Now that I decided to try sleeping in, I suppose I should hurry up and post something here before the earlier than usual first pitch in Philly.
Diamondbacks News
Taylor Widener did yeoman’s work through five innings, allowing only two runs to score. The offense rewarded him one frame late by tying the game up in the sixth. Then the Arizona bullpen went to work. Matt Peacock coughed up a fresh lead to Philadelphia. Tyler Clippard was unable to hold a two-run lead in the tenth and Taylor Clarke was unable to escape the eleventh.
Walker Continues to Enjoy Home Cooking
Christian Walker was having himself a very quiet night, once again demonstrating his inability to catch up to MLB fastballs. Then, with one on and one out in the ninth inning, Walker got out in front of a high fastball from former Diamondback starter Ian Kennedy, now pitching as a closer, and deposited it in the center field bleachers.
Snakes Squander Lead in Extras
After Walker provided ninth inning heroics, Jake McCarthy, Nick Ahmed, and Ketel Marte combined to play sound ball, with Marte launching a pinch-hit blast deep into right center field to give the Diamondbacks a two-run lead in extras. Tyler Clippard proved unable to survive the Manfred Mann and blew the save in the bottom of the tenth.
Cabrera will get to finish the 2021 season playing for a playoff contender. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks will get to have a look at Jake McCarthy in center.
Other Baseball News
Adam Wainwright has Mastered His Craft
He may not have achieved Zack Greinke levels of mastery, but Adam Wainwright continues to be the Cardinals’ best starter by having pinpoint command of his pitches and also knowing just how to use his various offerings to keep hitters off balance.
Pasadena Police Turn Over Trevor Bauer Investigation to District Attorney
The police have completed their investigation and have turned over the materials to the District Attorney’s Office. They have not made a recommendation on charging Bauer. It will now be up to the DA’s office to to evaluate the findings and decide whether or not to press forward with criminal charges. Bauer’s paid administrative leave has been extended to September 3rd.
Astros, Nationals First MLB Teams to Mandate Vaccines
The Houston Astros and Washington Nationals have mandated that all nonplaying full-time employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the first two teams in Major League Baseball to make vaccination a condition of employment, sources told ESPN.
Yankees Crush Their Way to 13th Consecutive Win
Yankees hitters were hitting tape-measure shots and Gerrit Cole was doing his thing on the mound Friday night in Oakland, leading the Yankees to their 13th consecutive win as the Yankees try to chase down the Tampa Bay Rays for first in the AL East.