Last Full Month

As we head into the last full month of the 2018 season, things are pretty exciting in the West. In the National League, the Diamondbacks hold a 1 game lead over the Dodgers and the Rockies are only a half game behind them. 3 teams within 2 games of each other and this is the tightest playoff race in baseball. Right now though, only one of these teams will be making the post season as the Dodgers are 2.5 games behind either of the wildcard teams.

In the American League, surprising Oakland sits 2 games behind Houston who’s been having some troubles lately. Seattle is 5.5 games behind them but they’re definitely within striking distance. Oakland, however is currently in the playoff mix as they are the 2nd AL wildcard team.

Last Day of August

Angels 3, Astros 0
Rockies 0, Padres 7
Mariners 5, Athletics 7
D-Backs 2, Dodgers 3
Twins 10, Rangers 7
Mets 0, Giants 7

So on the last day of August there was quite a bit of movement. The Astros ran into a spoiler in the Angels who shut them ou 3–0. Andrelton Simmons smacked a 2-run homer in the 6th and that was all the Angels needed behind solid pitching of Jaime Barria who went 6 innings and gave up only 3 hits. This, coupled with Oakland’s victory over Seattle let them gain some ground. Though Seattle’s Nelson Cruz, Robinson Cano, and Ryan Healy hit homers they weren’t enough to overcome Matt Chapman’s and Stephen Piscotty’s dingers. That, coupled with Matt Olson’s 3 for 4 night gave the A’s enough to earn the win. The final game in the AL West saw the Rangers lose to Minnesota – Nomar Mazara’s 3-run homer and Elvis Andrus’ 2 for 4 night were not enough to make Texas a winner today.

In the NL, San Francisco did a number on the Mets beating them 7 to 0. Andrew Suarez threw 7 innings giving up only 2 hits and no runs and rookie Aramis Garcia smacked a HR the 8th that started off a 6 run inning that easily gave the Giants the win. In the battle of the top 2 teams, the D-Backs struck first with Paul Goldschmidt’s 2-run HR in the first but Zack Greinke couldn’t hold on giving up home runs to Enrique Hernandez and Justin Turner. Finally in the 3rd shut out of the day, Brett Kennedy threw 6 innings of 4 hit ball and rookie Luis Urias hit his 1st home run (this time it was a fair ball).

Player of the Day: Oakland’s Matt Olson – 3–4, Double, 2 Runs, RBI
Pitcher of the Day: San Francisco’s Andrew Suarez – 7 innings, 2 Hits, 5 K

Sports – West Coast Baseball – Last Full Month