MLB Nightly 9: Alex Gordon collects 7 hits, 6 RBIs in doubleheader sweep of Rays

Alec Brzezinski

MLB Nightly 9: Alex Gordon collects 7 hits, 6 RBIs in doubleheader sweep of Rays image

Each night we'll provide you with the nine top story lines from the day's action, beginning with the stars of the day, and look ahead to the next day's matchups. 

If anyone thought Alex Gordon was a suspect All-Star starter, they got the proverbial "I told you so" on Tuesday. Gordon collected seven hits and six RBIs in Kansas City's doubleheader sweep of the Rays. The Royals outfielder went 3 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in Game 1, then went 4 for 5 with four more RBIs in Game 2.

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Meanwhile, Johnny Cueto made a convincing case for the last National League All-Star spot by outdueling Max Scherzer and the Nationals. Cueto pitched a two-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts. He's one of five candidates awaiting the results of the fan vote for the final NL roster slot.

Here are more highlights from Tuesday's games:

Impact players

C — A.J. Pierzynski, Braves: Fresh off a 4-for-5 game Monday, Pierzynski was back at it Tuesday. This time he went 3 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs.

1B — Joey Votto, Reds: Votto clobbered Scherzer and the Nationals in a 3-for-5 effort. He had a home run, two runs scored and three RBIs.

2B — Joe Panik, Giants: Panik went 2 for 4 with two runs scored against the Mets and is now hitting .306 on the season.

SS — Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox: Bogaerts went 2 for 4 with a bases-clearing single, which led Boston to a narrow victory over the Marlins.

3B — Jake Lamb, Diamondbacks: Lamb went 3 for 4 with two RBIs, a stolen base and a walk in a win against the Rangers.

OF — Mike Trout, Angels: Trout blasted his 22nd home run of the season in a 2-for-4 effort. He scored two runs and drove in three in a big win against the Rockies.

DH — Michael Brantley, Indians: Brantley went 3 for 4 with a solo home run and two runs scored in a win against the Astros.

SP — Robbie Ray, Diamondbacks: Ray allowed just two unearned runs in 7 2/3 innings. He carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning.

Key injuries

Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong left Tuesday's game against the Cubs in the seventh inning with a head contusion, but he passed a concussion test shortly afterward.

Play of the day

Royals outfielder Paulo Orlando hit a walkoff grand slam in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Rays. It doesn't get much better than that.

Surprise performers

Good: Phillies pitcher Chad Billingsley tossed six innings of two-run ball in a win against the Dodgers, which lowered his ERA to 6.67 on the season. It's been a rough year for the 30-year-old right-hander but the former Dodger's return to Chavez Ravine might have been the kick-start he needed.

Bad: Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer came into the game with a sterling 1.82 ERA, but he lasted just 4 2/3 innings, allowing five earned runs against the Reds. It's the first time the NL All-Star has failed to make it through six innings all year.

Facts of the day

This is one of those positive stats wrapped in a negative one:

Who ever said bunting wasn't legitimate?

Scherzer can count on Bryce Harper:

Miguel Sano's first career home run was obliterated:

This is why everyone's excited about Albert Pujols competing in the Home Run Derby:

Yovani Gallardo finally gave up a run:

There's a first time for everything:

Trade talk

Athletics utility player Ben Zobrist has been the subject of numerous trade discussions, usually involving the Yankees and Mets, leading into the July 31 non-waiver deadline. He said he's enjoying the attention.

"It's good to be wanted," he said, via NJ.com.

Off the field

Nationals outfielder Denard Span (back) had an MRI on Tuesday and is set to see a specialist as he attempts to pinpoint the cause of recent spasms.

The Nationals may be close to getting one of their outfielders back: Jayson Werth (wrist) is hopeful he'll be able to begin a rehab assignment after the All-Star break.

The Brewers activated outfielder Khris Davis from the 15-day DL.

The Rays placed outfielder Steven Souza on the 15-day DL, retroactive to July 6, with a right pinkie finger laceration.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said closer Andrew Miller (forearm) will be activated from the DL on Wednesday.

The Giants activated outfielder Hunter Pence from the 15-day DL.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro indicated Tuesday that Cesar Hernandez will remain the club's second baseman even after Chase Utley (ankle) returns from the disabled list, according to Philly.com.

"Not for me he's not," Amaro said when asked if Utley would still be the everyday second baseman when he returns. "Cesar Hernandez is our best second baseman."

Tuesday's scores

American League

Game 1: Royals 9, Rays 5
Game 2: Royals 7, Rays 1
Athletics 4, Yankees 3, 10 innings
Indians 2, Astros 0
Blue Jays 2, White Sox 1
Twins 8, Orioles 3
Mariners 7, Tigers 6, 11 innings

National League

Game 1: Cubs 7, Cardinals 4
Game 2: Cubs 5, Cardinals 3
Reds 5, Nationals 0
Braves 4, Brewers 3
Pirates 3, Padres 2
Phillies 7, Dodgers 2
Giants 3, Mets 0

Interleague

Red Sox 4, Marlins 3
Angels 10, Rockies 2
Diamondbacks 4, Rangers 2

A look ahead

Three games to watch Wednesday (all times Eastern):

Orioles (43-40) at Twins (44-39), 1:10 p.m.: Ubaldo Jimenez (7-4, 2.96 ERA) faces off against Tommy Milone (4-1, 3.02 ERA). Milone will be looking for the same run support the Twins' bats produced Tuesday. 

Astros (49-37) at Indians (39-44), 7:10 p.m.: Corey Kluber and the Indians shut out the Astros on Tuesday, so Houston will be seeking redemption against Trevor Bauer (7-5, 3.88 ERA) in the series finale.

Cardinals (54-30) at Cubs (46-37), 8:05 p.m.: Michael Wacha (10-3, 2.66 ERA) faces off against Jason Hammel (5-4, 2.89 ERA) as the Cardinals look to bounce back from their doubleheader loss against the Cubs on Tuesday.

Alec Brzezinski