Bryce Harper chose a good time for his first hit. The Nats slugger's 10th inning single - his only knock of the night - gave his team a 6-5 win over the Reds. The hit, combined with five scoreless innings from the beleaguered Washington bullpen, helped the Nationals keep their 9.5-game cushion over second-place Atlanta. It's Harper's third walk-off hit this season, tied for most in MLB.
Watch John Lackey discuss his outing against the Marlins on Friday. He tossed his second straight quality start in the 2-0 loss.
Red Sox 9, Angels 4: Hanley Ramirez picked a perfect way to pay tribute to David Ortiz. Ramirez belted a two-run homer in the fourth inning and Sandy Leon added a two-run shot in the sixth to lift the Red Sox to a series-opening victory after retiring Ortiz's No. 34. But the most encouraging development for the Sox was the performance of Rick Porcello, who tossed six strong innings before allowing three runs in the seventh.
No Adam Eaton, no Jayson Werth, no Michael Taylor, no problem. Nats rookie outfielder Brian Goodwin has gone deep twice tonight. He now has six bombs in June. That's more than Bryce Harper. And Ryan Zimmerman. And Daniel Murphy. And anybody else on the Nationals.
The Cubs lost to the Marlins 2-0 despite outhitting them 6 to 3 as a season long trend against right handed pitching continued. They mustered a couple rallies against starter Jose Urena but never got the big two out hit they needed. Giancarlo Stanton did produce a big one, though, as he crushed a HR off John Lackey for the first run of the game. The Cubs hit into three double plays including one to end the game.
Another short-ish night for Nats hurler Stephen Strasburg, who exits after allowing the Reds five runs on eight hits in five frames. After going six-plus innings in 13 of his first 14 starts this year, Strasburg has failed to go six in each of his last three outings.
Masahiro Tanaka: Did not allow a run in the 1st inning tonight. He's still had more starts where he's allowed a 1st-inning run (8) than starts where he has not allowed a 1st-inning run (7).
John Lackey gave up his 22nd HR this season and it was no cheapie as Giancarlo Stanton crushed a ball with an exit velocity of 112.4 mph, yet its only Stanton's 6th hardest HR hit this year. It traveled 458 ft, according to statcast.
David Ortiz says he has been in touch with ex-teammates but has intentionally avoided coming around the Red Sox's clubhouse because he doesn't want to be in the way. He knew his retirement would impact the team and didn't want to be a distraction.
David Ortiz on what will be his next role with the Boston Red Sox after "staying away" from the team since retirement.
David Ortiz: "I remember when I took batting practice at this field, I always tried to hit those numbers (on right-field facade). Big Papi was emotional before giving a speech.
"It's an honor to see my number next to those legendary (players)" -David Ortiz
David Ortiz's number 34 placed next to Jackie's number 42 against the Boston skyline.
Poignant moment during David Ortiz ceremony, as Kirby Puckett's family is introduced. Puckett is the reason that Ortiz chose to wear No. 34.
Fenway is decorated with '34' mowed into the grass in center field and posted on the on-deck circles. David Ortiz will be 10th person to have number retired by Red Sox, joining Ted Williams (9), Joe Cronin (4), Bobby Doerr (1), Carl Yastrzemski (8), Carlton Fisk (27), Johnny Pesky (6), Jim Rice (14), Pedro Martinez (45), Wade Boggs (26).
The stage is set for the Big Papi number retirement ceremony at Fenway!
Almost two months after shredding his knee, Nats centerfielder Adam Eaton is finally walking on his own. Today he moseyed over to his locker, sat down with next-door neighbor Wilmer Difo, and dropped some wisdom. Difo, a middle infielder who was called up today, is starting in CF in place of ailing Michael Taylor. In seven-plus years of professional baseball, Difo has played a grand total of 14 innings in the outfield.
Kyle Hendricks should throw either Saturday or Sunday as he recovers from tendinitis in his right hand. The Cubs want him pain free. They are hopeful he'll be back before the all-star break.
Adding #34 to the facade at Fenway Park tonight. David Ortiz's number will join Doerr, Cronin, Pesky, Yastrzemski, Williams, Rice, Boggs, Fisk, Martinez and Robinson over right field.
Dustin Pedroia wasn't in the Red Sox's original lineup and was supposed to be "available in an emergency situation." But Pedroia was added to the lineup a few minutes ago. He's batting second, playing his usual second base on David Ortiz Night at Fenway Park.
Watch Joe Maddon discuss his lineup and the value of Jon Jay.
Watch Jon Jay discuss all the S.Florida natives in the lineup tonight like himself, Albert Almora and Anthony Rizzo. Jay says he's cool with the "Miami Vice" outfield tonight.
Even Blue Man Group is at Fenway to celebrate Big Papi's number retirement!
Doug Fister will start Sunday. Red Sox sent scout Eddie Bane to see him in Triple-A. Recommendation was that he could help. Dave Dombrowski referred to him as depth pitcher at reasonable cost.
Red Sox also are taking a flier on third baseman Jhonny Peralta, agreeing with him on minor-league deal. He will report to Triple-A Pawtucket.
