On a hot, steamy day during the long July Fourth Holiday weekend, where would you rather be than in front of your television, in a climate-controlled environment, enjoying a beverage. And watching eight straight hours of Nationals baseball...
↵Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals, Doubleheader: On Friday evening, Washington won their seventh 2-1 ballgame of June, in the process earning new skipper Davey Johnson his first win as field manager of the Nationals. On Saturday, the Nats (41-41) play two against the suddenly capable Pirates (41-40), throwing lefty John Lannan (5-5, 3.48 ERA) in Game 1, with workhorse Livan Hernandez (5-8, 3.81 ERA). Via MLB.com, the last time Pittsburgh played a double-header in Washington D.C. was May 19, 1899. (3:35 P.M. game is not televised, MASN2 for 7:05 P.M. game)
↵Philadelphia Union vs. D.C. United: Apparently, this is called the I-95 rivalry of MLS. Had no idea. Makes sense I guess. DCU are winless in their last four games, having tied their last two, and will now face the Eastern Division-leading Union at RFK Stadium. (Fox Soccer, 7:00 P.M.)