After eight straight losses, and five in a row to the Dodgers in the last two weeks, the Padres had evidently had enough.
Three pitches into Sunday’s game, manager Craig Stammen and infield coach Ryan Goins were ejected for arguing a check-swing call against Fernando Tatis Jr. –– a seemingly performative outburst to fire up their slumping squad.
Whatever the intended effect, it appeared to work for the Padres, who managed to salvage something from this nightmarish four-game series at Dodger Stadium with a 5-2 win over the Dodgers.
Padres manager Craig Stammen got ejected in the first inning Sunday against the Dodgers. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
For most of the late-afternoon contest, the game moved as excitingly as the upper-deck shadows across the infield.
Neither team had a hit through the first three innings. The scoring wasn’t opened until an RBI single from Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill in the fourth. And even then, the proceedings lacked little in the way of excitement or intrigue.
Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan only lasted 4 ⅓ innings, limiting the damage to just the one run despite an inefficient 96-pitch outing.
Padres left-hander JP Sears, meanwhile, reversed his scuffling form after entering the day with a near-7.00 ERA, holding the Dodgers scoreless over a five-inning outing in which he didn’t allow his first hit until a Miguel Rojas single in his second-to-last at-bat.
The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani celebrated his 32nd birthday Sunday by going 1-for-3 with an RBI. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Finally, the Padres pulled away in the seventh, tagging Dodgers reliever Kyle Hurt with four runs –– including three on a back-breaking blast from Manny Machado.
The Dodgers got two runs back in the bottom of the seventh, on RBI singles from Alex Freeland and Shohei Ohtani, but got no further.
For one day, at least, the Padres had something to celebrate against their NL West rivals.
What it means
In the grand scheme, not much.
The Dodgers (59-32) remain 14 games clear of the Padres (44-45), who climbed back into a tie for second place in the division.
They maintain the winningest record in baseball and all but certain odds of another NL West crown.
What they did miss out on was what would’ve been their first four-game sweep of the Padres since 2009. Still, by taking three games this weekend, they’ve not only bolstered their division lead but clinched the head-to-head season series in the rivalry, as well.
The Padres’ Jackson Merrill and Manny Machado celebrate Machado’s home run Sunday against the Dodgers. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Who’s hot
Stammen and his coaching staff sure seemed to be.
Amid the Padres’ season-long losing streak, they looked ready to jump on the first even somewhat questionable call from the umpires Sunday, immediately barking out from the dugout when Tatis wasn’t granted a check-swing call in the game’s first at-bat.
First, Goins got tossed from his seat on the bench.
Then Stammen, San Diego’s rookie manager, got himself rung during an on-field confrontation.
Tatis went on to strike out in the at-bat, and Sheehan kept them quiet for a while after that. But eventually, the Padres gave Stammen something to smile about back in his office,
Who’s not
Tommy Edman was a late scratch from the Dodgers’ starting lineup Sunday, after getting hit by a pitch in his surgically repaired right ankle the night before.
However, manager Dave Roberts downplayed the severity of the issue before the game, saying he was “not too concerned.”
Lo and behold, Edman came in as a pinch-hitter during the Dodgers’ seventh-inning rally, though did not stay in from there to play defense.
In more encouraging Dodgers injury news Sunday, Ohtani returned to the lineup after a one-day absence with tightness in his biceps. Roberts said the Dodgers will continue to monitor the injury, but that the two-way star was already feeling “back to normal.”
Up next
The Dodgers continue this 10-game, pre-All-Star-break homestand by welcoming the Rockies to town on Monday. Eric Lauer (4-5, 4.84 ERA) will start the opener against Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland (2-7, 7.25 ERA).
Jul 5, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France (25) greets third baseman Manny Machado (13) after he hit a 3-run home run in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
After shutting out the Padres on Saturday, the Dodgers couldn’t rally back from down five as they dropped Sunday’s contest 5-2, helping San Diego snap their seven-game losing streak.
Both Emmet Sheehan and JP Sears were nearly untouchable over their first three innings of work, only allowing one walk while holding each other hitless. San Diego broke through against Sheehan in the top of the fourth, as Manny Machado worked a one-out walk before Gavin Sheets singled to break up the no-hit bid and put runners on the corners. Jackson Merrill broke the scoreless ice with a two-out RBI single to give San Diego their first run since Friday, and Sheehan needed 28 pitches to end the inning.
San Diego knocked Sheehan out in the fifth inning after Luis Campusano walked for the second time and Fernando Tatis Jr. sprayed a double down the right field line. Jack Dreyer came in to help extinguish the rally, as he got out of a bases-loaded jam with two outs.
Although Sheehan only logged 4 1/3 innings on 96 pitches, the right-hander was tagged for just one run for a second consecutive start against San Diego. Sheehan now has a 1.94 ERA over his last two starts, helping to bring his season ERA down to 4.91.
The lefty Sears entered Sunday’s start with an ERA at 6.97 over his first two starts. Sears flirted with a no-hitter up until the fifth inning when Miguel Rojas lined a single up the middle to end the bid. Sears managed to complete five innings of scoreless work, registering his best start at the big league level since being acquired from the Athletics last year.
The Dodgers managed to get both the tying and go-ahead runners on base with a pair of walks against Yuki Matsui in the bottom of the sixth inning, the the opportunity was wasted as Bradgley Rodriguez got out of the inning unscathed.
San Diego got an insurance run on an RBI single from Tatis in the top of the seventh against Kyle Hurt, and Machado broke the game open with a three-run home run to center field to give the Padres a 5-0 lead. It was Machado’s 26th home run hit as a Padre against his old team, passing Hall of Fame outfielder Dave Winfield for the most home runs hit against the Dodgers in franchise history.
The Dodgers ensured that they wouldn’t suffer the same fate as San Diego did on Saturday, as singles from Alex Freeland and the birthday boy Shohei Ohtani gave the Dodgers a pair of runs. Andy Pages had a chance to tie the game with two on and two out, but Adrián Morejón got him swinging to end the threat.
Morejón remained in for the eighth inning, holding the Dodgers in check, before Mason Miller retired the side in order to put San Diego back in the win column for the first time since June 26.
Shohei Ohtani couldn’t celebrate his birthday with a win, but the two-way superstar went 1-3 with an RBI and a walk. Ohtani is now a career .138 hitter (4-29) on his birthday.
Freddie Freeman’s on-base streak came to a close after 19 games, going 0-4 on Sunday.
Eliezer Alfonzo made his big league debut on Sunday, as the switch-hitter went 0-2 before Tommy Edman pinch hit for him in the bottom of the seventh.
The Dodgers kick off the final week of the first half with a three-game home series against the Colorado Rockies beginning Monday (7:10 p.m. PT, SportsNet LA). Eric Lauer faces Kyle Freeland.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 16: A general view of the 2026 All Star Game sign during the game between the Miami Marlinsi and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jasen Vinlove/Miami Marlins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Back in March, we posed questions around way-too-early All-Star Game roster predictions, asking which Rockie (or, optimistically, Rockies) you thought would represent the club in Philadelphia, whether Hunter Goodman would be a repeat All-Star, and which surprise players from around the league would make or miss the Midsummer Classic.
The results from the various fan voting phases trickled in this week before the final rosters were announced yesterday. As expected, league-wide fan voting was not kind to the Rockies. As the early balloting results came in, only two Rockies finished in the top 10 at their positions: Goodman (5th among catchers) and Troy Johnston (9th among designated hitters). Even then, they were hundreds of thousands of votes behind the positional leaders.
By the time things progressed to Phase Two voting, the National League roster was almost exclusively full of Dodgers, Braves, and Phillies, with a National and a Met joining that group. Goodman wasn’t able to secure one of the top two slots, despite ranking first among all catchers in home runs, total bases, runs scored, slugging, and extra-base hits, and second among NL catchers in hits and RBI. However, after the dust settled and final rosters were announced, Goodman secured his second straight All-Star nod.
The full AL and NL All-Star rosters for the 2026 MLB All-Star game 🤩
The Rockies are among 12 teams sending only their one required representative. The Braves, Dodgers, and Phillies lead the MLB with five representatives each. The Yankees, Rays, and Blue Jays are just behind, leading the American League with four All-Stars each.
There are lots of new names joining All-Star week. In the AL, 15 of 32 players are making their first All-Star appearance, with 11 newcomers of the 32 selected in the NL. Players like the Nick Kurtz, Kevin McGonigle, Jordan Walker, and Sal Stewart are among that group.
The field isn’t without some early controversy or intrigue. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has already announced that he’ll skip the All-Star game, citing a desire to focus on his team first. He’s dealt with back tightness over the last month and has struggled on the season, posting a career-worst .699 OPS and just four home runs this season. Aaron Judge got a starter spot, and although he had a strong start to the year, he hasn’t played since early June and is still dealing with an injury.
Plenty of familiar faces are returning to the game, with guys like Aroldis Chapman, Chris Sale, Mike Trout, Freddie Freeman, Bryce Harper, and, of course, Shohei Ohtani each adding another selection.
With the full rosters out, how are you feeling about the 2026 All-Star Game?
Which All-Star selections are you most surprised by or disappointed in?
Who was snubbed around the league? Do you think a second Rockie should have made the cut as a reserve?
There’s still buzz around Goodman representing Colorado in the Home Run Derby. So far, Rays third baseman Junio Caminero is the only confirmed participant. Do you think Hunter will get the call? Who else do you think will fill out the Derby field?
May 27, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Jackson Chourio (11) looks on as center fielder Garrett Mitchell (5) and right fielder Sal Frelick (10) celebrate a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in the nine inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Brewers are set for a big five-game, four-day series in St. Louis this week, as they’ll take on the Cardinals in an NL Central battle. After a rainout in early May, the two teams will have a makeup doubleheader on Tuesday, meaning we’ll get to see a rare five-game series.
Milwaukee currently sits atop the division at 55-33, as they’ve gone 6-4 in the first 10 games of their current 18-game, 17-day stretch that wraps up with the All-Star break. On the other side, the Cardinals sit in third place at 47-40, though they’re just 1.5 games back of the Cubs after taking two of three against them at Wrigley this weekend. They’re also currently sitting in the final NL Wild Card spot, tied with the Marlins (who technically are just behind them based on win percentage).
The biggest injury news for Milwaukee is the loss of right-hander Brandon Woodruff, who exited after another shoulder injury on Saturday in Arizona. He’s currently listed as TBD, but it’s not looking great for Milwaukee’s veteran leader. Fellow pitchers Joel Kuhnel (TBD), Logan Henderson (possibly this series), Brian Fitzpatrick (2027), Coleman Crow (July), Rob Zastryzny (July), Carlos Rodriguez (late July), DL Hall (late July), Quinn Priester (2027), and Angel Zerpa (2027) are also out, with outfielder Brandon Lockridge (late July) still the only position player on the IL.
The Cardinals have stood as one of the healthiest teams in baseball this season — their current IL is exactly one player long, with infielder Ramón Urías (the older brother of Luis) out since May with an elbow injury. Right-hander Dustin May is considered day-to-day with an ankle contusion, but he’s still expected to make his next start here against Milwaukee.
Jake Bauers leads the Brewer offense with 16 homers this season, driving in 54 and scoring 51 runs as he’s slashing .266/.363/.498. Jackson Chourio ranks second on the team with 13 homers, followed by Brice Turang at 12. William Contreras, Garrett Mitchell, Christian Yelich, Sal Frelick, Gary Sánchez, Andrew Vaughn, and David Hamilton also fit in as regulars, with Joey Ortiz and Cooper Pratt mostly splitting time at shortstop and Blake Perkins serving as a baserunning/defensive sub. As a team, the Brewers are hitting .255/.337/.398 (.735 OPS ranks 11th), with 83 homers (28th), 449 runs (fifth), and 84 steals (tied for sixth).
Jordan Walker continues to have a great breakout season, as he’s hitting .292/.352/.529 with 20 homers, 18 doubles, 67 RBIs, 54 runs, and 11 steals just beyond the halfway point. Alec Burleson, Iván Herrera, and NL Rookie of the Year frontrunner JJ Wetherholt also have double-digit homers. Nathan Church has also had a quietly solid season, as has 29-year-old rookie Bryan Torres. Masyn Winn, Lars Nootbaar and Pedro Pagés are also regulars, with José Fermín, Nelson Velázquez, Jimmy Crooks, and Blaze Jordan serving in depth roles. As a team, the Cardinals are hitting .248/.325/.397 (.722 OPS ranks 16th), with 99 homers (tied for 19th), 403 runs (15th), and 56 steals (18th).
The Brewer bullpen is led by closer Trevor Megill as well as the Vulture, Aaron Ashby, and setup man Abner Uribe, all of whom have been solid this season. Chad Patrick had a nice bounce-back week after a rough month of June, Jared Koenig continues to be a fairly reliable lefty, and Drew Rom, Grant Anderson, Craig Yoho, and Garrett Stallings round things out. As a staff, the Brewers have a 3.35 team ERA (first), including a 3.24 starter ERA (first) and a 3.48 bullpen ERA (fourth). They’ve struck out 865 batters (second) over 790 2/3 innings.
Closer Riley O’Brien leads the way for St. Louis’ bullpen, with 22 saves in 26 chances this year. JoJo Romero, George Soriano, and Justin Bruihl all rank among team leaders in appearances and have sub-3.70 ERAs over roughly 40 innings apiece. Ryne Stanek has also tossed 33 2/3 innings, though he has a 3.72 ERA. Matt Svanson sits in a low-leverage role with a 6.69 ERA over 37 2/3 innings, and Max Rajcic has made just six appearances totaling nine innings with five runs allowed. As a staff, the Cardinals have a 4.14 team ERA (14th), including a 4.15 starter ERA (12th) and a 4.14 bullpen ERA (16th). They’ve struck out 654 batters (28th) over 776 2/3 innings.
Probable Pitchers
Monday, July 6 @ 6:45 p.m.: LHP Shane Drohan (3-2, 3.12 ERA, 3.18 FIP) vs. RHP Michael McGreevy (3-7, 3.12 ERA, 4.31 FIP)
Drohan has been a solid presence in the rotation, though he still has a 4.09 ERA over seven starts (33 innings) compared to a 1.82 ERA over 10 relief appearances (24 2/3 innings). Overall, this year, he has a 3.12 ERA, 3.18 FIP, and 59 strikeouts over 57 2/3 innings. He took a no-decision on Wednesday against the Reds, allowing two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out seven over 5 2/3 innings. Drohan faced the Cardinals in both of the previous series this season, both times in a relief role. He’s totaled 3 1/3 innings, allowing one run on two hits and a walk with two strikeouts.
McGreevy, 26 this week, has a strange season stat line, with a 3-7 record and 4.31 FIP but a much better 3.12 ERA. He’s struck out just 60 batters over 95 1/3 innings, and the Cards have lost each of his last four outings. In those losses, he’s 0-2, but he still has a solid 3.52 ERA and 11 strikeouts over 23 innings. McGreevy’s only appearance against Milwaukee came in late May, when he got roughed up for five runs on seven hits and three walks, striking out six over four innings in a loss.
Tuesday, July 7 @ 1:15 p.m. (Makeup of May 5): RHP Jacob Misiorowski (9-4, 1.47 ERA, 1.96 FIP) vs. RHP Dustin May (5-6, 4.80 ERA, 3.37 FIP)
Misiorowski is fresh off being named an All-Star over the weekend, as he sits at 9-4 this season with a 1.47 ERA, 1.96 FIP, and 156 strikeouts across 104 innings. He’s coming off arguably his worst start of the season, going five innings against the Reds and allowing five runs (currently one earned, though the Reds have appealed the error ruling) on five hits (two homers) and no walks while striking out 10 on just 82 pitches. Miz has made four career starts against St. Louis, going 2-1 with a 3.05 ERA and 24 strikeouts over 20 2/3 innings. That includes a win in a seven-inning, one-run performance back in late May.
May, a former third-round pick by the Dodgers, has looked really good at times this year, but he’s looked really bad of late. While he has a 4.80 ERA and 3.37 FIP with 78 strikeouts over 84 1/3 innings this year, he’s had a really strange recent run. After tossing 15 shutout innings in wins over the Mets and Padres (including a complete game, one-hit shutout against San Diego), he’s totaled just 2 2/3 innings in his last two outings against the Royals and Braves, allowing 11 runs on 11 hits and three walks, though St. Louis won both of those games in high-scoring affairs. May has made two career starts against the Brewers, totaling 8 2/3 innings with an 0-1 record, 2.08 ERA, and 12 strikeouts. That includes his lone appearance as a Cardinal, which came back in May as he went seven no-hit innings before taking the loss when he gave up two runs (one earned) on two hits and a hit by pitch.
Tuesday, July 7 @ 6:45 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD
Neither team has announced a starter for the second half of Tuesday’s doubleheader, with it seeming possible we’ll be looking at the 27th man for both squads. For Milwaukee, that likely means Robert Gasser. Gasser, 27, has made seven starts in the majors this year, with a 1-3 record, 4.54 ERA, 4.99 FIP, and 36 strikeouts over 35 2/3 innings. The left-hander looked solid in his last three starts before being sent to the ACL Brewers, totaling 17 1/3 innings with five runs allowed on 13 hits and four walks, striking out 17 against the Guardians, Braves, and Reds. Gasser has made two starts against St. Louis, going 1-1 with two runs allowed over nine innings, striking out six.
For the Cardinals, the only real potential option on their non-active 40-man roster is right-hander Hunter Dobbins, who last pitched at Triple-A Memphis on June 30. Dobbins, 26, was acquired in the Willson Contreras trade with the Red Sox over the offseason. He’s made four appearances (two starts) for St. Louis, going 1-0 with a 3.63 ERA, 4.38 FIP, and 19 strikeouts over 17 1/3 innings. He’s also been solid with Memphis, going 5-1 with a 3.79 ERA and 44 strikeouts over 59 1/3 innings in 12 starts this year. Dobbins actually faced the Brewers while with Boston last year, going three innings in relief with two runs allowed on three hits and three walks, striking out one.
Wednesday, July 8 @ 6:45 p.m.: LHP Kyle Harrison (8-1, 2.82 ERA, 3.00 FIP) vs. RHP Andre Pallante (10-5, 3.60 ERA, 3.91 FIP)
Harrison, who was snubbed an All-Star selection (my money is on him getting picked as a replacement), has looked fantastic in his first season in Milwaukee, easily his best in the majors. Across 16 starts, Harrison is 8-1 with a 2.82 ERA, 3.00 FIP, and 99 strikeouts over 79 2/3 innings. The left-hander got roughed up a bit in a no-decision on Friday night in Arizona, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out three, though Milwaukee would go on to win in extras. His only appearance against St. Louis came back in May of this year, when he tossed six scoreless frames with four hits and no walks, striking out two.
Pallante, 27, already has a career-high 10 wins through 17 starts this season, while pitching to a 3.60 ERA and 3.91 FIP with 70 strikeouts over 95 frames. He went 5 2/3 scoreless innings in St. Louis’ 17-1 blowout win against the Cubs on Friday, allowing five hits and a walk while striking out a pair. A familiar foe of Milwaukee, Pallante is 0-3 against them across 16 appearances (four starts), with a 5.45 ERA and 22 strikeouts over 38 innings.
Thursday, July 9 @ 6:45 p.m.: TBD vs. RHP Kyle Leahy (7-4, 3.86 ERA, 4.09 FIP)
Following the injury to Brandon Woodruff over the weekend, his spot in the rotation is now a bit of a black hole. The good news, however, is that the Brewers seem to expect that right-hander Logan Henderson is close to returning. With that in mind, we’ll assume he makes his return here. Henderson, 24, has been great on a big-league mound across parts of two seasons, going 5-1 with a 2.23 ERA, 2.73 FIP, and 63 strikeouts over 48 1/3 innings. Shelved since late May, he made a pair of rehab appearances over the last couple of weeks, totaling 6 1/3 innings with Triple-A Nashville and allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out 11. This would mark his first career appearance against St. Louis.
Leahy, 29, is a former reliever-turned-starter who has found a bit of success here in his third full MLB season. He’s approaching his career high in innings, as he went 88 frames last year and is at 86 1/3 through 17 starts in 2026. He has a 3.86 ERA, 4.09 FIP, and 73 strikeouts for the Cards, and he’s earned the win in each of his last two appearances. In those games, he went 10 total innings against the Cubs and Marlins, allowing one run on five hits and five walks while striking out 11. Leahy is 2-1 in nine appearances (one start) against the Brewers, with a 3.06 ERA and 17 strikeouts over 17 2/3 innings. That includes a 5 1/3-inning outing back in early May, when he allowed one run on six hits and two walks while striking out five to pick up the victory.
How to Watch & Listen
Monday, July 6: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Tuesday, July 7 (Game 1): Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Tuesday, July 7 (Game 2): Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Wednesday, July 8: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Thursday, July 9: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Prediction
The Cardinals have looked a bit better over the last week after a mediocre month of June, while the Brewers continue to hold their own atop the NL Central. Give me Milwaukee to take three of five.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 21, 2026: Owen Murphy #91 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch during the second inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 21, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
With Martín Pérez very likely heading to the IL after having injured his forearm getting hit with a comebacker and Carlos Carrasco also likely to receive yet another DFA, there’s a spot that’s available in Atlanta’s pitching staff at the moment. As it turns out, the Atlanta Braves may be turning to a rookie who would be in line to make their big league debut if called up.
Consensus top 10 Braves prospect Owen Murphy is apparently heading to Atlanta, according to sources who are informing our very own Gaurav Vedak.
Per source I’m hearing Owen Murphy will be headed to Atlanta.
Last pitched July 1st – 6IP 2H 0R 1BB 7K Dominant, unique 4s FB that sits 91-93 but high spin and 19-22” IVB. Huge whiff generating pitch when at the top of the zone.
As Gaurav mentioned in his post, Murphy would be on regular rest so the timing makes sense. It also makes sense from a performance standpoint, as Murphy has performed pretty well at the Triple-A level so far this season. He’s thrown 60.1 innings over 11 starts and has recorded a 3.88 ERA (81 ERA-) and a 4.27 FIP (90 FIP-) with the Gwinnett Stripers so far this season. His last start was a solid one as well — Gaurav mentioned the stats from his last start and here’s some video to go along with it as well.
We’ll see if/when the Braves decide to make the move official but for now, it does seem like Owen Murphy is getting a ticket to The Show and if all goes well, he might be sticking around for a bit while Martín Pérez makes his recovery. We’ll see what happens!
Knoxville Smokies’ Owen Ayers (6) at bat during the Minor League Baseball game against the Columbus Clingstones on July 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. | Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Will Sanders took the loss after giving up four runs on five hits over four innings. One of the runs was unearned. Sanders struck out five and walked one.
Antoine Kelly had two perfect innings of relief, striking out two.
Left fielder Jonathon Long went 1 for 4 with an RBI double that scored right fielder Hayden Cantrelle. Cantrelle went 1 for 2 with a walk.
Four Smokies pitchers combined on a one hitter. However, four errors, eight walks, a hit batter and a wild pitch led to four Columbus runs.
Evan Taylor pitched the first two innings and allowed two runs, one earned, on no hits and three walks. He struck out five.
Erian Rodriguez pitched the next three innings and gave up an unearned run on no hits.. Rodriguez did walk four while striking out one.
Yenrri Rojas gave up the only Columbus hit, along with one unearned run over one inning. Rojas walked one and struck out one.
Luke Little threw the final two innings and got the win. He retired the side in order in the eighth, but then put two on and no outs in the ninth after he hit a batter and then make a throwing error on a bunt. But Little hunkered down and retired the next three batters in order to end the game. Little had one strikeout.
Catcher Owen Ayers crushed his 21st home run of the year and 15th with the Smokies with the bases empty in the first inning. Ayers went 2 for 4 with a double, the home run and two runs scored.
Left fielder Carter Trice doubled twice in a 2 for 4 afternoon. He scored one run.
Third baseman Jefferson Rojas was 1 for 3 with a two-run single in the fifth. He was also hit by a pitch once.
— Knoxville Smokies (@smokiesbaseball) July 5, 2026
First baseman Edgar Alvarez doubled in a run in the bottom of the eighth that gave the Smokies the lead for good. Alvarez went 1 for 3 with a walk.
Edgar Alvarez breaks the tie with a clutch two-bagger, Smokies take the lead 💥 pic.twitter.com/kucovX9BZZ
— Knoxville Smokies (@smokiesbaseball) July 5, 2026
South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs were swept in a doubleheader from the Beloit Sky Carp (Marlins), 1-0 and 2-0.
Jameson Taillon made a rehab start in game one and got the loss, but he allowed just one run on four hits over 3.1 innings. Taillon struck out two and walked no one. He threw 45 pitches and 32 of them were for strikes.
Kevin Valdez pitched the final 2.2 innings and retired all eight batters he faced. He struck out four of them.
South Bend had just three hits in this game, all singles.
Here are some Taillon footage.
Jameson Taillon had a solid rehab start today for the South Bend Cubs in Beloit. 3.1ip, 4 hits, 1 run, 2Ks, 0BBs. Video shot by our Tylor Sorensen. pic.twitter.com/qlhGTbVUJz
In game two, starter Alfredo Romero allowed a two-out solo home run in the bottom of the first. He didn’t give up much else, but that was enough for the loss on a day the South Bend bats stayed home. Romero’s final line was one run on two hits over four innings. He struck out four and walked just one.
South Bend had five hits in this game, all singles. Left fielder Jose Escobar was 3 for 5. He went 1 for 3 in game one.
Josiah Hartshorn was 1 for 3 with a walk in game two after going 1 for 3 in game one
Starter Noah Edders took the loss after allowing three runs on two hits and two walks over four innings. Edders did not strike anyone out.
First baseman Geri Lubo doubled in a run in the bottom of the ninth. He also walked and scored in the fifth inning. Lubo was 1 for 3 with a double and the walk.
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Eury Pérez pitched seven perfect innings before getting lifted by Miami manager Clayton McCullough, and the Marlins nearly squandered an eight-run lead Sunday in a 9-8 victory over the Athletics.
Heriberto Hernández homered twice for the surprising Marlins (49-42), who have won nine of 12 overall after completing a three-game sweep. Leo Jiménez and All-Star shortstop Otto Lopez also went deep.
Lopez, who leads the majors with a .346 batting average, drove in three runs and scored twice. He and Hernández had back-to-back homers in the sixth, and each finished with three of Miami’s 16 hits.
Lopez has 39 multihit games, most before the All-Star break since Houston’s Jose Altuve had 40 in 2014.
Pérez (5-6) struck out a season-high eight and retired all 21 batters he faced. It was the fourth time this year he didn’t walk anyone.
The 6-foot-8 right-hander, who missed the 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, threw 92 pitches — his most in three starts since returning from the injured list June 24. He had been sidelined since late May because of a bizarre leg injury sustained while he was stretching in the dugout.
The crowd full of A’s fans booed when McCullough replaced Pérez with reliever Lake Bachar to begin the eighth.
Moments later, Miami’s bid for its first perfect game quickly unraveled.
Bachar issued a leadoff walk to Lawrence Butler, the first baserunner for the A’s. Joshua Kuroda-Grauer then dunked a pop-fly single into shallow right field for their first hit.
Carlos Cortes followed with an RBI double, Max Muncy walked and Jonah Heim launched a grand slam that shaved Miami’s lead to 8-5.
Brian Serven singled to chase Bachar, who didn’t retire any of the six batters he faced.
Michael Petersen got through the eighth without any more damage, and Miami tacked on an insurance run in the ninth. That proved critical when Pete Fairbanks gave up three runs, two earned, in the bottom half before finally closing it out.
Heim had a two-run single to finish with six RBIs.
Gage Jump (3-3) allowed a career-high six runs in three innings for the Athletics, who have lost seven of eight.
Hernández hit solo homers in the first and sixth. Jiménez added a two-run drive in the third — his first home run since June 12, 2025.
Up next
Marlins: Open their next series Tuesday in Seattle.
Athletics: Visit the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night.
Series almost always end on Sunday, just because that’s how the schedule works. Being the Sunday recap guy, I often have the series-deciding game. After winning the first two games against the Angels, tonight’s game will be the 5th straight weekend series in which the Red Sox are trying to complete the sweep (if you include a 2-game set against the Yankees with one postponed game). That streak dates back to the beginning of June. Over that span, the Red Sox were 3-12 in weekday series, and 11-3 in weekend series (including the first two against the Angels). Weird.
Anywho, they’re going for the sweep of the Angels on Sunday in a game that starts at 9:30 PM for some reason. It’ll be All-Star Ranger Suarez against Ryan Johnson, who I’ve never heard of before tonight. There’s some intriguing stuff in his arsenal, but his lack of a good fastball makes me think he’s going to have a hard time not walking lefties. We’ll see.
First pitch at 9:30 PM on Peacock, NESN, and WEEI.
Jul 5, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mitch Garver (18) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Prior to today’s game, the Mariners players participated in the 2026 Little League Challenger game, a yearly tradition at the ballpark celebrating the Challenger League, an adaptive baseball experience for kids with special needs. While a handful of players are regular participants – J.P. Crawford, George Kirby, Luke Raley – this year almost every Mariners player was out on the field playing catch, helping kids run the bases, signing autographs or taking pictures pregame.
“That’s what’s really important about this game,” said Dan Wilson postgame. “Baseball affords us this incredible platform, and the ability to use that to bring joy to people that are challenged in some way…it’s just a really outstanding event, and to have the participation of the guys in that clubhouse to give up the time before a game to go out there and mix and mingle and run the game, you can’t talk enough about the heart that they have and the selflessness they all have and the understanding of the importance of this game, and how it can impact people outside of baseball.”
“I’ve always believed that we have really good people here,” said Emerson Hancock, who wasn’t able to participate this year because he was starting but has in years past. “I think we understand the importance of the platform that we have, and I think we also understand the impact that we can have on kids and people. Any way that we can positively impact someone, just share a smile, make a difference in someone’s life, I think that’s important.”
Mitch Garver, speaking postgame after providing the majority of the Mariners’ offense with a two-run homer, was a bit more direct.
“We do have good people, and that’s something that I love about this organization, is the people, from top to bottom. We don’t have any turds on this team.”
Today the turd-free Mariners banded together and defeated the Toronto Blue Jays. The pitching was lights out, blanking the Blue Jays once again, while the offense steadily added runs to ensure the Jays wouldn’t be able to come back from what was first a one-run deficit, then a three-run deficit, then four.
Emerson Hancock worked around some hard contact in the first, giving up a one-out double to Vlad Guerrero Jr. scorched off the bat at 115 mph on a sinker that didn’t quite sink, but was able to retire his next two hitters on weak-contact outs. He also had to work around a one-out single in the second, when Ernie Clement – the emptiest .300 hitter in baseball – managed to make contact with a sweeper a foot below the zone and just poke it into left field. But the Blue Jays helped Hancock out each time, swinging early and often and making a lot of weak-contact outs – he was at just 31 pitches through the third inning.
“I think that’s what happens when you’re aggressive,” said Hancock, who threw 14 of 24 first-pitch strikes, with seven of his outs coming on either the first or second pitch of the at-bat. “Sometimes they’re singles, but sometimes they’re first pitch outs, and so we always want to err on the side of throwing a ton of strikes, and if you’re able to get that first pitch out, those are always great for us.”
The Mariners had an opportunity to get to Blue Jays starter Trey Yesavage in the second, when Luke Raley opened the inning with a leadoff double, but Cole Young grounded out on the second pitch he saw, Mitch Garver struck out looking in a full count (burning a challenge in the process), and Colt Emerson fell victim to Yesavage attacking him with fastballs up, expanding the zone and chasing helplessly. That was a frustrating inning after the Mariners had managed to put 20 pitches on Yesavage, who didn’t have great command to start, in the first.
Finally, the Mariners were able to convert in the third, although it cost them two outs to score a single run despite the first two hitters reaching – Victor Robles on a piece of weak-contact hitting that dropped, and J.P. Crawford working a walk. Randy Arozarena moved the runners into scoring position with a good-as-a-bunt groundout and Cal Raleigh hit a sac fly to bring home Robles. Small ball runs are still runs, but it wasn’t exactly a back-breaking inning.
The Mariners were able to double up their run scoring in the fourth thanks to Cole Young and Mitch Garver. Young, showcasing one of those at-bats he’s so good at, fell behind 0-2 but battled for eight pitches until he got a fastball on the plate he hit hard at Ernie Clement at shortstop, who couldn’t get a clean throw off, allowing Cole to reach. Mitch Garver also fell behind 0-2, battled back, and got a fastball in that he was able to turn on and send onto the protective roof covering in Edgar’s cantina. Apparently the cantina needed a little Garvsauce.
“Sundays are my days,” joked Garver postgame. “So that was fun.”
Emerson Hancock continued to dominate over the back half of his outing, despite a little shaky command at times; he issued a leadoff walk to the nine-hole hitter to open the sixth, always a no-no, but was able to roll a double play ball immediately after; he then walked Guerrero Jr. on seven pitches (“wasn’t great”) but rebounded to get another quick popout from Kazuma Okamoto, giving him another inning of work. Gabe Speier took over in the eighth and put his foot right back on the Blue Jays’ collective throat, knocking down his trio of hitters 1-2-3.
Meanwhile, the Mariners added another run in the eighth off lefty Mason Fluharty, stacking singles together. Randy Arozarena got the singles party started, hitting a ball that Clement couldn’t field cleanly, and Cal Raleigh followed that up with a nice line-drive single to right, allowing Randy to go first to third. Josh Naylor then got a fluky RBI on a single that bounced off the bag at third, giving the Mariners one more precious run of insurance for Andrés Muñoz, who allowed a leadoff single on a ball that was a foot below the zone but set down the next three hitters he faced after that to secure a Mariners series victory.
The Challengers game might have ended in a tie, but everyone on the field was a winner, including the Mariners, who also brought home the win against the Blue Jays. Pretty nice day all around.
One of the brightest days on our schedule 💙
Our favorite tradition returned to the ballpark with Little League Challenger athletes getting the full big-league experience alongside players, families and staff. pic.twitter.com/L7xHz8itSD
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 2: Josh Smith #8 of the Texas Rangers celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the sixth inning at Globe Life Field on July 2, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tigers 6, Rangers 3
The Rangers are now on a losing streak.
And are back to .500.
Why do the Rangers want to vex us so?
Kumar Rocker seemed to be going well to start the game. He faced one over the minimum through three innings, allowing a pair of singles, but erasing one of them with a double play ball.
Something went wrong in the fourth inning, though. Rocker’s velocity dropped, with what was said after the game to be attributable to his mechanics getting out of whack. And for the second day in a row, a Riley Greene two run home run gave the Tigers the lead, though this time took the lead away from the Rangers, who had gotten on the board with a solo home run by Jake Burger in the bottom of the third.
Things got even worse in the fifth. After a strikeout to start the inning, Rocker elicited a weak roller from James Outman. In a flashback to 2025, Rocker was slow getting off the mound, which resulted in Burger having to field the ball, but with no one to throw to at first.
Outman was the last batter Rocker faced, and while the beats reported that Schumaker said after the game it was due to Rocker laboring, the failure to cover first (or alternatively make a play on the grounder), one would think, played a part.
Unfortunately that is when things when extremely bad. Robby Ahlstrom entered the game. He ended up facing five hitters, none of whom he retired.
I am a bit concerned about the possibility of there being a Ketel Marte situation developing here. I already have a sense of dread that envelops me when Ketel Marte comes to the plate against the Rangers. I don’t want to assume that Riley Greene is, if given the opportunity, going to do bad things to the Rangers, put the Rangers behind, get hits and suck the life out of us.
The precise sequence was single, single, catcher’s interference, run scoring wild pitch, triple (to Riley Greene, of course), walk. Gavin Collyer came in and got the next two runners and avoided any more runs from scoring, but, you know, barn doors locked after the fact and all that.
The Greene triple was a skied opposite field ball that hit off of the left field wall, with Josh Smith (the game’s starting left fielder) hitting the wall going after the ball, which allowed Greene to make it to third. Smith got the start in left in place of Alejandro Osuna, who got the day off after his own defensive misadventure in left field the game before.
Wyatt Langford will be back soon, though. I hope?
Collyer, Cole Winn and Peyton Gray kept the Tigers off the board the rest of the way, but the Ranger offense never really seemed to be in danger of making it a real game. Texas got three runners on in the fifth and managed to score a run then. Ezequiel Duran homered in the eighth.
The Rangers did, earlier in the game, get runners on the corners with two outs due to a Smith triple and a Cam Cauley (starting in place of Josh Jung, who was a late scratch due to a banged up knee from a foul ball on Saturday). That ended with a Nicky Lopez ground out.
Once again, a lack of baserunners meant a lack of scoring opportunities. Texas had just four at bats with a runner in scoring position in the game, and put just eight runners on base.
The Rangers were on a really nice run there on the road trip. These last two games have harshed some of the positive vibes being felt earlier in the week, particularly the lackluster offense.
I liked it better when they were winning.
Kumar Rocker touched 95.9 mph on his fastball, averaging 94.2 mph. Robby Ahlstrom hit 95.7 mph with his fastball. Gavin Collyer touched 98.8 mph with his fastball. Cole Winn’s fastball maxed out at 96.3 mph. Peyton Gray’s fastball hit 93.4 mph.
Brandon Nimmo had a 107.0 mph fly out. Jake Burger’s home run was 106.6 mph, and he had a 100.3 mph groundout. Ezequiel Duran’s homer was 104.2 mph. Josh Smith had a 102.2 mph triple. Elias Diaz had a 101.6 mph line out.
On off day Monday, then six straight at home before the All Star Break.
HOUSTON — Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes hit solo home runs, and four pitchers combined on a four-hit shutout, and the Houston Astros beat the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0 on Sunday.
Walker led off the fourth inning with his 20th home run of the season, giving him five consecutive 20-homer seasons. Paredes hit his 12th homer to leadoff the sixth.
Peter Lambert (7-5) struck out six while he allowed three hits and walked one over 5 2/3 innings. He was removed with a runner on second base, but Steven Okert got pinch-hitter Ryan Vilade to fly out to end the threat.
Okert pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning, and Bryan King worked around a leadoff single in the eighth before Josh Hader overcame a leadoff walk in the ninth for his ninth save. Hader has allowed one run and two hits over 15 innings this season.
Mason Englert (0-2) allowed the two runs and five hits with a career-high nine strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings after being recalled from Triple-A Durham before the game. Cam Booser and Craig Kimbrel followed and combined to hold the Astros scoreless for 2 1/3 innings.
The Rays have lost back-to-back games after winning nine straight.
Yordan Alvarez was 0 for 4 after hitting two home runs, including a walk-off homer in a 10-8 win Saturday.
Up next
Astros RHP Mike Burrows (4-8, 5.58 ERA) starts against Nationals RHP Miles Mikolas (2-7, 5.44) in the first game of a three-game series Monday night in Washington, D.C.
Rays RHP Griffin Jax (4-5, 3.45 ERA) starts against Yankees RHP Cam Schlittler (8-5, 2.08) in the first game of a four-game series Monday night in Tampa Bay.
PHOENIX — Jake Bauers homered off Arizona All-Star Eduardo Rodríguez in the seventh inning and the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Diamondbacks 3-2 on Sunday.
Bauers hit his team-leading 16th homer to right to chase Rodríguez (7-3). The lefty took a 1-0 lead into the seventh, but Andrew Vaughn led off with a single and Bauer’s blast came on Rodríguez’s 100th and final pitch of the game.
Rodríguez, named to the All-Star Game for the first time in his 12-year career on Saturday, gave up six hits, walked none and struck out three. His ERA rose slightly to 2.25.
Joey Ortiz’s single drove in a run later in the seventh against Kevin Ginkel to make it 3-1, and the Diamondbacks got that run back in their half when Gabriel Moreno beat the relay on a bases-loaded force play.
Drew Rom (1-0), called up earlier Sunday to replace injured Brandon Woodruff, got one out in the sixth. Trevor Megill pitched the ninth for his 13th save.
Geraldo Perdomo and Corbin Carroll hit back-to-back doubles for Arizona’s first run. Perdomo’s was the 100th double of his career.
Brandon Sproat labored through four innings for the Brewers, throwing 92 pitches but giving up just the one run. He allowed five hits, walked three and struck out four.
None of the Brewers starters in the series made it to the fifth inning. Kyle Harrison was knocked out in the third inning of Friday’s game and Woodruff left Saturday in the fourth with right shoulder inflammation.
But Milwaukee relievers were outstanding, allowing just three runs (two earned) in 17 2/3 innings.
Up next
Brewers LHP Shane Drohan (3-2, 3.12) starts Monday opposite Cardinals RHP Michael McGreevy (3-7, 3.12) in St. Louis.
Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (1-1, 5.40) starts Monday in San Diego in the opener of a four-game series.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 05: Jonah Heim #15 of the Athletics reacts after hitting a grand slam home run in the bottom of the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at Sutter Health Park on July 05, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On a sunny Sunday in West Sacramento, the Athletics closed out their homestand with the finale of their series against the Miami Marlins. The Marlins completed the sweep with a 9-8 win over the A’s, staving off the hosts furious comeback after Miami pulled its starter, who was just six outs shy of a perfect game.
Marlins Score Early
The Marlins scored in the first inning for the second time this series. With one out, left fielder Heriberto Hernández hit his tenth home run of the season, a solo shot to center off A’s starter Gage Jump. The Marlins added two more hits, but Jump worked out of the inning, stranding runners at second and third.
The Marlins extended their lead in the second inning. Following two straight singles, shortstop Otto Lopez hit a ground-rule double over the head of A’s left fielder Carlos Cortes, bringing home Jakob Marsee for the visitors second run of the game. First baseman Liam Hicks drove in Miami’s third run in two innings with a sacrifice fly off Jump.
A’s Pitching Awful
In the third inning, Marlins’ designated hitter Leo Jimenez hit his first home run of the season, a two-run shot to left-center field to extend the visitors lead to 5-0. After hitting a batter, Jump allowed Brian Navarreto’s double before Otto Lopez added a sacrifice fly to bring home his team’s sixth run.
Jump’s afternoon was done after those three laborious, ineffective innings. He allowed six runs on eight hits, walking three while only striking out one. Jump may be hitting a rookie wall, and how he responds will be key to the rest of his season.
Right-hander Mason Barnett replaced him in the fourth inning out of the Athletics’ bullpen. He performed better than Jump, pitching two scoreless innings. The A’s left Barnett in the game one inning too long. Lopez and Hernández led off the sixth inning with back-to-back home runs, extending Miami’s advantage to 8-0 and setting a franchise record for home runs in a series. For Hernández, it was his second home run of the game.
The A’s finally pulled him, inserting fellow right-hander Justin Sterner. He did not give up any more runs, although he was helped by his teammates, who executed a relay throw to cut down a Marlins’ runner at the plate. Hogan Harris and Luis Medina followed with scoreless innings, with Medina escaping a bases-loaded situation
Perfect Perez
Meanwhile, Marlins’ starter Eury Pérez needed just 92 pitches to complete seven perfect innings. He struck out eight, keeping the A’s hitters off balance throughout his dominant outing. The A’s short-handed offense continued to struggle at the team’s hitter-friendly home ballpark, while its pitching staff gave up runs and baserunners galore.
A’s Offense Finally Wakes Up
Rather than let him have a shot at history, the Marlins took him out as it was just his third start since returning from the injured list. Right-hander Lake Bachar replaced him to pitch the eighth inning. He immediately ended the perfect game attempt by walking Athletics right fielder Lawrence Butler. Joshua Kuroda-Grauer then lined a single for the A’s first hit of the game. Next, Carlos Cortes ripped an RBI double, bringing home Butler for the A’s first run of the game.
With the bases loaded and zero outs, designated hitter Jonah Heim hit a grand slam, his ninth home run of the season making the score 8-5.
After failing to record an out, the Marlins replaced Bachar with right-hander Michael Petersen, who stopped the bleeding, getting his team out of the inning still up three. In a big momentum swing, Athletics’ center fielder Henry Bolte was thrown out trying to steal second with Nick Kurtz at the plate and only one out.‘
Miami added an insurance run in the ninth against the A’s hard-throwing reliever Elvis Alvarado. With runners on second and third and one out, Hicks hit a soft RBI groundout that brought home the Marlins’ ninth run, increasing their lead by one.
A’s Comeback Falls Short
In the bottom of the ninth, the Marlins brought in their closer Pete Fairbanks to seal the series sweep. A’s second baseman Zack Gelof led off the inning with a single and then Butler doubled, advancing Gelof to third base. Gelof scored the A’s sixth run on a passed ball by Marlins’ catcher Joe Mack.
With Butler on third, Max Muncy on second and two outs, Heim came through again, lining a single up the middle to make it a one-run game. He finished with a career-high six RBIs, the lone A’s offensive bright spot today. Alas, Fairbanks retired catcher Brian Serven to end the game as the A’s last ditch comeback fell tantalizingly short.
This loss, which capped off a 1-5 homestand, drops the Athletics to 41-49 and into fourth place in the American League West. The “Green and Gold” will look to find more success on the road this coming week. Following an off day tomorrow, the team begins a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night. The A’s have not announced who their starter will be, while their hitters will face back-to-back American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal.
DENVER — Kyle Karros hit a three-run homer to left field in the eighth inning to give the Colorado Rockies the lead in a 7-6 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday.
The 471-foot shot off Dylan Smith’s fastball was Karros’ seventh home run of the season and the longest of his career.
With Karros’ homer, the Rockies have 122 runs in the eighth inning or later this season, the highest mark in the majors.
TJ Rumfield had three hits, including his 20th double of the season, and scored twice for Colorado. He has 94 hits, the most by a Colorado rookie before the All-Star Break in franchise history.
Hunter Goodman and Troy Johnston added an RBI apiece for Colorado, which won its ninth series of the season, surpassing its total from the entire 2025 season.
Victor Vodnik (3-3) picked up the win after throwing a shutout eighth inning while Smith (0-1) took the loss. Jordan Romano got his fifth save, striking out Willy Adames swinging with two outs and a runner on second.
Rafael Devers hit his team-leading 17th and 18th home runs for San Francisco. Casey Schmitt and Drew Gilbert also homered for the Giants.
Up next
Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (2-7, 7.25) was scheduled in Los Angeles on Monday night against Dodgers LHP Eric Lauer (3-0, 2.88). Giants RHP Landen Roupp (5-8, 4.55) was set to oppose Toronto RHP Kevin Gausman (4-7, 4.19) in San Francisco on Monday night.
Jul 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros (12) is unable to field the ball in the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Colorado Rockies took the field under the scorching sun at Coors Field this afternoon looking for a series win against the San Francisco Giants to close out their final homestand before the All-Star Break. It wasn’t always pretty, but these scrappy and exciting rebuilding Rockies kept themselves within reach at all times, kept the game interesting, and eventually walked away with a win thanks to a bullpen that bent but didn’t break and the late game heroics of one Kyle Karros.
Gordon gets hit hard
When you look at Tanner Gordon working five innings with seven strikeouts and two walks while giving up six hits, it sounds like a pretty good start. The problem is that four of those six hits were home runs. Gordon allowed five earned runs this afternoon, all of which scored via the long ball.
After the Rockies took a 2-0 lead in the first inning, Gordon gave up a two-run shot to Drew Gilbert in the top of the second. He also gave up two solo home runs off the bat of Rafael Devers, the second of which was demolished with authority all the way into the right field third deck. That second home run was one of two times Gordon was taken deep in his fifth and final inning of work with Casey Schmitt–who has made highlight reels for his defense this series–being responsible for the other.
Brennan Bernardino took over for Tanner Gordon in the sixth inning and faced immediate traffic by walking Willy Adames on four pitches. A rare error under the glove of Ezequiel Tovar allowed Bryce Eldridge to reach safely and a Drew Gilbert single scored what looked to be the losing run as the Rockies’ offense had gone quiet. However, Bernardino escaped the inning giving up just that one run thanks to a sacrifice bunt for the first out of the inning and an incredibly fortuitous double play by Edouard Julien and Kyle Karros.
Holding the line became the theme for most of the bullpen this afternoon. Jimmy Herget pitched the seventh inning and once again the Rockies faced immediate opposing traffic. Herget plunked a batter on just his second pitch of the game before giving up a single. However, Herget dialed it in to record three straight outs with runners on first and second by inducing two flyouts and a strikeout. Victor Vodnik gave up a walk and a single in the eighth inning, but also tallied two strikeouts and continued the trend of not letting traffic cause issues for the Rockies.
Jordan Romano, in his second outing in a Rockies uniform since being called up yesterday, was called from the bullpen in a true closing situation. After a groundout for the first out, Romano battled Rafael Devers with nine pitches to strike out the Giants’ slugger. With two outs, Jung Hoo Lee (이정후) singled to keep the inning alive, but Romano struck out Willy Adames on a 94.6 MPH four-seam fastball–after throwing four straight sliders–to record the final out and earn his first save in a Rockies uniform.
“He’s been doing this a very long time,” said Warren Schaeffer. “He’s got a ton of big league saves. You could tell out there today he’s calm under pressure. He wants the ball.”
Offense in the beginning, offense at the end
The red-hot Jake McCarthy kicked of the Rockies’ half of the first inning with his sixth triple of the season on the very first actual pitch–Giants starter Tyler Mahle was dinged for a pitch clock violation to start the at-bat–of the game. McCarthy was driven home on an RBI groundout by Hunter Goodman and the first run was on the board. Back-to-back singles by the Rockies’ TJ duo–TJ Rumfield and Troy Johnston–set the table yet again with two outs, and a failed pick-off attempt by Mahle sailed into the outfield and allowed Rumfield to score.
The Rockies scored two more early game runs in the second and third innings of the game. An Edouard Julien single and a Brett Sullivan double brought home a run in the second, while back-to-back singles by Hunter Goodman and TJ Rumfield set up Troy Johnston to bring home another run via a sacrifice fly.
“Sully’s been pretty consistent all year,” manager Warren Schaeffer said in his post-game comments. “I mean, there was a time where he was hitting left-handers really well this year, which is special, but he always gives a good at bat, and when Goody needs a DH day and we’re facing a right-hander, Sully steps right in, we don’t skip a beat.”
Then something curious happened. The Rockies’ offense went quiet. The Rockies had just two singles (Willi Castro and Hunter Goodman) through the next four innings. They failed to draw a single walk all game, and they had not recorded a single hit with runners in scoring position heading into the eighth inning. Down by two runs, it looked like the Rockies were likely to drop the final game of the series.
However, TJ Rumfield kicked off the bottom of the eighth inning by doing what TJ Rumfield does: getting on base. The May and June National League Rookie of the Month winner swatted a double to left field with one out, and his fellow TJ in Troy Johnston joined him on base shortly after by getting hit by a pitch.
Kyle Karros–who enjoyed excellent results at the plate in June with a .357/.444/.586 line–entered the batter’s box and drew a patient 3-1 count before one upping Rafael Devers. Karros crushed a three run home run 471 feet to left-center to put the Rockies ahead and in line for the win.
“I knew it was gone,” said Karros after the game. “I got it off the bat as good as I can get a baseball. I was juiced up. Fired up.”
Karros, not usually one to admire his work, says he took a minute to watch his home run fly.
“I hit it 471 feet,” he said. “That’s a different one. I can gaze at that one.”
Coming Up Next
The Rockies have finished all of their home games for the first half and will board a plane to the City of Angels this evening. Tomorrow they will kick off a three game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chavez Ravine. In a battle of the lefties, Kyle Freeland will face off against Eric Lauer. All three games in the series are scheduled for 8:10 PM MDT.
