Do the Red Sox want a break? While there’s no choice in the matter, given the All-Star Game break has officially arrived, Boston ended the first half on a very high note. Thanks to some help, the Red Sox were able to win a ninth straight before returning home for a doubleheader on July 16.
Red Sox end first half on nine-game run
The Red Sox were down 2-0 heading into the ninth thanks to excellent pitching from Zach Thornton and the Mets. However, a critical error opened the door for the comeback and the Sox’s ninth-straight game.
Francisco Lindor booted a ground ball hit by Romy Gonzalez that would have been a game-ending double play had he been able to turn it. Instead, it helped fuel a two-run ninth to tie it up. After a scoreless ninth from Aroldis Chapman, the Red Sox scored one in the 10th via an Anthony Seigler sacrifice fly.
Boston ended the first half with a 46-48 record, a half a game out of the final AL Wild Card spot.
Mariners, Twins win
Speaking of the AL Wild Card, the Mariners and Twins finished up tied for the final spot after the two clubs won on the 12th.
Thanks to an injury, the Mariners had to use seven pitchers to piece together an 8-2 victory over the Rays. Weston Wilson hit a solo shot in the fourth, part of a four-run inning for Seattle. Randy Arozarena got his old team with a three-run shot later that inning.
J.P. Crawford had three hits and three RBI.
As for the Twins, Ryan Jeffers hit a two-run double in the third to give the Twins a 3-1 lead. Minnesota ultimately won 4-2 on the heels of seven terrific innings from Taj Bradley. Bradley won his ninth game of the year.
Wheeler, Phillies beat Detroit
After Zack Wheeler proclaimed that he wasn’t happy being an All-Star snub and declined to be a replacement option, Wheeler certainly pitched like an All-Star on July 12.
Matched up with Tarik Skubal in Detroit. Wheeler struck out 10 over seven scoreless innings to win his 10th game of the year.
Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Derek Hill each had two hits.
Rangers walk off Astros
A walk-off single by Brandon Nimmo kept the Rangers in first place in the AL West, as Texas defeated the Astros 6-5 in Arlington.
That was one of Nimmo’s three hits on the day. Joc Pederson drove in two, as did Nimmo, while Josh Jung had two hits.
On the other side of things, Cam Smith and Jose Altuve each hit home runs for the Astros.
Everything else
- Pirates def. Brewers 14-5
- Orioles def. Royals 8-2
- Yankees def. Nationals 5-3
- Cubs def. Reds 8-4
- Guardians def. Marlins 5-2
- White Sox def. Athletics 9-1
- Braves def. Cardinals 4-3
- Giants def. Rockies 3-1
- Diamondbacks def. Dodgers 5-3
- Padres def. Blue Jays 5-4
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