By Ron Kaplan, contributor
Joc Pederson’s pinch-hit home run gave the LA Dodgers (64-52) a 2-1 lead over the host Colorado Rockies in the seventh. It was the 18th long-ball this season for Pederson, who remained in the game and struck out to end the ninth after the Dodgers scored three for an 8-5 win.
Kevin Pillar was 1-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base as the Toronto Blue Jays (52-62) broke the visiting Boston Red Sox’s (81-35) winning streak with an 8-5 win.
Alex Bregman was 1-for-5 out of the leadoff spot as the Houston Astros (73-43) lost to the Seattle Mariners, 8-6. Here’s a nice story on “Astros’ Leader In Helping Others? The Alex Bregman He Won’t Let You See.”
Ryan Braun was 0-for-4 as the Milwaukee Brewers (66-52) lost to the visiting San Diego Padres, 8-4. Robert Stock did not appear for the Padres (46-71). Here’s a not-so-nice story asking if Braun should be reduced to a part-time player. Sad.
Danny Valencia did not appear for the Baltimore Orioles (35-80) who lost to the host Tampa Bay Rays, 5-4.
Gabe Kaplers Philadelphia Phillies were off yesterday.
On the DL:
- Ian Kinsler, Red Sox (expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment this weekend)
- Max Fried, Braves
- Richard Bleier, Orioles
- Ryan Sherriff, Cardinals
One of MLB’s newer attempts to separate fans from their money is this “Player’s Weekend” thing, in which the athletes wear jerseys with their nicknames. Some are inventive, others are just lazy. Here are the one’s we’re interested in:
- Richard Bleier: Dickie-B
- Ryan Braun: Ocho (I assume because he wears number 8)
- Alex Bregman: A-Breg
- Max Fried: Maximus
- Ian Kinsler: Boostie (I like that one; old school)
- Joc Pederson: King
- Kevin Pillar: KP (eye roll)
- Robert Stock: Crecth
- Danny Valencia: Slugger (eye roll redux)
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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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