First to Home: July 9th MLB News and Notes

Yankees Get Much Needed W: The Yankees entered Saturday losers of 5 of their last 6 and in the late innings it appeared they were on track to lose yet another game. However, top prospect Clint Frazier proved incredibly clutch, delivering a 3 run walkoff homer off of All-Star Corey Knebel to earn the Yankees a win they desperately needed.

Dodgers Continue: The Kansas City Royals were one of the MLB’s hottest teams going into their series vs. the Dodgers, but after a heartbreaking walkoff loss last night on a Cody Bellinger walk, the road back to playoff contention remains difficult to envision for KC. The Dodgers go for the sweep on Sunday with ace Clayton Kershaw on the  mound.

Rays Show Toughness: The Rays took game 3 of their series vs. the Red Sox 1-0 on Saturday in a pitchers duel between Rick Porcello and Alex Cobb. The Rays have now managed to show that they are here to stay and won’t just settle for Wildcard contention. It appears they seriously believe they can win the division.

Rockies Struggles: Rockies All-Star closer Greg Holland has been amongst the MLB’s best relievers in the 2017 season. Yet, as is often the case, placed in a non-save situation, Holland was unable to deliver, surrendering a 9th inning homer to Tim Anderson to give the Rocks a difficult 5-4 loss.

Cubs Lack Consistency: On Friday the Cubs looked as good as ever, with Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo each hitting bombs into the bleachers on the way to a solid win. However, on Saturday the inconsistency of the Cubs resurfaced in a game where the bats were almost completely absent in a 4-2 loss to the Pirates.

Another St. Louis Win: The Cardinals continue to win. As the Rockies continue to lose and the Cardinals continue to win the reality of seeing the Cards in October is becoming very clear. Not only do they have a shot at the Wild Card, but also in the division, as no team in the NL Central has taken the reigns yet.

Written by Paul McGovern