Power numbers stand out at break
WASHINGTON – Several story lines have dominated Major League Baseball as it reaches its symbolic halfway point, many of them coming out of Boston. USA TODAY breaks down the most eye-opening numbers:
112 — Games the Red Sox are on pace to win, should they maintain their .694 percentage. Even with a slight drop-off, the Red Sox can surpass their franchise-record 105 victories, achieved in 1912.
116 — Games the Royals are on pace to lose, should they maintain their .284 percentage. The Royals, White Sox and Orioles are well on pace to lose at least 100 games.
29 — Home runs hit by J.D. Martinez, tied for No. 1 in the American League. The Red Sox were the lone legitimate suitor Martinez had last winter, and he is already living up to his $110 million contract: a .328 batting average, a 1.037 OPS and an immeasurable dose of dominance that he brings to a suffocating Boston lineup.
.247 — Batting average, the lowest since 1968, when the major league average was .237 and the mound was lowered the following season. The Orioles are batting a leaguelow .227.
234 — More strikeouts than hits, which when it holds will be the first time in major league history that’s occurred. The league is averaging 8.51 strikeouts a game, the majors’ highest rate ever. 20 — Players with at least 20 home runs.
0— Home runs Jesus Aguilar hit in
58 at-bats with Cleveland. He’s hit
24 in 272 at-bats with Milwaukee this season. 5.8 — Percentage drop in attendance from 2017.