The Mariners were in danger of losing the first three games of a critical series against the Rangers until Dominic Canzone delivered a three-run homer in the seventh inning. Seattle is now shipping George Kirby to the mound with a chance to earn a split in a four-game set.
1. Abrams homers twice in series win
The nation’s shortstop CJ Abrams had another monster game on Sunday, hitting two homers and driving in three. His first hit capped the game in the third inning, and his second shot gave the Nats a lead they would never let go. Abrams has seven home runs since the All-Star break. As ESPN’s Jeff Passan points out, that’s more than seven teams (Blue Jays, Orioles, Mariners, Twins, White Sox, Cardinals, Angels). With half a run batted in over the weekend to push his season total to 82, the shortstop is now five RBI behind the closest player (Jordan Alvarez, Jordan Walker). Washington took two of three from the Diamondbacks, cutting Arizona’s lead for the final NL Wild Card spot to one game.
2. Misiorowski punches 12
Brewers Jacob Misiorowski he’s had some ridiculous performances this season, and he made history yesterday. The big righty struck out the first seven Rockies he faced, setting a franchise record. A Troy Johnston A flyout in the third inning finally broke the streak. Misiorowski then struck out the next five batters. He threw 66 of 83 pitches at 100+ mph, breaking his own record. Rockies player Cole Carrigg broke the perfect game with a home run in the fifth inning on a 102 mph heater. That made some Colorado history, as it was the fastest Rockie pitch deep into the track season.
3. The Diamondbacks are headed to Pittsburgh
Arizona leaves Washington clinging to the final playoff bid. The Nats aren’t the only ones playing backwards. The Pirates sit behind the Diamondbacks as well. Pittsburgh salvaged a game against the Cubs on Sunday to avoid a sweep. At +40, the Pirates have the best run differential among the clubs vying for the third Wild Card spot. The Nats are next at +30. Arizona has a negative run differential this season (-3). It will be so Mitch Keller to take Merrill Kelly On Monday.
