A New Leader in the NL West
The roulette that is the NL West landed on Colorado on Monday as they moved into sole possession of first place ahead of the Dodgers and Diamondbacks. The Rockies were the only contending team in the NL West that won on Labor Day. With their 9–8 victory over SF behind a monster game from Trevor Story, the Rockies take a half game lead in the division. The Dodgers dropped a tough one against New York as they watched a tie game get outta hand in the 9th when Kenta Maeda gave up a 3-run home run to pinch-hitter Brandon Nimmo. And in Arizona, Zack Godley couldn’t stop Franmil Reyes as he drove in 4 runs on 2 home runs before forcing the pitcher from the game.
The AL West was also exciting but the contenders all won their games.
Another New Pitching Strategy
Houston maintained their 2 1/2 game lead with a victory over the Twins behind solid pitching from Dallas Keuchel. The only blemish on his near shutout was an error that resulted in an unearned run. I’m sure it was nice for him to have run support from the start as Alex Bregman launched a home run in the first to start the scoring.
In Oakland, what looks like it might be a prelude to the wildcard matchup, the Athletics smacked 10 hits, one a homer by Mark Canha, while holding the vaunted Yankee offense to 4. Sure they scored 3 runs but they did not look too good doing it and Sabathia looked pretty bad. In Seattle the Mariners have a few easy games to work with as they face the 40–98 Orioles. Actually, the Mariners might be the team to give Baltimore it’s 100th loss this season, as it was, #98 came Monday, 2–1. Finally, the Angels and Rangers went at each other in Texas. Matt Shoemaker started things for the Angels while a reliever, Jeffrey Springs got the call for the Rangers. This game featured another pitching ‘strategy’ used this season – start the game with a strong reliever to get through the meat of the order and then bring in the starter to plow into the bottom of the order. It keeps the top of the order from batting against the starter so many times which, in theory, prevents them from getting a good look. It’s another interesting strategy (one I think makes more sense than the bullpen game) but in this case while Springs and Ariel Jurado held the Angels scoreless, when Zac Curtis got into the game in the 7th, the Angels jumped all over him. 3 runs later and the Angels were set for the win.
Matt Shoemaker pitched in his first game for the Angels since March and threw 5 innings of shutout ball, though he didn’t get the win. He gets my Pitcher of the Day since he’s the only starter who threw 5 or more innings and didn’t give up a run (Keuchel gave up an unearned run). It’s nice to see him back in the rotation for the Angels.
On the Offensive side of things, both Franmil Reyes of San Diego and Trevor Story of Colorado hit 2 home runs but even though Reyes threw in a 2–3 day and 4 RBIs, I give my Player of the Day to Trevor. He went 2–4 with 5 RBI and a stolen base along with his 2 HR. Both players had a great Labor Day though.
Pitcher of the Day: Matt Shoemaker, LAA – 5 innings, 2 hits, 0 ER, 3 K
Player of the Day: Trevor Story, Col – 2–4, 5 RBI, 2 R, 2 HR
Sports – West Coast Baseball – A New Leader in the NL West