Best-Javier Baez SS Chicago Cubs-3-5 2R 3RBI 2HR
The Chicago Cubs sit in first place despite the low production from many star players, including star SS Javier Baez.
On Monday night, Baez started up a hot streak to help this inconsistent offense return to World Series shape. After only seeing three home runs all season, Baez blasted two home runs in this game, raising his average to .219. This win also gave the Cubs its 11,000th win, the second team to reach this milestone. The other team with 11,000 wins are the Giants.
Baez is a very streaky player, but when he hits one, he makes the Cubs that much more dangerous. With star 3B Kris Bryant out right now, Baez needs to step up and take the reins for the Cubbies.
Other Notables: Jack Flaherty SP Cardinals-5IP 1H 0ER 0BB 3K 1W; David Bote 3B Cubs-3-5 1R 4RBI 1HR;, Framber Valdez SP Astros-7IP 6H 4ER 2BB 11K 1W; Paul Goldschmidt 1B Cardinals-3-4 2R 3RBI 1HR.
Worst-Matt Chapman 3B Oakland Athletics and Matt Olson 1B Oakland Athletics-0-9 6K
The Oakland Athletics have one of the best records in the MLB, but on Monday night, their two biggest stars blew the game all by themselves. Matt Olson is batting .164 on the season, and Matt Chapman is batting .246, which is a little more respectable. The Matts are batting 3 and 4 in the lineup, and when they struggle, the chances of winning are not good.
The Athletics have the best defensive corners of any infield in the league, but this team also needs both Olson and Chapman to be strong offensive forces if they want to be more than just a good team.
Extra Trash: Patrick Sandoval SP Angels-2.2IP 7H 5ER 2BB 1K 1L; Franmil Reyes DH Cleveland-0-4 3K; Austin Voth SP Nationals-3.2IP6H 6ER 3BB 3K 1L; Jose Ramirez 3B Cleveland-0-5 2K; Bruce Keller SP Royals-4IP 6H 5ER 3BB 4K.