Opposite dugout: Going is still tough for a streaky and unimpressive Blue Jays squad

Opposite dugout: Going is still tough for a streaky and unimpressive Blue Jays squad
Manager: John Gibbons (11th season) Record: 30-38 Last 10 games: 5-5 Players to watch: INF Yangervis Solarte (.252, 12 HR, 37 RBIs), RF Teoscar Hernández (11 HR, 31 RBIs), 3B Josh Donaldson (.234, 5 HR, 16 RBIs). RHP Sam Gaviglio (2-2, 3.66 ERA), RHP Tyler Clippard (4-2, 3.34 ERA) Series vs. Nationals: 1st meeting (2-1 in 2015) Pitching Probables: May 28: RHP Aaron Sanchez (3-5) vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez, 7:07 p.m., MASNMay 29: RHP Marco Estrada (3-6) vs. RHP Max Scherzer, 4:07 p.m., MASNMay 30:...

Opposite dugout: Despite injuries, pitching-rich Nats only a game out of first in NL East

Opposite dugout: Despite injuries, pitching-rich Nats only a game out of first in NL East
Manager: Davey Martinez (1st season)Record: 29-22 Last 10 games: 5-5 Players to watch: LF Juan Soto (.286), , RF Bryce Harper (.232 with 16 HR, 38 RBIs, 44 BB), SS Trea Turner (.270 with 6 HR, 22 RBIs, 14 SB) LHP Gio Gonzalez (5-2, 2.38 ERA), RHP Max Scherzer (8-1, 2.13 ERA), RHP Sean Doolittle (1.93 ERA, 11 saves) Series vs. Orioles: First meeting (2-2 in 2017) Pitching probables: May 28: LHP Gio Gonzalez (5-2) vs. RHP Alex Cobb (1-6), 1:05 p.m., MASNMay 29: RHP Jeremy Hellickson (1-0) vs....

Opposite dugout: Rays starting relievers in all three games vs. Orioles

Opposite dugout: Rays starting relievers in all three games vs. Orioles
Manager: Kevin Cash (4th season) Record: 23-25Last 10 games: 7-3Who to watch: C Wilson Ramos (.301 with 6 HR, 24 RBIs), CF Mallex Smith (.293, 11 SB), OF Johnny Field (.280 with 4 HR, 8 RBIs), RHP Sergio Romo (1-0, 4.34 ERA), RHP Alex Colomé (11 saves)Season series vs. Orioles: 3-3 Pitching probables: May 25: RHP David Hess (1-1) vs. RHP Sergio Romo (1-0), 7:10 p.m., MASNMay 26: RHP Andrew Cashner (2-5) vs. RHP Ryne Stanek (0-0), 4:10 p.m., MASNMay 27: RHP Kevin Gausman (3-3) vs. RHP Sergio...

Opposite dugout: Is it time to wave the white flag for the Dodgers? (updated)

Opposite dugout: Is it time to wave the white flag for the Dodgers? (updated)
Manager: Dave Roberts (3rd season) Record: 17-26 Last 10 games: 2-8 Who to watch: 3B Justin Turner (.462, 5 RBIs), 1B Cody Bellinger (6 HR, 19 RBIs), C Yasmani Grandal (.278 with 7 HR, 26 RBIs), LHP Alex Wood (0-4, 3.35 ERA), RHP Kenley Jansen (3.57 ERA, 6 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 2-1 Pitching probables: May 18: RHP Ross Stripling (0-1) vs. RHP Max Scherzer (7-1), 7:05 p.m., MASNMay 19: LHP Rich Hill (1-2) vs. RHP Tanner Roark (2-3), 7:05 p.m., MASNMay 20: LHP Alex Wood (0-4) vs. RHP...

Opposite Dugout: After early season slump, Royals hope to keep momentum going

Opposite Dugout: After early season slump, Royals hope to keep momentum going
Manager: Ned Yost (9th season) Record: 11-23 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: OF Jorge Soler (.308 with 4 HR, 12 RBIs), LF Alex Gordon (.288 with 2 HR, 5 RBIs), LHP Ian Kennedy (1-3, 2.92 ERA), RHP Kelvin Herrera (1-0, 0.71 ERA, 7 saves) Season series vs. Orioles: First meeting (3-3 in 2017) Pitching probables: May 8: LHP Danny Duffy (0-4) vs. RHP Dylan Bundy (1-4), 7:05 p.m., MASNMay 9: LHP Eric Skoglund (1-2) vs. RHP Andrew Cashner (1-4), 7:05 p.m., MASNMay 10: RHP Ian Kennedy (1-3) vs. RHP...

Opposite dugout: Phillies in a slump after an impressive early-season run

Opposite dugout: Phillies in a slump after an impressive early-season run
Manager: Gabe Kapler (1st season) Record: 17-13 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: CF Odúbel Herrera (.337 with .392 OBP), 3B Maikel Franco (.261 with 23 RBIs), OF Aaron Altherr (.207/.305/.390), RHP Jake Arrieta (3-1, 3.49 ERA), RHP Hector Neris (5 saves, 3.00 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (8-11 in 2017) Pitching probables: May 4: RHP Nick Pivetta (1-1) vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez (3-2), 7:05 p.m., MASNMay 5: RHP Vince Velasquez (1-4) vs. RHP Tanner Roark (2-2), 4:05 p.m., MASNMay...

Opposite dugout: Tigers in middle of the pack, but still battling and still surprising

Opposite dugout: Tigers in middle of the pack, but still battling and still surprising
Manager: Ron Gardenhire (1st season) Record: 10-13 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: RF Nicholas Castellanos (.330 with 16 RBIs), 1B Miguel Cabrera (.325 with 16 RBIs), OF JaCoby Jones (.275, .345 OBP), C James McCann (10 RBIs), LHP Francisco Liriano (2-1, 3.13 ERA) Season vs. Orioles: 3-0 Pitching probables: April 27: RHP Mike Fiers (2-1) vs. RHP Chris Tillman (0-4), 7:05 p.m., MASN2April 28: LHP Francisco Liriano (2-1) vs. RHP Andrew Cashner (1-3), 7:05 p.m., MASN2April 29: LHP Daniel Norris...

Opposite Dugout: Mets' hot start continues despite shortage of catchers

Opposite Dugout: Mets' hot start continues despite shortage of catchers
Manager: Mickey Callaway (1st season) Record: 12-2 Last 10 games: 9-1 Who to watch: 1B Adrián González (.242, 9 RBIs), SS Asdrúbal Cabrera (.315, 3 HR, 5 RBIs), LF Yoenis Céspedes (3 HR, 12 RBIs), RHP Jacob deGrom (2-0, 3.06 ERA), RHP Zack Wheeler (1-0, 1.29 ERA), RHP Jeurys Familia (0.00 ERA, 7 saves)Season series vs. Nationals: 3-0 Pitching probables: April 16: RHP Jeremy Hellickson (0-0) vs. RHP Jacob deGrom (2-0), 7:10 p.m., MASNApril 17: LHP Gio Gonzalez (1-1) vs. RHP Zack...

#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Murphy has career night in rout of Cardinals

#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Murphy has career night in rout of Cardinals
Daniel Murphy, runner-up for the 2016 National League MVP, silenced critics early in the 2017 campaign when he hit safely in the first 10 games of the season with a .444/.457/.711 slash line. At the time, his 10 games were tied for the longest streak in the majors in 2017 and it was the longest such streak to start a season in his career. We turn to Bob Carpenter (@scorebook_bob) to give you a recap of one of Murphy's best games during his outstanding start to the season, the Nationals' April...

#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Zimmerman has huge day in rout of Marlins

#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Zimmerman has huge day in rout of Marlins
If you needed something to distract you from this week's bone-chilling weather and Redskins news, we've got you, fam - Nationals pitchers and catchers reporting is just a baker's dozen days away! After you look up flights to West Palm Beach, read up on one of the many curly W's from MASN play-by-play announcer Bob Carpenter's 2017 scorebook: 10 for Gio and the Nats! Monster game for Zim with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs. RBI #906 is franchise record.Nats 10 Marlins 1 August 9...

"Orioles Classics" #TBT: Trumbo gives O's 5-4 win over Beltway rivals

"Orioles Classics" #TBT: Trumbo gives O's 5-4 win over Beltway rivals
Just 19 days until Orioles pitchers and catchers report, folks! Until then, sit back with your second (or third) cup of coffee this morning and join us for a few more "Orioles Classics" moments to get you through the rest of the offseason. After Nationals ace Max Scherzer struck out 11 O's over eight innings on May 9, it looked as though a loss was imminent when the Birds were trailing 4-2. But they were able to pull even in the ninth inning with singles from Adam Jones and Manny Machado, an...

"Orioles Classics" #TBT: Beckham quickly impresses in first week with Orioles

"Orioles Classics" #TBT: Beckham quickly impresses in first week with Orioles
Tim Beckham became a welcome addition to the Orioles lineup when he joined the team at the 2017 trade deadline and immediately impressed fans in his first week with the club. He started things off with a 12-game hitting streak from Aug. 1-12, which led to him earning his first American League Player of the Week honor (for July 31-Aug. 6). Beckham became the third player since 1954 to have a hitting streak of at least 12 games to begin their O's career. In those first 12 games with Baltimore,...

"Orioles Classics" #TBT: O's turn two triple plays in one season

"Orioles Classics" #TBT: O's turn two triple plays in one season
The 2017 season was the year of the triple play for Baltimore. One of the rarest feats in baseball, the Orioles accomplished it twice in two different ballparks almost three months apart. The first was on May 2 at Fenway Park and was a bit unconventional. A popup from Jackie Bradley Jr. failed to meet J.J. Hardy's glove, but he quickly tossed the ball over to Jonathan Schoop, who tagged Mitch Moreland before touching second to force Dustin Pedroia out, then fired it over to Chris Davis to get...

#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Zimmerman homers twice in return, Nats beat Braves 10-5

#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Zimmerman homers twice in return, Nats beat Braves 10-5
We couldn't end the year without giving you at least one more Ryan Zimmerman moment: Zim's amazing season continues: 3-4 2HR/3RBIs and still leads the NL in hitting. Nats 10 Braves 5 June 13.This one's for you 91 years young Thelma. Your grandson @ryryjones saved my pix. pic.twitter.com/LlRSmmVZT0 -- Bob Carpenter (@scorebook_bob) December 16, 2017 What happened: After missing some time due to back soreness, he made a triumphant return, hitting his 18th and 19th homers of the season and...

#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Nats sweep Giants behind Scherzer's complete game

#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Nats sweep Giants behind Scherzer's complete game
It's the most wonderful time of year. Out-of-office emails are set up, presents are piling up and end of the year "best of" lists are (hopefully) keeping you entertained. In case you've missed it, MASN Nationals broadcaster Bob Carpenter has been sharing some of his favorite scorekeeping moments from the season on his Twitter (@scorebook_bob). We've decided to take some inspiration from him for this week's #TBT post: Max goes the distance on 100 pitches w/11Ks, Zim hits #15 & drives...

#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Rendon has record-breaking day in Nats' slugfest over Mets

#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Rendon has record-breaking day in Nats' slugfest over Mets
On a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in our nation's capital, the Nationals put on a hitting clinic against the Mets pitching staff that ended in a 23-5 victory, making up for dropping the first two games of the series. What fans will remember most is the All-Star performance by third baseman Anthony Rendon. Rendon came out of an early season slump when he went 6-for-6 (including two singles and a double), blasted three homers and collected a career-high 10 RBIs (his previous career high was four...

#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Turner hits for cycle in win over Rockies

#TBT to "Nationals Classics": Turner hits for cycle in win over Rockies
Despite the freezing cold and rainy temperatures in Denver on April 25th, it was easily the hottest night of Trea Turner's career. The Nationals outlasted the Rockies 15-12, but Turner stole the spotlight as he hit for the cycle, drove in a career-high seven RBIs and scored four runs. With gametime temperature hovering around 37 degrees, donning a ski mask and warm gloves, Turner turned his fourth full game back from the disabled list into a stellar night with: * Single in the first* Two-run...

"Orioles Classics" #TBT: Davis homers twice as O's edge Tigers in extra innings

"Orioles Classics" #TBT: Davis homers twice as O's edge Tigers in extra innings
Happy Thanksgiving, Birdland! From our MASN family to yours, we hope you have a happy and joyful holiday with family and friends. Thanks for watching along and following us on social all year long! Since we know you're going through baseball withdrawal during this football-heavy time of year, we're giving you a few dramatic O's moments to help get you through the next week. Earlier this season, the Orioles and Tigers competed in a bizarre back-and-forth marathon at Comerica Park with...

"Orioles Classics" #TBT: Trumbo crushes first opening day walk-off homer in O's history

"Orioles Classics" #TBT: Trumbo crushes first opening day walk-off homer in O's history
On April 3, Orioles fans were spoiled with a dramatic and thrilling opening day contest in a 2016 American League wild card game rematch against the Blue Jays. Tied 2-2 with two outs and two strikes in the bottom of the 11th inning, O's slugger Mark Trumbo picked up right where he left off in 2016, when he led the majors with 47 home runs during the regular season. A solo shot to left-center field notched his sixth career walk-off homer, this one coming off Jason Grilli, which led the Birds to...

"Orioles Classics" #TBT: Britton notches 55th consecutive save to break AL record

"Orioles Classics" #TBT: Britton notches 55th consecutive save to break AL record
We continue our #ThrowbackThursday offseason series with a look at one of the top pitching milestones of the 2017 season. On July 23, in the Orioles' 9-7 comeback win over the eventual World Series champion Astros, closer Zach Britton locked down his 55th consecutive save to set a new American League record, which was previously held by Red Sox closer Tom "Flash" Gordon (54, April 19, 1998-May 31, 1999). Britton's dominant streak continued until Aug. 21, when he converted his 60th...