By Ron Kaplan, contributor
Ian Kinsler, batting in the fifth spot, singled twice and doubled (#21) in six at bats for the Boston Red Sox in a 15-7 drubbing of the visiting NY Yankees on Thursday, thanks in part to three home runs by Steve Pearce. Kinsler also stole his 10th base, scored twice, and drove in a pair. He wasn’t too shabby with the glove, either.
Danny Valencia got into the game for the Baltimore Orioles (33-76) in their 17-8 loss to the host Texas Rangers in an unusual fashion — as a pitcher. Impressively, he struck out Joey Gallo, the only batter he faced, on a 91-mph fastball.
According to Bob Wechsler, author of The Jewish Baseball Card Book, “Other Jewish position players who have pitched in relief: Sam Fuld (2013), Ike Davis (2015), Milt Galatzer (1936), Jeff Newman (1977) and Sam Mayer (1915). Fuld decided one relief appearance was enough. When told that his career 0.00 ERA was lower than Sandy Koufax’s, Fuld said, ‘Yeah, and I’m going to sit on it, too.’” Wechsler added: “Valencia, Fuld, Davis and Newman all have 0.00 career ERAs. Davis pitched two innings over two games — the rest tossed one inning or less in one appearance. Galatzer pitched six innings in his one appearance and gave up three earned runs. Mayer faced two batters and walked them both. He has no registered ERA.”
What’s with these ridiculous scores lately? The LA Dodgers (61-49) crushed the visiting Milwaukee Brewers, 21-5 (this, just two days after the Washington Nationals handed the NY Mets their most lopsided loss in franchise history: 25-4). Joc Pederson had two home runs — 16 on the season — in six at-bats, including one to lead off the game. The second was part of a nine-run seventh inning. Pederson scored three and drove in four. Maybe that will change the Dodgers mind about a rumored plan to reduce his playing time.
Ryan Braun had a double (16) in four at-bats for the Brewers (63-49).
Gabe Kapler’s Philadelphia Phillies (60-48) beat the visiting Miami Marlins, 5-2.
Max Fried did not appear for the Atlanta Braves in their 4-2 win over the host NY Mets. Robert Stock did not appear for the San Diego Padres in their 6-1 win over the host Chicago Cubs.
The Toronto Blue Jays’ Kevin Pillar seems to be ahead of schedule in plans to return from the disabled list.
Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros were off. You know you’ve gone beyond the sports pages when FiveThirtyEight.com does a story on you. The statistics-heavy website describes Bregman as “the best player on the 2018 Astros” and his play this season as “MVP-caliber.”
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Ron Kaplan (@RonKaplanNJ) hosts Kaplan’s Korner, a blog about Jews and sports. He is the author of three books, including The Jewish Olympics: The History of the Maccabiah Games and Hank Greenberg in 1938: Hatred and Home Runs in the Shadow of War.
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