MLB News Today: Freddie Freeman returns to crowd's roaring applause; White Sox's losing streak reaches 21 games, and more
There was jubilation in the Dodgers camp while utter humiliation in the White Sox one as Monday's MLB fixtures folded. The New York Mets were able to win a makeup game on the road against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Here's a look at the top stories from August 5.
#1. Freddie Freeman makes a triumphant return to Dodgers lineup
Freddie Freeman returned to the Dodgers lineup as LA beat the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on Monday. Freeman had to miss the last eight games due to a family emergency. His son Maximus was hospitalized after suffering from full-body paralysis due to a rare nerve condition.
Upon return, Freeman struck out in the first innings with a jubilant Dodgers crowd chanting his name in unison.
“I wasn’t expecting it, but very much appreciated from the Dodgers fans. They made it really hard to hit in that first at-bat, but that’s a good thing,” Freeman said via MLB.com.
Returning to the plate, he hit a single in the third inning. As he reached base, Phillies star Bryce Harper hugged him.
#2. White Sox equal American League losing streak record
Things keep getting worse for the Chicago White Sox, as they are now certainly making the wrong record. After Monday's 5-1 defeat against the Oakland Athletics, the White Sox have lost 21 straight games.
This is the longest American League losing streak since 1988, when the Baltimore Orioles lost their first 21 games of the season. The Phillies set the MLB record in 1961 with 23 games, and if Chicago is swept by the A's, they will have achieved that distinction as well.
#3: The Mets bounce back in make-up game against Cardinals
The Mets returned to the winning column after winning the make-up road game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Mets were coming off a come-from-behind series defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels.
Sean Manaea, who started the game on Monday, earned the win after pitching seven scoreless innings. This was the first time he recorded two consecutive wins in two starts this season, following his last outing against the Twins. In those two starts, he struck out 11 batters. Tyrone Taylor starred with the bat with a three-RBI night.