PHILADELPHIA – Chicago Cubs starter Yu Darvish struck out 10, silencing Philadelphia’s bats for seven innings a night after the Phillies scored 11 runs in former manager Charlie Manuel’s debut as hitting coach.
But the Phillies rallied against Chicago’s bullpen and moved within one game of the Cubs for the second wild-card spot in the NL with a 7-5 victory on Thursday.
“Darvish was outstanding but he was done,” Chicago manager Joe Maddon said of lifting his starter.
Bryce Harper knows everyone in the dugout and ballpark expects him to get clutch hits in moments just like this.
Boy, he crushed it.
Harper blasted a grand slam with one out in the ninth inning, capping a six-run rally that sent Philadelphia to a three-game sweep of the Cubs.
Harper has seven homers and 15 RBIs in the last 12 games.
Harper delivered his biggest hit yet in his first season after signing a $330 million, 13-year contract with the Phillies, celebrating while running around the bases and then getting mobbed by teammates at the plate.
“Before I went to the plate, I touched my heart and I was thinking to myself: Why am I not jittery? Why am I not excited? But that’s just how I am,” Harper said.
“I’m unhappy we lost, but I’m satisfied with my performance today,” Darvish said. “I stayed calm and was able to throw the pitches I wanted to even when there was a runner on base.”
Indians 19, Yankees 5
In New York, Jose Ramirez hit two early homers, including his first career grand slam in a seven-run opening inning, and Cleveland pummeled the Yankees.
Mets 10, Braves 8
In Atlanta, Pete Alonso drove in six runs with five hits, including a three-run homer that helped lead to Julio Teheran’s shortest career start as New York held on to beat the Braves.
Reds 2, Cardinals 1
In Cincinnati, Sonny Gray struck out 10 while pitching five scoreless innings, and the Reds held off St. Louis.
Marlins 13, Dodgers 7
In Miami, the Marlins turned the tables on Los Angeles, winning despite giving up four home runs, including Cody Bellinger’s 40th.
Mariners 7, Tigers 2
In Detroit, Dylan Moore homered and Kyle Seager drove in three runs in Seattle’s win over the Tigers.
Twins 13, Rangers 6
In Arlington, Texas, Luis Arraez hit the first of three more homers by Minnesota in a victory over the Rangers.
Angels 8, White Sox 7
In Anaheim, Mike Trout went 4-for-4, scored four runs and hit his AL-leading 40th homer in Los Angeles’ win over Chicago.
Designated hitter Shohei Ohtani went 2- for-5 with a double and a run scored for the Angels in the victory.
Giants 7, Diamondbacks 0
In Phoenix, Evan Longoria bashed a 125-meter homer among his three hits and four RBIs and San Francisco beat Arizona.
Athletics 7, Astros 6
In Oakland, Matt Chapman smacked two home runs for the second straight day, connecting for the tiebreaking shot in the eighth inning to lead the Athletics past Houston.
Source : Baseball – The Japan Times