June 28: Walker Crushes Chicago, Sabo Sparks the Rockies, and A-Rod Walks It Off
The day belonged to Larry Walker, who torched the White Sox with a three-hit, three-RBI game, including a clutch three-run homer in the top of the ninth to seal a 7–5 win. The Twins overcame a 5–3 deficit in the final frame to notch their 39th win.
Jeff Fassero nearly stole the spotlight in Toronto. The Expos southpaw fanned eight and allowed just one run over eight innings in what turned into a 13-inning grinder. Montreal finally broke through on an RBI single to edge the Blue Jays, 3–2.
In Denver, Orel Hershiser mowed down the A’s, striking out 10 over 7.1 innings in a 7–3 win. But the game’s heart came from third baseman Chris Sabo, who drilled two home runs to power the Rockies past Oakland.
And in D.C., Alex Rodriguez launched a walk-off three-run homer in the 10th to lift the Senators past Detroit, 6–3. He’s heating up at the right time.
June 29: Pena Cycles Up, Canseco Hits 400, and Another Rangers Walk-Off
Geronimo Pena nearly hit for the cycle, going 3-for-4 with a homer, triple, and double while scoring four times in the Cubs’ 6–4 win over the Cardinals. A go-ahead single by Scott Cooper in the eighth helped Chicago seal it.
Rafael Palmeiro did what he does best—drive in runs. His 3-for-4 day with 4 RBIs helped Washington outslug the Tigers, 8–6. His 2-run double in the sixth gave the Senators just enough breathing room.
Over in San Francisco, Bob Sebra struck out 13 over eight innings, but the night belonged to Jose Canseco. With one swing in the fourth, the 30-year-old slugger launched his 400th career home run. A curtain call followed, as Canseco soaked in the moment. He’s now just two RBIs shy of 1,000.
Elsewhere:
- Milt Cuyler delivered a walk-off sac fly in the 11th as the Rangers edged the Royals, 4–3.
- Glenn Davis gave the Rockies another dramatic finish, driving in the game-winner in the bottom of the ninth to top Oakland, 8–7.
- And Detroit kept swinging in extras—Mark McGwire’s 11th-inning RBI single lifted the Tigers past Washington, 7–6.
June 30: Plantier Powers Rays, Nomo Silences Texas, and Neagle Outduels the Cubs
Phil Plantier went yard twice in Cincinnati, helping the Sun Rays shock the Reds, 8–4. He finished with three hits and two RBIs. Jeff Bagwell added a two-run homer to give Orlando a 3–2 lead they never gave back.
Hideo Nomo was dominant again, holding Texas scoreless through 7.1 innings in a 1–0 Minnesota win. He struck out nine and walked three, and the Twins scraped together just enough offense in the eighth to make it count.
Denny Neagle kept Kansas City rolling, holding the Cubs to one run over eight innings in a 2–1 win at Wrigley. He fanned eight and didn’t issue a single walk.
Other Notables:
- The Orioles stunned the Expos in extras, winning 3–2 on a bases-loaded walk by Kenny Lofton.
- The Senators capped a sweep of the Tigers behind Palmeiro’s bat and a strong start from Jimmy Haynes.
- And Pedro Martinez? Another no-decision despite a gem—seven innings, four hits, and no earned runs. The man just can’t buy a win lately.