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UNDER 9 Kansas City Royals/Baltimore Orioles:
Obviously not the most glamorous series of the week, but we’ve seen some really good pitching here, and today will be no exception as this 4 game set wraps up at Oriole Park. Last night, Baltimore debuted Chris Tillman, their prized prospect, while Zack Greinke pitched for KC. Today, each team will send out a youngster who is pitching really well right now.

Kansas City sends Luke Hochevar (6-3, 4.84) to the hill this afternoon. Hochevar, a former #1 overall pick has finally put things together and appears to be on his way to being a fixture in the Royals rotation for years to come. Recently, he’s simply been terrific, as he’s 4-0 with a 3.62 ERA in his last 5 starts. I can’t imagine that the Royals have had the opportunity to win 3 of 4 on the road many times this season, so expect Hochevar to be very motivated to pitch well today.

Baltimore counters with rookie righty Brad Bergesen (6-5, 3.56). Bergesen has been a pleasant surprise in another losing season for the Orioles. Along with the aforementioned Tillman and a few other youngsters in the minors, Bergesen should be a fixture in this rotation for several years to come. Bergesen is 1-3 with a 3.03 ERA in his last 5 starts. His problem has bee run support, which probably won’t change this afternoon.

UNDER 9 Philadelphia Phillies/San Francisco Giants:
This could be a playoff preview as the Phillies look to be in control in the NL East, while the Giants are fighting hard for the National League wild card. Interesting pitching matchup as well with veteran Rodrigo Lopez taking on lefty Jonathan Sanchez.

Lopez (3-0, 3.09) might not be long for this rotation with yesterday’s acquistion of Cliff Lee, but he’s certainly not going to make that decision easy for Charlie Manuel and staff. Lopez has only started 4 times this year after battling back from injuries the last two seasons. It’s a great story seeing him back in the bigs, and if this is his last start, he’ll make it a good one and head to the bullpen for the rest of the season.

Young lefty Jonathan Sanchez (3-9, 4.52) has really turned it around since his return from Triple A, even pitching a no hitter a few weeks ago. Along with Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, this could be a very dangerous team come playoff time. Short series are almost always decided with pitching, and if Sanchez can continue to develop, San Francisco could be one to watch if indeed they do get the NL wild card. Should be a fun last two months to watch these races.

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