Diamondbacks 7, @Cubs 5 — In a performance sadly apt for the occasion, Chicago blew a 5-2 lead in the 9th, contributing two walks and an error to their own demise on the 100th anniversary of Wrigley Field. Miguel Montero slipped the 2-out tying hit in front of RF Justin Ruggiano, who then played Aaron Hill’s high fly into a go-ahead triple, adding injury to insult. It was a tough ending for Ruggiano, whose first Wrigley wallop had built the 5-2 bulge.

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Angels 7, @Nationals 2 — There would be no long wait at the doorstep for Albert Pujols. In the 1st inning, first time seeing Taylor Jordan, he watched a ball and a strike, then focused all eyes on the 3-run moonbeam that put him on the hill. Jordan won the next battle on strikes, and he got ahead 1-and-2 in Albert’s third trip. Kid, this ain’t yer night. The historic wallop was all that you’d want it to be.

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While not all these players had fabled careers, all did reach the 1000 game milestone (or are on that trajectory) and all received MVP votes at some point in  their careers. But, that’s not the common thread connecting them.

What is the batting feat that only these players have achieved since 1914?

Congratulations to HowardR and Richard Chester! They teamed up to identify that only these quiz players have started a season since 1914 hitting safely in 20 or more consecutive games in which they had a PA. Those streaks and more are after the jump.

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@Pirates 6, Reds 5 — A game dotted with dramatic drives and puzzling bullpen picks was settled by spin. With two outs in the 9th and two on by walk, Neil Walker’s fister flummoxed Brandon Phillips at second, and Jay Bruce’s spot-on peg to the plate grew legs on the bounce, leaping clean over the ready-set catcher as Russell Martin slid home for the win.

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All of these players could spark an offense, but in a variety of different ways. So, what is the unusual batting feat that only they have achieved since 1914?

Congratulations to Voomo Zanzibar (mostly) and RJ! They teamed up to identify that the quiz players are the only AL batters since 1914 to have homered in four consecutive games at the top of the batting order. Those streaks and more are after the jump.

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Brewers 3, @Pirates 2 (14 inn.) — Deja blew all over again. For the second day in a row, Ryan Braun homered off Jason Grilli with one out in the 9th, this time sending the game to bonus rounds after the Bucs had scratched out a lead in the 8th. Khris Davis, who averaged one home run per 14 trips last year, finally khonnected on his first this year, in his 69th time up. And Francisco Rodriguez capped a strong bullpen showing with his MLB-high 7th save, fanning Starling Marte for the handshakes.

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A recent SweetSpot post by David Schoenfield informally named Jeff Reboulet as “The best utility infielder of all time!” I’m sure it wasn’t meant to be a scientific choice, but since I questioned part of the premise, I set out to waste a little time on it myself.

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Good night to revisit the concept of “Mulligan ERA”….

@Rangers 12, White Sox 0 — Slightly contrasting starts: Seven in the 2nd off Felipe Paulino, all with two outs; 10 runs, 13 hits in 3.2 IP, his third straight disaster (13 IP, 28 hits, 22 ER, 10 walks, 8 whiffs, 6 HRs). Meanwhile, Martin Perez: first career CG, a 3-hitter. His last go was 8 scoreless in a 1-0 win.

• Was it just yesterday I said Chicago was the last team not involved in a shutout yet?

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Just the facts tonight.

@Phillies 1, Braves 0 —  Revenge is a dish best served cold, so the brisk chill in Philly was perfect for A.J. Burnett to return serve. After Julio Teheran stoned them in Wednesday’s 1-0 loss, the Phils had no better luck with Alex Wood through seven. But Burnett, who came in 5-12 lifetime against Atlanta, held the Braves to 3 singles in that span, letting just one man past first base. And with two gone in the 8th, Ben Revere capped his up-and-down day by waiting on Wood’s hook and chipping an RBI hit into center.

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This post is for voting and discussion in the 55th round of balloting for the Circle of Greats (COG).  This round adds to the ballot those players born in 1926.  Rules and lists are after the jump. Continue reading →