First to Home: July 2nd MLB News and Notes
July 2, 2017
Astros Stun Yankees: Down 6-3 going into the 8th inning, the Astros scored 4 runs off of Dellin Betances and held on to win 7-6. The Astros showed why they are among the best teams in the MLB. Carlos Correa had a big game with 2 hits including a homer. The Yankees have spent a lot of money on improving their bullpen, but the recent struggles of Betances and Chapman are concerning.
Atlanta Braves Surprising: The Braves were supposed to be one of the MLB’s worst clubs this year. Lacking any real pitching depth, and with a lineup compiled of many veterans critics believed to be too washed up, the Braves have managed to respond to their early season woes. After going 16-12 in June, the Braves started the month of July with a 4-3 win behind Dansby Swanson’s late inning RBI double.
Milwaukee Brewers Finally Have Breathing Room: The Brewers have now won 6 of 10 games while the Cubs have lost 6 of 10, opening up the Brewers division lead to 3 games, the widest gap in over a month. The production of Travis Shaw in the middle of their lineup continues to be the driving force behind their success.
Cardinals Back in the Race: The Cardinals are a team of great expectations. So when the team got off to one of their worst starts since 2000, there was plenty of concern, and some in the organization were fired including the club’s hitting coach. After winning 6 of their last 7 behind the ridiculous production of Jed Gyorko and the arm of Michael Wacha, the Cardinals are only 3.5 games out of first place.
Cole Hamels: Cole Hamels was brilliant in his start Saturday against the White Sox, retiring 16 batters in a row at one point. He is now 3-0 this season, and showing flashes of his ace potential. The Rangers will need him to pitch like the Vintage Cole Hamels in order to make a run at the wildcard.
Rays Won’t Roll Over: The Rays blow my mind every single day. 10-3 win on Saturday behind two bombs from Logan Morrison. At this point, they seem to believe they belong in the playoffs, and if the Red Sox and Yankees don’t watch their backs, the Rays might even win the East…
Written by Paul McGovern
