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J.D. Martinez had another big night at the dish, finishing a triple shy of the cycle while driving in six and hitting a grand slam. Robbie Ray managed to not share a second time in the recent starting pitching woes, allowing two runs over five innings, and striking out five, all before being pulled for rest when he hit 80 pitches.
Related: Martinez Slam Powers Arizona Romp
Martinez Closing Nearing History
With his grand slam in the second inning on Tuesday, J.D. Martinez tied Luis Gonzalez’s team-record for RBI in a single month with 35. Even more impressively, he moved to within just one home run of Ralph Kiner’s record of 15 home runs in the month of September, a National League record that has stood since 1949.
With all three teams winning, the Rockies moved one game closer to clinching a date with Arizona on October 4th.
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The Playoff Scenario Boston and New York Should Dread
Ties for the second wildcard are determined by statistical tie-breakers. But ties for the division and the first wildcard are determined by a one-game tie-breaker, played the day after the season ends.
The Minnesota Twins continued their unlikely run to the playoffs by beating the division rival Indians on Tuesday. Not only did the victory help the Twins inch closer to securing the second wildcard, but the loss for Cleveland allowed Houston to creep to within a game for home field advantage in the entire AL playoff run.
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Boston Should Be Worried About Drew Pomeranz
As the playoff picture evolves, one thing is becoming clear, Boston may not have enough pitching to compete for very long.