Settling the Score: Saturday’s results

There is a mere 1.5-game separation between the three teams at the top of the NL Central standings.

Reds speedster Billy Hamilton was at it again on Saturday afternoon, entering as a pinch-runner in the bottom of the 10th inning and scoring the game-winning run as Cincinnati downed the Dodgers 4-3. Hamilton stole his fourth base in four chances to put himself in scoring position and crossed the plate for the third time as a major leaguer. He has yet to take an at-bat but has already been a difference-maker.

In St. Louis, the Cardinals happily welcomed the return of the real Adam Wainwright, who fought past his recent struggles and delivered seven shutout innings against the Pirates in an eventual 5-0 victory.

The win vaulted the Cards ahead of the Bucs for first place in the division.

Your Saturday box scores and recaps:

White Sox 3, Orioles 4 (10 innings)

Red Sox 13, Yankees 9

Dodgers 3, Reds 4 (10 innings)

Astros 1, Athletics 2

Blue Jays 11, Twins 2

Nationals 9, Marlins 2

Pirates 0, Cardinals 5

Rockies 1, Padres 2

Diamondbacks 2, Giants 1

Rangers 3, Angels 8

Rays 2, Mariners 6

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Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Rays and infielder Brandon Lowe have agreed on a six-year, $24 million contract extension. Lowe has just 58 days of service time, so this will cover his three years of pre-arbitration as well as three arbitration years.

Lowe, 24, earned a promotion to the majors in early August last year, playing mostly at second base but also logging time in both outfield corners. Through the end of the season, he hit .233/.324/.450 with six home runs and 25 RBI in 148 plate appearances. Lowe also performed well this spring, batting .359/.405/.692 with a pair of homers and 14 RBI in 39 at-bats.

MLB Pipeline rates lowe as the No. 10 prospect in the Rays’ system. He is in line to see regular starts at second base, but the Rays will certainly be keen to utilize his versatility throughout the year.

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