It was another busy weekend in MLB, with several exciting matchups between top teams. Here are the biggest highlights from the weekend:
### The Astros Sweep the Orioles
The Astros, often underestimated, continue to lurk as a formidable force. Despite their flaws compared to past seasons, a five-game winning streak, including a sweep of the Orioles, has brought them within four games of an AL wild-card spot. Veterans José Altuve and Alex Bregman played crucial roles, especially against a worn-out Orioles pitching staff. Although starter Jake Bloss struggled and landed on the IL, strong performances from Framber Valdez and Ronel Blanco were promising. Houston will host Colorado next for a quick two-game series.
### The Cardinals Sweep the Giants
The Cardinals’ sweep of the Giants marked their steady rise from mediocrity. After an emotional win on Thursday at Rickwood Field, they dominated the weekend games at Busch Stadium. Alec Burleson shone with two home runs on Saturday, while Sonny Gray excelled on Sunday, lowering his season ERA to 2.81. Despite a rough start to the season, the Cardinals have improved their playoff odds to 42.6% and are 1.5 games ahead in the wild-card race. Meanwhile, the Giants continue to struggle.
### The Braves Beat the Yankees
Atlanta’s left-handed aces, Chris Sale and Max Fried, led the Braves to a series win in The Bronx. Sale and Fried each limited the Yankees to one run, with Fried delivering a standout performance on Sunday. The resurgence of Austin Riley, with eight extra-base hits in his past nine games, has been crucial for the Braves. On the other hand, the Yankees face another injury setback with Giancarlo Stanton’s hamstring strain, adding to their woes despite his productive season.
### The Guardians Sweep the Blue Jays
Steven Kwan had a standout weekend for Cleveland, raising his season OPS to 1.023. The Guardians hit six home runs against Toronto, continuing their offensive surge and maintaining a 7.5-game lead over the Twins. In contrast, the Blue Jays have struggled, winning just three non-White Sox series since May. Recent poor performances by pitchers Yariel Rodríguez, José Berrios, and Yusei Kikuchi, coupled with rookie Orelvis Martinez’s 80-game suspension, have put Toronto in a difficult position ahead of the trade deadline.
### Ohtani and the Dodgers Take Two from the Angels
Shohei Ohtani shined against his former team, hitting two home runs. Despite the Dodgers’ loss in Game 1, they bounced back to win on Saturday. Ohtani’s second homer supported a masterful start from Tyler Glasnow, who struck out 10 and allowed just one run over seven innings.
### Scherzer Deals in His Return to the Mound
Max Scherzer made a strong return for the Rangers after offseason surgery, pitching five scoreless innings and retiring the first 13 batters. His performance helped Texas sweep the Royals at home, providing much-needed stability to their pitching staff.
### Bonus: Men’s College World Series
The Men’s College World Series heads to a decisive Game 3 on Monday after Texas A&M and Tennessee split the first two games. Texas A&M took an early lead on Saturday, while Tennessee bounced back on Sunday with a late rally. Monday’s game will determine the champion, with both programs seeking their first national title.
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