First to Home: MLB Rundown September 1st

September is here and with it comes a wild ride for a few unclaimed playoff spots. Who is going to step up and claim the MVP in both leagues? A lot hanging in the balance, so let’s take a look at the last games of August last night:

Jays Snap O’s Win Streak: Behind a triad of Kendrys Morales bombs the Blue Jays were able to stave off the Orioles in a slugfest 11-8. The O’s however should be able to return to their winning ways against the struggling Blue Jays as the series continues into the weekend.

Yankees Get Much Needed W: C.C. Sabathia became the first Yankees pitcher since Randy Johnson (2005) to record 4 wins against the Red Sox in a season. Sabathia also has posted a 1.04 record against the Sox this season. At only a game up in the Wild Card, the Yanks continue to walk a tight-rope going into September. However, history says they will be in the playoffs yet again.

Brewers Might Do It: All year the Brewers have been an above average baseball team having a surprising season. However, after winning 4 of their last 5 they are only 2.5 games back of the inconsistent Rockies. I’m not ready to believe in their cause, as they remain on the outside looking in.

Astros Get Verlander: It’s hard to imagine the Astros getting much better and then they go and do this. Today they acquired Justin Verlander from the Tigers. The move gives them a dominant right hander alongside lefty ace Dallas Keuchel. It also reveals that it is a championship or bust season in Houston. The flood has only amplified the motivation of their team as they are playing for a city in need of hope.

Twins Walkoff: The Twins continue to win and their knack for timely hitting is what has propelled them over this last month. They have now won 11 of 15 games and as the Wild Card race continues to thin out, at 1.5 games ahead of the Angels the Twins have convinced me they are a playoff team.

Written  by Paul McGovern