MLB wrap: Nolan Arenado powers Rockies to win over Diamondbacks

Arthur Weinstein

MLB wrap: Nolan Arenado powers Rockies to win over Diamondbacks image

The Rockies and Diamondbacks opened a three-game series in Arizona (38-36) on Tuesday night tied for second place in the NL West, both a game or so out of the second wild-card spot.

Certainly not a must-win situation, because this is only the middle of June, but an important game to be sure.

Enter Nolan Arenado. The Rockies' perennial All-Star third baseman delivered the way he always seems to deliver in clutch situations. The Rockies star opened the scoring with a two-run home run in the first and added an RBI double in the sixth to power the Rockies (38-34) to an 8-1 victory. 

Right-hander Antonio Senzatela allowed one run in 6 2/3 innings to earn the win.

A good win for the Rockies, and yet more proof why Arenado is leading the All-Star balloting among NL third basemen.

Studs of the Night

In his second MLB start, Marlins right-hander Jordan Yamamoto pitched seven scoreless innings against the Cardinals, allowing only two hits and striking out seven. It was a carbon copy of his MLB debut on June 12, when he worked seven scoreless against the Cardinals and gave up three hits. According to MLB.com, that makes him the first pitcher since at least 1908 to begin his career with consecutive outings of seven-plus scoreless innings and three or fewer hits.

Mets first baseman Pete Alonso had four hits, including a home run and two doubles, and drove in three runs in a 10-2 win over the Braves.

Athletics center fielder Ramón Laureano had four hits in five at-bats, including a home run, with three RBIs in Oakland's 16-2 win over the Orioles.

Dud of the Night

Braves right hander Julio Teheran gave up six earned runs in four innings in a loss to the Mets.

Highlights

The Indians turned up the power in the seventh inning against the Rangers with three consecutive home runs by Jake Bauers, Roberto Perez and Tyler Naquin.

That didn't take long — Edwin Encarnacion cranks his first home run as a member of the Yankees.

What's Next?

Phillies (39-32) at Nationals (33-38), 1:05 p.m. and 7:05 p.m. — The first two games of this series were rained out Monday and Tuesday, spoiling Bryce Harper's second visit to Washington since signing a mega-deal with the Phillies in the offseason.

Arthur Weinstein