Tying a National League record set by Larry Walker in 1996, Joc Pederson recorded an extra-base hit in six straight at-bats spanning two games:

Pederson’s hit 32 home runs this year, all versus right-handed pitching in only 353 at-bats resulting in a robust home run every 11 at-bats against them. His second home run set the National League record for most home runs in a season by a team (250) and the Dodgers will play 24 more games. 

Meanwhile, in the desert:

Not only did Ketel Marte break a tie with a grand slam in the seventh inning, he propelled Arizona to its third straight win and within three games of the Wild Card race. 

Remembering baseball proves to be a marathon of a season, Mookie Betts continues to surge of late:

He’s reached base safely in 18 straight contests. His last 15 games yields 23 hits over his last 65 at-bats (.354) with eight doubles and five home runs. 

More history with home runs set by reliever Michael Lorenzen who allowed a game tying home run but atoned for it matching something not done since Babe Ruth:

Pete Alonso hit his major league leading 45th home run on Wednesday during a Mets win over the Nationals. Remember when he needed more seasoning at Triple-A without being promoted last year at this time? Robinson Canó returned from the injured list going 3-for-3 with two runs, his 11th home run and two RBI. 

It’s been a lost year for the Marlins, but Starlin Castro remains red hot. He racked up four hits, all for extra-bases (three doubles, home run) scoring three runs and driving in two. Since June 28th, Castro’s hitting .329 (76-for-231) with 31 runs, 16 doubles, 12 home runs and 42 RBI. He’s also tallied multiple hits and an extra-base in 11 of his last 25 games. 

Aaron Judge launched his 20th home run driving in two during a Yankees win. He’s homered in four of his last eight contests providing a late season power surge for his owners. 

Franmil Reyes went 2-for-3 scoring three times along with hitting his 34th home run on Wednesday. During his last 21 games, Reyes owns a .319 average with five doubles, seven home runs, 19 RBI and 12 walks for Cleveland. In an eventual loss, Tim Anderson racked up three hits including his 15th home run. He’s batting .386 his last 20 games hitting safely in 18 of them with 10 doubles, three home runs and 10 RBI. José Abreu added his 29th home run, has a hit in 13 of his last 16 with five doubles, three dingers and 17 RBI. 

Always underrated Kevin Pillar snapped a 4-for-25 slump his prior seven games with four hits in St. Louis last night. His 21st home run and 79 RBI represent career bests. By the way, he’s also stolen 11 bases this year. 

Last, but not least, Jorge Soler continues to set records for the Royals:

He’s the first player in team history to reach 40 home runs. Soler ambushed a first pitch for a home run tying the major league lead with Jeff McNeil for the 12th time this season. Soler’s also homered in consecutive contests six times this year. 

Starting Pitcher Spotlight: Gallen shines 

Carrying a no-hitter through 6.1 innings, Gallen recorded his third win giving up one hit and a walk with eight strikeouts in seven shutout innings. He generated 11 swinging strikes and 24 called for a 34 called plus swinging strike (CSW) percentage as well. There’s no guarantee Gallen will remain hot until the end of the season, but his presence keeps Arizona within striking distance of the playoffs. 

Here’s the other notable starting pitcher performances from Wednesday: 

  • Eduardo Rodríguez , Boston: 113 pitches, 22 swinging strikes, 10 called, 29.1 CSW%. Rodriguez notched his 17th win tying a career high in swinging strikes. Rodriguez fired seven shutout innings allowing five hits and four walks with eight strikeouts. 

  • Shane Bieber , Cleveland: 114 pitches, 16 swinging strikes, 16 called, 28.1 CSW%. Win number 13 for Bieber snapping a three-game losing streak. He yielded six hits, two earned runs and two walks with nine strikeouts over seven innings. Bieber’s worked at least six innings in nine straight starts and over his last 12 owns a 7-4 record with a 2.63 ERA with 111 strikeouts versus 15 walks. 

Bullpen notes: Hand implosion

It’s been a volatile stretch for Brad Hand as the Indians closer. He allowed runs in four straight outings in August but rebounded to record four straight games since prior to last night. Hand only retired one batter giving up four hits, including a two-run home run to Tim Anderson and walked one before leaving the game. Nick Wittgren entered to record the last two outs and his fourth save. In the second half, Hand owns an ERA of six with a WHIP of 1.83. Less than optimal and a cumulative effect of being overused in the first half. 

Here’s the rest of the high leverage events from yesterday:

  • Luis Cessa nets his second win working as the “bulk” guy going three innings allowing two hits and striking out three. He’s on the radar for the postseason roster due to his versatility in the bullpen. 

  • Save number 29 for Raisel Iglesias firing a clean ninth inning with a strikeout. 

  • One day removed from his first save of the season, José Ureña could not record an out yielding three hits, three earned runs and a walk in a walk-off loss to Pittsburgh. Wei-Chung Wang garners his second win for the Pirates as a result. 

  • Boston’s Brandon Workman secured his 11th save retiring the last two batters of the game. 

  • A four out save for Will Smith in St. Louis walking two and striking out three. 

  • Pitching for the fourth time in the last five days, Ian Kennedy logged a clean outing with a strikeout for his 26th save. 

  • Preserving the win for Arizona, Archie Bradley notched his 12th save walking one in two-thirds of an inning. 

What To Watch For

In a split slate, Sonny Gray and Dakota Hudson highlight the day games starting for their respective teams. 

José Quintana will try to stay hot in the second half facing the Brewers with Chase Anderson on the mound in the evolving playoff race in the National League Central. Plus, Atlanta rides a six game winning streak with Max Fried opposing Stephen Strasburg . 

Be sure to stay with Fantasy Alarm to remain ahead of the competition across all fantasy formats. 

 

Statistical Credits:

BaseballSavant.com

Fangraphs.com

MLB.com - Game Notes