It’s early but the AL East teams are packed tight against one another in the early going. Tampa Bay defeated the Yankees on April 11 to move one game behind New York for first in the division. Meanwhile, the O’s and Red Sox both won, as well. Meanwhile, in the NL Central, the Pirates continue to gain momentum.
Rays beat Yankees in 10
The Rays improved to 7-7 after Tampa Bay defeated the Yankees 5-4 in extra innings.
New York scored one in the tenth but the Rays scratched out two. Taylor Walls drove in one on a bunt to tie the game. Then, Jonathan Aranda drove in the winning run on a slow chopper to second. It was a bizarre end to the game, as Jazz Chisholm Jr. threw the ball to first, rather than try to go home or to second for a double-play with one out and the bases loaded.
Pirates beat Cubs
The Pirates improved to 9-5 on the season thanks to an extra-innings win over the Chicago Cubs. Pittsburgh defeated the Cubs 4-3 in extras.
Brandon Lowe drove in what was the game-winning run in the 11th, continuing what’s been a strong offensive start for both him and the Pirates. Oneil Cruz picked up four hits and three stolen bases on the day, raising his batting average to .345.
The Pirates’ bullpen gave up one run in six innings. Braxton Ashcraft (41% Whiff%) struck out nine over five innings.
Wacha brilliant again
The Royals shut out the White Sox on April 11. Yet again, Kansas City received an exceptional pitching performance.
This time, it was from Michael Wacha. Wacha struck out eight over seven scoreless innings. Not only did he miss plenty of bats (34% Whiff%), Wacha had the second-most called strikes on the day (19), tied with Logan Webb and just behind Max Fried (21) of the Yankees.
Scores from other games
- Phillies def. D-Backs 4-3
- Tigers def. Marlins 6-1
- Twins def. Blue Jays 7-4
- Reds def. Angels 7-3
- Athletics def. Mets 11-6
- Nationals def. Brewers 3-1
- Orioles def. Giants 6-2
- Red Sox def. Cardinals 7-1
- Guardians def. Braves 6-0
- Padres def. Rockies 9-5
- Dodgers def. Rangers 6-3
- Mariners def. Astros 8-7
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