Archive for June, 2010

MLB: Philadelphia Phillies-Pittsburgh Pirates Series Preview June 30th, 2010

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On Thursday, July 1st, the Philadelphia Phillies will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Phillies and Pirates played a 2 game series earlier this year, with each team winning once. In the 1970′s, the Pirates/Phillies rivalry was extremely heated. Since then, the rivalry has really died down. However, this is still an in-state rivalry and still means a lot to both the players and fans.

Last year, the Phillies and the Pirates played each other 6 times, with the Phillies taking 4 out of the 6. Despite the fact that the Pirates are last in their division, they will be playing this series with revenge on their minds. In baseball, a team looking for revenge can be a very dangerous thing, regardless of the opponent’s record.

This season, Philadelphia is not really spectacular in any part of their game, but they are solid. They are 13th in pitching ERA and 11th in home runs. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is 29th in ERA and 28th in home runs. However, the Pirates did manage to take a game from the Phillies in their first 2010 series, which has to boost their confidence.

The only guarantee when two in-state rivals play each other is that the game will be entertaining. MLB previews suggests the match will be an interesting one. Typically, both teams show up ready to play and to put it all on the line. While Pittsburgh is not having a good season, they are playing to represent their city and to get revenge for last year.

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MLB Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers-Los Angeles Angels series June 22nd, 2010

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Crosstown rivals the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels open a three-game set on Tuesday in Anaheim.

The fight on field between these two rival teams has always been a great entertainment for MLB fans. Though both the teams have not been in their best form for the past few years, the Major League Baseball series hopes to bring back some excellent play from both the squads. Angels had their last win in the year of 2002 where as the last win of Dodgers dates back to the year 1998. Gearing to bounce back, both Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels are ready to hit back on the other and prove themselves.

Fans are definitely in doubts about which team will give the other a tougher time as both the teams equally needs a win to get back their confidence and self belief. If you are supporting the Dodgers, you can hope to see some great game strokes from the big hitters of the team including Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp who are reared up to win the match this Tuesday. On the other hand, Angels are also geared up to give their best for the match. With their top players such as Erick Aybar and Kendry Morales ready for action, the tickets of this match will no doubt get sold easily and fast.

Enjoy the incredible excitement that the match between Dodgers and Angels on 22nd June promises to set in the fields.

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Chicago Cubs-Chicago White Sox Preview June 11th, 2010

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On Friday, June 11th, one of baseball’s most storied rivalries will once again be ignited as the Chicago White Sox travel to Wrigley Field to take on the Chicago Cubs. This series is known by many names, including the Crosstown Classic. Every time these two teams get together, fireworks are an absolute certainty.

Since 1997, the Cubs have won 35 games in this series while the White Sox have won 37. While many rivalries are hyped up by the media to increase ticket sells, these two teams truly dislike each other. Last season, the Chicago White Sox went 4-2 against the Cubs, so the Cubs certainly have revenge on their mind this weekend.

The Chicago Cubs will start Randy Wells, Carlos Silva, and Ted Lilly. The White Sox are countering with Jake Peavy, Mark Buehrle, and Gavin Floyd. Out of these pitchers, only Carlos Silva is having a standout season. He has yet to lose a game this year. All of the pitchers starting this weekend have the ability to shut down an opposing team on any given day, however.

Neither of these teams are having a great season, as they both sit 3rd in their respective divisions. Offensively, Detroit is slightly more explosive, as they are currently 6th in home runs. Regardless of stats, though, any game featuring the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs is guaranteed to be exciting. Tempers are always short when two rivals play. When these two teams play, you should always expect the unexpected.

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Preview of Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers Series June 3rd, 2010

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The Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays will begin their first series of the season on Friday, June 4th. As both teams are having a good season, this series promises to deliver plenty of fireworks. Tampa Bay is currently the best team in baseball, and Texas is fighting for the lead in their division.

In the first 3 games, Tampa Bay will start pitchers Wade Davis, James Shields, and Matt Garza while Texas will start C.J. Wilson, Derek Holland, and Rich Harden. All of these pitchers are having above average seasons, with the slight exception of Rich Harden. Harden’s record is not bad, but his ERA is hovering over 5, which will catch up with him eventually.

Over the weekend, the Rangers lost one of their main offensive weapons when they had to place Nelson Cruz on the disabled list for the second time this year. Tampa Bay’s offensive star, Evan Longoria, has hit his stride and is batting well over .300 with over 40 RBI, on the other hand. Stats only mean so much, though, as a hitter can get hot, or cold, at any moment. Tampa Bay only went 3-6 against Texas last year and is doing better this year.

For both teams, this is an important series because Tampa Bay wants to maintain their lead in their division and Texas wants to take the lead in theirs. This should be one of those classic series you don’t want to miss, with good pitching and great offenses.

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