Thursday was a big night for MLB fans. This season has been anything but boring, and the day's results gave the league a new shot in the arm.
Cardinals find success with Matz
Thursday marked a milestone for MLB pitchers, with a total of 142 of them getting at least 10 hits this season. Interestingly, only a couple of pitchers from this impressive group failed to score. Among those who have struggled to secure wins, we find St. Louis Cardinals left-handed pitcher Steven Matz. Matz's winless streak as a starter had persisted for nearly an entire year. However, the tides finally turned for him on Thursday when he got his long-awaited win, ending a seven-day losing streak at exactly nine o'clock.
Matz provided the opportunity to start again after eight consecutive relief appearances and displayed a completely transformed demeanor on the mound. Deftly combining his powerful lead with a vastly improved changeup, he executed a memorable combination that proved successful on Thursday, resulting in six strikeouts and just one base on balls.
Orioles take control
Take a look at the updated MLB standings and witness an unprecedented occurrence that hasn't been witnessed since 2016. Currently, the Baltimore Orioles stand alone at the pinnacle of the American League East.
The Tampa Bay Rays, who began their season with an impressive 13-0 record and dominated 30 of their first 39 games, have relinquished their leadership position. This sudden change occurred as a result of the events that unfolded during Thursday night's showdown between the two strongest teams in the American League.
The Orioles continued their winning streak and regained first place in the division by edging Tampa Bay with a thrilling 4-3 victory in a ten-inning game at Tropicana Field. The win allowed the Orioles (59-37) to overtake the Rays (60-40), securing their firm grip on first place after the All-Star Game break for the first time since August 12, 2016.
The O's find themselves venturing into uncharted territory. Most of the young athletes listed here are experiencing the thrill of competition in a high-stakes game that will ultimately decide the MLB division leader in late July.
Recent events reshuffled the standings, creating an opening for new favorites in the East as the top two teams in the American League moved to different positions. In the previous twelve games, the Orioles have been victorious in ten of them, while the Rays have suffered losses in twelve of their last fifteen games.
#STLCardinals #STLCardinals #STLCardinals #STLCardinals #STLCardinals #STLCardinals #STLCardinals. 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/WUOUknyETn
- Cardinals (@cardenales) July 21, 2023
Braves call Winans
The Atlanta Braves have high hopes for right-handed pitcher Allan Winans, as he is expected to start Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. However, since he is not currently on the 40-man roster, Atlanta will have to formally acquire his contract in the next 48 hours.
Five years ago, Winans embarked on his professional career, joining the ranks as a seasoned member of the 17th round of food competition. Progressing quickly, he successfully completed his time in the New York agricultural system at the Double-A level in 2021.
Captivating Atlanta's attention, Winans was taken during the Rule 5 Draft mini-game after that season. For most of last year, Winans showed his prowess at Double-A Mississippi, and in 2023, he showcased his skills at the Triple-A level with Gwinnett's team for the entire season.
The National League standings show the Braves reigning supreme, leading with a stellar 62-33 record. The Los Angeles Dodgers are their closest competition, and they have only 54 wins with 43 losses.
