First to Home: June 24th News and Notes
June 24, 2017
Nationals Bullpen: This season, the Nationals bullpen has been deservedly criticized for their 29th best bulllpen, ERA, and a litany of games in which they have blown significant leads in the late innings. However, on Friday the bullpen churned out 5 innings of scoreless 1 hit baseball allowing the Nationals to complete a comeback against the Reds. An encouraging sign they hope will inspire some confidence in the bullpen going forward.
Blue Jays Struggles: After a strong conclusion to the month of May the Blue Jays appeared poised to reinsert themselves in the playoff conversation. However, in June they have been too inconsistent to make up any ground on the teams above them, losing in demoralizing fashion, as they did Friday blowing a 3 run lead in the 9th can only sink them further into mediocrity in 2017.
Atlanta Braves on Fire?: Raise your hand if you know what team has won 6 of 7 including 4 games by only 1 run this past week! That’s right, it is the Atlanta Braves. The veteran bats of Matt Kemp, Brandon Phillips, and Matt Adams have helped keep the team alive in the absence of slugger Freddie Freeman. They are now only three games under .500 for the first time since May 2nd.
Dodgers Still Rollin: “We Realize We’re the best team in the division” -Dave Roberts
A week ago when Dave Roberts proclaimed the Dodgers were definitively the best team in the division it seemed a bit ambitious since they trailed the Rockies in the division. However, after a week of dominance, it seems like the Dodgers are beginning to reach their potential. And tonight Clayton Kershaw goes for his 11th win. The Dodgers have 15 of 16!
Boston Red Sox Lack of Home Runs: On a night in which the Sox paid homage to their beloved slugger Big Papi, it only seemed fitting that they would crush a few homers for him as Hanley Ramirez and Sandy Leon did. However, for the Red Sox Home Runs have been an anomaly this season as they are in 27th place in home run hitting. If Home Runs don’t strike you as reflective of success, note that no other division leader is even outside the top 15 in Home Run hitting.
King Felix: King Felix got the win on Friday night going six innings of 8 hit ball only surrendering 3 earned runs. Despite his loss in fastball velocity, he still shows glimpses of his Cy Young self. The Mariners will need both him and Ariel Miranda to be stout going forward if the Mariners have any hope of claiming a wild card berth.
Written by Paul McGovern
