Bases Covered is a daily roundup of the most interesting stories in baseball.
On target
Chris Archer finally snapped a 10-start winless streak on Monday, striking out 10 over the course of six and two-thirds scoreless innings pitched. The Rays defeated the Orioles 2–0.
“Arch looking very much back to form,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash. The young starter had struggled with his command in recent starts. Could the key to his better performance lie in being paired with catcher Curt Casali?
Leaders in the West
Taijuan Walker. (Elaine Thompson/AP)
With a 3–2 win over the Astros on Monday, the Seattle Mariners currently lead the American League West for the first time since 2009. It’s a tight group—the Rangers and Athletics both sit half a game back of first, while the Angels are a game-and-a-half back. But still, it’s something for Seattle to celebrate—especially considering they won at Safeco Field, where they’ve struggled of late.
Mariners righty Taijuan Walker was spectacular on the mound, striking out 11 and allowing six hits and just one run over seven innings.
“He was dominant. He was throwing everything with conviction,” said Seattle third baseman Kyle Seager. “He was just absolutely a bulldog. He pretty much willed us to victory there.”
New York hot streak
Mets fans pay homage to Noah Syndergaard. (Kathy Willens/AP)
Considering his hot start to the season, Noah Syndergaard maybe didn’t have the best night at the mound on Monday. It’s all relative, of course. He wasn’t bad, but he struggled with his command and allowed three runs, the most he’s allowed this season.
The team got a monster performance from Neil Walker, though: The 30-year-old second baseman contributed the game-tying home run (a two-run shot in the seventh inning). The Mets defeated the Reds, 5–3, for their fourth straight win.
It’s not all roses for the Mets, though: Catcher Travis d’Arnaud left the game with shoulder soreness. The 27-year-old could be headed to the disabled list. Meanwhile, Yoenis Cespedes is day-to-day with a bruised leg and he, too, could hit the DL.
Back in L.A.
Don Mattingly speaks with media at Dodger Stadium. (Kelvin Kuo/AP)
Giancarlo Stanton contributed a home run, a double and two RBI in Miami’s matchup with the Dodgers. The game marked Marlins manager Don Mattingly’s return to L.A., so it was extra sweet for him: Miami won, 3–2.
Mattingly was reportedly upbeat in his return to Dodger Stadium, insisting to reporters that he’s enjoying the challenge of leading the Marlins—and that his reported beef with Yasiel Puig had been overblown.
“It’s a little strange, but it’s good to come back,” he said ahead of his team’s win, “and hopefully the good guys can come through here.”
Elsewhere in L.A. . . .
Mike Trout. (Kyusung Gong/The Orange County Register via AP)
Albert Pujols hit two home runs on Monday in the Angels’ 6–1 win over the Kansas City Royals. Mike Trout, too, contributed a home run.
The 24-year-old Trout, who has long made his obsession with the weather known, has been providing the Angels with weather reports.