First Pitch - June 6th

Top Headlines from Yesterday:

• Diamondbacks' Stunning 9th-Inning Rally Overcomes Braves

• Blue Jays Dominate Phillies With a Strong Offensive Performance

• Yankees Blank Guardians Behind Fried's Masterful Pitching

• White Sox call up Top Prospect Kyle Teel (C) for MLB Debut

🐍 Diamondbacks 11, Braves 10

Arizona pulled off a stunning seven-run rally in the ninth inning to shock Atlanta 11–10, completing a dramatic three-game sweep at Truist Park.

🔑 Game Highlights

• Eugenio Suárez delivered the go-ahead two-run double with two outs in the ninth, sealing Arizona’s largest ninth-inning comeback in franchise history.

• Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Alek Thomas each homered in the ninth to ignite the rally.

• Ketel Marte added a solo homer in the eighth and an RBI infield single in the ninth.

• Josh Naylor contributed with a two-run single in the fourth.

• Austin Riley and Drake Baldwin each homered for the Braves, who led 10–4 entering the final frame.

📊 Notable Stats

• Eugenio Suárez (ARI): 2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI, BB

• Ketel Marte (ARI): 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 3 R

• Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (ARI): 1-for-4, HR, RBI, BB

• Alek Thomas (ARI): 1-for-1, HR, 2 RBI

• Austin Riley (ATL): 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI

• Drake Baldwin (ATL): 1-for-5, HR, RBI

• Raisel Iglesias (ATL): 0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, L (3–5)

⚾ Yankees 4, Guardians 0

Dominant pitching from Max Fried and a three-RBI night from Cody Bellinger lifted the Yankees to a 4–0 shutout over the Guardians in the Bronx.

🔑 Game Highlights

• Max Fried threw six shutout innings, giving up just one hit and striking out seven to earn his eighth win of the season.

• Cody Bellinger crushed a two-run homer in the fourth and added an RBI single in the seventh.

• Jazz Chisholm Jr. added an insurance RBI with a single later in the seventh.

• The Yankees’ bullpen — including Tim Hill and Jonathan Loáisiga — handled the final three innings to preserve the shutout.

📊 Notable Stats

• Max Fried (NYY): 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 7 K, W (8–1)

• Cody Bellinger (NYY): 2-for-4, HR (9), 3 RBI

• Jazz Chisholm Jr. (NYY): 1-for-4, RBI

• Slade Cecconi (CLE): 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 K, L (1–2)

• José Ramírez (CLE): 1-for-4

🟦 Blue Jays 9, Phillies 1

The Blue Jays broke the game open early and never looked back, pounding the Phillies 9–1 behind a seven-inning gem from Chris Bassitt and multi-RBI performances from Myles Straw, Tyler Heineman, and Bo Bichette.

🔑 Game Highlights

• The Jays jumped ahead with a four-run second inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from Bo Bichette, his eighth of the year.

• In the third, Myles Straw ripped a two-run double, followed by a two-run single from Tyler Heineman, stretching the lead to 8–0.

• Chris Bassitt worked quickly and efficiently, keeping Philadelphia off-balance with seven strong innings of one-run ball.

• Kyle Schwarber finally got the Phillies on the board with an RBI single in the sixth, but the deficit was too much to overcome.

• Toronto added one more in the eighth to finish with 14 hits overall in one of their most complete games of the season.

📊 Notable Stats

• Chris Bassitt (TOR): 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 6 K, W (6–3)

• Myles Straw (TOR): 2-for-4, 2B, 3 RBI

• Tyler Heineman (TOR): 2-for-4, 2B, 3 RBI

• Bo Bichette (TOR): 2-for-4, HR (8), 2 RBI

• Kyle Schwarber (PHI): 1-for-4, RBI

• Nick Castellanos (PHI): 3-for-4

⚾ Cardinals 6, Royals 5 (10 innings) - Game 1

In a thrilling opener to their doubleheader, the Cardinals edged the Royals 6–5 in extra innings, with Willson Contreras delivering the walk-off hit in his 1,000th career game.

🔑 Game Highlights

• Willson Contreras capped his milestone game with a walk-off single in the 10th inning, his third career walk-off hit.

• Ivan Herrera contributed a two-run homer, and Nolan Arenado added a two-run shot in the third to tie the game.

• The Royals took a 5–4 lead in the 10th on Vinnie Pasquantino's infield single, but the Cardinals responded with a game-tying groundout and Contreras' decisive hit.

• Jac Caglianone notched his first MLB hit and RBI with a double in the fourth inning.

📊 Notable Stats

• Willson Contreras (STL): 2-for-5, 2B, 3 RBI

• Nolan Arenado (STL): 1-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI

• Ivan Herrera (STL): 1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI

• Jonathan India (KC): 2-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI

• Vinny Pasquantino (KC): 4-for-5, 2 RBI

• Jac Caglianone (KC): 1-for-4, 2B, RBI

⚾ Royals 7, Cardinals 5

The Royals' offense surged early, and the bullpen held firm late to secure a 7–5 victory over the Cardinals, splitting the doubleheader.

🔑 Game Highlights

• Maikel Garcia ignited the Royals' offense with a two-run homer in the first inning and later added a double, scoring three times.

• Freddy Fermin launched a towering solo homer to lead off the third, sparking a three-run inning that extended Kansas City's lead.

• Salvador Perez contributed with two RBI singles, driving in runs in both the third and fifth innings.

• The Cardinals rallied in the third inning with a two-run double from Willson Contreras and a two-run homer by Nolan Arenado, tying the game at 5–5.

• Nick Loftin broke the tie with an RBI double in the fourth, and Perez added an insurance run in the fifth.

• Angel Zerpa provided three scoreless innings in relief, and Carlos Estévez closed out the game, earning his 18th save of the season.

📊 Notable Stats

• Maikel Garcia (KC): 2-for-3, HR (6), 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB

• Freddy Fermin (KC): 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI

• Salvador Perez (KC): 2-for-5, 2 RBI

• Nick Loftin (KC): 1-for-4, 2B, RBI

• Angel Zerpa (KC): 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 4 K, W (3–0)

• Carlos Estévez (KC): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, SV (18)

• Willson Contreras (STL): 2-for-4, 2B, 3 RBI

• Nolan Arenado (STL): 2-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI

⚾ White Sox 3, Tigers 2 (10 innings)

The White Sox walked off the Tigers in extras, earning a 3–2 win and splitting the four-game series as Tim Elko played hero in the 10th.

🔑 Game Highlights

• Tim Elko delivered the walk-off single in the 10th, scoring Korey Lee to seal the victory.

• Chase Meidroth reached base five times, going 2-for-2 with three walks and an RBI.

• Josh Rojas contributed three hits and scored a run.

• Sean Burke turned in a strong start for Chicago, going seven innings with five hits and two runs allowed.

• For Detroit, Wenceel Pérez homered in the seventh and Dillon Dingler tied it in the eighth with an RBI single.

• The White Sox bullpen held firm, combining for three shutout innings, with Steven Wilson picking up the win.

📊 Notable Stats

• Tim Elko (CWS): 1-for-5, RBI

• Chase Meidroth (CWS): 2-for-2, 3 BB, RBI

• Josh Rojas (CWS): 3-for-4, R

• Sean Burke (CWS): 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 5 K

• Wenceel Pérez (DET): 1-for-4, HR (3), RBI

• Dillon Dingler (DET): 1-for-4, RBI

• Casey Mize (DET): 4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K

⚾ Athletics 14, Twins 3

The Athletics exploded for 14 runs to snap a nine-game losing streak, fueled by Tyler Soderstrom's two home runs and a career-high six RBIs.

🔑 Game Highlights

• Tyler Soderstrom crushed a two-run homer in the third and followed it up with a grand slam in the fourth.

• Max Muncy got things started with a three-run homer in the first inning.

• Jacob Wilson added a solo shot in the third and chipped in with an RBI single.

• Brent Rooker collected three hits, drove in three, and scored three runs.

• Matt Wallner homered for the Twins in the fourth, while Ty France and Brooks Lee added late RBIs in the seventh.

📊 Notable Stats

• Tyler Soderstrom (OAK): 2-for-4, 2 HR (6), 6 RBI

• Max Muncy (OAK): 1-for-5, HR (5), 3 RBI

• Brent Rooker (OAK): 3-for-4, 2B, 3 R, 3 RBI

• Jacob Wilson (OAK): 3-for-5, HR (4), 2 RBI

• Matt Wallner (MIN): 1-for-4, HR (8), RBI

• Ty France (MIN): 1-for-4, 2B, RBI

• Brooks Lee (MIN): 1-for-4, RBI

⚾ Orioles 4, Mariners 3

The Orioles completed a three-game sweep of the Mariners with a 4–3 victory, extending their winning streak to six games.

🔑 Game Highlights

• Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning, turning a 3–1 deficit into a 4–3 lead.

• Cal Raleigh provided all of Seattle's offense, with an RBI single in the third and a two-run homer in the fifth, marking his 24th home run of the season.

• Zach Eflin pitched six innings for Baltimore, allowing three runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts.

• The Orioles' bullpen held the Mariners scoreless over the final three innings, with Bryan Baker earning his second save.

📊 Notable Stats

• Adley Rutschman (BAL): 3-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI

• Gunnar Henderson (BAL): 1-for-4, HR (8), RBI

• Zach Eflin (BAL): 6.0 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 7 K, W (5–2)

• Bryan Baker (BAL): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 K, SV (2)

• Cal Raleigh (SEA): 2-for-4, HR (24), 3 RBI

• Bryan Woo (SEA): 6.0 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 6 K, L (5–3)

⚾ Giants 3, Padres 2

The Giants edged the Padres 3–2 at Oracle Park, securing a split in their four-game series.

🔑 Game Highlights

• Manny Machado put the Padres ahead with a two-run homer in the third inning, marking his 350th career home run.

• The Giants responded in the bottom of the third with a sacrifice fly from Willy Adames and a two-run ground-rule double by Dominic Smith, giving them a 3–2 lead.

• Robbie Ray delivered a strong performance, pitching seven innings with nine strikeouts and allowing two runs, becoming the National League's first eight-game winner of the season.

• Camilo Doval closed out the game in the ninth, earning his 100th career save.

📊 Notable Stats

• Robbie Ray (SF): 7.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 9 K, W (8–1)

• Dominic Smith (SF): 3-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI

• Matt Chapman (SF): 2-for-4, R

• Camilo Doval (SF): 1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, SV (8)

• Manny Machado (SD): 2-for-4, HR (8), 2 RBI

• Luis Arraez (SD): 1-for-3, R

Dodgers 6, Mets 5

The Dodgers rallied with three runs in the eighth inning to overcome the Mets 6–5, splitting their four-game series at Dodger Stadium.

🔑 Game Highlights

• Pete Alonso opened the scoring with a solo homer in the second inning.

• In the third, Brandon Nimmo and Starling Marte hit back-to-back homers, followed by a sacrifice fly from Brett Baty, giving the Mets a 4–0 lead.

• The Dodgers responded in the bottom of the third with three runs, narrowing the gap to 4–3.

• Pete Alonso added an RBI single in the eighth, extending the Mets' lead to 5–3.

• In the bottom of the eighth, the Dodgers tied the game at 5–5, aided by a throwing error from Brett Baty.

• Michael Conforto then delivered a go-ahead RBI single, putting the Dodgers ahead 6–5.

• Tanner Scott closed out the game in the ninth, securing the win for Los Angeles.

📊 Notable Stats

• Pete Alonso (NYM): 2-for-4, HR (15), 2 RBI

• Brandon Nimmo (NYM): 1-for-4, HR (9), RBI

• Starling Marte (NYM): 1-for-4, HR (6), RBI

• David Peterson (NYM): 7.0 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 6 K

• Will Smith (LAD): 2-for-4, 2B, RBI

• Michael Conforto (LAD): 1-for-4, RBI

• Alex Vesia (LAD): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, W (2–0)

• Tanner Scott (LAD): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, SV (11)

⚾ Astros 8, Pirates 2

The Astros surged past the Pirates 8–2, clinching the series behind a dominant performance from Framber Valdez and a two-homer night from Isaac Paredes.

🔑 Game Highlights

• Framber Valdez delivered seven strong innings, allowing two runs on five hits and striking out 11, earning his sixth win of the season.

• Isaac Paredes hit a solo homer in the fourth inning and added a two-run shot in the ninth, totaling three RBIs.

• Cam Smith contributed an RBI single in the fourth, followed by Jacob Melton's two-run single, marking his first major league RBIs.

• In the seventh, Jeremy Peña doubled in a run and later scored on Jose Altuve's sacrifice fly.

• The Astros improved to 34–28, while the Pirates fell to 23–40

📊 Notable Stats

• Framber Valdez (HOU): 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 11 K, W (6–4)

• Isaac Paredes (HOU): 2-for-4, 2 HR (14), 3 RBI

• Jeremy Peña (HOU): 3-for-5, 2B, RBI, 2 R

• Jacob Melton (HOU): 2-for-4, 2 RBI

• Cam Smith (HOU): 1-for-4, RBI, R

• Mitch Keller (PIT): 6.1 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 5 K, L (1–8)

⚾ Cubs 7, Nationals 1

The Cubs capped their series in Washington with a 7–1 victory, fueled by Ian Happ's four-RBI night and a strong bullpen performance.

🔑 Game Highlights

• Pete Crow-Armstrong opened the scoring with a two-run homer in the first inning, his 16th of the season.

• Ian Happ doubled in a run in the second, marking his 500th career RBI, and later added a two-run homer in the sixth.

• Colin Rea pitched 5⅓ scoreless innings in relief of opener Drew Pomeranz, who started the game with a clean first inning.

• The Cubs' bullpen extended its streak, allowing no earned runs over 12⅓ innings in the series.

• Luis García Jr. drove in the Nationals' lone run with a single in the ninth inning.

📊 Notable Stats

• Ian Happ (CHC): 3-for-6, HR (4), 2B, 4 RBI

• Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC): 1-for-5, HR (16), 2 RBI

• Matt Shaw (CHC): 3-for-5, 2 R, 2 SB

• Colin Rea (CHC): 5.1 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, W (4–2)

• Jake Irvin (WSH): 5.0 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, L (5–2)

⚾ Rays 4, Rangers 3

The Rays staged a dramatic ninth-inning comeback to defeat the Rangers 4–3, completing a three-game sweep and extending their winning streak to three games.

🔑 Game Highlights

• Junior Caminero opened the scoring with a solo homer in the second inning, his 15th of the season.

• Jake Burger tied the game with a solo homer in the third, followed by Marcus Semien's solo shots in the fifth and seventh innings, giving the Rangers a 3–1 lead.

• In the bottom of the ninth, Caminero's RBI single cut the deficit to 3–2.

• With two outs and the bases loaded, Taylor Walls hit an infield single to second base. A miscommunication left first base uncovered, allowing two runs to score, including Caminero from second, sealing the walk-off victory.

📊 Notable Stats

• Junior Caminero (TB): 2-for-4, HR (15), 2 RBI

• Taylor Walls (TB): 1-for-4, 2 RBI

• Ryan Pepiot (TB): 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 6 K

• Cole Sulser (TB): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, W (3–1)

• Marcus Semien (TEX): 2-for-4, 2 HR (6), 2 RBI

• Jake Burger (TEX): 1-for-4, HR (8), RBI

• Jack Leiter (TEX): 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 5 K

👀 Notable Plays & Moments

💬 Editor’s Take

A daily dose of opinion, analysis, and mild overreaction.

Hear me out, I know Aaron Judge is in the league and is putting up insane numbers once again. And he is obviously the front runner for MVP. But what Cal Raleigh is doing in Seattle needs to be looked at. Big Dumper is carrying this offense in a division that is pretty much wide open, while also playing catcher.

Mariners could be in great shape come mid summer and could be a tough team to beat in a playoff series. Starting pitching is pretty solid with Woo and Kirby, Munoz is an elite closer, and they have a couple prospects who could also make an impact offensively. Only time will tell!

📅 Today’s Slate - What Are We Watching?

1. Red Sox at Yankees

⏰ 7:05 PM ET – Yankee Stadium
Matchup: Buehler (BOS) vs. Warren (NYY)
Preview: The rivalry is back. The Yankees are hot, led by Aaron Judge, while Boston’s struggles continue. New York is the clear favorite.

2. Braves at Giants

⏰ 10:15 PM ET – Oracle Park
Matchup: Schwellenbach (ATL) vs. Birdsong (SF)
Preview: Giants rookie Birdsong has been lights out. Braves have dropped 4 straight and need Schwellenbach to stop the bleeding.

3. Dodgers at Cardinals

⏰ 8:15 PM ET – Busch Stadium
Matchup: Wrobleski (LAD) vs. Gray (STL)
Preview: Sonny Gray anchors a Cards team that’s dominant at home. Dodgers' rookie Wrobleski gets a tough test on the road.

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