There is a traditional baseball adage about how the team in first place on July 4 will go on to win their division.
In five of the six MLB division races, the first- and second-placed teams are separated by one and a half games or less. The Cleveland Indians, with an 11.5-game lead in the mediocre American League (AL) Central, will not be an exception to that old rule.
In the AL West, defending World Series champions the Astros have their hands full with the surprising Seattle Mariners. Evan Gattis’ sacrifice fly in the 10th inning scored Jose Altuve to give the Astros a 5-4 win over the Rangers and a 1.5-game lead over Seattle, who lost 7-4 to the Angels.
Houston trailed 4-0 after three innings on the road in Arlington, but rallied for the win to go to 57-31. Outfielder Josh Reddick swung the big bat for the Astros, with three hits, including a homer, and a pair of RBIs.
RODRIGUEZ DELIVERS FOR RED SOX
Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez pitched six scoreless innings against the Nationals, striking out six, in a 3-0 win. He improved his record to 10-3.
Cubs third baseman David Bote hit his first career home run, leading his team-mates to some wild celebrations in a 5-2 win over the Tigers.
HITLESS RANGERS
Rangers Nomar Mazara and Joey Gallo combined to go 0 for 10, struck out six times, and stranded nine runners in a loss to the Astros.
BROXTON MAGIC
Keon Broxton is no stranger to stealing home runs, but the Brewers center fielder’s leaping catch against Brian Dozier might be his best yet. It is the third home run he has taken away in the ninth inning since 2016; no other player has pulled off the feat more than once.
WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS
Boston Red Sox 3-0 Washington NationalsNew York Yankees 6-2 Atlanta BravesMiami Marlins 3-0 Tampa Bay RaysChicago Cubs 5-2 Detroit TigersOakland Athletics 4-2 San Diego PadresPhiladelphia Phillies 4-1 Baltimore OriolesMilwaukee Brewers 3-2 Minnesota TwinsLos Angeles Angels 7-4 Seattle MarinersHouston Astros 5-4 Texas RangersNew York Mets 6-3 Toronto Blue JaysCincinnati Reds 7-4 Chicago White SoxColorado Rockies 1-0 San Francisco GiantsLos Angeles Dodgers 6-4 Pittsburgh PiratesCleveland Indians 3-2 Kansas City RoyalsSt Louis Cardinals 8-4 Arizona Diamondbacks
BRAVES AT BREWERS
These two surprise contenders have long since proven they are for real this season, but they have their hands full in their respective division battles. This is a big series for both teams as they look to continue their momentum heading into the All-Star break.
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