First, some housekeeping…
Houston’s
Yordan Alvarez won player of the week in the AL – he hit .650 in 20 AB’s and sent 7 balls out of the park, the kid was on something of a hot streak – and Colorado’s
Trevor Story took home that same prize in the NL after going 14 for 26 with 2 jacks and 8 RBI.
A BNN Stat: So, who is the active Major League Baseball leader in career hits?
Albert Pujols, LAA, 3265 (I’m hearing more about this guy than I have in years – IRL & here)
Miguel Cabrera, DET, 2892
Robinson Cano, NYM, 2624
Yadier Molina, STL, 2020
Melky Cabrera, JAC, 1962
The Weekly Power Ranking:
Teams (Total Points, Tendency)
1) Atlanta Braves (142.5, o)
2) San Francisco Giants (128.0, o)
3) Los Angeles Dodgers (126.0, ++)
4) New York Mets (124.4, ++)
5) St. Louis Cardinals (116.8, ++)
6) Chicago White Sox (115.2, +)
7) Seattle Mariners (113.1, -)
8) Oakland Athletics (112.7, --)
9) Arizona Diamondbacks (112.4, ++)
10) Cincinnati Reds (107.2, -)
The Angels are 14th, Astros 17th, Yankees 19th, and Padres 28th.
Detroit Tigers (14-27, .341, 5th AL Central) @ Seattle Mariners (26-15, .634, 2nd AL West)
The Tigers have displayed a marginally improved form thus far in May – nothing to get too excited about, but, as far as doormats go, they are a little more high-end than most. The problem here, though, is that their current form (6-4 over their last 10) is only good by their less-than-lofty standards, and the reality that they pair the AL’s 10th rated offense with its 12th rated staff is always, at worst, on the periphery, smiling, and waving to get your attention. See, despite the fact that they’ve recently managed to peel sets off the likes of the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs, this is a poor club – poorly conceived, poorly constructed, and, without access to elaborate sign-stealing techniques, poorly managed. This is a set that we should navigate with aplomb, dignity – like some card counting savant primed to turn the house on its head. For the next three days –
we play like champions. Also, this will be the first time we welcome
Kyle Seager back to town after the pre-season trade with the Tigers that netted us our game one starter –
Matthew Boyd.
42 of 162: Michael Fulmer (0-5, 6.75) @ Matthew Boyd (3-3, 4.08)
Win, 5-0.
Boyd, in his first appearance against his old club, ran roughshod over all comers during an 8-inning, 3-hit, shutout performance that included 8 Ks, and
Jarred Kelenic showed the hometown faithful why he’s a prospect held in such high regard with a 3 for 4 day that includes a solo homer. Fletch hit two, two-baggers,
Joc hit a double of his own,
Dalbec drove one in on a single, and we secured two masterful double plays on defense. Full steam ahead for the good ship lollipop as we treat our hometown fans to some expertly played baseball and send them home happy that they made it out to the park. Also,
Kyle went 1 for 4 in his return to Seattle – if he intends to have his revenge, it will have to wait for at least one more day…
Elsewhere: While there were a couple of performances today that warrant some mention – like
Khris Davis going 3 for 4 with a 2-run blast in what has been a tough slog through 2021 for him so far (.201/.275/.347, 6 HR, 15 RBI) – the only performance that mattered today came from our own
Matthew Boyd who put it down something fierce against his old club on behalf of his new one. 8.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, and THE DOUBLE-U.
Someone earned himself a $15 Starbucks gift card! Employee of the Day!
Record: 27-15
Up Next: More baseball against Detroit at home – AND – Seattle’s own, Macklemore will attempt to break Eminem’s rhyme-speed record during the 7th inning stretch. We think. His attendance has not been officially confirmed, so, you’ll have to show up to the park to find out for sure.