Preview Roundups
September 21, 2017
LA Dodgers at Philadelphia 1:05 PM ET
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been the subject of one of baseball's best stories this season, however the team is having a hard time navigating its way through a rough chapter that features no end in sight. The Dodgers look to turn the page and secure at least a share of their fifth consecutive National League West title on Thursday afternoon with a win in the series finale versus the host Philadelphia Phillies.
Cleveland at LA Angels 4:07 PM ET
The Los Angeles Angels once again failed to take advantage of a loss by Minnesota and their American League wild-card hopes are becoming slimmer as they host the Cleveland Indians on Thursday for the finale of their three-game series. The Angels have lost three straight games - as have the Twins - and eight of 12 as they trail Minnesota for the second wild-card spot by 1 1/2 games with just 11 remaining.
Tampa Bay at Baltimore 7:05 PM ET
The Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays have taken the fast track to essentially fall out of favor in the race for the second wild-card spot in the American League. With losses in 12 of its last 14 contests, beleaguered Baltimore looks to regain its footing on Thursday as it opens a four-game series against visiting Tampa Bay.
Kansas City at Toronto 7:07 PM ET
After unleashing some offensive frustration to halt a three-game skid, the Kansas City Royals will go for a series win against the host Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday in the rubber match of a three-game series. Kansas City used an eight-run second inning en route to a 15-5 win on Wednesday night to close within 3 1/2 games of the American League's second wild card.
St. Louis at Cincinnati 7:10 PM ET
With their postseason on the verge of slipping away, the St. Louis Cardinals came out swinging in the first two games of the series against the Cincinnati Reds. The visiting Cardinals have swatted six homers and scored 17 runs over the past two nights and look to complete a three-game sweep of the Reds on Thursday night at Great American Ball Park.
Minnesota at Detroit 7:10 PM ET
After a dismal performance against a fellow wild-card contender, the Minnesota Twins hope for a better showing versus one of the American League's worst teams when they visit the Detroit Tigers on Thursday for the opener of a four-game series. The Twins wasted an opportunity to get closer to the wild-card leading New York Yankees, dropping three straight games in the Bronx - capped by Wednesday's 11-3 defeat.
Washington at Atlanta 7:35 PM ET
The Washington Nationals still have something to play for over the final 11 contests of the regular season and look to complete a three-game sweep of the host Atlanta Braves on Thursday. The National League East champions have crept within 3 ½ games of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in the NL with three straight victories and could be getting back slugger Bryce Harper soon.
Chi. White Sox at Houston 8:10 PM ET
The Houston Astros vie for their seventh straight win and a series sweep when they host the Chicago White Sox on Thursday for the finale of their three-game set. The American League West champions posted a 4-3 victory on Wednesday to improve to 5-0 on their nine-game homestand and tie Boston and the New York Yankees for the most wins on their own turf in the AL.
Chi. Cubs at Milwaukee 8:10 PM ET
The National League Central could be decided by the end of the weekend – or it could be tighter than ever. The Chicago Cubs take a 3 1/2-game lead with them as they begin a critical four-game series against the second-place Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday.
Texas at Seattle 10:10 PM ET
The Texas Rangers appear to have put an untimely losing streak behind them as they attempt to complete a three-game sweep against the host Seattle Mariners on Thursday. Texas has followed a five-game skid, which began with three straight home setbacks against Seattle, with three consecutive wins and climbed within 2 1/2 games of Minnesota for the second wild-card spot in the American League with 11 remaining.
Colorado at San Diego 10:10 PM ET
The Colorado Rockies are sliding in the wrong direction as they try to earn a National League wild-card spot and look to begin a turnaround when they visit the San Diego Padres on Thursday for the opener of their four-game series. The Rockies have dropped three straight and five of their last seven but maintain a one-game lead over Milwaukee for the NL's second wild card.