Sunday Sports – July 1
(Minnesota, MN) Scott Diamond tossed eight innings of two-run ball for his seventh win as the Twins toppled the Royals, 7-2 in game one of a Saturday double header. Trevor Plouffe drove in two, including a solo homer for Minnesota, which snapped a three-game slide. Alexi Casilla was 3-for-4 with a run and two RBI in the win. Yuniesky Betancourt knocked in Jason Bourgeois twice for Kansas City, which had won four straight. Jonathan Sanchez gave up six runs in four-and-a-third frames for the loss.
Royals catcher Brayan Pena says Jonathan Sanchez pitched his heart out.
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Cole DeVries tossed six innings of one-run ball to help the Twins sweep a doubleheader from the Royals with a 5-1 win in the nightcap. Josh Willingham drilled a two-run bomb, and Chris Parmelee and Joe Mauer each had a solo shot. Luke Hochevar gave up five runs in six frames for the loss. Billy Butler hit a solo jack for Kansas City.
Royals manager Ned Yost says Luke Hochevar made a few mistakes to Josh Willingham, Joe Mauer and Chris Parmelee.
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The Royals will try to break even with the Twins in this afternoon’s match-up; first pitch is at 1:10.
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(St. Louis, MO) – Pedro Alvarez belted a grand slam to lift the Pirates over the Cardinals, 7-3 Saturday. Jeff Karstens earned his first win of the year, giving up two runs over seven frames with seven strikeouts. Jared Hughes locked up his first save. All-Star hopeful Andrew McCutchen left the game in the seventh inning with a wrist injury. Pittsburgh has won four in-a-row. Lance Lynn allowed six runs in five innings for the loss. Jon Jay scored twice for St. Louis, which has lost three straight.
Cardinals manager Mike Matheny says they have not been able to rally this season.
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Cardinals starter and loser Lance Lynn says he was not at his best early on.
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The Cardinals will try to avoid the sweep, they take on the Pirates this afternoon at 1:15.
