One of the game’s best veteran pitchers, Max Scherzer, is nearing his return to help the Nationals in the NL East and wild-card races. One of the game’s brightest young stars, Pete Alonso, hit his rookie-record 40th home run in pursuit of the same goals. Meanwhile, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the Cubs and Pirates played for Little Leaguers — and the Cubs welcomed back their much-needed closer. And in the minor leagues, a Hollywood story continues to emerge.
Scherzer expects to be back Thursday for a game in Pittsburgh. The Nationals are 5.5 games back of Atlanta in the NL East and 3.5 games clear of a playoff spot as the first wild card.
Do the Nationals’ playoff hopes depend on Max Scherzer?@ChaseHughesNBCS and @TravisThomasExp discuss: https://t.co/O4hXbQbIKB pic.twitter.com/r5L4zKKcXU
— NBC Sports Nationals (@NBCSNationals) August 19, 2019
The Mets are one of the teams chasing the Nationals (and the Cubs, Cardinals and Brewers in the wild-card hunt). Whether or not New York makes the playoffs, this season has been a revelation for young Pete Alonso.
Someone wise once told me: “Don’t put limits on yourself.” Today waking up was surreal. Hard work works. No one has to agree with your method to the madness. If you give your mind and heart to your dreams, they just might come true. #LFGM
— Pete Alonso (@Pete_Alonso20) August 19, 2019
The Little League Classic is fun to watch every season because of the kids’ excitement to meet the big leaguers. But it’s safe to say the big leaguers get excited, too.
Before he went deep in last night’s #LittleLeagueClassic, Nicholas Castellanos caught up with @jonmorosi to discuss the @Cubs‘ Williamsport experience! pic.twitter.com/ebW4B2Eeru
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 19, 2019
On a more serious note, Craig Kimbrel returned for the Cubs who surely need the help in their bullpen. On a less serious note, dozens of kids mimicked Kimbrel’s silly-looking stretch.
The LLWS players showed love for Craig Kimbrel 😆 pic.twitter.com/nEujyXPrBA
— SI MLB (@si_mlb) August 19, 2019
Remember Nathan Patterson, the guy whom the A’s signed after he hit 96 mph on a fan radar gun? He struck out the side in his minor-league debut.
Nathan Patterson, the fan who signed with the A’s after throwing 96 mph in a speed pitch booth, had quite the pro debut. https://t.co/72KrLD3pfh
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) August 18, 2019
TOP STORIES
• Scherzer ‘probable for Thursday’ in return from IL | MLB.com
• Mets slugger Pete Alonso sets NL rookie homer record with 40th blast | Yahoo Sports
• Quintana, Rizzo lead Cubs past Pirates 7-1 at LLWS | Associated Press
• Cubs activate Kimbrel to help beleaguered pen | ESPN.com
