Samwise MLB Newsletter
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Reds’ Historic 7-Run Ninth Stuns Giants, 10–9
The Cincinnati Reds completed a stunning comeback Wednesday, scoring seven runs in the ninth inning to overcome a 9–3 deficit and defeat San Francisco 10–9 at Oracle Park. Héctor Rodríguez ignited the rally with a solo homer into McCovey Cove before Eugenio Suárez launched a grand slam off Dylan Smith (0–5) to pull within one. Tyler Stephenson then lined the go-ahead single. Per MLB, it marked Cincinnati’s first win when trailing by six or more runs entering the ninth since May 8, 1958. Tony Santillan (2–4) earned the win; Emilio Pagán recorded save No. 17.
Sources: CBS Sports; ESPN 630 DC (AP)
Schwarber Hits MLB-Leading 40th Homer, Phillies Blank Mariners 6–0
Kyle Schwarber crushed his MLB-leading 40th home run — a three-run blast to right-center off Bryan Woo’s fastball in the second inning — as the Philadelphia Phillies shut out the Seattle Mariners 6–0 Wednesday at T-Mobile Park. Schwarber became the first player in the majors to reach 40 home runs this season and matched Ryan Howard’s franchise record by hitting 40-plus in four consecutive seasons with Philadelphia. Bryce Harper added a two-run homer (No. 27) in the first inning, extending his on-base streak to a career-best 29 games. Jesús Luzardo struck out seven batters across seven innings to secure the shutout victory.
Bazzana’s Sac Fly Caps Guardians’ Season-Best 7th Straight Win
Travis Bazzana’s sacrifice fly in the ninth inning delivered the go-ahead run as the Cleveland Guardians rallied from a 3–0 deficit to complete a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels, 4–3, Wednesday in Anaheim. Steven Kwan’s ground-rule double tied the game before Bazzana’s decisive fly ball. The victory extended Cleveland’s winning streak to a season-best seven consecutive games. Starter Joey Cantillo walked a career-high seven batters and hit another over six innings, yet allowed just two earned runs. Hunter Gaddis (2–3) earned the win in relief, and Erik Sabrowski recorded his first career save.
Sources: ESPN 630 DC (AP); MLB.com
Eduardo Rodríguez Gems Diamondbacks Past Cubs 2–0 in Wild-Card Race
Eduardo Rodríguez delivered a gem Wednesday, pitching seven-plus scoreless innings as the Arizona Diamondbacks shut out the Chicago Cubs 2–0. Jordan Lawlar provided all the offense with a solo home run, and Juan Morillo closed it out for the save. The result keeps Arizona one game behind San Diego in the chase for the third National League wild-card spot with five weeks remaining. The Diamondbacks entered the day at 70–63, trailing the 71–62 Padres by a single game. Both clubs won Wednesday, keeping the gap unchanged heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Sources: ESPN 630 DC (AP); ESPN
Orioles Pulverize Cardinals 13–1 to Open Road Trip
The Baltimore Orioles opened their road trip in dominant fashion Wednesday, routing the St. Louis Cardinals 13–1. Leody Taveras set the tone with a three-run home run in the first inning, part of a five-run Baltimore opening frame. Pete Alonso recorded four hits including a three-run homer and drove in four runs before leaving the game in the fifth inning. Taveras drove in two additional runs with a base hit as the Orioles continued to pour it on. Michael McGreevy started and struggled early for St. Louis, which has dropped five consecutive games.
Vasquez Gems as Padres Shut Out Pirates 3–0, Hold Wild-Card Lead
Grayson Vasquez pitched five innings of one-hit ball Wednesday as the San Diego Padres shut out the Pittsburgh Pirates 3–0, salvaging the series finale at Petco Park. Jackson Merrill had two hits including an RBI triple, and Jake Cronenworth added an RBI double in the eighth inning. Vasquez improved to 10–6 on the season, going 4–0 in his last five starts. The victory was San Diego’s 12th in its last 17 games, keeping the Padres one game ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks for the third NL wild-card spot with five weeks remaining in the regular season.
Sources: ESPN 630 DC (AP); ESPN
Braves Rally Past Dodgers 4–3 in NL Showdown
The Atlanta Braves rallied to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4–3 Wednesday at Truist Park. Matt Olson launched his 37th home run — a solo shot in the first inning — to stake Atlanta to an early lead. The Dodgers took control with Tommy Edman’s two-run homer in the third, building a 3–1 advantage. Atlanta mounted a comeback with Ozzie Albies contributing a key hit as the Braves pushed across three runs to retake the lead. Raisel Iglesias worked through the ninth inning to preserve the result, improving Atlanta to 78–55. Roki Sasaki started on the mound for Los Angeles.
Sources: ESPN; Fox Sports
Rays Blank Tigers 3–0, Move to 79–54 Atop AL East
The Tampa Bay Rays shut out the Detroit Tigers 3–0 Wednesday as Freddy Peralta delivered six scoreless innings. The victory moved Tampa Bay to 79–54, the best record in the American League East. Peralta was sharp throughout, surrendering no runs while the Rays offense provided three runs of support. Reese Melton started for Detroit. The Rays held a 3.5-game AL East lead over the New York Yankees entering Wednesday’s game, with the pennant race entering its decisive final stretch. Tampa Bay has won six of its last eight games heading into September.
American League
Through Aug. 25, 2026 — source: MLB.com
AL East
1. Tampa Bay Rays — 78–54, —
2. New York Yankees — 74–57, 3.5
3. Boston Red Sox — 73–59, 5.0
4. Baltimore Orioles — 64–68, 14.0
5. Toronto Blue Jays — 64–69, 14.5
AL Central
1. Chicago White Sox — 69–63, —
2. Cleveland Guardians — 67–66, 2.5
3. Minnesota Twins — 64–69, 5.5
4. Detroit Tigers — 62–70, 7.0
5. Kansas City Royals — 59–74, 10.5
AL West
1. Houston Astros — 66–66, —
2. Texas Rangers — 66–67, 0.5
3. Seattle Mariners — 64–69, 2.5
4. Athletics — 52–81, 14.5
5. Los Angeles Angels — 52–81, 14.5
National League
NL East
1. Atlanta Braves — 77–55, —
2. Philadelphia Phillies — 73–60, 4.5
3. Miami Marlins — 67–66, 10.5
4. Washington Nationals — 62–72, 16.0
5. New York Mets — 60–72, 17.0
NL Central
1. Milwaukee Brewers — 81–51, —
2. Chicago Cubs — 76–57, 5.5
3. St. Louis Cardinals — 66–67, 15.5
4. Pittsburgh Pirates — 65–69, 17.0
5. Cincinnati Reds — 62–71, 19.5
NL West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers — 80–52, —
2. San Diego Padres — 71–62, 9.5
3. Arizona Diamondbacks — 70–63, 10.5
4. San Francisco Giants — 54–78, 26.0
5. Colorado Rockies — 51–81, 29.0
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Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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