MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

[countryboy]

Cardinals avoid sweep against Reds

RECORD: 92-58
DIVISION: 1ST (+5 CIN)
WILDCARD: N/A

The Cardinals avoided the weekend sweep at home against the Reds by winning Sunday thanks to a Reds baserunning miscue and costly error. The Cardinals maintained a 5 game lead heading into the final two weeks of the regular season. The two teams will meet next weekend for a 3 game series in Cincinnati.

On Sunday with the score tied 3-3 in the 9th, Elly de la Cruz blew past his third base coach in an attempt to get the lead only to be gunned down by Jarren Duran promptly ending the inning. Cruz undoubtedly has speed but Duran had the ball as Elly hit the bag. Still the play at the plate was close but Duran threw an absolute strike for the outfield assist. In the bottom of the 9th with one out and Victor Scott on 2nd, Josh Jung airmailed a throw to first over Josh Naylor's head allowing Scott to score the game winning run as the Cards salvaged the series with a 4-3 win.

Friday and Saturday were pretty much similar outcomes, the Reds jumped early on the scoreboard and the Cards couldn't put together hits, to score a run or pop one over the fence. The Reds won Friday 3-1 and then Saturday 2-0.

Still the Cardinals have the 5 game lead with 12 games left to play for both them and the Reds. The Cardinals will now host the Mariners for a 3 game series while the Reds will host the Pirates for a 3 game series before the two teams meet up on Cincinnati next weekend. The Mariners are coming into the series with the Cards on a 10 game winning streak that has turned the AL West into a two team race when for much of the 2nd half of the season, it appeared the Astros would run away with the division.

[The Gamer]

Reds Steal Two of Three, but Cubs Close Strong Behind Brown, Sosa

By Staff Reporter
Wrigley Field, Chicago – June 1, 2025

The Cincinnati Reds rode timely hitting and one wild slugfest to take two of three from the Cubs this weekend at Wrigley Field. But Chicago didn’t leave the series empty-handed, salvaging Sunday’s finale with power bats and a steady arm from Geremi González.


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Game 1: Tapani Gets No Help

Friday night’s opener was all too familiar for veteran right-hander Kevin Tapani. The Cubs starter delivered eight sharp innings, scattering eight hits and striking out six without a walk. The problem? His offense never showed up. Chicago managed just six singles, with Jason Maxwell responsible for two of them, and Cincinnati escaped with a 2–0 victory.


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Game 2: Fireworks but No Finish

Saturday brought offense by the bushel — and heartbreak. The Cubs erased deficits with a 15-hit attack but ultimately fell, 11–10, in a back-and-forth contest that left the Wrigley faithful groaning.

Sammy Sosa put on a show, going 4-for-5 with a triple, a towering home run, and four RBI. José Hernández added three hits including a home run, while Jerome Walton chipped in with two RBI. But starter Mark Clark was tagged for eight runs in five innings, and the Reds pulled away late against reliever Amaury Telemaco.


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Game 3: Brown’s Breakout, González’s Calm

Needing a lift Sunday, the Cubs got both power and poise. Geremi González improved to 5–1, working six innings of two-run ball to settle the rotation.

At the plate, Brant Brown sparked the attack, finishing 3-for-4 with a double, a triple, and two RBI. Sosa added his 19th home run of the year, Henry Rodríguez followed with his 18th, and Hernández belted his sixth as the Cubs took a 7–2 decision.


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Series Snapshot

Reds win series, 2–1

Cubs scored 17 runs on 33 hits, powered by five home runs.

Sosa’s weekend line: 7-for-13, 2 HR, 5 RBI, now sitting at 19 HR and 49 RBI on the season.

Player of the Series (Cubs): Sosa, with Brown’s Sunday heroics close behind.



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What’s Next

The Cubs continue the homestand with Kerry Wood set to start the next series opener. With Sosa locked in and Brown making a case for more at-bats, Chicago will look to turn a strong Sunday into momentum heading into June.

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[The Gamer]

Series Preview Story

Cubs Look to Build Momentum in Montreal

The Cubs open a three-game set Tuesday night against the Expos at Olympic Stadium, looking to climb back to .500 after salvaging the finale against Cincinnati.

Steve Trachsel takes the ball in the opener, followed by ace Kerry Wood and veteran Kevin Tapani. The Cubs rotation faces an Expos club that has struggled to score runs, but will counter with Dustin Hermanson, Trey Moore, and Javier Vázquez.

All eyes remain on Sammy Sosa, who enters the series with 19 home runs and 49 RBI, continuing to pace Chicago’s offense. Meanwhile, José Hernández has quietly strung together a 10-game hitting streak, anchoring the bottom half of the order and giving the lineup crucial depth.

The Cubs enter at 29–30, while the Expos sit 22–38 and mired in a rough stretch of six losses in their last eight. With Wood scheduled for Game 2, Chicago will look to set the tone early and turn momentum their way in June.


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Page 2 — Pitching Matchups

Game 1 — Tuesday, June 3

Cubs: Steve Trachsel (RHP)

Expos: Dustin Hermanson (RHP)


Game 2 — Wednesday, June 4

Cubs: Kerry Wood (RHP, 7–2, 3.73 ERA, 97 K)

Expos: Trey Moore (LHP, 2–6, 3.99 ERA, 45 K)


Game 3 — Thursday, June 5

Cubs: Kevin Tapani (RHP, 2–6, 4.56 ERA, 43 K)

Expos: Javier Vázquez (RHP, 4–6, 3.29 ERA, 58 K)



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Page 3 — What’s Next

After Montreal, the Cubs head to Detroit for an interleague weekend set against the Tigers.
Projected Rotation: Clark → González → Trachsel → Wood → Tapani.

Storylines to watch:

Can Hernández extend his hit streak into mid-June?

Sosa is flirting with the 20-HR milestone before the All-Star break.

The Cubs’ quest to push above .500 for the first time since April.

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[bigjdotcom01]

DLDS: SURPRISE vs. SAN DIEGO
(Surprise wins series 3-2)

October 5: Seals 4, Saguaros 2
October 6: Seals 5, Saguaros 3
October 8: Saguaros 4, Seals 3
October 9: Saguaros 8, Seals 4
October 11: Saguaros 3, Seals 2 (11)

Surprise fell behind in the series, losing the first two games, then stormed back to win the final three games to win the series and stun top-seeded San Diego.

San Diego opened the DLDS with a 4-2 victory over Surprise. Clayton Lopez was excellent for the Seals, going eight innings and allowing two runs on nine hits, striking out five as San Diego grabbed the lead in the best-of-five series.

San Diego took a 1-0 lead in the second on a Chris Christensen solo home run. Alvin Metoyer made it 3-0 in the third with a two-run double. Rich Edney drove home Metoyer to make it 4-0.

Surprise got solo home runs from Edmund Isaac in the sixth, and Joaquim Moreno in the eighth to cut it to 4-2. San Diego went to setup man Barry Shipley in the ninth for the save.

San Diego moved out to a commanding two game lead in their best-of-five series with a 5-3 victory on Monday evening as they walked it off. Chris Christensen hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the tenth to put the Seals in the driver's seat in the series.

Isaac Edmund hit a three-run home run for the Saguaros in the loss. Earl Shirley drove in the other San Diego runs with an RBI single in the second and a two-run double to tie the game in the sixth.

In game three, as the series shifted to Surprise, the Saguaros held on late for a 4-3 victory to extend the series. Maurice McGinnis' solo home run in the seventh proved to be the winner to keep Surprise alive.

San Diego went up 1-0 in the top of the first on a Henry Aguilar RBI double.

The Saguaros took the lead in the bottom of the sixth on a two-run home run from MacKenzie Evans. They extended their lead to 3-1 with an RBI groundout from Jeff Nettles. Maurice McGinnis then hit a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh to make it 4-1.

San Diego got two back in the top of the eighth on a two-run home run from Alvin Metoyer.

Vance Wilson would come on to pick up the save in the ninth for Surprise, but it wasn't easy as Reggie Adamson doubled with one out. But Wilson got Griffin to ground out to short and Dave Foxx flew out to left to end it.

Cristian Johnson (0-1) took the loss for San Diego, going seven innings and allowing four runs on ten hits. David Olson (1-0) picked up the win, going 6.1 innings and allowing one run on five hits, striking out six.

In game four, Surprise jumped out to an 8-0 lead after four innings and cruised to an 8-4 victory to force a deciding game five in San Diego on Friday night. Jeff Nettles went 2 for 4 with a home run, two RBIs and two runs scored for the Saguaros, who won both elimination games at home to send the series back to San Diego.

Besides Nettles, MacKenzie Evans and William Banks each homered. Maurice McGinnis went 2 for 5 with a double and triple.

In game five, the Seals got a home run to tie it up late, but Keaton Ross' solo home run in the eleventh was the difference as Surprise won the game 3-2 and the series three games to two.

The Saguaros took a 1-0 lead in the third on a Maurice McGinnis solo home run., his second of the series. San Diego tied it up in the fifth on a Wiley Blanton two-out RBI double. Surprise went back in front in the seventh on a Maurice McGinnis RBI double.

That setup Alvin Metoyer for some late inning heroics as he hit a solo home run with one-out in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game at 2-2. It was his second home run of the series.

After a scoreless ninth and tenth, San Diego turned to starter Jonas Horvath to start the eleventh. He got Greg Nettles to bounce out to first to start the inning. Keaton Ross then blasted one to right center that cleared the wall and put the Saguaros up 3-2.

In the bottom half, closer Vance Wilson came on and after walking Alvin Metoyer to open the inning, he struck out Rich Edney, Chris Christensen and Reggie Adamson to end it and send Surprise to the DLCS.

The Saguaros will face division rival Phoenix in the DLCS that will begin on Monday in Phoenix.

Keaton Ross' solo home run in the 11^th in game five send Surprise into the DLCS.

DLDS: GLENDALE vs. PHOENIX
(Phoenix wins series 3-1)

October 5: Desert Dogs 5, Firebirds 2
October 6: Firebirds 11, Desert Dogs 4
October 8: Firebirds 5, Desert Dogs 1
October 9: Firebirds 6, Desert Dogs 3

The Phoenix Firebirds advanced to the DLCS after losing game one at home, they stormed back to win the series 3-1.

Glendale got a great pitching performance from Darren Pena as they took game one 5-2. Pena tossed eight innings, allowing two runs on eight hits, striking out six.

The Desert Dogs went up 2-0 in the second on a Brent Madden two-run double. Madden added a two-run single with the bases loaded in the fourth to make it 4-0. Raul Pena added an RBI single to put the visitors up by five.

Phoenix scored their only runs of the game in the seventh on a couple of RBI groundouts after Deardorff singled to open the inning and Richard Cobain doubled.

George Brandt (0-1) was not good in his postseason debut. He went six innings, allowing five runs on 11 hits, striking out eight and walking four. Rico Garcia threw three scoreless, hitless innings in relief.

Phoenix tied the series on Monday evening as they bounced back with an 11-4 win. Phil Chapman led the way, going 3 for 5 with a double, home run and four RBIs.

Phoenix jumped out to a huge lead early as they scored eight times in the second inning. Seven different players drove in runs for the Firebirds and every starter had a hit in the victory.

Hunter Moss (1-0) got the win, going seven innings and allowing four runs on seven hits, striking out seven and walking four. Art Jameson (0-1) only lasted 1.1 innings, allowing six runs on five hits for Glendale.

On Wednesday evening, the series shifted to Glendale and the Firebirds won 5-1 behind a great pitching performance from D.J. Saunders. Saunders (1-0) went eight innings, allowing one run on five hits and striking out 11, as the Firebirds grabbed a lead in the series 2-1.

Phil Chapman led off the game with a home run to left, his second of the series. After Glendale tied it in the fifth on an Andres Ruiz RBI double, Phoenix took the lead for good in the seventh. Jason Lott lined an RBI double into the corner in right, scoring Richard Cobain. Lance Deardorff then launched a three-run home run in the eighth, to make it 5-1.

Anthony Davidson (1-1) took the loss for the Desert Dogs, going 6.2 innings, and allowing two runs on seven hits, striking out eight.

In game four, Phoenix scored three times in the top of the ninth to break a tie game and advance to the DLCS with a 6-3 victory. Lance Deardorff went 1 for 4 with an RBI double in the ninth that proved to be the game winning run.

Brent Madden put Glendale up 1-0 in the second with a solo home run.

Phoenix responded with three in the top of the third. Rickey Pugh lined a two-run single to right to give Phoenix the lead. Estevan Hernandez then singled home Richie Dale to make it 3-1.

A Kiki Rouse solo home run in the fourth cut the lead to 3-2. Brent Madden then tripled home Rouse in the seventh to tie the game at 3-3.

Glendale went to their closer, Chauncey Fernandez in the ninth and the Firebirds lit him up. Estevan Hernadez singled to center to open the inning. Lance Deardorff then lined a double to left-center, scoring Hernandez to put Phoenix ahead 4-3. Richard Cobain singled to left. Jody Morton then tripled home Deardorff and Cobain to make it 6-3.

Phoenix brought in closer Alfonso Cruz, who sent down the Desert Dogs in order to pick up his second save of the series.

Phoenix will now head to the Desert League Championship Series against Surprise with the best-of-seven series beginning on Monday in downtown Phoenix.

Lance Deardorff and the Firebirds will face rival Surprise in the DLCS.

MLDS: ALBUQUERQUE vs. SAN ANTONIO
(San Antonio wins series 3-2)

October 4: Mariachis 5, Javelinas 1
October 5: Mariachis 7, Javelinas 2
October 7: Javelinas 9, Mariachis 1
October 8: Javelinas 6. Mariachis 5
October 10: Javelinas 3, Mariachis 1

San Antonio stormed back after losing the first two games to stun Albuquerque by winning the final three games of their MLDS series to advance to the MLCS.

In the opener, Albuquerque got a great pitching performance from Anthony Batista as they defeated San Antonbio 5-1. Batista went eight innings, allowing one run on four hits, striking out seven to improve to (1-0).

The Mariachis got three huge insurance runs in the top of the ninth on a Tommy Coley solo home run and D'Andre McDaniel two-run shot. Coley went 4 for 4 with a double, home run and three RBIs in the victory. It was McDaniel's third home run in three games for Albuquerque.

In game two, the Mariachis scored four times in the top of the eighth to pull away and win 7-3 to go up two games to none. Cristian Palbicki homered twice, driving in three, to lead the Marichis to a commanding two game lead as the series heads to Albuquerque.

Cristian Palbicki homered in the first to put the Mariachis up 1-0. A Mike Sanchez RBI single in the bottom half tied the game at 1-1. Richard Schartner hit a two-run home run in the third to put Albuquerque up 3-1. San Antonio tied it in the seventh on a Reese Middleton RBI triple and Carlos Peralta RBI single. But the Mariachis exploded for four in the eighth, highlighted by Cristian Palbicki's second home run of the game, and a Rich Ortega home run.

As the series moved to Albuquerque, San Antonio sent knuckleballer Juan Medrano to the bump and he was fantastic, striking out 17 as he went the distance, allowing just one run on three hits in a 9-1 victory for the Javelinas to stave off elimination. Leroy Hunter and Ashton Sargent each hit three-run home runs to pace the offense.

San Antonio pounded out 17 hits as they scored runs in each of the first five innings.

Gil Villa (1-1) took the loss, allowing nine runs (eight earned) on 15 hits in five innings of work, striking out three and walking six. Albuquerque's three hits were all singles.

San Antonio got some late game heroics from Tommie Turnwall in game four to win 6-5 and send the game back to San Antonio for game five. Turnwall hit a solo home run in the top of the ninth after the Javelinas blew a five run lead to help them stay alive in the MLDS.

Albuquerque was down 5-1 heading into the seventh when they hit three home runs to tie the game at 5-5. Steve Ramiro hit two home runs for the Mariachis in the losing effort.

In game five, San Antonio got seven strong innings from Israel Saucedo as they defeated Albuquerque 3-1 to advance to the MLCS. Saucedo pitched seven innings, allowing one run on two hits, striking out eight and walking seven.

D'Andre McDaniel hit a solo home run (4) in the first to put the Mariachis up 1-0. A Todd Montano two-run single in the second gave San Antonio the lead. They would add an RBI single from Reese Middleton in the fifth to go up 3-1.

Albuquerque had a couple of great chances to tie it up in the late going. They had runners on second and third in the seventh with only one out, by Saucedo got Cristian Palbicki to pop out, and he struck out D'Andre McDaniel. In the eighth, Tom Coley grounded out to first with runners on second and third to end the threat.

Bobbie Holloway worked a 1-2-3 ninth to pick up the save and send San Antonio onto the MLCS.

The Javelinas will now matchup with Boise in the best-of-seven MLCS starting on Sunday at Huntington Park.

Tommie Turnwell's home run in game four turned the series for the Javelinas.

MLDS: BOISE vs. BILLINGS
(Boise wins series 3-2)

October 4: Hawks 7, Mustangs 6
October 5: Mustangs 17, Hawks 6
October 7: Mustangs 4, Hawks 1
October 8: Hawks 2, Mustangs 0
October 10: Hawks 3, Mustangs 0

Boise advanced to the MLCS by winning the final two games of the MLDS by not allowing a run, after giving up 21 runs in games two and three. Back-to-back shutouts by scores of 2-0 and 3-0 sends Boise to the MLCS where they will face San Antonio.

Boise went into Billings and won the opener 7-6. Mountain League MVP Chad Riley went 3 for 4 and homered twice, driving in four runs to lead the Hawks to the victory.

Riley hit a three-run home run in the first inning to put Boise in front. But Billings responded in the bottom half with Darrick Pugh hitting a three-run home run to tie the game. A Tom Ma RBI single in the second put the Mustangs ahead 4-3. An Andres Cabrerea RBI double and a Jeff Traylor RBI single gave the Hawks a 5-4 lead, one that they would not give up. Matthew Shipman drove a run in for Boise in the fourth to make it 6-4. Chad Riley's second home run of the game in the seventh put Boise up by three. John Fry hit a two-run home run for Billings in the ninth, but they could not find another run, falling 7-6.

Billings responded in game two as they pounded out 17 hits in a 17-6 victory to level the series at 1-1. Alex Prado led the Mustangs, going 3 for 6 with a double, triple and six RBIs. John Fry went 3 for 5 with a double, home run, three RBIs and four runs scored.

The Mustangs blew open a close game scoring three times in the fifth and seven times in the sixth. Boise managed just three hits in the game, all home runs (Wilson Cahill, Andres Cabrera, Andy Wise).

Percy Baik (1-0) picked up the win, going eight innings and allowing three runs (one earned) on two hits, striking out four and walking three.

As the series shifted to Boise, the Mustangs got a great pitching performance from Isaiah Loescher (1-0) as they defeated the Hawks 4-1 to take a two games to one lead in the MLDS. Loescher went eight innings, allowing one run on four hits, striking out seven.

Alex Prado's two-run double in the top of the ninth gave the Mustangs all the breathing room that they would need. The Hawks lone run was a solo home run from Andy Wise in the seventh.

Boise got a complete game shutout from Sean Christensen in game four and won 2-0 to send the series back to Billings for a deciding game five. An Angel Colon two-run home run (2) in the bottom of the third was all the scoring in the game.

Billings had a chance to tie it in the ninth with runners and second and third with two outs, but Alex Prado flew out to center to end it.

In game five, the Hawks once again shutout the Mustangs, this tome 3-0, to advance to the MLCS. Chad Riley homered to lead the Hawks, going 1 for 4.

Boise went up 1-0 in the first on an Angel Colon RBI double. Riley homered in the third and Matthew Shipman added an RBI single in the third as Boise built an early 3-0 lead.

Steve Jefferson (1-0) went seven shutout innings, allowing three hits and striking out four to pick up the win. Steve Ojeda pitched the ninth to pick up his fourth post-season save.

Boise will head to San Antonio to begin the best-of-seven MLCS on Sunday afternoon.

Boise upset top-seeded Billings to advance to the MLCS.

[bigjdotcom01]

Desert League:
#2 Phoenix vs #5 Surprise:
The Desert League Championship series will showcase division rivals Phoenix going up against Surprise. The Saguaros won the regular season series (7-6).

Phil Chapman has led the way in the postseason for Phoenix, hitting .421 with two home runs and five RBIs. Lance Deardorff also hit two home runs in the division series for the Firebirds. D.J. Saunders went 1-0, 1.13 ERA, 0.75 WHIP in the DLDS victory over Glendale.

Keaton Ross hit .393 in the division series with one home run and one RBI, but those were huge as they were the game winning run in the series. Jonathan Patel leads the team with three home runs in the playoffs, but all came in the Wild Card win over Tahoe. Surprise has hit 16 home runs in seven postseason games. Andres Guzman and Gilberto Montalvo are each (2-0) in the postseason. Closer Vance Wilson has four saves and an ERA of 0.46.

Mountain League:
#2 San Antonio vs #4 Boise:
The Mountain League Championship Series will see Boise take on San Antonio. The Javelinas won the season series (5-1).

Carlos Peralta hit .474 in San Antonio's MLDS win over Albuquerque. Five different players hit home runs, but none had more than one in the series. Israel Saucedo went (1-1) with a 2.08 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with 20 strikeouts in 13 innings of work.

Boise is led by Mountain League MVP Chad Riley. He has hit .321 with four home runs and six RBIs for the Hawks in seven playoff games. Andres Cabrera is hitting .391 with two home runs and five RBIs in the postseason. Sean Christensen is (2-0) with a 1.69 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in 16.0 innings of work.

[bigjdotcom01]

MLCS: SAN ANTONIO vs. BOISE
(San Antonio wins series 4-0)

October 12: Javelinas 2, Hawks 0
October 13: Javelinas 9, Hawks 6
October 15: Javelinas 8, Hawks 6
October 16: Javelinas 3, Hawks 2

San Antonio completed a four game sweep of Boise in the MLCS to advance to the World Series.

San Antonio grabbed game one with a 2-0 victory. Israel Saucedo threw five shutout innings but did not figure in the decision. RBI singles from Leroy Hunter in the seventh and Cesar Santiago in the eighth were all the runs that the Javelinas would need.

Alberto Julio (1-1) picked up the win, getting the final out in the top of the seventh. Bobbie Holloway picked up his third save.

Boise left ten men on base in the shutout loss. Daniel Valenzuela (1-1) took the loss, pitching seven innings and allowing one run on five hits, striking out five and walking two.

In game two, San Antonio jumped out to a 6-0 lead after two innings, then cruised to a 9-6 win to go up two games to none. Tommie Turnwall hit two home runs and drove in five for the Javelinas.

Turnwall went 4 for 4 with a double, two home runs, five RBIs, and three runs scored. Gary Burns went 2 for 3 with a double, home run and two RBIs for the Javelinas.

Angel Colon went 2 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs in the losing effort for Boise. Henry Nomo (0-2) only lasted 2.1 innings, allowing seven runs on eight hits, walking four.

Daniel Brito (1-0) earned the win for San Antonio. He went 5.2 innings, allowing four runs on six hits, striking out eight, but walking six. Bobbie Holloway picked up his fourth save with a scoreless ninth inning.

As the series shifted up north to Boise, San Antonio scored twice in the top of the ninth to pull out an 8-6 victory to take a commanding three games to none lead in the best-of-seven series. Carlos Peralta went 3 for 6 with his two-run home run in the top of the ninth being the difference, moving San Antonio one win away from the World Series.

San Antonio jumped out to a 6-0 lead after three innings in this one, similar to game two. But Boise clawed their way back to tie it up on a Chad Riley solo home run in the bottom of the eighth.

Juan Medrano (2-0) earned the win for the Javelinas, going six innings and allowing four runs on four hits, striking out nine and walking four. Bobbie Holloway earned his fifth save.

In game four, San Antonio jumped out to an early three run lead, then held on for a 3-2 victory over Boise to complete the four game sweep and advance to the IBL World Series.

Tommie Turnwall started things going with a first inning RBI double. Leroy Hunter then hit a two-run home run in the third to make it 3-0 Javelinas.

Boise's Andreas Cabrera hit a two-run home run in the fourth to cut it to 3-2, but that was all that Boise could push across.

Irwin Dark (1-0) picked up the win for San Antonio. He pitched 6.2 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, striking out six. Bobbie Holloway picked up his fourth save of the series and sixth of the playoffs as he pitched a scoreless ninth.

The Javelinas will now take on Surprise in the IBL World Series beginning next Friday night at the home of the Desert League champion.

DLCS: PHOENIX vs. SURPRISE
(Surprise wins series 4-1)

October 13: Saguaros 6, Firebirds 3
October 14: Saguaros 10, Firebirds 3
October 16: Saguaros 8, Firebirds 7
October 17: Firebirds 5, Saguaros 0
October 18: Saguaros 4, Firebirds 0

Surprise came into the DLCS as underdogs and emerged as Desert League champions, defeating heavily favored Phoenix four games to one. The Saguaros upset top-seeded San Diego in the DLDS.

Surprise got off to a great start in the DLCS with a 6-3 victory in game one over the Firebirds in downtown Phoenix. The Saguaros got all six runs on three home runs to take the series lead.

Joaquim Moreno homered in the third, Andy Abreau hit a three-run shot in the fourth , and Keaton Ross hit a two-run home run in the eighth for the Saguaros runs.

Phoenix got an RBI double from Richard Cobain in the fourth and a two-run double from Jody Morton in the sixth.

Salvador Ferreira (1-1) picked up the win, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits in 6.1 innings of work. Vince Wilson picked up his fifth save, working a scoreless ninth.

In game two, Surprise stunned Phoenix with a come-from-behind win by scoring eight times in the top of the ninth to win 10-3. Jonathan Patel's ninth inning grand slam capped off the win and put Surprise up two games to none as they head home for game three.

Phoenix had taken a 3-2 lead on a Jody Morton RBI double in the fourth and it remained 3-2 into the ninth inning. George Brandt pitched 6.2 innings for Phoenix, allowing two runs on nine hits, striking out six. Phoenix had to use four pitchers in the ninth inning with closer Alfonso Cruz, Rodger Dominay and Lou Andino allowing eight runs on seven hits without recording an out!

Jonathan Patel went 4 for 5 with three doubles, a grand slam and five RBIs to lead the Saguaros. Andy Abreau also added a two-run home run in the ninth.

On Thursday evening, the series shifted to Surprise, and the Saguaros walked it off in a thrilling 8-7 victory on a Jeff Nettles solo home run, to take a commanding three games to none lead in the best-of-seven series.

Surprise was up 3-0 after three innings. Phoenix tied it up in the fourth on a two-run double from Estevan Hernandez and an RBI double from Lance Deardorff. A two-run single from MacKenzie Evans put Surprise back up 5-3 in the bottom of the fourth.

Phoenix then went in front 6-5 with a three-run fifth. Another RBI double from Estevan Hernandez, and two RBI singles from Jody Morton and Jason Lott put the Firebirds in front.

A Maurice McGinnis RBI triple in the sixth tied the game. Edmund Isaac then laced an RBI double into the right field corner in the seventh to put Surprise up 7-6.

Phoenix's Estevan Hernandez hit a leadoff double in the ninth and scored on a Richard Cobain sacrifice fly to tie the game at 7-7. That cleared the way for Jeff Nettles to end it with two-outs in the bottom of the ninth with a solo home run off of Hiroyuki Tanaka.

Phoenix sends D.J. Saunders (1-0, 1.13) to the bump on Friday night, trying to keep their season alive.

In game four, Phoenix sent D.J. Saunders to the bump and he delivered, tossing a two-hit shutout as the Firebirds won 5-0 to stay alive. Phil Chapman's two-out, three-run triple in the fourth was all that Phoenix would need to keep their season alive.

The Firebirds got a solo home run from Jody Morton in the sixth, and a Richie Dale sacrifice fly that scored Jeramy Johnson to make it 5-0.

Saunders struck out ten and walked three as he improved to (2-0) in the postseason, lowering his ERA to 0.52. Andres Guzman (2-1) took the loss for Surprise, allowing four runs on eight hits in 5.1 innings of work.

In game five, it was another outstanding pitching performance as Lester Pritchett threw eight shutout innings, scattering six hits and striking out seven as the Saguaros won 4-0 to clinch the Desert League pennant.

Surprise went up 3-0 in the second inning. Ross singled home MacKenzie Evans to put the Saguaros up 1-0. Jonathon Patel then blasted a two-run home run to make it 3-0. In the fifth, back-to-back doubles by Andy Abreau and Maurice McGinnis extended the lead to 4-0.

Phoenix never really threatened as they bowed out of the postseason. Vance Bolden did all that he could to keep Phoenix in the game, tossing seven innings and allowing four runs on ten hits, striking out ten in the loss.

Surprise will now advance to the IBL World Series where they will take on San Antonio beginning next Friday night in Surprise Stadium.

San Antonio advances to the IBL World Series where they will take on Surprise.

[countryboy]

Cardinals take series from Mariners as they clinch berth into playoffs

RECORD:94-59
DIVISION: 1ST (+4 CIN)
WILDCARD: NA

The Cardinals took 2 games of their 3 game series with the Mariners to begin the week and now hold a 4 game lead on the Reds heading into this weekend's big 3 game series in Cincinnati. The Reds swept the Pirates to gain a game on the Redbirds. The series win did clinch a spot in the postseason for the Cardinals.

The Cardinals lost Tuesday night against the Mariners as the bullpen once again failed to hold a late lead. Andre Pallante and Alex Vesia combined for 5 earned runs as the M's came back to beat the Cardinals 7-6. Wednesday and Thursday the Cardinals were having none of it as they beat the M's 8-3 on Wednesday and 7-1 on Thursday. Matthew Liberatore and Sandy Alcantara both went 8 innings in their respective starts keeping the bullpen usage at a minimum.

Nolan Gorman and Nolan Arenado put on shows this series each collecting 6 hits, 2 homeruns and 7 RBI's each. Victor Scott did leave Tuesday's game with an ankle injury that will put him day to day, but he's expected back for the Reds series.

Next up is the big 3 game weekend series with the Reds. Up 4 games with 9 games left for each team means a sweep the Cards and the division is theirs. A sweep by the Reds and its a one game lead heading into the final week of the season.

Cardinals remaining schedule:

3 at CIN
3 at ARI
3 vs PIT

Reds remaining schedule:

3 vs STL
3 at COL
3 vs MIL

Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants clinch postseason berths

The Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants have all clinched playoff berths for the 2028 posteason.

The Yankees have clinched their 3rd straight AL East title and will have homefield advantage throughout the playoffs as they look to get back to the World Series this year.

The Dodgers have for now just clinched a playoff berth as they look to defend their World Series Championship from last year.

The Giants have clinched at least a wildcard as they are trailing the Dodgers by 4 games for the NL West.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Win 2 of 3 Against Miami
June 19, 2030

The Mets got back on track against the Marlins and were able to take the first two games of the series before dropping the finale.

New York was victorious in the opener despite Travis West giving up 3 first inning runs. He was able to settle down afterwards, and the Marlins were held scoreless the rest of the game. Elvis Valido tied the game in the in the 3rd inning with a 2-run blast, and Corey Seager put the home team in front with an RBI single in the 7th. Then Jackie Maurer would push across an insurance run with a pinch-hit RBI single in 8th. Donald Beals would come in and record the save in a 5-3 Mets win.

Game 2 started the way Game 1 ended - with a Jackie Maurer RBI single. Alexis Quevedo hit his 8th HR of the year in the bottom of the 2nd, and Barney Nowak crushed his 9th of the year in the bottom of the 3rd. The Marlins would score a run on a HR in the 4th, but that's all they would produce in a 3-1 Mets win. Lucas Giolito was spectacular and turned in his best start in a Mets uniform. He gave up one run over 7 innings while striking out 9. Donald Beals recorded his second straight save.

The Marlins won the finale 2-1 on Fathers' Day. Brad Bracken was phenomenal for the visitors and held the Mets scoreless until Michael Conforto hit a pinch-hit HR off him in the 8th to put the Mets on the board. It was a cool moment as Conforto recently became a father for the first time. Broderick McClendon pitched well for the second consecutive outing, but unfortunately had to be removed in the 5th inning after he was hit in the head by a line drive. McClendon suffered a concussion on the play and is headed to the IL. Replacing him on the roster will be Lincoln James. Also noteworthy - Corey Seager's 17-game hitting streak came to an end.

The injury makes Giolito's performance in Game 2 all the more crucial. With injuries to Julio Fernandez, Broderick McClendon, and Manuel Diaz (Next man up in AAA), the Mets starting pitching depth has suddenly gotten incredibly thin. There are not a lot of other places to turn to if Giolito cannot continue the success he found this weekend. The Mets would be looking at the likes of Aaron Blair, Lincoln James, or external help - all of which are not ideal.

New York (52-25) will now host the St. Louis Cardinals (42-34) for 4 games. The Cards currently sit 3.5 games behind the Cubs for the NL Central lead.

[countryboy]

Cardinals drop series to Reds as divisional race tightens up

RECORD: 95-61
DIVISION: 1ST (+3 CIN)
WILDCARD: NA

The Cardinals had a chance to essentially clinch the NL Central Division, but instead dropped 2 games of a 3 game series to the Reds and now find themselves just 3 games up with 6 left to play. The bullpen absolutely let the team down as they blew Friday nights game and Ryan Helsley blew the save on Sunday. On Saturday the Cardinals won 2-1 behind a solid performance by Quinn Matthews who has been a complete surprise this season.

Offensively Nolan Gorman and Ivan Herrera each had a good series with 4 hits each. Gorman homered twice and drove in 6 runs. Victor Scott II had a good series reaching base twice in all 3 games. He also made two spectacular plays on Saturday to help preserve the 2-1 victory.

The Cardinals will now head to Arizona for a 3 game series with the Diamondbacks whose postseason hopes are hanging by a thread. After that they will face the Pirates for 3 games in St.Louis to close out the regular season.

[bigjdotcom01]

IBL WORLD SERIES: SURPRISE vs. SAN ANTONIO
(San Antonio wins series 4-3)


San Antonio captured the inaugural IBL World Series

October 24: Saguaros 1, Javelinas 0 (12)
October 25: Javelinas 4, Saguaros 2
October 27: Javelinas 5, Saguaros 4
October 28: Saguaros 9. Javelinas 8
October 29: Saguaros 10, Javelinas 1
October 31: Javelinas 7, Saguaros 6
November 1: Javelinas 8, Saguaros 4

Surprise, AZ (AP) - The San Antonio Javelinas captured the inaugural IBL World Series as they rallied to win games six and seven on the road over the Surprise Saguaros.

Game 1: Saguaros 1, Javelinas 0 (12)

In the IBL World Series opener, Surprise walked-it-off with a 1-0 victory over San Antonio thanks to a twelfth inning RBI double from Andy Abreau. Surprise pitchers locked down the Javelinas, holding them to just two hits and eight base runners in the entire game.

Surprise starter Salvador Ferriera was brilliant, tossing seven shutout innings, allowing one hit, striking out four and walking three. The Saguaros bullpen was just as good as Humberto Lopes, Vince Wilson and Gilberto Montalvo only allowed one hit over the final five innings.

On the other side, San Antonio starter Joaquin Villalobos tossed seven shutout innings, allowing six hits, and striking out six. The Javelinas bullpen allowed just one hit over 4.2 innings of work, and that was the game winning hit from Andy Abreau as he doubled home Keaton Ross, who drew a leadoff walk in the twelfth.

Jay Scott (1-1) took the loss for San Antonio, snapping a seven game winning streak for the Javelinas.

Game 2: Javelinas 4, Saguaros 2

San Antonio bounced back to take game two, 4-2, as they rallied late to even the series. The Javelinas tied it up in the eighth, then scored twice in the ninth to win it.

Carlos Peralta got San Antonio on the board in the third with an RBI double. Surprise scored twice in the fourth to take the lead. Jonathan Patel tripled home MacKenzie Evans, and Jeff Nettles singled him home to make it 2-1.

In the eighth, Jerod Ivey hit a sacrifice fly to score Tommie Turnwall, tying the game at 2-2. Then in the ninth Cesar Santiago hit a pinch hit home run off of Mario Ramirez to put San Antonio ahead. Leroy Hunter would add a sacrifice fly to score Todd Montano with a big insurance run.

Bobbie Holloway came on and walked a tightrope, giving up a single and walking a batter. But he struck out Maurice McGinnis with both runners on to end the game and pick up his seventh save. Israel Saucedo started the game for San Antonio, pitching six innings and allowing two runs on six hits, striking out 11 and walking three.

Game 3: Javelinas 5, Saguaros 4

As the series shifted to San Antonio, the Javelinas won game three 5-4. Daniel Brito (2-0) was very good for the Javelinas, throwing seven strong innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, striking out five and walking three.

San Antonio went up 3-0 in the second inning on an Ashton Sargent three-run home run. Reese Middleton added a two-run triple in the fourth as the Javelinas extended their lead to 5-0.

Jonathan Patel homered in the fifth to get Surprise on the board. Andy Abreau, the hero of game one, then hit a three-run home run in the eighth, to cut it to 5-4.

San Antonio's Bobbie Holloway once again walked a tightrope in the ninth, allowing singles to Maurice McGinnis and Edmund Isaac. But he got MacKenzie Evans to fly out to deep center to end the game, securing his eighth save.

Surprise's David Olsen (1-1) took the loss, lasting just three plus innings and allowing five runs on eight hits. Tom Gonzales pitched the final five innings for Surprise, allowing only two hits and no runs, striking out three.

Game 4: Saguaros 9, Javelinas 8

Game four in San Antonio was a wild one with the Saguaros holding on for a 9-8 victory to even the series at two games apiece. Jonathan Patel continues to make his case for the postseason MVP as he went 2 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs to lead the Saguaros to the victory.

Surprise took the lead in the top of the second on a solo home run from Jeff Nettles, his fourth of the postseason. San Antonio immediately answered back with a two-run double from Reese Middleton to make it 2-1.

Surprise retook the lead in the third. Two-out RBI singles from MacKenzie Evans and Jeff Nettles made it 3-2 Surprise. San Antonio answered right back, again. Ashton Sargent drew a two-out, bases loaded walk, to drive in Tommie Turnwall and we were tied at 3-3.

San Antonio then went up 5-3 in the fourth on a two-out, two-run double from Tommie Turnwall.

Surprise tied it back up at 5-5 in the top of the fifth on RBI singles from Keaton Ross and Johnathon Patel. San Antonio answered right back, again. This time it was a Reese Middleton RBI single to put San Antonio back in front, 6-5.

In the seventh, the Saguaros retook the lead on a Jonathon Patel two-run home run. Willie Banks followed with a solo shot and Surprise went up 8-6. Joaquim Moreno then doubled home Maurice McGinnis to make it 9-6. A Reese Middleton sacrifice fly in the bottom half, scoring Jerold Ivey, cut the Surprise lead to 9-7. Todd Montano then added a two-out RBI single that scored Ashton Sargent to make it 9-8.

But Bill Hendrickson, and closer Vince Wilson, would not allow another run and Surprise held on 9-8 to even the series, guaranteeing that the series will extend to at least six games and return to Arizona.

Juan Medrano (2-1) took the loss for San Antonio, maybe going one inning too long. He went six plus innings, allowing eight runs on 14 hits, striking out five and walking three. Reliever Mario Ramirez (1-2) picked up the win for Surprise. Vince Wilson earned his sixth postseason save.

Game 5: Saguaros 10, Javelinas 1

Surprise broke open a pitcher's duel late in game five, scoring nine times after the sixth inning to win 10-1. MacKenzie Evans went 3 for 5 with a double, home run, three RBIs and two runs scored in the victory.

The game was tied 1-1 as it moved to the seventh. San Antonio went to reliever Frank Lowe and it did not go well. Edmund Isaac singled to open the inning and MacKenzie Evans followed with a long two-run home run. Jeff Nettles walked, and the Javelinas went to Douglas Small. Jonathon Patel singled to right, moving Nettles to third. Andy Abreau and Maurice McGinnis then each added RBI singles to make it 5-1.

In the eighth, a MacKenzie Evans RBI double gets it going. Jeff Nettles then singled home Evans to make it 7-1. In the ninth, Carlos Valdez hit a three-run home run to make it 10-1.

Lester Pritchett (2-0) picked up the win for Surprise. He went eight innings, allowing one run on five hits, striking out six. San Antonio reliever Frank Lowe (0-1) took the loss, allowing three runs on two hits with a walk, without recording an out in the seventh.

Game 6: Javelinas 7, Saguaros 6

In game six, the series returned to Arizona, and the Javelinas came through with a huge 7-6 victory to force a game seven on Sunday night. Tommie Turnwall had a day, going 3 for 4 with two home runs and six RBIs to keep San Antonio alive.

San Antonio went up 3-0 in the first inning on a three-run Tommie Turnwall home run, his fourth of the postseason.

Surprise got a couple of runs back in the second on a Keaton Ross two-run home run. They would tie it up in the third on a Joaquim Moreno solo home run, his fifth. A two-run single from Johnathon Patel in the fourth put Surprise up 5-3.

San Antonio responded in the fifth. Todd Montano hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Gary Burns. Tommie Turnwall added a two-out RBI single that scored Carlos Peralta and we were tied at 5-5.

Tommie Turnwall came through again in the seventh, hitting a two-out, two-run home run to give San Antonio a 7-5 lead. The Javelinas turned to their closer Bobbie Holloway in the ninth. He once again walked a tightrope, allowing one run, but stranding the tying run at second as he struck out Carlos Valdez to end it. Holloway picked up his ninth save. Frank Lowe, the goat in game five, picked up the win in game six, throwing a scoreless inning of relief.

Bill Hendrickson (1-1) got the loss for Surprise.

Game 7: Javelinas 8, Saguaros 4

San Antonio captured the World Series Championship with a dominating performance in game seven as they easily won 8-4 over Surprise to complete the series comeback and bring a championship back to San Antonio.

San Antonio jumped out to a 4-0 lead in this one, scoring once in the second on a Mike Sanchez solo home run. Then in the third, they scored three unearned runs. Two scored on a throwing error from Jonathon Patel, allowing Gary Burns and Carlos Peralta to score. Tommie Turnwall then added a two-out RBI single to make it 4-0.

Surprise showed some signs of life as they responded with two in the bottom of the third. William Banks led off with a double and scored on a Joaquim Moreno sacrifice fly. Carlos Valdez then blasted a solo home run to left to make it 4-2. A Jeff Nettles RBI double in the fourth cut it to 4-3 and it looked like we might have some big time drama in game seven.

But San Antonio had other ideas. The Javelinas scored two in the fifth, and two more in the sixth to put this one on ice. Leroy Hunter and Tommie Turnwall had back-to-back RBI doubles in the fifth. Gary Burns launched a long two-run home run in the sixth, to make it 8-3.

Surprise got one back in the bottom of the sixth as MacKenzie Evans homered off of Daniel Brito, who came on in relief of starter Israel Saucedo. But Brito was lights out after that as he shut down the Saguaros and helped San Antonio to the title.

Israel Saucedo (2-1) got the win, pitching five innings and allowing three runs on six hits, striking out six. Bito picked up the save, pitching the final four innings and allowing one run on two hits, and he also struck out six.

Johnny Dawley (0-1) picked up the loss for Surprise, going 4.2 innings and allowing six runs (four earned) on seven hits.

San Antonio's Gary Burns won the World Series MVP, hitting .347 with a home run and two RBIs in the series. Tommie Turnwall hit .214 in the series with three doubles, two home runs and 11 RBIs. Turnwall was named Postseason MVP of the Mountain League. Jonathon Patel hit .350 with a triple, two home runs and seven RBIs to lead Surprise. He was named the Postseason MVP in the Desert League.

San Antonio wins the championship, and if anyone followed along with my last iteration of the IBL in MLB the Show 22, they also beat Surprise in the 2022 World Series.

Tommie Turnwall was a key figure in the Javelinas win, but Gary Burns was the series MVP.

[The Gamer]

The Cubs left Olympic Stadium with a winning feeling, taking two of three from the Expos and getting back to even at 31–31.

Game 1 slipped away in the late innings as Steve Trachsel was tagged for four runs in six frames despite home runs from Henry Rodríguez (2) and José Hernández. But the story quickly flipped.

On June 4, Kerry Wood delivered a masterpiece, striking out 11 and going eight strong innings in a 4–1 win. Home runs from Hernández, Sammy Sosa, and Rodríguez provided all the offense needed.

Then came June 5 — a night that will be remembered for fireworks. Sammy Sosa erupted for three homers and six RBI, while Brant Brown added four RBI and Henry Rodríguez stayed hot with two more blasts. The Cubs piled up 19 runs on 25 hits, steamrolling the Expos 19–6 and claiming the series.


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Page 2: Box/Notes

Series Results: Cubs win 2–1

Standouts:

Sammy Sosa: 4 HR, 8 RBI in the series (3 HR, 6 RBI in Game 3)

Henry Rodríguez: 4 HR, 7 RBI across first two games

Kerry Wood: 8.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 11 K in Game 2 win


Key Moments:

June 4: Wood’s 11 K performance kept Montreal silent.

June 5: Cubs’ bats erupted, highlighted by Sosa’s three-homer game.



Roster Move:

Lance Johnson activated from the DL.

Micah Franklin optioned to Triple-A Iowa.



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Page 3: What’s Next

The Cubs (31–31) now head to Detroit to face the Tigers (30–34) in an interleague weekend set.

Probable Pitching Matchups

Game 1 (Friday): Mark Clark vs. Frank Castillo

Game 2 (Saturday): Geremi González vs. Justin Thompson

Game 3 (Sunday): Steve Trachsel vs. Brian Moehler

Sent from my SM-S938U using Tapatalk

[Itsma806]

2026 Houston Astros 06/19-06/21

Overall Record: 38-39 (1st AL West/1.5 over Seattle Mariners)

Game Results:

Game 1
Rangers-4
Astros-2

Game 2
Astros-7
Rangers-4

Game 3
Astros-7
Rangers-4

Astros newest addition comes through to help take the 2-1 series victory.

Oh, by the way, Houston traded for Jesus Sanchez from the Miami Marlins after the first game of the Boston series. Initially, Jesus really struggled since moving to Houston (started off 0-14). That all changed in game two of the Stros series versus the Rangers.

For the game, it was a mixed bag of emotions. The game started off slow with the Astros scoring the only run in the first eight innings. That run came from Christian Walker as he hit his 26th homerun of the season in the second inning of Texas' starter, Cody Bradford. From there, neither team would score until the 9th inning. In the top half of that inning, Josh Hader was brought in to secure the save. He did not do that as he allowed 4 runs and 5 hits without recording an out.

Houston answered back in the bottom half scoring three of their own and sending the game into extras. That is when Jesus Sanchez got his first hit, a three run walkoff HR.

He repeated that effort in game three as he hit another three run HR as the Astros went on to win the game by the same score, 7-4 and the series, 2-1.

Next up in Houston will be a matchup between Houston (38-39) and Baltimore (44-35).

[countryboy]

Cardinals take series from D'Backs, on cusp of division title, lose Ivan Herrera

RECORD: 97-62
DIVISION: 1ST (+3 CIN)
WILDCARD: NA

The Cardinals took the 3 game series from the Diamondbacks in Arizona to begin the week and now are just a single win or Reds single loss away from winning the NL Central for the first time since 2022.

The Cardinals outscored the D'Backs 20-10 in the series but still managed to lose on Tuesday night when they scored a single run after scoring 12 the night prior and losing 4-1. Nolan Gorman and Jarren Duran had big series offensively for the Cardinals. Matt Vierling continues to be in a slump as does Victor Scott. The bullpen was solid in the series as they maintained leads and on Tuesday kept things from getting out of hand when Tony Gonsolin was knocked out early.

The biggest blow came Wednesday when Ivan Herrera would tear up his shoulder sliding into 3rd base. Herrera will miss the rest of the season and the entire postseason. Leonardo Bernal was recalled from Memphis to take his place.

Up next is the final series of the year as the Cardinals welcome the Pirates to town for a 3 game weekend series. One win or one Reds loss will clinch the Division title and put the Cards as the number 2 seed in the postseason.

[The Gamer]

Cubs vs. Tigers — Series Recap

Game 1 (June 6) — Tigers 5, Cubs 4

The series opened with a tough one-run loss for Chicago. Mark Clark battled but gave up 12 hits across 6.2 innings, and Detroit scratched out just enough offense late. Brant Brown was the Cubs’ bright spot, delivering a home run and two RBI, while Henry Rodríguez and Mark Grace added extra-base hits. Still, the bullpen couldn’t keep the Tigers in check, and the Cubs dropped the opener.


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Game 2 (June 7) — Cubs 8, Tigers 2

The bats woke up in Game 2. Geremi González turned in his best start of the year, tossing eight innings of two-run ball while striking out six. At the plate, Sammy Sosa blasted a three-run homer and added another RBI, giving him four on the night. Henry Rodríguez also homered, and Mark Grace continued his hot hitting with three knocks of his own. The Cubs rolled to even the series.


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Game 3 (June 8) — Cubs 14, Tigers 3

Game 3 was an offensive explosion. The Cubs scored eight runs in the second inning and never looked back, pounding out 24 hits as a team. Henry Rodríguez was unstoppable, driving in four runs with a home run and multiple hits. Sammy Sosa added his 25th homer of the year, while Lance Johnson — fresh off the injured list — made a statement return with three hits, two RBI, and steady play in center. Steve Trachsel kept Detroit from mounting a comeback with eight strong innings of one-run ball.


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🔥 Player of the Series: Henry Rodríguez

HR in back-to-back games (Games 2 & 3)

6 RBI total across the set

Hit safely in all three games, providing consistent middle-of-the-order punch

His big bat in Game 3 (4 RBI) set the tone for the rout


Sammy Sosa made his presence felt with two homers and seven RBI across the series, but Rodríguez was the difference-maker — his timely power and run production lifted Chicago to the series win.


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➡️ Cubs take 2 of 3 in Detroit, moving back above .500 (33–32) and building momentum heading into Philadelphia.

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[countryboy]

Cardinals win series against Pirates, clinch division, lose Chase Davis

RECORD: 99-63
DIVISION: WON DIVISION
WILDCARD: N/A

The Cardinals won the season series finale against the Pirates over the weekend clinching their first divisional crown since 2022. The Cardinals will now be the #2 seed in the NL postseason.

Things got off to a rough start on Friday as Paul Skenes absolutely dominated the Cardinals tossing a complete game shutout with 15 strikeouts. Despite the embarrassing loss on Friday, the Reds were beaten by the Brewers thus clinching the NL Central Division title for the Redbirds. The Cardinals would bounce back Saturday and Sunday winning both games 5-1. Jarren Duran and Masyn Winn fueled the series victory with 6 hits each in the series and Matt Vierling drove in 5 runs in two games.

Jack Flaherty would reach the 200 innings pitched and 200 strikeouts plateau on Saturday as he went 8 innings striking out 8 and giving up just one run on 4 scattered hits. Matthew Liberatore was brilliant Sunday taking a no hitter to the 8th before Bryan Reynolds broke it up with a double in the gap.

The Cardinals did suffer yet another injury to a player that was slated to be on the postseason roster. Chase Davis was hit by a pitch on Saturday thus breaking his hand and ending his season. The Cards recalled Elijah Green to fill the roster spot.

[MizzouRah]

Playoff baseball in STL, let's go!