June 18, 2021

1. The D’Backs set the record for consecutive road losses

Twenty-three. In a row.

To make bad matters worse, they’re 20–50 now on the season, going 5–36 since May 2nd, and stuck in a 14-game overall losing streak.

Sources are saying it may have all been caused by this, the sudden split of that new “couple” whose first date went viral — the very day before this entire collapse started, when the Diamondbacks still had a winning record:

2. The Yankees turned a brilliant, bizarre triple play

The first 1–3–6–2–5–6 triple play in MLB history:

And it was their second one of the year. Remember just a few weeks ago?

3. Shohei Ohtani will be in the Home Run Derby

4. The Padres hit a walk-off HR in a wild ninth inning during “Re-Opening Day” at Petco Park

For the atmosphere, the drama at the end, the home run call by Don Orsillo, this one was an instant regular-season classic.

First, Fernando Tatis Jr. hit HR #22 in front of a full house:

Then came that ninth inning. The Reds tying the game, down to their last strike. And Jonathan India, with a two-run homer for the lead.

And then, the bottom of the ninth. Eric Hosmer with a two-run shot to tie it.

And then a batter later, unsung catcher Victor Caratini walks it off in front of 40,000 Padres faithful — just absolutely amazing scenes from San Diego.

Don Orsillo: “Into a… sea of San Diegans!! Padres walk it off!!”

5. When in doubt, throw your bat at the ball

Well played, Randy Arozarena.

6. Stat of the day #1: Chris Chelios has the best luck in the world

Granted, the Cubs and Sox are having winning seasons this year, but still. He’s been to 18 home games and not seen one loss.

7. Stat of the day #2: Two old skippers matched up last night

The White Sox were in Houston, and a bit of history was made:

8. Stat of the day #3: Baseball ineptitude in 2021

9. Defensive plays of the night: Mariners, Indians, Aaron Judge

First, a brilliant throw to second base and tag:

Then, a carom off the elbow and a very standard 1–5 lineout:

And the best for last, Aaron Judge leaping at the wall to rob a home run:

10. Very good news: Jacob deGrom is throwing at Citi Field

The injury scare from the last start thankfully seemed to be nothing serious — and his electric 0.54 ERA is absolutely needed in baseball right now:

11. Tyler Zombro (Rays prospect) is improving after brain surgery

Thank God he’s alright, alive, and bless the doctors who treated him — after getting hit by a line drive back to the mound two weeks ago:

12. The Mariners walk off in the ninth, after breaking up the Rays bullpen’s 26.1 scoreless inning streak

Can’t quite find a tweet showing it, but the broadcast last night had a graphic saying the Rays bullpen had gone that long without allowing a run.

And then, the Mariners staged a rally:

13. Lastly, when in the Big Apple, homer into the big apple

First inning. Two-run HR from Javy Baez. And that was all the Cubs needed, winning 2–0 (and salvaging one win out of the four-game series):