There’s a good group of games to enjoy live during the British evening today.
18.07. Yankees @ Blue Jays – Pettitte (12-6), Cecil (6-3)
18.10. Cubs @ Mets – Harden (8-8), Figueroa (2-3)
21.05. Red Sox @ White Sox – Wakefield (11-3), Floyd (10-9)
21.05. Giants @ Brewers – Cain (12-4), Gallardo (12-10)
21.10. Twins @ Indians – Baker (12-7), Masterson (4-6)
21.10. Rangers @ Orioles – Millwood (10-8), Matusz (3-2)
All times are in BST. Â
We start in Totonto where Roy Halladay handcuffed the Yankees yesterday, throwing a one-hitter as the Blue Jays won 6-0. Brett Cecil is a very different proposition for the Yankee hitters to face, but the rookie is going to be keen to put in a good performance after he lasted just 3.2 innings in his only other start against New York this season.Â
The other ‘just past six o’clock’ game is from Citi Field where the Mets won the series opener against Chicago yesterday. The Cubs’ offense once again struggled to put much together. Whilst Carlos Zambrano was dealing, that wasn’t such a problem. However, once he left the game the Mets jumped on the bullpen, tagging Gregg and Grabow for five runs combined in the eighth inning to set up a 6-2 victory. Harden-Figueroa should be a good pitching match-up, with Harden’s stuff still right up there with the best in the business and Figueroa having quietly pitched well for the Mets of late.
We then have four games to choose from just after nine o’clock, all involving a playoff contender.
The Paul Byrd experiment with the Red Sox took a nasty turn in the first game of their series against the White Sox. He was pounded for seven runs before being pulled after 2.1 innings, as Chicago strolled to a 12-2 victory. Boston will be hoping for a better start from Tim Wakefield, whose season has been derailed by back woes.Â
The Giants defeated the Brewers yesterday, making it seven wins in their last ten games. Bengie Molina was the hero with a go-ahead solo home run in the eighth inning. Game two of the series brings together Matt Cain, who is once again suffering ridiculously bad luck when it comes to getting winning decisions, and the Brewers’ ace Yovani Gallardo. Should be a good one.
Scott Baker has also pitched well of late and he makes the start today for the Twins against Justin Masterson and the Indians. Cleveland enjoyed a 5-2 win yesterday at Progressive Field as Minnesota had a nightmare in the field, making four errors including two by Brendan Harris.
Finally, Rangers-Orioles should be an interesting encounter at Camden Yards. Texas have won four in a row, but Baltimore will be sending out one of their talented young pitchers in Brian Matusz. The rookie had his best Major League start in his most recent outing, striking out eight over seven innings, and will be matched-up with Kevin Millwood today.
All the above games can be followed via various resources on MLB.com (Gameday, Gameday Audio and MLB.tv). They are your only options as ESPN America is not broadcasting any live MLB action today.