Cubs, Cardinals Close Out Series Live This Afternoon On ESPN

Courtesy: ESPN

The Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals will wrap up their four-game series this afternoon live on ESPN.

The National League Central foes are scheduled to take to the field at 4 p.m. ET for the game in a special presentation of Holiday Baseball presented by Hankook Tire.  St. Louis (17-15) has taken two of the series’ games while Chicago (23-18) will look to split the series with the Red Birds.

Johan Oviedo (0-1) is expected to get the start for St. Louis in this afternoon’s game. His last time on the mound was Sept. 2 against Cincinnati.  The Reds won that game 4-3.  Giovannny Gallegos (1-1) took the loss for the Cardinals.

Oviedo pitched 4.2 innings in the game, allowing three hits, one walk and three earned runs while striking out five batters.

Kyle Hendricks (4-4) is scheduled to get the start for Chicago in this afternoon’s game.  His last time on the mound was on Sept. 2 against Pittsburgh.  Chicago won that game 8-2, with Hendricks credited with the win.  He pitched 6.2 innings, allowing one run, one earned run, and two walks on six hits.  Additionally, Hendricks struck out six batters and allowed just one home run.

Chicago leads the NL Central and is fourth overall in the National League, behind Los Angeles, San Diego, and Atlanta.  The Cardinals have defied the odds in the teams’ series, because the team has proven better on the road this season (9-8) than at home (8-7).

Chicago meanwhile has proven equally strong on the road and at home.  The Cubs have gone 13-11 at home and 10-7 on the road so far this season.

Counting the two wins so far against Chicago, St. Louis has won three straight while Chicago is now in a three game slide, so both teams will have a lot for which to play.

Matt Vasgersian will anchor this afternoon’s broadcast on ESPN.  ESPN analyst and MLB World Series Champion Alex Rodriguez will provide additional commentary.  ESPN Senior MLB Insider Buster Olney will have additional news for the game.

Along with its broadcast on ESPN, this afternoon’s game will also simulcast on ESPN+ and the ESPN App.

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

Website: http://espn.go.com/mlb

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBTN

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Cubs, Cards Going Live Sunday On ESPN’s Weekly ‘SNB’ Broadcast

Courtesy: ESPN

The Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals will go under the lights live Sunday night on ESPN.

The National League Central foes, who sit 1-2 in the division, will face off live on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell.  The teams are separated by four-and-a-half games coming into Sunday night’s showdown.

Sunday night’s game is the third in a four-game series between the Cubs and Cardinals.  Chicago sits atop the NL Central at 22-15 while St. Louis is 14-14.

While Chicago leads the division, the team is fourth in the National League, behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Atlanta Braves.  St. Louis meanwhile is fighting for its slim playoff hopes  The team is outside the playoff picture, but wins in this weekend’s series could help its chances.

Jon Lester (2-1) is scheduled to get the start on the mound Sunday for Chicago.  His last time on the mound was Tuesday against Pittsburgh.  Lester pitched 5.1 innings in the game, allowing eight hits, three walks and five earned runs while striking out three batters.

Chicago won the noted game against the Pirates in a final score of 8-7.  Jeremy Jeffress was credited with the win in the game.

The Cardinals have not named their starting pitcher for Sunday’s game.

Sunday’s game (and this weekend’s series) could go to either team, looking at the teams’ stats.  Chicago is 5-5 in its last 10 games, 12-8 at home, and 10-7 on the road this season.  St. Louis meanwhile 4-6 in its last 10 games, 8-7 at home and 6-7 on the road.

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

 

 

 

Website: http://espn.go.com/mlb

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBTN

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

Cubs, Cards To Play Live June 17 on ‘SNB’

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN has added another key rivalry game to its Sunday Night Baseball broadcast schedule.

Network officials announced Thursday that the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals will face off Sunday, June 17 live on Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell.  The game will be the closer in the teams’ 3-game weekend series, with first pitch set for 8:15 p.m. ET.

Matt Vasgersian will have the call for the game.  He will be joined in the booth by analysts Alex Rodriguez and Jessica Mendoza for additional commentary.  Reporter Buster Olney will be on-field with all of the latest in-game news and interviews.

The game’s broadcast will be preceded by Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown presented by Chevrolet at 7 p.m. ET.

Since the game (and series) is so far out, starting lineup have not yet been announced.  Currently, St. Louis sits third in the National League Central standings with the Cubs close behind at 23 – 18.

More information on the teams’ June 17 matchup is available online along with all of the latest Major League Baseball headlines at http://www.espn.com/mlb.

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.

Cubs, Cardinals Close Out ESPN’s 2016 Regular Season ‘SNB’ Coverage

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN wraps its 2016 MLB regular season coverage this weekend with a 1-2 battle in the National League.

The Cubs and Cardinals wil face off live Sunday night in the last regular season edition of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell. The game will be the closer in the NL Central foes’  three-game weekend series.  John Lester (18 – 4) is expected to get the start for the hosting Cubs while Carlos Martinez (15 – 8) will take the mound for St. Louis.

Martinez has been off the mound since Monday when the redbirds took on Rockies and beat them 5 – 3. Martinez was credited with the win in the game. He threw five innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits over that time and struck out 6. He walked 3 and allowed 2 earned runs but no home runs.

Lester’s last time on the mound was Monday against Cincinnati. he led Chicago’s charge as the Cubs defeated the Reds in that game 6 – 1, allowing only one run on six hits (the Reds’ only run in the game), one earned run, no walks and no home runs and picking up 5 more Ks along the way.

Chicago has already clinched a spot in the postseason and currently sits atop the MLB standings.  The Cardinals meanwhile are fighting to stay in the NL playoff picture.  So Sunday’s game, and the weekend’s series, holds a lot of weight for the Cardinals.

Coverage of Sunday’s game is expected to begin at 8pm ET.  Dan Shulman will have the call for the game.  He will be joined by analysts Aaron Boone and Jessica Mendoza for additional commentary.  Reporter Buster Olney will be on hand for all of the latest in-game news and interviews.

Sunday night’s broadcast of Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell will be preceded by Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown presented by Chevrolet at 7pm ET.  Karl Ravech will anchor the broadcast.  He will be joined by analysts Dallas Braden and Eduardo Perez for additional commentary.

Jon Sciambi and Chris Singleton will cover the game on the radio for ESPN Radio.  Dan Shulman will have the call for the Saturday’s game between the Cubs and Cards on ESPN Radio.  He will be joined in the booth by Chris Singleton for additional commentary.

More information on this weekend’s MLB coverage is available online now along with all of the latest MLB headlines at:

 

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

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBTN

 

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ESPN Reveals First Slate Of MLB 2016 Postseason Broadcasts

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN is carrying its audiences into Major League Baseball’s 2016 post season.

The worldwide leader in sports has announced that it will cover a handful of games in Major League Baseball’s 2016 post season beginning with an NL West showdown between longtime rivals the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants on Tuesday.

The NL West opponents will face off live on ESPN2 beginning at 10pm ET.  The Dodgers currently lead the division while the Giants are five and a half games back.

On Friday, ESPN will carry coverage of the Cubs and Cardinals beginning at 2pm ET.  The Cubs have already clinched the National League Central title and sit atop the MLB standings.

The AL Central-leading Indians will be on the road against the Tigers in one more of ESPN’s post season games on Sept. 29.  Coverage of that game is expected to begin at 1pm ET.  The Tigers currently sit more than seven games back from the Indians in the AL Central race.

More MLB Postseason Impact Games on ESPN will be announced soon.  Each game will be streamed online live via WatchESPN along with their coverage on television.

More information on the ESPN networks’ MLB postseason coverage is available online now along with all of the latest MLB headlines at:

 

 

 

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

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBTN

 

 

 

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.

Cardinals, Dodgers Go Under The Lights July 24th On ESPN’s SNB Broadcast

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN has added another game to its Sunday Night Baseball broadcast schedule.

The St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers will face off live on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell on Sunday, July 24^th. The game will be the closer in the three-game weekend series between the National League opponents.  There is currently no word on who will take the mound for either team at this time.  The Dodgers currently sit second in the NL West six games back from the currently league-leading Giants.  St. Louis sits second in the NL Central an even more distant eight and a half games back from the Cubs.

Dan Shulman will have the call for the game.  He will be joined in the booth by analysts Aaron Boone and Jessica Mendoza.  Reporter Buster Olney will also be on hand for all of the latest in-game news and interviews.  Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown presented by Chevrolet will lead into the game’s broadcast beginning at 7pm ET.  Karl Ravech will anchor the broadcast.  He will be joined at the desk by analyst Dallas Braden and ESPN Insider Tim Kurkjian.

In related news, the Giants will play host to the Arizona Diamondbacks this Sunday night on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell.  It will be one of a number of games leading into the All-Star Break.  The game will be the closer in a three-game series between the NL West opponents.  Madison Baumgarner (9 – 4) is expected to get the start for San Francisco in Sunday’s game.  Archie Bradley (3 – 4) is currently slated to get the start for the D-Backs.  Baumgarner’s last time on the mound was July 5^th against the Rockies.  He was impressive in his 6 innings on the mound to say the least, allowing 0 runs on just 4 hits.  He kept Colorado’s bats equally quiet across the board, allowing only 2 walks, 0 earned runs, 0 home runs, and striking out 6 of 24 batters along the way.  Bradley’s last time on the mound was July 4^th against San Diego.  Bradley took the loss in the game, allowing 5 runs on 6 hits over 6 innings.  He also allowed 5 earned runs, 3 walks, and 2 home runs over that time, managing 7 strikeouts against 27 batters.

Coverage of Sunday night’s game between Arizona and San Francisco begins at 8pm ET on ESPN.  It will be preceded by Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown presented by Chevrolet.

Next Sunday, July 17^th, the Red Sox and Yankees will go live under the lights on ESPN.  More information on that game and the rest of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell coverage is available online now along with all of the latest MLB headlines at:

 

 

 

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

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBTN

 

 

 

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.

ESPN To Feature Two Divisional Matchups On SNB, MNB Broadcasts

Courtesy: ESPN

This Sunday night on ESPN, one of baseball’s longet running and most heated rivalries continues.  No, not that rivalry.  Rather, it’s the rivalry between the Giants and the Dodgers.

Buster Posey and the San Francisco Giants will be in hostile territory as they take on Yasiel Puig and the Los Angeles Dodgers live Sunday night on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell.  The game is the third in a three-game weekend series between the National League conference and divisional opponents.  Currently there is no information as to who will take the mound for either team in Sunday’s matchup or either team’s rotation.  The game is scheduled to broadcast live at 8pm ET on ESPN.  Dan Shulman will be in the booth for the call.  He will be joined by analysts Aaron Boone and Jessica Mendoza for additional commentary.  Reporter Buster Olney will also be on hand for all of the game’s latest news, interviews, and more.  It will be shown in all markets as a full national telecast.  Karl Ravech, Dallas Braden and Tim Kurkjian will preview the game live at 7pm ET on Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown.

The action continues Monday night on Monday Night Baseball presented by USAA when Yadier Molina and the struggling St. Louis Cardinals play host to the team’s NL Central foes, Dexter Fowler and the Chicago Cubs.  The game is scheduled to air live at 8pm ET on ESPN.  Dave Flemming will be in the booth for the call.  He will be joined by analysts Curt Schilling ad Eduardo Perez for additional commentary.  The game is currently expected to air nationally in all markets.

More information on these games and all of ESPN’s Major League Baseball coverage is available online now along with all of the latest MLB headlines at:

 

 

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

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBTN

 

 

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.

ESPN Adds NL, AL Matchups To Its MNB, WNB Broadcast Schedule

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN has added two more games to its Major League Baseball broadcast schedule.

On Monday, April 18^th, the Cubs and Cardinals will face off live on ESPN’s Monday Night Baseball presented by USAA.  The game is the series-opener in a three-game set between the NL Central opponents.  The game will also mark the midway point of what will be a six-game home stand for the team.   No announcement has been made at this time in regards to starting lineups or pitching rotations for either team in the game.  The other three games in that run will see the Cardinals host another NL Central opponent, the Cincinnati Reds.  Currently the Reds sit second in the division just behind the Cubs.  Dave Flemming will be in the booth for the game.  He will be joined by analysts Curt Schilling and Eduardo Perez for additional commentary.

Also added to the network’s MLB coverage, the defending MLB champion Kansas City Royals will host the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, April 20^th on ESPN’s Wednesday Night Baseball presented by Hankook Tires.  Currently the Royals sit fourth in the AL Central, one game back from the division-leading Tigers.  The White Sox and Indians currently sit in second and third respectively in the division.  The game will be the second in a three-game set between those two teams.  Coverage is expected to begin at 7pm ET on ESPN.  Jon Sciambi will be in the booth for the game.  Analysts Rick Sutcliffe and Eduardo Perez will also be on hand for additional commentary.  As an additional note, this game will be a full national telecast.

Both the NL Central matchup on the 18^th and the AL Central game set for the 20^th will be simulcast on television on ESPN Deportes and online via WatchESPN.  More information on both of these games is available online along with all of the latest MLB headlines at:

 

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

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBTN

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.comphilspicks and “Like” it.

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

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.