NEW YORK (AP) — In an astonishing debut, Steven Matz became the only major league pitcher to drive in four runs in his first career game while leading the New York Mets to a 7-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.
Pitching about 50 miles from home with a huge cheering section on hand, Matz (1-0) got three hits in rejuvenating an anemic offense and helping the Mets to a three-game sweep. He was awfully impressive on the mound, too, working into the eighth inning after giving up a home run to his first batter.
Matz became the first player ”“ any position ”“ in franchise history to drive in four runs in his first big league game, including a two-run double off Josh Smith (0-1).
The team’s latest prized pitching prospect, Matz had to wait 3 1/2 extra hours to make his much-anticipated debut because the teams needed 13 innings to first complete Saturday’s game that was suspended by rain. Picking up in the seventh inning, New York won 2-1 with help from two miscues by Reds infielders. Bobby Parnell (1-0) got the win, while Nate Adcock (0-1) took the loss.
DODGERS 2, MARLINS 0
MIAMI (AP) — Zack Greinke pitched 7 2/3 innings for his first victory since May 5, and the Los Angeles Dodgers took the rubber game of their series against the Miami Marlins.
Greinke (6-2) allowed four hits and held the opposition without a run for his third start in a row, extending his scoreless streak to 20 2/3 innings.
Adrian Gonzalez had three hits, including an RBI double. Howie Kendrick had two hits and drove in a run.
Two relievers completed a five-hitter for the Dodgers’ 11th shutout. Kenley Jansen pitched around a leadoff double in the ninth for his 11th save in 12 chances. The Dodgers have allowed 13 runs in their past eight games, and the bullpen has thrown 12 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings in the past five games.
Jose Urena (1-4) pitched five innings, and a defensive misplay resulted in the only run he allowed.
TIGERS 5, WHITE SOX 4
DETROIT (AP) — James McCann hit a solo homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to complete a dramatic Detroit comeback, and the Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox.
Detroit trailed 4-0 before scoring four runs in the eighth off Chicago starter Jeff Samardzija. Victor Martinez tied it with a three-run double.
Joakim Soria (3-0) pitched a perfect top of the ninth, and McCann’s one-out drive off Zach Putnam (1-3) cleared the fence in left field to end the game.
It was McCann’s third homer of the year and his first since May 21, when the rookie catcher went deep in the 11th inning to beat Houston.
BLUE JAYS 3, RANGERS 2
TORONTO (AP) — Josh Donaldson hit his 18th home run, Drew Hutchison won his fifth straight decision and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Texas Rangers.
Donaldson got two hits as the Blue Jays sent Texas to its eighth loss in 10 games.
Hutchison (8-1) allowed one unearned run and four hits in 5 2/3 innings. He improved to 6-1 with a 2.12 ERA in eight home starts. Roberto Osuna got four outs for his second save as the Blue Jays beat the Rangers for the 12th time in 16 meetings.
Rougned Odor doubled to start the ninth, but Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre flied out before Osuna struck out Mitch Moreland on three pitches.
Chi Chi Gonzalez (2-3) lost his third straight decision. He gave up three runs and four hits in six innings.
ASTROS 3, YANKEES 1
HOUSTON (AP) — Rookie Carlos Correa doubled twice and scored the tiebreaking run on a triple by Evan Gattis in the seventh inning to help the Houston Astros top the New York Yankees.
Collin McHugh (9-3) allowed a season-low two hits ”“ both singles ”“ and one run and eight strikeouts in eight innings for his third straight win. Luke Gregerson pitched a perfect ninth for his 18th save.
The game was tied 1-1 when Correa doubled with no outs in the seventh and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Jose Altuve. The triple by Gattis, which sailed just out of reach of center fielder Brett Gardner, scored Correa and put Houston on top 2-1.
New York starter Michael Pineda (8-5) allowed seven hits and three runs ”“ two earned ”“ and struck out eight in eight innings for the first complete game of his career.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less