All articles tagged with #walks
Phillies beat the Marlins 6-4 to extend a five-game win streak and reach 11 games over .500, but Zack Wheeler’s recent inconsistency—five innings, two runs, four walks, and a 6.64 ERA over his last five starts—raises concerns for Philadelphia’s playoff push.
Bryce Harper returned from the World Baseball Classic in good form and told Phillies fans he plans a more selective plate approach in 2026, aiming for 140–150 walks and to reduce his chase rate after posting a 35.6% rate last season. He credits improved timing and pitch recognition, noted a 27.5 chase rate in spring, and emphasized staying within his zone as Philadelphia eyes a title run.
The Yankees lost 6-3 to the Red Sox due to four errors and nine walks, with sloppy play and missed opportunities highlighting their struggles, especially against teams likely to face in the postseason.
The Los Angeles Dodgers struggled with pitching, issuing 14 walks in a 6-3 loss to the San Diego Padres, leading to a series loss. Despite briefly holding a lead, the Dodgers' pitchers, including James Paxton and the bullpen, struggled with command, resulting in a high number of walks and ultimately contributing to the team's defeat. Manager Dave Roberts expressed frustration at the pitching performance, emphasizing the difficulty of winning games when giving up so many walks.
The Chicago Cubs suffered a frustrating 6-5 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, with walks being the main issue. Cubs pitchers issued a total of seven walks, two of which resulted in runs. The bullpen struggled, throwing 74 pitches in just three innings, while starter Marcus Stroman also struggled with four walks in five innings. Despite some positive moments, including home runs by Cody Bellinger and Yan Gomes, the Cubs were unable to overcome their pitching woes. The loss puts them eight games out of first place in the standings.
Alex Bregman's performance in the Houston Astros' 9-6 win over the Los Angeles Angels was "like a Barry Bonds day," according to manager Dusty Baker. Bregman hit a grand slam and walked four times, becoming the only player in the modern era to draw at least four walks while hitting a grand slam in his only official at-bat. He joined J.D. Martinez and Bobby Bonds as the only players since 1974 to have a grand slam and four walks in a game. Bregman's grand slam capped a five-run fourth inning for the Astros, who won for the 18th time in their past 23 games.
The Atlanta Braves lost to the Philadelphia Phillies 6-4 in a game where the Braves issued seven walks, tying a season high, and their bullpen turned in a season-worst performance. Despite outhomering the Phillies 2-0 and out-hard-hitting them 14-10, the Braves couldn't overcome their walk-filled game. The series continues with Zack Wheeler going against Charlie Morton.
The Chicago White Sox lost 5-1 to the Houston Astros, with walks being the main issue for the Sox. White Sox pitchers walked eight Astros, but only drew one walk themselves, and that drove the wedge in the scoreboard. The offense was also a problem, with the team being held to just three hits by a pitcher making his second career start. The loss ties the White Sox's season worst water mark at 14 games under .500.
The New York Mets won their home opener against the Miami Marlins, 9-3, thanks to the wildness of Miami pitchers who gave up 12 walks. Mets hitters capitalized on the opportunities, with three runners coming around to score. Starling Marte, Francisco Lindor, and Pete Alonso all homered for the Mets. Mets starter Tylor Megill walked just two batters over six scoreless innings to improve to 2-0 in two starts.
The Cincinnati Reds lost their Opening Day game to the Pittsburgh Pirates due to nine walks issued by their pitchers. Hunter Greene and Fernando Cruz combined to walk four consecutive batters in a three-run fourth inning, which played a huge part in the Reds’ 5-4 loss in front of a sold-out crowd of 44,063 at Great American Ball Park. Despite a late rally, the Reds were unable to overcome their pitching struggles.