A big night for the Boomstick, bat flip practice in Lansing, Red Sox make history

Cruz destroys Chicago

Nelson Cruz put on a show at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago on Thursday night, hitting three home runs that traveled more than 1,300 feet. The Twins hit five home runs in a game for the ninth time this season, setting a new major league record. This was the first time in Cruz’s terrific career that he hit three long balls in one night.

Practice makes perfect

Minor leaguers work on every aspect of the game, including celebrations. Is Joey Bats available to tutor?

Red Sox unload

The Red Sox scored 19 times against the Yankees, a new Boston record for the rivalry.

Correa back in Houston

Carlos Correa returned to the Astros with his usual style.

Working overtime

José Ramírez has been hot lately and hit a home run in the 14th inning to give Cleveland the lead. The Indians would win the game 5-4.

Not to be outdone, the Orioles required 16 innings to beat the Angels. Jonathan Villar provided the home run heroics in extras for the O’s.

Fan Post of the Day

This incredible history was shared on Twitter.

Pro Post of the Day

Pedro had some fun on Throwback Thursday.

OTD

2017 – Adrián Beltré hit a home run and two doubles but how he left the game is the memorable part of his day. After being told to stand further away from the plate while on-deck, Beltré was ejected by ejected by umpire Gerry Davis in the eighth inning for dragging the large plastic mat marking the on-deck circle closer to home plate.

2015 – The Royals acquired Johnny Cueto from the Reds for pitching prospects Brandon Finnegan, John Lamb and Cody Reed.

2015 – Pedro Martínez, Randy Johnson, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

2013 – The Phillies signed Cuban pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez.

2012 – Starling Marté hit the first pitch of the game – the first pitch he ever faced in the big leagues – out of the park for a homer against Houston’s Dallas Keuchel. Marté became the third Pirate to homer to homer in his big league debut.

2010 – Matt Garza threw the first no-hitter in the history of the Tampa Bay Rays franchise, blanking the Tigers 5-0.

2007 – José Mesa became the 11th pitcher in major league history to appear in 1,000 games.

2005 – Omar Vizquel of the Giants earned the distinction of being the 3,000th strikeout of Greg Maddux’s career.

2000 – Bartolo Colon struck out the first six batters of the game, tying Bob Feller’s team record. The Indians lost the game, however.

1998 – Toronto’s José Canseco hit his 380th career home run, making him the all-time leader among players born outside of the United States. Orlando Cepeda and Tony Pérez had been the co-leaders with 379.

1978 – The Mets’ Nino Espinosa served up the 300th home run of Johnny Bench’s career.

Happy birthday!

Jefry Rodríguez (b. 1993)
José Martínez (b. 1942)

Featured Image: Minnesota Twins Instagram