First to Home: June 30th MLB News and Notes
June 30, 2017
Orioles Resurgence: Only a week ago the Orioles seemed to be on a downward spiral, but after another win on Thursday night, they have now won 4 of 5 games, but they will need the bats of Mark Trumbo and Manny Machado to heat up, especially in the absence of slugger Chris Davis.
Joey Votto: Though the Reds lost 11-3 on Thursday night, it did not stop Joey Votto from turning in yet another dynamite performance. While it is typically very hard for a player on a team below .500 to win the MVP, Votto refuses to be ignored. After blasting two solo Home Runs last night, Votto is definitely cementing himself in the discussion. He is top 10 in most offensive categories and his 23 Home Runs and 57 RBI at the halfway point of the season, put him on pace to post better numbers than his MVP season in 2011.
Corey Kluber: Kluber picked up another win on Thursday night. He has been at the center of the Indians return to first place, posting a 5-1 record since his return in early June. Kluber has been dominant as reflected by his ridiculous strikeout numbers. When healthy he continues to prove his one of the MLB’s best aces.
Red Sox: While the Red Sox have not returned to their mid summer form of last year quite yet, they are at least resembling their 2016 selves. Mookie Betts had a strong performance on Thursday, as he finished the game with 2 hits and 2 RBI’s one of which came on a solo shot. The Red Sox have had many players in their lineup show stretches of greatness this season, but they continue to wait for their lineup to all click at the same time.
Brewers Maintain Central Lead: No one projected the Brewers to be leading the NL Central at the midway point of the MLB season. Everyone believed the Cubs would run away with this division. However, the Brewers still maintain a one game advantage in the standings with their potent offense delivering game after game. As of now, half of their lineup is having a career year. The only question, can they match this performance in the second half?
Written by Paul McGovern
