Interleague games played on National League grounds:

Texas Rangers @ Colorado Rockies
J. Koronka (5-4, 5.00) vs. J. Francis (5-6, 4.13)
- This could be a slugfest, folks.  Coors Field has a reputation, well-earned by the way, for being a notorious hitter’s park, what with the thin air and all.  However, this season, not as much as previous years.  Regardless, tonight we have two very good offenses that could potentially have the final score looking like a football game was played, instead of a hardball game.  BUT, surprisingly, Jeff Francis, former Minor League Player of the Year and most pitied high-caliber pitcher for being taken by the Rockies, pitches better at Coors.  It’s wierd.  Francis on the road - 4.59 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and .225 BAA.  Francis at home - 3.50 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, .200 BAA.  Hmm… so maybe it’ll end up that Francis only gives up a field goal, while the Rockies score a touchdown or two.

Los Angeles Angels @ Arizona Diamondbacks
E. Santana (7-3, 4.10) vs. E. Gonzalez (2-0, 3.67)
- The Angels are looking to upgrade their offense and it seems that Ervin Santana is the main bait to get that going.  It’s unfortunate for Santana, a young pitcher with plus stuff, but it could be even more unfortunate for the Angels considering Santana’s recent numbers.  For the month of June, Santana is 3-0 with a 2.29 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and .164 BAA.  Who does Ervin think he is - Johan?!?!?

Seattle Mariners @ San Diego Padres
G. Meche (7-4, 4.10) vs. J. Peavy (4-8, 4.81)
- The K/9 rate is there.  So is the K/BB rate.  As well as the WHIP and BAA, for the most part.  So, what’s up with Jake Peavy’s ugly looking record and ERA?  It’s tough to say, but he’ll need to pitch well tonight against a Mariners team that has won eight of nine interleague games this season.  Meanwhile, Gil Meche is pretty much having the month you’d expect from Peavy - 3-0, 1.71 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and .213 BAA.

Oakland Athletics vs. San Francisco Giants
J. Blanton (7-6, 4.79) vs. J. Schmidt (6-3, 2.84)
- I’ve said it several times previously on this blog, but I love the way Blanton pitches and he has shown the ability to go on a torrid run in brilliant pitching as he did in his rookie season last year.  For the most part, he’s been inconsistent in 2006, but has strung together great back-to-back performances in his last two starts.  Could the run of brilliance be starting?  Speaking of brilliant, Jason Schmidt is pitching like he did from 2002-2004 when he was considered one of the best pitchers in the N.L. For those of you that drafted Schmidt this season, thinking that 2005 was a fluke, and know that Schmidt could walk after this season, I tip my cap to you.

And the only NON-interleague game:

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
O. Pérez (2-9, 6.10) vs. B. Tomko (5-6, 5.45)
- Oh, Odalis.  It’s been about five weeks since your last win, but you’ve pretty much been snake-bit your last two outings.  You had seven strong innings against the Cardinals on June 13 and hung with Johan Santana on June 18, matching him in every category, expect runs allowed.  Ollie, will you come back to your 2004 form?

Enjoy the games!