of work, Bautista permitted 1 earned run on 1 hits and 1 walk.

The Red Sox wasted a fine start from Garrett Whitlock that saw him limit the opposition to just 1 earned run on 7 hits and 2 wild pitches while striking out 6 in 7 1/3 innings; Game Score 66. Nick Pivetta covered 1 2/3 innings but allowed 1 earned run on 1 hit before Liam Hendriks (0-2) took the mound but was roughed up for 1 earned run on 2 hits in 2/3 innings. Joely Rodriguez wrapped up the final 1/3 innings of play.

The offensive stars of the day for Baltimore included Anthony Santander (3 for 5, Homerun, Run, RBI), Cedric Mullins (2 for 5, Run, RBI), and Adley Rutschman (2 for 5, RBI). The Red Sox were led by Masataka Yoshida (3 for 5, Double, Run), Tyler O'Neil (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI), and Jarren Duran (1 for 4, Double, RBI).

Player of the Game: Kyle Bradish

AL East Standings: 3 GB, 5th Place

[OmahaBaseball]

While the MLB draft is still several months away, projected draft selection lists are starting to make the rounds. One projection has Charlie Condon going with the top overall pick, but other publications seem to favor Travis Bazzana.

[OmahaBaseball]

What an outing by Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola (3-0) as he shutdown the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 4 to 0 shutout victory. In picking up the win, Nola tossed a 2-hit performance in which he struckout 14 batters without issuing a walk. He finished with a Game Score of 97.

[OmahaBaseball]

Alex Bregman should sleep much better tonight knowing that he is under contract for the next 5 years. In a press conference pulled together this afternoon, Houston Astros GM Dana Brown announced that they had reach agreement with 3B Alex Bregman on a 5-year extension that totals $150M.

[OmahaBaseball]

Despite having a 7 to 1 lead after 4-innings, the Boston Red Sox (6-8) had to hold on to defeat the visiting Los Angeles Angels (4-9) by a 7 to 5 score.

Picking up the win for Boston was starter Brayan Bello (2-1) for his 7-innings of work in which he permitted 3 earned runs on 7 hits and 4 walks; Game Score 51. Reliever Justin Slaten was called in to keep things in check, but resulted in 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 1 walk in an inning of play. Nick Pivetta (SV 1) closed out the game with a scoreless inning of work. Angels pitcher Griffin Canning (0-3) was roughed up to the tune of 5 earned runs on 6 hits, 2 walks, and 2 hit batsmen in just 3-innings of play; Game Score 23. Luis Garcia covered the next 3-innings but was tagged for 2 earned runs on 4 hits and 1 walk. Jose Cisnero pitched 2 scoreless innings as the lone bright spot for the visitor's pitching staff.

The Red Sox production was spread out nicely today, though the performances of Jarren Duran (3 for 4, Double, Homerun, 2 Runs, RBI), Tyler O'Neill (1 for 3, Run, 2 RBIs, Hit-by-Pitch, Stolen Base), and Ceddanne Rafaela (1 for 4, Homerun, Runs, 2 RBIs) are noteworthy. For the Angels, Zach Neto (1 for 2, Double, 2 Runs, RBI, 3 Walks), Brandon Drury (2 for 5, 2 Runs), and Aaron Hicks (2 for 3, RBI, Stolen Base) plated well.

Player of the Game: Jarren Duran (Season: #1)

AL East Standings: 2 GB, tied for 4th Place

[OmahaBaseball]

This was the Jack Flaherty that I was hoping for when I made the trade to acquire him from the Tigers. In a dominate outing, Flaherty led his Boston Red Sox (7-8) to a 3 to 1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels (4-10).

In picking up the win, Flaherty (2-0) allowed just 1 earned run on 2 hits, 3 walks, and 1 hit batsman while striking out 7 in 8 innings of work; Game Score 78. Closer Liam Hendriks (SV 3) closed out the final inning in scoreless fashion. Angels pitcher Tyler Anderson (0-3) pitched well but was nonetheless tagged with the loss after he permitted 3 earned runs on 8 hits, 1 walk, and 1 wild pitch in 8 innings of work; Game Score 58.

At the plate, the Red Sox were led by Jarren Duran (2 for 4, Homerun, Run, 2 RBIs) and Tommy Edman (1 for 3, Homerun, Run, RBI). The only hits for the Angels came from Mike Trout (2 for 4).

Player of the Game: Jack Flaherty (Season: #2)

AL East Standings: 2 GB, 4th Place

[OmahaBaseball]

After a rough start to the season, it is exciting to see the team now just 1 game out of the top spot and back to a .500 record. I know it may not last for long, but I will enjoy it for the moment! On the day, the Boston Red Sox (8-8) topped the Los Angeles Angels (4-11) by a 4 to 2 score. The announced crowd today was 17,237 fans.

Boston started Tanner Houck (1-1) was credited with the win after limiting the opposition to 2 earned runs on 4 hits, 2 walks, and 1 hit batsman in 6 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 61. Kenley Jansen (H 1) covered 1 2/3 innings of play in which he scattered 2 hits, 1 wild pitch, and 1 balk in his scoreless performance. Liam Hendriks (SV 4) closed out the final inning by striking out 2 of the 4 batters faced and inducing a flyball out to end the game. Taking the loss was Reid Detmers (2-2) who served up 4 earned runs on 9 hits, 5 walks, and 2 hit batsmen in 6 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 37. Carlos Estevez allowed 1 hit in his 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.

The Red Sox were led at the plate by Rafael Devers (3 for 4, Homerun, 2 Runs, RBI), Ceddanne Rafaela (2 for 3, Double, Triple, Hit-by-Pitch), and Tristian Casas (1 for 2, Double, Run, 2 Walks). For the Angels, Anthony Rendon (1 for 3, Double, Run, Walk), Mike Trout (1 for 3, Stolen Base, Hit-by-Pitch), and Luis Rengifo (2 for 3, Walk).

Player of the Game: Tanner Houck (Season: #1)

AL East Standings: 1 GB, tied for 3rd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

Philadelphia Phillies 1B Bryce Harper had an outstanding week at the plate, as he smashed the ball to the tune of a .414 batting average (12 for 29) with 2 Doubles, 2 Homeruns, 5 Runs, 8 RBIs, and 1 walk for a slashline of .414/.419/.690 that generated 0.5 WAR. For his efforts, Harper was named the National League Player of the Week.

[OmahaBaseball]

With his upcoming free agency and rumors that the Yankees are actively shopping him, Gleyber Torres set aside those potential distractions to have a fine week at the plate. In earning the American League Player of the Week award, Torres went 11 for 25 (.440 AVG) with 3 Doubles, 3 Homeruns, 7 Runs, 10 RBIs, and 2 Walks for a slashline of .440/.481/.920 that led to 0.6 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

Still a lot of change happening in the weekly Power Rankings. In this week's installment, the San Francisco Giants (119.5 points) take over the top spot after moving up 12 positions, with the Kansas City Royals (113.5 points) in close pursuit (improved 2 places). The Boston Red Sox (97 points) are in the 13th spot (improved 4 spots). The Los Angeles Angels (38.1 points) sit firmly in the bottom spot after dropping 3 places.

[OmahaBaseball]

On a chilly 46 degree New England night, this was a battle between two quality young pitchers that proved to be the focal point of the evening. The Cleveland Guardians (8-9) topped the hometown Boston Red Sox (8-9) by a 1 to 0 score, much to the frustration of the 14,858 fans in attendance.

Tanner Bibee (2-0) was locked in, as he tossed 8 scoreless innings of 3-hit ball while striking out 11; Game Score 85. Emmanual Clase (SV 5) closed out the game with a solid 9th inning in relief. For Boston, Kutter Crawford (1-2) pitched a fine game but just simply came up short, allowing 1 earned run on 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7 in 8-innings of play; Game Score 79. Nick Pivetta covered the final inning of the game for the Red Sox.

While the bats were largely cold tonight, Cleveland's Jose Ramirez (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI) and Boston's Rafael Devers (1 for 3, Walk) played well for their respective teams.

Player of the Game: Tanner Bibee

AL East Standings: 2 GB, tied for 3rd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

New York Yankees slugger Anthony Rizzo blasted his 300th career homerun today in the team's 5 to1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. While he is still trying to shake off some early season rust, Rizzo showed that the power is still there.

[OmahaBaseball]

While the game got off to a good start for the hometown fans, it was not sustainable against the pitching of Shane Bieber and the timely hitting of Josh Naylor. On the day, the visiting Cleveland Indians (9-9) bested the Boston Red Sox (8-10) by a 7 to 3 score.

Cleveland ace Shane Bieber (4-0) remained unbeaten on the season while striking out 7 and limited the opposition to 3 earned runs on 6 hits, 2 walks, 2 wild pitches, and a hit batsman in 8 innings of play; Game Score 63. Hunter Gaddis covered the final inning in scoreless fashion. Taking the loss was Garrett Whitlock (0-2) who lasted just 4 1/3 innings after serving up 5 runs (4 earned) on 6 hits and 3 walks; Game Score 32. Greg Weissert covered the next 3 1/3 innings without permitting a run, before Isiah Campbell allowed 2 earned runs on 2 hits and 1 walk in 1 1/3 innings.

The Guardians had no problem getting on base, led by Josh Naylor (2 for 5, Homerun, 2 Runs, 4 RBIs), Kyle Manzardo (2 for 5, Double, RBI), Steven Kwan (1 for 4, Double, 2 Runs, Walk, Stolen Base), and Bo Naylor (0 for 4, Run, 4 Walks). For the Red Sox, Jarren Duran (3 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI), Tristan Casas (1 for 3, Homerun, 2 Runs, RBI, Hit-by-Pitch), and Rafael Devers (2 for 4) played well on the day.

Player of the Game: Josh Naylor

AL East Standings: 3 GB, 4th Place

[OmahaBaseball]

A close game throughout, it was nice to see a decent start by Brayan Bello and a flash of power from Vaughn Grissom. With the Boston Red Sox (9-10) 4 to 3 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians (9-10), it provided the 14,009 fans with optimism as the team heads into the series wrap-up game.

Boston starter Brayan Bello (3-1) picked up the win for his 7-innings of work in which he permitted 3 earned runs on 8 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2 batters; Game Score 49. Nick Pivetta provided 1-inning of scoreless relief before handing things over to closer Liam Hendriks (SV 5) to wrap up the game with a shutdown inning of work. Cleveland pitcher Triston McKenzie (1-3) took the loss after he allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 8 hits and 3 walks while striking out 7 in 7 2/3 innings of work; Game Score 53. Cade Smith was called in to record the last out.

While there wasn't a lot of power displayed by the Red Sox today, they did just enough when it mattered; led by Vaughn Grissom (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI, Stolen Base), Kyle Teel (2 for 4, Run, RBI), and Jarren Duran (1 for 3, Walk, Stolen Base). The Guardians offense was generated by Steven Kwan (2 for 5, Double, Triple, 2 Runs), Tyler Freeman (2 for 4, Double, RBI), and Kyle Manzardo (1 for 3, Double, Run, Walk).

Player of the Game: Triston McKenzie

AL East Standings: 2 GB, tied for 3rd Place