Édouard Julien had his first three-hit night of the campaign, and the Quebecer helped the Minnesota Twins easily dispose of the Chicago White Sox 7 to 0 on Monday evening.
Already author of a single and a double in the match, Julien offered his fifth circuit of the campaign to increase the Twins’ lead to seven points at the end of the seventh inning.
The Quebec second baseman is not having the desired start to the batting season – as is the case for several of his teammates – but with this performance, he raised his average to .211.
The miserable White Sox suffered a 19th defeat in 22 games to start their schedule. At this point, they’ve only scored a measly 45 points, or just over two per game on average.
They were shut out eight times in those 22 games, which represents a new mark of mediocrity in MLB history for a start to the season.
They collected six hits in seven innings at the expense of starter Chris Paddack (1-1), without managing to cross the plate.
In addition to Julien’s stellar evening, the Twins also benefited from a three-RBI game from outfielder Max Kepler.
Jonathan Cannon (0-1) allowed six runs and nine hits in three and two-thirds innings.
Philly inspired even without Harper
Kody Clemens hit a three-run homer and the Philadelphia Phillies won their seventh straight game, 7-0 at the expense of the Cincinnati Reds.
The Phillies will play this series against the Reds without star outfielder Bryce Harper, who is on short paternity leave.
Ranger Suarez (4-0) extended his scoreless innings streak to 22, after an outing where he allowed just two hits in seven innings.
Suarez had five batters at bat and allowed one walk.
Gregory Soto and Jeff Hoffman finished the job on the mound.
The Phillies and Cleveland Guardians lead the major leagues with four shutouts this season.
Bryson Stott hit a sacrifice fly and drove in another run with an option.
The Phillies have scored at least seven runs in five straight games.
Hunter Greene (0-2) allowed four runs and seven hits in seven innings.
Elsewhere in the MLB
Brewers 2 – Pirates 4
MIL: The Brewers remain 1st in the Central Division standings, with a record of 14-7.
PIT: Veteran Andrew McCutchen hit his second home run of the campaign.
Tigers 7 – Rays 1
DET: Starter Tarik Skubal (3-0) totaled 9 strikeouts in 6 innings.
TB: His opposite number Zack Littell (1-1) had a difficult evening, allowing 6 points, including 5 deserved, in 6 innings.
Marlins 0 – Braves 3
MIA: The Marlins are the 2nd worst team in the Nationals, with a record of 6-18.
ATL: After his 3 home run game last Friday, Travis d’Arnaud added another long ball.
Diamondbacks 3 – Cardinals 5
ARI: Eugenio Suarez had 3 hits and produced 2 runs in the loss.
STL: Nolan Gorman ended the hostilities with a 2-run homer in the bottom of the 9th inning.
Padres 3 – Rockies 1
SD: Dylan Cease (3-1) only allowed one run in 7 innings on the mound.
COL: Second worst team in the Majors standings, the Rockies (5-18) only got 4 hits.
Orioles 4 – Angels 2
BALL: Rookie outfielder Colton Coweser added a 6th long ball to his haul.
LAA: Starter Reid Detmers (3-1) worked for 7 innings, but suffered his first defeat by allowing 4 earned runs.
Mets 2 – Giants 5
NYM: Starter Jose Quintana (1-2) gave up 5 earned runs in as many innings.
SF: Matt Chapman and Nick Ahmed produced 2 points each in the victory.
