Andrew McCutchen made his strongest case yet for a second straight NL MVP with a brilliant performance Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Andrew McCutchen overwhelms Phillies
Reigning NL MVP Andrew McCutchen brought down the hammer MVP style, finishing just short of a cycle during a dominant game against Philadelphia.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
McCutchen, who finished a home run -- on an excruciatingly close call -- shy of the cycle, managed four hits in five at-bats, driving in two runs, scoring one and stealing second base the one time he had the chance. The rest of the Pirates did their part as well, with Russell Martin and Josh Harrison also driving in a run each and shortstop Jordy Mercer bringing home four on two separate two-out hits.
Phillies starter Roberto Hernandez took the brunt of the abuse, giving up 10 hits and five runs in just five innings of work, every single run given up with two outs. McCutchen picked on him specifically, grabbing three of his four hits against Hernandez.
“Everything went wrong,” Hernandez told ESPN. “I couldn’t get the ball down, and everything I threw was flat.”
A’s and Jays have one heck of a pitcher’s duel
Despite 14 hits between the two teams, no runs were scored until the 12th inning of this odd pitcher’s duel between the A’s and Jays in Oakland.
This is the 25th game in Oakland #Athletics history that is scoreless after nine innings...last: July 19, 2009 vs. Angels (Lost 1-0 in 10)
— Mike Selleck (@MikeSelleck) July 4, 2014 Victor Martinez sore, but not from beanball
Not soreness from the HBP that forced VMart out - "irritation from his sore back", was the #Tigers announcement
— Tom Gage (@Tom_Gage) July 5, 2014 Friday Scores
Angels 7, Astros 6
A's 1, Blue Jays 0
Pirates 8, Phillies 2
Braves 5, Diamondbacks 2
O's, Red Sox (PPD/Rain)
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