The MLB regular season is winding down, but there is still plenty of action left to enjoy. While the first three early games today involve teams looking towards 2010, the three beginning at 21.10 should all be worth watching. All times are in BST.
17.35. Padres @ Pirates – Richard (8-5), Ohlendorf (11-10)
18.10. Nationals @ Mets – Lannan (9-11), Redding (2-6)
21.05. Indians @ A’s – Sowers (6-9), Gonzalez (5-6)
21.10. Cubs @ Cardinals – Dempster (10-8), Carpenter (16-4)
21.10. Tigers @ Twins – Verlander (16-8), Pavano (12-11)
21.10. Giants @ Dodgers – Penny (10-8), Garland (10-11)Â
Cubs-Cardinals is always a good game to watch, even near the end of a season where one team is looking to the playoffs and the other is not. Add in the presence of Chris Carpenter on the mound and the chances of this one being played out like a meaningless end-of-season game are slim to none.
There’s certainly nothing meaningless about Tigers versus Twins. Detroit hold just a three game lead over Minnesota in the AL Central after the Twins defeated them 3-0 yesterday. Minnesota have now won five in a row and will hope that Carl Pavano can keep that run going against Justin Verlander.
Finally, Giants-Dodgers is another classic rivalry set in the heat of a pennant race. L.A. need a win to keep the Rockies out of striking distance, while San Francisco are still firmly in the hunt for the NL Wild Card, particularly after they won the series opener yesterday 8-4. The only disappointing feature of the game is that as it is on FOX, we won’t get to enjoy the legendary Vin Scully calling the game.
All the above games can be followed via various resources on MLB.com (Gameday, Gameday Audio and MLB.tv). They are your only options this evening as ESPN America is concentrating on college football.
