Stay updated on everything baseball with our morning MLB News & Moments articles. We’ve got you covered to keep you in the know.
Today’s Headlines
5 To Go!
Albert Pujols delivered another great moment once again in the Sunday sunshine as he launched a pinch-hit go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning which ultimately gave the St. Louis Cardinals their 79th win of the season, putting them firmly in control in the NL Central. Pujols crushed the 695th home run of his career off reliever Brandon Hughes – the crowd went wild.
FIVE. TO. GO pic.twitter.com/xKUOuuIIUN
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) September 4, 2022
All eyes on Albert as he approaches the magic 700 mark! Five. To. Go.
Pinch-hit go-ahead HR. Number 695. @PujolsFive is a legend. pic.twitter.com/A4516NoIsB
— MLB (@MLB) September 4, 2022
If It’s Fair, It’s Gone: Number 53
The Yankees broke out of a recent slump with a much-needed win, their 80th of the season, over the Tampa Bay Rays. The catalyst? Who else but Aaron Judge, who wasted no time in slugging his record-chasing 53rd long ball of the season – a monster 450 ft moonshot down the line. Oh, baby!
450 ft down the line for @TheJudge44!
(MLBStats x @GoogleCloud) pic.twitter.com/rxTVJ3ZtGw
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) September 4, 2022
At this point, Judge aims to smash the single-season home run record in impressive fashion and fans are already starting to buy up tickets to be there when it happens.
Bobby Witt The Royal Treatment
The superlatives continue to emerge for the Kansas City Royals‘ young superstar. The defensive phenom put on a show in the Royals’ narrow 3-2 win over the Detroit Tigers, which included this ridiculous bare-hand pluck from the skies before he fired out the runner at first base. Unreal.
Off the pitcher's foot, WAY into the air and still out at first? @BwittJr is special. pic.twitter.com/HlTiZUilil
— MLB (@MLB) September 4, 2022
This comes just a day after he became just the fifth ever rookie to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases. An impressive feat for the much-heralded young shortstop. The sky is the limit for this young prince.
✅ 20 home runs
✅ 20 stolen bases20-20 rookie season for Bobby Witt Jr.!
(via @mlb)pic.twitter.com/h1lX3WAine
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 3, 2022
Best Moments From Yesterday
Mariners Raleigh To 7 Straight Wins
Cal Raleigh blasted a two-run homer in the 11th inning to catapult his team past the Cleveland Guardians and continue Seattle’s winning streak to seven, putting them clear atop the wild card race in the American League.
Cal Raleigh would like to go home finally pic.twitter.com/dUskO8laKl
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 5, 2022
Cruz Missile
How hard is hard? Does 115.8 mph off the bat sound about right? It does to Pittsburgh Pirates sensation Oneil Cruz, who smashed his 13th career homer to lift the Pirates level in a tight affair with the Toronto Blue Jays. More missiles sir, if you please.
115.8 MPH!
The ball JUMPS off Oneil Cruz's bat! pic.twitter.com/Q1wt7nFdkM
— MLB (@MLB) September 4, 2022
Sweet Sunday Sounds
On this moody Monday morning, remind yourselves of the sweet sound of the bat cracking against the ball in pure harmony…
Sunday best. pic.twitter.com/ojZOPKXl3R
— MLB (@MLB) September 5, 2022
Injuries
Shane McClanahan, who went on the 15-day IL on Wednesday, received a cortisone shot in his left shoulder on Thursday and resumed playing catch from 75 feet on Sunday morning. Rays manager Kevin Cash said McClanahan felt “great” during his first throwing session.
Bad news for Yankees outfielder Andrew Benintendi, who felt a pop in his team’s loss to the Rays on Saturday. Manager Aaron Boone said the player was diagnosed with a broken hook of the hamate bone in his right hand, an injury that will require surgery.
Oakland A’s manager Mark Kotsay said he is optimistic outfielder Ramón Laureano can return to the lineup when the Braves arrive in Oakland on Sept. 6.
Articles You Should Read
The Secret Benefit (And Cost) Of Sweeping Sliders – Ben Clemens, Fangraghs
White Sox’s Dylan Cease fell one out short of history, but he achieved evolution – James Fegan, The Athletic
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)