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MLB Standings: Giants, Blue Jays struggle; Twins and Diamondbacks surge

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock celebrates after hitting a two run home run in the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants during opening day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock celebrates after hitting a two run home run in the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants during opening day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) hits a double in the third inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) hits a double in the third inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

National League Central

1. Chicago Cubs (4-2, .667, – GB)

Last Week: 2-1 at Cardinals, 2-1 at Brewers

  • Home Record: 0-0
  • Road Record: 4-2
  • Runs Scored: 30
  • Runs Allowed: 21
  • Run Differential: +9
  • Streak: Won 2
  • Last 10: 4-2

1. Cincinnati Reds (4-2, .500, – GB)

Last Week: 2-1 vs. Phillies, 2-1 at Cardinals

  • Home Record: 2-1
  • Road Record: 2-1
  • Runs Scored: 26
  • Runs Allowed: 18
  • Run Differential: +8
  • Streak: Won 1
  • Last 10: 4-2

3. Pittsburgh Pirates (3-2, .600, 0.5 GB)

Last Week: 0-2 at Red Sox, 3-0 vs. Braves

  • Home Record: 3-0
  • Road Record: 0-2
  • Runs Scored: 20
  • Runs Allowed: 21
  • Run Differential: -1
  • Streak: Won 3
  • Last 10: 3-2

4. St. Louis Cardinals (2-4, .333, 2 GB)

Last Week: 1-2 vs. Cubs, 1-2 vs. Reds

  • Home Record: 2-4
  • Road Record: 0-0
  • Runs Scored: 19
  • Runs Allowed: 25
  • Run Differential: -6
  • Streak: Lost 1
  • Last 10: 2-4

5. Milwaukee Brewers (2-5, .286, 2.5 GB)

Last Week: 1-3 vs. Rockies, 1-2 vs. Cubs

  • Home Record: 2-5
  • Road Record: 0-0
  • Runs Scored: 29
  • Runs Allowed: 35
  • Run Differential: -6
  • Streak: Lost 2
  • Last 10: 2-5

For the first time in 108 years, the Chicago Cubs opened the season as World Series champions. Not surprisingly, the Cubs title defense got off to a strong start despite spending the first week of the season on the road.

Chicago took two of three in a rain-shortened series in St. Louis, then travelled to Milwaukee and won two of three against the Brewers. Four wins in six games is great, though it could have gone even better as both of the Cubs losses came by a single run.

Monday, the Cubs return to Wrigley Field to face the Dodgers and pick up their World Series rings.

One of the biggest surprises of the opening week was a Reds squad that sits in a tie with the Cubs atop the NL Central. Perhaps even more surprising is the fact that Cincinnati won three games via shutout.

Youngsters Brandon Finnegan and Amir Garrett combined for 13 shutout innings during the week, and allowed a combined three hits in the process. The bullpen, led by closer Raisel Iglesias’ four shutout innings, has also shined.

Jameson Taillon was very impressive in his season debut, but the Pirates lost 3-0 in 12 innings against the Red Sox in Game 2 and left Boston winless in the rain-shortened opening series. The Bucs responded with a three-game sweep of the Braves in Pittsburgh – all by a single run.

The Cardinals ensured the Cubs wouldn’t go undefeated with a 4-3 win on Opening Night, but lost three in a row to slide down the standings before rebounding with a 10-4 win over the Reds Saturday to get back into the win column. Allonyms Diaz was the hero in the win as the shortstop hit two home runs.

Milwaukee had home field advantage throughout the first week of the season, but couldn’t capitalize. The Brewers lost three of four to Colorado, and though the team earned a dramatic walk off win against the Cubs Friday night, Milwaukee dropped the final two games of the set over the weekend.

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