Preview Roundups
August 18, 2014
Chi. Cubs at NY Mets 12:10 PM ET
Despite mustering precisely four hits in each contest, the New York Mets have won two of three heading into Monday afternoon's series finale against the visiting Chicago Cubs. The Mets claimed the set's first two before Starlin Castro continue his torrid hitting display by belting the go-ahead homer to lead off the ninth in Sunday's 2-1 triumph.
Arizona at Washington 7:05 PM ET
After being questioned for their inability to break free from the rest of the National League East, the Washington Nationals are finally silencing their critics. The Nationals look to extend their season-high winning streak to seven games Monday when they begin a four-game set against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks, who have lost five of their last seven. Washington is coming off back-to-back walk-off victories and stands six games ahead of second-place Atlanta in the National League East.
Atlanta at Pittsburgh 7:05 PM ET
Ervin Santana has done his part to keep the Atlanta Braves’ shaky playoff hopes alive, and the 10-year veteran right-hander takes the mound Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, looking to kick off Atlanta’s seven-game road trip with his sixth consecutive victory. The Braves and Pirates begin the three-game set tied in the standings, 1½ games behind San Francisco for the final National League wild-card spot, but the teams are moving in opposite directions.
Seattle at Philadelphia 7:05 PM ET
After moving past Detroit for the second wild card in the American League on Sunday, the Seattle Mariners look to avoid a letdown Monday when they visit the Philadelphia Phillies for the start of a three-game series. The Mariners have won 10 of their last 12 games and have not allowed five runs in a game this month, while Philadelphia has been working to fill holes in its starting rotation all season. Seattle completed a three-game series sweep of Detroit on Sunday with an 8-1 victory.
LA Angels at Boston 7:10 PM ET
The Los Angeles Angels hit a speed bump Sunday on their journey toward a playoff berth when they coughed up a lead in the ninth before losing 3-2 to the struggling Texas Rangers. The Angels look to rebound and continue their strong play on the road when they visit the Boston Red Sox on Monday to start a four-game series. Los Angeles has won 12 of its last 18 games away from home and is tied with Oakland atop the American League West while Boston has won five of its last seven overall.
Baltimore at Chi. White Sox 8:10 PM ET
The Baltimore Orioles will be residing in the Windy City all week as they'll open a three-game series against the host Chicago White Sox on Monday before wrapping up their nine-game road trip against the Cubs. Although the Orioles struggled to score in losing two of three to Cleveland, they certainly have flexed their muscles in Bud Norris' last two outings. Baltimore battered its way for 20 runs in the last two starts of Norris, who gets the nod on Monday.
Kansas City at Minnesota 8:10 PM ET
The Kansas City Royals sit atop the American League Central despite scoring the fewest runs in the division, one of the reasons they swung a deal last week to acquire Josh Willingham from Minnesota. Willingham is paying immediate dividends at the expense of his former club, collecting a homer and two doubles while driving in five runs in three games against the Twins. The Royals will look to make it three wins in four games versus host Minnesota in Monday's series finale.
Cincinnati at St. Louis 8:15 PM ET
The St. Louis Cardinals continue their seven-game homestand with a key three-game set beginning Monday against the Cincinnati Reds. St. Louis' Trevor Rosenthal, fourth in the majors with 36 saves, allowed two runs in the ninth inning Sunday and was lifted in St. Louis' 7-6 victory over San Diego, and has yielded runs in three of his last five appearances.