Sports World: 06/02/10

Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Live Streaming

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Live | Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers | Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Streaming | Boston vs LA Lakers NBA Live Stream | Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Live Webcast

9:00 pm EDT Thu Jun 3, 2010

Phil Jackson knows the story by heart, even if his players only seem interested in the last two chapters. Their coach is steeped in the history of pro basketball’s most compelling rivalry, familiar with every twist in the Boston Celtics’ half-century of championship clashes with the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA’s most decorated franchises have battled through heartbreaks, high stakes and neck-aches while forging a true pro sports rivalry, that rarest of commodities in the age of free agency. Jackson doesn’t mind that almost everybody playing in the franchises’ 12th NBA finals meeting, starting Thursday night at Staples Center, doesn’t have much of a grasp on the history sewn into the uniforms they wear. So what if Ron Artest claims total ignorance of the Lakers’ past, while Kobe Bryant says he couldn’t care less who Los Angeles played? So what if the deep-seated hatred between the franchises’ fans doesn’t seem to be truly savored by nearly anybody except Paul Pierce, the Los Angeles native turned Celtics star? . When asked why the kids these days just don’t get it, Jackson smirks and nimbly sidesteps the trap set for grumpy old men and history buffs.

Notice he didn’t mention the players’ interest. In the age of easy team-swapping, $100 million contracts and offseason Vegas partying with bitter in-season opponents, there’s not much actual malice to be found between these Lakers and these Celtics. The clubs are meeting in the finals for the second time in three seasons, and the winner will walk away with the franchises’ 33rd combined championship. That’s more than half of the titles in NBA history. Yet this 21st-century confluence of Boston’s Big Three era and Bryant’s career zenith still hasn’t reached the frequency and ferocity of the rivalry’s early years. They met seven times in 11 seasons from 1959-69—and the Celtics won every time, led by Bill Russell, coach Red Auerbach and whatever leprechaun pushed Frank Selvy’s late jumper off the rim in Game 7 of the 1962 finals, allowing Boston to win in overtime.

Chicago Blackhawks vs Philadelphia Flyers Live Streaming

Chicago Blackhawks vs Philadelphia Flyers Live | Chicago Blackhawks vs Philadelphia Flyers | Chicago Blackhawks vs Philadelphia Flyers Streaming | Chicago vs Philadelphia NHL Live Stream | Chicago Blackhawks vs Philadelphia Flyers Live Webcast

8:00 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

At some point this postseason, it would have seemed preposterous the Blackhawks would have more wins in the Stanley Cup final than Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews have points combined. Yet, that’s the reality for Chicago after winning the first two games at home. Toews and Kane have been noticeably missing on the scoresheet. Not a point, not an assist. Their sticks have barely touched the puck, reducing Chicago’s star forwards to jumping in the celebration pile and not igniting one. In a series where goalie Antti Niemi and a roll call list of scorers have put the Blackhawks ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers 2-0, Toews and Kane have yet to play a major role in helping Chicago try and win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1961. True, but having the pair take over a game or two in hostile Philadelphia can ease some of the offensive burden of others not used to being counted on to score. Kane scored 30 goals and had 88 points this season; Toews had 25 goals and 68 points in leading the Blackhawks revival from one-time doormat to the second-best record in the Western Conference.

Winning is all that matters to Kane and Toews. If it means they go for 0 for the Final and they still get to hoist the Stanley Cup, they’ll make that trade any day. The punchless pair were nowhere to be found on Tuesday, taking a day off from talking about their slump with the media. While two games is hardly a huge reason to worry, their overall scoring slump has become a bit worrisome. Kane hasn’t scored in six straight games; Toews in four straight. Yes, both players would like to start scoring. But their absence in the goal column hasn’t affected the Blackhawks in the win column. Chicago has won seven straight games in the playoffs and 10 of 11. Toews noted after Chicago’s 2-1 win in Game 2 on Monday night that depth could take the Blackhawks far. Kane said he wanted to achieve “special things” in the Stanley Cup final, but hasn’t been bothered by his lack of production.

Philadelphia Phillies vs Atlanta Braves Live Streaming

Philadelphia Phillies vs Atlanta Braves Live | Philadelphia Phillies vs Atlanta Braves | Philadelphia Phillies vs Atlanta Braves Streaming | Philadelphia vs Atlanta MLB Live Stream | Philadelphia Phillies vs Atlanta Braves Live Webcast

1:05 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

As the Philadelphia Phillies’ offensive woes continue, the Atlanta Braves’ hot hitting shows no signs of slowing down. The Braves seek their first eight-game winning streak in seven seasons and try to complete a sweep of the visiting Phillies on Wednesday afternoon. Philadelphia has watched its powerful lineup go cold over the past 10 games since Jimmy Rollins made his second trip to the disabled list. The reigning NL champs have hit a dreadful .197 and totaled 13 runs while going 2-8. Ryan Howard’s homer Tuesday was the Phillies’ first in eight games, but it wasn’t enough to help them seize first place in the NL East back from Atlanta. Troy Glaus’ three-run shot in the rain gave the Braves a first-inning cushion, and they held on after an hour delay for a 7-3 win to jump 1 1/2 games ahead of Philadelphia.

Glaus took over the team RBI lead from rookie Jason Heyward by homering for a third straight game, but he’s hardly the only Atlanta hitter who’s in the zone. Chipper Jones is 8 for 20 with seven RBIs and five walks over his last six games, while Martin Prado is batting .414 in that same stretch. The Braves have scored at least five runs in each of their seven consecutive victories, something they haven’t done since scoring five or more in nine straight July 3-15, 2007. It’s been much longer since Atlanta has won eight in a row, which it can do Wednesday with Derek Lowe on the mound. The Braves’ last eight-game winning streak was from July 4-11, 2003, en route to their last 100-win season. Lowe has looked much better over his last four starts - going 3-1 with a 2.88 ERA after sporting a 6.16 ERA through his first seven outings. He limited Pittsburgh to one run and four hits over seven innings in a 7-3 win Friday.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs Los Angeles Dodgers Live Streaming

Arizona Diamondbacks vs Los Angeles Dodgers Live | Arizona Diamondbacks vs Los Angeles Dodgers | Arizona Diamondbacks vs Los Angeles Dodgers Streaming | Arizona vs LA Dodgers MLB Live Stream | Arizona Diamondbacks vs Los Angeles Dodgers Live Webcast

3:10 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

While the Los Angeles Dodgers are becoming experts in the one-run win, the Arizona Diamondbacks keep finding different, painful ways to lose. The Diamondbacks’ third straight walk-off loss was their ninth in a row overall, leaving them in need of a win in Wednesday afternoon’s finale in Los Angeles to avoid the worst road trip in franchise history. Arizona was five games below .500 entering its current nine-game trip, but it had scored 41 runs in winning four of five at home. The Diamondbacks’ offense has dropped off considerably on the trip, totaling 17 runs through eight games, but the way they’ve lost has been the most crushing part. San Francisco came up with two tying runs in the ninth before winning 6-5 in the 10th on Sunday, then Arizona gave up three runs in the final two innings Monday at Los Angeles - with an Esmerling Vasquez balk ending that 5-4 defeat. Nothing was decided through nine innings Tuesday, but the Dodgers again dealt the Diamondbacks an agonizing loss. Matt Kemp crushed a 10th inning pitch from Juan Gutierrez into the bleachers to give Los Angeles a 1-0 win, spoiling starter Dan Haren’s excellent performance.

Arizona has never gone winless on a road trip of more than six games. It went 1-8 on trips in its inaugural 1998 season and in 2004, when it lost a franchise-record 111 games. That was the same season as the Diamondbacks’ last double-digit losing streak. They lost 14 in a row from July 9-25, just weeks after dropping 11 straight from June 18-29. Los Angeles has been happy to capitalize on Arizona’s misery this season. The Dodgers have won seven of eight against their NL West rivals, three by one run. Their 10-5 record in one-run games is the third-best in the majors behind Oakland and Pittsburgh. Kemp’s homer was his fourth versus Arizona, and he’s hit safely in all eight games while driving in nine. The rest of the Dodgers’ big bats have done plenty of damage against the Diamondbacks as well - Manny Ramirez is hitting .393 with eight walks, Andre Ethier has nine RBIs and James Loney is batting .417.

New York Mets vs San Diego Padres Live Streaming

New York Mets vs San Diego Padres Live | New York Mets vs San Diego Padres | New York Mets vs San Diego Padres Streaming | NY Mets vs San Diego MLB Live Stream | New York Mets vs San Diego Padres Live Webcast

6:35 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

Following their most productive game of the season, the San Diego Padres suddenly fell quiet at the plate. A matchup with Johan Santana may not help them bounce back. The Padres have a chance to win their third straight home series, but they’ll have to contend with Santana as they conclude a three-game set with the New York Mets on Wednesday night. A 4-2 loss Tuesday to New York snapped San Diego’s three-game winning streak. The Padres managed one run and four hits off Mets starter Mike Pelfrey, one night after opening this series with 19 hits in an 18-6 victory. Winning in the series finale would still give San Diego its third straight home series win after losing five of its previous six games at Petco Park. The Padres’ lineup could get some help in the form of Jerry Hairston, who has been on the disabled list the past two weeks, but is now close to being activated. Hairston has six homers in 32 games after matching a career high with 17 last year. If he plays, he’ll have to face one of the majors’ hottest pitchers. Santana is 1-0 with a 0.91 ERA over his last four starts.

Santana didn’t receive a decision in his best start of the season, giving up three hits in eight shutout innings as the Mets lost 2-0 to Milwaukee on Friday night. The left-hander is 2-2 with a 2.41 ERA in five starts versus the Padres. San Diego will counter with Clayton Richard, who won four straight decisions before his outing Friday, when he allowed four runs in seven innings of a 5-3 loss to Washington. The left-hander had posted a 1.71 ERA in his previous three starts - all wins. Richard won his only previous start against the Mets, surrendering three runs and striking out five in 5 2-3 innings of an 8-3 victory Aug. 6. Nick Hundley is expected to be Richard’s batterymate after Yorvit Torrealba was placed on the restricted list Tuesday. Team officials say Torrealba is expected to be away for at least three days as he tends to a family matter. Torrealba and Hundley have been splitting time behind the plate for the Padres. Hundley is 9 for 12 with a homer and seven RBIs in his last four games.

Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Live Streaming

Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Live | Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates | Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Streaming | Chi Cubs vs Pittsburgh MLB Live Stream | Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Live Webcast

7:05 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

Initially unhappy, Carlos Zambrano said he was willing to do whatever the Chicago Cubs felt was best for the team after learning of his relegation to the bullpen in late April. Right now, the most significant thing he can do is help his club figure out a way to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates. Zambrano returns to the rotation for the first time in six weeks Wednesday night as the Cubs desperately look to avoid a three-game sweep and a 10th loss in 11 games to Pittsburgh. Zambrano spent time as a reliever during his early days in Chicago, but a move back to the bullpen seemed unfathomable as the right-hander became the Cubs’ ace over the past seven seasons. Yet that’s exactly what happened after Zambrano’s first four starts. Chicago cited Zambrano’s relief experience and his ability to stabilize a shaky bullpen as its reasons for the move when Ted Lilly returned to the rotation, but a 1-2 record and a 7.45 ERA certainly played a part.

With starter Tom Gorzelanny struggling recently, the Cubs finally decided it was time to stick the three-time All-Star - 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA in 13 relief appearances - back in the rotation. Zambrano’s toughest outing as a reliever came May 14 against Pittsburgh. He came into a 6-6 game in the eighth inning but failed to retire any of the first five Pirates he faced, with Garrett Jones’ three-run homer the key blow in a 10-6 loss. Jones, who homered Tuesday, is hitting .467 with three homers and 12 RBIs against Chicago in 2010. Zambrano is 7-1 with a 3.61 ERA in his last 11 starts at PNC Park, and the Cubs certainly would love to see him pitch well Wednesday. Neil Walker’s two-run homer - the first of his career - in the eighth inning Tuesday turned the Pirates’ one-run deficit into a one-run lead, and Octavio Dotel closed out the 3-2 win for his fifth save versus Chicago. Pittsburgh has won seven of eight against the Cubs this season, and outscored them 52-23 in winning nine of 10 since Sept. 30. Chicago is hitting .197 and has been held to 11 runs over its last six games overall.

Baltimore Orioles vs New York Yankees Live Streaming

Baltimore Orioles vs New York Yankees Live | Baltimore Orioles vs New York Yankees | Baltimore Orioles vs New York Yankees Streaming | Baltimore vs NY Yankees MLB Live Stream | Baltimore Orioles vs New York Yankees Live Webcast

7:05 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

A little bit of luck helped New York win its last contest. If Mark Teixeira and Jorge Posada are healthy, perhaps the Yankees won’t need to rely so much on good fortune. Two of the Yankees’ most productive hitters might be back in the lineup as the Yankees seek their fourth straight win in a matchup with the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night. Baltimore third baseman Miguel Tejada’s two-out, two-run throwing error allowed New York to win the opener of this three-game series 3-1 on Tuesday night. A second consecutive victory over the Orioles would give the Yankees four straight wins for the first time since a six-game run from May 2-8. But New York is coming off a subpar game at the plate, managing six hits after scoring 37 runs over its previous four contests. Teixeira’s absence may not have helped. The two-time All-Star left after three innings because of a bruised left foot. The Yankees said X-rays were negative and he is day to day.

If Teixeira sits out, Juan Miranda is a candidate to start in his place. Francisco Cervelli has done an admirable job of filling in for Posada, who has been out the past two weeks due to a hairline fracture in his right foot. Posada, though, ran the bases Tuesday without pain and hopes to be activated from the disabled list Wednesday. Posada was one of New York’s hottest hitters before getting hurt, batting .326 with six homers, eight doubles and 14 RBIs in 26 games. Girardi may decide to ease Posada back by using him as the designated hitter, meaning Cervelli would catch Phil Hughes on Wednesday. Hughes won his last start, giving up two runs while striking out eight in seven innings of an 8-2 victory over Cleveland on Friday night. The right-hander went 0-1 with a 7.59 ERA in his previous two games. Hughes is 2-2 with a 6.67 ERA in six starts versus the Orioles, but he had a strong outing against them on April 27. He gave up one run and two hits in 5 2-3 innings of a 5-4 Yankees loss.

Cleveland Indians vs Detroit Tigers Live Streaming

Cleveland Indians vs Detroit Tigers Live | Cleveland Indians vs Detroit Tigers | Cleveland Indians vs Detroit Tigers Streaming | Cleveland vs Detroit MLB Live Stream | Cleveland Indians vs Detroit Tigers Live Webcast

7:05 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

Even a visit from the Cleveland Indians might not be enough to help the Detroit Tigers overcome their recent struggles. Coming off a rare home loss to the Indians, the Tigers look to avoid their seventh defeat in eight games as the AL Central foes continue their series Wednesday night at Comerica Park. Russell Branyan and Shin-Soo Choo homered as Cleveland snapped a seven-game road skid against the Tigers with a 3-2 win Tuesday. Losers of 11 of 15 overall, the Indians have won consecutive games against Detroit after losing 10 straight in the series. The Tigers have dropped eight of 10 since moving a season-high seven games over .500 on May 20. A lack of offense has been a key problem for Detroit, which has totaled three runs in back-to-back losses and averaged 3.5 over its last 10 games.

Miguel Cabrera had two hits and Carlos Guillen drove in a run Tuesday for the Tigers, who are 4-2 against the Indians in 2010. While Guillen is 3 for 19 in his last five games, Cabrera continues to produce, going 13 for 30 in his last seven. Cabrera is 8 for 19 against Cleveland this season, and he’s a career .318 hitter with two homers versus scheduled starter Fausto Carmona. After Jake Westbrook allowed one run in 7 2-3 innings to help Cleveland win Tuesday for just the third time when scoring three or fewer runs, Carmona tries to avoid a third straight loss. Though he’s allowed nine runs in 12 innings in his last two outings, Carmona is 6-2 with a 3.45 ERA in 12 starts against the Tigers. The right-hander allowed four runs in six innings of an 8-2 loss to the New York Yankees on Friday.

Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays Live Streaming

Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays Live | Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays | Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays Streaming | Tampa Bay vs Toronto MLB Live Stream | Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays Live Webcast

7:07 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

When David Price and Shaun Marcum are on the mound, innings are usually much more subdued than the last one played between the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays. In what has the potential to be an outstanding pitching matchup, Price looks to become the American League’s first eight-game winner as the Rays face Marcum and the Blue Jays on Wednesday night. Tampa Bay tied up this three-game set with four runs in the ninth inning of a 7-6 win Tuesday night. Sean Rodriguez hit a go-ahead, three-run double in an inning that featured the ejections of Rays manager Joe Maddon and Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gregg. Rays first baseman Carlos Pena struck out looking after being denied a timeout call by home plate umpire Angel Hernandez, and the dispute led to Maddon’s ejection. Gregg was tossed by Hernandez for arguing as he walked off the mound.

The decisive contest of this series may end up being just as compelling. Price is tied with New York’s Andy Pettitte and Boston’s Clay Bucholz for the AL lead in wins. The left-hander, though, had a personal four-game winning streak snapped in his last start, surrendering three runs in seven innings of a 4-2 loss to Chicago on Friday night. Price has a 6.00 ERA over his last two starts. Price is 3-0 with a 2.92 ERA in four starts against the Blue Jays. Marcum is 1-0 with a 0.83 ERA in three starts versus the Rays. Marcum has won four straight starts and is 5-0 with a 1.76 ERA in his last seven outings. The right-hander struck out seven in six innings of a 5-0 win over Baltimore on Friday night. All of Marcum’s wins have come after Toronto losses.

Oakland Athletics vs Boston Red Sox Live Streaming

Oakland Athletics vs Boston Red Sox Live | Oakland Athletics vs Boston Red Sox | Oakland Athletics vs Boston Red Sox Streaming | Oakland vs Boston MLB Live Stream | Oakland Athletics vs Boston Red Sox Live Webcast

7:10 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

The Boston Red Sox have been getting consistent offense - and a steady stream of victories - as they recover from their disappointing start, but the club still has no idea what it is going to get from Daisuke Matsuzaka. The erratic right-hander walked eight in his most recent start, but he’ll look to recover and pitch the surging Red Sox to their fourth straight victory as they continue their three-game set with the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday night. Boston trailed 4-0 entering the bottom of the fifth inning of Tuesday’s series opener, but scored nine unanswered runs to win for the 11th time in its last 14 games. The Red Sox have averaged an AL-best 5.8 runs in 30 games since the start of May, and their 43 home runs in that stretch are the third-most in the majors. Adrian Beltre began Tuesday’s comeback with a three-run homer, but catcher Victor Martinez had the club’s best offensive game, going 5 for 5 with four doubles and two RBIs. Martinez is 18 for 39 with four homers and nine doubles in his last 11 games after batting .226 before that.

Matsuzaka figured to enter his last start feeling good about himself after carrying a no-hitter into the eighth inning of a 5-0 win at Philadelphia on May 22. But he matched a career high with eight walks in 4 2-3 innings of a 4-3 loss to Kansas City on Thursday. Matsuzaka has failed to complete five innings in three of his six starts, walking 21 in 34 1-3 innings this season. Matsuzaka held the A’s to two or fewer runs in each of his first four starts against them, going 2-1 with a 2.55 ERA in that stretch. But Oakland scored five runs in the first inning against him during their 6-5, 12-inning victory over Boston on April 14, 2009, prompting the Red Sox to place Matsuzaka on the disabled list with arm fatigue. Oakland counters with Ben Sheets, who has never faced the Red Sox.

Milwaukee Brewers vs Florida Marlins Live Streaming

Milwaukee Brewers vs Florida Marlins Live | Milwaukee Brewers vs Florida Marlins | Milwaukee Brewers vs Florida Marlins Streaming | Milwaukee vs Florida MLB Live Stream | Milwaukee Brewers vs Florida Marlins Live Webcast

7:10 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

Poor pitching has been the primary cause of another three-game losing streak for the Milwaukee Brewers, but Yovani Gallardo certainly hasn’t deserved any blame.The Brewers will have Gallardo on the mound looking to build on his first career shutout as they try to snap their skid Wednesday night against the host Florida Marlins. Milwaukee, which dropped nine straight May 10-19, hopes it is not headed toward another lengthy slide after giving up 29 runs while losing its last three. For the season, the Brewers’ staff ranks 29th in the majors with a 5.38 ERA. The Marlins had seven extra-base hits in Monday’s 13-5 win, then got three from Chris Coghlan alone in Tuesday’s 6-4 victory. Florida broke a 3-all tie with three runs in the seventh inning off struggling Brewers reliever Trevor Hoffman, dropping Milwaukee to 1-8 in Miami since the start of 2008. The 42-year-old Hoffman, the all-time leader with 596 saves, had already lost his job as closer and is now 1-4 with an 11.65 ERA.

Florida figures to have a tougher time scoring against Gallardo, who has gone a career-high nine straight starts without a loss and produced a brilliant outing Friday night against the New York Mets. Gallardo struck out seven and scattered eight hits and a season-low one walk, getting help from two double plays and stranding six other Mets to improve to 5-0 with a 1.80 ERA in his last eight outings. In order to notch his second career complete game and first shutout, he needed Corey Hart’s two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to break a scoreless tie. Hart has remained hot, homering in each of the first two games of this four-game series. He has 11 homers and 23 RBIs in his last 17 games. Milwaukee didn’t score any runs the only previous time Gallardo faced Florida. Gallardo pitched seven scoreless innings in the Brewers’ 3-0, 10-inning defeat April 25, 2008.

Washington Nationals vs Houston Astros Live Streaming

Washington Nationals vs Houston Astros Live | Washington Nationals vs Houston Astros | Washington Nationals vs Houston Astros Streaming | Washington vs Houston MLB Live Stream | Washington Nationals vs Houston Astros Live Webcast

8:05 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

It’s been three weeks since the Houston Astros won consecutive games. It’s been even longer since they’ve done it against the same opponent at Minute Maid Park. A late rally in their last contest put the Astros in position to win two in a row in the same series at home for the first time in more than month when they continue a four-game set with the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night. After closer Matt Lindstrom blew a one-run lead in the ninth inning, Lance Berkman’s two-run single off Matt Capps in the bottom of the inning helped Houston rally to even the series with an 8-7 win over Washington on Tuesday.

The Astros haven’t won back-to-back contests since winning four straight from May 9-13. While they won two in a row at home once in May, the Astros haven’t won consecutive games against the same opponent at Minute Maid since sweeping Pittsburgh from May 23-25. Berkman had three hits and five RBIs after going 0 for 4 in Monday’s 14-4 loss to the Nationals. He’s a lifetime .346 hitter against the Nationals franchise and 5 for 9 versus scheduled starter John Lannan. After Craig Stammen allowed five runs in five innings Tuesday, the Nationals hope Lannan can deliver a fourth straight strong start in this contest. The left-hander, who’s 1-0 with a 1.96 ERA in his last three outings, allowed two runs in seven innings of a 5-3 win at San Diego on Friday.

Texas Rangers vs Chicago White Sox Live Streaming

Texas Rangers vs Chicago White Sox Live | Texas Rangers vs Chicago White Sox | Texas Rangers vs Chicago White Sox Streaming | Texas vs Chi White Sox MLB Live Stream | Texas Rangers vs Chicago White Sox Live Webcast

8:10 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

The only consistent thing about the Chicago White Sox this season seems to be their inconsistency. Hoping their trend of alternating wins and losses continues for one more day, the White Sox face the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night as their three-game series continues. Since winning two in a row against Florida on May 21-22, the White Sox have traded wins and losses in their last nine games. Chicago has won back-to-back games only once since winning a season-high three straight April 23-25.It appeared the White Sox were on their way putting together consecutive wins with a 4-0 lead in Tuesday night’s series opener and Mark Buehrle on the mound. Buehrle, however, fell apart in the sixth inning as Texas scored five runs and went on to a 9-6 victory. Chicago continued to struggle at home, falling to 11-14. Playing better at U.S. Cellular Field is imperative if the White Sox are to have any chance of closing the gap in the AL Central. Tuesday began a stretch where the Sox play 18 of their next 24 games in Chicago, including a three-game series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field from June 11-13.

Texas snapped a four-game losing and won for only the second time in eight games. Ian Kinsler had two of his team’s 19 hits and drove in three runs for the Rangers, who moved back into first place in the West, one percentage point ahead of Oakland. Vladimir Guerrero showed no signs of slowing down in June after a scorching May, going 2 for 4 with a run scored. He is batting .336 with 10 homers, 31 RBIs and 19 runs in his last 28 games. Scott Feldman will try to help Texas win two straight on the road for the first time in a month. The road, however, has been a big problem lately for the right-hander, who dropped to 0-4 with a 7.71 ERA in his last four starts away from Arlington after allowing four runs and seven hits over 6 1-3 innings Wednesday in a 5-2 loss to Kansas City. Opponents are hitting .326 off him in his last eight starts overall. Feldman limited the White Sox to three runs - one earned - and two hits but walked four over six innings in a 7-5 loss April 29, not getting a decision.

Los Angeles Angels vs Kansas City Royals Live Streaming

Los Angeles Angels vs Kansas City Royals Live | Los Angeles Angels vs Kansas City Royals | Los Angeles Angels vs Kansas City Royals Streaming | LA Angels vs Kansas City MLB Live Stream | Los Angeles Angels vs Kansas City Royals Live Webcast

8:10 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

For the Los Angeles Angels, the climb back to mediocrity is proving difficult. Fortunately for them, nobody is running away with the AL West. After letting a chance to return to .500 go by the boards, the Angels send struggling Scott Kazmir to the mound Wednesday night when they continue their four-game series with the Royals in Kansas City. Three-time reigning West champion Los Angeles is struggling to escape a season-long rut. The Angels have had a losing record since May 1, when they suffered the second loss of a season-high seven-game skid. After winning Monday’s series opener 7-1, the had a chance to win a fourth straight game and climb back to .500 on Tuesday. Instead, the Royals plated four runs off starter Joel Pineiro in the fifth inning to take a lead they’d never relinquish thanks to 3 2-3 perfect innings from the bullpen in a 6-3 victory. After the Angels put runners on second and third in the sixth, Kansas City reliever Robinson Tejeda got Juan Rivera to fly out and struck out Mike Napoli to end Los Angeles’ final threat of the night. Tejeda has given up one earned run over his last 18 1-3 innings.

Despite their struggles, the Angels remain in the thick of the West race, 2 1/2 games behind both Oakland and Texas for the division lead. Much like his team, Kazmir is failing to live up to expectations. The onetime Tampa Bay ace has given up four runs or more in five of nine starts in his first full season in Los Angeles, and is 1-4 with a 6.91 ERA over his last five outings. Kazmir surrendered six runs and eight hits in 5 1-3 innings of Friday’s 8-3 loss to Seattle, striking out a season-low one. The two-time All-Star left-hander is 2-2 with a 4.89 ERA in eight starts against the Royals, but is winless in four outings at Kauffman Stadium. Kansas City has performed in a curious pattern recently, alternating three-game winning streaks with three-game losing skids since May 19. If the pattern holds, the Royals would be due for another victory in this matchup - Tuesday’s win snapped the latest three-game slide. Kyle Davies will take the mound seeking to continue the trend. The right-hander made two starts against Los Angeles last season, limiting the Angels to one run each time and earning a 6-3 home win Sept. 7, when he scattered five hits and six walks over five innings.

Cincinnati Reds vs St. Louis Cardinals Live Streaming

Cincinnati Reds vs St. Louis Cardinals Live | Cincinnati Reds vs St. Louis Cardinals | Cincinnati Reds vs St. Louis Cardinals Streaming | Cincinnati vs St. Louis MLB Live Stream | Cincinnati Reds vs St. Louis Cardinals Live Streaming

8:15 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

Though the St. Louis Cardinals have again fallen behind in the race for the NL Central lead, they have to like their chances to reclaim a share of the top spot with Chris Carpenter taking the mound against the first-place Cincinnati Reds. Carpenter looks to win his eighth consecutive start against the Reds as the top teams in the Central close a three-game series Wednesday night at Busch Stadium. These teams have split the first two games of this series, with Cincinnati remaining one game ahead in the division. St. Louis has every reason to be confident it can grab the series win and a tie for first place with Carpenter scheduled to start the finale. The right-hander has posted a 1.08 ERA while winning seven straight starts against Cincinnati dating to Aug. 15, 2006. With that streak, he has improved to 9-3 with a 2.03 ERA in 15 career starts against the Reds, including 5-2 with a 1.66 ERA in St. Louis. Carpenter, who’s 4-1 with a 2.36 ERA in six home starts this season, held an opponent to two runs or fewer for the seventh time in 11 starts Friday, allowing one run in 6 2-3 innings of a 7-1 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Many Reds players would agree. Second baseman Brandon Phillips, batting .346 with three homers and 12 runs scored over his last 12 games, is 4 for 24 in his career against Carpenter. Jay Bruce is 2 for 13 against him, while Orlando Cabrera is 3 for 21. One of the few Reds hitters to have success against Carpenter is Joey Votto, who’s 6 for 13 with a home run against the 2005 NL Cy Young Award winner. Votto missed six straight games with a sore neck before returning Tuesday night and going 4 for 5 with a home run and three runs scored as the Reds topped the Cardinals 9-8. Scott Rolen added three hits, including two homers, as the Reds avoided their first three-game losing streak since a five-game skid April 14-18.

Minnesota Twins vs Seattle Mariners Live Streaming

Minnesota Twins vs Seattle Mariners Live | Minnesota Twins vs Seattle Mariners | Minnesota Twins vs Seattle Mariners Streaming | Minnesota vs Seattle MLB Live Stream | Minnesota Twins vs Seattle Mariners Live Webcast

10:10 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

A new month brings with it the promise of success for the Seattle Mariners. Cliff Lee looks for a third straight victory while trying to help the Mariners win two in a row in the continuation of their home series with the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins on Thursday night. After going 11-12 in April and a miserable 8-19 in May, Seattle snapped a three-game skid by opening June with a 7-1 win Tuesday to even the four-game set with the Twins. Ichiro Suzuki had three hits and Chone Figgins add two with an RBI to help the Mariners snap Minnesota’s five-game winning streak. The last-place Mariners hope players like Lopez and Figgins can continue to stay hot this month and help the club get back into the AL West race. Seattle went 15-10 last June. Figgins is batting .217 in his first season with Seattle, but is 8 for 19 in his last five contests. Hitting .239, Lopez is 12 for 30 with two homers in his last eight games. He’s 8 for 17 with two home runs in his last four versus the Twins.

Minnesota averaged 5.8 runs during its winning streak, but managed six hits and a Justin Morneau homer off three Mariners’ pitchers Tuesday. Now, the Twins will try to avoid a third straight loss to Lee. The 2008 Cy Young Award winner is 8-3 with a 3.57 ERA in 17 career starts versus Minnesota, including 2-0 with a 2.42 ERA in the last three. In his last outing this season, the left-hander bounced back after giving up eight runs in 6 1-3 innings of a 15-8 win over San Diego by allowing three runs and striking out 10 in eight innings of an 8-3 win against the Los Angeles Angels in his 200th appearance Friday. Minnesota’s Kevin Slowey has pitched quite well and looks for a third straight victory as he opposes Lee. The right-hander, 2-0 with a 3.12 ERA in his last three starts, allowed a run in 6 2-3 innings of a 2-1 win over Texas on Friday.

Colorado Rockies vs San Francisco Giants Live Streaming

Colorado Rockies vs San Francisco Giants Live | Colorado Rockies vs San Francisco Giants | Colorado Rockies vs San Francisco Giants Streaming | Colorado vs San Francisco MLB Live Stream | Colorado Rockies vs San Francisco Giants Live Webcast

10:15 pm EDT Wed Jun 2, 2010

The San Francisco Giants have struggled to score runs this week against the Colorado Rockies, who are one win away from sweeping a road series for the first time this year. With Matt Cain on the mound Wednesday, the Giants may not need much offense. Cain pitched a one-hitter in his last start and was just as dominant against Colorado last month, and he’ll try to silence the Rockies again as the NL West rivals finish their three-game set in San Francisco. The Giants had totaled 28 runs during a four-game winning streak entering this series, but they were blanked by Colorado’s Ubaldo Jimenez in Monday’s 4-0 defeat before losing 2-1 in 11 innings Tuesday. The losses marked the seventh and eighth times that San Francisco has been held to fewer than two runs in the club’s last 19 games. When scoring at least two runs in that stretch, the Giants are 9-2. Cain fell victim to lack of run support May 22 at Oakland, allowing one unearned run in eight innings of a 1-0 defeat while losing his third straight start, but he responded in impressive fashion Friday against Arizona.

Cain also allowed only one hit May 1 against Colorado, pitching eight scoreless innings in a 6-1 win. He improved to 9-6 with a 3.09 ERA against the Rockies, having silenced some of Colorado’s biggest bats throughout his career. Carlos Gonzalez is hitless in 11 at-bats against Cain, while Brad Hawpe is 3 for 28 with 11 strikeouts and Todd Helton is 9 for 42. Rockies left-hander Jeff Francis will be looking to win his fifth straight start against San Francisco, but he hasn’t faced the Giants since 2008. Francis missed all of last season and the start of this year due to shoulder problems, but made a successful comeback by allowing one run in 13 1-3 innings in his first two starts of 2010. His third outing, Friday against the Dodgers, wasn’t as sharp. Francis began with four scoreless innings but gave up five runs - including two home runs - while lasting 5 1-3 innings in a 5-4 loss.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Back to TOP