MLB roundup: Pavin Smith blasts three home runs in Diamondbacks' win

Pavin Smith achieved a remarkable feat by hitting home runs in each of his first three at-bats, leading the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks to a 12-6 victory over the Houston Astros in the final game of a three-game series on Sunday night.

Smith not only recorded his first career multi-homer game but also set a personal best with eight RBIs, significantly contributing to Arizona's (80-64) success. He launched a three-run homer in the second inning and followed it with his third career grand slam in the third, both off Astros starter Justin Verlander (3-6).

In the fifth inning, Smith connected for another home run against Houston reliever Kaleb Ort, concluding the game with a 3-for-4 performance and a walk.

Verlander struggled, allowing eight runs on eight hits and one walk over three innings without recording a strikeout. His record now stands at 0-4 with a 9.68 ERA in four starts since returning to the rotation after a stint on the injured list due to neck issues.

In another matchup, the Dodgers triumphed over the Guardians with a score of 4-0. Shohei Ohtani hit his 46th home run, while Jack Flaherty solidified his position as the rotation leader with 7 1/3 scoreless innings.

Max Muncy also contributed with a home run, and Will Smith provided a crucial go-ahead RBI single in the fourth inning, marking the Dodgers' eighth win in their last eleven games.

Ohtani's impressive season includes 46 home runs and 46 stolen bases, positioning him to potentially become the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 season with 19 games remaining.

Guardians' right-hander Tanner Bibee (11-7) allowed two runs on four hits over five innings, while the Cleveland offense managed only six hits. Consequently, the Guardians' lead in the American League Central has been reduced to 2 1/2 games over the Kansas City Royals.

Rays 2, Orioles 0
Jonny DeLuca launched a two-run home run, while Zack Littell spearheaded a five-pitcher effort by delivering five scoreless innings, leading Tampa Bay to a victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

Littell (6-9) restricted the Orioles to merely three hits and one walk, recording four strikeouts during his five-inning performance. The Rays' bullpen, consisting of Richard Lovelady, Kevin Kelly, Garrett Cleavinger, and Edwin Uceta, collectively contributed to the team's impressive five-hit game.

On the other hand, Baltimore's ace Corbin Burnes (13-8) permitted seven hits, issued two walks, and struck out three over six innings. Gunnar Henderson was notable for the Orioles, securing three of the team's five hits.

Braves 4, Blue Jays 3 (11 innings)
Sean Murphy secured the winning run with an infield ground ball, capping a two-run rally in the 11th inning and leading Atlanta to a victory against Toronto in the final match of a three-game series.

During the 11th inning, the Braves had runners on the corners against Zach Pop (1-4) following a successful bunt by Eli White. Automatic runner Michael Harris II crossed the plate, and White advanced to third base due to a throwing error by third baseman Addison Barger after fielding a grounder from Adam Duvall.

Matt Olson was walked to load the bases, and Murphy connected with the first pitch he faced, hitting it to second base, allowing White to narrowly beat the throw home.

George Springer initially put the Blue Jays in the lead during the 11th with an RBI single to center field, breaking a 26-inning scoreless streak for Braves reliever Raisel Iglesias (5-1), who ultimately earned the win after two innings of effective pitching.

The Kansas City Royals triumphed over the Minnesota Twins with a score of 2-0, as Michael Wacha achieved his 100th career victory by pitching seven scoreless innings. This victory marked the completion of a three-game sweep over the visiting Twins.

Wacha (12-7) maintained control throughout the game, yielding only four hits and one walk while striking out seven batters. Notably, he has permitted three runs or fewer in 17 of his last 19 outings, boasting an impressive record of 11-3 during this stretch.

In the fifth inning, Garrett Hampson contributed a sacrifice fly, and Salvador Perez added an infield single along the third base line, establishing a 2-0 advantage.

Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4) surrendered two runs on three hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings of work. Christian Vazquez recorded three singles for the Twins, who collectively managed five hits in the game and a total of 14 throughout the series. This defeat marked the tenth time Minnesota has been shut out, with three of those instances occurring in the last nine games.