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 27.
Blue Jays 11, Red Sox 3
Xander Bogaerts’ three-run homer meant nothing after the Jays added nine runs over three innings. Alex Verdugo did impress, however, going three-for-five and later scoring. Teoscar Hernandez tallied a trio of hits and a walk, scoring three times, while Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. knocked in four runs on two hits. All Boston pitchers struggled while Toronto’s Tanner Roark allowed three runs on six hits over seven innings and Sam Gaviglio tossed two innings of one-hit baseball.
Twins 7, Athletics 3
A five-run seventh was the difference-maker for Minnesota as they remain undefeated. Every Twins player recorded a hit while Josh Donaldson reached base four times and plated a run. Mark Canha homered for Oakland while Khris Davis went three-for-five with one run batted in. Both Kenta Maeda and Frankie Montas were chased from the game fairly early, leaving the bullpen responsible for the final decisions.
Astros 8, Angels 7 (F/10)
It took extra innings, but the Astros’ undefeated campaign remained intact at home. Mike Trout dominated despite the loss, clubbing two homers and a double in five at bats while knocking in four runs. Josh Reddick homered and singled (four RBI) for Houston in the win while Yordan Alvarez went two-for-four with an RBI. Zack Greinke struggled for Houston as he allowed six runs on 11 hits, but Brad Peacock allowed just one hit over 2.2 scoreless innings as the Astros held on to win in extras.
Mariners 4, Rangers 3
The three-run sixth was huge for the Mariners as they improved to 2-0. While they only notched six hits against Texas’ 11, Kyle Lewis’s three-run homer was huge in deciding the game. Chris Martin’s solid relief appearance wasn’t enough for Texas despite Lance Lynn’s decent start. For Seattle, it took six pitchers and a rocky path but they held on to win.
Diamondbacks 2, Braves 1 (F/12)
Arizona’s walkoff gave them their first win of the 2020 season. Atlanta was held to one run (Ozzie Albies home run) on two hits while Arizona notched two runs (Ildemaro Vargas two-run home run) on six hits. Luke Jackson, A.J. Minter and Max Fried combined to allow zero runs on two hits over 10 innings, but Mark Melancon allowed the losing run. For Arizona, Zac Gallen allowed one run over 6.1 innings and the bullpen stayed strong en route to victory.
Phillies 8, Marlins 5
The Phillies struck early before the Marlins knotted it up, but a three-run eighth broke the tie. Jean Segura and Scott Kingery posted two hits while Kingery and Nick Williams plated two runs each. Lewín Diaz and Jonathan Villar combined for three hits and four runs but it wasn’t enough. Philly’s Zack Wheeler allowed five runs in 6.1 innings but the relievers stayed strong. Miami’s Jordan Yamamoto did not succeed either, allowing five runs over four innings while Brad Boxberger allowed three runs while retiring just one batter.
Padres 6, Rockies 5
The Rockies’ two-run ninth wasn’t quite enough as the Padres narrowly won. Five Rockies players had two-hit games, but the run production fell short. Trent Grisham notched two hits and an RBI for San Diego while Francisco Mejia went one-for-two with a walk, double, and two RBI. Jon Gray allowed all six Padres runs in four innings. Joey Lucchesi allowed three runs on nine hits in six innings and Emilio Pagan also surrendered two runs, but the Padres held on to win via a two-out save from Kirby Yates.
Dodgers 8, Giants 2
The Giants had bookend one-run frames in the first and ninth but the Dodgers made noise in between. Wilmer Flores and Pablo Sandoval did the damage for San Francisco with a combined four hits and two RBI in eight at-bats. Kyle Seager and Mookie Betts went a combined six-for-nine with one RBI for Los Angeles, but Max Muncy broke the game open with a two-for-four outing that included a homer and five RBI. Walker Buehler impressed with one run on seven hits over 7.1 innings.
Key Transactions
- Barraclough to IL, Quantrill demoted
Padres reliever Kyle Barraclough broke his arm and was placed on the 15-day injured list. The team also optioned starter Cal Quantrill to Triple-A. The team filled their vacant roster spots by promoting Franchy Cordero and Josh Naylor from Triple-A. - Dunning demoted by Chicago.
The White Sox made a move by optioning starter Dane Dunning to Triple-A Charlotte. - Dickerson sprains knee.
Pirates left fielder Corey Dickerson has landed on the 10-day injured lest after a sprained ligament in his knee. - Red Sox promote Muñoz.
Just days after being signed, infielder Yairo Muñoz had his contract selected by Boston. - Pineda demoted to Rochester.
The Minnesota Twins optioned starter Michael Pineda to Triple-A Rochester. Outfielder Jake Cave was also sent down. - Ruiz up, May down for Dodgers.
The Dodgers re-arranged their prospects by promoting catcher Keibert Ruiz to the majors and optioning pitcher Dustin May to Triple-A.
Player of the Day
In a rare occurrence, a player from a team that lost has been dubbed the day’s best player. Mike Trout dominated for the Angels despite the team falling to 0-2. The reigning AL MVP went three-for-five with two home runs, a double, and four RBI.
Standings
AL East
Yankees (1-0)
Rays (1-0)
Red Sox (1-1)
Blue Jays (1-1)
Orioles (0-1)
AL Central
Twins (2-0)
Royals (1-0)
Tigers (1-0)
Indians (0-1)
White Sox (0-1)
AL West
Astros (2-0)
Mariners (2-0)
Rangers (0-2)
Angels (0-2)
Athletics (0-2)
NL East
Phillies (2-0)
Mets (1-0)
Braves (1-1)
Nationals (0-1)
Marlins (0-2)
NL Central
Reds (1-0)
Cubs (1-0)
Pirates (0-1)
Cardinals (0-1)
Brewers (0-1)
NL West
Padres (2-0)
Dodgers (2-0)
Diamondbacks (1-1)
Giants (0-2)
Padres (0-2)
