At Coors Field in Denver, Alfonso Soriano hit his 45th home run of the season to set the Nationals’ single-season franchise record. The previous club record was established in 2000 by Vladimir Guerrero, playing for the Montreal Expos.
Joe Randa becomes the first player in American League history to collect six hits and score six runs in the a nine-inning game. The Kansas City third baseman’s offensive output contributes to the Royals’ 26-5 rout over Tigers.
Lino Urdaneta’s first major league appearance results in an earned run average of infinity when the Tigers rookie does not retire a batter, giving up five hits, one walk, and six earned runs. Fortunately for the right-hander, the Mets will give him the opportunity to appear in two games in 2007, in which he allows one run in one inning of work, to bring down his ERA to a much more respectable 63.00.
On September 9, 2003, Cardinal pitcher Bud Smith becomes the second man to throw a no-hitter against the Padres this season. Smith beats the 4-0, in San Diego. Earlier, on May 12, A.J. Burnett of the Dodgers had no-hit the Padres, also in their home park.
At Turner Field, Tomas Perez and Jason Michaels both hit grand slams in the Phillies’ 18-5 rout of the hometown Braves. The bases-full blasts come in the second and sixth inning, respectively.
September 9, 2002 – At The Ball Park in Arlington – Texas Ranger shortstop Alex Rodriguez breaks his own single season record for homeruns by a shortstop by hitting his 52 and 53rd homerun. Against his former team the Seattle Mariners. Both were 3 run shots, one in the eigth off Aaron Taylor gave the…
On the third-earliest date since divisional play began in 1969, the Braves clinch the National League East for the eighth consecutive season. Atlanta will finish the season 19 games ahead of the second-place Expos.
For the fifth straight season, Diamondback southpaw Randy Johnson records 300 strikeouts, breaking his own record of four consecutive years. The feat also ties the ‘Big Unit’ with Nolan Ryan, having a total of six 300 strikeout seasons.
Barry Bonds’ 610th career home run is the longest dinger ever hit in the three-year history of Pac Bell Park. The 491-foot homer sails over the heads of the fans who are waiting in line at a concession stand in the center field bleachers.
2001 – Roy Oswalt fans a dozen Brewers in a complete game shutout, 8-0. Four home runs provide plenty of support. Oswalt runs his record to 14-2 in his rookie season but injuries keep him out of the stretch drive. Houston expands their division lead to 5-1/2 games over St. Louis. They will not play again for nine days.
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