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Here's to another great week. We've got news and notes on the Tribe's extra-innings win, Jerry Sands' demotion, record-breaking fastballs, new pitches, and super bullpens.
Indians 6, Mariners 3
Lots of hits for the Tribe, but it took awhile for some really timely ones. The Indians collected 18 hits in total, but it wasn't until a Michael Brantley bases-loaded walk and David Murphy single that the Tribe could pull away from the Mariners. LGT's Ryan details the roller coaster ride in his game recap.
Zach McAllister picked up his first win of the year and was part of a fantastic effort from the bullpen, as a collection of relievers threw 6 and 2/3 innings of shutout baseball. Bravo!
The Indians are now only 3 games back of the second Wild Card spot (that felt really great to type).
Tribe News
Baseball is a cruel business sometimes. Take Jerry Sands, who hit a huge two-run home run Saturday in the Indians 4-3 victory over Seattle. With Carlos Santana ready to be activated off of the Paternity List, a roster spot was needed and Paul Hoynes notes that it was Sands who was designated for assignment. This is the second time that Sands has been designated for assignment, and it's very possible he'll clear waivers again and head back to Triple-A Columbus.
Not only was the bullpen excellent Sunday afternoon in Seattle, but Austin Adams also did something pretty special. Adams threw a 100.5 mph pitch in the 12th inning, which is the fastest recorded Indians pitch since F/X data has been kept. Adams closed out the win and earned his first career save.
Another reliever, Nick Hagadone, has pitched well lately and is throwing a new pitch. Jordan Bastian details Hagadone's cutter and the confidence Terry Francona has in his young left-hander.
Single-A Lynchburg got a great start Sunday from D.J. Brown, who went 7 and 2/3 innings in the Hillcats 9-1 victory. Brown is a 6'6" right-hander who has a 3.95 ERA on the year.
Around the League
Shutdown bullpens are all the rage now, especially after the success of the Kansas City Royals' pen last year. Matt Goldman of Beyond the Box Score goes long in analyzing super bullpens and who is loaded with power relievers this year and beyond.
The Minnesota Twins have been a big surprise this year and just finished off a 20-win month of May. Rhett Bollinger notes that this is the Twins' first 20-win month since their World Series winning 1991 season. The Twins also now have the best record in the American League.
The All-Star game will be here before you know it and with it comes the hoopla from the Home Run Derby. Potential favorite Bryce Harper is claiming he likely won't participate because of an injury to his father, who has thrown to him in previous events. You know, Bryce . . . Bruce Chen is available.
Finally, the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 in a 17 inning marathon Sunday. Martin Maldonado hit a walkoff home run to send the Brewers' fans home happy. Slide away!
Let it slide. #walkoff pic.twitter.com/znyLBxClZr
— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) June 1, 2015