In what was believed to be the first MLB game played without fans in attendance, Chris Davis on Wednesday hit a three-run homer in a six-run first inning as the Baltimore Orioles beat the Chicago White Sox 8-2.
The gates at Camden Yards were locked because of concerns for fan safety following recent rioting in Baltimore. The unusual decision to play the game was made because it was the best time to fill out the schedule for both teams.
Both teams lined up for the national anthem, music was piped between innings and the seventh inning streak was noted with the traditional John Denver song.
Photo: AFP
In a crisp 2 hours, 3 minutes, Baltimore won their third straight since snapping a five-game losing streak.
Ubaldo Jimenez (2-1) continued his rebound from last season’s struggles, allowing two runs — one earned — on three hits with six strikeouts and just one walk over seven innings for the Orioles. Manny Machado hit his fourth home run among his three hits and Caleb Joseph had two RBIs.
Chicago’s Jeff Samardzija (1-2) allowed a season-high eight runs — seven earned — on 10 hits, including two homers, over just five innings. Entering the game, he had not allowed a run over his previous 10 innings.
RAYS 3, YANKEES 2, 13 INNINGS
James Loney hit a go-ahead infield single in the 13th inning, and Tampa Bay avoided a three-game sweep.
New York’s Alex Rodriguez remained one home run shy of tying Willie Mays for fourth place at 660. A-Rod went zero for six with four strikeouts and hit into a game-ending double play. He is five for 36 (.139) since April 17, when he homered twice at Tampa Bay. It was just his fifth four-strikeout game, and his first since 2008.
Left-hander Chasen Shreve (1-1), New York’s seventh pitcher, entered in the 12th and walked Steven Sousa with one out in the 13th. Asdrubal Cabrera advanced the runner with a groundout, and Evan Longoria was intentionally walked to bring up the left-handed-hitting Loney.
ASTROS 7, PADRES 2
Dallas Keuchel held San Diego to three hits in eight innings and Colby Rasmus hit a two-run homer to power Houston to their sixth straight win.
The AL West-leading Astros swept the Padres for the first time since May 2009. First-year manager A.J. Hinch had worked in San Diego’s front office from September 2010 until just after A.J. Preller was hired as general manager in early August last year.
Houston outscored San Diego 30-9 and outhit the Padres 36-19.
The Astros head home after an 8-1 West Coast trip gave them the best road record in the majors, 10-2.
The Padres have lost seven of eight, including five of six on this homestand.
In other games, it was:
‧ Tigers 10, Twins 7
‧ Brewers 8, Reds 3
‧ Marlins 7, Mets 3
‧ Cardinals 5, Phillies 2
‧ Dodgers 7, Giants 3
‧ Mariners 5, Rangers 2
‧ Pirates 8, Cubs 1
‧ Indians 7, Royals 5
‧ Red Sox 4, Blue Jays 1
‧ Athletics 6, Angels 3
‧ Nationals 13, Braves 4
‧ Diamondbacks 9, Rockies 1
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