The sports television schedule for May 22 offers a lot of options for D.C. sports fans. First and foremost, the rubber game of the Beltway Series between the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles will take place Sunday afternoon, as both teams vie for the series win. Also, D.C. United plays host to Dutch powerhouse Ajax at RFK Stadium later this afternoon. Finally, if you're into lacrosse, the Maryland men's team looks to topple top-seeded Syracuse in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Tournament.
Below the jump, a schedule of key events.
LOCAL TEAMS
Maryland vs. No. 1 Syracuse, NCAA Men's Lacrosse Tournament quarterfinals: The Terps used a hidden ball trick to upset rival North Carolina in the first round last weekend. Now, they hope to hand top-seeded Syracuse its second straight heartbreaking NCAA Tournament loss. The Orange were shocked by Army in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last season. (Noon, ESPNU)
Nationals vs. Orioles: Baltimore's bats woke up on Saturday in an 8-3 blowout win, one night after the Nationals exploded for 17 runs in a win on Friday. Now, Jordan Zimmermann and Chris Tillman will do battle looking for the series win. (1:30 p.m., MASN)
Ajax vs. D.C. United: The Dutch power will visit RFK Stadium for an exhibition match at 5 p.m. Unfortunately, the only way people can see this match is to actually go to the game, since it is not on TV. Tickets are still available, though.
OTHER SPORTING EVENTS
French Open, First Round: Day 2 of the French Open gets underway this afternoon. (1 p.m., ESPN2)
Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks, NHL Western Conference Finals Game 4: San Jose cut Vancouver's series lead to 2-1 in Friday's Game 3. Now, they'll look to even up the series before it goes back to Vancouver's building. (3 p.m., NBC)
Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat, NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 3: The Heat tied the series at 1 on Wednesday, setting up a huge Game 3 on Sunday night. (8:30 p.m., TNT)