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MLB Preview: Cleveland Guardians (23-29) at Baltimore Orioles (34-19)

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MLB Preview: Cleveland Guardians (23-29) at Baltimore Orioles (34-19)

CLEVELAND GUARDIANS NOTES:

GUARDS WIN ST. LOUIS SERIES VIA RAMÍREZ WALK-OFF
The Guardians posted their second walk-off win of 2023, as JOSÉ RAMÍREZ drilled a 2-out, 2-run double off Ryan Helsley in the bottom of the 9th to cap a 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field…series win over St. Louis marked the club’s first since May 12-14 vs. LAA… club finished 3-3 on 6-game homestand vs. Chicago-AL (1-2) & St. Louis (2-1)…Cleveland has won 5 of 8 and 8 of last 14 home games (12-15 overall).

JOSH BELL singled home STEVEN KWAN (lead-off single) in the 1st inning to give an early 1-0 lift to starter HUNTER GADDIS (4.2IP, 5H, 3R-ER, 2BB, 3SO, 3HR, HB, 76 pitches), who permitted exactly one baserunner in each of his first 4.0 [scoreless] frames before surrendering a trio of solo homers in the 5th to Alex Burleson (4), Andrew Knizner (4) and Paul Goldschmidt (10)…MIKE ZUNINO led off the 5th with a single, took 2nd on a wild pitch by Cards southpaw Jordan Montgomery (5.0IP, 7H, 2R-ER, BB, 3SO, WP, 91 pitches) and scored on Kwan’s RBI-double to cut the deficit to 3-2… in the decisive 9th, MYLES STRAW and Kwan drew a pair of one- out walks to set the table for Ramirez, who laced a 1-0, 100mph fastball from Helsley into the RCF gap to close the curtains.

Cleveland (23-29) sits in 3rd place in AL Central standings, 3.5 games behind 1st-place Minnesota (27-26) and 2.5 games behind 2nd-place Detroit (-1.0G, 25-26)…Guardians have dropped 23 of last 37 overall since starting year 9-6…club went 3-3 on 6-game homestand vs. Chicago-AL (1-2) & St. Louis (2-1), having won 5 of 8 and 8 of last 14 at home (12-15 overall)…set to begin a 7-game road trip through Baltimore (3G) & Minnesota (4G); club has dropped 3 straight and 9 of last 11 road games (11-14 overall).

BIRDBATH IN BALTIMORE
Cleveland faces a bird-named club for the second straight series as they play a 3-game set against the Orioles to begin a 7-game road trip…the two clubs will square off again in Cleveland from September 21-24 for a 4-game set…the Guards have won or tied each of the last 5 season series against the Orioles, going 3-3 last season with 2 wins taking place in Baltimore…under Terry Francona, the Guardians hold a 33-27 record against the O’s since 2013, with a +15 run differential…Cleveland has a 546-462 (.542) all-time road record against Baltimore, holding the 2nd-highest win percentage among AL teams behind New York-AL (635-494, .562)…Cleveland leads the all-time series (including games against Milwaukee in 1901 and St. Louis from 1902-1953) 1,148-871 (.569) with a +1,206 run differential, the 2nd-highest of any MLB team against Baltimore, behind the Yankees (+2,147)…Cleveland’s .569 win percentage against the Orioles is its highest against any team (min. 200GP) and its 1,148 are 2nd-most against any opponent, trailing Minnesota (1,185).

MEMORIAL DAY MEMO
Cleveland is set to play its 174th Memorial Day/Decoration Day contest in franchise history today…the club holds an 80-93-1 record in games played on the holiday, winning 4 of its last 6 Memorial Day contests…this is Cleveland’s 27th Memorial Day game against the Baltimore franchise, holding a 14-11-1 record against them… the last time Cleveland and Baltimore squared off on Memorial Day was 1991 at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore with Cleveland winning 3-2…from 1905-1949, Cleveland faced the franchise 17 times on the holiday when they were named the St. Louis Browns, going 9-7-1…from 1962-1991, Cleveland has faced the Baltimore Orioles 9 times on Memorial Day, holding a 5-4 record…both teams have scored a total of 84 runs against one another on Memorial Day.

THE GUARDIAC KIDS
Following yesterday’s 4-3 walk-off win, the Guardians lead MLB with 25 one-run games out of their 52 games played this season, owning an 11-14 record in such contests…the Guards 11 victories rank T2nd in MLB behind Miami’s 15 such wins…they have 5 different streaks of 3+ consecutive one-run games in 2023, 2 more than any other MLB club…Cleveland’s 25 one-run contests are the club’s 3rd-most through the first 52 games of a season and the most since 1918 when they went 14-12 over 26 one-run contests… the Guardians are the first MLB team with 25 one-run contests in their first 52 games since the 2015 Chicago Cubs (15-10, .600) and the first AL team since the 1993 Kansas City Royals (18-8, .692). » The Guards also lead MLB this season with 36 games decided by 2-runs-or-less, holding an 18-18 record…Cleveland has the most games decided by 2-runs-or-less in the first 52 games of a season since the 2015 Seattle Mariners (17-19)…the Guardians 36 contests decided by 2-runs-or-less are the most through the first 52 games of a season in franchise history.

MOST CLE 2-RUNS-OR-LESS GAMES IN FIRST 52G YEAR COUNT RECORD
(W%) 2023 36 18-18 (.500) 1910 35 18-12-5 (.586) 1943 35 18-17 (.514) 1944 34 17-17 (.500)

RAMÍREZ RE-WRITING RECORD BOOKS
After his walk-off double in yesterday’s game, JOSÉ RAMÍREZ enters today tied with Nap Lajoie (535) for 6th-most extra-base hits in club history…since 2018, Ramírez leads all MLB hitters with 346 extra-base hits…he has 198 career home runs as a Clevelander, and is 3 homers away from passing Travis Hafner (200) for 9th- most in franchise history.

DOWN ON THE FARM
AARON CIVALE (4.2IP, 6H, 4R/ER, 3BB, 7SO, 88P/54S) made his 3rd rehab start for Columbus yesterday…in 3 outings for Columbus, he has thrown 11.0 combined innings and 16 strikeouts while allowing 6 runs (earned) and 4 walks…CODY MORRIS (1.2IP, 0H/R/ER, 1BB, 1SO, 29P/19S) made his 2nd rehab start for Akron last night…in 2 rehab outings, he has tossed 2.2 combined hitless/ scoreless innings with a walk and 2 strikeouts…TIM HERRIN tallied a MiLB-high 3 wins this past week for Columbus, throwing a combined 5.0 innings and 4 strikeouts, while allowing 2 hits and a walk in 3 outings…Lake County reliever TYLER THORNTON leads MiLB (min. 6.0IP) with a 20.40 SO/9 (34SO/15.0IP) this season… Lynchburg reliever TOMAS REYES ranks 2nd in MiLB this season (min. 8.0IP) with 1.13 H/9 (1H/8.0IP) and 3rd in MiLB (min. 25PA) with a .040 average against (1-for-25)…GAVIN WILLIAMS ranks T7th in MiLB with 62 strikeouts for Akron/Columbus, throwing 5+SO in 8 of his 9 starts this season…Akron closer CADE SMITH leads MiLB with 12 saves in 12 chances.

ZACK COLLINS is tied for MiLB lead with 50 games played, ranks T6th with 61 hits and is on a system-high 20-game on-base streak…Lynchburg/Lake County INF NATE FURMAN ranks T3rd In MiLB with 45 runs and 6th with 27 SB…Columbus INF BRAYAN ROCCHIO ranks 4th in MiLB with 17 doubles and T8th with 60 hits, including a 2-for-4, 3RBI game yesterday…Lynchburg OF GUY LIPSCOMB JR. ranks T3rd in MiLB with 31 SB.

TODAY’S STARTER – #41 LOGAN ALLEN LHP

ALLEN’S MLB CAREER
W-L ERA G GS IP H R ER BB SO
2023 1-2 3.31 6 6 32.2 38 13 12 9 33
Career 1-2 3.31 6 6 32.2 38 13 12 9 33

ALLEN ON THE ROAD
W-L ERA G GS IP H R ER BB SO
2023 0-1 2.53 2 2 10.2 11 3 3 3 13
Career 0-1 2.53 2 2 10.2 11 3 3 3 13

TODAY’S START
The 24-year-old left-hander is making his seventh career MLB start, third on the road, in the opening contest of this 3-game set with the Baltimore Orioles…has started his MLB career with 6 straight starts of 3-or-fewer earned runs…looking to make consecutive quality starts for the first time in his career…he has two quality starts this season (4/23 vs. MIA and 5/23 vs. CWS)…is starting on 5 days of rest.

Allen was originally selected by Cleveland in the 2nd Round (56th overall) of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Florida International University…entered the season as Cleveland’s #8 prospect according to MLB.com…he is starting on four days of rest; had made on start on 4 days rest, allowing 3 runs (earned) over 6.0 innings.

LAST TIME OUT
He suffered his second loss of the season on Tuesday in a 4-2 defeat to the Chicago White Sox…after retiring 15 of his first 16 batters faced to start the game, Yasmani Grandal took him deep to left field with 2 outs in the 5th frame…the rookie left-hander came out for the 7th inning for the first time in his MLB career, but did not record an out after allowing the first 3 batters to reach base…the White Sox scored on a fielding error, then scored 3 more runs on a bases-clearing double from Romy Gonzalez…has yet to allow 4-or-more earned runs in any of his 6 starts to begin his career.

GETTING IN THE EARLY WORK
Through his first 6 starts, Allen has had success against the top half of the lineup, holding the first four hitters to a combined .224 (15-for-67) average with 17 total strikeouts and 3 RBI…for comparison, the last five hitters in the lineup have a .333 (23-for69) batting average with 18 strikeouts and 10 RBI…batters in the second spot of the lineup are 1-for-18 (.056) and cleanup hitters are 3-for-18 (.167) when facing the rookie…batters in the eighth and ninth spot are a combined 9-for-24 (.375) off the left-hander.

He has yet to allow a run in the first 2 innings this season and has allowed just one earned run in the 3rd inning, a combined 0.50 ERA (1ER/18.0IP)…is limiting opposing teams to a .137 clip (7-for51) the first time through the order…opposing clubs are .371 (19-for-51) when the facing the rookie a second time through the order and .353 (12-for-34) the third time through the lineup.

THE ALLEN WRENCH
After his performance on Tuesday against Chicago-AL, Allen became the 7th pitcher in franchise history to begin their career with 33+ strikeouts in their first 6 career starts…he joins Luis Tiant (35), SHANE BIEBER (36), TRISTON MCKENZIE (36), Danny Salazar (37) and Herb Score (57)…Allen also became the 6th pitcher in franchise history to begin their career with 6 straight starts of 3-or-fewer earned runs…only Jim Kern (6, 1974-75), Eric Raich (6, 1975), AARON CIVALE (9, 2019) and Cliff Lee (10, 2002-03) have streaks of 6-or-more games.

After striking out 8 in his start on April 30 at Boston, he became the 2nd pitcher in franchise history to record 8+ strikeouts in their first 2 starts (16SO, 11.0IP), last done by Herb Score (18SO, 17.0IP) in 1955…he is the 16th pitcher in MLB history to begin a career with 2 consecutive starts of 8+ strikeouts, last accomplished by Tampa Bay’s Taj Bradley earlier this season.

In his first career start, a 7-4 victory against the Marlins on April 23, Allen’s 8 strikeouts were the 4th-most in Cleveland franchise history for a Major League debut…the left-hander also became the third pitcher in franchise history to throw 6.0+ innings, record 8+ strikeouts and hold an opponent to one-or-zero runs in an MLB debut, the first since TRISTON MCKENZIE on August 22, 2020…Luis Tiant first accomplished the feat on July 19, 1964, in a complete game shutout.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES NOTES:

No release available.

MLB Preview: Tampa Bay Rays (39-16) at Chicago Cubs (22-30)

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MLB Preview: Tampa Bay Rays (39-16) at Chicago Cubs (22-30)

TAMPA BAY RAYS NOTES:

A HOLLYWOOD ENDING — SS Wander Franco (2-for-5, 2RBI, 2R) provided the game-winning RBI in the seventh inning while 3B Isaac Paredes (3-for-5, 2B, HR, 4RBI, 2R) drove in a game-high four runs as the Rays won an 11-10 slugfest over the visiting Dodgers on Sunday afternoon at Tropicana Field…Tampa Bay plated six runs in the second inning thanks to five consecutive two-out hits…RF Luke Raley (2-for-3, 2B, 2RBI, 3R, BB, SB) recorded a pair of RBI and was one of seven Rays with multiple hits, the club’s most in a game since 10/2/21 vs. New York-AL (also 7).

RHP Jason Adam recorded a six-out save in his longest outing since 9/5/20 vs. St. Louis (2.0IP)…his four strikeouts matched a career high (4x, last: 8/19/20 vs. STL).

The Rays improved to 26-6 at Tropicana Field, becoming one of 13 teams in MLB history (since 1901) to win 26 of their first 32 home games, including the first since the 2008 Boston Red Sox (also 26-6).

RECENT TRANSACTIONS — Earlier today, the Rays placed RHP Pete Fairbanks on the 15-day injured list with left hip inflammation (retro to 5/28)…additionally, RHP Trevor Kelley was recalled from Triple-A Durham.

MEMORIAL DAY MATCHUP — The Rays are 8-13 (.381) all-time on Memorial Day, including wins in four of their last five games…last season, Tampa Bay suffered a 9-5 defeat at Texas, halting a club-record streak of four straight Memorial Day victories.

GOING STREAKING — Yandy Díaz has a 22-game on-base streak since 4/27, slashing .359/.468/.692 (28-for-78) with 14 XBH, 15 RBI, 14 walks and only 13 SO in that stretch… it ties the longest streak of his career (also: 7/24-8/16, 2020) and is the fifth-longest active streak in MLB, including second-longest in the AL behind TEX Marcus Semien (25G).

Díaz has reached base safely in 32 of his last 33 games overall, going .355/.455/.636 (43-for-121) at the plate during that span…he leads all qualified major leaguers during that stretch (since 4/15) in AVG, OBP and OPS (1.091).

On the season, his 1.041 OPS leads the majors, ahead of NYY Aaron Judge (1.031)… he also ranks in OBP (2nd, .429), SLG (3rd, .612) and AVG (6th, .327).

WHAT A WANDER-FUL WORLD — Wander Franco has multiple hits in five of his last seven games, batting .444 (12-for-27) with two triples, 6 RBI and four walks over that stretch…he also has four stolen bases in that span, bringing his season total to 18, third most in MLB behind OAK Esteury Ruiz (27SB) and TOR Whit Merrifield (22SB)…on the year, Franco’s 3.5 bWAR lead the majors, ahead of ATL Ronald Acuña Jr. (3.1).

In addition to ranking second among major league shortstops in average (.299) and OPS (.850), trailing only TOR Bo Bichette (.338 AVG, .913 OPS) in both categories, Franco leads all SS in defensive runs saved (9), according to FanGraphs…he trails only TOR Kevin Kiermaier (10) for most defensive runs saved among all fielders.

Franco has also been one of the majors’ best contact hitters — his 13.3 pct. whiff rate is third lowest in the AL and sixth lowest in MLB.

BAG BANDITS — The Rays lead the majors in both steals (72) and stolen base attempts (88) while ranking ninth in stolen base pct. (81.8%)…the Rays have been successful on 34 of their last 36 stolen base attempts dating back to 5/14, including each of their last 20 attempts…per Elias, the 20-steal run marks the third-longest successful stolen base streak in club history (21SB: 7/1-23, 2010 & 21SB: 6/3-27, 2007).

Tampa Bay has stolen 32 bases over its last 12 games since 5/17, most by any MLB club in a 12-game span since the 1990 St. Louis Cardinals (32SB: 6/2-13, 1990).

The Rays have an MLB-best six players with 6+ steals; Cleveland and Milwaukee are next closest (4 each)…they also have the most players with 10+ SB (Wander Franco – 18SB, Taylor Walls – 14SB, Josh Lowe – 12SB), ahead of Baltimore (2).

Franco, Walls and Lowe have combined for 44 stolen bases, more steals than the season totals of 25 of the 30 major league clubs.

Per Elias, no club has led the majors outright in both homers and stolen bases at the end of May since the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers (61HR, 21SB)…the Rays (101HR, 72SB) currently pace MLB in both categories, ahead of Atlanta/Los Angeles-NL (89HR each) and Pittsburgh (58SB), respectively.

INTERLEAGUE RUNDOWN — The Rays 13-5 (.722) mark against NL clubs ties Milwaukee (13-8) for the most Interleague wins in MLB and signals the third-best Interleague winning percentage, trailing Miami (7-2, .778) and New York-AL (9-3, .750)…following a seven-game losing streak from 6/28-8/10, 2022, Tampa Bay has won 15 of its last 20 Interleague matchups dating back to 8/30/22.

Rays hitters are slashing .283/.351/.515 with 35 homers against the NL…they pace the majors in Interleague AVG, SLG, OPS (.866) and homers…Tampa Bay has plated 7+ runs in 10 of its 18 games against NL clubs, including three 10+ run games.

CLOSE SHAVES — Sixteen of Tampa Bay’s last 24 games have been decided by two or fewer runs, including 13 one-run games in that span…the Rays are 14-10 overall in that stretch, including 6-7 in one-run games and 1-2 in two-run games…this comes after just six of Tampa Bay’s first 31 games were decided by two or fewer runs.

On the season, Tampa Bay is 10-8 in one-run games — only Cleveland (11-14) has more one-run wins among AL clubs.

I WALK THE LINE — The Rays 93 walks during the month of May are third most in in the AL behind Minnesota (100BB) and Detroit (96BB)…Randy Arozarena has drawn a walk in 15 of his last 19 games — his 17 walks in that span (since 5/8) are third most in the majors behind PHI Kyle Schwarber (19BB) and SD Juan Soto (18BB).

THE BAY BOMBERS — The Rays have hit a major league-best 101 home runs, the fourth-most long balls through a club’s first 55 games in MLB history (since 1901), trailing only the 1999 Seattle Mariners (110HR), 2019 Minnesota Twins (106HR) and 2020 Los Angeles Dodgers (104HR)…they reached 100 homers in their 54th game of the season, becoming the fifth-fastest team to reach the milestone in MLB history (since 1901).

The Rays have an MLB-best 29 multi-HR games, ahead of New York-AL (27G); they are 24-5 in those contests…this includes 16 games with 3+ homers, most in the majors ahead of Los Angeles-NL (15G); they had 13 games with 3+ HR in 2022.

The Rays have an MLB-best 11 players with 5+ home runs this season, ahead of Los Angeles-NL (10)…they also have four players with 10+ homers, second most in the majors behind Atlanta (6).

WRIGLEY WRAP-UP — The Rays and Cubs meet for the second consecutive season after Tampa Bay took two of three games at Wrigley Field from 4/18-20, 2022…Tampa Bay has won three of its last four games against Chicago-NL, outscoring the Cubs, 24-12 (+2) in that span…the Rays are 6-5 at this venue all-time, including 2-1-1 in series play.

TODAY’S STARTER: RHP TAJ BRADLEY (3-1, 4.44)
YOUTH MOVEMENT — Tampa Bay’s No. 1 prospect and the No. 16 prospect in baseball (MLB.com) will make his sixth career start this afternoon vs. Chicago-NL, including his third road start…went 7-4 with a 2.57 ERA (133.1IP, 38ER) over 28 starts between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham in 2022…was selected by the Rays in the fifth round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft.

BIG LEAGUE DEBUT — Bradley earned the win in his MLB debut on 4/12 vs. Boston after tossing 5.0 innings, allowing three runs on five hits and
a walk with eight strikeouts…fanned Rafael Devers in the first inning for the first strikeout of his career…became the second of three player to make their big league debut for the Rays this season, joining RHP Kevin Kelly on 4/1 vs. Detroit and RHP Braden Bristo on 4/13 vs. Boston.

LAST TIME OUT — Bradley took his first career loss on 5/23 vs. Toronto after throwing 4.0 innings, allowing four runs on nine hits with no walks and seven strikeouts.

Through five starts, Bradley has struck out 34 batters against just four walks…the 34 strikeouts are tied with Chris Archer for the second most by a Rays pitcher through their first five career starts, trailing only Jake Faria (35 SO)… Jake Faria holds the franchise record for the most strikeouts through six career starts with 37SO.

Bradley joins WSH Joe Ross (34SO, 3BB) as the only pitchers in MLB history (since 1901) with 30+ strikeouts and four or fewer walks through their first five career starts.

REVERSE SPLIT — Bradley’s is holding left-handed batters to a .179 (7-for39) average with one extra-base hit (2B), compared to a .304 (17-for-56) mark with 7 XBH (2 2B, 3B, 4HR) against right-handed batters…in five starts with Triple-A Durham this season, he held lefties to a .167 (4-for-24) average compared to a .372 (16-for-43) mark against righties.

CHICAGO CUBS NOTES:

Cubs vs. Rays
The Cubs and Rays meet for a three-game set at Wrigley Field for the second-straight year as Chicago dropped two-of-three to Tampa Bay at the Friendly Confines, April 18-20 … prior to 2022, the teams had met in 2017 with the clubs splitting two-game sets both at Wrigley Field and
Tropicana Field.

MEMORIAL DAY MATINEE: The Chicago Cubs today play the first of three games against the Tampa Bay Rays, looking to snap a four-game skid … the Cubs yesterday fell to the Reds 8-5 after holding a 3-2 lead entering the third inning – it mark Chicago’s 13th setback in which it held a lead at some point in the game … this is the seventh contest of a nine-game homestand that started with a series win against the New York Mets (2-1) before a three-game sweep at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds (0-3).

Chicago owns a 110-104 all-time record on Memorial Day with its last victory on the holiday coming on May 31, 2021, vs. the Padres (7-2).

After the game on April 21, Chicago was 12-7 and 1.5 games behind the division lead … since, the club is 10-23 and enters today 5.5 games behind the division-leading Brewers, sitting at 28-25.

Following this series, the Cubs have Thursday off before a 10-game California swing at the Padres (4 games starting Friday), Angels (3 games starting next Monday) and Giants (3 games beginning June 9).

‘STRO SHOW AT HOME: Today’s Cubs starter Marcus Stroman has posted a 2.05 ERA (13 ER/57.0 IP) in his last nine starts at Wrigley Field dating to Sept. 16 of last season, recording quality starts in eight of those outings … he’s walked 17, struck out 52 and recorded a 0.93 WHIP in that span at Wrigley Field.

AT THE PLATE: The Cubs have drawn 201 free passes this season, third-most in the majors behind the Dodgers (233) and Padres (224) … that’s contributed to a .335 team OBP that ranks third in the majors and a .755 OPS that is fourth in the N.L. and seventh in the majors.

Ian Happ’s .396 OBP is eighth in the N.L. … his 37 walks are tied for fourth-most in baseball.

Dansby Swanson’s 30 walks are tied for ninth in the N.L.

Nico Hoerner’s 12 stolen bases are seventh in the Senior Circuit.

Patrick Wisdom’s 14 homers are fifth in the N.L. while his .556 slugging percentage is seventh.

MULTIPLICITY: Patrick Wisdom yesterday recorded his eighth career multi-homer effort and his third of the 2023 campaign … since the start of 2021, Wisdom has averaged one homer every 14.30 at-bats, the third-best mark in the N.L. in that span behind Kyle Schwarber (12.75) and Pete Alonso (14.02).

RUMINATIONS REGARDING RUNS: Chicago this season has surrendered two or fewer runs in 21 games, tied for the fourth-most such games in the majors behind only Seattle (23), Tampa Bay (22) and Texas (22).

The Cubs enter today having allowed eight or more runs in four-straight home games for the first time since July 31-Aug. 10, 2005, vs. Cincinnati (3 G) and Arizona (1 G).

The Cubs have allowed 10 or more runs in four of their last 14 games since May 13 after not doing so in the team’s first 38 contests to begin the season.

SUZUKI AT THE DISH: Seiya Suzuki has a .390 average (16-for-41) with a 1.042 OPS against lefties this year … Suzuki has hit .305 (18-for-59) with five doubles, five homers, 13 walks, a .425 OBP and a .644 slugging mark in his last 17 games since May 8.

Suzuki is hitting .296 (24-for-81) with six doubles, five homers, 10 runs, 13 RBI, 15 walks and a .402 OBP in 24 May contests … he hit .264 (19-for-72) with two doubles, a triple, two homers, 10 runs, right RBI, seven walks and a .333 OBP in 19 April games after he started the season on the 10-day I.L. with a left oblique strain.

SOMETHING OF QUALITY: Marcus Stroman’s 8.0 innings with two runs allowed on Wesdnesday marked Chicago’s 24th quality start of the season, the second-most in the N.L. (Pittsburgh, 25) and tied for seventh-most in the majors.

Stroman is tied for the major league lead with nine quality starts (also Cleveland’s Shane Bieber and Houston’s Framber Valdez) … Justin Steele’s eight quality starts are tied for fourth-most in the majors.

ABOUT THE RELIEF ARMS: Chicago’s bullpen posted a 2.32 ERA (16 ER/62.0 IP) in 17 games from April 25-May 12 with a 0.97 WHIP, 18 walks and 44 strikeouts … following play on May 12, the Cubs bullpen had posted a 3.42 ERA (53 ER/129.1 IP), the eighth-best mark in the majors.

Since May 13, Chicago’s bullpen has posted an 8.05 ERA (45 ER/50.1 IP) in the team’s last 14 games, pitching to a 2.09 WHIP … however, the bullpen’s 10.73 strikeouts per 9.0 innings (60 SO/50.1 IP) in this span ranks third-highest in the N.L. and sixth-best in the majors.

FIRST FRAME FUNK: Including two runs allowed on Friday, the Cubs have surrendered first-inning runs in 11 of their last 17 games dating to May 9 (20 runs total) … Chicago has plated first-inning runs in four of those contests (6 runs total), including a run in Saturday’s first inning.

STINGY IN VICTORY: The Cubs have allowed two or fewer runs in 15 of their last 16 victories dating to April 14 … the lone win in that span in which Chicago allowed more than two runs came in a 10-4 win vs. the Cardinals on May 10.

PLAYING THE MARGINS: Chicago is 17-15 (.531) in games decided by three or more runs … however, the team is just 5-15 (.250) in games decided by two or fewer runs, the lowest winning percentage in the majors in those contests … that includes a 2-10 (.167) mark in one-run games.

Starting Pitcher – #0 RHP Marcus Stroman (4-4, 2.95)
Last Time Out
Marcus earned his fourth win of the season, tossing 8.0 innings while allowing four hits and two runs … was his longest outing of 2023 and was longest since his threw 8.0 frames on July 21, 2021 at Cincinnati while with the Mets … was his ninth outing of the year tossing at least 6.0 innings while allowing two earned runs or fewer … has allowed two or fewer earned runs in five of his last six starts … recorded his MLB-high-tying ninth quality start.

Date Opp. Result IP H R ER BB SO PC-S Left
5/24 NYM W, 4-2 8.0 4 2 2 2 3 88-59 4-2
2023 Splits and Season Notes
W-L ERA G GS IP H R ER BB SO
Home 3-3 2.68 6 6 37.0 24 11 11 12 34
Road 1-1 3.33 5 5 27.0 23 10 10 11 20
AVG vs. LHB: .181 (21-for-116) / AVG vs. RHB: .230 (26-for-113)

Marcus is scheduled to make his team-high 12th start of the 2023 season today, his seventh at home … dating to Aug. 30, 2022, has allowed two runs or fewer in 14 of his last 18 starts, pitching to a 2.63 ERA (31 ER/106.0 IP), the second-lowest ERA in the majors during that span (min. 18 GS) … his nine quality starts are tied for the major league lead this season and his 18 such outings since the All-Star break of last season are tied for third-most in the MLB … has made 32 career appearances (29 starts) in interleague play, going 11-10 with a 3.40 ERA (68 ER/180.0 IP).

Recorded his 1,000th career strikeout April 23 vs. Los Angeles (N.L.), retiring Freddie Freeman looking in the third inning.

Became the second Cubs starting pitcher since 1901 (also Jake Arrieta, 2016) with three outings of at least 6.0 scoreless innings in the team’s first 16 games.

Became the third Cubs starting pitcher since 1901 to allow two or fewer combined runs over his first four starts of a season (also Steve Stone, 1976; Jason Hammel, 2016).

Posted a 14.0-inning scoreless streak to begin the season, the fourth-longest by a Cubs pitcher since 1901.

Made his third career Opening Day start March 30 vs. Milwaukee (0 ER/6.0 IP), earning the win … improved to 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA (3 ER/21.0
IP) in his three career Opening Day starts.

In three Cactus League starts with the Cubs, went 2-0 with a 0.90 ERA (1 ER/10.0 IP) and 10 strikeouts.

Made two starts for Team Puerto Rico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, posting a 3.00 ERA (3 ER/9.0 IP)

NHL Western Conference Finals Game 6 Preview: Vegas Golden Knights (3-2) at Dallas Stars (3-2)

NHL Editor
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NHL Western Conference Finals Game 6 Preview: Vegas Golden Knights (3-2) at Dallas Stars (3-2)

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS NOTES:

2023 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS – WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. DALLAS STARS
Golden Knights 2022-23 Regular Season Record: 51-22-9, 111 points (25-15-1 at Home, 26-7-8 on Road)

DATE RESULT VGK GOALS VGK GOALIE DAL GOALIE
May 19 Vegas 4, Dallas 3 OT 71(2), 53, 21 Hill Oettinger
May 21 Vegas 3, Dallas 2 OT 61, 81, 20 Hill Oettinger
May 23 Vegas 4, Dallas 0 81, 49, 28, 7 Hill Oettinger/Wedgewood
May 25 Vegas 2, Dallas 3 OT 71, 81 Hill Oettinger
May 27 Vegas 2, Dallas 4 49, 20 Hill Oettinger

DATE OPPONENT TIME (PT) TELEVISION RADIO SPANISH RADIO
May 29 at Dallas Stars 5 p.m. ESPN Fox Sports 98.9 FM/1340 AM Deportes 1460 AM
May 31* vs. Dallas Stars 6 p.m. ESPN Fox Sports 98.9 FM/1340 AM Deportes 1460 AM
*If Necessary

Game 5 Recap
May 27 – Vegas Golden Knights 2, Dallas Stars 4
The Vegas Golden Knights were defeated by the Dallas Stars, 4-2, in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final on Saturday night at TMobile Arena. Vegas leads the series, 3-2. Vegas got on the board first as Ivan Barbashev tucked a shot past Jake Oettinger, but Luke Glendening’s goal less than two minutes later tied the game at 1-1. Chandler Stephenson gave the Golden Knights the lead again early in the second period, but Jason Robertson answered quickly to make it 2-2. Ty Dellandrea scored twice in the third period as Dallas won the game, 4-2, and extended the series.

VGK/DAL – Regular Season Recap
The Golden Knights held a 0-1-2 record against the Stars in the 2022-23 regular season. In the first matchup, Vegas was shut out, 4-0, by Jake Oettinger. In the second contest, Michael Amadio and Jack Eichel each scored to give the Golden Knights a 2-1 advantage, until Roope Hintz scored in the final 38 seconds of regulation to send the game into overtime. After a scoreless extra session, it was Jason Robertson and Hintz who each put pucks past Laurent Brossoit to secure the comeback win in the shootout. In the final meeting of the season, Brett Howden got Vegas on the board first, but Joel Kiviranta tied things up for Dallas and forced overtime. Neither team was able to finish things in the extra session and it was Hintz who was the shootout hero again.

Playoff History with Dallas
Western Conference Final 2020 (1-4)

  1. Sep. 6 vs. DAL – Vegas 0, Dallas 1
  2. Sep. 8 vs. DAL – Vegas 3, Dallas 0
  3. Sep. 8 vs. DAL – Vegas 2, Dallas 3 OT
  4. Sep. 12 vs. DAL – Vegas 1, Dallas 2
  5. Sep. 14 vs DAL – Vegas 2, Dallas 3 OT

It’s Clinching Time
With one more win against the Stars, the Golden Knights will earn their second Stanley Cup Final berth in their six-year history. Game 6 with Dallas will be Vegas’ third chance to move on to the final round; the Golden Knights hold a 9-10 franchise record when they have a chance to clinch a playoff series. The Golden Knights have closed out a series four times on the road, most recently this season when Vegas defeated Edmonton 5-2 to advance to the Western Conference Final.

Great Eight
Chandler Stephenson found the back of the net for the second time in the Western Conference Final and eighth time in the postseason to join Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlsson for the team lead in goals. The three have matched the franchise record for most goals scored in a single playoff run, joining Alex Tuch (2020) and matching Marchessault’s own total from 2018. Stephenson has recorded twice as many points this postseason than his previous career-high with 14 (8-6—14) in 16 games played.

Magic Number
Vegas is 43-3 all-time when scoring at least three goals in the playoffs, including wins in each of the last 31 such instances. In all four losses this postseason, the Golden Knights have been held to one or two goals.

In the Winning Business
Vegas (49-33 in 82 GP) has a postseason winning percentage of .598, leading all NHL franchises. The Golden Knights’ 49 playoff wins are the second-most in the NHL since 2017-18, trailing only Tampa Bay’s 98 victories.

Comeback Season
The Golden Knights completed their eighth comeback win of the postseason on Game 2 and became the sixth team in NHL playoff history to do so in four straight games. Vegas has allowed the first goal in 10 of their 15 playoff games this year and holds a record of 7-3 after allowing the first goal in the game. Vegas’ five games scoring first are the fewest among the final four teams in the 2023 playoffs.

DALLAS STARS NOTES:

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SERIES SCHEDULE
Date Time (CT) DAL [C2] vs. VGK [P1] Location TV/Radio/Result
Game 1 Fri, May 19 7:30 p.m. Dallas at Vegas T-Mobile Arena Vegas 4, Stars 3 (OT)
Game 2 Sun, May 21 2 p.m. Dallas at Vegas T-Mobile Arena Vegas 3, Dallas 2 (OT)
Game 3 Tue, May 23 7 p.m. Vegas at Dallas American Airlines Center Vegas 4, Dallas 0
Game 4 Thu, May 25 7 p.m. Vegas at Dallas American Airlines Center Dallas 3, Vegas 2 (OT)
Game 5 Sat, May 27 7 p.m. Dallas at Vegas T-Mobile Arena Dallas 4, Vegas 2
Game 6 Mon, May 29 7 p.m. Vegas at Dallas American Airlines Center ESPN, ESPN+, SN, CBC, TVAS
Game 7 * Wed, May 31 8 p.m. Dallas at Vegas T-Mobile Arena ESPN, ESPN+, SN, CBC, TVAS

  • if necessary
    RECENT TRANSACTIONS
    April 3 – Recalled defenseman Thomas Harley from Texas (AHL)
    April 19 – Recalled forward Riley Tufte from Texas (AHL)
    April 26 – Loaned forward Riley Tufte to Texas (AHL)
    May 6 – Signed defenseman Lian Bichsel to a three-year entry-level contract
    May 25 – Recalled forwards Mavrik Bourque and Rhett Gardner from Texas (AHL)
    May 25 – Recalled forwards Oskar Back, Matej Blumel, Marián Studenič and Riley Tufte, defensemen Alexander
    Petrovic and Ryan Shea and goaltender Matt Murray from Texas (AHL)

HOW THE STARS-GOLDEN KNIGHTS SERIES HAS UNFOLDED
Game 1: May 19, 2023 – STARS 3 at GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4 (OT) | Vegas leads series 1-0
Despite a game-tying marker at the 58:01 mark of the third period from captain Jamie Benn (1-0—1), the Stars fell 4-3 in overtime on a goal from Vegas forward Brett Howden just 1:35 into sudden death. Dallas opened the scoring on a goal from forward Jason Robertson, who finished the game with a multi-point performance (1-1—2). Forward Roope Hintz continued his torrid pace in the playoffs, leading all skaters with three points (1-2—3). Forward Joe Pavelski added two assists (0-2—2), while goaltender Jake Oettinger stopped 33 of 37 shots.
PP: 0-2 | PK: 1-1 | SF: 36 | SA: 37 | DAL TOI: M. Heiskanen (29:23 – game high) | Attendance: 18,271
Three Stars: 1. VGK – B. Howden 2. VGK – W. Karlsson 3. DAL – J. Benn

Game 2: May 21, 2023 – STARS 2 at GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3 (OT) | Vegas leads series 2-0
The Stars opened the scoring and held a one-goal lead in the final minutes of regulation but fell in overtime for the second consecutive game. Defenseman Miro Heiskanen (1-0—1) tallied his first goal of the playoffs at the 2:47 mark of the opening frame and forward Jason Robertson (1-0—1) scored his second goal in as many games with a power-play tally midway through the middle frame. Defenseman Ryan Suter (0-2—2) assisted on both goals, while forwards Luke Glendening (0-1—1) and Evgenii Dadonov (0-1—1) added helpers. Goaltender Jake Oettinger made 21 saves on 24
shots.
PP: 1-3 | PK: 1-2 | SF: 28 | SA: 24 | DAL TOI: M. Heiskanen (28:19 – game high) | Attendance: 18,358
Three Stars: 1. VGK – C. Stephenson 2. VGK – J. Marchessault 3. VGK – M. Stone

Game 3: May 23, 2023 – STARS 0 vs. GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4 | Vegas leads series 3-0
The Stars suffered their third defeat of the series with a 4-0 loss to the Golden Knights in Game 3 at American Airlines Center. Dallas outshot Vegas 34-16 but were shutout for the first time in the playoffs (16 GP). Jake Oettinger made his 16th start of the postseason but was pulled 7:10 into the first period (three saves on five shots). Scott Wedgewood came on in relief for the remainder of the game and made 10 saves on 11 shots. Defenseman Jani Hakanpää made his series debut, recording four hits, two shots and two blocked shots in 18:36 TOI. Forward Radek Faksa went 77% in the faceoff dot, winning 10 of 13 draws.
PP: 0-2 | PK: 5-6 | SF: 34 | SA: 16 | DAL TOI: E. Lindell (22:16 – game high) | Attendance: 18,532
Three Stars: 1. VGK – A. Hill 2. VGK – I. Barbashev 3. VGK – A. Pietrangelo

Game 4: May 25, 2023 – STARS 3 vs. GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2 (OT) |
Vegas leads series 3-1 With their backs against the wall in a must-win scenario, the Stars came through in sudden death with a 3-2 overtime victory in Game 4 to extend their series against the Vegas Golden Knights. Twice erasing one-goal deficits with goals from forward Jason Robertson (2-0—2), the Stars lived to fight another day when forward Joe Pavelski (1-0—1) buried a one-timer from the left faceoff dot on the power play at the 3:18 mark of OT to send a sold-out crowd at American Airlines Center into a frenzy. Robertson’s two-goal performance marked his first career multi-goal playoff game, becoming the 10th player in Dallas Stars history with multiple goals in a game when facing elimination and the first since Corey Perry in Game 5 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final. Pavelski, meanwhile, scored his fourth career playoff overtime goal, tying Nicklas Backstrom and Patrice Bergeron for the second most among active players behind only Patrick Kane and Corey Perry (both with 5).
PP: 2-2 | PK: 1-1 | SF: 42 | SA: 39 | DAL TOI: M. Heiskanen (30:00 – game high) | Attendance: 18,532
Three Stars: 1. DAL – J. Robertson 2. DAL – J. Pavelski 3. VGK – A. Hill

Game 5: May 27, 2023 – STARS 4 at GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2 | Vegas leads series 3-2
Facing yet another must-win scenario, the Stars came away with a 4-2 victory in Game 5 at T-Mobile Arena. Led by forward Ty Dellandrea’s first career multi-goal game (2-0—2) and a 27-save performance from goaltender Jake Oettinger, the Stars have forced a Game 6 back on home ice with their highest goal output of the series. Dallas erased one-goal deficits on two separate occasions on goals from forwards Luke Glendening (1-0—1) and Jason Robertson (1- 0—1). Defenseman Thomas Harley (0-2—2) recorded his second multi-point performance of the playoffs with two assists, which marked his first points in the Western Conference Final. Forwards Max Domi (0-1—1), Joe Pavelski (0-1—1), Joel Kiviranta (0-1—1) and defenseman Ryan Suter (0-1—1) picked up assists.
PP: 0-0 | PK: 1-1 | SF: 29 | SA: 34 | DAL TOI: M. Heiskanen (25:33 – game high) | Attendance: 18,546
Three Stars: 1. DAL – T. Dellandrea 2. DAL – J. Robertson 3. VGK – C. Stephenson

DALLAS STARS POSTSEASON NOTES
TONIGHT’S GAME: The Stars are back on home ice for Game 6 after clawing their way back in their Western Conference Final showdown against the Vegas Golden Knights. (7 p.m. CT, ESPN, ESPN+, SN, CBC, TVAS, Radio: The Ticket 96.7- FM/1310-AM). After dropping the first three games of the series, the Stars have won the past two, including a 4-2 victory on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Should Dallas win tonight, Game 7 will take place at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday, May 31. (8 p.m. CT). This represents a rematch of the 2020 Western Conference Final, where the Stars earned a 4-1 series win en route to their first Stanley Cup Final in 20 years.

STARS-GOLDEN KNIGHTS PLAYOFF HISTORY

  • This marks the second all-time meeting between the Stars and Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The previous matchup between the two clubs was in the 2020 Conference Finals, a series won in five games by Dallas, which saw the first instance in the NHL’s modern era (since 1943-44) of a Conference Finals or Semifinals series opening with each team earning a shutout within the first two contests.
  • The Western Conference Final represents the fourth instance in the past 25 years of head coaches, both in their first season with a team, meeting in the penultimate round of the playoffs. The last occurrence was also between Dallas and Vegas in 2020 (DAL: Rick Bowness; VGK: Pete DeBoer). The others: 2010 (PHI: Peter Laviolette; MTL: Jacques Martin) and 1998 (WSH: Ron Wilson; BUF: Lindy Ruff).

MLB Preview: Minnesota Twins (27-26) at Houston Astros (31-21)

MLB Editor
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MLB Preview: Minnesota Twins (27-26) at Houston Astros (31-21)

MINNESOTA TWINS NOTES:

THE TWINS: Completed their six-game, seven-day homestand with a record of 2-4, going 1-2 against the Giants and 1-2 vs. the Blue Jays…today, Minnesota will begin a short three-game road trip with the first of three at Houston…after this series concludes on Wednesday night, the Twins will travel back home for a quick four-game series/homestand against the Guardians from Thursday-Sunday…the Twins have gone 16-12 at Target Field and 11-14 on the road.

TWINS GET AN UNWELCOME VISIT FROM AN OLD FRIEND: The Twins were shut out by José Berríos and the Blue Jays yesterday afternoon by a score of 3-0, suffering their fourth-consecutive series loss…they were shut out for the fourth time this season and first time at home…Bailey Ober (3-2) was the starter and loser, allowing two runs on five hits in 5.0 innings pitched, with one walk and seven strikeouts…the offense recorded five hits, two from Matt Wallner, who also drew two walks…after going 4-for-4 on Saturday afternoon, Wallner extended his on-base streak to eight-straight plate appearances, tying a club rookie record, held by Dan Ford (7/1-2/75), Denard Span (7/9-11/08) and Danny Valencia (7/26-27/10) (credit Elias).

ROSTER MOVES: Earlier today the Twins reinstated Max Kepler from the 10-day Injured List and returned Royce Lewis from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 60-day IL.

Kepler, who was placed on the Injured List on May 13 with a strained left hamstring, has played in 28 games for the Twins this season, hitting .212 (21-for-99) with five doubles, six home runs, 14 RBI, 17 runs scored, 10 walks and a .743 OPS.

Lewis, who underwent ACL reconstructive surgery on his right knee in June of 2022, played in 10 games on rehab assignment with Double-A Wichita and Triple-A St. Paul, hitting .333 (13-for-39) with two doubles, four home runs, 11 RBI and a 1.088 OPS…the 2017 first overall pick made his major league debut on May 6, 2022 and appeared in 12 games for the Twins last season, hitting .300 (12-for-40) with four doubles, two home runs, five RBI, five runs scored, one walk and an .867 OPS.

To make room on the 26-man roster, the Twins have optioned Kyle Garlick and Matt Wallner to Triple-A St. Paul.

To make room for Lewis on the 40-man roster, the Twins have transferred Nick Gordon to the 60-day IL (right tibia fracture).

RIGHT WHEN ROYCE WAS ROLLING: Royce Lewis made his major league debut on May 6, 2022 vs. Oakland, going 1-for-4, singling off Kirby Snead for his first major league hit…he played in 11 games for the Twins then was optioned back to Triple-A St. Paul when Carlos Correa was reinstated from the IL on May 18…he was recalled again May 29 and started in centerfield that day vs. Kansas City…he made a catch on a fly ball on the warning track in the third inning and came up limping…he was originally diagnosed with a right knee bone bruise but further testing showed that Lewis needed ACL surgery for the second time…in eight games prior to his season ending, Lewis hit .333 (9-for-27) with three doubles, two home runs, five RBI and a 1.024 OPS.

US AND THEM: Twins starters have averaged 5.6 innings-per-outing, up from 4.8 in 2022… below are Twins starting pitching ranks in all of baseball:

INNINGS ERA BAA WHIFF% FIP WHIP K’s OPS
TOR – 305.0 TEX – 3.17 TB – .226 HOU – 30.0 MIN – 3.34 SEA – 1.09 MIN – 330 SEA – .637
TEX – 301.1 TB – 3.17 MIN – .229 ATL – 29.8 SEA – 3.40 MIN – 1.12 CWS – 307 TB – .651
SEA – 300.0 HOU – 3.22 SEA – .229 MIN – 27.9 TB – 3.56 TEX – 1.13 ATL – 303 MIN – .660
CWS – 299.2 MIN – 3.30 NYY – .234 LAA – 27.6 TEX – 3.67 TB – 1.13 TOR – 302 TEX – .670
MIN – 297.0 ATL – 3.42 TEX – .234 MIA – 27.5 ATL – 3.69 HOU – 1.18 HOU – 298 ATL – .695

ALL THE K’S IN MAY: The Twins pitchers have 240 strikeouts this month, fifth most in May in club history with their most being 260 in 2019 (below)…their record for any month is 274, done in April.

YEAR K/9.0 STRIKEOUTS
2019 (29 games)…………………………………………………9.14 ……………………………………………………..260
2022 (30 games)…………………………………………………8.63 ……………………………………………………..256
2018 (28 games)…………………………………………………8.78 ……………………………………………………..252
2021 (29 games)…………………………………………………8.54 ……………………………………………………..243
2023 (23 games) ……………………………………………….*9.90 …………………………………………………….240

  • indicates club record for May

SHOOTING STARS: The Twins and Astros are playing each other today for the fourth of six scheduled games in 2023…the Twins are 37-43 all-time against the Astros in the regular season, including a record of 26-34 since Houston joined the American League in 2013.

The Twins hosted the Astros for a three-game series at Target Field from April 7-9 to open the home portion of their schedule and won the series 2-1, their first series win over the Astros since taking three of four at Minute Maid Park from August 5-8, 2021.

The Twins last trip to Houston came August 23-25, 2022, getting swept in three games and outscored 15-8…that trip capped off a win-less season against Houston (0-6).

The Twins’ last win in Houston came on August 8, 2021, a 7-5 victory as Kenta Maeda beat Lance McCullers Jr….in that game, Jorge Polanco homered twice and Miguel Sanó homered once. A2022 and 2023 comparison vs. Houston in the right margin

C4, IGNITING: Carlos Correa went 1-for-4 with a single yesterday afternoon and has now reached safely in each of his last 14 games, hitting .288 (15-for-52) in that span, with a .413 on-base percentage (15 hits & 11 walks), six doubles, one home run, nine RBI and an .874 OPS…Correa’s current streak is his longest since reaching in 20-straight from September 13-October 3, 2022…his career-long is 27, from June 10-July 15, 2017 with Houston.

Correa has drawn eight walks in his last six games and 11 walks in his last 14 games, since May 10…since that date, his 11 walks are tied for sixth most in the AL.

Correa made his return to Houston for a three-game series August 23-25, 2022 and went 1-for-11 with one RBI and four strikeouts… in five career games against his former club, he is 2-for-20 (.100) with one walk, one double and one RBI.

THE WALKING MAN WALKS: Joey Gallo has drawn at least one walk in six of his last seven games, since May 20, totaling eight walks in that span…since that date, he trails only Juan Soto (3.20) in all of baseball in plate appearances-per-walk at 3.25…on the season, he has drawn 23 walks, compared to 25 hits recorded…he has a difference of 131 points between his batting average (.207) and on-base percentage (.338), the seventh-widest margin in baseball, trailing Juan Soto (161, .422 – .261), Ryan Noda (159, .400 – .241), Kyle Schwarber (155, .323 – .168), LaMonte Wade Jr. (144, .409 – .265), Gunnar Henderson (133, .333 – .200) and Max Muncy (132, .340 – .208).

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY: The Twins are 24-32 all-time on Memorial Day…on Memorial Day 2022, the Twins lost to the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park by a score of 7-5 as Dylan Bundy faced Beau Brieske…Joe Smith was the losing pitcher, allowing two runs (1 earned) in the seventh inning, which broke a 4-4 tie…Gary Sánchez, Gio Urshela and Jose Miranda all homered in the game…the Twins’ last Memorial Day win came in 2021, beating the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards by a score of 3-2 in 10 innings.

STARTING PITCHER – SONNY GRAY 54
2023: 4-0, 1.82 ERA CAREER: 94-77, 3.50 ERA

Enters today leading all qualified major league pitchers in ERA…also ranks first in FIP (1.96) and fifth in WAR (2.4).

Making his 258th career appearance and 249th career start.

Facing Houston for the first time this season, 12th in his career; is 4-4, 2.90 ERA (71.1 IP, 23 ER) with 22 walks and 62 strikeouts…looking for his first win against the Giants since September 8, 2015.

Making 11th start of the year and fifth on the road…is 5-3, 3.42 ERA (71.0 IP, 27 ER) with 37 walks and 57 strikeouts in 15 road starts since joining the Twins.

Acquired by the Twins on March 13, 2022 in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds, along with right-handed pitcher Francis Peguero, in exchange for right-handed pitcher Chase Petty

LAST TIME OUT: Did not factor into the decision against the San Francisco Giants on May 23 at Target Field, opposite Alex Cobb…pitched 5.0-plus innings, allowing two runs on six hits, with two walks and six strikeouts…tossed 105 pitches, his second time tossing over 100 pitches this season (also, season-high 107 on April 24 vs. New York-AL)…retired 16 of the first 20 batters he faced…lifted from the game in the sixth inning after loading the bases with two walk and one double…Jovani Moran entered in relief and issued a bases-loaded walk to catcher Patrick Bailey…Brock Stewart replaced Moran and also issued a bases-loaded walk to outfielder Bryce Johnson (both runs were charge to Gray)…marked the first time the Twins issued multiple bases-loaded walks in the same inning since September 8, 2020 at St. Louis when Randy Dobnak and Caleb Thielbar issued two walks in the bottom of the third inning…Jorge López entered in the seventh inning and yielded the final runs scored via a two-run home run to outfielder Michael Conforto.

TWO STARTS AGO: Did not factor into the decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 17 at Dodger Stadium, opposite Dustin May…pitched 4.0 innings, allowing two runs on five hits, with three walks and four strikeouts…marked his shortest start of the season and his shortest outing since September 24, 2022 vs. Washington where he also pitched 4.0 innings…allowed his first run in the third inning via a sacrifice fly to infielder Freddie Freeman…yielded his last run on an RBI single to outfielder Mookie Betts in the fourth inning…relieved by Jovani Moran in the fifth as the bullpen combined to pitch 4.0 innings while allowing five runs…Moran pitched a scoreless fifth while José De León pitched a scoreless sixth in his season debut…lifted after allowing two singles in the seventh inning…Emilio Pagán entered in the seventh inning and permitted all five runs…issued a bases loaded walk to infielder Miguel Rojas followed by a grand slam by outfielder James Outman.

TENS ACROSS THE BOARD: Gray holds the third-lowest ERA through a pitcher’s first 10 starts of the season in Twins history (1961-), trailing Scott Erickson (1.63, 1991) and Ervin Santana (1.80, 2017), ranks ninth in strikeouts and tied for seventh in fewest hits allowed (min. 50.0 IP)…is the only pitcher in the majors who has yet to allow a home run this season (min. 50.0 IP).

AGAINST HOUSTON: Gray is facing the Astros for the 12th time in his career, going 4-4, 2.90 ERA (71.1 IP, 23 ER) with 22 walks and 62 strikeouts in his 11 previous appearances…last faced Houston on April 7 at Target Field, taking a no-decision in a 10-inning, 3-2 Twins home opener victory after allowing one run on four hits with one walk and a career-high 13 strikeouts in 7.0 innings…yielded his only run via an RBI single by infielder Alex Bregman in the third inning…relieved by Griffin Jax in the eighth inning as the bullpen combined to pitch 3.0 innings and allowed one run (an RBI single by infielder Mauricio Dubón in the 10th off Jorge López)…the Twins won the game via an RBI singleby infielder Kyle Farmer off Ryne Stanek.

Looking for his first win against the Astros since September 8, 2015 when he led the Oakland Athletics to a 4-0 win at Oakland Coliseum after pitching 7.0 shutout innings, allowing five hits with two walks and four strikeouts…enters today with a two-game losing streak since June 20, 2017; 0-2, 4.00 ERA (18.0 IP, 8 ER) with eight walks and 22 strikeouts in the three-game span.

Has never won at Minute Maid Park in his career; is 0-2, 4.64 ERA (21.1 IP, 11 ER) with 11 walks and 15 strikeouts in his four previous appearances at “The Juice Box”…has not pitched at Minute Maid Park since April 30, 2018 when he took the 2-1 Yankees loss.

Has one career Postseason start against the Astros on October 17, 2017 in the ALCS as a member of the New York Yankees…did not factor into the decision after pitching 5.0 innings, allowing two runs (1 earned) on one hit, with two walks and four strikeouts.

ON THE ROAD: Gray is making his fifth road start of the season today, going 1-0, 2.84 ERA (19.0 IP, 6 ER) with 12 walks and 18 strikeouts in his four prior road outings…went 4-3, 3.63 ERA (52.0 IP, 21 ER) with 11 walks and 39 strikeouts in 11 home starts in 2022 and is 41-39, 3.24 ERA (677.2 IP, 244 ER) with 254 walks and 655 strikeouts in 122 career road appearances, including 117 starts.

Is 5-3, 3.42 ERA (71.0 IP, 27 ER) with 23 walks and 57 strikeouts in 15 road starts since becoming a Twin.

Ranks 12th for lowest road ERA in the American League this season (min. 18.0 IP).

THE ARSENAL: Gray is currently using a six-pitch mix, per Baseball Savant…continues to use his curveball the most at 23.4 percent…four of his six hits allowed during his last start on May 23 vs. San Francisco came off fastballs…primarily uses his curveball (141 pitches) and changeup (64 pitches) against lefties and his cutter (132 pitches), sinker (151 pitches) and sweeper (132 pitches) against righties…here’s a look at his repertoire so far:

PITCH (AVG. MPH) PCT. (# OF PITCHES, VS. RHB/LHB) RESULTS
Curveball (79.0)…………………….23.4% (218 pitches, 77/141)…………. .217 (10-for-46), 3 2B, 14 K
Cutter (87.4) …………………………18.3% (171 pitches, 132/39)…………….. .161 (5-for-31), 2 2B, 7 K
Sinker (92.5) …………………………18.1% (169 pitches, 151/18)…… .189 (7-for-37), 2 2B, 1 3B, 17 K
4-Seam Fastball (92.6)…………..18.0% (168 pitches, 50/118)…………… .375 (12-for-32), 3 2B, 3 K
Sweeper (83.3)……………………….15.0% (140 pitches, 132/8)……………. .186 (8-for-43), 2 2B, 23 K
Changeup (87.2)……………………….7.1% (66 pitches, 2/64)………………… .154 (2-for-13), 1 2B, 2 K

Owns the seventh lowest opponent batting average (min. 25 PA) against a cutter and 12th against a sinker.

His 23 strikeouts on his sweeper at fourth most in the majors, behind Shohei Ohtani (46), Justin Lawrence (28) and Ken Waldichuk (24).

HOUSTON ASTROS NOTES:

TODAY’S GAME: The Astros will play a Memorial Day matinee today against the Twins, in what is the opener of a seven-game homestand for Houston…rookie RHP J.P. France will get the start for Houston, making his fifth Major League start, opposite veteran RHP Sonny Gray and the Twins.

RECENT ‘STROS: The Astros are 14-3 in their last 17 games to put them a season-high 10 games above .500…within this run, the Astros are 6-0 at home and 8-3 on the road.

GRINDERS: Today is the fourth day in a streak of 17 consecutive days with a game for the Astros…prior to this week, the most days the Astros had played in a row was seven, a streak that opened the season from March 30-April 5.

THE FRENCHMAN:RHP J.P. France has been solid in his first four Major League starts, limiting his opponents to one-or-fewer earned runs in three of those outings…the 28-year-old rookie, and the former 14th-round pick by the Astros, earned his way to the Major League rotation after having a strong start to the season at Triple A Sugar Land, going 2-1 with a 2.33 ERA (5ER/19.1IP) in five games (three starts).

VS. MINNESOTA: The Astros and Twins are seeing each other for the second and final time of the 2023 regular season… the Twins won the previous series, two game to one, in chilly Minnesota from April 7-9…RHP J.P. France and RHP Brandon Bielak were not in the Astros rotation during that series, but Wednesday’s starter RHP Hunter Brown tossed 7.0 innings of one-run ball in the Astros lone victory.

SUNDAY FUNDAY: The Astros walloped the A’s in Oakland yesterday to the tune of 10-1, securing their fourth series sweep of the season and their second against the A’s…the Astros got there with a seven-homer performance, including two by DH Yordan Alvarez (2×5, 2RBI), giving him his second two-homer game of the road trip…2B Jose Altuve and 1B José Abreu also homered, their first of the season…the beneficiary was RHP Cristian Javier (1ER/5IP), who picked up the win, his club-leading sixth of the season.

LUCKY SEVENS: The Astros seven homers yesterday tied the club record for a single game…they also hit seven homers on Sept. 9, 2000 at CHC and on Sept. 9, 2019 vs. OAK…incredibly, in the 55-year history of the Oakland Coliseum, this marked the first seven-homer game by a team in stadium history.

ABOUT THE TRIP: The Astros completed their road trip yesterday with a 4-2 record and are 17-10 (.629) on the road, which ranks as the second-best road record in the AL, trailing only the Orioles (18-9, .667)…this falls in line with what the Astros did last season, as they led the AL in road winning percentage with a 51-30 (.630) mark.

PITCHING IN: The Astros have the lowest team ERA (3.16) and have allowed the fewest runs (181) in the Majors…the Astros starters rank third the Majors in ERA (3.22)and have allowed one-or-fewer earned runs in seven of the last nine games… also, the Astros bullpen ranks third in the Majors in ERA (3.05).

Lowest Team ERA – MLB Runs Allowed – MLB

  1. Houston: 3.16 1. Houston: 181
  2. Minnesota: 3.43 2. Minnesota: 198
  3. Seattle: 3.51 3. Seattle: 205

HECTOR’S HOT STREAK: RHP Hector Neris has not allowed a run in his last 16 appearances (14.1IP), which ranks as the longest scoreless appearance and innings streak in a single season in his career…the streak also ranks as the longest scoreless inning streak by an Astro this season and ranks as the second-longest active streak in the Majors.

BULLPEN WEAPONS: RHP Phil Maton and RHP Bryan Abreu have been outstanding this season…Maton has allowed just 11 hits and two runs in his first 22 appearances (25.1 IP) for a 0.71 ERA and a .129 (11×85) opponent average…meanwhile, Abreu has tallied 39 strikeouts in his 24.1 IP while allowing just five earned runs for a 1.85 ERA, and also posting a .145 opponent average (14.42 SO/9IP ratio ranks fourth in the AL).

ROOKIE RESPECT: The Astros have had a top five finisher in AL Rookie of the Year voting in four straight seasons in SS Jeremy Peña (5th in 2022), RHP Luis Garcia (2nd in 2021), RHP Cristian Javier (3rd in 2020) and LF Yordan Alvarez (1st in 2019)…they’re on the way to a fifth behind RHP Hunter Brown, who’s posted the highest WAR (1.7), according to STATS, among all AL rookies…he edges out RHP Bryce Miller (1.4), 1B Ryan Noda (1.4) and SS Zach Neto (1.3) in that category.

AMERICAN LEAGUE RANKINGS: Among AL players, LF Yordan Alvarez ranks second in RBI (48), tied for second in SLG (.612), tied for second in homers (14), third in OPS (1.014) and third in OBP (.402)…3B Alex Bregman ranks tied for seventh in walks (28) and third in walk to strikeout ratio (1.22).

STUFF OF NIGHTMARES: LF Yordan Alvarez has been at his best in the big moments in his career, especially this season… he’s hitting .432 (16×37) with RISP, .526 (10×19) with RISP and two outs, .556 (5×9) with the bases loaded, and .400 (10×25) in close and late situations.

WELCOME BACK!: The Astros will present Twins C Christian Vazquez with his 2022 World Series Championship ring this series…Vazquez spent the final two months of the 2022 regular season in Houston after being acquired at the trade deadline from Boston…he had his moments in Houston, including catching Game 4 of the World Series, the historic combined no-hitter, and tacking on four postseason hits and three RBI.

TONIGHT’S ASTROS STARTER: RHP J.P. FRANCE
LAST START – 5/23 AT MIL: allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits and 1 walk with a career-high 8 strikeouts in 5.2 innings…suffered the tough-luck loss after the Astros’ offense was shutout in the 6-0 loss against the Brewers…also tossed a career-high 97 total pitches.

THE FIRST FRANCE: rookie right-hander made his Major League debut with his start on May 6 at Seattle…allowed 1 earned run in 11.2 IP through his first two MLB starts…he became the 4th pitcher in club history to work 5.0-plus innings, allowing 1-or-fewer runs in each of his first 2 Major League starts…joining LHP Dallas Keuchel (2012), LHP Carlos Hernández (2001) and RHP Manny Hernández as the only other Astros pitcher to record this feat.

ABOUT FRANCE: was selected in the 14th round by the Astros in the 2018 draft out of Mississippi State…the 2023 season is his 6th in the Astros system.

  • pitched for 3 years at Tulane, missed his sophomore season due to injury, before he transferred to Mississippi State…posted a 3.77 ERA in 25 appearances (59.2IP /2GS) as a grad transfer…he played a crucial part in the Bulldogs clinching an NCAA Super Regional berth by throwing 7.0 innings of two-run ball vs. Oklahoma in the Tallahassee Regional.

FRANCE’S 2023 MILB SEASON: prior to being recalled, he was with Triple A Sugar Land, going 2-1 with a 2.33 ERA (5ER/19.1IP) in 5 games (3 starts)…worked between the rotation and bullpen in the Space Cowboys’ piggyback starter role.

  • had 26 strikeouts in 19.1 innings, while allowing just 9 hits on the season…posted a .136 (9×66) opponent average and a 1.03 WHIP.
  • did not allow a home run this season in the homer-friendly Pacific Coast League… has not allowed a homer at the MiLB level since Aug. 13, 2022 at ELP…since that date, has made 17 total MiLB appearances (36IP)..

FANNING FRANCE: has posted huge strikeout numbers in his minor league career, fanning 447 in 362.1 innings pitched…it is the most strikeouts by an Astros minor league player since he entered the system in 2018.

  • prior to being recalled, he ranked T-5th in strikeouts-per-9-innings (11.10) among Astros minor league pitchers since 2018 (min 200 IP).

FRANCE’S CAREER: has a career 20-17 with a 3.73 ERA in 99 games (56 starts) in the minors.

  • spent the entire 2022 season with Triple A Sugar Land, going 3-4 with a 3.90 ERA (48ER/110.2IP) in 34 games (15 starts)…struck out 136 hitters in his 110.2 innings, while allowing a .233 opponent average…began his season working in the rotation or making multi-inning piggyback appearances…moved to a traditional relief role in late August, finishing his season with 12 consecutive relief appearances of 2.0-or-fewer innings…posted a 2.31 ERA (3ER/11.2IP) in 9 relief appearances in September.

MLB Preview: Texas Rangers (33-19) at Detroit Tigers (25-26)

MLB Editor
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MLB Preview: Texas Rangers (33-19) at Detroit Tigers (25-26)

TEXAS RANGERS NOTES:

WINS AND LOSSES: Texas lost the series finale to the Orioles yesterday, 3-2, as team is now 4-2 on this 9-G, 10-day road trip to PIT (2-1), BAL (2-1) and DET (3 G)…loss snapped a season high-tying 4-G winning streak…TEX has won 4 of 6, 8 of 11, 10 of 14, 12 of 17 and 15 of last 21 G…TEX is an MLB-best 19-8 (.704) in last 27 G beg. 4/28…TEX is 19-12 in last 31 G, 26-14 in last 40 G and 29-15 in last 44 G beg. 4/9.

  • At 33-19 (.635), TEX owns the 3rd-best record in the A.L. and MLB (see chart below)…club’s 33 wins rank 3rd in A.L. and MLB (39-TB, 34-BAL).
  • The 33-19 start is tied for the Rangers’ best 52-G start to a season in WSH/TEX franchise history (also 1996).
  • TEX is now 14 G above .500 for the 2nd time in ’23 (also 5/26)…club reached a season high 15 G-above before yesterday’s game…from 2020-22, TEX spent a total of one day above .500 (10-9 on 8/15/20)…club did not reach 33 wins in 2022 until 6/22.

BEST RECORDS IN MLB, 2023
Win Pct. Team W-L
.709 Tampa Bay 39-16
.642 Baltimore 34-19
.635 Texas 33-19
.604 Atlanta 32-21

WITH A WIN TODAY, Texas could:

  • Climb to a season high-tying 15 G above .500 for the 2nd time this season (also 5/27).
  • Move to 34-19, which would tie the best 52-G start in team history (also 1996).
  • Improve to 5-2 on current 9-G sojourn, securing their 2nd-consecutive winning road trip (7-3 from 5/5-14 at LAA, SEA and OAK).

STANDINGS: Rangers hold a 2.0-game lead in the A.L. West over 2nd-place HOU…club held a 3.0 for 4-consecutive days until yesterday…2-G lead in A.L. West is the 2nd-largest division lead in A.L. (TB, +4.0 GA of BAL) and 3rd-largest in MLB (ATL, +4.5 GA of MIA)…club also held a lead of 2+ G in the division for 14-straight days (5/7-21)…TEX has had sole possession of 1st place in the West for 23 straight, 30 of 31 and 43 of the last 45 days beg. 4/14…season-best +4.0-G lead on 5/14 was largest since end of 2016 (+9.0 GA), just 6th season in TEX history to have a lead of 4.0+ G in the West as early as 5/14…TEX has been alone or tied atop the division for 58 of the season’s first 59 days (exception: 4/8).

SERIES STUFF: Club has won 3-straight series for the 3rd time this season (also 4/10-23 and 5/5-14)…club has gone 8-1-1 in last 10 series and 11-2-1 in last 14…team is 12-4-1 overall in series this year, going 6-2-1 at home and 6-2-0 on the road…club did not win a 12th series in 2022 until 7/28-31 at LAA…TEX won 4 straight series from 4/10-23, longest such span since going 5-0-0 from 6/15-7/1/18…team has won all games of a series 3 times during this campaign (3-0, 3/30-4/2 vs. PHI; 3-0, 4/17-19 at KC; 3-0, 5/19-21 vs. COL)… club is 7-2-0 in last 9 series on the road.

VS. DETROIT: Texas begins the 1st of 2 series against Detroit this season, as they will play 3 G here at Comerica Park (5/29-31) and then meet in Arlington for a 3-G set from 6/26- 29…TEX went 3-4 vs. DET in 2022, and have lost consecutive season series against the Tigers (also 1-6 in 2021)…this after having won season series in previous 5 straight years from 2015-19…TEX is 4-10 against DET in last 14 G.

  • Texas trails in the all-time series (249-255), including a 115-141 mark in Detroit…has gone 45-48 at Comerica Park (since 2000), losing 6 of last 8 G at this ballpark dating back to 2021…has still won 23 of last 37 G here (beg. 8/4/11).

MEMORIAL DAY: Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was initially established in the aftermath of the Civil War…Decoration Day was declared as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers…TEX defeated the Rays in last year’s Memorial Day contest, 9-5, snapping a 3-G losing streak during Memorial Day games…club is 6-5 in last 11, going 20-32 all-time on this holiday…today will mark the 1st Memorial Day where the Rangers are above .500 since 2016 (30-21).

  • This will be 3rd-ever Memorial Day matchup between the Rangers and Tigers (1-1 record)…the others were held on 5/25/87 at DET (8-5 loss) and 5/29/00 at DET (3-2 win).

LONG ROAD: TEX is 4-2 in the 1st 6 games of a 9-G, 10-day road trip that takes the team thru end of May…it marks the Rangers’ 2nd-consecutive 3-city road trip (7-3 from 5/5-14 at LAA/SEA/OAK), and the 2nd of a trio of 3-city trips in 2023 (also 8/21-30 at ARI/MIN/NYM)…team has won 8 of 11 and 11 of 15 on road after a season-long 4-G away losing skid.

  • Club is 17-11 (.607) on road, 3rd-best away win pct. in A.L., 4th in MLB…club has won 5-straight road series for the 1st time since 5/20-6/19/16 at HOU/CLE/SEA/OAK/STL.

OUTSTANDING OFFENSE: TEX leads MLB w/ 6.33 R/G and ranks 2nd w/ 329 R (335-TB)…club has 10+ R in an MLB-leading 13 G and has scored 5+ R in an inning 15 times this season…ranks T2nd in MLB w/ 4+ R in 37 G…team leads A.L. w/ a 151 R in May, along with a .283 BA and .341 BABIP.

  • The 329 runs scored by TEX in ’23 are the most over the first 52 G of a season in franchise history, and is T16th-most R in an A.L. team’s 1st 52 G of a season (since 1901).
  • TEX’s +123 R/D is 1st in MLB and the 14th-highest R/D in a team’s 1st 52 G of a season since 1901 (see chart below).

HIGHEST RUN DIFF. IN 1ST 52-G OF SEASON, MLB HISTORY
Rank Team/Year Run Diff.
T11 Houston (2018) +125
New York-AL (1927, ’53)
14 Texas (2023) +123
15 Boston (1946) +121

COUNT ON SEMIEN: Marcus Semien yesterday extended his hitting streak to a career high-tying 17 games, (also 6/4- 20/19 w/OAK) which is currently tops in A.L. and T1st in MLB for active hitting streak (also LAD’s Freddie Freeman)….. his 17-G hitting streak is the longest season hit streak by a Ranger in ’23…totals during streak: .320 BA (24-75), 3 HR, 2 3B, 4 2B, 15 RBI, 3 BB/10 SO, 17 R, 2 SB.

  • Semien has hits in 23 of 24 G in May at .330/.391/.524/.916, along with a 25-G on-base streak…has also reached base via H/BB in 27-straight road games…batting .303/.378/.546/.924 (36-119) w/ 7 HR and 31 RBI in 28 G on the road in ‘23.

JUNG IS IN: Josh Jung extended his hitting streak yesterday to a career-best 11-straight games and has hits in 15 of his last 16 G at .359 (23-64)…Jung is currently T6th-longest hitting streak by a Rangers rookie, spanning seasons, in franchise history (h/t Elias Sports Bureau)…he is the 1st to do so since Andy Ibáñez had an 11-G hitting streak from 8/15-27/21…longest hitting streak by a Rangers rookie? 16-G hitting streak by Elvis Andrus from 8/28-9/14/09.

KING NATHAN: Nathan Eovaldi brings his 2.60 ERA (6th in the A.L.) to Detroit today…he has 5.0+ IP in all 10 starts in ’23, allowing 3 ER-or-less in 9 of 10 outings…he has made 7-straight QS (5-0, 1.51 ERA, 9 ER/53.2 IP, 8 BB/47 SO).

IT’S HOT OUT HERE: With day games the previous 2 days at BAL, along with a 12:10 p.m. CDT start against DET today, the Rangers finish a stretch of playing 3-straight day contests today (1-1 record)…club also played at least 3-straight day games once in ’23 (4 G, 4/5 vs. BAL and 4/7-9 at CHC)…TEX is 15-5 in day games in ‘23.

TONIGHT’S STARTING PITCHER – #17 Nathan Eovaldi, RHP
(6-2, 2.60)

TODAY: The 33-year-old right-hander (pronounced ee-VAHL-dee) is scheduled to make his 11th appearance/start of the season in today’s Memorial Day series opener in Detroit…has gone 4-0 with a 0.86 ERA (4 ER/41.2 IP) over his last 5 starts beg. 4/29, cutting season ERA in half from 5.20 to 2.60, 6th in the A.L… has 5.0+ IP in all 10 starts, allowing 3 ER-or-less in 9 of 10 outings…has made 7 straight quality starts (5-0, 1.51 ERA, 9 ER/53.2 IP, 8 BB/47 SO) to drop season ERA from 6.32…ranks among A.L. qualifiers in HR/9 (2nd, 0.39), FIP (3rd, 2.43), wins (T4th, 6), BB/9 (4th, 1.43), IP (4th, 69.1), SO/BB (5th, 6.00), ERA (6th, 2.60)…will be working on 5 days’ rest after posting his 2nd complete game of the season Tues. at PIT (see below)…Eovaldi signed a 2-year free agent contract with the Rangers on 12/27/22…in 2022, his final season with Boston, went 6-3 with a 3.87 ERA (47 ER/109.1 IP) over 20 G/GS…was slowed by a pair of IL stints: 6/9-7/14 (low back inflammation) and 8/19-9/28 (right shoulder inflammation)…was an All-Star with the Red Sox in 2021 and finished 4th in A.L. Cy Young Award voting…his Red Sox stint also included a historic postseason stretch during the team’s 2018 World Series run…has 250 games/231 starts with LAD (2011-12), MIA (2012-14), NYY (2015-16), TB (2018), BOS (2018-22) and TEX (2023)…joined Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan as the only graduates of Alvin (TX) High School to reach the Major Leagues…Texas is 6-4 in Eovaldi’s 10 starts this season.

WHAT A RUN: Eovaldi over his last 5 starts beg. 4/29: 4-0, 0.86 ERA (4 ER/41.2 IP), 6 BB, 35 SO, 0.67 WHIP, .158 opp. BA…the only other pitchers in TEX history with at least 41.2 innings while allowing 4-or-fewer runs over a 5-start span are Charlie Hough (Aug./Sept. 1983) and Fergie Jenkins (Aug./Sept. 1974)…the last MLB pitcher with at least 41.2 IP and 4-or-fewer runs allowed over a 5-start span before Eovaldi?: LAD’s Clayton Kershaw in May 2016…last A.L. pitcher to do it?: DET’s Justin Verlander in June 2011.

  • Has 66 SO and just 11 BB in 2023, just the 2nd pitcher in WSH/TEX franchise history (beg. 1961) w/ 66+ K’s and 11-or-fewer BB in his first 10 starts with the club (also Cliff Lee in 2010, 67 SO/6 BB).
  • Has 7.0+ IP in career-best 5 straight starts, the longest such streak by a Texas pitcher since Lance Lynn had 5 consecutive starts w/ 7.0+ IP from 6/17-7/11/19… last longer span by a Ranger?: 6 straight by Yu Darvish, 5/9-6/11/14.
  • His 7 straight quality starts, joining Martín Pérez (9 from 4/23-6/5/22) and Kyle Gibson (9 from 4/7-5/21/21) as only Rangers since start of 2020 with QS streaks as long…is longest single-season QS streak of Eovaldi’s career, 2nd-longest overall (8 straight, 9/18/12-7/12/13).

LAST START: Will pitch on extra 5 days’ rest after posting his 2nd complete game of the season Tues. at PIT, earning his 6th win of the year (9.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R-ER, 1 BB, 5 SO)…remains the only MLB pitcher with multiple CG in 2023…Eovaldi is the 1st Texas starter with multiple CG in the team’s 1st 48 contests of a season since Martín Pérez had a pair of shutouts in team’s 1st 20 G in 2014.

VS. DETROIT: Has gone 3-0, 3.81 (12 ER/28.1 IP) in 5 G/GS in career vs. DET, with his teams winning all 5 G…is 2-0, 2.25 (3 ER/12.0 IP) in 2 G/GS career at Comerica Park…only start vs. Tabby Cats in 2022 was last April, earning win w/ BOS on 4/13/22 at DET (5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R-ER)…gave up solo HR to Jonathan Schoop and Akil Baddoo in that game, a 9-7 Red Sox win in 9 innings, a game which lasted 3:51.

ROAD DOG: Eovaldi has seen far better results this season in 6 starts on the road (4-1, 1.66 ERA) than in 4 starts at Globe Life Field (2-1, 4.15 ERA), ranking among ML road qualifiers in wins (T1st, 4), ERA (2nd, 1.66), innings (2nd, 43.1), opp. OPS (4th, .538), WHIP (7th, 0.90), and strikeouts (T10th, 40)…had road scoreless streak of 21.2 IP from 4/24-5/23…opponents have batted .211/.248/.289/.538 (32-152) with 7 BB/40 SO and zero HR in his away outings this season, and has most homerless innings (43.1) of any MLB pitcher on the road in 2023.

  • Has compiled an 8-1 record and 2.22 ERA (25 ER/101.1 IP) over his last 16 away starts since beg. of 2022, ranking among ML pitchers (min. 15 road starts) across that span in ERA (1st), win pct. (T2nd, .889), SO/BB ratio (3rd, 6.80).

STREAKING: Posted career-best 29.2-inning scoreless streak from 4/24-5/17, the longest scoreless streak in MLB this season and T5th-longest in
Rangers history: 39.0-Kenny Rogers, 5/6-6/1/95; 36.0-Charlie Hough, 8/23- 9/14/83; 33.1-Yovani Gallardo, 6/10-7/7/15; 31.0-Rogers, 4/27-5/20/05; 29.2-Eovaldi, 4/24-5/17/23/Jeff Zimmerman, 5/25-8/2/99…marked the longest scoreless streak in MLB since ARI’s Zac Gallen had 44.1 SHO IP from 8/8-9/11/22.

  • Recorded 8.0+ SHO IP in 3 straight starts from 4/29-5/6, becoming just the 3rd pitcher in TEX history with 3 consecutive outings of at least 8.0 scoreless innings: Martín Pérez (3, 4/13-23/14) and Charlie Hough (3, 8/28-9/7/83)…Eovaldi also struck out 25 batters while issuing just 3 walks over that stretch, just the 6th pitcher in the modern era (since 1900) to have a 3-start span with 25.0+ SHO IP, 25+ SO, and 3-or-fewer walks (credit: STATS)…he was the first MLB pitcher to pull the trick since LAD’s Clayton Kershaw from 7/8-23/15 (26.0 SHO IP, 38 SO, 0 BB), and joined WSH’s Walter Johnson (27.0 SHO IP, 25 SO, 3 BB from 4/19-30/1913) as the only A.L. pitchers to ever accomplish the feat.

TODAY’S STARTING PITCHER
2023: Opponents have batted .224/.259/.344/.603 (56-250) with 20 extra-base hits (3 HR, 4 3B, 13 2B), incl. a .187 BA for LHB and .260 BA for RHP…has thrown an avg. of 97.6 pitches per outing, and has accounted for 4 of 6 G w/ 100+ pitches by TEX starters in ‘23 (4-Eovaldi, 1- Pérez/Gray)…ranks among A.L. qualifiers in HR/9 (2nd, 0.39), FIP (3rd, 2.43), wins (T4th, 6), BB/9 (4th, 1.43), IP (4th, 69.1), SO/BB (5th, 6.00), ERA (6th, 2.60)…has exited with a lead in 7 straight and 8 of 10 starts in ‘23, as 6.36 run support avg. ranks 9th among A.L. qualifiers…recorded career-high 12 strikeouts on 5/11 at OAK (8.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 12 SO)…tossed 1st 9-inn. CG SHO of career on 4/29 vs. NYY (9.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 SO), 1st CG SHO by a Ranger since Martín Pérez on 5/20/22 at HOU (9.0 SHO IP), and the 1st CG SHO ever thrown by a TEX pitcher at Globe Life Field…made Rangers debut in 16-3 Texas victory on 4/1 vs. PHI (W, 5.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R-ER)…became 5th native Texan ever to earn a win in his TEX debut.

DETROIT TIGERS NOTES:

TIGERS CLINCH SERIES WITH EXTRA-INNING
WIN: The Tigers scored a run in the ninth and 10th inning to rally for a 6-5 win over the White Sox in 10 innings. Eric Haase drove in the game-winning run with a sacrifice fly, scoring Spencer Torkelson. Akil Baddoo hit a grand slam in the win, while Zach McKinstry went 2×5 with a double. Eduardo Rodriguez started, tossing 6.0 innings and allowing one run on five hits with two walks and six strikeouts. Tyler Holton
worked 2.0 scoreless frames, while Alex Lange pitched a perfect 10th inning to pick up his third win of the season.

ZACH ATTACK: Zach McKinstry had a pair of hits, including a double, in yesterday’s game against the White Sox. Over his last eight games, McKinstry has reached base safely 21 times, the first Tiger to reach base that many times over an eight-game span since J.D. Martinez was on base 21 times from May 13-21, 2017. In 23 games this month, McKinstry is slashing .317/.477/.444 with two doubles, two home runs and six RBI. For the season, he has a .409 on-base percentage, which ranks second in the American League and seventh in the Majors (min. 150 plate appearances).

EXTRA, EXTRA: The Tigers played their eighth extra inning game of the season yesterday, improving to 6-2 in those contests. Detroit’s six extra inning wins are the most in the big leagues. The Tigers also improved to 9-4 in one-run games, which is the best record by winning
percentage in the American League and third-best mark in the Majors.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE: The Tigers drew four walks in yesterday’s game against the White Sox and finished the four-game series with 30 free
passes. Detroit has drawn four-or-more walks in eight straight games, the team’s longest streak since a nine-game stretch from April 20-29,

  1. For the season, the Tigers have a 9.3% walk rate, which ranks third in the American League and eighth in the Majors.

HONORING THOSE WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE
SACRIFICE: As part of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) TEAMS4TAPS program, four Tigers players will honor service members from Michigan who made the ultimate sacrifice by writing their title/rank and name on their game-used caps today. Below are the Tigers players that are participating and the service member that they are honoring. • Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Vincent J. Bell – Akil Baddoo

  • Army Staff Sergeant Bryan Pitney – Riley Greene
  • Army Specialist Randy Stevens – Spencer Torkelson
  • Army Private First Class Christopher Sroka – Matthew Boyd

TIGERS AND RANGERS: The Tigers and Rangers begin their seven-game season series today. Along with the three games in Detroit, the two teams will play a four-game set in Arlington from June 26-29. Detroit went 4-3 against Texas last season, including splitting a four-game series at Comerica Park. The Tigers have won the season series from the Rangers each of the last two years.

AT COMERICA PARK: The Tigers are 3-1 on their current seven-game homestand, which includes four games vs. Chicago (AL) (3-1) and three games vs. Texas (May 29-31). Detroit is 13-11 at Comerica Park this season. As a team, the Tigers are hitting .235/.315/.370, while the pitching staff has posted a 4.36 ERA (221.0IP/107ER).

INJURY REHAB UPDATE: Kerry Carpenter continued an injury rehab assignment with Triple A Toledo last night, starting at designated hitter and going 1×3 with a run scored and a walk. Carpenter has been sidelined since April 29 with a right shoulder sprain.

TIGERS ON THE IL:

  • RHP Beau Brieske (right upper arm discomfort, 60-day IL on March 30, retroactive to March 27)
  • OF Kerry Carpenter (right shoulder sprain, 10-day IL on April 29, retroactive to April 28)
  • RHP Matt Manning (right foot fracture, 60-day IL on April 12)
  • OF Austin Meadows (anxiety, 60-day IL on April 8, retroactive to April 7)
  • RHP Casey Mize (right elbow sprain, 60-day IL on February 17)
  • RHP Freddy Pacheco (right elbow sprain, 60-day IL on March 27)
  • LHP Tarik Skubal (left elbow strain, 60-day IL on March 14)
  • RHP Spencer Turnbull (neck discomfort, 15-day IL on May 12, retroactive to May 7)
  • RHP Trey Wingenter (right biceps tendinitis, 15-day IL on April 22, retroactive to April 19)

TODAY’S TIGERS STARTING PITCHER – #48 Matthew Boyd • 3-3, 5.74 ERA (42.1IP/27ER

  • Boyd will make his 10th start of the season today in the series opener vs. Texas.
  • Did not factor into the decision in his last start on Wednesday at Kansas City, allowing a run on threE hits with two walks and six strikeouts in 4.2 innings.
  • Has faced the Rangers nine times in his career, including eight as a starter, and has a 1-6 record with a 6.25 ERA (44.2IP/31ER) and 41 strikeouts…in 76 career outings, including 73 starts, at Comerica Park, Boyd has a 22-27 record with a 4.26 ERA (407.1IP/193ER) and 354 strikeouts.
  • Missed most of the 2022 season while rehabbing from an injury, but returned in September to pitch in 10 games and help Seattle to the playoffs…went 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA (13.1IP/2ER) and 13 strikeouts in his 10 outings with the Mariners.
  • Is in his second stint with the Tigers…was with the organization from 2015-21, appearing in 147 games, including 143 starts, and compiling a 37-60 record with a 4.87 ERA (777.2IP/421ER) and 752 strikeouts.

MLB Preview: Kansas City Royals (16-38) at St. Louis Cardinals (24-31)

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MLB Preview: Kansas City Royals (16-38) at St. Louis Cardinals (24-31)

KANSAS CITY ROYALS NOTES:

WALK-OFF WINNER: The Royals snapped a 3-game losing streak with a 3-2, walk-off win over the Nationals yesterday at Kauffman Stadium…they were held scoreless on 2 hits through the first 6.0 innings by MacKenzie Gore, who struck out a career-high 11 batters in 7.0 innings…MJ Melendez broke up the shutout bid with a 417-ft. home run to the opposite field in the 7th inning, and Edward Olivares tied the game in the 8th with a 452-ft. blast that literally smoked the Hall of Fame scoreboard in left field…that set the stage for the bottom of the 9th, when MJ Melendez reached on a two-base error, and Michael Massey drove him home on the game-winning RBI single, the 1st and only Royals hit with a runner in scoring position in the game.

Daniel Lynch was reinstated from the IL and made his season debut, allowing just 2 runs in 5.1 innings.

The Royals are 16-38 through the one-third point of the season, their 2nd-worst mark through 54 games.

HBD, NICK!: Royals right-handed reliever Nick Wittgren is celebrating his 32nd birthday today and 1st with the Royals…he’s pitched three times on his birthday, in 2017 with Miami, 2019 with Cleveland and last year with St. Louis…Wittgren shares this date of birth with former Royal and Lee’s Summit native Trevor Rosenthal (33).

Other May 29 birthdays include the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, who was born on this date in 1917 but was assassinated in 1963…comedian Bob Hope was born on this date in 1903, but passed away in 2003…10-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, who announced his retirement last week, is celebrating his 39th birthday, and Leavenworth, Kan. native and musician Melissa Etheridge is 62 today.

MEMORIAL DAY: The Royals are 22-27 all-time on Memorial Day but have lost 13 of their last 15 games on this holiday, including a 7-3 defeat last year in Cleveland…their last win on Memorial Day came in 2021 vs. Pittsburgh.

Major League Baseball and its teams today will honor and observe the National Moment of Remembrance… this special nationwide effort was created to: (1) recognize the importance of remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country; (2) provide an opportunity to offer a unified expression of gratitude; and (3) help younger Americans understand the significance of Memorial Day.

As an additional tribute to service men and women our nation has lost, all on-field personnel today will wear the traditional Memorial red poppy on the left side of their jerseys with “Lest We Forget” language.

STARTING SOMETHING: Josh Staumont will make his 1st career start today as the opener for Mike Mayers… Staumont, who recorded 2 outs in relief of Daniel Lynch in the 6th inning yesterday, will become the first pitcher in Royals history to start a game on zero days’ rest…that feat has become more common in recent years thanks to the widespread use of an opener, as it’s happened four times in the Majors this season, most recently by Oakland’s Austin Pruitt last Wednesday in Seattle…Staumont was recalled to make his season debut on April 14 and 14 of his 18 appearances since have been scoreless and he’s held opponents to a .213 average (13-for-61).

This will be the 5th game this year in which the Royals have deployed an opener…they are 1-3 in the previous 4 games, but Royals openers have pitched 7.0 innings with 1 unearned run allowed and 10 strikeouts.

AS YOU MAY KNOW: This 2-game set in St. Louis will wrap up the month of May for the Royals, who have hit 34 HR this month, which are tied with Minnesota for the 3rd most in the American League, trailing only the Yankees (47) and Rays (40)…Kansas City’s 34 HR are tied with the 2017 club for the most in franchise history in the month of May…that 2017 team set the single-season franchise record with 193 HR, and with 54 HR through 54 games this year, the Royals are on pace for 162, which would match the 4th most in club history.

The Royals have held a lead in 19 of 25 games this month—including each of their last 3 games—but they’re just 9-16 in May with 10 blown lead losses…for the season, the Royals 18 blown lead losses are the 3rd most in the Majors, 1 more than the Cardinals (17) and 1 fewer than the A’s and White Sox (19 each).

I-70 SERIES: The Royals and Cardinals begin the 2023 edition of the I-70 series today with the 1st of 2 meetings in St. Louis…the Royals are 47-73 (.392) all-time vs. their intrastate rivals, which is their lowest win percentage vs. any opponent (min. 25 games)…they have not won a season series vs. the Cardinals since 2016, when they went 3-1…the Royals have lost five of the six season series since, including last year, when they lost 3 of 4 games…Bobby Witt Jr. recorded his 1st career home run off the Cardinals Dakota Hudson on May 3, of last season and MJ Melendez made his Major League debut in that same game, going 1-for-3 with a walk.

The Royals have lost 22 of 30 games vs. St. Louis since 2017, in which they’ve been outscored 171-100.

The Royals are 6-12 in Interleague play this season, including a 5-7 record in National League ballparks.

ON DECK: Following tomorrow night’s game, the Royals will return to Kansas City for back-to-back off days on Wednesday and Thursday, which will mark their first scheduled back-to-back off days since April 6-7, 2016…the Royals will host a 3-game stay this weekend vs. the Rockies, their first trip to Kansas City since 2017.

The Royals will continue a streak of four straight series vs. National League opponents with a 3-game visit to Miami to begin next week, and will conclude that trip with a 3-game set in Baltimore next weekend.

CLOSE CALLS: The Royals have played 16 straight games decided by 4 runs or fewer—in which they’re 5-11— which is their longest streak in 10 years, since a 17-game run from Aug. 7-23, 2013…their current streak began with a 4-3 win on May 11, and their 5 wins during this stretch have been by 7 runs, including 4 1-run victories.

The Royals yesterday improved to 7-5 (.583) in 1-run games, which matches Toronto for the 4th-best record in the American League this season, trailing only Detroit (9-4), Houston (6-3) and Baltimore (10-6).

SALVY SPLASHES: Royals Captain Salvador Perez went 0-for-4 in yesterday’s 3-2, walk-off win over the Nationals to snap his 4-game RBI streak…he’s recorded at least 1 RBI in 16 of his last 27 games since April 24 (59.3%), a stretch in which his 25 RBI are tied for 2nd most in the Majors, 1 RBI behind Isaac Paredes (26)…he’s also tied for 2nd in the Majors since April 24 with 10 home runs, 2 behind league leader Jorge Soler (12), and ranks 4th with a .670 slugging percentage and 8th with a 1.037 OPS.

For the season, Salvy’s 12 home runs lead the Royals and are tied for 6th most in the American League, 3 behind league leader Aaron Judge (15).

Perez’s 9 HR in May are tied with Judge for the American League lead, and match Gary Gaetti in 1995 for the most by a Royal in the month of May.

Royals catchers have hit 14 HR this season—including 10 by Perez—which are the most of any position on the team and the highest total at the catcher position in the Majors, 2 more than the Braves catchers (12)…they’re already more than halfway to their 2022 total of 26 HR by catchers.

Perez is the franchise’s all-time leader in Interleague play with 36 home runs and 110 RBI and his 190 hits rank 2nd only to Alex Gordon (210).

In 33 career games vs. the Cardinals, Salvy has 9 HR and 23 RBI, including a pair of 2-HR games, the last of which came here on April 12, 2022.

TODAY’S STARTERS: RHP JOSH STAUMONT (0-0, 4.76)
Is making his 1st Major League start today in his 167th career appearance…he made 72 career minor league starts from 2015-19, in which he went 10-25 with a 4.58 ERA (146 ER in 286.2 IP).

His last start in the minors came four years ago, on July 12, 2019 at San Antonio with Triple-A Omaha.

Staumont entered yesterday’s game vs. Washington with 1 out in the 6th and a runner on first in relief of starter Daniel Lynch…Josh stranded the inherited runner following a single with a strikeout of Riley Adams and a groundout by Alex Call.

After throwing 15 pitches yesterday, Staumont today is becoming the first pitcher in Royals history to start a game on zero days’ rest.

Josh has had scoreless outings in 14 of his 18 appearances and has held opponents to a .213 average (13-for-61) with 21 strikeouts and no homers.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS NOTES:

RECENT REDBIRDS: The I-70 interleague series resumes today as the St. Louis Cardinals and cross-state rival Kansas City Royals begin a two-game series/homestand on Memorial Day at Busch Stadium … The Cardinals concluded their seven-game tour (2-2 at Cincinnati, 1-2 at Cleveland) of the Buckeye State yesterday and are playing a current stretch of 13 of 15 games on the road (May 22-June 7) … St. Louis began the season 10-24 before going on their current 14-7 run.

FLIGHT PATTERN: Winners of 14 of their last 21 games (May 7-present), the Cardinals entered today 4th in the NL Central, 5.0 games behind first place Milwaukee … The Cardinals were in last place for 24 straight days (April 25- May 20) … Today is the 18th game of a season-high stretch of 19 consecutive without an off-day (11-6 record).

REDBIRD RESURGENCE: Since May 7, the Cardinals rank 1st in runs scored (127), RBI (121), and total bases (340); T1st in MLB in wins (14); 2nd in runs per game (6.05), slugging (.472), OPS (.808), homers (38), and stolen bases (23); and T-3rd in MLB in win pct. (.667).

LAUNDRY STOP: The Cardinals two-game series/homestand is their shortest regularly-scheduled homestand since a two-game stay in the midst of a 12 of 14 game stretch on the road in July of 2002 when they stopped by St. Louis for a two-game home set with the NL Champion San Francisco Giants (July 17-18 at Busch Stadium II) before hitting the road again.

MISSOURI STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Since Interleague play began in 1997, the Cardinals .608 win pct. (73-47) against the Royals is the best across MLB among Interleague natural rivals and their 2nd-highest against any opponent behind Arizona (.615) … St. Louis has won the season series against Kansas City in 16 of 26 seasons between the Show-Me State rivals (1997-2022) and won 22 of its last 30 games over the Royals dating back to August 7, 2017. – Elias

THREE’S COMPANY: St. Louis has plated three or fewer runs in its last five games (2-3 record), its longest since seven straight games from July 3-9, 2022 (1-6 record). BUT SIX IS A SERIOUS NUMBER: The Cardinals have scored 6+ runs in 18 of their last 23 wins over Kansas City.

CARDINALS ON MEMORIAL DAY: The Cardinals are 25-22 all-time on Memorial Day (15-11 at home) since it became an official holiday in 1970 … The only time the Cardinals and Royals faced off was 2013 at Kauffman Stadium, a 6-3 Cardinals win as Adam Wainwright hurled 8.0 innings and Yadier Molina hit a two-run homer off James Shields.

UNCLE CHARLIE: Today is Adam Wainwright’s 207th career start at Busch Stadium III, tying Bob Forsch (207 at Busch Stadium II) for 19th-most starts at a single stadium and most by a Cardinal at any stadium in MLB history … In his career, Waino has beaten Kansas City more times (7-3) than any National League pitcher in Interleague history, with only Clayton Kershaw (9-2 vs. Angels) boasting more victories by an NL pitcher vs. an AL team in MLB history than Wainwright against the Royals … With a win today, Wainwright would surpass Jesse Haines (107) for sole possession of 2nd place all-time among Cardinals in victories at home.

BURGER PHONE HOTLINE: The Cardinals have used their dugout Burger Phone to place an order for 75 home runs this season, 5th most in the MLB…they rank 3rd in homers for the month of May (44) to the Yankees (47) & Braves (48)…The Redbirds sport a 19-16 record in games when they go yard this season, but are 4-15 in homerless games … With a home run today or tomorrow the Cardinals will have tied their single season homer mark for the month of May, matching the 45 blasts by the 2000 Redbirds (13 by Mark McGwire).

TOMMY BOY: Tommy Edman has scored a run in six consecutive games vs. the Royals (Aug. 13, 2021-present), two shy of the franchise record of eight straight by So Taguchi (June 30, 2006-June 20, 2007) … Aaron Judge holds MLB’s active run streak against the Royals, scoring in his last seven (Aug. 11, 2021-present).

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The Cardinals have lost the first game in 13 of their 17 series, including a franchise record 11-straight to begin the season … St. Louis is 4-0 when winning the series opener, but just 2-9-2 in series when losing the first game … The last time the Redbirds
won a series when dropping the opener was April 10-12 at Colorado (2-1).

BIRD BYTES: The Cardinals have played to one-run decisions in each of their past four games (2-2 record) and five-of-seven on their recent road trip; St. Louis is 5-11 in one-run games this season … St. Louis has alternated wins and losses over the last eight games (May 21-present) … The Cardinals (+13) are one of just six NL teams with a plus run differential, joining the Braves (+62), Dodgers (+50), Pirates (+10), Dbacks (+11), and Cubs (+4) … The Cardinals & Cubs are the only MLB teams with a plus run rating & yet a sub-.500 W-L mark.

TODAY’S STARTING PITCHER: RHP ADAM WAINWRIGHT (2-0, 6.33)
TODAY’S GAME

  • Makes his 5th start of the season & 462nd career appearance (395th career start).
  • Today is Wainwright’s 207th career start at Busch Stadium III, tying Bob Forsch (207 at Busch Stadium II) for 19th-most starts at a single stadium and most by a Cardinal at any stadium in MLB history.
  • Has beaten Kansas City more times (7) than any pitcher in NL history, while his seven wins are his most against any AL team that was not previously in the NL (Houston).
  • Among National League pitchers, only Clayton Kershaw vs. Angels (9-2) has more wins vs. an American League team in MLB history than Wainwright vs. Royals (7-3).
  • Wainwright’s 22 career interleague wins rank T-16th all-time in MLB history (T-5th among active pitchers) and 2nd-most by a NL pitcher (Clayton Kershaw, 27-6).
  • Has departed with the lead in each of his first four starts.
  • Today is Wainwright’s 395th career start, ranking 3rd all-time among Cardinals pitchers Bob Gibson (482) & Bob Forsch (401). Waino’s 395 career starts, all with St. Louis, rank 14th-most, exclusively with one organization in MLB history, while Gibson (482) ranks 6th. Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators leads at 666.
  • Is three wins shy of 200 career, 13 wins from 210 (T-2nd all-time Cardinals history with Jesse Haines), and six starts away from reaching 400 career.
  • At age 41, Waino is one of four active players age 40+ with Rich Hill (43), Nelson Cruz (42) and Miguel Cabrera (40).
  • Missed the first 33 games of the season due to a groin injury he suffered while working out during the WBC Finals. Made two injury rehab starts for Springfield (AA) and one for Memphis (AAA).

LAST TIME OUT

  • Earned career win No. 197 last Tuesday against the Reds at Great American Ball Park, allowing five runs on eight hits. Departed with 7-5 lead with runners on first and second and two outs.

DATE vs. RESULT DEC IP H R ER BB SO HR NP-S
5/23 at CIN W 8-5 W-2 5.2 8 5 5 1 2 1 77-52
2023

  • Earned 196th career on 5/18 vs. LAD. Gave him 107 career home wins with the Cardinals, T-2nd most in Cardinals history with Jesse Haines. Held a 9-2 lead when he departed and Cardinals held on for 16-8 win as the Redbirds blasted seven homers.
  • Became the 21st pitcher in MLB history with 300.0 or more career innings in Interleague play in his start at Boston (5/14). Passed Jesse Haines (39) for 2nd place all-time among Cardinals with 40 starts over the age of 40. Trails only Grover Cleveland Alexander (80). Allowed back-to-back home runs for only the 9th time in his career.
  • Made season debut vs. DET (5/6) and took a no-decision the Cardinals lost in 10 innings.

BUSCH STADIUM III (2006-present)

  • Needs one Home win to pass Jesse Haines (107) for 2nd all-time among Cardinals.
  • Has 107 career regular-season wins at Busch Stadium III, tied with Wilbur Cooper (107 at Forbes Field) for 22nd-most wins at a single stadium.
  • Is one of 22 pitchers in MLB history to hold a stadium’s record for both appearances (237) and starts (206). Joins Bob Forsch (233 app/207 GS at Busch II) as Cardinals on that list.
  • Today is Wainwright’s 207th career start at Busch Stadium III, tying Bob Forsch (207 at Busch Stadium II) for 19th-most at a single stadium and most by a Cardinal at any stadium in MLB history.
  • Has 1,181 regular season strikeouts at Busch Stadium III, 15th-most all-time at a single stadium. Jim Palmer (1,191 SO at Memorial Stadium) ranks 14th.
  • Is tied with Lance Lynn and Trevor Rosenthal for most Postseason appearances at Busch (13). Leads in PS starts (8), IP (62.0), strikeouts (72) at Busch III.

NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals Game 7 Preview: Miami heat (3-3) at Boston Celtics (3-3)

NBA Editor
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NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals Game 7 Preview: Miami heat (3-3) at Boston Celtics (3-3)

The Boston Celtics are in position to make NBA history when they host the Miami Heat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals on Monday night.

No NBA team ever has recovered from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series. The second-seeded Celtics have a chance to knock that door down after winning the past three games of the best-of-seven set.

Boston was three seconds away from losing the series on Saturday night before Derrick White’s memorable tip-in just before time expired gave the Celtics an improbable 104-103 road win.

Now the scene shifts to Boston with the winner of Monday’s game landing the opportunity to face the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals.

The three teams to force a Game 7 after falling behind 3-0 are the New York Knicks (lost to the Rochester Royals in the 1951 NBA Finals), Nuggets (fell to the Utah Jazz in the 1994 second round) and Portland Trail Blazers (lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2003 first round). Each of those three teams lost Game 7 on the road.

No. 8 seed Miami had a chance to win the series Saturday when Jimmy Butler made three free throws with 3.0 seconds left. But White, after inbounding the ball, saw no Heat player shadowing him and went to the rim and banked in Marcus Smart’s miss just before the buzzer to muzzle Miami’s celebration.

The Heat and Celtics played a Game 7 in last season’s Eastern Conference finals, too. Boston prevailed 100-96 in Miami.

Butler will be looking for a more consistent showing after scoring 15 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game while shooting just 5 of 21 from the field.

Miami also can make some history by joining the Knicks (1999) as the only No. 8 seeds to reach the NBA Finals.

But the bigger historical storyline revolves around the Celtics, who looked ready to call it a season after being dismantled 128-102 in Game 3.

The win one game at a time cliche rang hollow in the aftermath but now Boston can finish off a stunning comeback.

In similar fashion, Boston took until the final tick of the clock to win Game 6.

Meanwhile, Miami has to find the proper mental mindset after seeing a 3-0 lead dissipate.

Boston guard Malcolm Brogdon (right forearm strain) sat out Game 6 and is listed as questionable for Monday. Heat guard Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain) also is questionable.

WNBA Preview: Minnesota Lynx (0-3) at Las Vegas Aces (3-0)

WNBA Editor
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WNBA Preview: Minnesota Lynx (0-3) at Las Vegas Aces (3-0)

The Las Vegas Aces have yet to lose during the early days of the WNBA season.

The Minnesota Lynx have yet to win.

The Lynx (0-3) will look to get on track Sunday night when they visit the defending champion Aces (3-0).

Las Vegas is completing back-to-back games after a dominant 93-65 home victory against the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday night. The Aces received their WNBA championship rings during a pre-game ceremony before their home opener.

The Aces raced to a 31-13 lead at the end of the first quarter and led 59-28 at halftime against the Sparks.

In its most recent game, Minnesota endured a slow start and could not overcome a 3-pointer disparity in a 90-81 loss at Phoenix on Thursday.

The Mercury made 10 of their first 11 shots from beyond the arc, and the Lynx made their only first-half 3-pointer after more than 16 1/2 minutes had expired.

The Lynx trailed by 17 at halftime and got as close as five in the final minute before falling to the Mercury.

Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier had just eight points on 3-of-9 shooting from the field. She scored 37 combined points in her previous two games.

WNBA Preview: Dallas Wings (2-0) at Chicago Sky (2-1)

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WNBA Preview: Dallas Wings (2-0) at Chicago Sky (2-1)

The Dallas Wings are off to their first 2-0 start since the franchise was based in Detroit 16 years ago.

Veteran Natasha Howard, who was about to turn 16 then, is a big reason why.

Howard contributed 16 points and nine rebounds to Friday’s 95-91 victory at Seattle and will shoot for her second double-double in three games Sunday as the Wings visit the Chicago Sky.

In her first season with the Wings — and 10th in the WNBA overall — Howard has taken quickly to her role as a stabilizer both on and off the court.

In Seattle, she complemented a balanced scoring attack led by Arike Ogunbowale (26 points) and Satou Sabally (17 points, 10 rebounds). Crystal Dangerfield, who with Howard was acquired from New York in an offseason trade, scored 17 points, while Jasmine Dickey added 10 off the bench.

Chicago (2-1) is coming off Friday’s 71-69 loss to Washington in its home opener.

The Sky trailed by 16 in the third quarter but rallied to tie the game.

Chicago stuck around behind Marina Mabrey’s 19 points and a sound floor game from Courtney Williams, who had 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

The Sky nearly overcame committing 21 turnovers and a spate of injuries. Frontcourt players Morgan Bertsch and Rebekah Gardner left the game in the closing moments of the first and second halves, respectively.

Sky coach James Wade said after the game that both players were being seen by team doctors, but he couldn’t offer an update.

The Sky won two of three from the Wings last season. The teams split their two meetings at Wintrust Arena.

WNBA Preview: Indiana Fever (0-2) at Atlanta Dream (1-1)

WNBA Editor
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WNBA Preview: Indiana Fever (0-2) at Atlanta Dream (1-1)

The Atlanta Dream have sold out Sunday afternoon’s home opener at the Gateway Center Arena against the winless Indiana Fever.

The Dream opened the season losing 85-78 at the Dallas Wings on May 20 before beating the Minnesota Lynx 83-77 on the road Tuesday.

The game with the Fever starts a five-game homestand for the Dream at the 3,500-seat venue. Atlanta had eight sellouts last season.

Indiana lost at home to the Connecticut Sun 70-61 to start the season May 19 and lost at the New York Liberty 90-73 last Sunday.

Atlanta’s homestand includes another sellout Friday against reigning WNBA champion Las Vegas. Limited tickets are available for Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Sky, the June 9 game against New York and the June 11 game against Connecticut.

Atlanta scored the last 11 points to rally past Minnesota in its victory over the Lynx, who led by 19 points midway through the third quarter.

Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 26 points and 10 rebounds, rookie Naz Hillmon added 13 points, all in the second half, and Cheyenne Parker scored 12.

With last weekend’s loss to New York, Indiana has lost 20 consecutive games dating to last season. That ties the WNBA record of 20 straight losses set by the defunct Tulsa Shock during the 2011 season.

Aliyah Boston, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, was a bright spot against the Liberty, going 5-for-7 from the field for 15 points. She added four rebounds and two blocks.

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