After five consecutive shows at first-time venues, the MLB.com “Bucks on the Pond” crew returned to Wrigley Field for Tuesday’s release of episode 16 in the series’ second season, powered by Ford. For Kent Thomas, that meant having to rethink his own list of favorite experiences at the Friendly Confines.
Thanks to Blanks, Padres win after improbable rally
It’s not easy to bring Kyle Blanks to the ground — he is 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds. But after he singled home the game-winning run in a stunning 4-3 Padres victory in 10 innings over the Phillies on Monday, a mob of his teammates met him at first base and took him to the dirt as they started their celebration.
Puig the hero in first rivalry game vs. Giants
Yasiel Puig homered, had three hits and drove in the winning run in the eighth inning Monday as the Dodgers beat the Giants, 3-1, at Dodger Stadium.
UCLA claims first game of CWS finals at Omaha
The UCLA Bruins once again were solid, methodical and nail-biting on Monday night, as they beat Mississippi State, 3-1, in Game 1 of the College World Series finals at TD Ameritrade Park.
Harper slated to start rehab stint on Tuesday
Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will play at Class A Advanced Potomac on Tuesday in his first game since landing on the disabled list with bursitis in his left knee.
Reyes to return from disabled list Wednesday
Jose Reyes is set to rejoin the Blue Jays in time for their series finale against Tampa Bay on Wednesday afternoon. Toronto announced late Monday night that Reyes will be activated prior to Wednesday’s game. A corresponding roster move is not expected to be made until around the same time.
Brantley, Swisher spark turnaround in Tribe’s win
Michael Brantley matched a career high with four RBIs, starter Ubaldo Jimenez put on a clinic in damage control and and the Indians claimed their ninth victory in the past 12 games with a 5-2 win over the Orioles.
Streak dashed, but Blue Jays’ ride has just begun
The Blue Jays’ celebrated 11-game winning streak came to a screeching halt Monday night, but this team has proven in the last two weeks it has the confidence and ability to put its dreadful start far behind.
Hellickson, three straight blasts end Jays’ win streak
Jeremy Hellickson fired seven scoreless innings of one-hit ball, and James Loney, Wil Myers and Sam Fuld hit consecutive homers in the second as the Rays beat the Blue Jays, 4-1, on Monday night at Tropicana Field, ending Toronto’s 11-game winning streak.
Bundy encounters setback in rehab program
Top pitching prospect Dylan Bundy had a setback in his rehab program on Monday and is expected to be reexamined by team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens on Tuesday.
Pirates looking like championship contender
The 2013 Pirates are a tribute to general manager Neal Huntington’s relentless roster building, to Clint Hurdle’s managerial genius and to center fielder Andrew McCutchen, whose six-year commitment to the organization last season started it all.
Price to pitch for Class A Charlotte on Wednesday
After allowing just two hits in his first rehab start on Friday, Rays ace David Price will make another appearance for Class A Charlotte on Wednesday.
Pagan to have hamstring surgery, out up to 12 weeks
Angel Pagan, an integral part of the Giants’ World Series triumph last year, will undergo surgery Tuesday on his left hamstring that could sideline him for most of the rest of the season, if not the entire campaign.
Cobb returns to Trop for first time since scary injury
Alex Cobb has made the trip to Tropicana Field several times, but Monday’s visit to the stadium was special to the Rays starter. Cobb was back at The Trop for the first time since June 15, when he was struck by a line drive off the bat of Kansas City’s Eric Hosmer in the fifth inning, forcing an overnight stay in the hospital.
Rockies’ Oswalt ready to regain form, forget 2012
Veteran Roy Oswalt had a rough 2012 season with the Texas Rangers. Now with the Rockies, the right-hander is looking to regain his form in 2013, while also helping serve as a clubhouse leader.
Little improvement in Teixeira’s injured wrist
The Yankees are not receiving encouraging reports on first baseman Mark Teixeira, who continues to feel discomfort in his right wrist and may be inching closer to season-ending surgery.
Baseball saves relationship between father, son
On July 3, two men will fly to Oakland to see the Cubs play the Athletics and complete an 11-year, 50-ballpark odyssey that began as a father’s attempt to connect with his rebellious son. Baseball saved Michael Pierce, 60, and his son, Micah, 30.