(TSX / STATS) -- CHICAGO -- Jon Lester started strong Tuesday night, and with the exception of one inning, kept getting better in a complete game.
The Chicago Cubs left-hander allowed one run and three hits in the fifth inning but otherwise kept the San Francisco Giants in check in a 4-1 victory.
"It's a hard thing to do now, and there's always that gratification to go out there and finish it," Lester said.
He shrugged off a 65-minute rain delay before the game and struck out the side in the opening inning. Lester then allowed just four hits while striking out a season-high 10 in his first complete game this season. He didn't issue a walk.
"That's just classic stuff," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "He just kept getting better."
Kyle Schwarber, Jason Heyward and Anthony Rizzo provided offensive punch with home runs off Giants starter Johnny Cueto as the Cubs (23-21) won for the second time in three games.
Cueto had given up just eight homers in nine starts entering Tuesday.
"To hit three home runs against a guy like Cueto, that's pretty impressive stuff," Maddon said.
The victory was the second straight for Lester (3-2), who struck out two in the ninth and is now 5-1 lifetime against San Francisco.
Cueto (4-4) allowed four runs and five hits, walked one and struck out eight in a six innings. He was slightly affected by blisters on two pitching fingers.
"That's not an excuse," he said through a translator. "I flat out had a bad game today."
The Giants (20-27) are still 8-3 in their past 11 games.
Lester, whose longest previous outings this season were two seven-inning starts, threw 99 pitches, 70 for strikes. He is now 13-2 at Wrigley Field since the start of last season and has a 12-game home winning streak.
He was the first Cubs pitcher with fewer than 100 pitches in a complete game since Carlos Zambrano on Sept. 29, 2009.
"He threw a lot more changeups than I've ever seen when facing him," Giants catcher Buster Posey said. "He's shown it in the past, but tonight he had command of it."
The complete game was the 15th of Lester's career. His last was Sept. 2, 2016, a 2-1 victory also over San Francisco.
Schwarber's seventh homer of the season opened the scoring in the first inning. The bases-empty homer to right came on a full-count pitch and landed outside the park on Sheffield Avenue for the first ball out of the park in that direction in Maddon's tenure.
"It got small fast," Maddon said.
Heyward made it 2-0 with his fourth home run with one out in the second, sending a first-pitch shot into the right field basket.
Rizzo slugged a two-run, first-pitch homer in the fourth for a 4-0 lead. His ninth homer of the season brought in Kris Bryant, who had reached on a leadoff single.
Lester gave up a second-inning hit when Schwarber missed on a diving try on Justin Ruggiano's long fly to left. He allowed three more hits in a one-run Giants fifth as Brandon Crawford doubled home Posey from second to trim the deficit to 4-1.
NOTES: The Giants, who hit three solo home runs on Monday, have hit 18 consecutive solo homers. ... Giants RHP Mark Melancon has successfully converted nine of 11 save opportunities, including his last four. ... Rehabbing Giants INF Conor Gillespie (back spasms) is 2-for-13 in four games with Triple-A Sacramento. INF Aaron Hill (right forearm strain) is 2-for-9 with two runs scored in three games with the River Cats. ... The Giants sent LHP Matt Moore (2-4, 5.37 ERA) against Cubs RHP Kyle Hendricks (3-2, 3.35 ERA) in Wednesday's game. ... Chicago 3B Kris Bryant and 1B Anthony Rizzo each have had nine career multi-homer games before their 26th birthdays, third in franchise history behind Ron Santo and Sammy Sosa (10 each). ... The Cubs are 8-0 this season when they hit three or more home runs. ... Chicago 2B Ben Zobrist's third-inning single extended his on-base streak to 21 games dating to April 28. His longest is a 23-game run in 2011.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Diamondbacks pull out win over White Sox
(TSX / STATS) -- PHOENIX -- Jake Lamb hit a two-run homer and Chris Herrmann hit a solo shot as the Arizona Diamondbacks held on for a 5-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.
Paul Goldschmidt had two hits, including a first-inning RBI triple, and Yasmany Tomas added a pair of hits for the D-backs (28-19).
Arizona starter Patrick Corbin (4-4) allowed three runs in the first three innings but then blanked the Sox from the fourth through the sixth. He allowed a single to start the seventh, then was relieved by Archie Bradley.
Corbin yielded three runs and eight hits while striking out five and walking one.
The White Sox (20-24) got a two-run homer from Todd Frazier and solo shots from Jose Abreu and Melky Cabrera.
Abreu belted his 100th career homer. His shot to left field off Jorge De La Rosa to lead off the eighth inning cut the D-backs' lead to 5-4.
The Sox then loaded the bases with one out, but reliever J.J. Hoover came in and struck out Omar Narvaez and Yolmer Sanchez.
Fernando Rodney pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the save.
Dylan Covey (0-4) had to come out of the game in the third inning due to left oblique soreness. He pitched 2 1/3 innings, giving up four runs and five hits. He will be evaluated further on Wednesday.
A key point in the game came in the top of the fourth.
Chicago's Leury Garcia reached on an infield single, then Willy Garcia drew a walk.
Kevan Smith, attempting to bunt with two strikes, rolled the ball up the third base line almost to the bag. Instead of hitting the bag for a hit, the ball curled foul for a strikeout. Corbin then was able to retire the side.
With one on and two outs in the fifth, Tomas made a diving catch of Frazier's line drive to left-center.
The D-backs jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first when Rey Fuentes led off with a single and Goldschmidt tripled to right-center to drive him home.
Lamb then belted a two-run homer to right field.
The White Sox got a run back in the second on Cabrera's solo homer.
The D-backs stretched the lead to 4-1 in the bottom of the second when Herrmann hit a fly ball that just cleared the fence near the left-field foul pole.
The White Sox pulled within 4-3 when Abreu singled and Frazier homered in the top of the third.
In the fourth, the D-backs hiked the lead to 5-3 when Tomas singled, then raced home on Brandon Drury's double to left center.
NOTES: The D-backs have launched a discounted-ticket program for the summer that offers all June and July home games for just $50. If fans attended all 25 games, that would mean spending $2 per ticket to an outfield reserve seat. ... A decision on whether to bring OF A.J. Pollock on the 11-game road trip that starts Thursday in Milwaukee will be made by Wednesday. Pollock, out with a groin injury, is eligible to come off the DL Friday, but there's no indication he'll be activated that soon. ... White Sox OF Avisail Garcia did not start because of flu-like symptoms, though he entered the game as a pinch hitter. ... Chicago 2B Tyler Saladino, who has been hampered by back pain though available to play, started for the first time since May 16. He went 1-for-5.
Paul Goldschmidt had two hits, including a first-inning RBI triple, and Yasmany Tomas added a pair of hits for the D-backs (28-19).
Arizona starter Patrick Corbin (4-4) allowed three runs in the first three innings but then blanked the Sox from the fourth through the sixth. He allowed a single to start the seventh, then was relieved by Archie Bradley.
Corbin yielded three runs and eight hits while striking out five and walking one.
The White Sox (20-24) got a two-run homer from Todd Frazier and solo shots from Jose Abreu and Melky Cabrera.
Abreu belted his 100th career homer. His shot to left field off Jorge De La Rosa to lead off the eighth inning cut the D-backs' lead to 5-4.
The Sox then loaded the bases with one out, but reliever J.J. Hoover came in and struck out Omar Narvaez and Yolmer Sanchez.
Fernando Rodney pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the save.
Dylan Covey (0-4) had to come out of the game in the third inning due to left oblique soreness. He pitched 2 1/3 innings, giving up four runs and five hits. He will be evaluated further on Wednesday.
A key point in the game came in the top of the fourth.
Chicago's Leury Garcia reached on an infield single, then Willy Garcia drew a walk.
Kevan Smith, attempting to bunt with two strikes, rolled the ball up the third base line almost to the bag. Instead of hitting the bag for a hit, the ball curled foul for a strikeout. Corbin then was able to retire the side.
With one on and two outs in the fifth, Tomas made a diving catch of Frazier's line drive to left-center.
The D-backs jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first when Rey Fuentes led off with a single and Goldschmidt tripled to right-center to drive him home.
Lamb then belted a two-run homer to right field.
The White Sox got a run back in the second on Cabrera's solo homer.
The D-backs stretched the lead to 4-1 in the bottom of the second when Herrmann hit a fly ball that just cleared the fence near the left-field foul pole.
The White Sox pulled within 4-3 when Abreu singled and Frazier homered in the top of the third.
In the fourth, the D-backs hiked the lead to 5-3 when Tomas singled, then raced home on Brandon Drury's double to left center.
NOTES: The D-backs have launched a discounted-ticket program for the summer that offers all June and July home games for just $50. If fans attended all 25 games, that would mean spending $2 per ticket to an outfield reserve seat. ... A decision on whether to bring OF A.J. Pollock on the 11-game road trip that starts Thursday in Milwaukee will be made by Wednesday. Pollock, out with a groin injury, is eligible to come off the DL Friday, but there's no indication he'll be activated that soon. ... White Sox OF Avisail Garcia did not start because of flu-like symptoms, though he entered the game as a pinch hitter. ... Chicago 2B Tyler Saladino, who has been hampered by back pain though available to play, started for the first time since May 16. He went 1-for-5.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Blach, Giants hold on to beat Cubs
(TSX / STATS) -- CHICAGO -- Ty Blach set the tone on Monday when he prevailed in a 13-pitch showdown with Chicago Cubs leadoff batter Ben Zobrist.
The San Francisco Giants right-hander caught Zobrist looking at a third strike, and he wound up pitching into the eighth inning for a 6-4 victory in a series opener at Wrigley Field.
"It was good to have a battle like that, it kind of gets you locked in especially being able to come out on top," said Black, who finally ran into trouble in a four-run Cubs eighth. "It gets you focused and be like, 'OK, I can execute pitches and get some guys out.'"
Blach (2-2) got quick support with runs in four of the first five innings, including a leadoff home run by Joe Panik.
"To jump on the board early, it was cool," said Panik, who went 3-for-4 with his first career leadoff homer. "I felt good, I was seeing the ball well, the swing path was good. Hopefully this is the start of some good things."
Panik added a third-inning RBI double.
Brandon Belt (2-for-5) and Justin Ruggiano (2-for-4) also hit solo home runs for San Francisco. Ruggiano's blast to left came in the eighth inning off Hector Rondon, the Cubs' third pitcher of the night, and gave the Giants a 6-0 lead.
The Giants (20-26) made it eight wins in their past 10 games while the Cubs (22-21) fell for the second time in their past three.
Blach, a left-hander, lost the shutout in the eighth when Javier Baez clubbed a two-run home run to right with no outs, scoring Jason Heyward to make it 6-2.
Cubs pinch hitter Ian Happ then tripled to deep center, and Blach was pulled in favor of right-hander Derek Law. The Cubs added two runs as Zobrist hit a two-run homer to right off Law , trimming the deficit to 6-4.
Hunter Strickland, the fourth Giants pitcher of the inning, got Willson Contreras to roll into an inning-ending double play.
Blach allowed three runs on seven hits and struck out three with no walks in seven-plus innings.
"That's a tough night to pitch," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "The ball was just flying out. He probably got a little tired in the eighth, (but) he really set the tone, and our guys did a nice job swinging the bat."
Giants closer Mark Melancon faced four batters in a scoreless ninth for his ninth save.
Cubs starter John Lackey (4-4) worked five innings -- his shortest outing of the season -- and took his first loss since April 23. Lackey gave up five runs on seven hits while striking out six and walking a pair. He allowed two homers and hit two batters.
"Honestly, I threw the ball better tonight than my last three," Lackey said. "I felt like I executed quite a few pitches, but they got a few more balls up than we did."
It was San Francisco's first visit to Wrigley Field since the 2016 National League Division Series, won in four games by Chicago en route to a World Series championship.
Panik slugged his second homer of the year as the Giants claimed a 1-0 first-inning lead. The shot off Lackey came on a full count and narrowly cleared the left field basket.
Panik struck again in the third, doubling home Gorkys Hernandez with one out for a 2-0 lead. The Giants second baseman then scored from second on Belt's two-out base hit to left for a 3-0 advantage.
The Cubs threatened in their half of the third when Zobrist tripled to right-center with two outs. Zobrist reached base in a 20th consecutive game dating to April 28, but he was stranded when Albert Almora Jr. grounded to short to close the inning.
Ruggiano's double to right with no outs in the fourth plated Eduardo Nunez for a 4-0 Giants lead, while Belt got in the scoring parade with a leadoff homer to left in the fifth to make it 5-0.
"They took advantage of the wind tonight and we didn't," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said.
NOTES: The Giants were 1-5 at Wrigley Field last season and are now 2-9 against the Cubs over their past 11 in Chicago. ... Giants OF Denard Span will be out at least until Wednesday due to a sprained left thumb he sustained Sunday at St. Louis. ... The Giants send RHP Johnny Cueto (4-3, 4.50 ERA) against Cubs LHP Jon Lester (2-2, 3.57 ERA) in Tuesday's second of a four-game series. ... Chicago's rainout last Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers has been rescheduled for July 6 at Wrigley Field, an open date for both teams. ... The Cubs called up LHP Zac Rosscup from Triple-A Iowa while RHP Jake Buchanan was designated for assignment. ... LHP Brett Anderson remains on the disabled list (back strain), but Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he is progressing toward a return. However, Maddon did not specify how soon that might occur.
The San Francisco Giants right-hander caught Zobrist looking at a third strike, and he wound up pitching into the eighth inning for a 6-4 victory in a series opener at Wrigley Field.
"It was good to have a battle like that, it kind of gets you locked in especially being able to come out on top," said Black, who finally ran into trouble in a four-run Cubs eighth. "It gets you focused and be like, 'OK, I can execute pitches and get some guys out.'"
Blach (2-2) got quick support with runs in four of the first five innings, including a leadoff home run by Joe Panik.
"To jump on the board early, it was cool," said Panik, who went 3-for-4 with his first career leadoff homer. "I felt good, I was seeing the ball well, the swing path was good. Hopefully this is the start of some good things."
Panik added a third-inning RBI double.
Brandon Belt (2-for-5) and Justin Ruggiano (2-for-4) also hit solo home runs for San Francisco. Ruggiano's blast to left came in the eighth inning off Hector Rondon, the Cubs' third pitcher of the night, and gave the Giants a 6-0 lead.
The Giants (20-26) made it eight wins in their past 10 games while the Cubs (22-21) fell for the second time in their past three.
Blach, a left-hander, lost the shutout in the eighth when Javier Baez clubbed a two-run home run to right with no outs, scoring Jason Heyward to make it 6-2.
Cubs pinch hitter Ian Happ then tripled to deep center, and Blach was pulled in favor of right-hander Derek Law. The Cubs added two runs as Zobrist hit a two-run homer to right off Law , trimming the deficit to 6-4.
Hunter Strickland, the fourth Giants pitcher of the inning, got Willson Contreras to roll into an inning-ending double play.
Blach allowed three runs on seven hits and struck out three with no walks in seven-plus innings.
"That's a tough night to pitch," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "The ball was just flying out. He probably got a little tired in the eighth, (but) he really set the tone, and our guys did a nice job swinging the bat."
Giants closer Mark Melancon faced four batters in a scoreless ninth for his ninth save.
Cubs starter John Lackey (4-4) worked five innings -- his shortest outing of the season -- and took his first loss since April 23. Lackey gave up five runs on seven hits while striking out six and walking a pair. He allowed two homers and hit two batters.
"Honestly, I threw the ball better tonight than my last three," Lackey said. "I felt like I executed quite a few pitches, but they got a few more balls up than we did."
It was San Francisco's first visit to Wrigley Field since the 2016 National League Division Series, won in four games by Chicago en route to a World Series championship.
Panik slugged his second homer of the year as the Giants claimed a 1-0 first-inning lead. The shot off Lackey came on a full count and narrowly cleared the left field basket.
Panik struck again in the third, doubling home Gorkys Hernandez with one out for a 2-0 lead. The Giants second baseman then scored from second on Belt's two-out base hit to left for a 3-0 advantage.
The Cubs threatened in their half of the third when Zobrist tripled to right-center with two outs. Zobrist reached base in a 20th consecutive game dating to April 28, but he was stranded when Albert Almora Jr. grounded to short to close the inning.
Ruggiano's double to right with no outs in the fourth plated Eduardo Nunez for a 4-0 Giants lead, while Belt got in the scoring parade with a leadoff homer to left in the fifth to make it 5-0.
"They took advantage of the wind tonight and we didn't," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said.
NOTES: The Giants were 1-5 at Wrigley Field last season and are now 2-9 against the Cubs over their past 11 in Chicago. ... Giants OF Denard Span will be out at least until Wednesday due to a sprained left thumb he sustained Sunday at St. Louis. ... The Giants send RHP Johnny Cueto (4-3, 4.50 ERA) against Cubs LHP Jon Lester (2-2, 3.57 ERA) in Tuesday's second of a four-game series. ... Chicago's rainout last Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers has been rescheduled for July 6 at Wrigley Field, an open date for both teams. ... The Cubs called up LHP Zac Rosscup from Triple-A Iowa while RHP Jake Buchanan was designated for assignment. ... LHP Brett Anderson remains on the disabled list (back strain), but Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he is progressing toward a return. However, Maddon did not specify how soon that might occur.
Greinke nearly goes distance as D-backs top White Sox
(TSX / STATS) -- PHOENIX -- Zack Greinke is becoming almost unhittable again, pitching in a manner that is reminiscent of his stellar 2015 season.
Greinke bedazzled the Chicago White Sox on Monday night, guiding the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 5-1 win.
In lowering his ERA to 2.82, Greinke (6-2) allowed just one run and four hits while striking out a season-high 12 and walking one over 8 2/3 innings.
Archie Bradley threw one pitch to record the final out.
"Right now, I'm making really good pitches," Greinke said. "The pitches aren't quite as sharp maybe as (in 2015), but the location has been just as good."
Greinke leads the National League with 78 strikeouts.
"He is in a very good place," Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. "When he takes the mound, he's ready to execute."
Fans wanted to see Greinke complete the game. However, after Jose Abreu doubled with two outs in the ninth on Greinke's 104th pitch, Lovullo made the move to Bradley, much to the displeasure of some booing fans.
"Sometimes you got to sit in the seat and not make popular decisions," Lovullo said. "(Greinke and I) both had a clear understanding of what was going to happen.
"If it's August, it might be a different story. It's May. We got to remember that. Everybody has to stay healthy, be healthy for the rest of the year. I know it's a very unpopular decision, but that's my job. I guarantee it's not the last time they'll boo me."
Daniel Descalso hit a three-run homer off Miguel Gonzalez to give the D-backs an early 3-0 lead.
"That gave us a chance to play a little downhill baseball," Lovullo said.
Descalso said, "A first-pitch breaking ball out over the middle of the plate. He made a mistake and hung a curveball."
Paul Goldschmidt hit a solo homer for the D-backs and went 2-for-4. Gregor Blanco also finished 2-for-4.
Gonzalez (3-5) gave up five runs (four earned) and seven hits in five-plus innings.
"He made some good pitches," White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "He just left one, I think it was center cut.
"Our guys are grinding, but you got to tip your cap to Greinke. He did a really nice job."
The Diamondbacks (27-19) have gone 6-1 in their past seven games and 9-3 in their past 12. They also moved their record in interleague play to 5-1 and improved their NL-best home record to 19-8.
The White Sox (20-23) saw their modest three-game winning streak snapped.
The teams are meeting for the first time since the Diamondbacks took two of three games in Chicago from May 9-11, 2014. This is the White Sox's first trip to Chase Field since June 17-19, 2011.
Greinke is 5-1 in his last six starts, recording 58 strikeouts in that span. He posted his 27th career game with 10-plus strikeouts, his third this season.
Early on, Greinke dominated by mixing sliders, fastballs and changeups.
He struck out seven without issuing a walk in the first four innings. The only batter who reached base was Omar Narvaez, who singled up the middle in the third.
For three innings, Gonzalez was just about as sharp. He allowed an infield single by Blanco to lead off the first, but that was the only hit until the fourth inning.
That was when Goldschmidt singled and Chris Owings walked, setting up Descalso, who hit the first pitch just over the right-center-field wall and into the pool area for a 3-0 Arizona lead.
"That was a huge walk," Lovullo said of Owings' free pass.
Descalso said, "We've been having great team at-bats. A walk is as good as a hit right there. It extends the inning."
Lamented Gonzalez, "It obviously wasn't a good situation to walk a guy."
The homer was Descalso's fourth of the year.
The White Sox got one run back in the fifth when Leury Garcia lofted a fly ball just over the right field wall for his fifth homer of the season.
Leading 3-1, the D-backs drove Gonzalez from the game when Goldschmidt homered, Jake Lamb tripled and Owings got an infield single, with Lamb holding at third. Then Descalso drew a walk from reliever Dan Jennings to load the bases.
Rey Fuentes grounded to shortstop, but Tim Anderson's throw was low and into the bat left at the plate by Fuentes. Lamb was ruled safe to make it 5-1, a call that stood after a lengthy review.
NOTES: Diamondbacks RHP Randall Delgado will make a spot start Wednesday in place of RHP Taijuan Walker, who is on the disabled list with a blister. The D-backs are unsure whether they will need Delgado for more than one start. ... Arizona 3B Jake Lamb was named National League player of the week. ... The Diamondbacks don't seem to be counting on OF A.J. Pollock (groin) to be available once his 10-day minimum on the DL is finished on Friday. "We want to make sure everybody signs off on it," manager Torey Lovullo said of Pollock, who has had groin problems in the past. ... White Sox LHP Carlos Rodon (bursitis) pitched in a simulated game Monday. "He looked good, free and easy," manager Rick Renteria said. ... Chicago RHP Nate Jones (elbow) threw to hitters for the first time since going on the DL. He could be ready to go on a minor league rehab assignment is seven to 10 days, club officials indicated.
Greinke bedazzled the Chicago White Sox on Monday night, guiding the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 5-1 win.
In lowering his ERA to 2.82, Greinke (6-2) allowed just one run and four hits while striking out a season-high 12 and walking one over 8 2/3 innings.
Archie Bradley threw one pitch to record the final out.
"Right now, I'm making really good pitches," Greinke said. "The pitches aren't quite as sharp maybe as (in 2015), but the location has been just as good."
Greinke leads the National League with 78 strikeouts.
"He is in a very good place," Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. "When he takes the mound, he's ready to execute."
Fans wanted to see Greinke complete the game. However, after Jose Abreu doubled with two outs in the ninth on Greinke's 104th pitch, Lovullo made the move to Bradley, much to the displeasure of some booing fans.
"Sometimes you got to sit in the seat and not make popular decisions," Lovullo said. "(Greinke and I) both had a clear understanding of what was going to happen.
"If it's August, it might be a different story. It's May. We got to remember that. Everybody has to stay healthy, be healthy for the rest of the year. I know it's a very unpopular decision, but that's my job. I guarantee it's not the last time they'll boo me."
Daniel Descalso hit a three-run homer off Miguel Gonzalez to give the D-backs an early 3-0 lead.
"That gave us a chance to play a little downhill baseball," Lovullo said.
Descalso said, "A first-pitch breaking ball out over the middle of the plate. He made a mistake and hung a curveball."
Paul Goldschmidt hit a solo homer for the D-backs and went 2-for-4. Gregor Blanco also finished 2-for-4.
Gonzalez (3-5) gave up five runs (four earned) and seven hits in five-plus innings.
"He made some good pitches," White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "He just left one, I think it was center cut.
"Our guys are grinding, but you got to tip your cap to Greinke. He did a really nice job."
The Diamondbacks (27-19) have gone 6-1 in their past seven games and 9-3 in their past 12. They also moved their record in interleague play to 5-1 and improved their NL-best home record to 19-8.
The White Sox (20-23) saw their modest three-game winning streak snapped.
The teams are meeting for the first time since the Diamondbacks took two of three games in Chicago from May 9-11, 2014. This is the White Sox's first trip to Chase Field since June 17-19, 2011.
Greinke is 5-1 in his last six starts, recording 58 strikeouts in that span. He posted his 27th career game with 10-plus strikeouts, his third this season.
Early on, Greinke dominated by mixing sliders, fastballs and changeups.
He struck out seven without issuing a walk in the first four innings. The only batter who reached base was Omar Narvaez, who singled up the middle in the third.
For three innings, Gonzalez was just about as sharp. He allowed an infield single by Blanco to lead off the first, but that was the only hit until the fourth inning.
That was when Goldschmidt singled and Chris Owings walked, setting up Descalso, who hit the first pitch just over the right-center-field wall and into the pool area for a 3-0 Arizona lead.
"That was a huge walk," Lovullo said of Owings' free pass.
Descalso said, "We've been having great team at-bats. A walk is as good as a hit right there. It extends the inning."
Lamented Gonzalez, "It obviously wasn't a good situation to walk a guy."
The homer was Descalso's fourth of the year.
The White Sox got one run back in the fifth when Leury Garcia lofted a fly ball just over the right field wall for his fifth homer of the season.
Leading 3-1, the D-backs drove Gonzalez from the game when Goldschmidt homered, Jake Lamb tripled and Owings got an infield single, with Lamb holding at third. Then Descalso drew a walk from reliever Dan Jennings to load the bases.
Rey Fuentes grounded to shortstop, but Tim Anderson's throw was low and into the bat left at the plate by Fuentes. Lamb was ruled safe to make it 5-1, a call that stood after a lengthy review.
NOTES: Diamondbacks RHP Randall Delgado will make a spot start Wednesday in place of RHP Taijuan Walker, who is on the disabled list with a blister. The D-backs are unsure whether they will need Delgado for more than one start. ... Arizona 3B Jake Lamb was named National League player of the week. ... The Diamondbacks don't seem to be counting on OF A.J. Pollock (groin) to be available once his 10-day minimum on the DL is finished on Friday. "We want to make sure everybody signs off on it," manager Torey Lovullo said of Pollock, who has had groin problems in the past. ... White Sox LHP Carlos Rodon (bursitis) pitched in a simulated game Monday. "He looked good, free and easy," manager Rick Renteria said. ... Chicago RHP Nate Jones (elbow) threw to hitters for the first time since going on the DL. He could be ready to go on a minor league rehab assignment is seven to 10 days, club officials indicated.
Monday, May 22, 2017
Cubs cruise past Brewers
(TSX / STATS) -- CHICAGO -- After a so-so start to the season, Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant figured he and his teammates would have a big day at the plate sooner or later.
"I think we were kind of due as a team, offensively," Bryant said. "We haven't really been doing much early on here, so I think it was just a matter of time for us."
On Sunday afternoon, Chicago delivered. Bryant hit two home runs and reached base safely in all five of his plate appearances, and the Cubs cruised to a 13-6 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Ben Zobrist and Anthony Rizzo also homered as the Cubs scored in every inning except the second. Chicago (22-20) won for the fourth time in the past five games.
"Up and down, I thought we worked good at-bats," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "It's nice to see that happen. I believe firmly that we're going to hit -- not at a 13-run level, but we're going to hit."
Jonathan Villar went 3-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base to lead the Brewers. The defeat snapped a four-game winning streak for Milwaukee (25-19).
"It got away from us a little today," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "But that happens. They've got a good team, and the wind's blowing out, so it was a tough day."
Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta (5-3) limited the Brewers to one unearned run on five hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out six to earn his first victory in two weeks.
Arrieta allowed zero earned runs for the first time since April 4 at St. Louis.
"I felt good," Arrieta said. "I kept the ball on the ground quite a bit today, which was nice. That's obviously an indicator of a step in the right direction."
Brewers right-hander Chase Anderson (2-1) surrendered six runs on seven hits in four-plus innings. Anderson said he fell behind in too many counts, which led to his shortest outing of the season.
"There's something in my delivery I need to work on as I go through it," Anderson said. "I'll just try to figure out what it really is, if I'm trying too hard and tensing up too much and not relaxing, or if it's something more than that. But I think it's just something minor."
The Cubs opened the scoring with three runs in the first inning. Zobrist smacked Anderson's third pitch into the right field bleachers for his fourth career leadoff home run.
Bryant homered to lead off the third inning and homered again to lead off the fifth inning. The performance marked Bryant's second multiple-homer game of the season and the ninth of his career.
Milwaukee loaded the bases with nobody out in the fifth but scored only once to trim the deficit to 5-1. Eric Thames drove in Orlando Arcia on a groundout.
"We got traffic and just didn't get the hit to put a lot of stress on (Arrieta)," Counsell said.
Thames exited the game because of leg cramping after his at-bat in the fifth. Counsell described the move as precautionary and said he expected Thames to be in the lineup Tuesday night.
In the sixth, sloppy defense by the Brewers allowed the Cubs to score twice. Willson Contreras scored from third base on a wild pitch, and Jon Jay scored moments later when Villar threw wide of first base, with Kyle Schwarber credited with an RBI single on the latter play.
Contreras hit a sacrifice fly in the seventh and singled home a run in the eighth. He finished 3-for-3 with a double and three RBIs.
Rizzo added a two-run blast in the eighth inning for his eighth home run.
The Brewers picked up five runs in the ninth on an RBI double by Jesus Aguilar, a run-scoring groundout by Ryan Braun, a two-run homer by Travis Shaw, and an RBI opposite-field double from Keon Broxton.
NOTES: Brewers OF Ryan Braun was activated from the 10-day disabled list after recovering from injuries to his left calf and right elbow. Milwaukee optioned RHP Tyler Cravy to Triple-A Colorado Springs. ... Cubs OF Jason Heyward (sprained right finger) was activated from the 10-day disabled list. The team optioned INF Tommy La Stella to Triple-A Iowa... Brewers RHP Junior Guerra (strained right calf) threw 91 pitches during a minor league rehabilitation assignment Saturday, and he could be activated by week's end. ... The Cubs recalled RHP Dylan Floro from Iowa and optioned RHP Pierce Johnson. ... Brewers manager Craig Counsell did not hide his sarcasm when asked about Saturday's rainout. After the Cubs postponed the game, rain exited the area and the rest of the day was sunny. "It's the first time for us that we've had players treated for sunburn after a rainout," Counsell said.
"I think we were kind of due as a team, offensively," Bryant said. "We haven't really been doing much early on here, so I think it was just a matter of time for us."
On Sunday afternoon, Chicago delivered. Bryant hit two home runs and reached base safely in all five of his plate appearances, and the Cubs cruised to a 13-6 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Ben Zobrist and Anthony Rizzo also homered as the Cubs scored in every inning except the second. Chicago (22-20) won for the fourth time in the past five games.
"Up and down, I thought we worked good at-bats," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "It's nice to see that happen. I believe firmly that we're going to hit -- not at a 13-run level, but we're going to hit."
Jonathan Villar went 3-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base to lead the Brewers. The defeat snapped a four-game winning streak for Milwaukee (25-19).
"It got away from us a little today," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "But that happens. They've got a good team, and the wind's blowing out, so it was a tough day."
Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta (5-3) limited the Brewers to one unearned run on five hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out six to earn his first victory in two weeks.
Arrieta allowed zero earned runs for the first time since April 4 at St. Louis.
"I felt good," Arrieta said. "I kept the ball on the ground quite a bit today, which was nice. That's obviously an indicator of a step in the right direction."
Brewers right-hander Chase Anderson (2-1) surrendered six runs on seven hits in four-plus innings. Anderson said he fell behind in too many counts, which led to his shortest outing of the season.
"There's something in my delivery I need to work on as I go through it," Anderson said. "I'll just try to figure out what it really is, if I'm trying too hard and tensing up too much and not relaxing, or if it's something more than that. But I think it's just something minor."
The Cubs opened the scoring with three runs in the first inning. Zobrist smacked Anderson's third pitch into the right field bleachers for his fourth career leadoff home run.
Bryant homered to lead off the third inning and homered again to lead off the fifth inning. The performance marked Bryant's second multiple-homer game of the season and the ninth of his career.
Milwaukee loaded the bases with nobody out in the fifth but scored only once to trim the deficit to 5-1. Eric Thames drove in Orlando Arcia on a groundout.
"We got traffic and just didn't get the hit to put a lot of stress on (Arrieta)," Counsell said.
Thames exited the game because of leg cramping after his at-bat in the fifth. Counsell described the move as precautionary and said he expected Thames to be in the lineup Tuesday night.
In the sixth, sloppy defense by the Brewers allowed the Cubs to score twice. Willson Contreras scored from third base on a wild pitch, and Jon Jay scored moments later when Villar threw wide of first base, with Kyle Schwarber credited with an RBI single on the latter play.
Contreras hit a sacrifice fly in the seventh and singled home a run in the eighth. He finished 3-for-3 with a double and three RBIs.
Rizzo added a two-run blast in the eighth inning for his eighth home run.
The Brewers picked up five runs in the ninth on an RBI double by Jesus Aguilar, a run-scoring groundout by Ryan Braun, a two-run homer by Travis Shaw, and an RBI opposite-field double from Keon Broxton.
NOTES: Brewers OF Ryan Braun was activated from the 10-day disabled list after recovering from injuries to his left calf and right elbow. Milwaukee optioned RHP Tyler Cravy to Triple-A Colorado Springs. ... Cubs OF Jason Heyward (sprained right finger) was activated from the 10-day disabled list. The team optioned INF Tommy La Stella to Triple-A Iowa... Brewers RHP Junior Guerra (strained right calf) threw 91 pitches during a minor league rehabilitation assignment Saturday, and he could be activated by week's end. ... The Cubs recalled RHP Dylan Floro from Iowa and optioned RHP Pierce Johnson. ... Brewers manager Craig Counsell did not hide his sarcasm when asked about Saturday's rainout. After the Cubs postponed the game, rain exited the area and the rest of the day was sunny. "It's the first time for us that we've had players treated for sunburn after a rainout," Counsell said.
White Sox blast Mariners again
(TSX / STATS) -- SEATTLE -- The Chicago White Sox picked up right where they left off.
The White Sox scored five first-inning runs Sunday afternoon and went on to defeat the Seattle Mariners 8-1 at Safeco Field.
That came after Chicago routed Seattle 16-1 on Saturday night.
"We've been swinging the heck out of the bats," said White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson, who had a run-scoring single in the first inning and added a solo home run in the third to back left-hander Derek Holland's eight strong innings.
Holland (4-3) allowed one run on six hits and two walks. He struck out six, including the side in his eighth and final inning, and threw 105 pitches, 70 of which were strikes.
"We were able to take advantage of a few things early, and Holland did a nice job of continuing to pitch and minimize anything that could go wrong," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said. "He was throwing a lot of strikes, working the ball in and running it back over the plate. He got the ground balls when he needed it."
The White Sox turned four double plays for the second consecutive game.
"When your offense starts out as hot as we did in the first inning," said Holland, "my job was to make sure to keep the momentum on our side."
He did that be letting his defense do its job.
"I always say it takes seven guys -- I don't count the pitcher and catcher -- to win a game," Holland said. "When you keep (the defense) on their toes, these guys can make the plays."
Holland's shutout bid ended when Nelson Cruz hit a solo home run to left field leading off the seventh inning. It was Cruz's team-leading 11th homer.
Gregory Infante pitched a scoreless ninth for the White Sox.
Seattle right-hander Chris Heston, who was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma to make the start, fared no better than he did in his previous outing this season.
Heston (0-1) allowed seven runs on seven hits in three-plus innings, walking four and striking out two. In his only other major league appearance this year, on April 25 in Detroit, Heston gave up five runs (two earned) on seven hits in two innings of relief.
He struggled from the start Sunday, walking the bases loaded in the first inning. All three of those runners ended up scoring, all with two outs. Yolmer Sanchez lined a two-run single into right field and Anderson reached on a check-swing, run-scoring infield single.
"I didn't mean to swing and I got an RBI single out of it," Anderson said.
Matt Davidson singled to right to make it 4-0, and the final run of the inning came home on catcher Kevan Smith's infield single.
Anderson made it 6-0 in the third inning with his fifth homer.
Heston was pulled with the bases loaded and no outs in the fourth. Reliever Dan Altavilla got Jose Abreu to ground into a double play to limit the damage in the inning to one run.
The White Sox scored again in the fifth to make it 8-0. Todd Frazier led off with a walk, moved to second on a wild pitch, and two outs later, scored on Davidson's single.
"We need starting pitching to keep us in the game, and it didn't happen the past two nights," Mariners manager Scott Servais said. "The guys are frustrated and disappointed from just not being in the game.
"You're going to have your ups and downs throughout the season, but the last couple of nights have been disheartening."
NOTES: White Sox 2B Yolmer Sanchez hit a two-run single in the first inning to extend his hitting streak to 12 games, matching his career high. ... The Mariners made some roster moves before the game, calling up RHP Chris Heston and 1B Dan Vogelbach from Triple-A Tacoma and sending LHP Dillon Overton and INF Mike Freeman to the same affiliate. ... Mariners 1B Danny Valencia didn't play for the second straight day because of an ailing right wrist. Manager Scott Servais said Valencia underwent an MRI exam on Sunday after sustaining the injury Friday night while sliding into a base. ... The White Sox continue their 10-game trip Monday in Arizona. RHP Miguel Gonzalez (3-4, 4.29 ERA) is scheduled to face Diamondbacks RHP Zack Greinke (5-2, 3.09). ... The Mariners have Monday off before starting a three-game series at Washington.
The White Sox scored five first-inning runs Sunday afternoon and went on to defeat the Seattle Mariners 8-1 at Safeco Field.
That came after Chicago routed Seattle 16-1 on Saturday night.
"We've been swinging the heck out of the bats," said White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson, who had a run-scoring single in the first inning and added a solo home run in the third to back left-hander Derek Holland's eight strong innings.
Holland (4-3) allowed one run on six hits and two walks. He struck out six, including the side in his eighth and final inning, and threw 105 pitches, 70 of which were strikes.
"We were able to take advantage of a few things early, and Holland did a nice job of continuing to pitch and minimize anything that could go wrong," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said. "He was throwing a lot of strikes, working the ball in and running it back over the plate. He got the ground balls when he needed it."
The White Sox turned four double plays for the second consecutive game.
"When your offense starts out as hot as we did in the first inning," said Holland, "my job was to make sure to keep the momentum on our side."
He did that be letting his defense do its job.
"I always say it takes seven guys -- I don't count the pitcher and catcher -- to win a game," Holland said. "When you keep (the defense) on their toes, these guys can make the plays."
Holland's shutout bid ended when Nelson Cruz hit a solo home run to left field leading off the seventh inning. It was Cruz's team-leading 11th homer.
Gregory Infante pitched a scoreless ninth for the White Sox.
Seattle right-hander Chris Heston, who was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma to make the start, fared no better than he did in his previous outing this season.
Heston (0-1) allowed seven runs on seven hits in three-plus innings, walking four and striking out two. In his only other major league appearance this year, on April 25 in Detroit, Heston gave up five runs (two earned) on seven hits in two innings of relief.
He struggled from the start Sunday, walking the bases loaded in the first inning. All three of those runners ended up scoring, all with two outs. Yolmer Sanchez lined a two-run single into right field and Anderson reached on a check-swing, run-scoring infield single.
"I didn't mean to swing and I got an RBI single out of it," Anderson said.
Matt Davidson singled to right to make it 4-0, and the final run of the inning came home on catcher Kevan Smith's infield single.
Anderson made it 6-0 in the third inning with his fifth homer.
Heston was pulled with the bases loaded and no outs in the fourth. Reliever Dan Altavilla got Jose Abreu to ground into a double play to limit the damage in the inning to one run.
The White Sox scored again in the fifth to make it 8-0. Todd Frazier led off with a walk, moved to second on a wild pitch, and two outs later, scored on Davidson's single.
"We need starting pitching to keep us in the game, and it didn't happen the past two nights," Mariners manager Scott Servais said. "The guys are frustrated and disappointed from just not being in the game.
"You're going to have your ups and downs throughout the season, but the last couple of nights have been disheartening."
NOTES: White Sox 2B Yolmer Sanchez hit a two-run single in the first inning to extend his hitting streak to 12 games, matching his career high. ... The Mariners made some roster moves before the game, calling up RHP Chris Heston and 1B Dan Vogelbach from Triple-A Tacoma and sending LHP Dillon Overton and INF Mike Freeman to the same affiliate. ... Mariners 1B Danny Valencia didn't play for the second straight day because of an ailing right wrist. Manager Scott Servais said Valencia underwent an MRI exam on Sunday after sustaining the injury Friday night while sliding into a base. ... The White Sox continue their 10-game trip Monday in Arizona. RHP Miguel Gonzalez (3-4, 4.29 ERA) is scheduled to face Diamondbacks RHP Zack Greinke (5-2, 3.09). ... The Mariners have Monday off before starting a three-game series at Washington.
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Brewers-Cubs game postponed by rain
(TSX / STATS) -- CHICAGO -- Saturday's game between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field has been rained out. The game will be made up on July 6.
Both teams are expected to start Saturday's scheduled starters on Sunday, with right-hander Jake Arrieta (4-3, 5.44 ERA) going for the Cubs and right-hander Chase Anderson (2-0, 3.43) pitching for the Brewers.
Brewers manager Craig Counsell said left fielder Ryan Braun (left calf strain) could return as soon as Sunday or as late as Thursday from the 10-day disabled list. He went on the disabled list on May 12, retroactive to May 11.
"He will just test himself inside on the treadmill today as far as a running perspective," Counsell said. "Then we'll make a judgment probably tomorrow morning as to what we're going to do."
Without Braun, the Brewers posted a 7-2 record and have won 10 of their last 12 games.
"The offense is not one player," Counsell said. "There are nine players. ... You're never going to have nine guys hot at once. We've had a pretty good chunk of our lineup swinging the bat well at the same time for most of the year."
The Cubs didn't make a roster move Saturday, but are expected to option infielder Tommy La Stella to Triple-A Iowa to make room for outfielder Jason Heyward (sprained right finger) coming off the 10-day disabled list on Sunday.
In addition, right-handed reliever Dylan Floro (0-0, 2.08 ERA) is expected to be called up from Iowa to replace right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson (0-0, 0.00).
Rookie center fielder Ian Happ will remain in the majors for now. He's batting .333 with two home runs and four RBIs.
"(Happ has) done a really good job at the plate, on defense, running the bases," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "Big part of it is the fact, like a lot of our guys, he's not overwhelmed. That's probably the most impressive part of it."
Before Saturday's game was rained out, the Cubs moved left fielder Kyle Schwarber out of the leadoff spot. Second baseman Ben Zobrist was instead going to hit leadoff. Schwarber was slated to bat second for the first time this season, followed by third baseman Kris Bryant, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and Happ.
Schwarber, who also catches, could again bat leadoff, Maddon said. He is batting .182 with six home runs and 17 RBIs this season.
"Zo's been really good lately," Maddon said. "We gave him a couple days off and he's come out of it real nicely, and Happ's the new Zobrist -- he can protect Rizzo. The other component, we talked a lot about Kyle hitting a lot of balls into the shift.
"If Zo can get on a little more often, it might move that second baseman out of that spot. You look at Schwarber's batting average, even Anthony's, a lot of that's impacted by the shift. Happ being here pretty much permits me to think that way and the fact he's done so well."
The Brewers had infielder Eric Sogard in the leadoff spot over infielder Jonathan Villar, who is 1-for-16 on the trip.
"I anticipate eventually Jonny is going to be back in the leadoff spot because that is where we need him," Counsell said. "Hopefully, he will get it going and make it back there. That's where we're at our best, with him hitting out of that spot."
Both teams are expected to start Saturday's scheduled starters on Sunday, with right-hander Jake Arrieta (4-3, 5.44 ERA) going for the Cubs and right-hander Chase Anderson (2-0, 3.43) pitching for the Brewers.
Brewers manager Craig Counsell said left fielder Ryan Braun (left calf strain) could return as soon as Sunday or as late as Thursday from the 10-day disabled list. He went on the disabled list on May 12, retroactive to May 11.
"He will just test himself inside on the treadmill today as far as a running perspective," Counsell said. "Then we'll make a judgment probably tomorrow morning as to what we're going to do."
Without Braun, the Brewers posted a 7-2 record and have won 10 of their last 12 games.
"The offense is not one player," Counsell said. "There are nine players. ... You're never going to have nine guys hot at once. We've had a pretty good chunk of our lineup swinging the bat well at the same time for most of the year."
The Cubs didn't make a roster move Saturday, but are expected to option infielder Tommy La Stella to Triple-A Iowa to make room for outfielder Jason Heyward (sprained right finger) coming off the 10-day disabled list on Sunday.
In addition, right-handed reliever Dylan Floro (0-0, 2.08 ERA) is expected to be called up from Iowa to replace right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson (0-0, 0.00).
Rookie center fielder Ian Happ will remain in the majors for now. He's batting .333 with two home runs and four RBIs.
"(Happ has) done a really good job at the plate, on defense, running the bases," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "Big part of it is the fact, like a lot of our guys, he's not overwhelmed. That's probably the most impressive part of it."
Before Saturday's game was rained out, the Cubs moved left fielder Kyle Schwarber out of the leadoff spot. Second baseman Ben Zobrist was instead going to hit leadoff. Schwarber was slated to bat second for the first time this season, followed by third baseman Kris Bryant, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and Happ.
Schwarber, who also catches, could again bat leadoff, Maddon said. He is batting .182 with six home runs and 17 RBIs this season.
"Zo's been really good lately," Maddon said. "We gave him a couple days off and he's come out of it real nicely, and Happ's the new Zobrist -- he can protect Rizzo. The other component, we talked a lot about Kyle hitting a lot of balls into the shift.
"If Zo can get on a little more often, it might move that second baseman out of that spot. You look at Schwarber's batting average, even Anthony's, a lot of that's impacted by the shift. Happ being here pretty much permits me to think that way and the fact he's done so well."
The Brewers had infielder Eric Sogard in the leadoff spot over infielder Jonathan Villar, who is 1-for-16 on the trip.
"I anticipate eventually Jonny is going to be back in the leadoff spot because that is where we need him," Counsell said. "Hopefully, he will get it going and make it back there. That's where we're at our best, with him hitting out of that spot."
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