Hope in Beantown

[OmahaBaseball]

Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. had a special week at the plate. In picking up the National League Player of the Week award, Acuna went 11 for 23 (.478 AVG) with 3 Doubles, 4 Homeruns, 6 Runs, 8 RBI, and 1 Stolen Base for a slashline of .478/.500/1.130 that led to 0.8 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

The Chicago White Sox have a gem of a pitcher in Garrett Crochet. The big lefty used his upper 90's fastball, power slider, and sneaky changeup to keep batters off balance last week. In picking up the American League Player of the Week award, Crochet posted a 2-0 record with a 0.53 ERA and 15 strikeouts to just 1 walk in 17 innings of play. For his efforts, Crochet accumulated 0.5 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

It was a special night for Milwaukee ace Freddy Peralta. In leading his team to a 5 to 0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, Peralta allowed just 2 hits while striking out 11 to finish with a Game Score 94.

[OmahaBaseball]

A tight game throughout, the Tampa Bay Rays (21-21) used a 2-run 9th inning to top the Boston Red Sox (20-21) by a 4 to 2 score. Perhaps it was the 16 minute rain delay, but the defense was a contributing factor here, as the Boston infielders committed 2 errors that directly resulted in allowing the visitors to score 2 runs.

Drew Rasmussen (3-5) was given the nod from the Rays and rewarded the team with the win in his 8-innings of work in which he allowed 2 earned runs on 9 hits and 3 walks; Game Score 59. Taj Bradley (SV 6) closed out the game with a scoreless 9th inning. Leading the way at the plate for Tampa Bay were Amed Rosario (2 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI, Stolen Base), Isaac Pardes (2 for 4, Homerun, Run, 3 RBI), and Josh Lowe (2 for 4, Double).

The Red Sox squandered an outstanding performance from Tanner Houck who limited the damage to 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 10 in 8-innings of play; Game Score 74. Liam Hendriks (1-3) was tagged with the loss after giving up 2 runs (1 earned) on 1 hit. Boston's offense came from Kyle Teel (3 for 4, 2 Doubles, Run, RBI), Triston Casas (2 for 5), and Masataka Yoshida (2 for 3, 2 Walks).

Player of the Game: Tanner Houck (Season: #3)

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

[OmahaBaseball]

A balanced offense-attack with the solid pitching of Kutter Crawford led the Boston Red Sox (21-21) to a 6 to 2 victory over the visiting Tampa Bay Rays (21-22).

This was nice outing from Boston starter Kutter Crawford. On the day, Crawford limited the opposition to 2 earned runs on 6 hits, 2 walks, and 1 hit batsman in 8 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 69. Liam Hendriks (SV 7) closed out the game with 2/3 innings of scoreless ball. The Red Sox were led at the plate by Rafael Devers (2 for 4, Double, Homerun, 3 Runs, RBI), Jarren Duran (3 for 4, Double, 2 Runs, RBI), and Tyler O'Neill (1 for 3, 2 RBI, Sacrifice Fly).

Tampa Bay starter Zach Eflin (4-3) was tagged with the loss after serving up 4 earned runs on 9 hits and 1 walk in his 7-inning outing; Game Score 46. Shawn Armstrong was roughed up in his 1-inning of relief work in which he permitted 2 earned runs on 4 hits. Ben Rortvedt (2 for 4, Double, Run, RBI) and Jose Caballero (1 for 3, Double, RBI) played well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Kutter Crawford (Season: #3)

AL East Standings: 4 1/2 GB, 3rd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

Nestor Cortes is a happy man today. While the season has been a struggle so far, Cortes can celebrate his 3-year contract extension that totals $56.6M; shown as follows:

2025	Age 30	 $7,800,000
2026	Age 31	$24,400,000
2027	Age 32	$24,400,000 (Player Option)

[OmahaBaseball]

The longest game that they've played this year ended with a dramatic 14th-innng walkoff to give the Boston Red Sox (22-21) and 2 to 1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays (21-23).

The Red Sox got a nice outing from Garrett Whitlock who permitted just 1 earned run on 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7 in 7-innings of play; Game Score 66. The next 7-innings of scoreless relief work came from Nick Pivetta (2-innings, 1 walk), Liam Hendriks (2-innings, 1 hit), Joely Rodriguez (2 2/3 innings, 2 walks), and winning pitcher Kenley Jansen (2-2) who pitched 1/3 of an inning. Boston's offense was powered by Ceddanne Rafaela (3 for 6, 2 Doubles, Run), Masataka Yoshida (3 for 6, Double, RBI), and Tyler O'Neill (2 for 5, Double, RBI, Sacrifice Fly, Stolen Base).

The Rays missed a prime opportunity for the win, as they wasted the strong outing of Jeffrey Springs who allowed just 1 earned run on 4 hits while striking out 6; Game Score 76. Pete Fairbanks (1-inning, 1 hit and 1 wild pitch) and Taj Bradley (3-innings, 1 walk and 4 hits) kept the opposition off the scoreboard but Ryan Pepiot (0-3) was tagged with the loss after he permitted 1 earned run on 2 hits and 1 walk. The Tampa Bay offense was generated by Jose Siri (2 for 5, Double, RBI) and Jose Caballero (1 for 2, Double).

Player of the Game: Jeffrey Springs

AL East Standings: 3 1/2 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

An absolute masterpiece by Seattle Mariners ace Luis Castillo in a 3 to 0 victory over the Kansas City Royals. On the day, Castillo permitted just 1 hit and plunked 1 while striking out a season-high 13 batters to finish with a Game Score 98.

[OmahaBaseball]

A big day at the plate from Tyler O'Neill powered the Boston Red Sox (23-21) over the Tampa Bay Rays (21-24) by a 4 to 2 score.

Boston starter Brayan Bello (5-4) picked up the win in 6 1/3 innings of work in which he allowed 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out 8; Game Score 64. Justin Slaten (H 2) kept things in check with his 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief before handing the ball over to Nick Pivetta (SV 2) to close out the game in the final inning. The Red Sox were led at the plate by Tyler O'Neill (2 for 3, 2 Homeruns, 2 Runs, 3 RBI, Walk) and Rafael Devers (1 for 3, Double, Run, Walk). Of Note, O'Neill was recognized as MLB's #3 Performance of the Day.

Taking the loss for the Rays was Shane McClanahan (4-5) who permitted 4 earned runs on 6 hits, 3 walks, and 1 hit batsman in 7 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 57. Phil Maton needed just 2 pitches to get the final out of the inning. Tampa's limited offense came from Brandon Lowe (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI) and Yandy Diaz (1 for 4, Double, Run).

Player of the Game: Tyler O'Neill (Season: #4)

AL East Standings: 3 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

A tough loss for Boston, as for some unexplained reason the manager brought Jack Flaherty back out for the 9th inning -- UGH! On the day, the St. Louis Cardinals (21-24) beat the visiting Boston Red Sox (23-22) by a 3 to 2 score.

While St. Louis starter Sonny Gray did not record a decision, he pitched a fine game in which he allowed 2 earned runs on 6 hits while striking out 10 in 7-innings of work; Game Score 67. Giovanny Gallegos made things a little interesting in his 1 2/3 innings of relief but did keep the opposition off the scoreboard. Ryan Helsley (1-2) picked up the win for his 1/3 inning outing. The Cardinals offense was powered by Nolan Arenado (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI), Nolan Gorman (2 for 3, Walk), and Victor Scott II (1 for 3, Hit-by-Pitch, Stolen Base).

Taking the loss was Boston starter Jack Flaherty (4-3) who permitted 3 earned runs on 7 hits, 4 walks, and 1 hit batsman in 8-innings of play; Game Score 56. As noted above, no idea why my rested bullpen wasn't called to handle the 9th inning in effort to push the game into extra-innings. Joely Rodriguez worked 1/3 inning in which he allowed 1 hit and 1 walk as the game ended. On the offensive side of things, Jarren Duran (2 for 4, Double, 2 RBI, Stolen Base) and Tristan Casas (2 for 4) played well despite the outcome.

Player of the Game: Sonny Gray

AL East Standings: 4 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

A solid outing from Tanner Houck and a big 5-run 7th inning allowed the visiting Boston Red Sox (24-22) to pick up the 5 to 1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals (21-25).

Starter Tanner Houck (5-2) was dialed in today, as he kept the opposition from putting up any meaningful fight. On the day, Houck allowed just 1 unearned run on 4 hits, 1 walk, and 1 hit batsman while striking out 6 in 8-innings of play; Game Score 77. Nick Pivetta tossed the final inning in a scoreless relief appearance. At the play, the Red Sox were led by Tyler O'Neill (1 for 2, Homerun, Run, RBI, Walk, Hit-by-Pitch, Stolen Base), Vaughn Grissom (2 for 4, Run), and Masataka Yoshida (2 for 4, Double, RBI).

Taking the loss was Cardinals starter Lance Lynn (4-5) who was tagged for 5 earned runs on 8 hits, 2 hit batters, and a wild pitch in his 6 2/3 inning outing; Game Score 42. Miles Mikolas covered the remaining 2 1/3 innings in a scoreless relief appearance. Jordan Walker (1 for 3, Hit-by-Pitch, Stolen Base) and Masyn Winn (1 for 3, Run) played well on the day.

Player of the Game: Tanner Houck (Season: #4)

AL East Standings: 4 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

All-Star voting has opened and the first results are in for the National League. Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. leads all players with 56,932 votes. The Los Angeles Dodgers have 4 players leading their respective positional category.

[OmahaBaseball]

Votes are coming in for the American League All-Stars. Leading the way is Texas Rangers SS Corey Seager 56,763 votes. The New York Yankees have 3 players leading in their respective positions.

[OmahaBaseball]

Squaring off against the team that traded him just 2 months ago, Lucas Giolito shutdown the Boston Red Sox (24-23) to lead his St. Louis Cardinals (22-25) to a 2 to 1 win. This was a tough loss for the visitors.

Picking up the win for the Cardinals was starter Lucas Giolito (4-5) who limited the opposition to 1 earned run on 3 hits while striking out 4 in 8-innings of play; Game Score 76. Ryan Helsley (SV 12) covered the final inning in a scoreless appearance. At the plate, St. Louis was powered by Lars Nootbaar (2 for 3, Homerun, Run, RBI, Walk) and Brendan Donovan (2 for 4, Double, RBI).

Boston starter Kutter Crawford (3-5) was tagged with the loss after serving up 2 earned runs on 8 hits and 5 walks while striking out 8 in 7-innings of play; Game Score 56. Joely Rodriguez covered the final inning without permitting a run. The Red Sox limited offense was generated by Kyle Teel (2 for 3) and Marcelo Mayer (1 for 3, Homerun, Run, RBI).

Player of the Game: Lucas Giolito

AL East Standings: 5 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto was terrific in his start against the Cincinnati Reds. In striking out 15, Yamamoto scattered 5 hits in his 1 to 0 complete game victory.

[OmahaBaseball]

It has been a difficult season so far for Cincinnati Reds SS Elly De La Cruz. Coming into the week batting just .118, it was a welcome surprise to have De La Cruz bust out a 10 for 25 (.400 average) with 2 Doubles, 3 Homeruns, 6 Runs, 7 RBI, 2 Walks, and 2 Stolen Bases on the way to a .400/.444/.840 slashline that generated 0.6 WAR. For his efforts, De La Cruz was honored with the National League Player of the Week award.

[OmahaBaseball]

Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. was honored with the American League Player of the Week award. For the week, Robert Jr. posted a .500 average (15 for 30) with a Double, 3 Homeruns, 10 Runs, 11 RBI, and a Walk for a slashline of .500/.516/.833 that resulted in 0.8 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

Make that 3 weeks in a row for the Pittsburgh Pirates (123.1 points), as they continue to lead MLB's Power Rankings list. The Minnesota Twins (119.8 points) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (117.9 points) remain in close contention, though their respective positional rankings flipped from the week prior. The Boston Red Sox (95.0 points) sit in 12th place, while the Colorado Rockies (43.7 points) continue to occupy the bottom spot.

Previous week's rankings: https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...&postcount=120

[OmahaBaseball]

Not the prettiest win, but given the challenges the team has had this season I will take it. On the day, the Boston Red Sox (25-23) bested the hometown Tampa Bay Rays (21-28) by a 9 to 8 score.

Boston starter Garrett Whitlock was ineffective, as he permitted 6 earned runs on 7 hits and a wild pitch while striking out 4 in 4 1/3-innings of play; Game Score 29. Former Rays pitcher Garrett Cleavinger (1-0) picked up the win despite allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits, 3 walks, and a hit batsman in his 3-inning appearance. Nick Pivetta (H 2) kept the offense in check in his 2/3 of an inning of work before turning the ball over to Liam Hendriks (SV 8) to close out the game in his 1-inning of scoreless ball. The Red Sox offense was powered by Rafael Devers (2 for 5, Homerun, Run, RBI), Ceddanne Rafaela (3 for 5, Double, 3 RBI), Masataka Yoshida (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI, Walk), and Marcelo Mayer (2 for 4, Double, Run, RBI, Walk, Stolen Base).

For the Rays, starter Jeffrey Springs was roughed up for 7 earned runs on 9 hits and 4 walks while striking out 7 in 4 2/3 innings of work; Game Score 21. Tyler Alexander worked 2 1/3-innings of relief and permitted 1 earned run on 2 hits and 2 walks before turning the ball over to Pete Fairbanks (0-1) who was burdened with the loss after allowing 1 earned run on 2 hits in 1-inning of play. Taj Bradley pitched the final inning in a scoreless appearance. At the plate, Jose Caballero (3 for 4, Double, Run, 3 RBI, Walk), Randy Arozarena (3 for 5, Triple, 3 Runs), Junior Caminero (1 for 5, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI), and Isaac Paredes (1 for 5, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI) played well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Jose Caballero

AL East Standings: 5 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

A nice outing by Boston starter Brayan Bello and a solid distribution of hits provided the Red Sox (26-23) with a 4 to 0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays (21-29).

This was the performance that fans have been looking for from Brayan Bello (6-4), as he scattered 4 hits, 3 walks, and a hit batsman while striking out 6 in his 8 1/3-innings of scoreless ball; Game Score 78. Joely Rodriguez covered the final 2 outs in a scoreless relief appearance. At the plate, Rafael Devers (1 for 3, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI, Walk), Marcelo Mayer (2 for 4, Double, Run), and Kyle Teel (1 for 4, Double, Run, RBI) played well for Boston.

Shane McClanahan (4-6) was saddled with the loss after he permitted 4 earned runs on 8 hits, 2 walks, and a wild pitch in 7 2/3-innings of work; Game Score 51. Shawn Armstrong responded to the call and pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball. Amed Rosario (2 for 3, Hit-by-Pitch) and Josh Lowe (2 for 4) played well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Brayan Bello (Season: #1)

AL East Standings: 4 GB, 2nd Place