| Sheets partied like it was 2008 on Sunday. (Getty Images) |
The first post-All-Star break weekend of the season is now in the books and still the overwhelming majority of the teams have postseason hopes still alive. Regardless, the major story Sunday was the fact that an old ace resurfaced with a new team.
Full Sunday scoreboard with recaps and box scores for every game
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Ben Sheets, Braves: He's a four-time All-Star and only 33 years old. He hadn't pitched in the bigs since 2010 for the A's and he hadn't been a good pitcher since 2008 for the Brewers, as serious injury issues derailed his career. But now, it looks like it may have been a temporary derailment. Sunday, Sheets went out and threw six shutout innings, only allowing two hits and one walk while striking out five in a Braves' victory. And the Braves have now won seven games in a row, which gives them the longest current streak in the majors.
Yovani Gallardo, Brewers: He punched out a career-high 14 hitters while walking zero. He only run he gave up was a solo homer by Andrew McCutchen -- and who can blame anyone for that? Gallardo worked seven innings and only allowed four hits in the win. The Brewers, by the way, have now won eight of their last 12 and refuse to completely fade from the playoff picture.
Yoenis Cespedes, Athletics: The rookie from Cuba put up a huge line Sunday, going 4-for-5 with a home run and three RBI. It was the first four-hit game of Cespedes' career and the A's have now won nine of their last 10. Not only that, but they are just a half-game out of the second wild card. Wow.
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Astros on the road: They're on a pretty bad streak overall, having lost 13 of their last 14. But they've also lost 13 consecutive road games. The last time they won a road game (June 14) was now over a month ago. Did you know the Astros actually have a winning record at home? They're 24-21 in Minute Maid Park, but a miserable 9-35 on the road. No one else in baseball has less than 14 road wins.
Pitching in the Bronx: More specifically, it was a lack of quality pitching. The Yankees and Angels combined for 27 hits, 18 runs, eight home runs, 11 walks and only eight strikeouts. The biggest development? Angels reliever Ernesto Frieri's ERA is not 0.00 anymore. After being charged with three earned runs without recording an out, Frieri's ERA has skyrocketed up to 1.42. I bet he's livid.
Dodgers defense: Five errors. Five. Dodgers pitchers allowed just one earned run, but the Dodgers lost 7-2 and trail the Giants by 1.5 games in the NL West. Since June 17, the Dodgers are 6-17.
Are those boos? Youuuuuuuk! or Booooooo! That is the question when former Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis comes back as a member of the White Sox Monday night. It will obviously mark the first time in Youkilis' career that he plays against the Red Sox. Added drama is that Bobby Valentine keeps chirping about Youk. The pitching matchup: Dylan Axelrod (1-2, 6.16) vs. Aaron Cook (2-2, 4.37). 7:10 p.m. ET
Ozzie vs. Bryce, Part II? Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen had a few problems with young Nationals star Bryce Harper Sunday. First, Harper had too much pine tar on his bat for Guillen's liking. When Harper later acted like he was asking for Guillen's approval of his new bat, Guillen said it was unprofessional. Monday, the Nats and Marlins will square off again and it's Carlos Zambrano (4-7, 4.20) getting the ball for the Marlins. Edwin Jackson (5-4, 3.73) pitches for the Nationals, who are looking to take three of four. 7:10 p.m. ET
Playoff preview? The Tigers are starting to put things together, having won seven of their last eight games and are only a half-game out of the second wild card spot. As things stand, the Angels would be the first wild card. So this is a potential preview of the wild-card round -- which is a one-game playoff. Monday night, the two square off. Rick Porcello (6-5, 4.47) is pitching for the Tigers while the Angels will call on Ervin Santana (4-9, 5.75). 7:00 p.m. ET
Monday's probable pitchers
• Lost art of the stolen base? In baseball history, there have been 21 individual 100-plus stolen base seasons. Players have had 90-plus stolen base seasons 35 times. Yet none of these have happened in the last 25 years. What has happened? The Los Angeles Times takes a look.
• Spiked: Well look who got a free bat:
• Happily retired: It's been two months since Cubs reliever Kerry Wood suddenly retired. Sunday, he returned to the Cubs clubhouse. When asked if he misses baseball, here was his response: “I miss the guys, but I don’t miss what it takes to get ready every day and what it feels like when the day is over. I’m enjoying family life.” Wood also said "absolutely" when asked if he made the correct decision. (Chicagotribune.com)
• All-Time great: And I say that with sarcasm. For those who saw Bears quarterback Jay Cutler sing 'Take me out to the ballgame' at Wrigley Field Saturday (via our friends over at Eye on Football), it was among the worst singing voices the Cubs have hosted. Then again, as a huge Bears fan, I couldn't care less how he sings. Just stay healthy this year.
• R.I.P. baseballs: Just how long is our average spherical friend in play?
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