While the baseball world mourns the postponement of the 2020 season, we are continuing our MLB season simulation.
Every day until the actual 2020 season begins, we will simulate one day of baseball on The Show and report back to you—the readers—about what went down during the simulation.
All reports and archives from this simulation can be found here.
Without further ado, March 30.
Red Sox 6, Orioles 0
A five-run fifth was more than enough for the Red Sox. Andrew Benintendi and J.D. Martinez notched three hits each while Mitch Moreland slugged three RBI on two hits. Baltimore was held to zero runs on seven hits, including a two-hit effot from Anthony Santander. Chris Sale tossed a complete game shutout while on the other side, Kohl Stewart failed to escape the first.
Yankees 7, Rays 2
A three-run fifth and four-run eighth were huge for the Yanks as they remain undefeated. Aaron Judge shone with two hits (including a homer) and four RBI. Gleyber Torres added a two-run blast while Luke Voit also went yard. Yoshi Tsutsugo and Ji-Man Choi both went two-for-four with one RBI for Tampa Bay. Masahiro Tanaka allowed one run on five hits over eight innings while Ryan Yarbrough failed to escape the sixth and Brendan McKay struggled, too.
Blue Jays 4, Reds 2
A three-run third was huge for the Jays in interleague play. Mike Moustakas had a two-hit game and plated a run for the Reds, while Jesse Winker homered. For Toronto, Teoscar Hernandez clubbed a two-run blast while Bo Bichette went three-for-four. On the mound, Brett Anderson exited after 2.1 innings of scoreless baseball and Shun Yamaguchi took over and secured the win despite surrendering both Cincinnati runs.
White Sox 6, Indians 4
A ninth-inning surge wasn’t enough for Cleveland. Yoan Moncada and Tim Anderson had multi-hit games while Nomar Mazara notched a two-run triple. Cesar Hernandez tallied two hits and an RBI for the Tribe while Oscar Mercado added a two-run double. The Cleveland bullpen impressed but it was too little, too late after Aaron Civale allowed six runs over five innings.
Royals 5, Tigers 3
Consecutive one-run innings made the difference in this one. Jorge Soler’s two-run double, however, was the one hit that proved to break the tie. For Detroit, Jonathan Schoop’s two-run double was their best hit. Ivan Nova impressed with four innings of shutout relief work but it was all for naught.
Twins 7, Mariners 3
Josh Donaldson’s demotion to the No. 8 spot didn’t matter as he went three-for-five with two RBI; he also aided the Twins’ five-run first. Mitch Garver also added two RBI on two hits. Yusei Kikuchi exited after allowing five runs over just 0.2 innings, which proved to be the difference. Randy Dobnak earned the save and had an impressive three-inning stint of hitless baseball.
Astros 12, Athletics 3 (F/11)
Yes, this game went into extra innings. Yes, the Astros scored nine runs in the top of the 11th. Along the way, Carlos Correa had a three-run triple while Alex Bregman impressed, going three-for-five with four RBI. Stephen Piscotty of the A’s had a big game, going four-for-four with three RBI in the crushing loss.
Padres 5, Braves 1
The Padres remained undefeated after scoring a quartet of early runs. Freddie Freeman’s homer and Ronald Acuña, Jr.’s three hits were not nearly enough for the Braves. Franchy Cordero impressed for the Padres with two hits and three RBI with a home run along the way. Zach Davies allowed one run on four hits and a walk over eight innings en route to victory.
Nationals 10, Marlins 4
The Nats scored runs early and often in this one. Howie Kendrick dazzled again with four hits and four RBI while crossing the plate four times himself. He and Juan Soto both homered; Soto went three-for-four with three RBI and three runs, plus a walk. Anibal Sánchez. went eight scoreless innings before the Nats’ bullpen struggled but held on to win. Miami’s Elieser Hernández allowed six runs over two innings.
Mets 1, Phillies 0
The Mets edged out the Phillies on a walkoff in this quiet Big Apple affair. Jeff McNeil’s solo shot won it in the ninth. Zach Eflin went eight innings, allowing just four hits and zero runs, but it was all for naught as Adam Morgan blew the tie. Steven Matz went 7.1 innings and allowed zero runs on six hits and a walk before his bullpen held down the tie en route to victory.
Cubs 5, Pirates 0
Despite nine hits, the Pirates were shut out on the road. Kris Bryant went three-for-five with three RBI in an impressive showing that included a home run from the third baseman. Jon Lester went all nine innings, allowing one walk and nine hits while striking out seven batters.
Cardinals 2, Brewers 0
A pair of one-run frames to open the game were all that was needed. Lane Thomas homered while Paul Goldschmidt added an RBI double. Adam Wainwright threw eight scoreless innings of three-hit baseball.
Giants 1, Diamondbacks 0
Another shutout. Mike Yastrzemski contributed the lone run in this one with a solo blast. Dereck Rodríguez pitched 6.1 innings of scoreless baseball while the bullpen finished the job. Overall, this was a fast game with just one run on eight hits and five pitching changes. You’re welcome, Rob Manfred.
Dodgers 3, Rockies 1
The Rockies stayed winless while the Dodgers continued to be undefeated. Nolan Arenado’s solo home run was the lone run for the Rockies. As for the Dodgers, Cody Bellinger and Keibert Ruiz hit solo blasts while Gavin Lux added a sacrifice fly to the scoreboard. David Price allowed one run over three innings for the Dodgers while Kyle Freeland surrendered three runs over twice as many frames for Colorado.
Key Transactions
- Jake Cave up from Rochester.
With Alex Avila landing on the 60-day injured list after tearing a ligament in his finger, the Twins filled their vacant roster spot with the promotion of outfielder Jake Cave.
Player of the Day
Monday saw multiple shutouts but none as good as the one spearheaded by Cubs starter Jon Lester. He went all nine innings, allowing one walk and nine hits while striking out seven Pirates batters.
Standings
AL East
Yankees (4-0)
Blue Jays (4-1)
Rays (1-3)
Red Sox (2-3)
Orioles (0-4)
AL Central
Twins (4-1)
Indians (2-2)
White Sox (3-1)
Royals (2-2)
Tigers (1-3)
AL West
Astros (4-1)
Mariners (3-2)
Rangers (1-3)
Angels (1-3)
Athletics (1-4)
NL East
Phillies (3-2)
Nationals (3-1)
Braves (2-3)
Mets (2-2)
Marlins (1-4)
NL Central
Cubs (3-1)
Reds (1-3)
Pirates (2-2)
Cardinals (3-1)
Brewers (1-3)
NL West
Padres (5-0)
Dodgers (4-0)
Diamondbacks (2-3)
Giants (1-3)
Rockies (0-5)
