What an awesome way to go into the break . . .
With the first series sweep of the season!!!
^ the offense, including many of the young guys, clicking on all cylinders
^ the pitching back into form (with Kuma’s first great start in his last SIX and Tom, seemingly gleaning something from his challenges against the BoSox
^ the defense continues to be super solid, sometimes spectacular
Interesting note from Rick as the top of the 9th ensued . . .
M’s 36-2 when leading after the 8th inning
ON THE MOUND
Kuma got off to a great start . . .
only SEVEN pitches to get THREE outs in the 1st and was generally efficient until the 6th when the Halos loaded the bases via a single, a double and an IBB and then scored TWO on Callaspo’s single. He ended on a good note as well, going 1-2-3 in the 7th including an inning ending K of Trout. So, Kuma goes off to the ASG having more or less returned to All Star form . . .
SEVEN innings ~ SEVEN hits ~ THREE earned runs ~ ONE walk (IBB) ~ SEVEN K’s
} Charlie was a little scary . . . giving up a lead-off double, but then THREE quick outs
} The Bartender back . . . at Closing Time, this his NINETEENTH
AT THE PLATE
The streak goes on . . .
This time Michael S (with Justin aboard!) was the one to extend the homer streak to TWENTY-TWO
Michael extends the homer streak | Elaine Thompson, AP
There they go manufacturing again . . .
their third run came after Kyle singled (extending his hitting streak to FOURTEEN) and Justin walked. Then, Michael’s fly ball advanced Kyle to 3b and Mike Z’s fly ball scored him (M’s 3-0)
And, of course Rauuuuuuul contributed . . .
an RBI double in the 6th to get the M’s to FOUR runs which, in the end, was enough
Raul is cool | Elaine Thompson, AP
IN THE FIELD
Some nice plays all ’round in this one, including . . .
* TWO awesome plays by Nick: a diving play in the 3rd with a quick, strong throw to Justin who scooped for the out and a leaping, turning throw to 1B in the 7th
* a nice sliding catch by Raul in LF to rob a hit (he’s keeps surprising in the field)
tweets of the game . . .
Compass Rosy 