Games of the Day

The Mets and Nationals play the annual July 4th morning game in Washington with Seth Lugo taking on Joe Ross. Washington won eight of the eleven games against the Mets this season. Lugo pitched well since joining the rotation in early June, 3-1 with a 3.55 ERA. His strength is limiting power, as just seven of his 26 hits allowed went for extra bases. Ross has not fared as well in the power department. So far he allowed 13 home runs in 63 1/3 innings, and 30 of his 77 hits allowed went for extra bases.

I like that the Nationals copied the Red Sox patriotic holiday idea. Given that the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, I’m surprised the Phillies didn’t adopt special game time.

CC Sabathia returns to the mound as the Yankees host the Blue Jays and J.A. Happ. Happ is showing great control this season with 51 K and just nine walks in 51 innings. The eight home runs he allowed hurt, however, as three of them came with men on base. Sabathia is having his best season since 2012. His Yankee Stadium ERA is high at 4.60, but he is 3-0 there. Sabathia is averaging 5 2/3 innings per start, as the Yankees pull him before he gets in trouble.

Trevor Cahill faces Corey Kluber as the Padres play the Indians. Cahill is blowing away batters and keeping the ball in the park with 51 K in 41 1/3 innings, with just three home runs allowed. That allows him to get away with a good, but not great, walk rate. Kluber struck out at least ten batters in his last four start and five of six since returning from the disable list.

Finally, Brad Peacock leads the Astros against the Braves and rookie Sean Newcomb. Peakcock split time this season between the rotation and the bullpen. Most pitchers see their K rate go down a bit as a starter, but Peacock struck out 12.1 batters per 9 IP in relief, 13.8 batters per 9 IP as a starter. Newcomb is off to a good career with a 1.48 ERA after four starts. So far he is holding opponents to a .202/.265/.292 slash line. His weakness in the minors was his walk rate, but so far he is in control in the majors.

Enjoy!

from baseballmusings.com http://ift.tt/2tI6WIF