On August 27, 1929 — Rogers Hornsby has four hits and Sheriff Blake allows six to lead the Cubs to a 4 – 1 win over the Reds. Chicago now leads by 14 1/2 games, the greatest lead a National League team has enjoyed at this stage since the 1906 Cubs.
With stories circulating that the Nationals will soon name veteran Davey Johnson, who last managed in the big leagues in 2000, as their new skipper, John McLaren wins his debut as interim manager, although he’s long gone by the time the game is decided. With the Nats holding a 2 – 0 lead over the White Sox in the 8th, McLaren is tossed after disputing home plate umpire Jeff Nelson’s decision to overturn a call made by crewmate Mike Estabrook at first base. The Nationals add another run in the top of the 9th, but Tyler Clippard coughs up a three-run pinch homer to Mark Teahen in the bottom of the frame to send the game into extra innings. Washington then blows one-run leads in the 10th and 12th innings before putting up a four-spot against Matt Thornton in the 14th to win, 9 – 5. Collin Balester picks up his first victory of the season as Washington wins its 12th game in its last 13.
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June 24, 2011
