MLB roundup: Jays’ Bowden Francis flirts with no-no, beats Angels

Sal Lombardi
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Toronto Blue Jays’ right-hander Bowden Francis nearly made history on Saturday afternoon, taking a no-hitter into the ninth inning before Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels broke it up with a solo home run. Despite missing out on the no-hitter, Francis delivered an exceptional performance, striking out a career-best 12 batters and walking three over eight-plus innings. The Blue Jays secured a 3-1 victory, marking their sixth win over the Angels this season.

Chad Green took over for Francis after the home run and quickly closed the door on the Angels, earning his 14th save of the season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. provided offensive support with a solo home run, helping the Blue Jays take the first three games of the four-game series.

This near-no-hitter highlighted Francis’ dominance and further solidified his role as a key part of the Blue Jays’ rotation as they continue their push towards the postseason. Dave Stieb remains the only pitcher in Blue Jays history to throw a no-hitter, achieving the feat on September 2, 1990, against the Cleveland Indians.

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Jake Cave Leads Rockies’ Offensive Explosion in 9-2 Win Over Yankees

Jake Cave was the star of the show at Yankee Stadium, leading the Colorado Rockies to a commanding 9-2 victory over the New York Yankees. Cave recorded four hits, including a two-run homer in the seventh inning, and drove in three runs. His contributions were crucial as the Rockies offense came alive, scoring four runs in the third inning and never looking back.

Nolan Jones also had a strong performance, driving in three runs with a two-run double in the third inning. Colorado rookie starter Bradley Blalock earned his first major league win, allowing two runs on five hits over 5 1/3 innings. The Yankees managed to score on an RBI double by Jazz Chisholm Jr. and a solo home run by Alex Verdugo, but they couldn’t keep pace with the Rockies’ relentless attack.

Zac Gallen Dominates Red Sox as Diamondbacks Win

Zac Gallen continued his stellar season, tossing six scoreless innings to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 4-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Gallen allowed just two hits, struck out nine, and walked four as he stifled the Red Sox lineup. With this win, Gallen improved to 10-6 on the season and helped the Diamondbacks extend their winning streak to five games.

Offensively, Eugenio Suarez came through with a two-run double in the fourth inning, providing the crucial hit that put the Diamondbacks ahead. Suarez had also shined in the previous game with a grand slam, and he continued his hot streak with another multi-hit performance. Boston starter Kutter Crawford took the loss, giving up two runs on three hits over five innings, as the Red Sox dropped their home record to 29-34 this season.

Jackson Holliday’s Clutch Double Lifts Orioles to 3-2 Comeback Win Over Astros

In a thrilling matchup between two American League contenders, rookie Jackson Holliday delivered in the clutch, hitting a three-run pinch-hit double in the sixth inning to propel the Baltimore Orioles to a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros. The Orioles, trailing 2-0 after solo homers by Jose Altuve and Jeremy Pena, staged a comeback that began with loading the bases against Astros starter Framber Valdez.

With two outs and the bases loaded, Astros reliever Taylor Scott was called in to face Holliday. On the first pitch, Holliday drilled a double to center field, clearing the bases and giving Baltimore the lead. The Orioles’ bullpen held firm, securing their second consecutive comeback win and putting pressure on the Astros, who have now lost just five of their last 17 games.

J.T. Realmuto’s Seven-RBI Performance Powers Phillies Past Royals

J.T. Realmuto had a career day at the plate, belting two three-run homers and driving in a career-high seven runs to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to an 11-2 rout of the Kansas City Royals. Realmuto’s seven RBIs tied a franchise record for the most by a catcher in a single game, a record previously set by Carlos Ruiz in 2012.

Realmuto’s first three-run homer came in the fifth inning, giving the Phillies a commanding lead. He added another three-run blast in the seventh to seal the victory. Freddy Fermin provided the only offense for the Royals with an RBI single in the fifth and a sacrifice fly in the seventh. Despite their recent strong form, the Royals were no match for Realmuto and the Phillies on this day.

Jake Bauers and Brewers Outslug Athletics

Jake Bauers led the Milwaukee Brewers’ offense with a two-run homer and three runs scored as they defeated the Oakland Athletics 9-5 on the road. Bauers, who has been a key contributor for the Brewers this season, set the tone early with his power and consistency at the plate.

Willy Adames and Garrett Mitchell also played significant roles in the victory, each contributing key hits and RBIs. The Brewers built an early lead and never relinquished it, securing their second straight win in the three-game interleague series. Oakland’s offense was highlighted by solo homers from JJ Bleday and Brent Rooker, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Milwaukee’s offensive onslaught.

Jhonkensy Noel’s Big Day Leads Guardians to 13-5 Win Over Rangers

Jhonkensy Noel powered the Cleveland Guardians to a convincing 13-5 victory over the Texas Rangers with a three-hit performance, including a three-run homer. Noel’s offensive outburst was complemented by home runs from Jose Ramirez, Josh Naylor, and Bo Naylor, as the Guardians snapped a three-game losing streak.

Cleveland’s offense was relentless, putting up runs in nearly every inning and overwhelming the Rangers’ pitching staff. Wyatt Langford and Marcus Semien provided some resistance for Texas, each recording multiple hits and RBIs, but the Rangers were unable to mount a serious comeback.

Travis d’Arnaud’s Return Sparks Braves’ 4-2 Win Over Nationals

Travis d’Arnaud made a triumphant return to the Atlanta Braves’ lineup, driving in the go-ahead run with a single in the sixth inning as the Braves defeated the Washington Nationals 4-2. d’Arnaud, who had not played since being hit by a pitch on August 17, provided the crucial hit in a two-run rally that put Atlanta ahead for good.

The Braves’ bullpen, led by relievers Aaron Bummer, Dylan Lee, Grant Holmes, and Pierce Johnson, combined for 3 1/3 scoreless innings to secure the win. The Nationals’ only runs came on Jose Tena’s first career home run, a two-run shot in the second inning. Tena, a recent trade acquisition, went 3-for-4 but could not prevent Washington from suffering its seventh loss in the past nine games.

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Mike Yastrzemski Leads Giants to 4-3 Win Over Mariners

Mike Yastrzemski’s bat came alive as he collected three hits, including a double and a home run, to lead the San Francisco Giants to a 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Yastrzemski’s performance was the catalyst for the Giants’ offense, which managed to overcome nine walks issued by their pitching staff to secure the win.

The Mariners struggled against San Francisco’s pitchers, who, despite their wildness, allowed only four hits. Seattle’s starter, George Kirby, was tagged for three runs on nine hits over 4 2/3 innings, while Blake Snell was lifted after three hitless innings due to a high pitch count. Spencer Bivens earned the win for the Giants with three scoreless innings of relief.

Seiya Suzuki’s Two Homers Lead Cubs to 14-2 Rout Over Marlins

Seiya Suzuki had a monster game for the Chicago Cubs, hitting two home runs and a triple while driving in four runs to lead the Cubs to a 14-2 demolition of the Miami Marlins. Suzuki’s power display was part of a relentless offensive attack by Chicago, which saw contributions from up and down the lineup.

Rookie Shota Imanaga picked up the win, pitching seven strong innings, allowing just two runs on four hits. The Marlins, who have struggled all season, managed solo homers from Connor Norby and David Hensley, both of whom were acquired in late July. However, the Marlins’ offense was otherwise stifled by the Cubs’ pitching.

Elly De La Cruz Shines as Reds Top Pirates

Elly De La Cruz showcased his potential as one of baseball’s rising stars, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and three runs scored to help the Cincinnati Reds to a 10-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. De La Cruz’s all-around performance highlighted a strong offensive showing from the Reds, who have now won seven of their last ten games.

Julian Aguiar earned his first major league win, delivering a quality start with six innings of two-run ball, striking out four. Rowdy Tellez accounted for both of Pittsburgh’s runs with a two-run homer in the second inning, but the Pirates were otherwise quiet at the plate.

Trevor Larnach’s Two Homers Power Twins to 6-0 Win Over Cardinals

Trevor Larnach powered the Minnesota Twins to a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, hitting two home runs and driving in four runs. Larnach’s offensive explosion was more than enough support for right-hander Pablo Lopez, who scattered four hits over seven innings, striking out nine to earn his 12th win of the season.

Matt Wallner added a solo homer for the Twins, who evened the series at one game apiece. The Cardinals, who had been riding a three-game win streak, were stifled by Lopez and the Twins’ pitching staff. Victor Scott II managed the Cardinals’ only extra-base hit, a double, as St. Louis struggled to mount any offense.

Jake Rogers and Tigers’ Bats Thump White Sox

Jake Rogers had three hits and three RBIs, and the Detroit Tigers’ offense came alive in a 13-4 rout of the Chicago White Sox. Rogers, along with Matt Vierling, Colt Keith, and Zach McKinstry, all homered as the Tigers pounded out 17 hits against Chicago pitching.

Detroit left-hander Tarik Skubal overcame some early struggles to improve to 15-4 on the season, winning for the third time in his last four starts. The White Sox, who have now lost seven of eight meetings with the Tigers this season, managed to scatter 12 hits, but their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities led to their downfall.

Francisco Lindor’s Grand Slam Powers Mets to 7-1 Win Over Padres

Francisco Lindor homered from both sides of the plate, including a grand slam, to lead the New York Mets to a 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres. Lindor’s grand slam came in the fourth inning after a crucial error by Padres third baseman Manny Machado extended the inning.

David Peterson was excellent on the mound for New York, allowing just one run over 7 1/3 innings. Padres starter Michael King was undone by spotty control and the costly error, giving up five runs (only one earned) over five innings. The Mets capitalized on the Padres’ mistakes and cruised to the win.

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Jose Caballero’s Heroics Propel Rays to 9-8 Extra-Inning Win Over Dodgers

Jose Caballero hit a go-ahead home run in the 10th inning, following Junior Caminero’s game-tying solo shot in the ninth, as the Tampa Bay Rays rallied to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-8. The Rays, who improved to 3-3 on their 10-game West Coast road trip, received clutch performances up and down the lineup.

Former Dodger Jonny DeLuca had a two-run single in a four-run first inning as the Rays built an early lead. However, the Dodgers fought back, with Shohei Ohtani hitting a home run and joining the 40-40 club. Despite the Dodgers’ efforts, their five-game winning streak was snapped as Caballero’s blast in the 10th sealed the victory for Tampa Bay.

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Sal Lombardi
Sal Lombardi
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Mr. Lombardi has long been a respected member of the capper community, and, along with his team of experts, offer great material from around the baseball world. You’ll find Sports Hub’s MLB and other baseball content categorized under Sal because of his longtime commitment to providing the best content from the diamond. Sal’s roots run deep, from running the streets of Chicago in the day, to his retirement years in Costa Rica. Not many in the industry get the inside info like Sal. Let him and his team guide you to everything that is baseball. Even though Sal is our baseball consultant, football is his passion and shows through his record every year in the NFL and college football. In fact, he gets sharp action on every sport.