ESPN Announces Broadcast Schedule For Upcoming MLB Games

Courtesy: ESPN

The Cubs and Brewers will go under the lights Sunday night live on ESPN.

The National League Central foes, who are one, two in the division, will close out their three-game weekend series at Wrigley Field.  Milwaukee blanked Chicago 7-0 in the series’ opener Friday.  The teams face off in the series’ second game Saturday afternoon at 2:20 p.m.

Jon Lester (3-2) is scheduled to start for Chicago in Sunday’s game.  His last time on the mound was May 7 against Miami.  Lester allowed two runs on eight hits over the course of six innings in that game, and struck out six batters.

Jhoulys Chacin (3-3) is scheduled to get the start for Milwaukee in Sunday’s game.  His last time on the mound was May 6 against Washington.  He allowed two runs, two walks, two earned runs and three hits over five innings in the game,despite the Brewers’ 5-3 win over the Nats.  Chacin also allowed one home run during his time on the mound.

Milwaukee has proven better at home than on the road so far this year, going 16-8 at home and 8-8 on the road.  However, the Brewers are in the midst of a seven-game win streak.  The Cubs meanwhile, 13-6 at home and 9-8 on the road so far this season and comes into Saturday’s game on the heels of their Friday loss to the Brewers.  The loss comes after the Cubs took three of four against Miami this week.

Sunday’s ESPN Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell broadcast launches at 7 p.m. Matt Vasgersian will anchor the broadcast.  He will be joined in the booth by analysts Jessica Mendoza and Alex Rodriguez for additional commentary.  Jon Sciambi and Chris Singleton will have the call on ESPN Radio.

Sunday night’s game will also be available in Spanish on ESPN Deportes and online via the ESPN app.  It will be preceded at 6 p.m. by ESPN’s MLB pre-game broadcast of Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown presented by Chevrolet.  Karl Ravech will anchor the broadcast.  He will be joined by analysts Mark Teixera and Tim Kurkjian for additional commentary.

Milwaukee will have no time to rest following Sunday’s match.  The Brewers will be back in action at home on ESPN Monday night on the network’s weekly Monday Night Baseball presented by USAA.  Monday’s game is the opener in a four-game series against the National League East-leading Philadelphia Phillies.  The starting pitchers for Monday’s game have not been announced.

Karl Ravech will anchor Monday night’s broadcast.  He will be joined in the booth by analysts David Ross Tim Kurkjian for additional commentary.

ESPN’s MLB coverage coverage continues Wednesday with Wednesday Night Baseball presented by Hankook Tire as the Braves and Cardinals face off in the second game of a three-game cross-conference.  At this time, Michael Wacha (3-0) is the only pitcher formally announced for the game. 

Wacha is scheduled to start for St. Louis in that game.  His last time on the mound was Thursday against the Cardinals NL foes, the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The Cardinals routed the Pirates 17-4 in that game, with Wacha taking the win. 

Wacha allowed four runs, one walk, one home run and four earned runs on nine hits over 5.2 innings in the game. He also struck out two batters.

The starting pitcher for the Braves was not noted at the time of this release.

Coverage of Wednesday’s game is scheduled to start at 7:20 p.m. Jon Sciambi and David Ross will have the call for the game.

More information on ESPN’s upcoming MLB broadcasts is available online now along with all of the latest MLB headlines at:

 

Website: http://www.espn.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ESPN

Twitter: http://twitter.com/espn

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

MLB On TBS Team Mourns Fernandez’s Death

Courtesy: Turner Sports

Sunday was another sad day in the sports world.  Jose Fernandez, who had played with the Miami Marlins from 2012 – 2016 passed away Sunday morning after a boating accident.

As news of the young star’s death made its way through the league, some members of TBS’ MLB broadcast team shared their thoughts on Fernandez and his passing with heavy hearts.  They include Pedro Martinez, Gary Scheffield, and Rollins.  The trio’s comments are noted in whole below.

Pedro Martinez: “It’s not only sad for baseball, but [also] the culture, the family, and the hope that the entirely family has.  That’s a kid that went through a lot of struggles [to make it].  Destiny tells you where you are going to end up.  It’s hard for me to believe that this day is going on.  A kid so energetic, so happy all the time… all the things we can say about him.  More than anything, I understand how the family must feel losing this young baby.  Maybe one of the best arms that was ever going to play in the game.  The hopes that they had, so many people that looked up to him to open that door to finally make it to a better life, it’s really difficult for us to swallow.  I thank God that I was able to bring that back home… For this family, it’s devastating and it’s devastating for all of us.  I feel extremely sad.  I saw a better talent than I was lose his life this tragic morning.  It’s really sad and I don’t have words to express how bad I feel for baseball, for him and his family.

https://twitter.com/TurnerSportsPR/status/780083378024423425

 

Gary Sheffield: “Wow, that’s all I can say at this point is, wow.  Condolences go out to the family, big time, because when stuff like this happens, especially in the baseball family – baseball is really a family – when you lose a guy in your family, it hits home and it hits you right here [in the heart].  To know this young man in Tampa, Florida, he wanted to meet me.  I didn’t think it was a big deal until I met him.  I came to meet him, he was working out with all the Cuban players, and when I met this kid, there was a spirit about him that lights up the room.  He gives and he breathes energy into you.  When I talked to him about his preparation for the season – I’m watching this kid go out and throw 98 MPH in November getting ready for the season – I pulled him to the side and said you’ve got to tone it down a little bit.  And he said, ‘Mr. Sheffield, I only have 100.  I have 100% in me and I have to go as hard as I can, that’s just my energy level.’… When you got to meet this guy, the life that he instilled in everyone around him, he’s just full of energy.  It’s a sad loss.  Not only for the Marlins but all of Major League Baseball and his family.”

https://twitter.com/TurnerSportsPR/status/780083926026948608

 

Jimmy Rollins: “When I first met the kid, I had seen him on TV and seen his stuff and his dynamic arm, but it was his smile.  You knew his struggle, you knew where he came from and what he went through to get here and he never lost who he was and that joy for the game and joy for life.  I wanted to meet him because he was the next big thing… As a competitor he was in your face and smiling and joking with you and letting you know he was a presence.  From the field, you knew he was the same way off the field – he accepted everyone and wanted to bring joy and happiness to everyone’s life.  Not just the attention on him, but it was his journey and he wanted you to be part of it and share it with those that he loved… For a life to end so young, you feel it and you realize how precious life is… Baseball is a family, you don’t want to lose anyone, especially in a tragic way.”

https://twitter.com/TurnerSportsPR/status/780084337811202048

 

Jose Fernandez originally came to the United States when he was 15, defecting from Cuba at the time.  He then eventually went on to become one of MLB’s major pitching stars.  Two others were killed in the accident along with Fernandez.

 

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Cardinals, Cubs Face Off In NL Central Showdown This Week On ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN has a big game on tap for this weekend’s edition of Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell.

This  ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell, the league-leading St. Louis Cardinals host the Chicago Cubs in a pivotal NL Central showdown. The game, which could have potential playoff implications as the first half of the season winds down, will be the closer in a three-game series between the NL Central foes. The Cardinals currently sit at 48 – 24 on the season and 7 – 3 in their last ten games. The Red Birds are currently riding high on a six-game win streak. Chicago is third in the division, eight and a half games back from St. Louis, sitting currently at 39 – 32. The team is 5 – 5 in its last ten games and is currently looking to end its two-game skid. Sunday’s broadcast is expected to begin at 8pm ET. The game will be simulcast on ESPN Deportes for the network’s Spanish-speaking viewers. And those that won’t be near a TV during Sunday Night’s game can still catch it online via WatchESPN and on the radio on ESPN Radio. Dan Shulman will have the call for Sunday’s game. He will be joined by analysts Curt Schilling and John Kruk in the booth. Reporter Buster Olney will also be on hand with all of the latest in-game news. As with every broadcast of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell, Sunday’s broadcast will be preceded by Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown presented by Chevrolet at 7pm ET. Karl Ravech will anchor the broadcast and will be joined at the desk by analyst Aaron Boone and ESPN MLB Insider Tim Kurkjian. The broadcast will be simulcast online via WatchESPN.

The second game in the Cubs-Cardinals weekend series will air live on ESPN Radio Saturday night at 6pm ET. Jon Sciambi and Chris Singleton will have the call for Saturday night’s game.

Carlos Martinez is currently expected to take the mound for St. Louis in Sunday’s game. His last time on the mound was Tuesday’s game against the Marlins. St. Louis won that game 4 – 3. He pitched seven innings in the game, allowing eight hits, three earned runs, one walk, and struck out nine batters en route to the team’s win.

Jason Hammel is expected to start for Chicago in Sunday’s game. Hammel’s last time on the mound was Tuesday against the Dodgers. The Cubs won that game 1 – 0 over the Dodgers. Hammel Pitched 7.2 innings, allowing 2 hits along the way, no runs or earned runs, only two walks, and struck out six men.

Monday night on ESPN’s Monday Night Baseball presented by USAA Adam Jones and the Baltimore Orioles will host Prince Fielder and the Texas Rangers on ESPN. Fielder just hit his 300th home run tonight as the Rangers face the Blue Jays. It makes Fielder and his famed father only the second father/son duo since Bobby and Barry Bonds to hit 300 home runs each. Monday night’s game is the first in a four-game series that will run thought next Thursday, July 2nd. Dave O’Brien will have the call for the game. He will be joined in the booth by Eduardo Perez and Mark Mulder in the booth for additional commentary. The game will be simulcast on ESPN Deportes for ESPN’s Spanish-speaking audiences. It will also simulcast online via WatchESPN for those that won’t be close to a television during the course of the game.

Bud Norris is expected to start for the Orioles in Monday night’s game. Norris’ last time on the mound was Wednesday against the Red Sox. Baltimore dropped that game 5 – 1 with Norris pitching 5.2 innings in the game. He allowed seven hits, five runs, no earned runs, one walk, one home run, and struck out three batters in his time on the mound.

Wady Rodriguez is expected to start for Texas in Monday night’s game. His last time taking the mound was Wednesday against Oakland. He struggled in that game, allowing eleven hits, right runs, eight earned runs, three walks and two home runs over the course of four innings and striking out only four batters. By comparison, Rodriguez’s team-mate Anthony Bass only allowed two hits and one walk over the course of four innings, striking out five batters along the way. He allowed no runs, no earned runs, and no home runs in that time, too.

More information on ESPN’s Major League Baseball coverage is available online along with all of the latest baseball news at:

Website: http://espn.go.com/mlb

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ESPNBaseballTonight

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Dodgers Host Bosox August 25th On ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball Presented By Taco Bell

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN has announced the latest addition to its lineup of games on its weekly Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell broadcast.  Coming up Sunday, August 25^th, Hanley Ramirez and the Los Angeles Dodgers will host Dustin Pedroia and the Boston Red Sox as the race to the playoffs heats up.  The game is scheduled to air live at 8pm ET on ESPN.  Dan Shulman will anchor the broadcast.  He will be joined by former Dodgers great and ESPN analyst Orel Hershiser, fellow analyst John Kruk and reporter Buster Olney.

Along with its broadcast on ESPN, the matchup will also be available on ESPN Radio affiliates nationwide and online via WatchESPN.  Jon Sciambi will anchor the broadcast for ESPN Radio.  He will be joined by analyst Chris Singleton.  Spanish speaking audiences can catch the game on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Deportes Radio.  Ernesto Jerez, Luis Alfredo Alvarez, Guillermo Celis, and Ozzie Guillen will have the call for both networks.

The East Coast/West Coast rivalry is just one more rivalry on the Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell schedule.  Coming up this Sunday, August 4^th, the Phillies will take on the Atlanta Braves in a modern day battle of North vs. South on the baseball diamond.  The current schedule of games on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell is available below.

Upcoming Sunday Night Baseball schedule:

Date	Game
Aug 4	Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies
Aug 11	Tampa Bay Rays at Los Angeles Dodgers
Aug 18	New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox
Aug 25	Boston Red Sox at Los Angeles Dodgers

Upcoming games for the September broadcast schedule will be announced two weeks in advance to the games.  Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell is preceded every Sunday night by Baseball Tonight live at 7pm ET.

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ESPN Announces Another Addition To Sunday Night Baseball Schedule

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN has announced the latest addition to its Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell broadcast schedule.   Officials with the “Sports Leader” have announced that on Sunday, June 30^th, it will broadcast a matchup between Robinson Cano and the New York Yankees and Manny Machado and the Baltimore Orioles live in Baltimore.  Orel Hershiser, John Kruk, and reporter Buster Olney will join host Dan Shulman live beginning at 8pm EDT.

The game will broadcast live on ESPN on cable and online via WatchESPN.  It will also be available on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Radio.  Jon Sciambi will host the broadcast on ESPN Radio.  He will be joined by analyst Chris Singleton.  Ozzy Guillen, Ernesto Jerez, Luis Alfredo Alvarez, and Guillermo Celis will have the call on ESPN Deportes.

Before that game though, ESPN will have an NL Central matchup between the division leading St. Louis Cardinals and The Cincinnati Reds.  Cincinnati is currently in a very tight points race with fellow NL Central foes, the Pittsburgh Pirates for second in the NL Central, and the National League overall.  Just behind the Reds and Pirates is Atlanta, which will be facing San Francisco on Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell on ESPN on June 16^th.

The current lineup of games on the Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell schedule is available below.  Games for the remainder of July, as well as for August and September will be announced at a later time.  Fans can get the latest news on what those games will be on the official ESPN website at http://espn.go.com/mlb and via the official ESPN Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ESPN.

Upcoming Sunday Night Baseball schedule:

Date	Game
June 9	St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds
June 16	San Francisco Giants at Atlanta Braves
June 23	Texas Rangers at St. Louis Cardinals
June 30	New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles
July 14	St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs
July 21	New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox

 

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