Monthly Archives: August 2008

National Baseball League: Northern division reduced to two teams; four close contests in South

It was a sad weekend for the NBL, with the announcement of Liverpool’s withdrawal from the competition. This leaves just two teams in the division, the high-flying Manchester Eagles (15-2) and the Menwith Hill Patriots (8-8). Manchester, along with the London Mets and the Richmond Flames from the NBL South, had already confirmed a place in the Finals, and Menwith Hill have now joined them – as a result of Liverpool’s withdrawal – despite forfeiting their scheduled double-header against the Eagles.

It is 10 years since a team from the North made it through to the last two at the National Finals, although Liverpool have twice lost by a single run at the semi-final stage in recent years (6-5 to Croydon in 2005 and 2-1 to London last year). Manchester look the more likely of the two qualifiers from the North to make it through to the last two – and a final between the Eagles and the Patriots is, of course, a possibility – but going by recent years it is anticipated that Richmond and London will win in the semi-finals. The National Finals will take place on 6 and 7 September at Roundshaw Playing Fields, South Croydon.  Continue reading

Cuba and Korea qualify for the semi-finals

The fifth full day of baseball action (after yesterday’s half a game showing) was the most eagerly anticipated day of the Olympic Baseball tournament so far.  The schedule had thrown together a compelling group of fixtures, in which all of the four teams currently occupying the four semi-final qualification spots had to play one of the teams looking to claw their way back into contention.  It was set up as a day that could either see the preliminary round being turned on its head, or move closer to a conclusion.  After the fourth game had been completed, the latter scenario had come true. 

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Live early games this week

There are ten early games to enjoy this week, with all but Tuesday offering some live action to watch during the British evening. All times are listed in BST.

Monday 18th– Two early games to start the week.  The Mets take on the Pirates at 17.35 with John Maine and Paul Maholm being the scheduled starters.  At 21.30, it’s off to Turner Field as Jorge Campillo and the Braves face Barry Zito and the Giants.

Tuesday 19th– No early games, but some interesting match-ups later on.  There could be a few walks being dished out at Camden Yards as Daisuke Matsuzaka and Daniel Cabrera take the mound (00.05).  A.J. Burnett looks to notch up his sixteenth win of the season as the Blue Jays face the Yankees (00.07), while the Angels and the Rays continue their series with Ervin Santana and James Shields set to start (00.10).  Rich Harden pitches on six days rest against the Reds from 01.05, with Ben Sheets and the Brewers taking on the Astros at the same time. 

Wednesday 20th– Three early games today: useful if you want to avoid the England game against the Czech Republic.  We begin at the Metrodome as Francisco Liriano makes his fourth start since being re-called from the Minors.  First pitch against the A’s is scheduled for 18.10.  Just under an hour later, the White Sox take on the Mariners (19.05).  This should have been Carlos Silva’s scheduled turn for Seattle, but Twins fans won’t be too upset that their former pitcher (with a 4-14 record and a 6.36 ERA) will miss this start against their AL Central rivals due to being placed on the DL.  Kuckleballer R.A. Dickey gets an immediate reprieve from his brief demotion to the bullpen. In the NL Central, the Astros continue their series in Milwaukee with Wandy Rodriguez set to face Manny Parra (also at 19.05).

Thursday 21st– Cliff Lee bids for his eighteenth win of the season in the first of four early games today.  Zack Greinke and the Royals are Cleveland’s opponents in this game, starting at 17.05.  At 19.20, the Cubs take on the Reds with Carlos Zambrano scheduled to pitch at Wrigley for the home team.  The Rockies are in Los Angeles and their game against the Dodgers should see Glendon Rusch matching up against Derek Lowe.  First pitch for that one is 20.10.  Finally, Josh Johnson and the Marlins take on the Giants from 20.45; Matt Palmer looks set to make his second Major League start in opposition.

Friday 22nd – We end the working week, and start the Bank Holiday weekend, with a day game from Wrigley Field.  The Nationals are in town for a three game series against the north-siders.  First pitch is scheduled for 19.20.

The Wednesday night game on Five begins at 01.35, while NASN’s MLB schedule for the week can be found here. 

Korea improves to 4-0

China and Korea took to the Wukesong Baseball Field for an abbreviated contest today as they completed their game from day two, which was suspended due to rain.  The crowd got more action than they had bargained for as the two teams battled until the eleventh inning, when Korea took advantage of the ‘extra innings rule’ to finally break the deadlock and walk off with a 1-0 victory.  Continue reading

‘Weekly’ Hit Ground Ball 2008 – Week Twenty

Money talks

CC Sabathia’s stunning form since joining the Brewers has had many people speculating on how much money one team will have to spend to secure his services as a free agent over the upcoming offseason.  While the figures pale in comparison to the bounty coming CC’s way, several teams have been dipping into their pockets this week and parting with substantial sums for potential stars of the future.  Continue reading

Controversy reigns amid the rain

Day two of the Olympic baseball tournament saw the United States and Japan put their first wins on the board, while Cuba made it two wins out of two and the rain was the victor in the other game between Korea and China.  However, the day was blotted somewhat by a controversial decision to bring an early end to the game between the U.S. and the Netherlands.  Continue reading