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Royals Beat Up Angels

June 15, 2017

Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon came through with solo homers, as the Royals beat up the Angels 7-2 on Thursday night at the Big A.

It was another tough outing for Angel starter Ricky Nolasco (2-8), who lost his sixth straight start. Nolasco gave up five runs on ten hits in six innings of work.

The Royals have now won five straight games, and provided plenty of run support for starter Matt Strahm (2-3). Strahm went five innings, striking out three while giving up three hits and one walk. It was his first-career start after working as a reliever over the past two seasons.

The Halos took a 1-0 lead after Kole Calhoun scored an unearned run after a single by Albert Pujols. Calhoun had reached second base after an error by Gordon.

However, the Royals scored four unanswered runs over the next two innings. That rally was highlighted by Cain and Gordon’s solo blasts in the 3rd and 4th innings, respectively.

The Halos second run of the game came on an RBI single by Yunel Escobar. However, the Royals answered with three more runs in the 7th inning.

Game two of the series is tomorrow night at the Big A. Jesse Chavez (5-6, 5.06 ERA) will try to keep the ball in the yard against a red hot Royals team. Ian Kennedy (0-6, 5.40 ERA) looks for his first win of the season for KC.

Dodgers Crushed By Indians

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June 15, 2017

Rich Hill got trashed for seven runs on eight hits in only four innings of work, and the Indians roughed up the Dodgers 12-5 on Thursday afternoon at Progressive Field.

Hill fell to 3-3 after making an exhausting 105 pitches, in what was a career-worst performance. The Dodgers fell behind 4-0 by the 2nd inning. The Indians got a pair of run-scoring singles in the 1st from Jose Ramirez and Bradley Zimmer, as well as a bases-loaded walk. Ramirez added an RBI double in the 2nd, while Edwin Encarnacion hit a solo shot.

The Dodgers rallied behind home runs by Cody Bellinger and Chris Taylor. Yasiel Puig would add an RBI double as well. However, 5-4 was as close as they would get.

Lonnie Chisenhall delivered a pinch-hit three-run homer in the 5th off of Ross Stripling, which opened up a four-run lead.

Josh Tomlin (4-8) got the win for the Tribe, but struggled after the early 5-0 lead.

Chisenhall added a two-run single in the sixth, making him just the third Cleveland player since 1913 to come off the bench and record five RBIs or more.

Stripling gave up four runs on five hits in 1 1/3 innings out of the bullpen.

The Dodgers head over to Cincinnati on Friday to open a three-game series with the Reds. Alex Wood (6-0; 2.01 ERA) puts his undefeated record in the line for the Dodgers. Tim Adleman (4-2, 4.34 ERA) gets the ball for the Cincy.

Jerry West Joins Clippers

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June 14, 2017

Jerry West is joining the Clippers as a consultant. West informed the media that he is leaving the Golden State Warriors to take on a similar role with the Clippers.

“Sometimes you need to be challenged. I’ve kind of been defiant my whole life, the way I was raised, and I think this is like the defiant streak in me. I don’t know,” West said.

The move was first reported by Sports Illustrated, and the Clippers’ interest in West was first reported nearly two weeks ago by ESPN’s Marc Stein.

The move is huge for the Clippers, who will leverage West’s expertise as part of their strategy to retain their key free agents Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and JJ Redick.

The move is somewhat awkward for West’s former team, the Lakers, who he desired to return to. However, West’s vision reportedly didn’t fit with what the Lakers were looking to do according to NBA sources.

Although he was a Hall of Fame player with the Lakers, West is also considered one of the greatest NBA executives in the history of the game.

He served as General Manager of the Lakers from 1982-2002, and was the architect of six championship teams. They included the Showtime Laker Championship Teams in ’85, ’87, ’88. As well as the Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant Championship teams of 2000, 2001, and 2002. West later helped the Memphis Grizzlies become a playoff team, and is widely cited for his role in advising the Warriors over the last few years in building their championship team.

Speaking of the Lakers, they may have some concern that Jerry may now try to lure his son, Ryan, away from the Lakers to join the Clipper front office. Ryan is currently the Lakers assistant General Manager.

Angels Beat Yanks But Lose Shoemaker

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June 14, 2017

Danny Espinosa and Andrelton Simmons hit home runs, and the Angels rallied past the Yankees 7-5 on Wednesday night at the Big A.

Unfortunately for the Halos, starter Matt Shoemaker left the game with an injury. Shoemaker departed in the 4th inning with tightness in his forearm.

“I’m really annoyed and frustrated by it because I wanted to go out and pitch and help our team win,” Shoemaker said. “I’m not really concerned about it at all. We’re going to see the next couple days how it reacts. It should be fine.”

Eric Young Jr. had two more hits including an RBI single. He also threw out a runner at the plate and made a diving catch. Young’s single snapped a 4-4 tie, after the Halos fell behind 4-0.

Simmons homer came in the 7th inning off of Yankees rookie Ronald Herrera, who was making his major league debut. Herrera took the loss.

Blake Parker (1-1) got credit for the win after pitching 1 1/3 innings of solid relief. David Hernandez pitched the 9th inning to record his 1st save.

Up the next the Angels will open a four-game series against the Royals beginning Thursday at the Big A. Ricky Nolasco (2-7, 4.81 ERA) tries to find the win column for the Halos against Matt Strahm (1-3, 4.50 ERA).

Dodger Get Past Indians in 8th

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June 14, 2017

Kike Hernandez hit a solo homer during a four-run 8th inning, as the Dodgers got by the Indians 6-4 on Wednesday night at Progressive Field.

Hernandez was pinch-hitting for Chase Utley, and drove a 1-2 pitch over the right field wall off of Andrew Miller (3-2), who took the loss. That gave the Dodgers a 3-2 lead.

The Dodgers would add three more runs in the inning on an RBI groundout from Yasmani Grandal, followed by a 2-run single from Chris Taylor.

The Indians would come up with a pair of runs in the 8th inning against Luis Avilan. Michael Brantley had an RBI double, and Edwin Encarnacion singled home Brantley to pull the Tribe to within 6-4.

However, Kenley Jansen came in for the 9th inning to slam the door and record his 13th save. Josh Fields (3-0) got credit for the win, despite allowing Jose Ramirez’s game-tying homer in the 7th.

Dodgers starter Brandon McCarthy was charged with one run in 5 1/3 innings.

Corey Kluber started for the Indians, giving up four hits and struck out 10 in seven innings but allowed two runs in the second.

In that second inning, the Dodgers got a walk, a double, two infield hits, then a double steal that allowed Taylor to steal home.

Yasiel Puig was in the lineup after appealing his one-game suspension by Major League Baseball for making an obscene gesture to Indians fans on Tuesday night.

Rich Hill (3-2, 3.77 ERA) will try and help the Dodgers complete the sweep on Thursday. Josh Tomlin (3-8, 5.73 ERA) will go for the Tribe.

Young Helps Angels Outlast Yankees

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June 13, 2017

Erick Young Jr. hit a home run and drove in the game-winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning, as the Angels got the by Yankees 3-2 on Tuesday night at the Big A.

In the 11th inning, Andrelton Simmons walked with one out. After CJ Cron flied out, Simmons stole second. A Martin Maldonado groundout back to the box allowed Simmons to move to 3rd. Cliff Pennington walked, and that set the stage for Young, who hit a line drive that was deflected by Yankees relief pitcher Ben Heller, allowing Andrelton Simmons to score the game-winning run from 3rd.

Young also led-off the 8th inning with a home run that tied the game at 2-2. The ball traveled over the right field wall, 382 feet.

Chase Headley gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead with a solo shot to center field in the 7th inning. It came off of Angel starter JC Ramirez.

Ramirez went 6 2/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 5 hits. He struck out 7 and walked 3, but did not factor into the decision.

Keynan Middleton (2-0) got credit for the win. He recorded the final 2 outs of the 11th inning after coming in with one out and the bases loaded.

Yusmeiro Petit, Bud Norris, Mike Morin, and Middleton combined for 5 1/3 innings of shutout relief.

The Angels took a 1-0 lead in the 4th inning on an RBI single from CJ Cron. The Yankees would tie the game in the 5th on a run-scoring single by Brett Gardner.

CC Sabathia started for the Yankees. He only lasted four innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits. He departed after 64 pitches with a strained left hamstring. Chasen Shreve (1-1) took the loss after being charged with the game-winning run.

The rubber game of the three-game set will be on Wednesday night at the Big A. Matt Shoemaker (6-3, 4.22 ERA) goes for the Halos. New York will counter with Michael Pineda (7-3, 3.39 ERA).

Bellinger Leads Dodgers Past Indians

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June 13, 2017

Cody Bellinger hit a pair of home runs and Clayton Kershaw pitched seven strong innings as the Dodgers topped the Indians 7-5 on Tuesday night at Progressive Field.

Bellinger’s 2nd homer of the game was a three-run shot in the 9th inning, and came off of Andrew Miller (3-1), who took the loss. It also came with Justin Turner and Corey Seager aboard, and was the 17th homer of the season for the LA rookie. That put LA up 7-2, and gave them much needed insurance.

Kershaw (9-2) got the win after giving up two runs on six hits in his seven innings of work. The Dodger ace struck out four, walked two, and departed after 101 pitches.

The only runs the Indians scored off Kershaw came from an RBI single from Michael Brantley, and a solo homer from Roberto Perez.

Yasiel Puig delivered a 2-run bomb in the 2nd inning with Chris Taylor aboard, giving the Dodgers an early 2-0 lead. Puig directed a pair of obscene gestures at a fan in a dugout suite as he crossed home plate following his homer.

Bellinger’s first homer of the night was a solo shot that gave the Dodgers a 3-2 lead in the 8th inning.

After Pedro Baez pitched a scoreless 8th inning, Chris Hatcher gave up a 3-run homer in the 9th to Daniel Robertson. However, Kenley Jansen came in to record the final out of the game.

Kershaw has not lost in his last eight starts. He is 5-0 with a 1.94 ERA since his most recent defeat on May 1.

Trevor Bauer allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings. He was removed in the 6th with the bases loaded.

Game 2 of the series will be on Wednesday evening. Brandon McCarthy (5-3, 3.28 ERA) will be on the hill for LA. Corey Kluber (5-2, 4.38 ERA) gets the call for the Tribe.

Angels Can’t Contain Yankees

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June 12, 2017

Aaron Judge hit a 2-run homer in the top of the 8th inning which proved to be the decisive blow, as the Yankees defeated the Angels 5-3 on Monday night at the Big A.

Judge’s homer came off of Bud Norris with Aaron Hicks aboard, and traveled 438 feet over the right center field wall. It was his major league-leading 22nd homer of the season. Judge, who grew up in Linden, Calif. — nearly 400 miles north of Anaheim — was met with “M-V-P” chants fans in the stands after rounding the bases.

The Angels trailed 3-1 after a pair of RBI singles by Didi Gregorious in the 3rd and 5th, and a run scoring single from Chase Headley in the 7th.

Kole Calhoun hit a solo home run for the Halos in the 1st to give them a 1-0 lead. They rallied in the 7th inning behind an RBI single from Danny Espinosa and an RBI double from Cameron Maybin to tie the game at 3-3.

Jose Alvarez (0-3) took the loss after giving up a one-out double to Hicks before Juge’s two-run homer.

Alex Meyer started for the Angels, giving up 2 runs on 5 hits, while lasting on 4 2/3 innings. He made 93 pitches.

Tyler Clippard (1-3) got credit for the win. Dellin Betances struck out the side in the ninth for his sixth save, his first since May 27.

Masahiro Tanaka went 6 2/3 innings while allowing just one earned run (three total) on four hits.

The Angels and Yankees will go at it again tomorrow night at the Big A. J.C. Ramirez (6-4, 6.55 ERA) gets the ball for the Halos. He’ll be opposed by C.C. Sabathia (7-2, 3.66 ERA).

Monday Morning Coffee

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June 12, 2017

I’m really looking forward to the NBA Finals ending tonight. Then we can finally stop this ridiculous idea that the Cavs have the Warriors right where they want them. It took the best first half in NBA Finals history for the Cavs to actually win a game from Golden State. That’s not likely to happen three more times, and even more unlikely to happen tonight at Oracle Arena. However, when the Warriors do win, I hope we don’t have to hear that Kevin Durant is the best player in the world for the next year. Kevin Durant has to do nothing more than sweep the floor and make his bed. Meanwhile, Lebron James has to sweep the floor, make the bed, make the breakfast, and feed everyone too. Only Paul Pierce would come up with such a ridiculous idea that Kevin Durant is the best player in the world, especially since he declared himself the best player in 2008 after the Celtics beat the Lakers. He must have thought Kobe died.

These NBA draft rumors have gotten really annoying. The Lakers are trying to spread these rumors that they might not really take Lonzo Ball, and could be taking Josh Jackson instead with the #2 pick. This reminds me when I was a kid and I was on a really long road trip with my mom, dad, and sister. My sister and I would be fighting in the back of the car when my dad turned around and said “if you kids don’t stop fighting I’m going to turn this car around now and go home!” Sure you are dad…..after 14 hours in the car, I’m sure you’re just going to turn around. These are the same empty threats the Lakers are making to Lavar Ball. They are essentially telling him “if you don’t settle down we aren’t drafting your son.” We all know the Lakers are taking Lonzo Ball so just stop it already.

Speaking of the Lakers, Luke Walton said something I’ve been preaching on Jock Talk LA for a year now. That is that the Lakers shouldn’t be willing to trade a whole bunch of talent for one superstar because it’s going to take multiple stars to compete with the Warriors for the next four years. In other words, now is a really good time to rebuild, so why not just stick with the youth? In fact, I would argue that there aren’t even 3 All-NBA players that can be combined that would beat the Warriors. That’s the reality of the NBA right now. At least the Lakers have a handful of young players to rebuild with. In the case of some teams, they might as well not even bother showing up to work for the next five years.

The Dodgers beat up on a crummy Reds team over the weekend, but the Colorado Rockies aren’t going away in the NL West. The worst part about it is the players that could be available at this year’s trade deadline are laughable. LA needs starting pitching and the players being talked about include Oakland’s Sonny Gray and Chicago’s Jose Quintana. These pitchers are nothing more than middle of the rotation starters that are nothing more than .500 pitchers without much of a post season track record. The Dodgers have 6 Jose Quintana’s on their roster right now, so why give up prospects for one more? This is just another reason why Dodger fans shouldn’t be very optimistic about their chances come October.

The Angels took advantage of an injured Astros team over the weekend, but Houston has already won the division and we aren’t even at the end of June yet. Mike Trout has been out for two weeks and it feels like the Halos are a mediocre team with and without him. Everyone always considers Mike Scioscia one of the best managers in baseball, which is probably true, but it’s still shocking that he’s kept his job so long. The Halos have made the playoffs one time in the past seven years, and haven’t won a playoff game in 8 years. Scioscia is still living off of the World Series Championship of 2002, because any other manager, no matter how great, would probably have been fired by now. Then again, by now it seems to be clear that the Halos are in the business of selling tickets rather than in the business of winning baseball games.

Congratulations to the Penguins for winning the Stanley Cup last night after defeating the Predators in game 6. I’d like to point out that the Penguins are actually the 2nd team in the cap era to win back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships in a FULL NHL SEASON. You may have forgotten that the Kings won the cup in 2012 and 2014, while losing in the conference finals in the lockout shortened 2013 season. Gary Bettman makes Donald Trump look popular. It’s too bad the officiating in that game was horrible last night and cost the Predators the right to play in a 7th and deciding game. Bettman should have handed the MVP award to the referees rather than Sidney Crosby……

The recent resignation of Oklahoma football head coach Bob Stoops was definitely noted by the football programs of Notre Dame, UCLA, and even USC. Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly is definitely on the hottest seat entering the 2017 season. However, UCLA has underachieved recently under Jim Mora Jr, and it wasn’t all that long ago that everyone was questioning whether or not Clay Helton was the right guy for the Trojans. Considering USC has such high expectations, I wouldn’t be shocked to hear his name attached to the program if the team struggles.

Although the results are going to be very anti-climactic, I’m very excited to know that LA will likely be awarded the Summer Olympic Games of 2028, while Paris gets the games of 2024. Although LA could be ready for the Olympic Games next week if necessary, by 2024, hopefully terrorism will have been eradicated by then. Security will be the biggest issue for both of those cities, but hopefully people won’t have to think about that 7 years from now, and just focus on the beautiful celebration that the Olympics should be.

Finally, the Bachelorette won’t have any new episodes until June 19th. Going back to last week, I subscribe to the conspiracy theory that Lucas and Blake were buddies who pretended to be enemies to get more camera time on the show. For that reason, I was glad that Rachel sent both of them home at the same time. One of my favorite parts of the episode was seeing Corrine and Rachel’s friends from The Bachelor give their opinion on some of the guys. Not only did Corrine not say anything during the entire show, but it looked like she was falling asleep (again!) at the mud wrestling bar. Eric is sure to get thrown off the show soon just for being too emotional. Poor Fred was stressed out over his relationship with Rachel, which eventually got him kicked off the show. Meanwhile, Peter was relaxed and slamming a burrito after his one-on-one.

Seager’s Slam Helps Dodgers Sweep Reds

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June 11, 2017

Corey Seager’s hit his first career grand slam in the 8th inning as the Dodgers rallied to beat the Reds 9-7 on Sunday afternoon at the Ravine. The win completed a 3-game sweep for LA over the Reds.

The grand slam was the 9th homer of the season for Seager and capped a six-run rally in the 8th.

The rally started with one out when Cody Bellinger hit a solo homer off of Austin Brice. After a Yasmani Grandal single, Raisel Iglesias came in to replace Brice.

Iglesias (2-1), who ended up taking the loss, walked three straight batters which forced in a run, pulling the Dodgers within 7-5. That set the stage for Seager’s big blast to right center field.

Cody Bellinger hit another homer earlier in the game, and Chase Utley also connected on a long ball for the Boys in Blue in the 5th.

The Reds had leads of 3-0 and 7-3 behind four home runs. Adam Duvall, Scott Schebler, Joey Votto, and Devin Mesoraco all went deep for Cincinnati.

Hyun-Jin Ryu received a no-decision but was roughed up early for LA. He gave up four runs on six hits in only four innings of work. Ross Stripling gave up three more runs in two innings of relief.

However, Chris Hatcher, Luis Avilan, and Kenley Jansen combined for three shutout innings. Jansen retired the side in order in the ninth for his 11th save.

The bad news for LA was that first baseman Adrian Gonzales left the game in the 7th after complaining that his back locked up. He was diagnosed a herniated disc and will undergo an MRI on Monday.

The Dodgers will have Monday off before traveling to Cleveland on Tuesday to open a 3-game series with the Indians. Clayton Kershaw (8-2, 2.20 ERA) will be on the hill for LA. The Indians will counter with Trevor Bauer (5-5, 6.10 ERA).